Journal of PhytoPharmaceutical and Advanced Chemistry
Short Name: JPPAC• ISSN: 3139-9266• Peer-Reviewed Open Access
Hemidesmus indicus (Sariva): A Systematic Scoping Review of Phytochemistry, Traditional Ayurvedic Knowledge, and Preclinical Evidence in Cancer Research
Abstract
Tumours frequently resist mono-targeted therapies, necessitating the exploration of multi-target botanical drugs. Hemidesmus indicus (Sariva) is a prominent plant traditionally prescribed in Ayurveda for blood diseases, systemic inflammation, and neoplasms. Since its oncological potential remains fragmented across various models, this systematic scoping review maps traditional Ayurvedic knowledge against modern phytochemical and preclinical evidence to comprehensively evaluate its anticancer efficacy and highlight critical research gaps. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic literature search identified in vitro, ex vivo, and in silico studies investigating the anticancer, antileukaemic, and anti-angiogenic effects of H. indicus. Extracted data encompassed cancer types, botanical parts, and molecular mechanisms. Seven principal preclinical studies met the inclusion criteria. The root phytocomplex, dominated by benzaldehydes, demonstrates synergistic broad-spectrum cytotoxicity across leukaemia, colorectal, breast, and lung cancer models. Mechanistically, it induces intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, enforces cell-cycle arrest, and uniquely overcomes leukaemic differentiation blocks. Furthermore, it acts as an "endogenous vaccine" by triggering immunogenic cell death (ICD) via DAMP (damage-associated molecular patterns) mobilisation and starves solid tumours by inhibiting angiogenesis. Additionally, aerial flavonoids like rutin computationally exhibit superior targeted inhibition of breast cancer receptors. The phytocomplex also exhibits a dual paradox: genoprotecting healthy DNA from mutagens while exerting pro-oxidant lethality in tumours. H. indicus possesses robust multi-target anticancer efficacy that molecularly validates its traditional Ayurvedic uses. However, clinical translation necessitates rigorous in vivo validation and human trials to confirm systemic safety, pharmacokinetics, and standardisation.
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Inaugural Message from the Editor It is with great pleasure and a strong sense of responsibility that we welcome readers, authors, reviewers, and members of the scientific community to the Journal of PhytoPharmaceutical and Advanced Chemistry (JPPAC). The launch of this journal marks an important milestone in our collective effort to promote rigorous, ethical, and impactful scientific research at the intersection of phytopharmaceutical sciences and advanced chemical research.
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Journal of PhytoPharmaceutical and Advanced Chemistry
An international, peer-reviewed journal integrating phytopharmaceutical sciences, natural products, and advanced pharmaceutical chemistry.
This peer-reviewed publication is indexed directly from the publisher repository adhering to Open Archives Initiative (OAI-PMH) metadata standards, Crossref DOI schema, and Google Scholar Highwire Press protocols.