Vol. 2, Issue 1, Part A (2020)

Plants have been an incredible reservoir of remedy for multitudinous of times. It has been recognized by researchers as an ancient form of medicine to cure common population. About four billion population of the world, i.e., 80% of the total world population presently use the traditional system of medicine or herbal drugs for primary health care. In India, > 65% of the total population use herbal medicinal products for the treatment of diseases. Over the eras, many plant species have been investigated for possible medical applications. It has been trusted in all cultures and communities throughout the world due to their lesser side effects, higher safety and efficacy against health illness. Aerva plants are known widely for their exceptional medicinal uses. They have been employed conventionally for their medicinal properties by the common folk in several regions of the world. This indicates the efficacy of these remarkable herbs. They are also known for their multiple biological activities such as anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-lithiatic, Hepato protective, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-hyper lipidemic and nephro protective potential. These pharmacological actions are associated with the presence of valuable nutrients and biochemical compounds such as sterols/terpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics and sugars. This review article includes the detailed exploration of the morphology, phyto chemistry and pharmacological aspects of Aerva lanata in an attempt to provide a direction for further research.