A Comprehensive Review of Fumaria indica

Patel Azba Siddiq* , Jain Samiksha Kirtikumar , Patel Samiya Mustak Ali

JIIU’s Ali Allana College of Pharmacy Akkalkuwa, Dist-Nandurbar -425415, Maharashtra, India

*Correspondence: azbapatel4@gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.4210  

INTRODUCTION

Fumaria indica (L.) belongs to the Fumariaceae family and is also known as "shahtera" or "Pit- papra". It is an annual herb widely spread across Asia, Europe, and Africa. In India, it is regarded as a weed in the plains regions. The reported medicinal uses of this plant include: Antipyretic, Hepatoprotective, Hypoglycema, Antidiarrheal, Antispasmodic, Antihelmintic, Antieczema, Antiperiodic, Liver complaints, Scrofulous skin affections. All these properties have a good prospect in traditional medicine and hence pharmacological studies should be pursued. [1]

Fumaria indica is a very important plant for the Fumitory species group, and it is one of the various traditionally known medicinal plants that are widely used in India and many other countries in the practice of medical care. However, it still only remains speculative about potential psychoactive role of principles present in different kinds of extracts in Fumaria indica in therapeutically interesting pharmacological activity profiles. Efforts need to focus on standardized, more rational pharmacological standardization of commercially available extract and prospecting of novel therapeutic leads that eventually may be of use for the treatment of the mental health problems often associated with severely ill patients. [2]

Kingdom   : :  Plantae

Division    :   Tracheophyta

Class         :    Magnoliopsida

Order        : :   Ranunculales

Family      : :   Papaveraceae

Subfamily :   Fumarioideae

Tribe         :   Fumarieae

Subtribe    :   Fumariinae

Genus       :  :  Fumaria

Species     :   :  Fumaria indica

Vernacular (Regional) Names:[2]

 Synonyms:[4]

Fumaria parviflora var. indica (Hausskn.) Parsa ; Fumaria vaillantii var. indica Hausskn. Varatikta, pittahara, renu, kavacha, charmaahvya, rajorenu, charmakantaka, sooksmapatra, yavakantaka

Description:[5]

Fumaria Indica grows through collection from wild habitat as a source of food, fodder as well as medicine for personal use. Both fresh and dried forms can be utilized of this herb. This plant is generally dried when required for personal consumption or spare-time work with other people, who also move around with its trade in the local market. It is therefore an excellent way of earning for the local people. Fumaria Indica is pale green in color. It is a annual herb having many branches and it's average height is 61 cm long. Stem is ridged, pale brown, brown in color, smooth, hollow and about 3.4 mm thick, and cylindrical. Leaves of fumaria indica are more or less green in color, both sides of leaves are sedge green. Cauline leaves petiolate petiole is 0.8-6 cm long. The leaflets are 2-5 in number and pinnatisect; segment is long, linear or linear oblong, flate and acute. Pedicles are rarely 4.5 mm long and pedicles are thick at the apex than base. Sepals about 1.5 mm long and 0.5-1 mm broad. Flowers are yellow, 4-6 mm long including spurs downwardly curve, petal lobe longer than spur lobe. Lower and upper petals tips are suborbicular while inner are coherent at the tips, lower are narrow. Filament are 2.5-3 mm long, anther are 0.2-0.5 mm long, middle anther dithecous and lateral monothecous. Carpel are ellipsoid, glabrous, ovary 1-1.5 mm long, stigma is 0.5-1 mm long, style is 1.5-3 mm long. Corolla is 5-6 mm long and pink rose in colored. Fruit is about 2.5 mm broad, quadrate and sometime obscurely reduced. Flowering and Fruiting period : March-June^.

Regional Distribution:[6]

Andhra Pradesh : Srikakulam district, Vizianagaram district

Karnataka : Kodagu (Coorg) district

Maharashtra : Akola district, Dhule district, Jalgaon district, Nanded district, Osmanabad district, Parbhani district, Pune district

Tamil Nadu : Shevaroy Hills (Salem district)

Uttar Pradesh : Uttar Pradesh

Punjab : Punjab

Traditional Uses:[4]

Uses in pharmacopeias and traditional system of medicine:

F.Indica is used for influenza and fever. The plant is considered a laxative, diuretic, and diaphoretic in the indigenous medical system. It is also supposed to help with liver problems, scrofulus skin diseases, and dyspepsia. F.indica stem and leaf decoction is used as an aperient, anthelmintic, and tonic. In addition, it is used to treat jaundice, ague, scrofula, leprosy, and constipation. The plant is renowned in traditional medicine for its anthelmintic, antidyspeptic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative, stomachic, and tonic qualities. It is also said to have a number of medicinal benefits for conditions affecting the skin, blood, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system. Additionally, it is an ingredient in a number of herbal products, including Livokriti syrup, Esno capsule and Ayurveda capsule, available in Indian market. The entire plant is a component of numerous commercially available polyherbal liver formulations, Ayurvedic, Unani, and popular household medicines. The herb is used to purify blood in cases of hepatic blockage and cutaneous illness. According to reports, the plant has anthelmintic, aperient, alterative, and mild diaphoretic properties.

