TRAPA NATANS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ITS PHYTOCHEMISTRY, PHARMACOLOGICAL, AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

Vaishali Devi* and Dakshina Gupta

ABSTRACT

Trapa natans L., commonly known as water chestnut, is an aquatic plant widely distributed in Asia, Africa, and Europe, valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and ecological importance. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic, Unani, and folk medicine, T. natans has been employed for managing ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, urinary disorders, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This review comprehensively compiles and analyzes current literature on its phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, and therapeutic potential. The plant is rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, saponins, and carbohydrates, which contribute to its diverse biological effects. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities in various experimental models. Despite its promising pharmacological profile, gaps remain in clinical validation, standardization of extracts, and elucidation of molecular mechanisms. This review highlights the need for advanced research to establish T. natans as a scientifically validated source of nutraceuticals and therapeutic agents, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern pharmacology.

Keywords: Trapa natans, water chestnut, phytochemistry, pharmacology, therapeutic potential, medicinal plant.