Faujasiopsis flexuosa (Lam.) C. Jeffrey (Asteraceae) – A Promising Traditionally used Endemic Medicinal Plant from Mauritius

Background: Faujasiopsis flexuosa (Lam.) C. Jeffrey. (FF) (Asteraceae) is traditionally used in the tropical island of Mauritius to manage several diseases including dysentery, asthma, and diabetes. Attempts have been made to validate its ethnopharmacological uses using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Findings from in vitro studies have shown that FF possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-diabetic properties. Objective: This mini-review attempts to present recent scientific data on the pharmacological potential of FF and aims at extending knowledge on its ethnopharmacological applications, botanical description and phytochemical profile to the scientific community. Conclusion: Limited documentation of in vivo assays of this plant demonstrates an urgent need for extensive research in order to validate traditional uses and open new avenues for drug development.