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| Latin Names |
Sanskrit Name |
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Alternanthera sessilis (Linn.) DC.
/
A. triandra Lam. /
A. denticulata
R. Br. / A. nodiflora R.
Br. /
A. repens Gmel., non Link. (Amaranthaceae)
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Matsyakshi |
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| History |
This plant
has been in use for a long time. Its leaves are consumed as
a part of the regular diet. It is also used for indigestion.
It is recommended as good fodder.
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| Distribution |
Widely distributed
throughout India. Occurs in diverse ecological niches from ponds
to dry roadsides. Available throughout the year in wet places
and during summer, it is absent from dry places.
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| Morphology
Description (Habit) |
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It is an annual or perennial, prostrate weed. Branches are glabrous
and the ultimate ones are with two lines of hair. The nodes are
often villous. The leaves are variable in size, even longer when
growing in watery places, opposite, sessile or shortly petioled,
rather fleshy, sometimes obscurely denticulate. The flowers are
bisexual. Perianth is acuminate. Stamens are 2-3. Fruits are compressed
with winged margin.
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| Principal
Constituents |
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It is rich in b -carotene and Vitamin
C.
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| Pharmacology |
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It shows anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities.
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| Toxicology |
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No adverse effect has been reported on the use of this plant as
medicine or food.
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| Indications |
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The herb is used as a galactagogue, cholagogue, abortifacient and
febrifuge. The leaves are used like spinach, and in soups. Applied
externally on acne and pimples
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| Product
Range |
Clarina.
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