Abstract

A REVIEW - TAXONOMICAL STUDY AND MEDICINAL USES OF EUPHORBIA HIRTA (LINN.) IN CHURU RAJASTHAN

Rakesh Kumar Verma*

Abstract

Euphorbia hirta Linn. is a common herb belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, which is frequently seen everywhere in Rajasthan. Though almost all of its parts are used in traditional systems of medicines, aerial parts and leaves are the most important parts which are used medicinally. It is used in different systems of medicine in the treatment of diarrhoea, bronchitis, skin diseases, fever, analgesic, gastrointestinal disorders, vomiting, wound healing, respiratory diseases, pulmonary disorders etc. The plant has been used as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antiamoebic, antifertility, antimalarial, antioxidant, sedative, cytotoxic, aflatoxin inhibition, larvicidal, immunomodulatory and so on. The aim of current ethnopharmaceutical documentation on this medicinal plant was to pile up the enormous amount of fresh information of scientific research and reports available in different aspects that proves its involvement in pharmacology. This update review also includes reports on taxonomy, morphology, monographs, distribution, phytochemistry and traditional medicinal uses of the plant. Taxonomic study of any plant makes it easier to identify the other important plants from the same taxonomic groups.

Keywords: Euphorbia hirta; Ethnopharmaceutical; Pharmacology; Phytochemistry; Traditional use.