Euphorbia Prostrata: A plant review

Abstract

Medicinal plants are the best source to obtain different drugs, about 80% of people in industrialized countries uses traditional medicines for their health benefit. Euphorbia prostrata Ait (Euphorbiaceae) is a reputed drug in the Indian system of medicine and used in treatment of many diseases of skin, digestive system, antiasthmatic, antidiabetic, haemorrhoids etc. it is also used traditionally as snake bite remedy. Euphorbia prostrata contains alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, flavonoides, phenolics and phenolic acids, carbohydrates, monosaccharides. The reported activities of Euphorbia prostrata are Anti-inflammatory ,Anti oxident activity, Anthelmintic, Anti-salmonella, Antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic, Analgesic, Hepatoprotective, Gastroprotective, Anti-bacterial and Anti-fungal activities. However, in-depth studies are needed on the clinical use of Euphorbia prostrata against human diseases. Besides, detailed toxicological analysis is also to be performed for its safe and efficacious use in preclinical and clinical studies as a health-promoting herb.