MARJARA MOHINI (ACALYPHA INDICA) LINN. AND ITS THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN SRI LANKA: A REVIEW

Abstract

Since, ancient time medicinal plants have been used as traditional remedies to treat numerous human illnesses. Acalypha indica is one of the weed medicinal plants used in Traditional medicine as remedies in various human organ systems. Almost every portion of the plant has its own medicinal value and pharmacological importance. Different types of secondary metabolites in the plant play an important role in treatment and prevention of many diseases. It can be used for manufacturing medicines in present pharmaceutical industry. This review article aims to provide a review on therapeutic value of A. indica in various Traditions. This plant widely used in Traditional systems in Sri Lanka including Ayurveda, Siddha, Homeopathy and Indigenous Medicine. According to the analyzed data, it possesses best pharmacological actions in wound healing effect, anti-venom property and anti-fertility activity. Many pharmacological studies of A. indica have been demonstrated for their anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, wound healing, anti-venom and anti-fertility activities. It is effective in a wide range of clinical applications for the treatment of anthelminthic, cathartic, diuretic, emetic and expectorant. According to the system-based analysis, it is most effective in Respiratory and Gastrointestinal systems. It could be concluded that A. indica is one of the most important medicinal plants which possesses multifunctional effects in all the human organ systems in relation with Traditional medical systems practiced in Sri Lanka.