Alocasia macrorrhiza (White taro) : medicinal properties in alcoholic extraction

Alocasia macrorrhiza (White taro, White cabbage, Brown taro, Brown cabbage, Malanga mawon, Chou mawon, Malanga marron, Chou marron) — family Aracées.

Scientific synonyms : Arum indicum Lour., A macrorrhizon L., A macrorrhizum L., Caladium plumbeum K. Koch, Colocasia indica var. rubra Hassk., C indica (Lour.) Hassk., C macrorrhizos (L.) Schott, Alocasia indica var. metallica Schott ex Engl., A indica var. violacea Engl., A indica (Lour.) -Spach, Alocasia macrorrhizos var. rubra (Hassk.) Furtado, A macrorrhizos (L.) Schott, A metallica Schott.

This database documents alcoholic (ethanol) extractions of active substances. Our monograph currently lists 22 indications in alcoholic extraction for this species. The Lapo v2 catalogue records 72 scientific references for this species (full detail in the application).

Therapeutic indications in alcoholic extraction:

Important — scientific references on this public page: only a short excerpt of each cited source is shown (selected abstract sentences), kept in the original language of the publication (most often English), without translation. These excerpts are not the full article text and are not a complete bibliography. The full reference records and complete monographic detail are available in the Lapo v2 application (free 30-day trial).

Cancer: adjuvant treatment of carcinoma: nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal (throat) and hepatic epithelial carcinoma

Plant part used: TUBER rhizome.
Scientific references (short excerpts)

Short excerpts only (not the full article). Full reference records are in the Lapo v2 application.
- According to Arbain D (2022)
  Excerpt The numerous biological activities of Alocasia species were also presented, which include anti-cancer, antidiabetic & antihyperglycaemic, antioxidant, antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial & antifungal, antiparasitic (antiprotozoal & anthelminthic), antinociceptive & anti-inflammatory, brine shrimp lethality, hepatoprotective, anti-hemagglutinin, anti-constipation & diuretic, & radioprotective activities as well as acute toxicity studies. The genus Alocasia was reported to be able to produce a strong & high-quality anti-cancer compound, namely alocasgenoside B, although information on this compound is currently limited.
- According to Fang S (2012)
  Excerpt Fang S et al, Anticancer potential of aqueous extract of alocasia macrorrhiza against hepatic cancer in vitro & in vivo.
- According to -Pal S (n.d.)
  Excerpt indica tuber (EEAIT) in hepatotoxicity and apoptosis of liver caused by alcohol in rats was investigated. Treatment of rats with alcohol (3 g ethanol per kg body weight per day for 15 days intraperitoneally) produced marked elevation of liver biomarkers such as serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), -glutamyl transpeptidase (-GT), & total bilirubin levels which were reduced by EEAIT in a dose-dependent manner.
- According to Mulla WA (n.d.)
  Excerpt Hepatic steatosis, fatty infiltration, hydropic degeneration & necrosis observed in CCl4 & paracetamol-treated groups were completely absent in histology of the liver sections of the animals treated with the extracts. The results suggests that the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of AI possess significant potential as hepatoprotective agent.
- According to Pal S (n.d.)
  Excerpt indica tuber were prepared to evaluate in-vitro antioxidant potential, in-vivo hepatoprotective activity & GCMS analysis of the extract. In-vitro analyses such as phenolic & flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity were done using standard spectrophotometric method & in-vivo antioxidant activity was evaluated by using carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic injuries in male Albino Wister rats.
Type II diabetes mellitus

Plant part used: TUBER rhizome.
Scientific references (short excerpts)

