ETHNOMEDICINAL IMPORTANCE, PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF ACALYPHA WILKESIANA: A REVIEW

Acalypha wilkesiana Müll. Arg., commonly known as copper leaf, Joseph’s coat or red acalypha, is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family with significant medicinal properties. It has been traditionally utilized in various parts of the world, particularly in Africa and Asia. The present review compiles the ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities and toxicological aspects of Acalypha wilkesiana. The plant exhibits considerable antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anticancer activities, as demonstrated in several in vitro and in vivo studies. Major bioactive constituents identified include ellagitannins such as geraniin and corilagin, along with flavonoids eg quercetin and rutin, phenolic acids, and phytosterols. Despite its promising therapeutic potential, toxicological studies indicate that organ toxicity may occur in a dose-dependent manner; therefore, its use in herbal medicinal formulations should be carefully evaluated.