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Asian J. Pharm. Reviews 2011; Vol. 1: Issue 1, Pg 01-06 [AJPRew.]

ISSN 0974-3618 www.asianpharmaonline.org

REVIEW ARTICLE
Pharmacological and Phytochemical Evidences for the Plants of Wedelia
Genus– A Review

AK Meena1*, MM Rao1, RP Meena2 P Panda1 and Renu

1
National Institute of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Research, Moti Bagh Road, Patiala – 147001.
2
Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Royapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: ajaysheera@yahoo.co.in

ABSTRACT:
The scientific basis for the statement that plants and their active constituents play an important role in the prevention
diseases is continuously advancing. In fact the origin of many therapeutic substances from the genus Wedelia. It is an
interesting source of potential bioactive molecules, as iridoids compounds, flavonoids, diterpenoids derivatives,
phytosteroids, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, Hepatoprotective activity, analgesic and
antihistamine ,Anti-implantation, antiasthmatic activities and anticancer activity. This work reviews the
pharmacological evidence of extracts of plants from the genus Wedelia, giving an overview of the most studied
biological effects and the known phytochemical composition. Although more studies are necessary, Wedelia exhibits
proven potential to become of important pharmacological interest.

KEYWORDS: Genus Wedelia, Pharmacological activity, phytochemistry, anti-inflammatory, Medicinal plants.

INTRODUCTION: The herb contains wedelolactone and

1. Wedelia chinensis Merrill demethylwedelolactone (Coumestans derivatives)
Wedelia chinensis Merrill (Syn. Wedelia calendulaceae, possessing potent anti-hepatotoxic effect and is
Solidago chinensis) (Asteraceae, Sunflower family) is a incorporated as a major ingredient in a number of
small much branched annual herb, commonly known as developed potent anti-hepatotoxic phytopharmaceuticals
“Pilabhamgara” or “Bhringraj’in Hindi, Wedelia in formulations. It is useful in the treatment of osteoporosis of
Chinese, Pitabhrnga, Pitabhrngarajah in Sanskrit1. Wedelia knee and also possesses anti-inflammatory activity4-6. As it
chinensis is a tender, spreading, and hairy herb, with the contains large amount of phenolic constituents and it is also
branches usually less than 50 cm long. The leaves are effective in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, so its
oblong to oblong-lanceolate, 2-4.5 cm in length, and wound healing activity was studied in details. Extracts from
narrowed at both ends. The margins are entire or obscurely the dried or fresh leaves of plants are applied as a paste on
toothed; and both surfaces are covered with sharp-pointed, wounds in some rural communities. The fresh juice from
appressed, straight, and stiff hairs. The heads are stalked, the leaves of Wedelia chinensis has been used by Ayurvedic
about 1 cm in diameter, and yellow. The involucral bracts physicians in India for external use to treat skin problems,
are oblong-ovate. The ray flowers are 8-12, spreading, dermatitis, eczema and acne. Some work on the wound
about equal to the bracts, and broad; the disk flowers healing activity of the aqueous extract of the leaves of this
number about 20, and are short, narrow, and pointed. The plant on open wound and sutured wound models is already
achenes are nearly cylindric, and hairy2. on record7

Wedelia chinensis is a reputed herbal medicine in both Wedelia Chinensis is a very useful herbal medicinal plant.
Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani system of medicine. It is a Its leaves can be used in treatment of dermatological
scabrous procumbent perennial soft herb with high camphor disorders, cough, headache, hair loss, lice, strengthening the
like odor and has a gorgeous growth3. nervous system, lack of blood, digestive system disorders.
The leaves are used in dyeing grey hair and in promoting
the growth of hair. They are considered tonic, alternative,
and useful in coughs, cephalalgia, skin diseases, and
alopecia. The juice of the leaves is much used as a snuff in
Received on 03.02.2011 Accepted on 21.02.2011 cephalalgia. The seeds and flowers, as well as the leaves,
© Asian Pharma Press All Right Reserved are used in decoction, in the quantity of half of teacupful
Asian J. Pharm. Reviews 1(1): Jan.-Mar. 2011; Page 1-6 twice daily, as a deobstruent. In decoction, the plant is used
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Asian J. Pharm. Reviews 2011; Vol. 1: Issue 1, Pg 01-06 [AJPRew.]

