A comprehensive review of the anticancer potential and other pharmaceutical effects of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br

Ayurveda which is a traditional system of medicine used in various methods to promote health and wellbeing. Its primary goals are improving health, preventing disease and treating existing conditions. In developing countries, there is a growing demand for herbal medicines not only because they are affordable but also due to their cultural acceptance, compatibility with the human body and minimal side effects. Hemidesmus indicus R. Br., also known as Indian Sarsaparilla, is a versatile medicinal herb that has long played a significant role in an Indian traditional medicine. Among its many therapeutic uses includes the treatment of diseases like syphilis, diabetes and skin ailments. This plant has a wide range of phytoconstituents, including glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and sterols. Experimental studies conducted on various models have demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects, etc. This review is to promote the understanding of the potential of H. indicus in complementary and alternative medicine and to provide relevant information to the field of science and the pharmaceutical industry. Overall, H. indicus shows significant promise as a therapeutic agent across a range of conditions. Continued research, including clinical trials, is essential to fully understand its mechanisms of action and to validate its efficacy and safety in humans. The traditional uses of H. indicus, supported by experimental findings, highlight its potential as a valuable natural remedy in modern medicine.