Review of phytochemistry and pharmacology of Euphorbia hirta.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Review on phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects of euphorbia hirta linn. (familyeuphorbiaceae)
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Shraddha R. Chate, Vishakha S. Shingote, Mohini Upadhye and Sonali Chintamani
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Review on phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects of euphorbia hirta linn. (familyeuphorbiaceae)
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20221-22549
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Euphorbia hirta Linn. is a significant medicinal herb belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, widely distributed across various parts of the world, particularly in India and Africa. Commonly referred to as the "asthma plant," it is known for its therapeutic properties attributed to various phytochemicals present in its structure. This plant contains an array of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, glycosides, and flavonoids, contributing to its various pharmacological effects. The plant has been traditionally associated with alleviating respiratory issues and is also utilized for different health complaints, particularly in women. This review aims to explore its botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition, and significant pharmacological activities.
Pharmacological Activities
Euphorbia hirta exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antidiarrheal effects. Research has shown that extracts from the aerial parts of the plant can significantly reduce inflammation and pain, thereby contributing to its use in treating various ailments. Additionally, the plant has been noted for its diuretic properties, which can aid in increasing urine output, and its efficacy against diarrhea, particularly amoebic dysentery in different regions. The various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and tannins, play a critical role in this array of therapeutic applications.
Antimicrobial and Anticancer Properties
The plant's extracts have demonstrated significant antibacterial and anticancer properties. Studies have revealed that Euphorbia hirta extracts are effective against certain bacteria, including Shigella species, indicating its potential in treating bacterial infections. Moreover, extracts have shown selective cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines, making it a promising candidate for developing anticancer therapies, particularly for malignant melanomas and squamous cell carcinomas. This highlights the plant's potential in addressing both infectious diseases and cancer, underlining its importance in modern pharmacology.
Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Effects
In addition to its antibacterial and anticancer activities, Euphorbia hirta exhibits immunomodulatory effects. Aqueous-alcoholic extracts containing various phytochemicals have shown the ability to stimulate immune responses in vitro. This immune-boosting property is valuable in enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases. Furthermore, the plant displays notable antioxidant activity, primarily due to its rich flavonoid and polyphenol content, which offers potential in combating oxidative stress and related diseases.
Conclusion
Euphorbia hirta is a multifaceted medicinal herb with a diverse range of pharmacological activities, stemming from its rich phytochemical composition. As traditional medicine continues to gain recognition, there is a pressing need for comprehensive research to fully understand the plant's therapeutic potentials. The current review underscores the importance of further investigations into this herb, particularly through ethno-pharmacological approaches, to maximize its benefits and establish more concrete applications in modern medicine. Given its wide availability and historical use in various cultures, Euphorbia hirta holds promise as a valuable resource for developing new treatments and enhancing public health.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Euphorbia hirta and what are its common names?
Euphorbia hirta, known as Asthma Herb or Snake Weed, is a medicinal herb belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. It has various vernacular names including dudhani in Gujarati and tawa-tawa in Tagalog.
What are the medicinal uses of Euphorbia hirta?
Euphorbia hirta has multiple medicinal uses such as treating asthma, respiratory tract diseases, diarrhea, dysentery, and promoting wound healing. It also has properties like anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and analgesic.
What are the main phytochemical components of Euphorbia hirta?
Key phytochemicals in Euphorbia hirta include flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, triterpenes, and alkanes. These compounds contribute to the plant's medicinal properties and pharmacological activities.
What are the reported pharmacological activities of Euphorbia hirta?
Euphorbia hirta exhibits various pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antioxidant effects. Its extracts have shown efficacy against multiple pathogens and disorders.
How is Euphorbia hirta used in traditional medicine?
In traditional medicine, Euphorbia hirta is used for conditions like asthma, coughs, irregular milk flow, and digestive issues. It holds significance in Ayurvedic medicine and folk remedies.
What are the safety and toxicity concerns associated with Euphorbia hirta?
While Euphorbia hirta is commonly used in traditional medicine, its safety profile should be considered. High doses may lead to adverse effects, and it is essential to consult healthcare professionals before use.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Review of phytochemistry and pharmacology of Euphorbia hirta.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
Activity refers to the biological effects or impacts exhibited by compounds derived from plants such as Euphorbia hirta. These activities include various pharmacological effects, e.g., antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiarrheal, which are crucial in understanding the therapeutic potential of the plant and its extracts in medicinal applications.
2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial relates to substances or treatments that prevent the growth of bacteria or kill them. In the context of Euphorbia hirta, studies highlight its antibacterial properties against various pathogenic bacteria, making it significant in the development of natural remedies and treatments for bacterial infections.
3) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid, singular form of flavonoids, refers to individual compounds belonging to the flavonoid class. These compounds are bioactive and are known for their role in promoting health due to their medicinal properties. Their presence in Euphorbia hirta adds to the plant's therapeutic potential.
4) Family:
Family, in botanical classification, denotes a group of related plants sharing common characteristics. Euphorbia hirta belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, which comprises plants known for their medicinal properties, influencing the understanding of its uses and applications within herbal medicine.
5) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of the properties and effects of drugs, including their interactions with biological systems. The pharmacological aspects of Euphorbia hirta are explored to determine its medicinal applications and therapeutic effects, fulfilling an essential role in developing plant-based treatments.
6) Line:
Line, in a scientific context, often refers to a lineage or cell line used in research to study biological or pharmacological effects. In the context of Euphorbia hirta, certain cell lines may be utilized to assess its cytotoxicity or effectiveness against various diseases.
7) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to bioactive compounds produced by plants that have potential health benefits. The phytochemical profile of Euphorbia hirta includes flavonoids, alkaloids, and polyphenols, which are crucial for understanding its medicinal properties and potential uses in healthcare.
8) Shraddha (Sraddha):
Shraddha is a given name, representing one of the authors of the study on Euphorbia hirta. The name adds personal attribution to the research, highlighting the contributions of various individuals in advancing knowledge on the medicinal properties of this plant.
9) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is an ancient language of India known for its classical literature and philosophical texts. The mention of Sanskrit in the context of Euphorbia hirta signifies the cultural and historical roots of traditional medicinal knowledge that exist within Indian herbal practices, enhancing its significance.
10) Castor:
Castor refers to a specific plant or product often associated with medicinal uses. In the context of Euphorbia hirta, it is used as a reference for comparative studies in pharmacological activity, especially in relation to antidiarrheal properties against castor oil-induced effects.
11) Cancer:
Cancer indicates a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Euphorbia hirta has shown cytotoxicity against certain cancer cell lines, marking its potential focus in cancer research and the development of alternative treatment modalities in oncological therapies.
12) India:
India represents the geographical and cultural origin of Euphorbia hirta, where it is often found growing. The country is significant in the study of this herb as it forms part of traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda, affecting both its historical and cultural context within herbal medicine.
13) Tamil:
Tamil refers to a language and culture in Southern India, where Euphorbia hirta is used in traditional medicine. The acknowledgment of Tamil culture emphasizes the regional specificity of herbal medicine and reinforces the ethnopharmacological relevance of the plant in local healing practices.
14) Beta:
Beta often refers to beta-amyrin, a triterpene identified in Euphorbia hirta. This compound is integral to understanding the pharmacological effects of the plant, as beta-amyrin and similar constituents contribute to various health benefits attributed to the herb's extract.
15) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation indicates processes that alter the state or form of cells or organisms. In pharmacodynamics, understanding the transformation induced by plant extracts like Euphorbia hirta on different cell types can help evaluate their therapeutic potential and efficacy.
16) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to injury or infection characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain. Euphorbia hirta is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it relevant in treating diseases associated with inflammation, thus contributing to its therapeutic profile.
17) Ahmednagar:
Ahmednagar is a district in India where some research on Euphorbia hirta may originate. Geographic identification can provide insights into local uses of the plant in traditional medicine, and the socio-cultural aspects of its utilization, enhancing its significance in specific regional practices.
18) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional medicine practices. As a region where Euphorbia hirta grows, its presence indicates the local recognition and applications of this herb in Ayurveda and folk medicine.
19) Substance:
Substance refers to a specific chemical compound or mixture of compounds derived from plants. In the context of Euphorbia hirta, substances such as flavonoids, tannins, and terpenes play a crucial role in exploring the plant's medicinal properties and confirm its pharmacological benefits.
20) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that emphasizes natural healing using herbs and medicinal plants. Euphorbia hirta is referenced within Ayurveda as a remedy for various ailments, showcasing the historical application of culturally significant herbs in holistic health practices.
21) Vishakha (Visakha):
Vishakha is another given name, representing one of the authors involved in the research of Euphorbia hirta. The mention of individual contributors illustrates the collaborative nature of academic research and the importance of authorship in scientific publications.
22) Gujarati:
Gujarati refers to both a language spoken by the Gujarati people in India and to the cultural practices that include traditional medicine. Euphorbia hirta may be recognized in Gujarati culture, suggesting its diversified use across different linguistic and cultural communities within India.
23) Medicine:
Medicine pertains to the field dedicated to health and healing, encompassing the study of diseases, their diagnoses, treatments, and prevention. The study of Euphorbia hirta contributes to the broader understanding of herbal medicine and its role within the integrative approach to healthcare.
24) Disease:
Disease signifies any disruption to normal bodily function, whether caused by pathogens, genetics, or environmental factors. Recognizing the disease-related benefits of Euphorbia hirta emphasizes the relevance of the plant in addressing health issues through pharmacological actions.
25) Pravara:
Pravara is part of a place name, likely referring to an institution or geographic location associated with pharmaceutical education or research on Euphorbia hirta. Contextually, it highlights the local contributions to the study of medicinal plants and their utilizations.
26) Species:
Species refers to a specific group of organisms sharing similar characteristics. Euphorbia hirta belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, and understanding its species-specific properties aids in the classification and exploitation of its medicinal benefits in pharmacology.
