Abstract

AN UPDATE OF PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF ACHYRANTHES ASPERA IN THE TREATMENT OF VARIOUS DISEASES

Prince*, Nandlal Singh and Dilip Kumar Chanchal

ABSTRACT

Achyranthes aspera Linn (Amaranthaceae), commonly known as apamarga, is a commonly available plant in India. Plants have been one of the important sources of medicines since the beginning of human civilization. There is a growing demand for plant based medicines, health products, pharmaceuticals, food supplements, cosmetics etc. A. aspera has been used in folk medicine in countries including Australia, India, and Kenya. A. aspera Linn. Is also used as an emmenagogue, antiarthritic, purgative, diuretic, antimalarial, oestrogenic, antileprotic, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, antibacterial and antiviral agent. It is reported to contain alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and terpenoids. The purpose of this paper is to critically review available literature on the pharmacological activity of Achyranthes aspera in the treatment of various diseases.

Keywords: Achyranthes aspera Linn, Pharmacological activity, Terpenoids, Medicinal uses.