Unlocking the genus <i>marsilea</i> (Specifically <i>marsilea minuta</i> ): exploring ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical overviews, pharmacological insights, molecular docking studies and network pharmacology

The natural world abounds with beneficial flora and botanicals for humans. In traditional Indian and Chinese medicine, <i>Marsilea minuta</i> has a long history of use as a medicinal herb. <i>Marsilea minuta</i>, is a fern that grows in aquatic and sub-aquatic environments. Throughout Asia, particularly in China, India and Bangladesh, folk and traditional medicine commonly utilises <i>Marsilea minuta</i>. Over 100 review and research publications from scientific sources have been compiled, adhering to inclusion criteria focused on the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical investigations, pharmacological activity, molecular docking analysis and network pharmacological research of selected plants. People have long used <i>Marsilea minuta</i>, including its entire plant and stems, to treat insomnia, hypertension, sleep disorders, headaches, and other conditions. <i>Marsilea minuta</i> contains many plant-based constituents such as terpenoids, phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, saponin, total sugar, coumarins, quinones, and anthraquinones. Researchers have performed molecular docking studies and network pharmacology on various activities of different <i>Marsilea</i> species.