Short excerpts only (not the full article). Full reference records are in the Lapo v2 application.
- According to RAHMAN M (2012)
  Excerpt The extract was given at a single dose (250 & 500 mg/kg) in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice. Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) (Araceae), a coarse & erect plant that is widely cultivated to be eaten as a vegetable throughout Bangladesh, has been reported to possess a number of medicinal properties.
- According to Jawaid T (2015)
  Excerpt The investigate the antidiabetic & antihyperlipidemic effect of ethanolic extract of Alocasia indica (EEAI) rhizomes in high-fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ) & STZ/nicotinamide-induced Type 2 diabetic rats. Conclusion: The results suggest that the EEAI rhizomes possess a promising effect on the HFD/STZ & STZ/nicotinamide-induced Type 2 diabetes.
- According to Yuliana Y (2018)
  Excerpt From the root part, aloceramide compounds have been isolated, whereas rhizome containing lignanamide, monoindole, indole & piperidin compounds & leaves have triglochinin & isotriglochinin components. Furthermore, the plant also has biological activities such as antidiuretic, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antihyperglycemia & others.
- According to Karim R (2014)
  Excerpt The present study was aimed at evaluating the effect of Alocasia indica on blood glucose level in normal & Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with stress on evaluation of probable mechanism of antidiabetic action. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) and doses of test extracts 200 and 400mg/kg were studied in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats for the period of 21 days.
- According to Arbain D (2022)
  Excerpt The numerous biological activities of Alocasia species were also presented, which include anti-cancer, antidiabetic & antihyperglycaemic, antioxidant, antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial & antifungal, antiparasitic (antiprotozoal & anthelminthic), antinociceptive & anti-inflammatory, brine shrimp lethality, hepatoprotective, anti-hemagglutinin, anti-constipation & diuretic, & radioprotective activities as well as acute toxicity studies. Featuring their large green heart-shaped or arrow-shaped ear leaves & occasionally red-orange fruit, they are very popular ornamental plants & are widely used as traditional medicines to treat various diseases such as jaundice, snake bite, boils, & diabetes.
Liver diseases: normalisation of serum parameters: ALT, AST, etc.

Plant part used: TUBER rhizome.
Scientific references (short excerpts)

Short excerpts only (not the full article). Full reference records are in the Lapo v2 application.
- According to -Pal S (n.d.)
  Excerpt indica tuber (EEAIT) in hepatotoxicity and apoptosis of liver caused by alcohol in rats was investigated. Treatment of rats with alcohol (3 g ethanol per kg body weight per day for 15 days intraperitoneally) produced marked elevation of liver biomarkers such as serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), -glutamyl transpeptidase (-GT), & total bilirubin levels which were reduced by EEAIT in a dose-dependent manner.
- According to Mulla WA (n.d.)
  Excerpt Hepatic steatosis, fatty infiltration, hydropic degeneration & necrosis observed in CCl4 & paracetamol-treated groups were completely absent in histology of the liver sections of the animals treated with the extracts. indica (250 & 500 mg/kg) effectively inhibited CCl4 & paracetamol induced changes in the serum marker enzymes, cholesterol, serum protein & albumin in a dose-dependent manner as compared to the normal & the standard drug silymarin-treated groups.
- According to Pal S (n.d.)
  Excerpt indica tuber were prepared to evaluate in-vitro antioxidant potential, in-vivo hepatoprotective activity & GCMS analysis of the extract. In-vitro analyses such as phenolic & flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity were done using standard spectrophotometric method & in-vivo antioxidant activity was evaluated by using carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic injuries in male Albino Wister rats.
- According to ACHARYA S (2014)
  Excerpt Alocasia macrorrhizos (AM) belongs to the family Araceae, different parts of this plant have shown hepatoprotective, anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory action.
- According to Basu S (2014)
  Excerpt To assess the complete nutritional profile and identification of bioactive components present in the hydro-ethanolic extract of Alocasia indica tuber. Moreover, the mineral content of the tuber can be used as supplement for combating malnutrition especially among rural folk & the vitamin content can serve as good source of natural antioxidant.

Further indications (including other extraction modes where applicable), dosages, precautions for use, and the <strong>full scientific references</strong> (complete records, not only the short excerpts above) are available in the complete monographic record in the Lapo v2 application.

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Evolution of this plant record

Under the CTA · public change history

Content27 Jun 2026, 01:14 am

+11 references · −11 references

Counts and domains only: indication labels and synergy names are not listed here (open the in-app plant file). Full bibliographic texts for new, corrected, or removed references expand below.

