# Revisiting Acalypha medicinal interest: ethnobotany, experimental studies, and the implications of taxonomic misuse pitfalls

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the medicinal uses of Acalypha plants globally, highlighting the importance of accurate taxonomy for reliable research.

## Contribution

The study provides the first standardized, taxonomically validated global synthesis of Acalypha's medicinal knowledge.

## Key findings

- 62 Acalypha species with medicinal uses were identified across 55 countries.
- Nearly 25% of reviewed studies contained taxonomic errors, affecting reliability.
- Medicinal uses include antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.

## Abstract

Acalypha L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a pantropical genus comprising approximately 470 species, many of which have been traditionally used to treat human and animal ailments. Despite its widespread use, the interpretation of ethnobotanical information has been hindered by misidentifications, outdated or incorrect names, and the lack of studies for many species – factors that limit its value for pharmacological research and conservation. Previous efforts to synthesise medicinal knowledge in Acalypha have been constrained by limited taxonomic coverage, inconsistent methodologies, and narrow geographic scope. In this study, a comprehensive global review of medicinal uses in Acalypha was conducted, based on data retrieved from peer-reviewed literature, scientific databases, historical sources, and other publications. A total of 62 species with reported uses across 55 countries were identified. Uses include applications in human and veterinary medicine, rituals, and as pesticides, while experimental studies reported antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Reported uses were classified as ethnobotanical and/or experimental (in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo) and standardised following WHO and national disease classification systems, and all scientific names were taxonomically verified. The phylogenetic distribution of medicinal species was assessed using DNA barcode phylogenies. Nearly 25% of the studies reviewed were found to contain at least one taxonomic error, rendering the associated information unreliable and underscoring the need for improved taxonomic rigour and standardisation. This review provides the first standardised, taxonomically validated global synthesis of Acalypha’s medicinal knowledge, identifies major knowledge gaps, and offers a foundation for future phytochemical and pharmacological research on this diverse genus.