Author

Waghamare K. M.1* and B.W. Chavre2

Abstract

The Acanthaceae family, comprising approximately 250 genera and 2,500 species, is a significant source of medicinal plants with diverse ethnomedicinal applications. This review systematically explores the ethnomedicinal relevance, pharmacognostic characteristics, and phytochemical composition of Acanthaceae species, emphasizing their therapeutic potential. Pharmacognostic studies aid in the identification, authentication, and quality assessment of these plants, while phytochemical investigations reveal the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides. These compounds exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. The ethnomedicinal applications of Acanthaceae species in treating respiratory disorders, microbial infections, and inflammatory conditions highlight their significance in traditional medicine. This review underscores their potential for drug discovery and development, advocating for further research to elucidate their mechanisms of action and facilitate their integration into modern therapeutic practices.

Pages: 53-58

Doi Number 10.61289/jibs2026.06.15.0352

Keywords Pharmacognostic, Phytochemical, Ethnomedicine, Family, Acanthaceae