From traditional use to modern phytochemistry – chemical composition and biological activity of cosmopolitan weed species: Stellaria media, Galium aparine and Galinsoga parviflora

Authors:
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Stellaria media (L.) Vill., Galium aparine L., and Galinsoga parviflora Cav. are cosmopolitan species widely used in traditional medicine and as food sources. All three plants have been traditionally applied as anti-inflammatory agents and for the treatment of wounds and skin disorders. S. media has also been used as anti-arthritic remedy, while G. parviflora has been employed for protection against solar radiation. This review evaluates whether the traditional medicinal uses of these species are supported by contemporary phytochemical and pharmacological evidence and provides an updated overview of their chemical composition and biological activity. A comprehensive literature survey was conducted using major scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SpringerLink, and Wiley Online Library. Phytochemical studies revealed high chemical diversity in all three species, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, iridoids, terpenoids, and phytosterols. Polar fractions were rich in phenolic compounds, whereas non-polar fractions were dominated by fatty acids, hydrocarbons, and terpenoids. Reported biological activities include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, enzyme inhibitory, and antidiabetic effects. S. media additionally demonstrated anti-obesity, neuroprotective, and wound-healing activities, while G. aparine showed immunomodulatory and anticancer potential. Extracts of G. parviflora exhibited anti-biofilm, larvicidal, anti-arthritic, and photoprotective effects and inhibited enzymes such as α-amylase, α-glucosidase, urease, and hyaluronidase. Current evidence partially supports the traditional uses of these species. However, further studies employing standardized extraction procedures, bioactivity-guided fractionation, and detailed phytochemical characterization are necessary to clarify structure–activity relationships and support the development of evidence-based phytotherapy.

This publication has 65 references indexed in Scilit: