# Acalypha (Acalypha indica)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/acalypha
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Southeast Asian
**Also Known As:** Acalypha indica, Indian Acalypha, Indian Copperleaf, Three-seeded Mercury, Khokali, Kuppaimeni, Muktajhuri, Haritamanjari, Arittamanis

## Overview

Acalypha indica is a medicinal plant used in traditional Siddha medicine containing bioactive compounds like alkaloids and flavonoids that demonstrate [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties. Research shows it may reduce Parkinsonian symptoms and asthmatic inflammation through modulation of [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood)rgic pathways and immune responses.

## Health Benefits

• Anti-Parkinsonian effects: Reduced anxiety behaviors and improved motor coordination in MPTP-induced mouse models at 100-400 mg/kg doses (preliminary animal evidence, PMID: 40694653)
• Anti-asthmatic activity: Reduced leucocytosis, eosinophilia, and mast cell degranulation in multiple rodent models (preliminary animal evidence, PMID: 35149129)
• Psoriasis management: Topical application reduced psoriasis-like symptoms in imiquimod-induced mouse models (preliminary animal evidence, PMID: 37236382)
• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects: Demonstrated antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against S. aureus and E. coli in vitro (preliminary in vitro evidence)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties: Showed protein denaturation inhibition and HRBC membrane stabilization in vitro assays (preliminary in vitro evidence, PMID: 37796311)

## Mechanism of Action

Acalypha indica's alkaloids and flavonoids appear to protect [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood)rgic neurons from MPTP-induced damage by reducing [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and neuro[inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). The plant's anti-asthmatic effects involve inhibition of mast cell degranulation and reduction of eosinophilia, suggesting histamine pathway modulation. These mechanisms likely involve antioxidant enzyme upregulation and inflammatory cytokine suppression.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Acalypha indica comes primarily from animal studies rather than human clinical trials. In MPTP-induced Parkinson's mouse models, doses of 100-400 mg/kg showed reduced anxiety behaviors and improved motor coordination. Multiple rodent studies demonstrated anti-asthmatic activity with decreased leucocytosis, eosinophilia, and mast cell degranulation. Human clinical data is lacking, limiting the strength of evidence for therapeutic applications.

## Nutritional Profile

Acalypha indica (Indian copperleaf) nutritional and phytochemical composition is characterized primarily by bioactive compounds rather than conventional macronutrients, as it is used medicinally rather than as a staple food. Known constituents include: ALKALOIDS: acalyphine (principal alkaloid, ~0.1-0.3% dry weight), aurantiamide acetate, and cyanogenic glycosides; FLAVONOIDS: kaempferol, quercetin, and rutin identified via HPLC analysis in leaf extracts; TANNINS: hydrolysable and condensed tannins (~4-8% dry weight in leaves); SAPONINS: triterpenoid saponins detected in aerial parts; STEROLS: beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol in leaf and root fractions; PHENOLIC ACIDS: gallic acid, ellagic acid, and chlorogenic acid contributing to total phenolic content of approximately 15-25 mg GAE/g dry extract; ESSENTIAL OILS: trace volatile compounds including caryophyllene and limonene in aerial parts; PROTEINS: crude protein approximately 15-20% dry weight in leaves (limited quantitative data); FIBER: crude fiber approximately 8-12% dry weight; MINERALS: iron, calcium, and potassium detected qualitatively, with iron content noted as relatively elevated compared to common leafy vegetables (specific mg/100g data lacking in peer-reviewed literature); BIOAVAILABILITY NOTE: Alkaloid and flavonoid absorption is moderate; tannin content may reduce mineral bioavailability via chelation; aqueous and ethanolic extracts show differential bioactive compound yields, with 70% ethanol extracts yielding higher phenolic concentrations than water decoctions.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosages in humans are available. Preclinical studies used oral doses of 100-400 mg/kg extract in mice and topical applications at unspecified concentrations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for Acalypha indica in humans is limited due to lack of clinical trials. Traditional use suggests general tolerability, but potential side effects, optimal dosing, and long-term safety remain unstudied. Drug interactions are unknown and should be considered, particularly with Parkinson's medications or asthma treatments. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on Acalypha indica; all evidence is limited to preclinical animal, in vitro, or in silico studies. Key preclinical studies include MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mouse models (PMID: 40694653), anti-asthmatic effects in rodent models (PMID: 35149129), and topical application in psoriasis mouse models (PMID: 37236382).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Acalypha indica has been used globally in traditional medicine systems, particularly in ethnobotanical practices across tropical regions for ailments like asthma, [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), skin disorders, and infections. Historical applications span various indigenous systems, with some traditional uses now showing validation in preclinical models (PMIDs: 35149129, 37236382).

## Synergistic Combinations

Gallic acid, Catechin, Kaempferol, Green tea extract, Quercetin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the effective dosage of Acalypha indica for Parkinson's symptoms?

Animal studies used 100-400 mg/kg doses showing motor improvements, but human dosing has not been established. Clinical trials are needed to determine safe and effective doses for humans.

### Can Acalypha indica replace conventional asthma medications?

No, Acalypha indica should not replace prescribed asthma medications. While animal studies show anti-asthmatic effects, human trials are lacking and asthma requires proper medical management.

### What bioactive compounds in Acalypha indica provide the health benefits?

Acalypha indica contains alkaloids and flavonoids responsible for its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Specific compounds and their concentrations vary depending on plant part and extraction method used.

### How long does it take to see benefits from Acalypha indica supplementation?

Timeline for benefits is unknown since human studies haven't been conducted. Animal studies showed effects within days to weeks, but human response may differ significantly.

### Is Acalypha indica safe to take with Parkinson's medications like levodopa?

Safety with Parkinson's medications is unknown due to lack of interaction studies. Consult a healthcare provider before combining Acalypha indica with any prescribed medications for neurological conditions.

### Is Acalypha indica safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical evidence regarding the safety of Acalypha indica supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as most research has been conducted in animal models. Due to the lack of human safety data, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with a healthcare provider before using Acalypha indica supplements. Traditional use does not necessarily indicate safety in these populations.

### What is the current strength of clinical evidence for Acalypha indica's health benefits?

Current evidence for Acalypha indica remains primarily at the preclinical stage, with most published studies conducted in animal models (rodent and mouse studies) rather than human clinical trials. While preliminary findings show promise for anti-Parkinsonian and anti-asthmatic effects, these results cannot be directly extrapolated to human efficacy without further clinical research. More rigorous human studies are needed to establish definitive health benefits and optimal dosing protocols.

### Does Acalypha indica interact with common asthma or respiratory medications?

There is limited research on specific drug interactions between Acalypha indica and common asthma medications such as corticosteroids, beta-agonists, or leukotriene inhibitors. Because Acalypha indica may have mast cell-stabilizing and anti-inflammatory properties based on animal studies, combining it with respiratory medications warrants medical supervision. Patients using asthma medications should consult their healthcare provider before adding Acalypha indica to their regimen.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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