INTRODUCTION:

Medicinal plants have been used for therapeutic purposes since ancient times. In India, there are an estimated 45,000 plant species, with traditional healers utilizing over 6,000 for their medicinal properties, although only about 3,000 have been formally documented. Plants contain bioactive compounds, which are primarily secondary metabolites like alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. These compounds have been used for various applications beyond medicine, including as poisons for hunting, hallucinogens for rituals, and stimulants for endurance. Before the 18th century, plants were the main resource for treating diseases and infections.

Today, many plant-derived products like vinblastine, curcumin, and aspirin are still widely used in their pure, crude, or mixed forms. While some of these compounds can be synthesized, around 121 major plant-based drugs have no synthetic alternatives. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2003, around 80% of people in developing countries relied on plant-based remedies due to the high cost of pharmaceutical medications. The WHO identifies 252 essential drugs, with 11% derived solely from plants, and many synthetic drugs are also based on natural sources. India has a rich biodiversity with 7,500 documented medicinal plant species thriving across its 16 agro-climatic zones.^2,3

Fig. Euphorbia neriifolia

The Euphorbiaceae family, also known as the spurge family, is a large group of flowering plants with about 7,300 species and 283 genera, predominantly found in tropical regions. The largest genus within this family is Euphorbia, which includes around 1,600 species. These plants vary greatly in form, from annual weeds and herbs to shrubs and trees. A notable characteristic of the family is the presence of a toxic, white milky latex that oozes when the plant is damaged. The flowers are always unisexual, and the leaves can be arranged alternately or be reduced in xerophytic species. Some members of the family, like Ricinus communis, are well-represented in India.

Classification: ⁵

Genus	Euphorbia
Order	Malpighiales Juss. ex Bercht. & J. Presl
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Kingdom	Plantae
Class	Equisetopsida C. Agardh
Species	Euphorbia neriifolia L.
Family	Euphorbiaceae

Phytochemical constituents:

Leaves:

1. Neriifolin-S, Neriifolin, Neriifoliene (these are likely glycosides or related compounds).

2. Lectin

3. Euphonerins A–G 4. 3-O-acetyl-8-O-tigloylingol 5. Show higher concentrations of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, and flavonols compared to other parts.

Latex (Milky Juice):

1. Rich in triterpenoids like Euphol, Nerifoliol, Neriifolione.

2. Also contains Euphorbon, resin, gum, caoutchouc, and malate of calcium.

3. Known for its acrid and purgative properties, often attributed to the triterpenoids.

Stem:

1. Similar to leaves and latex, it contains triterpenoids like glut-5-en-3b-ol, glut-5(10)-en-1-one, taraxerol, and \beta-amyrin.

2. Neritroterpenols A–B, C, and D–G, turucallane triterpenes, and euphane have been isolated from the stem.

Root:

1. 12-Deoxy-4$\beta$-hydroxyphorbol-13-dodecanoate-20-acetate

2. Delphinidin-3,5-diglucoside

3. Tulipanin-3,5-diglucoside^6,7,8

Pharmacological activity:

Euphorbia neriifolia, commonly known as "Snuhi" or the Indian Spurge Tree, holds a prominent place in Ayurvedic medicine due to its diverse therapeutic properties. Modern research has begun to validate many of its traditional uses, revealing a wide range of pharmacological activities across different parts of the plant.

Latex (Milky Sap):

The latex is the most potent and traditionally utilized part, though it must be handled with care due to its irritant nature. It acts as a strong purgative, diuretic, and rubefacient, aiding in bowel cleansing and promoting blood flow. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects support its use in treating joint disorders. Topically, it enhances wound healing by promoting tissue regeneration. Notably, it exhibits cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines and shows antimicrobial effects against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including HIV and SARS-CoV-2. It’s also used in treating skin conditions like warts and dermatitis, though it may cause irritation. Other traditional uses include treating abdominal swelling, gout, and as an aphrodisiac. It plays a key role in the Ayurvedic "Kshara Sutra" therapy for piles and fistulas.

