The genus Cirsium Mill. (Asteraceae) comprises a diverse family of herbaceous perennial and biennial plants, dispersed throughout North America, Europe, and Asia's temperate areas. Various members of this genus have been widely used in traditional medicines to treat inflammation, bleeding, liver diseases, stomach ailments, and wounds. This review attempts to create a comprehensive knowledge about the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities and prospects for research of Cirsium species. Phytochemical studies have identified a variety of bioactive compounds such as polyphenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans, terpenoids, polyacetylenes and sesquiterpene lactones. Various species have been reported with the presence of major compounds like apigenin, cirsimaritin, pectolinarin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, and cnicin, and each of these compounds has various biological activities. Experimental studies have shown evidence of antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and wound-healing activity, which is consistent with some of the traditional therapeutic claims. Cirsium species are also important nectar and pollen sources for pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and plays very important role in the ecosystem. However, a large number of species still have insufficient research in this regard, and these species are especially prevalent in the Himalayas. Comprehensive phytochemical characterization, molecular authentication, pharmacological validation and conservation strategies need to be explored and developed for sustainable utilization and therapeutic exploitation of this medicinally important genus in the future.
Cirsium, Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Asteraceae, Cirsimaritin
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