Traditional and biological uses of Neptunia oleracea lour: An overview

The present review highlights the multifaceted prospect of aquatic legume Neptunia oleracea Lour as food, medicinal plant and biofertilizer. The bibliographic data of the plant summarizes the parts used, its uses and country with references. The common chemical constituents of the plant responsible for the treatment of various ailments are given. It also describes the methodology and magnitude of its various biological activities. High nutritious value, high antioxidant an activity shown by the plant makes these plants an ideal food. The plant is also used as medicinal plant in various ailments in different countries. Pheophorbide a and its related compounds plant makes this plant a promising antitumor plant. The plant can also be used in sewage water treatment plants. The symbiotically associated bacteria efficiently fixed atmospheric nitrogen which significantly increases the N2 status of the oligotrophic soil of wetland ecosystem.