Unveiling the Medicinal Potential of Dwarf Water Clover (Marsilea minuta): A Comprehensive Review of its Morphological, Anatomical, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Aspects

The dwarf water clover (Marsilea minuta), a versatile aquatic fern, has long been recognized in traditional medicine for its wide-ranging therapeutic applications. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the botanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological attributes of M. minuta, emphasizing its potential as a source of novel medicinal agents. Botanically, M. minuta is characterized by its distinct four-lobed leaf structure and adaptability to various aquatic and terrestrial environments, making it a sustainable resource for therapeutic exploitation. Phytochemical investigations have revealed the presence of diverse bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and saponins, which are associated with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and hypoglycemic activities. Pharmacological studies underscore its role in modulating key biological pathways, such as neurotransmitter regulation for anxiolytic effects and enzymatic inhibition in carbohydrate metabolism for antidiabetic applications. Preclinical evidence supports its efficacy in treating conditions like anxiety, epilepsy, fever, and inflammation. Additionally, its antioxidant properties suggest a protective role against oxidative stress-related disorders. However, the therapeutic potential of M. minuta is tempered by the limited availability of toxicological and clinical studies, highlighting the need for comprehensive safety evaluations and standardized dosing guidelines. This review also identifies critical gaps in current research, including the need for molecular mechanism elucidation, advanced pharmacokinetic profiling, and well-designed clinical trials. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern pharmacological approaches, M. minuta can be harnessed for its full therapeutic potential. The findings presented in this review aim to serve as a foundation for future studies, paving the way for the development of evidence-based applications of M. minuta in contemporary medicine.