Achyranthes aspera (Latjeera): Ethnomedicinal usage and chemical components

Abstract

Medicinal plants have been used as a source of medicine since prehistoric times. They have always held a prominent position at the forefront of all cultures and throughout human history. They are a rich source of phytochemicals, and it is through these phytochemicals that many contemporary medicines have been developed. The Amaranthaceous family includes the herbaceous perennial plant known as Achyranthes aspera, which stands upright. A. aspera is a plant that has a bitter taste and is made up of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, essential oils, and fatty acids. These secondary metabolites are vital in demonstrating improved bioactivity against several ailments. The phytoconstituents can be found in many different sections, including the seeds, the roots, the shoots, and the leaves. This review highlights A. aspera many secondary metabolites and their potential for therapeutic medications.