Review on Ruellia tuberosa (Cracker plant)

Ruellia tuberosa Linn. (Acanthaceae), known as cracker plant is traditionally used as diuretic, anti-pyretic, analgesic, anti-hypertensive, anthelmentic, abortifacient, emetic, in bladder disease, kidney disorder, bronchitis, gonorrhoea and syphilis. Many phytoconstituents have been identified. It has been experimentally proved which possess anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-cancer and gastroprotective activity and antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity. Present review summarizes the traditional claims, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Ruellia tuberosa reported in scientific literature.