Preprint / Version 1

“Malancha” [Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb.]: A Potential Therapeutic Option against Viral Diseases

Authors

  • Lutfun Nahar Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Institute of Experimental Botany ASCR & Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 78371 Olomouc, Czech Republic
  • Sushmita Nath Centre for Natural Products Discovery (CNPD), School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, James Parsons Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK; [email protected]
  • Satyajit Sarker Centre for Natural Products Discovery (CNPD), School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, James Parsons Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK; [email protected]

Keywords:

Alternanthera philoxeroides, Amaranthaceae, antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, bioactivities, biomolecular interactions, flavonoids, saponins, mechanisms

Abstract

Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb., commonly known as “Alligator weed” in English, and “Malancha” in Bengali, is a leafy vegetable from the family Amaranthaceae A. L. de Jussieu. This species is native to China, particularly to the provinces around the Yangtze River, other Far East and South-East Asian countries, and countries from other continents (e.g., South America). This plant also grows in certain areas in Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. While in Bangladesh the leaves of this plant are consumed as a vegetable, in China, this plant has been used widely as a traditional remedy for the treatment of various viral diseases (e.g., measles, influenza, and haemorrhagic fever). Flavonoids and saponins are the two largest groups of phytochemicals produced by this plant, and the antiviral property of this plant and its compounds has been studied extensively. This review article reviews all published literature on this plant and critically appraises its phytochemical profile linking to biomolecular interactions and therapeutic potential, particularly, against viral diseases. Keywords: Alternanthera philoxeroides, Amaranthaceae, antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, bioactivities, biomolecular interactions, flavonoids, saponins, mechanisms