Lespedeza capitata: de la legumă la medicament

Abstract

Plant extracts have been pivotal in medicine and pharmacognosy for centuries, housing an array of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. This field, dedicated to exploring the medicinal properties of natural products, delves into the varied chemical compositions of these extracts. From ancient remedies to modern pharmaceuticals, they have been indispensable in healthcare. Numerous drugs, including aspirin and morphine, find their roots in plant sources. Today, extracts obtained from plants like ginseng, echinacea, and turmeric are esteemed for their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Lespedeza capitata, a legume native to the Americas is the focus of this article thanks to its compounds which have shown promising results. Our results showed that this species contains various polyphenols with good antioxidant properties. Herbal remedies often capitalize on the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of plant extracts. Additionally, phytochemicals within these extracts offer promising avenues for treating diverse ailments, from diabetes to cancer. Standardized extraction processes guarantee the potency and uniformity of medicinal plant products, further bolstering their reliability in healthcare. Ongoing research into plant extracts continues to reveal their therapeutic potential, fostering novel drug discoveries and advancements in global healthcare.