Abstract
Acalypha wilkesiana is a plant that is attracting research interest due to its widely reported application in traditional health care systems. Acalypha wilkesiana is reportedly used in the treatment of a number of diseases including diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, fungal skin infections, hypertension and diabetes mellitus among others. Such claims are currently undergoing investigation by scientists in different laboratories across the globe. Toxicologists are also examining safety of the use of the plant extracts by locals, since studies on the therapeutic index of the plant is not yet available and general use of the plant at present does not follow any established dose, which could result in toxicity to vital organs depending on the nature and amount of active compounds present in the plant extracts. This review provides relatively concise information gathered from studies carried out in our laboratory and data published by other scientists who have worked on the plant. The review focuses on the therapeutic and toxic profile of Acalypha wilkesiana to serve as a guide for people who use the plant in herbal health care systems.
Highlights
Acalypha wilkesiana is a member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) belonging to the genus Acalypha, and is commonly called copper leaf, Joseph’s coat and fire dragon [1]
In Southern Nigeria, expressed juice or boiled decoction of the leaves of A. wilkesiana is used in traditional health care practice, for the management of gastrointestinal disorders, fungal skin infections, hypertension and diabetes mellitus
The results obtained showed a dose dependent increase in serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) levels and decrease in serum albumin level at 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg compared to the control group administered distilled water, suggesting hepatocellular damage at the doses administered
Summary
Acalypha wilkesiana is a member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) belonging to the genus Acalypha, and is commonly called copper leaf, Joseph’s coat and fire dragon [1]. The use of A. wilkesiana in the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular related diseases, spurred investigation by Ikewuchi and Ikewuchi who examined the effect of the plant extract administration on blood sugar and cholesterol levels using a rat model [4]. They reported that the aqueous extract of A. wilkesiana had a lowering effect on blood cholesterol level as well as blood sugar, thereby explaining its use in the treatment of cardiovascular related diseases.
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