in uterine haemorrhage and menorrhagia. Wedelia chinensis activation of transcription from prostate-specific antigen
using home remedy Osteochondritis Dissecans, Multiple promoter in PCa cells. The 50% inhibition concentration
Sclerosis, Juvenile Arthritis, Gouty arthritis, Rheumatic values of indole-3-carboxylaldehyde, wedelolactone,
fever, etc. Wedelia chinensis leaves extracts are a natural luteolin and apigenin, were 34.9, 0.2, 2.4 and 9.8 mM,
alternative to commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs like respectively. Study had identified synergistic effects of
Dolonex (Piroxicam), Brufen (Ibuprofen) and Voveran etc. active compounds in W. chinensis and demonstrated their
Wedelia chinensis leaves extract can be used with potential in prostate cancer prevention and therapy20. The
confidence for treating Rheumatic fever8. ethanolic extract was found to possess significant wound
healing activity, which was evidenced by decrease in the
The plant is reported to contain six new acylated period of epithelialization, increase in the rate of wound
eudesmanoids, germacrene, a-humulene, caryophyllene, contraction, skin breaking strength, granulation tissue dry
squalene, phellandrene, p-cymene, sitosterol and wedelia- weight, and its breaking strength 21. Ethanolic extract of the
seco-kaurenolide [9]; leaves contain isoflavonoids and Wedelia chinensis was studied on cold immobilization
wedelolactone. This plant is considered to have different induced lipid peroxidation in albino rats. The results of the
pharmacological properties such as antihepatotoxicity10-12; study suggest the potential use of the plant for decreasing
leaves are used in cough, cephalagia, alopecia and skin anxiety and stress in many emotional and physical
diseases ; dyeing hair and for promoting hair growth; roots disorders. Study shows that Wedelia chinensis extract
yield a black dye, ethanolic extract of the herb has been exhibit significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity
shown to inhibit the growth of Ehrlich ascities carcinoma 13; against early phase (acute paw edema), late phase (cotton
decoction of the plant is used as deobstruent and given in pellet granuloma) of inflammation models. This plant
uterine hemorrhage and menorrhagia. The compounds of which contains natural products such as flavonoids,
this herb have been reported to have synergistically terpenoids and steroids etc. have received considerable
suppression activity on androgen and growth in prostate attention in recent years due to its diverse pharmacological
cancer cells14. This herb can be propagated by seeds and properties including antioxidant activity. We propose that
vegetative stem cuttings. Due to cross-pollination the the additive and synergistic antioxidant activity of
germinated seedlings are not true to type and propagation phytochemicals such as flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids,
through this way is not reliable due to low span of viability. etc, present in Wedelia chinensis are responsible for the
Habitat destruction and use in large quantities has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity22.
endangered this species. Although, in vitro propagation of
W. chinensis has been published previously15,16. The subject invention relates to extracts of tissues of certain
plant species from the genera Wedelia. Eclipta and AsDilia
The hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of which are effective as gastrointestinal mucosal- protective
Wedelia calendulacea L. was studied against CCl4 induced, agents. Various species from the genera Wedelia. Eclipta
acute hepatotoxicity in rats. Hepatoprotective activity of the and Asoilia have been disclosed to have a variety of
ethanolic-leaf extract of W.calendulacea (EEWC) was different biological or pharmacological activities. Two
studied by estimating serum enzyme activities of aspartate frequently studied species of these genera are Wedelia
aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), caiendulaceae and Eclipta alba. The most common
alkaline phosphatase (ALP), protein and bilirubin. The medicinal use of extracts from these plants is for treatment
treatment with EEWC showed a dose-dependent reduction of liver ailments. For this use, the active compounds found
of CCl4 induced elevated serum levels of enzyme activities in these species are beleved to be coumestans, especially
with parallel increase in total protein and bilirubin, wedelolactone and related compounds. Extracts from these
indicating the extract could preserve the normal functional plants have also been used to mm treat a number of other
status of the liver. The weight of the organs such as liver, ailments such as catarrh, skin diseases, elephantiasis,
heart, lung, spleen and kidney in CCl4 induced toothaches and headaches, as well as being used as emetic
experimental animals administered with EEWC showed an and purgative materials, and as external antiseptics. Shoot
increase over CCl4 control group17,18. Investigating the anti- extracts have been shown to have antibiotic activity against
inflammatory and analgesic activity of leaves of wedelia certain species23.
chinensis. The ethanolic extract of Wedelia chinensis was
evaluated by hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing Wedelia calendulacea Less., containing isoflavanoids, is
methods to assess its analgesic activity. The results indicate used in liver disorders, uterine hemorrhage and
the potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and menorrhagia. Osteoporosis in women occurs mainly due to
therapeutic efficacy of Wedelia chinensis extract on animal estrogen deficiency following menopause. Studies indicate
models which are comparable with those of standard drugs that isoflavones are estrogenic enough to promote bone
such as Aspirin, Morphine and Indomethacin respectively19. formation. Study was aimed to investigate the
Compounds from Wedelia chinensis synergistically antiosteoporotic effect of the ethanol extract of W.
suppress androgen activity and growth in prostate cancer calendulacea in the ovariectomized rat model of
cells. Four anti-proliferative phytocompounds in Wedelia osteoporosis, at two different dose levels of 500 and 750
chinensis, an oriental herbal medicine, identified through mg/kg/body wt. day. The findings, assessed on the basis of
their ability to modulate the androgen receptor (AR) biomechanical and biochemical parameters, showed that the