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+11 references — show text

Ongpoy RC., Jr, The Medicinal Properties of the Alocasia Genus: A Systematic Review. JAASP 6 (1), 25–33. 2017-Abstract: The objective of this study is to evaluate the existing medicinal studies of the Alocasia genus & identify the possible studies that may be done in the future on its member species. To do this, Science Direct & Google Scholar were used as a database to get the available researches searching for the term “Alocasia” & some of its common species like “Alocasia macrorrhiza”. Fifty eight articles were selected & from these, 28 were qualified for this systematic review. Results …

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Mulla WA et al, Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Leaves of Alocasia Indica (Linn). Indian J. Pharm. Sci. 71 (3), 303–7. 10.4103/0250-474X.56036, 2009b-Abstract: The free radical scavenging potential of the plant Alocasia indica(Linn.) was studied by using different antioxidant models of screening like scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical, nitric oxide radical, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical, iron chelating activity, total antioxidant capacity, non-enzymatic glycosylation of haemoglobin, rapid screening for antioxidant compounds by thin layer chromatography. Th…

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Mulla WA et al, Anthelmintic Activity of Leaves of Alocasia Indica Linn. Int. J. Pharmtech Res. 2 (1):26–30. 10.4103/0975-1483.63152,2010b-Abstract : The study was designed to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Alocasia indica Linn.(Araceae) & its two different fractions namely petroleum ether & ethyl acetate using Pheretima posthuma as test worms. Different concentrations (10, 25 and 50 mg/ml) of hydroalcoholic extract and its various fractions were tested in the bioassay, from which time of paralysis (P) & time of death (D) of the worms were determin…

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Buyel JF. How Plants Can Contribute to the Supply of Anticancer Compounds,” in Biotechnology & Production of Anti-cancer Compounds. Editor Malik S. (Cham: Springer Inter Publishing; ), 39–72. 2017- [Unknown · 2017

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Huang W et al, Piperidine Alkaloids from Alocasia macrorrhiza . Phytochem, 143, 81–6. 2017b-Abstract :Six previously undescribed piperidine alkaloids were isolated from the rhizomes of Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Schott. Their structures were elucidated based on 1D & 2D NMR, IR, HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic analysis & the application of a modified Mosher method. All isolated alkaloids were evaluated for cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines (CNE-1, Detroit 562, Fadu, MGC-803, & MCF-7) using the MTT method. Only one compound exhibited cytotoxic effects against Detroit 562, Fadu, & MCF-7…

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Mulla WA et al, Hepatoprotective Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Leaves of Alocasia Indica (Linn.). Indian J. Exp. Biol. 47 (10):816–21.2009a-Abstract: Oral administration of hydroalcoholic extract of A. indica (250 & 500 mg/kg) effectively inhibited CCl4 & paracetamol induced changes in the serum marker enzymes, cholesterol, serum protein & albumin in a dose-dependent manner as compared to the normal & the standard drug silymarin-treated groups. Hepatic steatosis, fatty infiltration, hydropic degeneration & necrosis observed in CCl4 & paracetamol-treated groups were completely absent…

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Huang W et al, Anti-inflammatory Lignanamides & Monoindoles from Alocasia macrorrhiza . Fitoterapia 117, 126–32. 2017a-Abstract: Five new lignanamides (1-5), and one new monoindole alkaloid (6), along with eight known compounds (7-14) were isolated & identified from the rhizomes of Alocasia macrorrhiza (giant taro). All purified compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells, & the antiproliferative activities against human nasopharyngeal carcinoma epithelial (CNE-1), human gastric carcinoma (MGC-803)…

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Lin TJ et al, Calcium oxalate is the main toxic component in clinical presentations of alocasis macrorrhiza (L) Schott & Endl poisonings Vet Hum Toxicol. 1998, 40(2) 93-5-Abstract : The toxic effects of A macrorrhiza arise from sapotoxin & include gastroenteritis & paralysis of the nerve centers. From 1985 to 1993 all individuals who called the Poison Control Center asking for information regarding macrorrhiza were included in this retrospective study. A questionnaire filled out by the Poison Control Center staff collected the demographic data of the victim, the reason for consumption, the…

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Lin TJ et al, Calcium oxalate is the main toxic component in clinical presentations of Alocasis macrorrhiza (L) Schot & Endl poisonings. Vet Hum Toxicol 1998;40:93-5.Lin TJ · 1998

Lin TJ et al, Calcium oxalate is the main toxic component in clinical presentations of Alocasis macrorrhiza (L) Schot & Endl poisonings. Vet Hum Toxicol 1998;40:93-5.

