Phytochemical screening of acalypha Indica l. leaf extracts.

ABSTRACT

Medicinal plants have been used for centuries as remedies for human diseases because they contain components of therapeutic value. Acalypha indica L. belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae is a popular plant in traditional medicine used for treating various ailments. Phytochemical screening of the leaf extracts of A.indica was carried out following the standard procedures. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A.indica leaves indicated the occurence of saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides. The ethanolic extract of A.indica leaves also showed the presence of tannins and steroids. The medical significance of various phytochemical constituents identified in the leaf extracts of A.indica and their potential antimicrobial and therapeutic applications are discussed.