Vol. 6, Issue 12 (2017)

Author(s):
Sangeeta Devi, Romana Rashid and Muneesh Kumar

Abstract:
Medicinal plants are important for human health by prevention of several human diseases. One of such medicinal plant species which used widely is Phyllanthus amarus. This herb is used as traditional medicine in many countries for more than 3,000 years. It is popular in indigenious system of medicine like ayurveda, siddha, unani homoepathy and is used for its hepatoprotective, antitumour, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The plant is also used in dropsy, jaundice, diarrhoea, dysentery, intermittent fevers, cold and has a good anti-viral activity against hepatitis B virus. Phyllanthus amarus has also served as lead for several experimental investigations that explored its phytochemical constituents and pharmacological uses. The Present review compiles traditional uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Phyllanthus amarus.