Leaves:

The leaves possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. They help regulate blood sugar and lipid levels, making them beneficial for diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Their immunomodulatory effects improve resistance against infections. Leaf extracts also show anticancer, anti-ulcer, and wound-healing potential. Traditionally, they’re used for respiratory issues, digestive disorders, earaches, and even psychological conditions like anxiety and psychosis.

Stem and Root:

Stem extracts contain triterpenoids with anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. The stem juice is used for coughs, sore throats, and as an antiseptic. It’s also employed in treating piles, fistulas, and hydrophobia. The root, known for its antiseptic and antispasmodic effects, is traditionally used in treating snake bites and scorpion stings.^9,10,11,14

Mechanism of action:

Research indicates that triterpenoids—particularly euphane and tirucallane types—extracted from the stem of Euphorbia neriifolia can effectively suppress the production of key pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α). These molecules play a central role in initiating and sustaining inflammatory responses, especially in activated immune cells like LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Additionally, compounds from E. neriifolia may disrupt major inflammatory signaling pathways, notably the NF-κB pathway. This pathway governs the expression of numerous genes involved in immune and inflammatory processes. By inhibiting NF-κB activation, the plant’s bioactive constituents help downregulate the transcription of pro-inflammatory mediators.

The plant also demonstrates antioxidant capabilities, attributed to the presence of flavonoids and saponins. These compounds help neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which are commonly elevated during inflammation and contribute to cellular damage and the progression of inflammatory conditions.

Although specific enzyme inhibition mechanisms in E. neriifolia are still under investigation, similar species within the Euphorbia genus exhibit anti-inflammatory effects through the suppression of enzymes like cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX). These enzymes are responsible for producing prostaglandins and leukotrienes—potent agents that amplify inflammation.^10,12

Extraction and Isolation method:

The preparation of Euphorbia neriifolia for phytochemical analysis involves collecting plant parts during optimal seasons, followed by cleaning, drying, grinding, and optional defatting.

Fig. Extraction and Isolation of Euphorbia neriifolia

Extraction methods include maceration, Soxhlet, percolation, ultrasonic, microwave, and supercritical fluid techniques, chosen based on compound polarity. Extracts are filtered and concentrated, then fractionated using liquid-liquid partitioning. Isolation of bioactive compounds is achieved through chromatography techniques like TLC, HPTLC, column chromatography, HPLC, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS. Structural elucidation employs UV-Vis, IR, NMR, MS, and X-ray crystallography to identify functional groups, molecular structures, and stereochemistry of purified compounds. These methods ensure precise identification and characterization of therapeutic constituents.^4,6,13

Traditional and Commercial uses:

Euphorbia neriifolia (Sehund or Snuhi) is widely used in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha for treating digestive issues, Vata disorders, pain, inflammation, skin diseases, and earaches. Its latex and leaf extracts offer purgative, expectorant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic, and hepatoprotective effects. Traditionally applied for asthma, tumors, piles, and in Kshara Sutra therapy. Culturally, it's revered in Bengal as Goddess Manasa’s symbol, honored by the Bodo tribe, and associated with Lord Shiva and Vastu Shastra for protection and elemental balance.^1,2,4

Toxicology and Safety:

Euphorbia neriifolia (Snuhi) is a potent medicinal plant in traditional systems like Ayurveda, but it is well-recognized for its inherent toxicity, primarily due to its milky latex. In Ayurvedic classics, it is categorized as "Upavisha" (mild poison), signifying that while it possesses toxic properties, it can be safely and effectively used as medicine when administered with proper processing (Shodhana) and in appropriate dose.

CONCLUSION:

Euphorbia neriifolia, a plant with diverse traditional medicinal uses, has shown promising pharmacological activities, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. Its phytochemical constituents, such as triterpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids, contribute to these properties. However, caution is necessary due to the plant's toxicity and potential skin irritation. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before using Euphorbia neriifolia for medicinal purposes. Further research is needed to fully explore its potential and ensure safe usage.

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Received on 16.08.2025 Revised on 25.09.2025

Accepted on 27.10.2025 Published on 22.01.2026

Available online from January 29, 2026

Asian J. Pharm. Res. 2026; 16(1):106-108.

DOI: 10.52711/2231-5691.2026.00015

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License.