ReviewMedicinal plants from the genus Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae)–A review of their ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry
Graphical abstract
Introduction
Acalypha is the fourth largest genus of the Euphorbiaceae family. In some citations, this genus has been reported to encompass about 450 species (Schmelzer, 2007a, Schmelzer, 2007b, Canales et al., 2011) while some reports mentioned that it consists of about 570 species (Iniaghe et al., 2009, Ikewuchi et al., 2011, Onocha et al., 2011a). Approximately 65 Acalypha species occur in tropical Africa and Madagascar while about 35 species occur in other Indian Ocean islands (Schmelzer, 2007a, Schmelzer, 2007b). It encompasses of evergreen shrubs, trees and annuals from tropical to subtropical regions mainly in the tropics of Africa, America and Asia (Ahmed et al., 2012). The tribe is made up of several economical, ecological and ornamental groups of plants (Soladoye et al., 2008). The leaves of Acalypha species are succulent with sappy stalks which tend to lose sappiness with age. They are alternate, stipulate and are characterized with serrated edges, obvious mid-ribs and veins (Soladoye et al., 2008). The staminate flowers have 4 to 8 stamens and vermiform anthers. The pistillate flowers are often prominently bracteates with 3 sepals, 3 carpels, and 1 ovule per carpel and divided styles. Several Acalypha species share the characteristic of allomorphic pistillate flowers and fruits (Soladoye et al., 2008).
Most of the Acalypha species are used as medicinal plants in West and East Africa, especially in Nigeria (Emeka et al., 2012). Every part of the plant including the leaf, stem and roots are used in making mixtures and decoctions to treat various ailments. Some species namely Acalypha alnifolia Klein ex Willd., Acalypha bipartita Müll.Arg., Acalypha capitata Willd., Acalypha ciliata Forssk., Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. and Acalypha segetalis Müll.Arg. are used in food for consumption. Acalypha species such as Acalypha wilkesiana Müll.Arg., Acalypha communis Müll.Arg., Acalypha indica L. and Acalypha ornata Hochst. ex A.Rich. are utilized in folk medicine as diuretic, anthelmintic and for respiratory problems such as bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia (Emeka et al., 2012). Acalypha wilkesiana, Acalypha indica and Acalypha hispida Burm.f. are common species found in Mauritius while Acalypha integrifolia Willd. subsp. integrifolia var. integrifolia is indigenous to the Mascarene Islands (Gurib-Fakim and Gueho, 1996). The local people of Mauritius use leaves and whole plant of Acalypha indica against skin infections such as scabies and dermatitis. Acalypha wilkesiana is used to manage diabetes, dysentery and asthma. Acalypha integrifolia is used as an astringent, purgative and to remove intestinal worms as well as cure various skin infections (Gurib-Fakim and Gueho, 1996, Gurib-Fakim and Brendler, 2004).
Section snippets
Review methodology
Relevant literature was collected by probing scientific databases (Pubmed, Scopus, EBSCO, and Google Scholar) and other web sources such as records from PROTA, PROSEA, and the Botanical dermatology database. The review paper from Toyang and Verpoorte (2013) was used as guideline for the design of this study. Various keywords were used; Acalypha species, traditional uses, ethnomedicinal, ethnoveterinary and zoopharmacognostical uses, biological activities, isolated molecules and phytochemistry.
Results and discussion
Results from plant name databases showed that The Plant List provided 1304 records, Kew Botanical Garden Plant name database gave 516 records while IPNI indicated 1584 records related to Acalypha genus. The records from these databases were quite confusing since each had different statistic. The Plant List database provided statistical data on the family as well as genus. It included 1187 scientific plant names of species from the genus Acalypha with the following status: 454 were accepted
Conclusion and future perspectives
This review represents approximately 32.3% of the species from Acalypha genus and summarizes their ethnomedicinal uses as well as biological activities. Acalypha species are widely distributed in China, Africa, India, Mascarenes Islands, north and southern America where many species are utilized for their medicinal purposes as well as vegetables for consumption. Some species are also used in ethnoveterinary and zoopharmacognosy. Species from this genus contain key bioactive phytochemicals such
References (132)
- et al.
Cytotoxicity induction by ethanolic extract of Acalypha indica loaded casein-chitosan microparticles in human prostate cancer cell line in vitro
Biomedicine and Preventive Nutrition
(2014) - et al.
In vitro antimicrobial activities of Acalypha ornate leaf extracts on bacterial and fungal clinical isolates
Journal of Herbal Medicine
(2012) - et al.
Medicinal plants and their uses by the people in the Region of Randa, Djibouti
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
(2013) - et al.
Good pratice in ethnopharmacology and other sciences relying on taxonomic nomenclature
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
(2014) - et al.
Effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana ‘godsefiana’ Muell.Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) on the hematology, plasma biochemistry and ocular indices of oxidative stress in alloxan induced diabetic rats
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
(2011) Moderation of hematological and plasma biochemical indices of subchronic salt-loaded rats, by an aqueous extract of the leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana ‘godseffiana’ Muell.Arg. (Euphorbiaceae)
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
(2013)- et al.
Effects of crude leaf extracts of Acalypha torta against some anaerobic bacteria
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
(1994) - et al.
Hypolipidemic effects of aqueous extract of Acalypha capitata leaves in rats fed on high cholesterol diet
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine
(2011) - et al.
Potential antifertility agents from plants: A comprehensive review
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
(2012) - et al.
Ethnomedicinal and bioactive properties of plants ingested by wild chimpanzees in Uganda
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
(2005)