Phytochemical, pharmacological and biotechnological dimensions of the medicinal under-shrub, Pleurolobus gangeticus (L.)-current updates and future prospects

Pleurolobus gangeticus is a perennial under-shrub widely found in wetlands of tropical and sub-tropical regions of the lower Himalayas and Gangetic plains in India. The phytochemical, pharmacological and biotechnological properties of this medicinal plant are yet to be exploited to its economic potential. Various studies have demonstrated that P. gangeticus exhibits a range of therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-cancer, antipyretic, antidepressant, depressive, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant properties, attributed to the presence of secondary biochemical compounds like alkaloid, pterocarpans, flavonoids, phenols saponins, phospholipids, glycolipids, sterols, and flavone glycosides. The plant tissues contain a number of prominent phytochemicals, including hordenine, desmodin, palmitic acid, candicine, hypaphorine, gangetin, desmocarpin, and numerous others. Despite significant medicinal properties, overexploitation and limited molecular characterization have led to the classification of this plant as a threatened species. The present review discusses the latest insights into the traditional use, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological characteristics of P. gangeticus. Additionally, we have discussed the latest biotechnological intervention, molecular characterization and isolation of bioactive compounds to facilitate the preservation and valorization of this plant species.