A comprehensive review on phytochemistry of Achyranthes aspera Linn.: An Indian medicinal plant

Medicinal plants have been used as a source for medicine since ancient times. They have always been at the frontline in all cultures of civilization. They are rich sources of phytochemicals and from these phytochemicals may of the modern medicines are discovered. Achyranthes aspera is an erect perennial herb that comes under the family Amaranthaceae. A. aspera is a bitter plant that consists of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, essential oil and fatty acids that play a significant role in exhibiting increased bioactivity against a variety of diseases. The phytoconstituents are present in various parts of the plant including seeds, roots, shoots and leaves. The main focus of this present review is to highlight the various types of secondary metabolites from A. aspera, which have a great potential for the development of effective therapeutics.