UNLOCKING THE HEALING POWER OF DHAMASA BOOTI (FAGONIA SPP.): A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF PHYTOCHEMISTRY, PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES, AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

Abstract

Fagonia species, also called Dhamasa Booti, are herbs widely applied in South Asian and Middle Eastern folk medicine as a remedy in controlling fever, liver related issues, inflammation, diabetes, infections and tumor-like growths. These plants have a high level of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins, alkaloids and phenolic acids which make them possess a wide span of pharmacological activity. The preclinical research has shown strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antidiaetic, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activities, which can substantiate most of the traditional applications. Along with therapeutic potential, Fagonia species are sources of vital nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers that can improve the overall health condition and can work synergistically with phytochemicals to promote the functionality of the organism. However, with good in vitro and in vivo data, clinical validation has been less than convincing and issues like standardization of extracts, optimization of dosage and long-term safety evaluation must be tackled. This is a critical review of the existing knowledge on the phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, nutritional value, and safety profile of Fagonia species, which presents the gap in knowledge and future research directions. The overall analysis highlights the potential of Fagonia as both therapeutic and functional food, and the necessity to conduct systematic clinical trials and mechanistic research, and convert the traditional information to evidence-based medical and nutritional use.