Uses described in folk medicines, supported by experimental animal studies:

Ayurvedic Description :

In his treatise "Paniniya Unadi Bhogvritti," the renowned Grammarian Panini mentions parpatak as an Ayurvedic medication in the ancient era (Prachina kala). Following the end of the Vedic era, Parpatak was virtually mentioned in all Ayurvedic texts or lexicons, such as the Caraka Samhita, Sushrut Samhita, Astanga Hridaya, and others. Four likely Parpatak source plants were chosen for the comparative analysis in this study after a review of the literature. The first medication, known colloquially as Kshetparpat (Bengal), is made from both dried and full fresh Oldenlandia corymbosa Linn., a member of the Rubiaceae family. Whole plant decoction is used to treat liver issues and as a substitute for low-grade fevers, such as recurrent fever with stomach discomfort.[7]

Parpata is advised in Charaka and Sushruta to cure blood problems and fevers. The herb has also been suggested by Sushruta for the treatment of cough, urinary tract, and chronic skin conditions. For fever relief, F.indica was administered either by itself or in combination with Tinospra cardifolia, Emblica officinalis, Santalum album, or Zingiber officinale. F.indica is a key component of Amrtaarishta (Bhaishajya Ratnaavali, an ancient Indian medical text), which is prescribed as an antipyretic and antiperiodic compound; Arvindaasava, which is prescribed as a restorative and carminative; Chandanaasava, which is prescribed for urogenital and urinary disorders; and Mahaatikta Ghrita (Ashtaanga Hridaya, an ancient Indian medical text) that is prescribed as a blood purifier, anti-infective, appetizer, and restorative.[4]

Unani Studies:

Imported from Persia, the fumaria plant is employed in Unani medicine as "shaahtara" and is a key component of several blood-purifying substances. Itrifal-e-Shaahtara is recommended for syphilis, skin conditions, and blood putrefaction. In Unani medicine, Majoon-e-Musaffi-e-Khoon are said to be blood-purifying substances.[4]

Pharmacognostical Studies :[8]  

Macroscopic study :

1.      Characters of root: Long cylindrical with many side branches arising from it.

Colour - Cream, Odour - None, Taste - Bitter and slightly acrid, Fracture – Brittle.

1.1.   Microscopic study : Circular is the section's outline shape. The layer of cortex comes behind the outermost layer of the epidermis. Opposite two xylem poles, medullary rays are seen spreading outward. The secondary wood components are incorporated in the parenchyma and organized in radiating rows. Outside of the xylem, phloem is made up of companion cells, sieve tubes, and phloem parenchyma, which are followed by a few layers of cork cells as they go toward the periphery.

2.      Characters of stem : Suberect or diffuse, scarcely scandent, glabrous Colour - Light green, Odour - Characteristic, Taste - Bitter and Acrid, Fracture - Brittle. The outline of the section is angular in shape with fairly prominent angles under which the collenchyma lies. The T.S shows a layer of epidermal cells enveloping the section. Cells are oval to polygonal in shape with fringed wall externally. Epidermis is single layer of oblong rectangular cells. Cortex narrow composed of 3-4 layers of chlorenchymatous cells. Vascular bundles are collateral, endarch and open. The xylem is composed of vessels, tracheids, fibres and xylem parenchyma.

3.      Characters of leaf : Multifid, more or less glaucous, leaflets 2-4 pinnatisect, segments long, linear or linear oblong, flat, acute. Colour - Green, Odour - Characteristic, Taste – Bitter.

3.1.   Microscopic study: The leaf's T.S. exhibits a clear bifacial structure. Both the upper and lower layers are covered by an epidermal layer. The form of the epidermal cells ranges from oblong to rectangular. They are anomocytic stomata. Two to three layers of palisade cells, followed by a few layers of spongy cells, make up the mesophyll cells in the lamina. On the upper surface, there are more stomata.

