Pedalium murex L.: Potential genetic resource for herbal medicine and mucilage

Abstract Pedalium murex (Pedaliaceae), commonly known as large caltrops in English and bada gokharu in Hindi is an underutilized mucilaginous medicinal herb having multiple uses in traditional system of medicine. It is mainly used to cure reproductive disorders, like impotency in men, nocturnal emissions, gonorrhoea as well as leucorrhoea in women. It is also useful in the treatment of urinary and gastrointestinal tract disorders. The present paper deals with botanical identity, vernacular names, ecology, environmental requirement and growth conditions, origin and geographical distribution, morphological/botanical description, propagation and cultivation, usages as a source of food, mucilage, medicine and biodiesel, important Ayurvedic formulations, phytochemical and pharmacological profile, future prospect.