Volume 27, Issue 6 (1-2025)
J Arak Uni Med Sci 2025, 27(6): 394-403 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Mousavi Z S, Nasernakhaei F. A Review of Compounds and Medicinal Properties of Bird's-foot Trefoil. J Arak Uni Med Sci 2025; 27 (6) :394-403
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-7672-en.html
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-7672-en.html
1- Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2- Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran ,f.nasernakhaei@scuac.ir
2- Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran ,
Abstract: (308 Views)
Introduction: Bird′s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L., Fabaceae) has many medicinal properties due to its valuable chemical compounds. This research reviews the chemical compounds and medicinal properties of this plant.
Methods: This study used library resources, search engines, and databases such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, PubChem, ScienceDirect, Magiran, ResearchGate, and SID. The data were collected and classified.
Results: The results indicate that bird′s-foot trefoil is rich in valuable compounds such as kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, oleamide, and linoleamide. Different extracts of this plant have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant, anti-cancer, anti-pain, anti-depressant, anti-amylase, anti-fungal, antiprotozoal, and anti-bacterial activities. It is used for wound healing, controlling anxiety and nausea, treating urinary infections, removing kidney stones, and as an antispasmodic and anti-hemorrhoid. Topical application of Lotus corniculatus seed extract has reduced the sebum contents and areas of oily human skin.
Conclusions: L. corniculatus can directly and indirectly affect human life and health. Due to the effective compounds and medicinal properties of Bird′s-foot trefoil, additional studies and clinical tests on its medicinal properties should be performed.
References
1. Farnsworth NR, Soejarto DD. Global importance of medicinal plants. In: Akerele O, Heywood V, Synge H. (eds) The Conservation of Medicinal Plants. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press; 1991. p. 25-51.
2. Mozaffarian V. Identification of medicinal and aromatic plants of Iran. [in Persian]. Farhang Moaser Publications; 2015. p. 816-8.
3. Herbs LB. Herbs. London: Dorling Kindersley Ltd.; 1994. p. 304.
4. Emami A, Shams Ardakani MR, Nekouei Naeini N. Herbal medicine (treatment of diseases by plants) [in Persian]. Tehran, Iran: Rah-e Kamal Publications; 2004.
5. Hussein FTK. Medicinal plants in Libya, 1st ed. Arab Encyclopedia House; Beirut; 1985. p. 830.
6. Gomar A, Hosseini A, and Mirazi N. Effect of Lotus corniculatus L. extracts on wound healing in male diabetic rats induced with streptozocin [in Persian]. Health Services. 2014;36(4):94-101.
7. Bilgin FD. Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.). Legumes processing and potential. 2022; 21-27.
8. Piluzza G, Sulas L, Bullitta S. Tannins in forage plants and their role in animal husbandry and environmental sustainability: a review. Grass and Forage Sci. 2014;69(1):32-48. doi: 10.1111/gfs.12053
9. Rochon J, Doyle C, Greef J, Hopkins A, Molle G, Sitzia M, et al. Grazing legumes in Europe: a review of their status, management, benefits, research needs and future prospects. Grass and Forage Sci. 2004;59(3):197-214. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2494.2004.00423.x
10. Marley CL, Cook R, Keatinge R, Barrett J, Lampkin NH. The effect of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and chicory (Cichorium intybus) on parasite intensities and performance of lambs naturally infected with helminth parasites. Vet Parasitol. 2003;112(1-2):147-55. doi: 10.1016/S0304-4017(02)00412-0
11. Dalmarco JB, Dalmarco EM, Koelzer J, Pizzolatti MG. Isolation and identification of bioactive compounds responsible for the anti-bacterial efficacy of Lotus corniculatus var. Sã o Gabriel. International Journal of Green Pharmacy. 2010;4(2):108-14. doi: 10.4103/0973-8258.63886
12. Heidari Sharif Abad H, Dori MAF. Forage legumes [in Persian]. Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands; 2002.
13. Mozaffarian V. Flora of Khuzistan [in Persian]. Ministry of Jihad, Education and Extension, Deputy Minister of Livestock Affairs; 1999. p. 210-1.
14. Seaney RR, Henson PR. Birdsfoot trefoil. Adv Agro. 1970;22:119-57. doi: 10.1016/S0065-2113(08)60267-
15. Dinarvand M, Behnamfar K, and Kiani K. Flora of Khuzestan province [in Persian]. Tehran, Iran: Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands; 2021. p. 377-88.
