Abstract

ACHYRANTHES ASPERA: A MEDICINAL PLANT WITH ITS BENEFICIAL ACTIVITIES

Lalit H. Gangurde* and Sonia T. Sevlani

ABSTRACT

Achyranthes Aspera (Amaranthaceae) is an important medicinal herb found as a weed throughout India. Though almost all of its parts are used in traditional systems. Medicines, seeds, roots and shoots are the most important parts which are used medicinally.The review reveals that wide numbers of phytochemical constituents have been isolated from the plant which possesses activities like Antiviral and Anticarcinogenic, Spermicidal, Hepatoprotective, Nephroprotective, Antidiabetic, Anti-inflammatory, Immunostimulants, Antimicrobial, Antiparasitic, Anti-allergic, Wound Healing, Antioxidant and Hypolipidemic properties of Achyranthes aspera which are instrumental in making it potent against infections. Wide numbers of phytochemical constituents have been isolated from the plant which possesses activities like anti-periodic, diuretic, purgative, laxative, anti-asthmatic, hepatoprotective, anti-allergic and various other important medicinal properties. The crushed plant is used in pneumonia and infusion of the root is used as mild astringent in bowel complaints. Decoction of powdered leaves with honey or sugar candy is useful in early stages of diarrhoea and dysentery. Achyranthes Aspera is also used in treating Pneumonia, Diarrhea, Asthma, Cough, Dropsy, Dandruff, Ulcers, Piles, Rheumatism, Scabies, Snake bite and other Skin diseases. It contains the Phytochemicals like Oleanolic acid, Saponin A and Saponin B.

Keywords: Achyranthes Aspera, Geographical Sources, Morphology, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological activities, Marketed Products, Uses.