A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF AGASTYA (SESBANIA GRANDIFLORA (L.) PERS.): ETHNOMEDICINAL, NUTRITIONAL AND PHYTO-PHARMACOLOGICAL EVIDENCE
TL;DR
The combination of traditional knowledge and modern scientific findings shows that SG is a multifunctional medicinal plant with significant therapeutic, nutritional, and commercial value and requires further clinical validation and formulation development to establish its evidence-based therapeutic and nutraceutical applications.
Abstract
Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Pers (SG) commonly known as ‘Agastya’ is a nutritionally and medicinally important plant widely used in traditional healthcare systems. Rich in bioactive phytoconstituents and essential nutrients, it has demonstrated diverse pharmacological activities. However, despite its extensive traditional use, comprehensive clinical evidence and modern formulation development remain limited. Data were collected from classical texts of Ayurveda, ethnobotanical records, scientific databases, and published articles. Information related to its plant characteristics, traditional uses, nutritional content, phytochemical compounds, pharmacological effects, toxicity studies, combined effects, and commercial uses was summarized. The review showed that SG has significant nutritional value and contains various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, and glycosides. Experimental studies have demonstrated a broad range of biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. Available toxicity studies suggest a favorable safety profile when used as recommended. Additionally, growing scientific interest has led to its use in functional foods, health supplements, herbal products, and commercially available health items. The combination of traditional knowledge and modern scientific findings shows that SG is a multifunctional medicinal plant with significant therapeutic, nutritional, and commercial value. Despite its extensive traditional use, SG requires further clinical validation and formulation development to establish its evidence-based therapeutic and nutraceutical applications. SG is a valuable medicinal and nutraceutical plant with diverse health-promoting properties and significant potential for application in functional foods and evidence-based healthcare.