JoewelTarra Baibado
Food & Drug Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Hon-Yeung Cheung
Food & Drug Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Abstract
Euphorbia hirta L. contains various biologically active compounds that can be beneficial to human health. It has been known for its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, recent findings have shown that it has anti-venom, wound healing property, anti-cancer, anti- diabetic, and even molluscicidal effects. Although it has folkloric use against dengue fever and oral herpes, further study should be done to confirm its antiviral properties. However, it may have histopathologic adverse effects which are dose dependent.
Keywords: Euphorbia hirta, biological functions, dengue, oral herpes