Alternanthera Sessilis' A Possible Promising Herb for The Cure of Chronic Diseases Mediated by Oxidative Damage

Alternanthera sessilis (family Amaranthaceous) is an edible medicinal herb traditionally used in Asian countries for treating various ailments. In recent years, it has attracted attention of scientific community due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Phytochemical analyses reveal that the plant is rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, and other bioactive metabolites, which collectively contribute to its pharmacological activities. Antioxidant studies have shown that different extracts of A. sessilis exhibit the strong free radical scavenging ability, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and enhance endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. These mechanisms do help in reducing the oxidative stress, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic disorders including cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and diabetes. In parallel, A. sessilis also demonstrates notable anti-inflammatory activity. Both in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that the plant suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and cyclooxygenase-2. By modulating these inflammatory pathways, the plant reduces tissue injury and promotes recovery. The dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of A. sessilis supports its traditional use and highlights its promise as a natural therapeutic agent. Nevertheless, most findings till date are limited to its preliminary laboratory and animal studies. More detailed investigations focusing on bioactive compound isolation, mechanistic pathways, safety evaluation, and clinical validation are essential to fully establish its therapeutic role.