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Acalypha wilkesiana: Therapeutic and Toxic Potential

Forcados GE, Chinyere CN, Shu ML

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.