Vol. 3, Issue 2, Part A (2021)

Euphorbiaceae is one of the largest flowering plant families, with a diverse range of vegetative forms, some of which are important plants. Its classification and chemistry have recently piqued interest, likely as a result of the broad range of chemical composition among its members, many of which are poisonous but beneficial. Euphorbia pulcherima, the poinsettia, is a commercially important plant species belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family of spurges. It's a non-food, non-feed ornamental plant propagated by vegetative propagation. Despite its reputation for being highly toxic, the poinsettia is not harmful to pets or infants. It reveals the existence of various chemical constituents such as alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, glycosides, reducing sugar and amino acid. The review is an effort to compile all information regarding the pharmacological and biological activities of Euphorbia pulcherrima, as this information may prove beneficial in scientific research of the plant and formulation development.