Morphological and Phytochemical Attributes of Tridax procumbens (l.): A Review

Kazi Kaif Aarefoddin, Mohommad Altamash*, Abullah Danish

Ismail Mehta College of Pharmacy, Ambad, Jalna- 431204

 *Correspondence: mohammadaltamash444@gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.4313  

INTRODUCTION

Tridax procumbens, also known as “coat buttons” is a perennial herb belongs to the family Asteraceae, native to Central and South America. Since ancient time, this species has been used in Ayurveda in India to cure various diseases.[1] These species contain various pharmacological activities due to the presence of various phytochemicals like alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids. Leaves juice extract of Tridax procumbens were used for various infectious skin diseases. [2,3]                                       

This study will highlight the diverse medicinal potential and phytochemical study of Tridax procumbens, there are more aspect that could benefit from further research. By addressing the medicinal potential, it can be integrated into mainstream healthcare practices. The aim of this review is to evaluate phytochemistry and morphological study of T. procumbens.

This review highlights the need for more research to understand the potential of T. procumbens secondary metabolites for medicinal uses. This review provides important information that this species could be safe, effective and affordable in various regions.

METHODS

A literature search of T. procumbens was conducted using Science Direct, Google Scholar, Google Patent, PubMed, ACS, BMC, CABI digital library. Keywords used for literature search plant location, botanical study, traditional uses, phytochemicals, and pharmacological activities of T. procumbens were employed in the literature search.

TAXONOMICAL CLASSIFICATION [4]:

Tridax procumbens is a semi-prostrate or procumbent herb 30-60 cm tall with a firm taproot. The branches are ascending, brittle, 20-75 cm long, green or purplish, and with long white hairs.[5] The leaves are opposite, ovate to ovate-lanceolate. The plant is invasive in part because it produces achenes, up to 1500 per plant and each achene carries out some distance by catching wind in its pappus.[6] This weed can be found in field, meadows, croplands, disturbed areas, lawns and road side area as with tropical or sub-tropical climates. [7]

Common Names

Common names of Tridax Procumbens throughout India.[8]

Traditional Uses:

Tridax procumbens is a perineal weed that has been used traditionally in India for very long time for treating various diseases. It has been used as anti-microbial, insect repellent and as a wound healing agent. In Ayurveda this plants extract is well known for hepato-protective property. The leaf juice extract of this also used to treat infectious skin diseases. [9]

One of the most common traditional uses of Tridax procumbens is for healing wounds. Its juice is applied to cuts, wounds, and ulcers to help them heal. The plant is thought to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. [10] The leaves of this plant are commonly used in traditional medicine to treat hair loss and promote hair growth. The juice of the leaves is applied to the scalp to strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair fall. [11] Modern studies support many of these uses. Research confirms its therapeutic potential. This herb shows promise for various health issues.

Morphology

Tridax procumbens is a low-growing herb that usually grows 30-60 cm tall. It spreads along the ground, but in good conditions, it can also grow upright or upwards. It can spread along the ground, quickly covering large areas and making it well-suited to colonize disturbed environments. [12]   

Figure 1- Whole plant of Tridax procumbens

Leaves

The leaves of T. procumbens are simple, opposite, and vary in shape, playing an important role in the plant’s photosynthesis and rapid growth. Typically, ovate or elliptic with irregularly serrated edges, the leaves range from 3 to 8 cm in length and 2 to 4 cm in width. [13] The surface is rough and covered with fine hairs, which may help protect the plant from herbivores and environmental stress. The leaves have a pinnate venation pattern, with a prominent midrib and branching lateral veins. [14] This leaf structure, along with the fine pubescence, allows T. procumbens to adapt to varying environmental conditions, such as limited water and herbivore pressure, supporting its ability to thrive in disturbed habitats.

Figure 2- Leaves of Tridax procumbens

Flower

The floral structure of T. procumbens is a key characteristic for its identification, as it produces composite flowers typical of the Asteraceae family. The plant forms solitary or clustered flower heads at the ends of its stems, each 2–3 cm in diameter. Each flower head consists of a central cluster of yellow disc florets surrounded by white ray florets, which are sterile and primarily function to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers are bisexual, with numerous anthers surrounding a central style. Pollination is mainly by insects (entomophilous), although the plant is also capable of self-pollination. [15]

Figure 3- Flower of Tridax procumbens

Phytochemistry

Phytochemical studies on Tridax procumbens have identified various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and phenolic compounds. These secondary metabolites contribute to the plant's therapeutic potential. The plant exhibits diverse pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing effects. Its bioactive constituents play a key role in these medicinal properties.