16. Abdel-Alim ME, Serag MS, Moussa HR, Elgendy MA, Mohesien MT, Salim NS. Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Potential of Lotus corniculatus and Amaranthus viridis. Egypt J Bot. 2023;63(2):665-81. doi: 10.21608/ejbo.2023.158720.2118
17. Yerlikaya S, Baloglu MC, Diuzheva A, Jekő J, Cziáky Z, Zengin G. Investigation of chemical profile, biological properties of Lotus corniculatus L. extracts and their apoptotic-autophagic effects on breast cancer cells. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2019;174:286-99. pmid: 31185340 doi: 10.1016/j.jpba.2019.05.068
18. Bonde MR, Millar RL, Ingham JL. two phytoalexins from Lotus corniculatus. Phytochemistry. 1973;12(12):2957-9. doi:10.1016/0031-9422(73)80514-X.
19. Abdallah RM, Hammoda HM, Radwan MM, El-Gazzar NS, Wanas AS, ElSohly MA, et al. Phytochemical and pharmacological appraisal of the aerial parts of Lotus corniculatus L. growing in Egypt. Nat Prod Res. 2020;35(24):5914-7. pmid: 32755245 doi: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1802273
20. Harney PM, Grant WF. A chromatographic study of the phenolics of species of Lotus closely related to L. corniculatus and their taxonomic significance. Am J Bot. 1964;51(6Part1):621-7. doi: 10.2307/2439989
21. Li X-Q, Yang Y-Y, Chen L-J, Zhang Y, Chen Y-G. Compounds from Lotus corniculatus. Chem Nat Comp. 2019;55:719-21. doi: 10.1007/s10600-019-02788-3
22. Reynaud J, Lussignol M. The flavonoids of Lotus corniculatus. Lotus Newsletter. 2005;35(1):75-82.
23. Robbins MP, Paolocci F, Hughes JW, Turchetti V, Allison G, Arcioni S, et al. Sn, a maize bHLH gene, modulates anthocyanin and condensed tannin pathways in Lotus corniculatus. J Exp Bot. 2003;54(381): 239-48. pmid: 12493851 doi: 10.1093/jxb/erg022
24. Mezrag A, Bouheroum M, Malafronte N. D’Ambola M, Aissaoui M, Severino L. Phytochemical investigation and citotoxic activity of Lotus corniculatus. Pharmacologyonline. 2014;3:222-5.
25. Bakoglu A, Bagci E, Ciftci H. Fatty acids, protein contents and metal composition of some feed crops from Turkey. J Food Agri Environ. 2009;7(2):343-6.
26. Koçak A, Kokten K, Bagci E, Akçura M, Hayta S, Bakoglu A, et al. Chemical analyses of the seeds of some forage legumes from Turkey. A chemotaxonomic approach. Grasas y Aceites. 2011;62(4):383-8.
27. Walter ED. Isolation of oleanolic acid and saponin from trefoil (Lotus corniculatus, var. viking). J Pharm Sci. 1961;50(2):173. doi: 10.1002/jps.2600500219
28. Koelzer J, Pereira DA, Dalmarco JB, Pizzolatti MG, Fröde TS. Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory efficacy of Lotus corniculatus. Food Chem. 2009;117(3):444-50. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2009.04.044
29. Waghorn G, Ulyatt M, John A, Fisher M. The effect of condensed tannins on the site of digestion of amino acids and other nutrients in sheep fed on Lotus corniculatus L. Br J Nutr. 1987;57(1):115-26. pmid: 3801377 doi: 10.1079/bjn19870015
30. Afshar M, Sattarifard H, Shadi M, Ghaderi R. Repairing effects of Iran flora on wound healing [in Persian]. J Birjand Univ Med Sci. 2015;22(1):1-18.
