A review on Acalypha wilkesiana Muell. Arg

Acalypha wilkesiana Muell. Arg. commonly known as Irish petticoat belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is widely used in Nigeria as a traditional medicine to cure various diseases. Various phytochemical compounds such as saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phlobatanins, phenolics, cardiac glycosides, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, triterpenoids, polyphenols, gallic acid, corilagin, geraniin, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside and anthroquinone have been reported. Due tothe presence of these phytoconstituents the plant has been reported to possess antibacterial, antifungal, anti-oxidant, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-cholesterol and anti-arrhythmic, anti-malarial, hypnotic and anticonvulsant, antiemetic, anti-cancerous, anti-parasitic and analgesic activity, diuretic and anti HIV activity and hepato protective activity. The present paper explores the medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological effects of Acalypha wilkesiana Muell. Arg. and tried to compile information that may help researchers for further investigation.