Grangea maderaspatana (L.) Poir.: a medicinal herb of India

Grangea maderaspatana (L.) Poir., commonly known as Madras Carpet, is a suberect or prostrate annual herb from the Asteraceae family, native to India and found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia and Africa. This plant thrives in moist environments and has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for treating various ailments. Extensive research has revealed a diverse range of phytochemical compounds in G. maderaspatana, including flavonoids, sterols, alkaloids, tannins, phenolic compounds, and essential oils, contributing to its wide array of medicinal properties. These compounds confer significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, analgesic, antipyretic, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the morphology, habitat, bioactive compounds, and pharmacological activities of G. maderaspatana, highlighting its potential as a valuable medicinal plant and emphasizing the need for further research to fully elucidate its therapeutic benefits.