4.      Characters of flower : 5-6 mm. long, rose coloured, superior petal obtuse, rarely purplish, more or less upward reflexed, lower petal with spreading margins, obtuse spathulate, inner petals black purple at the apex, curved.

5.      Characters of Fruit : About 2.5mm Broad, sub-rotund, quadrate, subtruncate abruptly narrowed below, slightly compressed but much keeled, especially towards the apex, rugose when dry.

5.1.   Microscopic study : T.S. is almost oval in shape. The detailed section shows the epidermis covering the epicarp. The wide zone of mesocarp is composed of parenchymatous cells interfered with vascular bundles, mostly composed of annular vessels. Endocarp separates the rest of the fruit from the seed.

6.     

Phytochemical Riview:

Numerous phytochemicals from the leaves, stem, root, and seed of Fumaria indica have been identified and characterized as a result of extensive efforts conducted in several Indian and foreign laboratories over the latter half of the 20th century. Numerous additional alkaloids, including flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, anthraquinones, steroids, and triterpenoids, have since been found in various plant sections.[2] Phytoconstituents present in different parts of F. indica are summarized in Table 1.

Pharmacological Riview:

Antibacterial and Antifungal activities:

The antibacterial and antifungal properties of the o/w emulsion-based cream formulations were investigated; nevertheless, based on the findings, we deduced that Fumaria parviflora Lam. is useful in treating bacterial skin infections and effective against bacterial cells. Because the active compounds in the extract, such as querceti, ellagic acid, and ferulic acid, have synergistic antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and free radical scavenging properties, it was hypothesized that F. indica works by causing wound contraction and epithelialization. Growing widely, fumaria indica has the potential to be a cost-effective treatment for wounds and a way to slow down the healing process.[13]

Antioxidant activity :

The oxidative stress caused by nimesulide was considerably lessened by the 50% ethanol extract of Fumaria parviflora. Death resulted from rapid production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione depletion, changes to antioxidant genes, and severe depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane. According to the study, nimesulide causes hepatotoxicity in rats by affecting the mitochondria, and herbal supplements can reduce the oxidative stress brought on by medications that must be given in high doses due to severe disease. The aqueous-alcoholic extract of Fumaria parviflora inhibited the cell death caused by nimesulide in primary rat hepatocyte cultures. The extract from Fumaria parviflora removed the negative effects of nimesulide without compromising its therapeutic value by altering important apoptotic processes.[12]

Antianxiety activity:

According to studies, fumaria indica is a functionally novel kind of antianxiety drug, and its route of action may entail inhibiting the brain's cytokine expressions.[3]

Anticancer Activities:

The efficacy of F. indica in treating liver cancer has been demonstrated by a number of in vitro studies; however, the precise molecular mechanism is still unknown. In this study, the mechanism of action of F. indica on liver cancer was characterized using the network pharmacology technique. Additionally, by examining the active ingredient-target-pathway network, we discovered that the EGFR gene, MTOR, MAPK3, and PIK3R1 are all impacted in the development of liver cancer. Additionally, the molecular docking data give us good guidance for future research. By influencing signaling pathways linked to liver cancer, F. indica demonstrated a promising preventive effect on liver cancer within the context of this study, as demonstrated by the integration of network pharmacology and docking analysis. This helps us comprehend the biochemical process by which the anti-liver cancer properties of

F. indica.[15]

Hepatoprotective activity :

Research revealed that a 50% ethanolic water extract of the entire Fumaria indica plant and its three fractions—hexane, chloroform, and butanol—had the ability to protect rats' livers from d-galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity. The butanol fraction, which had the greatest alkaloid protopine concentration (about 0.2 mg/g) by HPTLC, was found to offer more than 90% protection among the fractions. Additionally, the isolated protopine at doses of 10–20 mg p.o. demonstrated hepatoprotective efficacy comparable to that of the conventional medication silymarine (single dose 25 mg p.o.).[3]

Non-toxicity :

At all three treatment levels, mice in the acute toxicity trial showed no signs of death or aberrant behavior. When compared to rats fed with a vehicle, rats' body weight and daily food and water

consumption did not significantly change as a result of fumaria indica in a sub-chronic toxicity study. Additionally, biochemical and haematological indicators were confirmed to be normal. Rats given fumaria indica showed normal kidney and liver architecture, according to a histopathological analysis.[3]

Marketed Formulation:[3]

CONCLUSION:

