Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of Curculigo Species

Curculigo species belongs to the family of Hypoxidaceae. These plants hold a significant position in the Chinese and Ayurvedic systems of medicine, treating ailments due to their various effects on humans. The traditional system of medicine used the extracts of Curculigo species as an aphrodisiac herb, to treat amenorrhea, jaundice, and arthritis. To determine the significance of the plant, we reviewed PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science for literature on its geographical, phytochemical, and pharmacological uses. The major bioactive compounds isolated from Curculigo are phenolic glycosides, polysaccharides, lignans, and alkaloids. The rhizome and the whole plant extracts are reported to have neuroprotective, antioxidant, antiosteoporotic, and anticancer properties. Among the Curculigo species, Curculigo orchioides are well explored for their pharmacological properties. The traditional use of the extracts was scientifically proved using different model systems. However, pharmacological processes and pathways of action of active compounds of the Curculigo genus are unexplored. This chapter is a comprehensive summary of the properties of Curculigo species and their therapeutic uses.