Recent progress in Glinus oppositifolius research.

CONTEXT: Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC. (Molluginaceae), a perennial subshrubs herb, grows at low altitudes in the southern part of Taiwan, and is used in traditional Chinese medicine for herpes zoster and herpangina.

OBJECTIVE

This study describes nutritional and therapeutic potential of Glinus oppositifolius and summarizes scientific evidence that supports traditional claims; recent progress in research for this plant is reviewed herein.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The literature has been retrieved from the web-based online systems including PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. The articles related to phytochemistry, pharmaceutical biology and ethnopharmacology have been excluded.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In clinical practice, the plant has been extensively investigated in a broad range of studies to provide scientific evidence for folklore claims or to find new therapeutic uses. The present review may arouse related research and make a more valid display for Taiwanese native medicinal plants.