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A review on medicinal uses of Acalypha indica linn
Dr. S. SENTHILKUMAR 1, * and Dr. C. KIRUBA RANI 2
1 Post Doctoral - Research Scholar, Manipur International University, Imphal, Manipur, India.
2 Department of Biochemistry, Vellalar College for Women, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 22(03), 320–323
Publication history: Received on 25 April 2024; revised on 31 May 2024; accepted on 03 June 2024
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.22.3.1694
Abstract
The medicinal uses of Acalypha indica possesses diuretic, purgative, anti-bacterial, anti- fungal, and anthelmintic
properties. This medicinal plants traditionally used for treating intestinal worms, gun problems, stomach aches, hernia,
rheumatism, bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, scabies and skin diseases. It can be used externally and internally for
medicinal purpose. It contains a number of medically active ingredients including essential oil, resin, tannins and
alkaloids. Decoction is used to treat asthma, intestinal worms and stomach-ache. Leaf powder is used for maggot-
infested wounds. It helps in proper functioning of digestive system and respiratory organs.
Keywords: Tannins; Alkaloids; Medicinal plant; Flavonoid; Acalypha indica
1. Introduction
The Acalypha indica plant that has benefits in traditional medicine. The leaves can treat nose bleeds, coughs, dysentery,
diarrhea, vomiting of blood, bleeding, and external wounds[1]. This is corroborated by the phytochemical test of earring
plants which shows the presence of flavonoid, triterpenoid, steroid and saponin compounds[2,3].
The use of Acalypha indica as a traditional medicinal plant has been carried out. Acalypha indica boiled water can treat
toothaches and ear infections, the pulp can be used to treat burns and rheumatism. Acalypha indica plant extract can
also play a role as a natural contraceptive, analgesic, and anti- inflammatory, the effects of neurotherapy and
neuroprotectants, reduce blood glucose, reduce uricacid. Some studies report that the extract of Acalypha indica can
inhibit the growth of some pathogenic bacteria[4,5,6].
Based on the flavonoid compounds owned by the leaves of Acalypha indica as an anti- inflammatory, it needs to be
developed into a pharmaceutical preparation to increase its use. One of the oinment preparations was chosen because
it is the most suitable pharmaceutical preparation for medicinal purposes for skin because of the longer contact between
the drug and the skin[7].
2. Medicinal uses of Acalypha indica
2.1. Constipation and respiratory problems
Phlegm soak few leaves in water for a few hours. Filter and take this water in a dose of 2 teaspoon full. Do not take in
excess as this can cause vomiting.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 22(03), 320–323
321
2.2. Intestinal parasite
Take fresh leaves of the plant. Wash well and dry completely. Pulverize to prepare powder. Take this powder (1/4 to ½
teaspoon) with Luke warm water.
2.3. Stomach infections
Take clean leaves and grind with few garlic pods. Take this with rice.
2.4. Piles
Prepare fine powder of Acalypha and Tulsa leaves (Osmium Sanctum) in equal amounts. Take this powder (2-3 pinches)
with little amount of ghee thrice a day.
2.5. External use
Insect bite, boils, inflammation. Take fresh leaves of Acalypha indica and prepare a paste. Apply this paste on the affected
areas.
2.6. Headaches
Apply leaves juice on the affected areas.
2.7. Muscular pain
Prepare Acalypha indica medicated oil. for this purpose extract leaves juices of this medicinal herb. add this juice in
equal amount of sesame oil. cook this oil, till all water evaporate and only oil remains. apply thus prepared medicated
oil in lukewarm condition.
2.8. Bed sores
Dry leaves of Acalypha indica in sun and prepare a powder. apply this powder on the affected areas to get relief from
bed sores.
2.9. Skin rashes
Prepare a poultice of its leaves and apply at affected areas.
2.10. Venereal sore
Prepare fine paste of its leaves and apply on the affected areas.
2.11. Skin wound, itching
Mix it leaves paste with turmeric and apply at affected area.
3. Phytochemical compounds uses of Acalypha indica
3.1. Flavonoids
Anti-oxidant, anti- inflammatory, anti- cancer, anti-diabetic activities.
3.2. Alkaloids
Anti-nociceptive, anti- inflammatory activity and anti- bacterial activities.
3.3. Tannins
Astringent and anti-oxidant properties, used to treat diarrhea and dysentery.
3.4. Essential oils
Anti- bacterial, anti-fungal and insecticidal activities.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 22(03), 320–323
322
3.5. Saponins
Anti- inflammatory, anti- cancer and anti-diabetic properties.
3.6. Phenolic acids
Anti- oxidant, anti- inflammatory and anti- cancer properties[8]
4. Ethnomedicinal uses of Acalypha indica
4.1. Vomiting
Fresh leaf extract 3 ml is taken 1-2 times daily to get rid from vomiting.
4.2. Diarrhoea
Leaf extract 5 ml is taken 2 times daily[9].
4.3. Earache
Warm leaf extract 2-3 drops is poured in to the ear.
4.4. Arthritis
Root extract 3-5 ml is taken twice daily[10].
4.5. Dental problem
Stem is used as tooth brush.
4.6. Epilepsy
Leaf extract is applied over the eye lid to get rid from epilepsy. Leaf extract 5-6 drops is poured in to the nostrils.
4.7. Paralysis
Root paste 5 gm is taken twice daily.
4.8. Itch, scabies and ringworm
Leaf paste and lime or salt are mixed together and applied over the affected part[11].
4.9. Utricaria
Whole plant decoction and Ricinus communis seed oil are mixed together and massaged over the affected part[12].
4.10. Toothache
Leaf extract is applied on the affected area for some time.
4.11. Anthelmintic
The punching root, stem, leaf, flower and fruit extract 3-5 is taken 1-2 times daily in empty stomach[13].
4.12. Headache
Punching extract is soaked with a cotton wick and inserted into the nostrils for some time.
4.13. Asthma and cough
Leaf extract 5 ml is taken 2 times daily[14].
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 22(03), 320–323
323
5. Conclusion
The pharmacological studies conducted on Acalypha indica indicate the immense potential of this plant in the treatment
of conditions such as wounds, malaria, coughs, inflammatory, diabetes etc.. Acalypha indica also exhibits anti-oxidant,
anti-microbial, anti- inflammatory, anti- diabetic, wound healing effect, anti-venom and anti- fertility activities.
However, the diverse pharmacological activities of Acalypha indica extracts and isolated phytochemical have been
investigated in laboratory animals and the results obtained may not necessarily be portable to the situation in humans.
While there are gaps in the studies conducted so far, which needed to be bridged in order to exploit the full medicinal
potential of Acalypha indica. It is still clear that this plant with tremendous widespread use now and also with
extraordinary potential for the future. further research in Phytochemicals development from Acalypha indica will help
to analyses therapeutic efficacy of products. Efforts are now being made to investigate various therapeutic actions of
Acalypha indica plant and their products using model systems.
Compliance with ethical standards
Disclosure of conflict of interest
No conflict of interest to be disclosed.
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