Alkaloids

Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing compounds found in Tridax procumbens that contribute significantly to its pharmacological properties.

Notable alkaloids in the plant include Tridaxin, which has shown antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, making it valuable for treating infections and reducing inflammation. Tridaxin has strong activity against several bacterial and fungal pathogens, which supports the plant's traditional use in treating infections. [16]

Another important alkaloid, Betaine, exhibits hepatoprotective properties, suggesting its potential use in liver health and antioxidant properties. Studies show that Betaine can protect liver cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Additionally, it supports the plant's anti- inflammatory and metabolic effects, making it useful in treating liver-related ailments. [17]

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds known for their anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The flavonoids found in Tridax procumbens are known to possess various pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, and antihepatotoxic effects. Two new flavones, 8,3′-dihydroxy-3,7,4′-trimethoxy-6-O-β-D-glucopyranosylflavone and 6,8,3′-trihydroxy-3,7,4′-trimethoxyflavone, were isolated from the whole plant, along with four known compounds puerarin, esculetin, oleanolic acid, and betulinic acid which all exhibited antioxidant properties. Additionally, a new flavonoid, procumbenetin, was isolated from the aerial parts and characterized as 3,6-dimethoxy-5,7,2’,3’,4’-pentahydroxyflavone 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside using spectroscopic techniques. [18-19]

Quercetin (Fig 4), a flavonoid in Tridax procumbens, is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. It helps reduce oxidative stress, support wound healing, and manage conditions like arthritis and cardiovascular diseases. Its broad pharmacological actions make it an important component of the plant’s medicinal value. [20]

Kaempferol (Fig 5), is a main flavonoid in Tridax procumbens, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It scavenges free radicals, reduces oxidative stress, and modulates inflammation, benefiting conditions like cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Kaempferol also exhibits antimicrobial activity, supporting the plant’s use in treating infections. [21]

Key flavonoids like Kaempferol, Quercetin, and Rutin (Fig 6) contribute to the therapeutic effects of Tridax procumbens, helping treat conditions such as infections, inflammation, and diseases caused by oxidative stress. These compounds boost the plant's medicinal value as a natural remedy. [21]

Essential oils

The chemical composition of essential oils from Tridax procumbens consists mainly of terpenoids, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and fatty acids. A variety of volatile compounds contribute to the plant’s aroma and biological activity. One of the notable compounds found in T. procumbens was (3S) −16,17-dihydro falcarinol (1), it is a polyacetylene with potent biological effects. This compound is associated with anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities, contributing to the therapeutic value of the plant. [22]

Some of the major components identified in the essential oil of T. procumbens include:

Terpenoids:

Largest group of compounds in essential oils and are responsible for many of their therapeutic properties. Common terpenes found in T. procumbens essential oil include:

Monoterpenes are the class of terpenoids consisting of two isoprene units (C₁₀H₁₆) and are key components in the aroma of essential oils. In Tridax procumbens essential oil, the main monoterpenes include: α-pinene: With a pine-like fragrance, α-pinene is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, and antioxidant effects, particularly beneficial in respiratory conditions. [21]

β-pinene: Similar to α-pinene, β-pinene contributes to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, supporting pain relief and tissue repair. [23]

These monoterpenes, due to their volatility and bioactivity, play a central role in the therapeutic effects of T. procumbens essential oil.

Sesquiterpenes are terpenoids with three isoprene units (C₁₅H₂₄) and are less volatile than monoterpenes. In T. procumbens, two key sesquiterpenes are; Caryophyllene and β-caryophyllene.

Both compounds contribute to the therapeutic properties of T. procumbens essential oil.

Diterpenes, with four isoprene units (C₁₈H₃₀), are less common in essential oils. In T. procumbens, one key diterpene is:Phytol: This diterpene alcohol has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It also helps produce Vitamin E and may protect against oxidative stress. [24]

CONCLUSION

Tridax procumbens is a plant with a long history of traditional medicinal use, supported by a growing body of scientific evidence. Its essential oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, are responsible for its diverse pharmacological effects, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities. Compounds like caryophyllene, and phytol contribute to its therapeutic potential.

The plant’s traditional applications, such as wound healing and pain relief, are supported by modern findings, making it a promising source of natural remedies. Further research is needed to fully explore its bioactive compounds, validate its therapeutic efficacy, and develop sustainable extraction methods for broader pharmaceutical use.

T. procumbens is a promising medicinal weed with diverse pharmacological properties which can be more useful in future by further studies and conducting clinical research.

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