ACHYRANTHES ASPERA L.: MULTIPLE THERAPEUTIC USES AMONG VARIOUS TRIBES OF KUMAUN, UTTARAKHAND.

Achyranthes aspera L. (Amaranthaceae) has long been used in different systems of medicine in the treatment of various ailments, found as a weed throughout India. Though almost all of its parts are used in traditional systems of medicines, leaves, roots and shoots are the most important parts which are used medicinally. The review reveals that wide numbers of phytochemical constituents have been isolated from the plant which possesses activities like antiperiodic, diuretic, purgative, laxative, antiasthmatic, hepatoprotective, anti-allergic and various other important medicinal properties. The present article gives an account of various local health traditions along with their formulation and validation, related with this plant species among the tribals of the Kumaun region.