Abstract & Overview
Generally, common men treat weeds as obnoxious plants, but most of the weeds have phytochemicals having different types of therapeutic applications. In this review, we have assessed the ethnobotanical utility, major phytochemicals, pharmacological proof and safety concerns of fifteen medicinal weeds representing thirteen plant families. These species contain various groups of constituents, such as coumestans, lignans, flavonoids, saponins, sesquiterpenes, steroidal glycoalkaloids, cardenolides and several classes of alkaloids. Different investigations support a range of biological activities pertinent to liver, urinary, respiratory, wound-healing and metabolic disorders. Most of the evidence is not consistent and remains predominantly preclinical for most of the species. Most of the literature we have is of traditional knowledge, and traditional use cannot be interpreted as proof of efficacy or safety. Direct clinical evidence is very limited. A few weeds such as Datura, Argemone and Calotropis contain several chemicals, which can be toxic to human beings. If we successfully authenticate them botanically, standardize the extracts, implement marker-based quality control, evaluate their toxic components, and conduct well-designed clinical studies, then these weeds will be the future of medicine and easily accessible bioresources for ethnopharmacological research.