ABSTRACT
Persicaria hydropiper (L.), belonging to the Polygonaceae family, is a common weed found in most temperate and tropical regions worldwide. The plant has traditionally been used for various health conditions, including antibacterial, antifungal, antihelminth, antifeedant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, oestrogenic, and antifertility uses. This chapter presents the traditional uses, important phytochemicals, and therapeutic properties of Persicaria hydropiper. Phytochemistry of the plant shows the presence of important phenolic compounds, including sulphated flavonoids, flavonoids, chalcones, phenolic acids, cinnamic acids, flavonoid glycosides, phenylpropanoid glycosides, anthraquinones, coumarins, terpenes, and lignans. Recent studies showed several therapeutic applications of P. hydropiper, such as antioxidant, antinociceptive, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antidepressant, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, anticancer, and antifertility effects. This chapter also focuses on extracts and isolated compounds that have shown potent neuroprotective and anti-Alzheimer’s activity.