31. Girardi FA, Tonial F, Chini SO, Sobottka AM, Scheffer-Basso SM, Bertol CD. Phytochemical profile and antimicrobial properties of Lotus spp.(Fabaceae). An Acad Bras de Ciênc. 2014;86:1295-302. pmid: 25014916 doi: 10.1590/0001-3765201420130220
32. Rafiq S, Majeed R, Qazi AK, Ganai BA, Wani I, Rakhshanda S, et al. Isolation and antiproliferative activity of Lotus corniculatus lectin towards human tumour cell lines. Phytomed. 2013;21(1):30-8. pmid: 24055517 doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2013.08.005
33. Hedqvist H, Mueller-Harvey I, Reed JD, Krueger CG, Murphy M. Characterisation of tannins and in vitro protein digestibility of several Lotus corniculatus varieties. Animal Feed Science and Technology. 2000;87(1-2):41-56. doi: 10.1016/S0377-8401(00)00178-4
34. Salman SM, Ali S, Ahmed A, Afridi S, Rehman AU. Preliminary phytochemical, essential element analysis and antimicrobial activities of ethanolic extract of Lotus corniculatus. Int J Biosci. 2015;7(2):106-15. doi: 10.12692/ijb/7.2.106-115
35. Foo LY, Newman R, Waghorn G, McNabb WC, Ulyatt MJ. Proanthocyanidins from Lotus corniculatus. Phytochem. 1996;41(2):617-24. doi: 10.1016/0031-9422(95)00602-8
36. Acuña H, Concha A, Figueroa M. Condensed tannin concentrations of three Lotus species grown in different environments. Chil J Agric Res. 2008;68(1). doi: 10.4067/S0718-58392008000100004
37. Aerts RJ, Barry TN, McNabb WC. Polyphenols and agriculture: beneficial effects of proanthocyanidins in forages. Agricu, Ecosys Environ. 1999;75(1-2):1-12. doi: 10.1016/S0167-8809(99)00062-6
38. Gebrehiwot L, Beuselinck PR, Roberts CA. Seasonal variations in condensed tannin concentration of three Lotus species. J Agron. 2002;94(5):1059-65. doi: 10.2134/agronj2002.1059
39. Häring D, Suter D, Amrhein N, Lüscher A. Biomass allocation is an important determinant of the tannin concentration in growing plants. An Bot. 2007;99(1):111-20. pmid: 17210606 doi: 10.1093/aob/mcl227
40. Marshall A, Bryant D, Latypova G, Hauck B, Olyott P, Morris P, et al. A high-throughput method for the quantification of proanthocyanidins in forage crops and its application in assessing variation in condensed tannin content in breeding programmes for Lotus corniculatus and Lotus uliginosus. J Agric Food Chem. 2008;56(3):974-81. pmid: 18193833 doi: 10.1021/jf072330+
41. Ramírez-Restrepo C, Barry T, López-Villalobos N, Kemp P, Harvey T. Use of Lotus corniculatus containing condensed tannins to increase reproductive efficiency in ewes under commercial dryland farming conditions. Animal Feed Science and Technology. 2005;121(1-2):23-43. doi: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2005.02.006
42. Wang Y, Douglas G, Waghorn G, Barry T, Foote A. Effect of condensed tannins in Lotus corniculatus upon lactation performance in ewes. J Agric Sci. 1996;126(3):353-62. doi: 10.1017/S0021859600074918
43. Min B, Attwood G, McNabb W, Molan A, Barry T. The effect of condensed tannins from Lotus corniculatus on the proteolytic activities and growth of rumen bacteria. Anim Feed Sci Techno. 2005;121(1-2):45-58. doi: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2005.02.007
44. Egorov AV, Mestechkina NM, Plennik RY, Shcherbukhin VD. Water-soluble galactomannan from the seed of ground honeysuckle (Lotus corniculatus L.: Structure and properties [in Russian]. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol. 2003;39(5):577-80. pmid: 14593873
45. Baali N, Mezrag A, Bouheroum M, Benayache F, Benayache S, Souad A. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Lotus corniculatus on Paracetamol-induced Hepatitis in Rats. Anti-Inflamm Antiallergy Agents Med Chem. 2020;19(2):128-39. pmid: 30799800 doi: 10.2174/1871523018666190222120752
46. Mousavi A. Medicinal plants of Zanjan province [in Persian]. IJMAPR. 2004:345-68.
47. Nemati Paykani M, Jalilian N. Medicinal plants of Kermanshah province [in Persian]. TBJ. 2012;4(11):69-78.
48. Mehrnia M, Hosseini Z. Ethnobotanical study of native medicinal plants of Aleshtar region (Lorestan) [in Persian]. Journal of Islamic and Iranian Traditional Medicine. 2020;11(1):81-112.
