ACHYRANTHES ASPERA -A PROMISING MEDICINAL HERB

Md. Abul Hassan* and Nafisa Yesmin

ABSTRACT

Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Amaranthaceae family) is an important medicinal plant is found throughout Bangladesh as an annual herb. The medicinal plants are used for treatment of various diseases because of their safety and effectiveness. Achyranthes aspera has been long history of medicinal plants Though almost all of its parts are used in traditional systems of medicines, seeds, roots and shoots are the most important parts which are used medicinally. The present research gives an account of updated information on its phytochemical and pharmacological properties. All chemical constituents and pharmacological properties are responsible for the treatment of various human disorders. The review exposes that wide numbers of phytochemical constituents have been isolated from the plant which holds activities like antiperiodic, antiasthmatic, hepatoprotective, anti-allergic, expectorant, stomach tonic, laxative, antihelmintic, diuretic, linthontriptic, sudorific, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, anticataract, antifungal, antibacterial, hypoglycaemic, antihyperlipidemic and haematinic 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. For the last few decades or so, extensive research work has been done to prove its biological activities and pharmacology of its extracts. Saponins, oleonolic acid, dihydroxy ketones, alkaloids, long chain compounds and many other chemical constituents have been isolated. For the reason of rich source of phytochemicals, this plant is may be used for herbal medicine.

Keywords: Achyranthes aspera, Medicinal Herb, pharmacological actions, Antimicrobial.