Euphorbia hirta (Feiyangcao): A review on its ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology

Abstract

A bibliographic investigation was carried out by gathering and analyzing the recognized books, including Chinese herbal classic, the Internet (Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar), and scientific databases (Pubmed, Scifinder, Scopus, CNKI, ACS, and Web of Science) for available information on Euphorbia hirta. Whole plants of E. hirta have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) due to its properties that can cure and detoxify fever, promote diuresis, stop itching, and induce prolactin. Traditional uses of E. hirta are also recorded in some other pan-tropical areas, where it has been used for over 10 types of diseases. A number of chemical constituents, including flavonoids, terpenoids and phenols, have been isolated and identified from E. hirta. Various biological evaluations have been reported for its importance. Modern pharmacological investigation demonstrated that its crude extracts and active compounds possesses wide pharmacological effects, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, sedative and anti-allergy. The current study summarizes the updated information concerning the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of E. hirta as well as its toxicology, and discusses the existing problem and future research direction of E. hirta.

Galactagogue Effect of <i>Euphorbia hirta</i> (Euphorbiaceae) Aqueous Leaf Extract on Milk Production in Female Wistar Rats

“…The differences in effects observed between doses of EHae (100; 200; 400 and 600 mg/kg) would be explained by a variation of the quantity of bioactive molecules responsible of the galactagogue activity contained in each dose. These bioactive compounds present in the E. hirta leaves have been identified[39] [40] …”

Phytochemical analysis and in vitro screening of antifungal activity of Jatropha multifida, Euphorbia hirta, Occimum gratissimum and Mitracarpus scaber leaves extract

“…The white latex is used as eye drops to cure conjunctivitis, it is applied on swellings, piles and boils [27]. Its main components are flavonoids, terpenoids and phenols [28]. So many antimicrobial works have been carried out using extracts from different parts of Euphobia hirta plant.…”

Green Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity Studies of Silver Nanoparticles from the Aqueous Extracts of Euphorbia hirta

“…Roots are of great value in treating snake bites and also orally consumed by nursing mothers 4 . This slender plant spreads out well in open space, grasslands and is frequently seen in tropical countries like Southeast Asia, China, Philippines, Australia, Africa & Malaysia [5][6][7] . Phytochemical studies have shown the presence of lignans, diterpene, taraxerol, pinoresinol, scopoletin, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin and Gallic acid [8][9][10] .…”