Phytochemical Profile and Pharmacological Aspects of Achyranthes aspera Linn- An Overview

Background: Achyranthes asperaLinn, commonly known as Apamarga in Ayurveda (Prickly Chaff flower in English, Aghara in Hindi, Aghada in Marathi), is aannual, perennial herb that belong to Family Amaranthaceae and Genus Achyranthes consisting of several species which are popular as folk remedies. Certain ayurvedic and Unani practitioners use various parts of plant to treat various diseases.The present review aims to provide up-to-date information on different aspects of plant involving its botanical description, phytochemistry and bioactivities of different extractsto assess its therapeutic potential as a valuable source of natural compounds with beneficial effects on human health. Methodology: Systematic search of scientific databases like Google, Google scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, SciFinder, Springer link were used to find potentially significant scientific research and reports of Achyranthes asperaLinnusing combination of relevant keywords. Results: Achyranthes aspera Linn is a popular folk remedy in the traditional medicinal system in all tropical Asian and African countries. So far,58 important compounds have been isolated and identified from various parts of plant. These isolated constituents are mainly flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, phytosterols; phenolic compounds etc which posseses activities like anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, spermicidal and other various important medicinal properties. Conclusion: Even though this plant consists of a wide range of phytochemicals and evaluated forbiological activities using various in-vitro and in-vivo models but they are limited. More attention should be paid to identify mechanisms that underlie beneficial therapeutic potential.It is essential to conduct the next level of research, by extending pharmacological to design novel drugs.