Abstract
Hydrocotyle bonariensis is an edible herb, that is also used for traditional medical purposes. It is high in antioxidants, phenols, and flavonoids. However, there is limited information on the nutritional composition and the mechanisms by which nutritional and functional constituents of H. bonariensis affect human metabolism. With an aim to identify gaps in evidence to support the mainstream use of H. bonariensis for health and as a functional food, this review summarises current knowledge of the taxonomy, habitat characteristics, nutritional value and health-related benefits of H. bonariensis and its extracts. Ethno-medical practices for the plant are supported by pharmacological studies, yet animal model studies, clinical trials and food safety assessments are needed to support the promotion of H. bonariensis and its derivatives as superfoods and for use in the modern pharmaceutical industry.
Similar content being viewed by others
Availability of data and material
Not applicable.
Code availability
Not applicable.
References
Adamczak A, Ożarowski M, Karpiński TM (2020) Antibacterial activity of some flavonoids and organic acids widely distributed in plants. J Clin Med 9:109. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9010109
Ajani EO, Sabiu S, Zakari M, Olanipekun BE, Akintunde JK, Bamisaye FA (2017) Antioxidant capacity of fractionated extract and structural elucidation of isolated compounds from leaf extract of Hydrocotyl bonariensis Comm. Ex Lam. JBAPN 7:166–177. https://doi.org/10.1080/22311866.2017.1329667
Ajani EO, Salakoa AA, Sharlie PD, Akinleyec WA, Adeoyea AO, Salaua BA, Adebawoa OO (2009) Chemopreventive and remediation effect of Hydrocotyl bonariensis Comm. Ex. Lam J Ethnopharmacol 123:134–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.02.006
Ajani EO, Salau BA, Adebayo OL, Adegbesan BO, Odufuwa KT (2012) Administration of Hydrocotyl bonariensis aqueous leaves extract regulates cardiovascular disease risk factors in galactose model of experimental cataractogenesis. Sci Res Essays 7:1527–1530. https://doi.org/10.5897/SRE12.191
Al Aboody MS, Mickymaray S (2020) Anti-fungal efficacy and mechanisms of flavonoids. Antibiotics 9:45. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics9020045
Almaghamsi A, Almalki MH, Buhary BM (2018) Hypocalcemia in pregnancy: A clinical review update. Oman Med J 33:453. https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2018.85
Alothman M, Bhat R, Karim AA (2009) Effects of radiation processing on phytochemicals and antioxidants in plant produce. Trends Food Sci Technol 20:201–212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2009.02.003
Bandara MS, Lee EL, Thomas JE (2011) Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica L.): An under-utilized herb. Am J Plant Sci 5:20–31
Barreca D, Trombetta D, Smeriglio A, Mandalari G, Romeo O, Felice MR, Gattuso G, Nabavi SM (2021) Food flavonols: Nutraceuticals with complex health benefits and functionalities. Trends Food Sci Technol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2021.03.030
Chandra S, Khan S, Avula B, Lata H, Yang MH, ElSohly MA, Khan IA (2014) Assessment of total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant properties, and yield of aeroponically and conventionally grown leafy vegetables and fruit crops: A comparative study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/253875
Chang SK, Alasalvar C, Shahidi F (2016) Review of dried fruits: Phytochemicals, antioxidant efficacies, and health benefits. J Funct Foods 21:113–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2015.11.034
Chiarello SD, Joesting HM (2018) Examination of phenotypic plasticity in Hydrocotyle bonariensis in response to two soil types. Bios 89:65–73. https://doi.org/10.1893/0005-3155-89.2.65
Danderson CA, Downie SR, Hermann M (2018) Rampant polyphyly in the Arracacia clade (Apiaceae) and an assessment of the phylogenetic utility of 20 noncoding plastid loci. Mol Phylogenet Evol 118:286–305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2017.10.006
Dantas-Santos N, Gomes DL, Costa LS, Cordeiro SL, Costa MSSP, Trindade ES, Franco CRC, Scortecci KC, Leite EL, Rocha HAO (2012) Freshwater plants synthesize sulfated polysaccharides: Heterogalactans from water hyacinth (Eicchornia crassipes). Int J Mol Sci 13:961–976. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13010961
Delfin JC, Watanabe M, Tohge T (2019) Understanding the function and regulation of plant secondary metabolism through metabolomics approaches. Theor Exp Plant Physiol 31:127–138. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40626-018-0126-1
Entrocassi AC, Catalano AV, Ouviña AG, Wilson EG, López PG, Fermepin MR (2021) In vitro inhibitory effect of Hydrocotyle bonariensis Lam. extracts over Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae on different stages of the chlamydial life cycle. Heliyon 7:e06947. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06947
