Acalypha consists of the entire plant, Acalypha indica, which is
indigenous to India. The herb is collected when in flower and dried,
unless required for the preparation of the juice. Other species of
Acalypha are also used medicinally, but A. indica alone is official.
Constituents.—The chief constituents of acalypha are resin, tannin,
volatile oil, and the alkaloid acalyphine.
Medical use :Acalypha is an irritant to the gastro-intestinal mucous
membrane. It is used as a substitute for ipecacuanha. The drug acts
reflexly through the stomach in small doses; it also acts as an
expectorant arid, in larger doses, as an emetic. This drug has also
been used as a laxative and anthelmintic. |