49. Jabbari S, Zakaria ZA, Ahmadimoghaddam D, Mohammadi S. The oral administration of Lotus corniculatus L. attenuates acute and chronic pain models in male rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024;319(Pt 1):117181. pmid: 37734474 doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117181
50. Trouillas P, Calliste CA, Allais DP, Simon A, Marfak A, Delage C, et al. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties of sixteen water plant extracts used in the Limousin countryside as herbal teas. Food Chem. 2003;80(3):399-407. doi: 10.1016/S0308-8146(02)00282-0
51. Altundag E, Ozturk M. Ethnomedicinal studies on the plant resources of east Anatolia, Turkey. Procedia-Soc Behav Sci. 2011;19:756-77. doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.05.195
52. Rao PK, Hasan SS, Bhellum BL, Manhas RK. Ethnomedicinal plants of Kathua district, J&K, India. J ethnopharmacol. 2015;171:12-27. pmid: 26023030 doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.05.028
53. Aziz MA, Khan AH, Adnan M, Izatullah I. Traditional uses of medicinal plants reported by the indigenous communities and local herbal practitioners of Bajaur Agency, Federally Administrated Tribal Areas, Pakistan. J Ethnopharmacol. 2017;198:268-81. pmid: 28108383 doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.01.024
54. Khalighi-Sigaroodi F, Ahvazi M, Hadjiakhoondi A, Taghizadeh M, Yazdani D, Khalighi-Sigaroodi S, et al. Cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity of 23 plant species of Leguminosae family. IJPR. 2012;11(1):295-302. pmid: 24250452
55. El-Gazzar NS, Abdallah RM, Hammoda HM, Sallam SM. Chemical constituents and biological activities of genus Lotus: An updated review. Rec Pharm Biomedical Sci. 2022;6(2):147-62. doi: 10.21608/rpbs.2022.150727.1157
56. Asadbegi M, Mirazi N, Vatanchian M. Comparative study of Lotus corniculatus L. hydroethanolic extract and phenytoin ointment effects on rat skin wound healing: morphometrical and histopathological studies [in Persian]. J Cell and Tissue. 2011;2(3):213-23. doi:10.52547/JCT.2.3.213
57. Pereira DA, Dalmarco JB, Wisniewski Jr A, Simionatto EL, Pizzolatti MG, Fröde TnS. Lotus corniculatus regulates the inflammation induced by bradykinin in a murine model of pleurisy. J Agric Food Chem. 2011;59(6):2291-8. pmid: 21355560 doi: 10.1021/jf103997s
58. Cheng L, Guo J, Lu Y. Inhibition of lipogenesis and sebum secretion for Lotus corniculatus seed extract in vitro and in vivo. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2023;45(1):62-72. pmid: 36324215 doi: 10.1111/ics.12823
59. Wang JL, Quan Q, Ji R, Guo XY, Zhang JM, Li X, et al. Isorhamnetin suppresses PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cell proliferation through S phase arrest. Biomed Pharmacother. 2018;108:925-33. pmid: 30372904 doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.105
60. Gürağaç Dereli FT, Khan H, Sobarzo-Sánchez E, Küpeli Akkol E. Antidepressant Potential of Lotus corniculatus L. subsp. corniculatus: An Ethnobotany Based Approach. Molecules. 2020;25(6):1299. pmid: 32178424 doi: 10.3390/molecules25061299
61. Gurkan D. Antibacterial activity of the seeds, roots and shoots of Lotus populations. LR. 2018;41(5):778-83. doi: 10.18805/LR-408
62. Rauf A, Jehan N. Natural products as a potential enzyme inhibitors from medicinal plants. In: Senturk M, editor. Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators. Rijeka, Croatia: IntechOpen; 2017. p 177.
63. Cook H. The effects of certain extracts of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and yellow pine needles (Pinus ponderosa) on the reproductive processes of the laboratory mouse and rat. Vancouver, Canada: The University of British Columbia; 1962.
64. Biely J, Kitts W. The anti-estrogenic activity of certain legumes and grasses. Can J Anim Sci. 1964;44(3):297-302.
65. Reynaud J, Jay M, Raynaud J. Flavonoid glycosides of Lotus corniculatus (Leguminosae). Phytochem. 1982;21(10):2604-5. doi: 10.1016/0031-9422(82)85271-
66. Sarelli L, Tuori M, Saastamoinen I, Syrjälä-qvist L, Saloniemi H. Phytoestrogen content of birdsfoot trefoil and red clover: Effects of growth stage and ensiling method. Acta Agric Scand, Section A—Anim Sci. 2003;53(1):58-63. doi: 10.1080/09064700310002053
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
