PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF ACHYRANTHES ASPERA- A REVIEW

Many herbal remedies individually or in combination have been recommended in various medical treatises for the cure of different diseases. Achyarnthes aspera Linn. (Amaranthaceae) is an indigenous medicinal plant of Asia, South America and Africa and is commonly used by traditional healers for the treatment of fever, malarial fever, dysentery, asthma, hypertension and diabetes. The root extract is well reputed for its pronounced insect molting hormonal activity. A decoction of the whole plant is described to have diuretic properties and the aqueous extract is given for pneumonia. The dried herb is used to treat children for colic and also as an astringent in gonorrhea treatment. The root of Achyarnthes aspera is reported to have application in infantile diarrhea and cold while dry leaves are employed against asthma. Leaf extracts are reported to posses hypoglycemic, thyroid-stimulating and anti-peroxidative properties. It is claimed to be significant abortifacient activity in ancient Indian literature. This paper explains the evidence-based information regarding the phytochemistry and pharmacological activity of this plant.