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ethanol extract of the plant had a definite protective effect. container plant where it will cascade over the side forming a
Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of weeping mound of yellow flowers. Wedelia trilobata now
isoflavones and wedelolactone, which are known to act as known officially by the scientific name, Sphagneticola
phytoestrogens and may be responsible for the trilobata (L.) Pruski, but still widely known by its
antiosteoporotic activity24. The neuropharmacological previously accepted name, Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitch.), is
activities of the methanolic and aqueous extract of Wedelia a member of the family Asteraceae (formerly Compositae),
calendulacea stem were screened in rats and mice. The the sunflower or daisy family. The most widely used
extracts effect on pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, common name in the Pacific is “Wedelia” (after its former
pentylenetetrazole- and styrychnine-induced seizure, genus), although in Australia it is known as “Singapore
spontaneous motor activity, exploratory behaviour, and daisy”, in spite of its tropical American origin. Other
rota-rod performance (motor coordination) were evaluated. common names include trailing or creeping daisy, water
These results suggest that the extract contained an agent zinnia, rabbit’s paw and creeping. Wedelia has a vine-like
with neuropharmacological activity that may be sedative in habit and will grow up into shrubs and trees planted in the
nature25. The cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of bed. When used as a groundcover in and among shrubs, this
petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts of will make it a high maintenance plant. It looks best planted
Wedelia calendulacea were assayed by brine shrimp in a mass over large areas. Like ivy and other creepers, it
lethality bioassay and standardized disk diffusion method will require regular trimming along the edge of the
against 19 bacterial strains. Among the crude extracts and groundcover bed to control its spread. It may be best used
pure compounds tested, (-)-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid isolated as a container plant where it will cascade over the side
from the chloroform extract showed the highest inhibitory forming a weeping mound of yellow flowers. It has escaped
activity against most of the bacterial strains with mean zone cultivation in certain regions of south Florida where it
of inhibition of 10-21 mm at 200 microg/disc26. proliferates, especially in wet areas. Propagation is easily
accomplished by setting enrooted tip cuttings in the
Hepatoprotective effect of coumestans isolated from the landscape soil where new plants are wanted, or by layering,
leaves of W. calendulacea was evaluated in paracetamol the stems rooting quickly28.
induced liver damage. The increased serum enzyme levels
(lactate dehydrogenase, alanine and aspartate transaminase Low-growing mat about 10" with deeply lobed leaves.
and alkaline phophatase) by paracetamol induction were Blooms profusely with 1" yellow-orange flowers
significantly lowered due to coumestans treatment. Results resembling marigolds or zinnias, which are borne singly on
of study revealed that coumestans of W. calendulacea the end of each stem. Plant creeps and roots at nodes,
afforded a significant protective action in the alleviation of making a dense ground cover. West Indies, Hawaii, south
paracetamol induced hepatocellular injury27. Florida, Central America, West Africa, especially at low
elevations. Excellent ground cover in warm climates.
There is some confusion between the Sanskrit and Especially good for soil retention and erosion control. Very
vernacular names of Wedelia calendulacea, and Eclipta attractive because of nearly constant and prolific blooming.
prostrata. Both these plants are called kesar j or kesuria in It may be mowed to keep low and manicured. The plant has
Bengali, and the two Sanskrit names of bhringaraja and use in traditional medicine: crushed leaves are used as a
kesaraja are used as synonyms. The Hindustani term poultice; tea is given to alleviate symptoms of colds and flu;
bhangra, derived from the Sanskrit bhrin-gardja is however and it is used to treat hepatitis, infections and to clear the
generally applied to Wedelia calendulacea, and this is the placent after birth. Abortion, fever, sores, colds Used for
plant used in medicine at present. The leaves, which have a reproductive problems, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea. In
slight camphoraceous taste, are considered tonic, alterative, South America, used to treat symptoms of colds and flu; for
and useful in cough, cephalalgia, skin diseases and alopecia. fevers and inflammations29.
The juice of the leaves is much used as a snuff in
cephalalgia, and in soaking various sorts of powders for the Main bioactive sesquiterpene lactones, trilobolid-6-O-
preparation of pills.1 "In tattooing the natives after isobutyrates A and B. From the flower, the structure of
puncturing the skin, rub the juicy green leaves of Eclipta trilobolide-6-O-isobytyrate shows a eudesmanolide
prostrata over the part; which gives the desired indelible sesquiterpene skeleton 30. Leaves and stems contains the
colour, namely a deep bluish black." The leaves of both diterpene (kaurenoic acid), eudesmanolide lactones and
these plants are used in various ways for the purpose of luteolin. The structure of trilobolide-6-O-isobutyrate,
dyeing grey hair and for promoting the growth of hair. C23H32O9, isolated from the flower of Wedelia trilobata,
shows an eudesmanolide sesquiterpene skeleton constructed
2. Wedelia trilobata Linn: from the fusion of two cyclohexane rings and a lactone ring
Wedelia trilobata is a very attractive plant because of its [31]. Two new sesquiterpene lactones, wedelolides A and B,
nearly constant and prolific blooming. It is fairly salt were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation from the
resistant and grows well at the seashore. Wedelia trilobata leaves of Wedelia trilobata, together with known
is a soil creeper and forms a thick carpet. It is especially trilobolides 6-O-isobutyrate and 6-O-methacrylate.
good for soil retention and erosion control. The plant can
also be used in hanging baskets. It may be best used as a