27) Surface:
Surface designates the outer layer or aspect of a plant, often relevant in studies focusing on phytochemicals that may be extracted from these plants. The surface characteristics of Euphorbia hirta can impact how active compounds are harvested for pharmacological research.
28) Mohini:
Mohini is another name representing an author contributing to the study. The inclusion of author names highlights the collaborative effort in research and underscores the individual roles in elucidating the medicinal properties of plants like Euphorbia hirta.
29) Aureus:
Aureus commonly refers to Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that can cause various infections. The mention of Aureus in the context of Euphorbia hirta indicates its antibacterial research focusing on this pathogen, showcasing the plant's potential in combating bacterial infections.
30) Nepali:
Nepali refers to the language spoken in Nepal or the culture of the Nepali people. The inclusion of Nepali in relation to Euphorbia hirta suggests that the herb may have traditional significance in neighboring regions, encouraging a broader understanding of herbal practices.
31) Edema (Oedema):
Oedema defines the accumulation of excess fluid in tissues leading to swelling. The examination of Euphorbia hirta’s anti-inflammatory properties in the context of oedema highlights its potential application in treating conditions that involve swelling or fluid retention.
32) Animal:
Animal refers to non-human living organisms often used in scientific studies to investigate pharmacological effects. The use of animal models is pivotal in validating the efficacy and safety of Euphorbia hirta’s extracts for potential therapeutic use in humans.
33) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants and their biology. It includes exploring plant classification, structure, and functions. The botanical research on Euphorbia hirta contributes to our understanding of its characteristics, distribution, and relevance in traditional and modern medicine.
34) Water:
Water is a solvent essential for life and is commonly used in extracting phytochemicals from plants. In studies involving Euphorbia hirta, water extraction methods highlight how the plant’s active components are harnessed for therapeutic applications, emphasizing its hydration importance.
35) Hindi (Himdi):
Hindi is another prominent language in India representing a significant cultural lineage. The acknowledgment of Hindi suggests that Euphorbia hirta's medicinal uses may be documented and discussed in this language, reinforcing its relevance across various linguistic and cultural communities.
36) Table:
Table typically refers to data presentation in a structured format for easy comparison. In research, tables often summarize pharmacological activities, dosages, and effects of Euphorbia hirta, facilitating clear understanding and analysis of plant-derived compounds in studies.
37) Cara:
Chara is a term in Sanskrit associated with Euphorbia hirta, indicating its cultural significance. The term enhances the understanding of how indigenous knowledge and language contribute to recognizing the medicinal properties and uses of local herbs.
38) Genu:
Genu often refers to a knee joint or its anatomical structure, but in the context of medicinal herbs, it can highlight the importance of understanding plant interactions with the body’s anatomy for therapeutic purposes. The exploration of Euphorbia hirta may include such connections.
39) Nadu:
Nadu is often part of place names in South India, indicating regional specificity. The mention of Nadu in conjunction with Euphorbia hirta emphasizes the geographic context of the plant's use in traditional medicine, thus linking its historical significance.
40) Kaka:
Kaka, while referring to a term within local dialogues, may denote cultural nuances or vernacular names given to Euphorbia hirta. Understanding these local terminologies helps appreciate the depth of traditional knowledge surrounding the plant's uses.
41) Ghat (Gham):
Ghat refers to mountain passes or terrain found in regions like the Western Ghats of India. This geographical feature is relevant for understanding where Euphorbia hirta grows, linking plant habitats to their availability and significance in local traditional practices.
42) Rice (Rce):
Rice is a staple food crop extensively studied for its compounds and interactions. In relation to Euphorbia hirta, research indicates its extracts can inhibit aflatoxin production in rice, illustrating the plant's potential benefits beyond traditional medicine into agricultural safety.
43) Road:
Road often signifies a pathway or location where plants may grow. The mention of Euphorbia hirta growing alongside roads emphasizes its adaptability and prevalence in various environments, calling attention to its potential as a wild medicinal resource.
44) Milk:
Milk signifies the nutritional fluid produced by mammals, and in the context of Euphorbia hirta, its reputation for enhancing milk flow in nursing mothers reflects the plant's traditional uses and offers insights into its applications in maternal health.
45) Drug:
Drug refers to any substance that has a physiological effect when introduced into the body. The exploration of Euphorbia hirta in pharmacological studies highlights its potential as a source of natural drugs, contributing to the development of herbal-based medications.
46) Oil:
Oils in a botanical context often refer to essential oils or lipid extracts derived from plants. The presence of essential oils in Euphorbia hirta contributes to its aroma and medicinal properties, making them essential components in the plant's pharmacological assessment.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Review of phytochemistry and pharmacology of Euphorbia hirta.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal herb, Traditional medicine, Sanskrit term, Curative properties, Pharmacological activities, Antimicrobial activity, Anticancer activity, Phytochemical Profile, Anti-inflammatory effect, Botanical Description, Doctrine of Signature, Vernacular name, Larvicidal activity, Secondary plant metabolites, Euphorbia hirta Linn.