A Review on the Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical, Pharmacological Aspects of Cleome gynandra L.

Abstract

Cleome gynandra L., commonly known as spider plant or “Nalvelai,” is a nutritionally and medicinally important leafy vegetable belonging to the family Capparaceae. It is widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions and is traditionally used for managing various health conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, epilepsy, and parasitic infections. The plant is also consumed as a vegetable owing to its nutritional content and antioxidant potential. Phytochemical investigations have identified diverse bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, vitamins, and minerals, which may contribute to its therapeutic properties. Several experimental studies have reported antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities. This review summarizes the botanical, cultivation, pharmacognostical, phytochemical, nutritional, traditional, and pharmacological aspects of C. gynandra L., with particular emphasis on its antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. The review also identifies important research gaps, including the need for standardized extracts, isolation of active constituents, mechanistic studies, toxicity assessment, bioavailability evaluation, and advanced in-silico and in-vivo investigations. Overall, C. gynandra represents a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in natural-product-based therapeutic research.