Euphorbia Antiquorum Linn: A Comprehensive Review of Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Abstract

Medicinal plants are widely used by the traditional practitioners for curing various diseases and ailments in their day-to-day practice. Euphorbia antiquorum Linn is used as a traditional folk medicine in ailments such as inflammation, arthritis, wounds, stomach ache, antioxidant activity, cutaneous infection, diabetes, and as purgative. It looks like a large shrub or small tree. It is one of the largest armed tree Euphorbia’s with an average height of 5-7m, stems are 5-7cm thick, green, glabrous, branching from upper parts; upward curving, segmented. The odour of its latex is pungent and lingering. It is commonly found in village shrubberies throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions of India and Ceylon [3]. It is a plant native to India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, has various medicinal value. Phytochemicals studies have shown that the major pharmacologically active constituents are Flavonoid and Triterpenoid. Recent pharmacological study shows that it has antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer, anti-inflammatory, chemoprotective, antidiabetic and wound healing activity. This review attempts to describe the ethnobotany, pharmacognosy, traditional uses, chemical constituents, and various pharmacologic activities and other aspects of Euphorbia antiquorum linn.