Evans JP (1992) Seedling establishment and genet recruitment in a population of a clonal dune perennial, Hydrocotyle bonariensis. In: Barrier Island Ecology of the Mid-Atlantic Coast. A Symposium. Atlanta, G. A, pp 75–84
Evans JP, Whitney S (1992) Clonal integration across a salt gradient by a nonhalophyte, Hydrocotyle bonariensis (Apiaceae). Am J Bot 79:1344–2147. https://doi.org/10.2307/2445132
Florinsiah L, Farida ZMY, Nur SN, Norfazlina MN, Suziana ZC, Rajab NF (2013) Mutagenicity effect of Hydrocotyle bonariensis extracts in Salmonella/microsome assay. Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res 20:47–50. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1573(199908/09)13:53.0.CO
Global functional food market revenue (2019–2025) https://www.statista.com/statistics/252803/global-functional-food-sales/. Accessed 9 Jul 2021
Go SK, Chia SL, Tan CP, Chong GH (2017) Effects of multi-stage dehumidified-air drying on the polyphenol content of Hydrocotyle bonariensis. Int Food Res J 24:589–593
Goh LG (2007) Effect of light intensity on the growth and chlorophyll content of pennywort (Hydrocotyle bonariensis comm. Ex lam.). Master thesis, University Putra Malaysia
Gooding AJ, Packer CD, Pensiero AL (2019) Zinc deficiency-induced hypogeusia in a patient with refractory iron-deficiency anemia: a case report. Cureus 11:e6365. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6365
Greca MD, Florentino A, Monaco P, Previtera L (1994) Oleanane glycosides from Hydrocotyle ranunculoides. Phytochemistry 36:1479–1483. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)89746-0
Haddad CRB, Mazzafera P (1999) Sodium chloride-induced leaf senescence in Hydrocotyle bonariensis Lam. and Foeniculum vulgare L. Braz Arch Biol Technol 42:1. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1516-89131999000200005
Haida Z, Maziah M, Hakiman M (2021) Primary metabolites, phenolics content and antioxidant activities of Hydrocotyle bonariensis and Centella asiatica. Fundam Appl Agric 6(1):27–34. https://doi.org/10.5455/faa.32251
Hashim P (2011) Centella asiatica in food and beverage applications and its potential antioxidant and neuroprotective effect. Int Food Res J 18:1215–1222
Hasler CM (2002) Functional foods: benefits, concerns and challenges—a position paper from the American Council on Science and Health. J Nutr 132:3772–3781. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/132.12.3772
Hesp PA (1991) Ecological processes and plant adaptations on coastal dunes. J Arid Environ 21:165–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-1963(18)30681-5
Hunyadi A (2019) The mechanism (s) of action of antioxidants: From scavenging reactive oxygen/nitrogen species to redox signaling and the generation of bioactive secondary metabolites. Med Res Rev 39:2505–2533. https://doi.org/10.1002/med.21592
Hylander N (1945) Nomenklatorische und systematische Studien über nordische Gefässpflanzen. Uppsala Univ Årsskr 7:5–337 (reference taken from Konstantinova & Yembaturova, 2010)
Jacobs RL, Zhao Y, Koonen DP, Sletten T, Su B, Lingrell S, Cao G, Peake DA, Kuo MS, Proctor SD, Kennedy BP (2010) Impaired de novo choline synthesis explains why phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase-deficient mice are protected from diet-induced obesity. J Biol Chem 285:22403–22413. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M110.108514
Joesting HM, Sprague MO, Smith WK (2012) Seasonal and diurnal leaf orientation, bifacial sunlight incidence, and leaf structure in the sand dune herb Hydrocotyle bonariensis. Environ Exp Bot 75:196–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2011.06.013
Kaboua K, Mouzou A, Pakoussi T, Assih M, Chatelier A, Diallo A, Bois P, Bescond J (2021a) Hydrocotyle bonariensis Comm ex Lamm (Araliaceae) leaves extract inhibits IKs not IKr potassium currents: Potential implications for anti-arrhythmic therapy. J Tradit Complement Med. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.09.004
Kaboua K, Pakoussi T, Mouzou A, Assih M, Kadissoli B, Dossou-Yovo KM, Bois P (2021b) Toxicological evaluation of Hydrocotyle bonariensis Comm. ex Lamm (Araliaceae) leaves extract. Beni-Suef Univ J Basic Appl Sci 10:1–7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43088-021-00160-5
Kim YJ, Kim HM, Kim HM, Lee HR, Jeong BR, Lee HJ, Kim HJ, Hwang SJ (2021) Growth and phytochemicals of ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) as affected by various combined ratios of red and blue LEDs in a closed-type plant production system. J Appl Res Med Aromat Plants. 20:100267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmap.2020.100267