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Asian J. Pharm. Reviews 2011; Vol. 1: Issue 1, Pg 01-06 [AJPRew.]

An investigation of four herbal drugs, including in revitalizing the liver and treating liver dysfunction and
Sphagneticola trilobata, on the anti-inflammatory activity of disease 41.
Central American plants used in traditional medicine, Wedelia trilobata contain the diterpene (kaurenoic acid),
showed all the extracts reduced croton oil-induced ear eudesmanolide lactones and luteolin with a variety of
dermatitis. Results suggest the lipophilic extracts to be biological activities
potential sources of antiinflammatory activity. A study of
the n-hexane extract of Wedelia trilobata showed 3. Wedelia biflora:
antibacterial activity against Bacilus subtilis, This plant is a climbing, somewhat rough, herbaceous vine.
Mycobacterium smegmatis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, The leaves are opposite, ovate, and 6 to 8 centimeters long,
Salmonella group C, S paratyphi and Shigella sonnei. Study with pointed tip and rounded base, rather coarsely toothed
in mice on the analgesic activity of the ethanol extracts of margins, and stalks 2 to 6 centimeters long. The heads are 3
W trilobata, W bilofra and E alba showed dose-dependent centimeters in diameter or less, and number 1 to 3,
blocking of writhing response.32-34. Wedelia trilobata has sometimes more, in the upper axils, with stalks 7 to 10
been historically used for amenorrhea in Trinidad35. centimeters long. The involucral bracts are narrowly
Kaurenoic acid and luteolin in Wedelia paludosa showed oblong, somewhat recurved, hairy, and equalling or
antinociceptive action more potent than the standard exceeding the disk. The ray flowers are 6 to 15, the ligule
analgesic drugs (acetyl salicylic acid, acetaminophen, being oblong, yellow, 3-toothed, and 6 to 12 millimeters
dipyrone and indomethacin). Wedelia paludosa and long. The disk flowers are numerous, yellow, or yellowish-
Wedelia trilobata contain the diterpene (kaurenoic acid), brown.
eudesmanolide lactones and luteolin (in leaves and stems).
Kaurenoic acid has antibacterial, larvicidal and tripanocidal According to Ridley the leaves are used for dressing ulcers;
activity; it is also a potent stimulator of uterine contractions. the juice of the leaves is given internally with cow’s milk,
Luteolin exerts antitumoural, mutagenic and antioxidant after childbirth, as a tonic. Dalgado, states that the leaves,
effects, has depressant action on smooth muscles and a with ginger, are prescribed for flatulence. Burkill says that
stimulant action on isolated guinea pig heart 36. the same preparation is used for venereal diseases in
Singapore. A decoction of the leaves is recommended as an
A biological screening of activity against Gram-positive antiperiodic in malaria and in haematuria. The flowers are
and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and fungi of crude said to be a violent purgative. Burkill quotes Rumpf, who
extracts from Wedelia trilobata is reported. The n-hexane says that the roots are used to check vaginal discharges. He
extract showed antibacterial activity against Bacillus also inform us, on the authority of Sir Arthur Keith, that the
