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.