A review on ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Phyllanthus niruri

Abstract

Phyllanthus niruri Linn. Belongs to Euphorbiaceae family and it is a small herb having wide range of medicinal properties, and it is used widely across the world. In Indian ayurvedic and Unani system it is used for Jaundice, ulcers, skin diseases, diabetes, chest pain and urinary complications. Its taste is bitter and acts as astringent and show laxative effect. This review covers information about ethno medicinal uses of Phyllanthus niruri in different countries with various pharmacological profile of the plant. The phytochemical studies were characterized and the presence of various compounds such as lignans, phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, flavonoids, glycosinoids & tannins was mentioned. The extracts of Phyllanthus niruri have a wide range of pharmacological activities like antimicrobial, antiviral, hepato protective, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiplasmodial and diuretic. This review summarizes the information about its botanical, morphological, ethnomedicinal, pharmacological and biological activities of the plant. In addition this review provides information about the structure of the phytochemical compounds that promotes better commercial exploitation.