Fumaria indica stands out as an important medicinal plant, involving a wide range of therapeutic applications in traditional systems of medicine. This herbal medicine could potentially be applied for the purpose of hepatoprotection, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and as a potential antimicrobial agent, especially against liver disorders, for the management of skin infections and diseases and as an adjuvant for gastrointestinal disorders. Bioactive compounds such as alkaloids and flavonoids account for its major constituents that contribute to pharmacological potential in this species. The preliminary study has positive results; however, needs for more clinical studies abound in order to definitely understand its mechanisms of actions, safe profile, and interactions with other treatments. Further validation of Fumaria indica through continued investigation may open up its usage further as a natural remedy for safe application in modern medicine.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

We would like to express my special gratitude to Dr. G. J. Khan, Principal, JIIU'S Ali Allana College of Pharmacy Akkalkuwa and Management of Jamia Islamia Ishaatul Uloom Akkalkuwa for their continuous motivation and providing all necessary facilities during completion of this work.

REFERENCE:

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2          Shakya A, Chatterjee SS, Kumar V. Holistic psychopharmacology of Fumaria indica (Fumitory). Chin Med. 2012;3:182-199. doi:10.4236/cm.2012.34028.

3          Guna G. Pharmacological activity of Fumaria indica: A review. J Phytopharmacol. 2017;6(6):352-355.

4          Gupta, P. C.; Sharma, N.; Rao, C. V. A review on ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Fumaria indica (Fumitory). Asian Pac. J. Trop. Biomed. 2012,2(8), 665-669. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60117-8.

5          Ghumare, S., Ghansawant, P., & Gangurde, M. (2021). Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Fumaria indica (Fumitory) – A review. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), 8(12), f82. https://www.jetir.org

6          Varshney P., Suresh S. (Year). Pharmacognostical Study of Two Varieties of Parpataka (Oldenlandia corymbosa & Fumaria indica). Department of Dravyaguna, HAMC Campus, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. Medical Officer In Charge, Ayurvedic & Unani Services, Govt. of Uttarakhand, India.

7          Majumder, P., Harisha, C. R., & Shukla, V. J. (Year). A Comparative Pharmacognostical & Phytochemical Study on Different Plant Sources of Parpatak. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 3(4), 1531-1548. ISSN 2277-710.

8          Varshney, P., & Suresh, S. (Year). Pharmacognostical Study of Two Varieties of Parpataka (Oldenlandia corymbosa & Fumaria indica). International Ayurvedic Medical Journal, Volume(Issue), Page Numbers. ISSN: 2320-5091.

9          Jyothi, B., Pratap, G. P., Husain, M. K., Kazmi, M. H., Prasad, G. P., & Sudarsanam, G. (2019). Pharmacognostical screening on Fumaria indica for identification, quality, and purity determination. International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Research, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.22159/ijcpr.2019v11i4.34958

10       Pandey, M. B., Singh, A. K., Singh, A. K., & Singh, U. P. (n.d.). Inhibitive effect of fuyuziphine isolated from plant (Pittapapra) (Fumaria indica) on spore germination of some fungi.

11      Birinchi, Kumar, Sarma., V., B., Pandey., G., D., Mishra., Upma, Singh. (1999). Antifungal activity of berberine iodide, a constituent of Fumaria indica. Folia Microbiologica, 44(2):164-166. doi: 10.1007/BF02816235

12      Halagali, P., Hr, A. A., & Preethi, S. (2024). Formulation and Evaluation of Fumaria parviflora Loaded Oil in Water Emulsion-Based Cream. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.5530/ijpi.14.2.59

13      Sultan, I. N., Tareen, M., Tareen, A. K., & Khan, M. W. (2022). Phytochemical effectiveness of some ethanomedicinal plants of Balochistan, Pakistan against urogenital infections. International Journal of Agricultural Technology, 18(5), 2271-2282. Available online at http://www.ijat-aatsea.com

14      Pandey, G., Kumar, G. R., Gupta, S. S., Ojha, S. K., & Rao, Ch. V. (2014). Wound Repair and Anti-inflammatory Potential of Fumaria indica in Excision Wound-induced Rats. British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 4(2), 257-266. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedomain.org

15      Batool, S.; Javed, M.R.; Aslam, S.; Noor, F.; Javed, H.M.F.; Seemab, R.; Rehman, A.; Aslam, M.F.; Paray, B.A.; Gulnaz, A. Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Approach Reveals the Multi-Target Pharmacological Mechanism of Fumaria indica in the Treatment of Liver Cancer. Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15, 654. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ph15060654