A review on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Hemigraphis colorata

Hemigraphis colorata (Blume) H.G. Hallier (syn: Hemigraphis alternata, family: Acanthaceae), is an exotic plant adapted to India and commonly known as Red Ivy. The other names of the plant are Aluminium plant, Red flame Ivy, Waffle plant, Java Ivy cemetery plant, Metal leaf etc. The main traditional use of the plant is in wound healing, hence familiar in name “Murikootti” or Murianpacha. The phytoconstituents present in Hemigraphis colorata are saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, xanthoproteins, tannins, proteins, alkaloids, steroids and sterols. The main pharmacological activity of Hemigraphis colorata are in wound healing, ulcers, inflammation, diabetes mellitus and it is used to promote urination. This review was aimed to collect information about the phytochemical and pharmacological effects of H. colorata for future works.