<i>Oxalis pes-caprae</i> L. (Oxalidaceae): From Invasive Concern to Promising Bioresource for Health and Sustainable Applications

<i>Oxalis pes-caprae</i> L., an invasive plant from South Africa, has developed into a severe ecological threat in many Mediterranean and temperate areas by replacing native flora and modifying ecosystems. Although this species has detrimental effects on the ecosystem, it has unrealized...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Giuseppe Antonio Malfa, Simone Bianchi, Vivienne Spadaro, Claudia Di Giacomo, Francesco Maria Raimondo, Rosaria Acquaviva
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Plants
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/4/578
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Summary:<i>Oxalis pes-caprae</i> L., an invasive plant from South Africa, has developed into a severe ecological threat in many Mediterranean and temperate areas by replacing native flora and modifying ecosystems. Although this species has detrimental effects on the ecosystem, it has unrealized potential as a significant bioresource. Current research on the secondary metabolites found in <i>O. pes-caprae</i>, such as phenolic acids, oxalates, and flavonoids, is summarized in this review, along with an analysis of their biological and pharmacological properties, which include antibacterial, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities. <i>O. pes-caprae</i> could be converted from a troublesome intruder into a financially and ecologically advantageous bioresource of natural products for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural applications by rethinking the invasive species as a resource for phytochemical extraction. This would offer a novel approach to managing invasive species while promoting the advancement of green technologies and sustainable practices.
ISSN:2223-7747