Konstantinova AI, Yembaturova EY (2010) Structural traits of some species of Hydrocotyle (Araliaceae) and their significance for constructing the generic system. Plant Diver Evol 128:329–346. https://doi.org/10.1127/1869-6155/2010/0128-0015
Kostov K, Halacheva L (2018) Role of magnesium deficiency in promoting atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffening as risk factors for hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 19:1724. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19061724
Leopoldini M, Russo N, Toscano M (2011) The molecular basis of working mechanism of natural polyphenolic antioxidants. Food Chem 125:288–306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2010.08.012
Lovegrove A, Edwards CH, De Noni I, Patel H, El SN, Grassby T, Zielke C, Ulmius M, Nilsson L, Butterworth PJ, Ellis PR, Shewry PR (2017) Role of polysaccharides in food, digestion, and health. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 57:237–253. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2014.939263
Lü JM, Lin PH, Yao Q, Chen C (2010) Chemical and molecular mechanisms of antioxidants: experimental approaches and model systems. J Cell Mol Med 14:840–860. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1582-4934.2009.00897.x
Man S, Gao W, Zhang Y, Huang L, Liu C (2010) Chemical study and medical application of saponins as anti-cancer agents. Fitoterapia 81:703–714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2010.06.004
Marino CD, Zuppardo LZL, Armando J, Ruggiero ADA, Moya HD (2009) Analysis of the polyphenols content in medicinal plants based on the reduction of Cu (II)/Bicinchoninic complexes. J Agric Food Chem 57:11061–11066. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf902197p
Masoumian M, Arbakariya A, Syahida A, Maziah M (2011) Effect of precursors on flavonoid production by Hydrocotyle bonariensis callus tissues. Afr J Biotechnol 10:32. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJB10.1480
Maulidiani H, Abas F, Khatiba A, Shaar K, Nordin HL (2014) Chemical characterization and antioxidant activity of three medicinal Apiaceae species. Ind Crop Prod 55:238–247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2014.02.013
Maulidiani H, Khatib A, Shaari K, Abas F, Shitan M, Kneer R, Neto V, Lajis NH (2012) Discrimination of three pegaga (Centella) varieties and determination of growth-lighting effects on metabolites content based on the chemometry of 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. J Agric Food Chem 60:410–417. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf200270y
Mehri A (2020) Trace elements in human nutrition (ii)–an update. Int J Prev Med 11:2. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_48_19
Monyn ED, Bakayoko A, Bi FHT, Yao K, Kone MW (2016) Knowledge level and mineral content of Hydrocotyle bonariensis Lam. (Araliaceae), a plant used by households in the district of Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire). Int J Biol Chem Sci 10:2046–2061. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v10i5.9
Myint ZW, Oo TH, Thein KZ, Tun AM, Saeed H (2018) Copper deficiency anemia. Ann Hematol 97:1527–1534. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00277-018-3407-5
Nair I, Mazumdar P, Singh P, Rengasamy N, Harikrishna JA (2021) Increasing the Ratio of Blue to Red Light Improves Growth and Phytochemical Content in Hydrocotyle bonariensis. Russ J Plant Physiol 68:337–346. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1021443721020126
Nicolas AN, Plunkett GM (2009) The demise of subfamily Hydrocotyloideae (Apiaceae) and the re-alignment of its genera across the entire order Apiales. Mol Phylogenet Evol 53:134–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2009.06.010
Nielson E, Temporiti MEE, Cella R (2019) Improvement of phytochemical production by plant cells and organ culture and by genetic engineering. Plant Cell Rep 38:1199–1215. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00299-019-02415-z
Ninfali P, Antonelli A, Magnani M, Scarpa ES (2020) Antiviral properties of flavonoids and delivery strategies. Nutrients 12:2534. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092534
Obaseki OE, Adesegun OI, Anyasor GN, Abebawo OO (2016) Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory properties of the hexane extract of Hydrocotyle bonariensis Comm. Ex Lam. Leaves. Afr J Biotechnol 15:2759–2771. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJB2016.15631
Olszewska MA, Gędas A, Simões M (2020) Antimicrobial polyphenol-rich extracts: Applications and limitations in the food industry. Food Res Int. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109214
Ouviña A, Gorzalczany S, Acevedo C, Ferraro G (2009) Topic anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from Hydrocotyle bonariensis Lam. (Apiaceae). Lat Am J Pharm 28:941–944
