An Integrated Approach to Harness the Anti-inflammatory Potential of Achyranthes aspera Linn

Plants have been used to overcome pathologic conditions and body ailments since the pre-historic period.A few plants e.g.Borago officinalis, Curcuma longa, Rosmarinus officinalis, Zingiber officinale, etc. are frequently used for treating inflammatory disorders, globally.Inflammation is a complex biological response of vascular tissue to different harmful stimuli and results in discomfort to the body.There is not a single medicine to treat all the inflammation at the time.In recent years plant-based medicines are evaluated for efficacy through phytopharmacology, molecular mechanisms, and clinical trials.The therapeutic ingredients of polyherbal formulations generally contain different chemical classes, and their efficacy is based on synergism.Achyranthes aspera is an abundantly available herb, globally, has been in use in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani system of medicine to cure many ailments like arthritis, asthma, cardiac disease, dermatological diseases, gynecological disorder, kidney stone, leprosy, wound, snakebite, malaria, pneumonia, dysentery, rabies, toothache, etc.The applications of A. aspera in pathological investigations have scientifically justified the traditional utilization.Further, phytopharmacological studies have highlighted its synergistic mechanism of action and revealed its vital role in modulating inflammatory reactions for fast recovery with the least side effects, though there are a few investigations.