Morphological information

An erect, spinous, annual or perennial herb, varying in colors from green to

purple. Stem 30-60 cm in height, spines hard, straight. Leaves 3.710.0 cm long, 1.9-5.0 cm broad, base cuneate, petiole slender, equaling the blade or shorter. Flowers found throughout the year, seed black and shining. Flowers and fruits most part of the year.

Flowering    : May-September

Fruiting    : May-September

History    :

Parts    : Whole plant

Status    : Scattered

 

Phytochemistry

Hentriacontane and K-spinasterol from leaves and stems; a saponin mixture composed of oleanolic acid D-glucose and D-glucoronic acid, isolated from roots along with K-spinasterol (J.Inst. Chemists, Calcuta 1973, 45, 205; Chem. Abstr. 1974, 81, 47427 g)- sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, cholesterol and stearic, oleic and linoleic acid isolated (Curr. Sci. 1976, 45, 481); quercitin and rutin (1.9%) obtained (Farm. Zh.1977, 90; Chem. Abstr. 1977, 87, 197309 h); K-spinasterol octacosonoate and a new saponin , D-glucopyranosyl (1→4)-,-D- glucopyranosyl (1→3)- oleanolic acid (I)- isolated from roots. (Indian 3. Chem. 1979, 17B, 180).

 

Agrocultivation

The plant is propagated through seeds

 

Medicinal

The plant is regarded as an emmenogogue and galactogogue. It is used as a refrigerant, diuretic, purgative, inflammation as an enema for stomach troubles, piles against cholera and also as a sudorific; it prevents vomiting.A decoction of the plant improves digestion, is used in kidney complaints and as mouthwash for toothache.The decoction with palm-nut soap is used to arrest miscarriage. The root is used in menorrhagea, gonorrhea, eczema and colic. The roots and leaves are used as expectorant. The leaves are used against earache and are fed to infants. It is used as potherb and increase milk production in cattle.

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