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Zhu LH et al, Study on Chemical Constituents of Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Schott Chinese Pharmaceut J, 2012-13-AbstractZhu LH · 2012

Zhu LH et al, Study on Chemical Constituents of Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Schott Chinese Pharmaceut J, 2012-13-Abstract

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Zhu LH et al, Indole Alkaloids from Alocasia macrorrhiza . Chem. Pharm. Bull. (Tokyo) 60 (5), 670–3. 10.1248/cpb.60.670, 2012-Abstract : Five new indole alkaloids, alocasins A–E (3–7), together with known hyrtiosin B (1) & hyrtiosulawe- sin (2) were isolated from Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) SCHOTT; their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Compounds 1–7 were in vitro tested for cytostatic activity on human throat cancer (Hep- 2), human hepatocarcinoma (Hep-G2), & human nasopharyngeal carcinoma epithelial (CNE) cell lines by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenylt…

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Lin TJ et al, Calcium oxalate is the main toxic component in clinical presentations of Alocasis macrorrhiza (L) Schot & Endl poisonings. Vet Hum Toxicol 1998;40:93-5.Lin TJ · 1998

Lin TJ et al, Calcium oxalate is the main toxic component in clinical presentations of Alocasis macrorrhiza (L) Schot & Endl poisonings. Vet Hum Toxicol 1998;40:93-5.

Removed

Zhu LH et al, Study on Chemical Constituents of Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Schott Chinese Pharmaceut J, 2012-13-AbstractZhu LH · 2012

Zhu LH et al, Study on Chemical Constituents of Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Schott Chinese Pharmaceut J, 2012-13-Abstract

Removed

By Emmanuel Nossin · ethnopharmacologist

Content27 Jun 2026, 01:14 am

First public publication

New planttop 3 · ref count

By Emmanuel Nossin · ethnopharmacologist

Content19 Jun 2026, 02:01 am

+1 indication · −1 indication · ~ posology · +11 references · −11 references

Counts and domains only: indication labels and synergy names are not listed here (open the in-app plant file). Full bibliographic texts for new, corrected, or removed references expand below.

+1 indication−1 indication~ posology+11 references−11 references

+11 references — show text

Added

Lin TJ et al, Calcium oxalate is the main toxic component in clinical presentations of Alocasis macrorrhiza (L) Schot & Endl poisonings. Vet Hum Toxicol 1998;40:93-5.Lin TJ · 1998

Lin TJ et al, Calcium oxalate is the main toxic component in clinical presentations of Alocasis macrorrhiza (L) Schot & Endl poisonings. Vet Hum Toxicol 1998;40:93-5.

Added

Zhu LH et al, Study on Chemical Constituents of Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Schott Chinese Pharmaceut J, 2012-13-AbstractZhu LH · 2012

Zhu LH et al, Study on Chemical Constituents of Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Schott Chinese Pharmaceut J, 2012-13-Abstract

Added

Removed

Lin TJ et al, Calcium oxalate is the main toxic component in clinical presentations of Alocasis macrorrhiza (L) Schot & Endl poisonings. Vet Hum Toxicol 1998;40:93-5.Lin TJ · 1998

Lin TJ et al, Calcium oxalate is the main toxic component in clinical presentations of Alocasis macrorrhiza (L) Schot & Endl poisonings. Vet Hum Toxicol 1998;40:93-5.

Removed

Zhu LH et al, Study on Chemical Constituents of Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Schott Chinese Pharmaceut J, 2012-13-AbstractZhu LH · 2012

Zhu LH et al, Study on Chemical Constituents of Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Schott Chinese Pharmaceut J, 2012-13-Abstract

Removed

By Emmanuel Nossin · ethnopharmacologist

Alocasia macrorrhiza (White taro) : medicinal properties in alcoholic extraction

Cancer: adjuvant treatment of carcinoma: nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal (throat) and hepatic epithelial carcinoma

Type II diabetes mellitus

Liver diseases: normalisation of serum parameters: ALT, AST, etc.

Evolution of this plant record

+11 references · −11 references

First public publication

+1 indication · −1 indication · ~ posology · +11 references · −11 references