Vicoa indica: unveiling the therapeutic properties and phytochemical profiling of a lesser-known medicinal plant

Vicoa indica (L.) DC., a member of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, is a well-known traditional medicinal plant widely available in tropical regions, including India. Various parts of this plant have been evaluated for their pharmacological properties. Traditionally, tribes in northern India have used V. indica as a contraceptive. The plant’s biological activity is attributed to its diverse phytochemical composition, including sesquiterpenoid lactones, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. Several studies have reported its antiinflammatory, contraceptive, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. This review compiles the existing scientific literature on the traditional medicinal uses of V. indica. However, limited research has been conducted on this species, highlighting the need for further studies to explore its therapeutic potential comprehensively.