Coronopus didymus (wormseed): an evidence-based review for primary health care
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5712/rbmfc21(48)4710Keywords:
Coronopus didymus, Medicinal plants, Phytotherapy, Primary health careAbstract
Introduction: The use of medicinal plants is a widespread traditional practice, especially in Brazil, with significance in primary health care (PHC). Coronopus didymus (mastro) is commonly used in folk medicine because of its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Despite this, scientific evidence supporting its therapeutic use remains limited, requiring a critical analysis to integrate these practices into the Unified Health System (SUS). Objective: To evaluate the scientific studies on C. didymus between 2003 and 2023, investigating evidence of its therapeutic properties and its applicability in the context of PHC in Brazil. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases. After searching for the term “Coronopus didymus” and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 42 articles were analyzed. Duplicate studies, those focused on non-medicinal applications, or involving other plants were excluded. The publications analyzed in vitro data, animal models, and population interviews. Results: Of the 42 articles analyzed, 14 met the final criteria. The biological activities identified include antioxidant (41.6%), anti-inflammatory (16.6%), anti-arthritic (16.6%), antifungal (8.3%), antipyretic (8.3%), and antiviral (8.3%) properties. The most frequent bioactive compounds were flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, and tannins. Some preclinical studies highlighted promising effects, such as hepatoprotective action, reduction of blood glucose, and wound healing. However, no clinical trials validating these effects in humans were found. Conclusions: Although C. didymus is widely used in traditional medicine, the lack of robust clinical studies prevents its formal recommendation in PHC. Available evidence is limited to preclinical studies suggesting therapeutic potential in antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. There is an urgent need for research to assess its safety, efficacy, and toxicity in humans. Thus, mastro still lacks sufficient scientific support to be integrated into SUS as a therapeutic alternative.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Júlia Gralha Tonett, Francieli Jantsch Pedó, Leonardo Vieira Targa, Martina Vergani, Giulia Ceconello de Aquino
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