PHARMACOGNOSTICAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL OVERVIEW OF ACALYPHA INDICA LINN. (EUPHORBIACEAE)

Acalypha indica is a plant species found on roadsides and riverbanks throughout India. Native to India and Southeast Asia, Acalypha indica is an evergreen shrub often used for ornamental purposes. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the benefits of plants, the future of Acalypha indica is looking bright. It is an essential medicinal species used extensively for treating patients in the Ayurvedic and Siddha systems of medicine. It is claimed to treat various health conditions and management of chronic diseases. Due to these therapeutic activities, researchers made several studies to evaluate the chemical composition and pharmacological activities produced by the plant. Flavonoids, cyanogenic glucoside (acalyphin), tannins, saponins, and pyranoquinolinone alkaloid (flindersine) are the major chemical constituents present in Acalypha indica. In vitro, and in-vivo studies have been carried out to confirm various pharmacological activities present in this plant. This includes antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-fertility, antivenom, wound healing effect and anti-diabetic activities. They are also used as diuretic, cathartic, anthelmintic and in treating psoriasis. Overall, the potential of Acalypha indica is vast, and its future looks promising. As research progresses, more and more medicinal and ornamental uses may be discovered. This review will summarise all the pharmacological activities registered by this plant and the phytochemicals present in Acalypha indica.