Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Acalypha hispida burm: A systematic review

Abstract

Acalypha hispida belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae, it is a tropical shrub and an annual plant commonly known as ‘chenille plant’, ‘Red hot cat tail. It is native to the south pacific, new guinea, the malay archipelago and other islands in the east indies. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant in the garden and house. Traditionally the leaves are laxative, diuretic and used in the treatment of leprosy and gonorrhea. Different part of the plant is also used in infectious diarrhoea, pulmonary problems and as an expectorant in asthma. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of many compounds like alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, steroids, hydroxyanthraquinones etc. Acalypha hispida have been reported to have various pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-microbial, anti-fungal activity, trypanocidal effect, cytotoxic activities etc. The current reviews of Acalypha hispida summarizes information about the pharmacology, chemical constituents, biological activities and toxicological study. This review summarizes the research work carried out on this plant to provide updated information for future work.