subtilis, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Staphylococcus aureus, plant is used in Lower Thailand for headache and fever.
and Staphylococcus epidermidis (Gram-positive bacteria);
along with Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Decoction of roots is slightly purgative, Used with Blumea
Salmonella group C, Salmonella paratyphi, and Shigella balsamifera for baths. Leaves in decoction are antiscabious,
sonnei (Gram-negative bacteria). The ethyl acetate extract Decoction of roots and leaves for stomach aches and fevers.
was active only against Salmonella group C; and the Leaves used for cleaning and dressing ulcers, Juice of
aqueous extract was inactive against the tested bacteria. leaves, with cow's milk, taken as tonic after childbirth.
None of the tested extracts showed biological activity Decoction of leaves with ginger for flatulence, Flowers are
against the yeasts (Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, known to be a violent , purgative.
Rhodotorula rubra) or the fungi (Aspergillus flavus,
Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp., Trichophyton rubrum)37. Four compounds, veratrylidenehydrazide, 3,3 -di-O-
methylquercetin, 2,7-dihydroxy-3(3t'-methoxy-4 -
The liver plays an astonishing array of vital functions in the hydroxy)-5-methoxyisoflavone and 3 ,7-di-O-
maintenance, performance and regulating homeostasis of methylquercetin were isolated from the methylene chloride
the body. It is involved with almost all the biochemical extract of dried leaves of Wedelia biflora. The structures
pathways to growth, fight against disease, nutrient supply, were elucidated from spectroscopic evidence. The third
energy provision and reproduction38. Some of these major compound possessed antifungal and boll weevil antifeedant
functions include carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, activity while the fourth showed antifungal activity.
detoxification and secretion of bile. Therefore, the
maintenance of a healthy liver is vital to overall health and Cotton boll weevil antifeedant activity and antifungal
well being. Unfortunately, the liver is often abused by activity (Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium ultimum) of
environmental toxins, poor eating habits, alcohol and extracts of the stems of Wedelia biflora: Extracts showed
prescription and over-the-counter drug use, which can antifeedant activity which led to an investigation of
damage and weaken the liver and eventually lead to antifungal properties. Comparative study on analgesic
hepatitis, cirrhosis and alcoholic liver disease [39]. activity of ethanol extracts of Wedelia biflora, W trilobata
Conventional medicine is now pursuing the use of natural and E alba showed significant antinociceptive activity in a
products such as herbs to provide the support that the liver dose-dependent manner in mice comparable with standard
needs on a daily basis40. Many Ayurvedic herbs, such as drugs such as aspirin. Phytochemical screening yielded
Wedelia calendulacea have a long history of traditional use alkaloids, steroids, sugars, tannins, terpenes, proteins,

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Asian J. Pharm. Reviews 2011; Vol. 1: Issue 1, Pg 01-06 [AJPRew.]

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