AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF MOLLUGO CERVIANA:FROM WEED TO MEDICINAL PLANT

Mollugo cerviana (L.) of the family Molluginaceae is an herbaceous annual recognised in traditional Indian medicine, particularly Siddha and Ayurveda, for its wide therapeutic applications.This review consolidates and reinterprets current scientific literature on the plant's morphology, anatomical traits, phytochemical spectrum, and documented pharmacological properties.Owing to its rich secondary metabolite profile-encompassing flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolics, terpenoids, steroids, and alkaloids-the species demonstrates multiple bioactivities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative effects.Traditionally consumed both as a medicinal herb and as a wild edible, Mollugo cerviana thrives in arid, sandy habitats and remains accessible to rural communities.Alongside summarising botanical characteristics and phytochemical insights, this review highlights the plant's pharmacognostic importance, potential pharmaceutical value, and research gaps that must be addressed for its standardisation and wider application.