Exploring the Hepatoprotective Activity of Harita Manjari (Acalypha indica.L): Review of an Anukta Dravya

Abstract

Ayurveda system is a unique means to maintain health by usingHerbal preparations, Mineral preparation and animal products. Hence the knowledge of plants becomes essential in Ayurveda. InAyurveda system medicinal plants are documented by means of Rasapanchaka and Karma. Chronological upgradation of knowledge on medicinal plants has been observed from Vedic Kala to Samhita Kala and up to Nighantu(lexicon) Kala, in fact during Nighantu period added a great number of valuable exotic as well as folklore plants. India officially recognizes over 3500 plants for their medicinal value. It is generally estimated that over 6000 plants in India are in use for folk, traditional and herbal medicine. Such undocumented or unexplained drugs are known as Anukta Dravya (extra pharmacopeial drugs). Liver disease is the tenth most common cause of death in India as per the World Health Organization. Liver disease affects every one in five Indians; Liver diseases do not usually cause any obvious signs or symptoms until it\'s advanced and the liver is damaged. Haritha Manjari (Acalypha indica L) belongs to family Euphorbiaceae and is a common weed found in Asia, including India. So, this article aims to Explore the Hepatoprotective activity of Haritha Manjari (Acalypha indica L) - An Anukta dravya.

Introduction

Ayurveda and Medicinal Plants:
According to Acharya Charaka, any substance can be medicinal if used rationally. Ayurveda emphasizes using herbal, mineral, and animal products for health. Around 80% of the world population relies on herbal medicines, and India recognizes over 3,500 medicinal plants, with around 6,000 used in folk and traditional medicine. Many plants, called Anukta Dravyas, are used in local traditions but are not formally documented in Ayurvedic texts.

Focus Plant: Harita Manjari (Acalypha indica L.)

• Family: Euphorbiaceae

• Common names: Indian nettle, Kuppigida (Kannada), Kuppameni (Tamil & Malayalam)

• Parts used: Leaves, roots, whole plant

• Habitat: Found in disturbed areas, forests, and riverbanks, especially in dry regions of Karnataka

Morphology: Erect annual herb, up to 1.2 m tall, broad ovate leaves, greenish-white flowers, 3-lobed capsules.

Ayurvedic Properties (Rasa Panchaka):

Therapeutic Uses:

• Indications: Jaundice, fever, asthma, scabies, constipation

• Folklore:

  • Leaf juice (10 ml) on an empty stomach for jaundice

  • Root powder for fever

  • Decoction (Kashaya) for asthma

  • Fresh leaf juice for pediatric asthma

Dosages:

• Juice: 5–10 ml

• Decoction: 20–40 ml

• Powder: 3–6 g

Chemical Constituents:

Contains alkaloids (Acalypus, Acalyphine), flavonoids, phenols, amino acids, kaempferol, quinones, etc.

Liver Disease Context:

• Liver diseases cause 2 million deaths annually (4% of global deaths).

• In India, it’s the 10th leading cause of death, affecting 1 in 5 people.

• Causes include hepatitis, alcohol, fatty liver disease, and drug toxicity.

• Ayurveda groups liver diseases under Pandu, Kamala, and Udara.

Hepatoprotective Activity of Harita Manjari:

• Acts through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, enzyme-promoting, and detoxifying actions.

• Its Rasa Panchaka properties support liver detox, reduce Kapha and Pitta doshas, and assist digestion and healing.

• It aligns with Ayurvedic principles for treating Kamala (jaundice) using mild purgatives like Harita Manjari.

• Siddha medicine also uses it for rejuvenation and liver detoxification.

Discussion Highlights:

1. Pharmacological properties include antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and hepatoprotective actions.

2. Ayurvedic qualities help reverse liver disease pathology, especially jaundice.

3. Its traditional use and scientific properties support hepatoprotective effects, making it a valuable medicinal plant for liver health.

Conclusion

1) By the study of Anukta Dravya (Extrapharmacopieal drugs) some of the rare endangered species which are in edge of the extinction can be replaced with these drugs for the pharmaceutical works.So,this will provide new ways to preserve some endangered species by adapting in treatment. 2) Additional activity can be explored by screening the drugs and at the end the Standardized drug can be added in API Monograph. 3) Further Preclinical and Clinical studies need to be conducted for the proper assessment of Harita Manjari in Liver Diseases.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Guruprasad Hegde, Dr. Rajashekar S Ganiger, Dr. Shivananda B Karigar, Dr. Sampathkumar Bellamma, Dr. Sushma S Bhat. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.