Acalypha wilkesiana 

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Acalypha wilkesiana

Acalypha wilkesiana Mull. Arg., Euphorbiaceae, is a tropical Asian species, widely cultivated in Gardens.   It is easy to recognise the species from its bronze and variously variegated leaves (Acalypha wilkesiana1).  

No medicinal uses are known for this species in India, but it can be put to use on the basis of demonstrated activity and uses in Nigeria.   It contains one of the few effective antifungal agents.

The leaf juice is used, externally or internally,  against Pityriasis versicolor and similar fungal infections.   The leaf extract was also shown to be effective against Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli,  and Serrata marcescens.

Acalypha ciliata Forsk., Acalypha fruiticosa Forsk.,  Acalypha hispida Burm.f., Acalypha paniculata Miq., and most importantly  Acalypha indica L., (see profile)  are of considerable medicinal importance in India.