Perkins A (2019) Molecular phylogenetics and species delimitation in annual species of Hydrocotyle (Araliaceae) from South Western Australia. Mol Phylogenet Evol 134:129–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2019.02.011
Reihani SFS, Azhar ME (2012) Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content in aqueous extracts of selected traditional Malay salads (Ulam). Int Food Res J 19:1439–1444
Ruffa MJ, Wagner ML, Suriano M, Vicente C, Nadinic J, Pampuro S, Salomón H, Campos RH, Cavallaro L (2004) Inhibitory effect of medicinal herbs against RNA and DNA viruses. Antivir Chem Chemother 15:153–159. https://doi.org/10.1177/095632020401500305
Saito K (2013) Phytocemical genomics- a new trend. Curr Opin Plant Biol 16:373–380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbi.2013.04.001
Schöpke Th, Janka M, Nimtz M, Wray V, HiIIer K (1998) Saniculoside R-1: a new triterpenoid saponin from Sankula europaea. Planta Med 64:83–85
Siddeeg A, AlKehayez NM, Abu-Hiamed HA, Al-Sanea EA, Al-Farga AM (2021) Mode of action and determination of antioxidant activity in the dietary sources: An overview. Saudi J Biol Sci 28:1633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.11.064
Singh S (2016) Enhancing phytochemical levels, enzymatic and antioxidant activity of spinach leaves by chitosan treatment and an insight into the metabolic pathway using DART-MS technique. Food Chem 199:176–184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.11.127
Souza DC, Costa-Silva TA, Morais TR, Brito JR, Ferreira EA, Antar GM, Sartorelli P, Tempone AG, Lago JH (2021) Simplified Derivatives of Dibenzylbutyrolactone Lignans from Hydrocotyle bonariensis as Antitrypanosomal Candidates. Chem Biodivers 18:e2100515. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202100515
Sumazian Y, Syahida A, Hakiman M, Maziah M (2010) Antioxidant activities, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and phenolic contents of Malaysian vegetables. J Med Plant Res 4:881–890. https://doi.org/10.5897/JMPR10.011
Tabopda TK, Mitaine-Offer AC, Miyamoto T, Tanaka C, Mirjolet JF, Duchamp O, Ngadjui BT, Lacaille-Dubois MA (2012) Triterpenoid saponins from Hydrocotyle bonariensis Lam. Phytochemistry 73:142–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2011.08.027
Tempone AG, Sartorelli P, Teixeira D, Prado FO, Calixto IA, Lorenzi H, Melhem MS (2008) Brazilian flora extracts as source of novel antileishmanial and antifungal compounds. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 1035:443–449. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0074-02762008000500006
Wallace TC, Blusztajn JK, Caudill MA, Klatt KC, Natker E, Zeisel SH, Zelman KM (2018) Choline: The underconsumed and underappreciated essential nutrient. Nutr Today 53:240–253. https://doi.org/10.1097/NT.0000000000000302
White PA, Oliveira R, Oliveira AP, Serafini MR, Araújo AA, Gelain DP, Moreira JC, Almeida JR, Quintans JS, Quintans-Junior LJ, Santos MR (2014) Antioxidant activity and mechanisms of action of natural compounds isolated from lichens: a systematic review. Molecules 19:14496–14527. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules190914496
Wojdyło A, Oszmiański J, Czemerys R (2007) Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in 32 selected herbs. Food Chem 105:940–949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2007.04.038
Wongrakpanich S, Wongrakpanich A, Melhado K, Rangaswami J (2018) A comprehensive review of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in the elderly. Aging Dis 9:143. https://doi.org/10.14336/AD.2017.0306
Zeisel SH, Da Costa KA (2009) Choline: an essential nutrient for public health. Nutr Rev 67:615–623. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00246.x
Zhao Y, Jian X, Wu J, Huang W, Huang C, Luo J, Kong L (2019) Elucidation of the biosynthesis pathway and heterologous construction of a sustainable route for producing umbelliferone. J Biol Eng 13:44. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13036-019-0174-3
Acknowledgements
CEBAR Research University Grants (RU006-2017 and RU006-2018) awarded to the University of Malaya under the Ministry of Education, Malaysia
Funding
CEBAR Research University Grants (RU006-2017 and RU006-2018).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Ethics approval
Not applicable.
Consent to participate
Not applicable.
Consent for publication
Not applicable.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mazumdar, P., Jalaluddin, N.S.M., Nair, I. et al. A review of Hydrocotyle bonariensis, a promising functional food and source of health-related phytochemicals. J Food Sci Technol 60, 2503–2516 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-022-05516-y
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-022-05516-y