Health benefits of plants from the genus Corchorus

In this article, researchers from India investigated the biological roles and toxicological limits of the active components of plants from the genus Corchorus. Their findings were published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine.

• Species from the genus Corchorus are known for their phloem fiber.
• Their tender leaves are also used by Asian and African folk medicine practitioners for the management of pain, fever, dysentery, sexual disorders and degenerative diseases.
• After conducting a thorough review of literature, the researchers reported that Corchorus plants are rich in bioactive molecules, such as glycosides, polysaccharides, triterpenes, ionones, phenolics, sterols and fatty acids.
• These molecules, which are part of a large and varied group of phytochemicals, are responsible for the prophylactic and therapeutic applications of Corchorus plants.
• Clinical evidence also supports the traditional uses of Corchorus plants as folk medicines.

The researchers concluded that the immense genetic diversity, geographical adoptability and biological effects of Corchorus plants make them potential sources of herbal medicines, which could enhance community health standards and livelihood security among the rural populations of Asia and Africa.

Read the full study at this link.

Journal Reference:

Kumari N, Choudhary SB, Sharma HK, Singh BK, Kumar AA. HEALTH-PROMOTING PROPERTIES OF CORCHORUS LEAVES: A REVIEW. Journal of Herbal Medicine. March 2019;15:100240. DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2018.10.005