Chemical Diversity and Biomedical Relevance of Oxalis corniculata L.: A Review of Nutritional and Pharmacological Aspects

Abstract

Oxalis corniculata L., a globally distributed herbaceous plant, has garnered significant scientific interest for its extensive phytochemical richness and diverse pharmacological potential. This review comprehensively explores the plant's chemical diversity, nutritional profile, and biomedical applications by synthesizing findings from recent studies. The plant is notably abundant in flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, tannins, and essential nutrients, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and wound-healing properties. Various extraction techniques and analytical approaches have identified key bioactive compounds responsible for these therapeutic effects. Furthermore, its traditional use as an edible plant aligns with current trends in nutraceutical and functional food development. The integration of O. corniculata into modern healthcare, however, requires standardization of dosage, safety profiling, and clinical validation. Current gaps in pharmacokinetics, toxicity data, and multi-omics characterization underscore the need for future interdisciplinary research. The review concludes that O. corniculata holds immense promise as a phytopharmaceutical candidate and nutritional resource, provided its applications are grounded in rigorous scientific validation. This work provides a consolidated reference for future pharmacognostic, nutritional, and clinical studies aimed at unlocking the full therapeutic potential of this underutilized medicinal herb.