Recent progress in Glinus oppositifolius research.

Context: Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC. (Molluginaceae), a perennial subshrubs herb, grows at low altitudes in the southern part of Taiwan, and is used in traditional Chinese medicine for herpes zoster and herpangina. Objective: This study describes nutritional and therapeutic potential of Glinus oppositifolius and summarizes scientific evidence that supports traditional claims; recent progress in research for this plant is reviewed herein. Materials and methods: The literature has been retrieved from the web-based online systems including PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. The articles related to phytochemistry, pharmaceutical biology and ethnopharmacology have been excluded. Results and discussion: In clinical practice, the plant has been extensively investigated in a broad range of studies to provide scientific evidence for folklore claims or to find new therapeutic uses. The present review may arouse related research and make a more valid display for Taiwanese native medicinal plants.