Chiang Mai Journal of Science

 Studies on the traditional use of medicines are recognized as a way to learn about potential future medicines. Wedelia is an extensive genus of the family Asteraceae, comprising about 60 different species. Wedelia trilobata Linn. has long been used as traditional herbal medicine in South America, China, Japan, India and for the treatment of a variety of ailments.  The aim of this review was to collect all available scientific literature published and combine it into this review. The present review comprises the ethnopharmacological, phytochemical and therapeutic potential of W. trilobata. An exhaustive survey of literature revealed that tannin, saponins, flavonoids, phenol, terpenoids constitute major classes of phytoconstituents of this plant. Pharmacological reports revealed that this plant has antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound healing, larvicidal, trypanocidal, uterine contraction, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and in the treatment of diabetes, menstrual pain and reproductive problems in women. W. trilobata seems to hold great potential for in-depth investigation for various biological activities, especially their effects on inflammation, bacterial infections, and reproductive system. Through this review, the authors hope to attract the attention of natural product researchers throughout the world to focus on the unexplored potential of W. trilobata, and it may be useful in developing new formulations with more therapeutic value.