Achyranthes Aspera (Prickly chaff flower)

Achyranthes Aspera (Prickly chaff flower)

Product Name: Ахирантес шероховатый, Achyranthes aspera, Rauhaarige Achyranthes, Achyranthes áspera, Achyranthe rugueuse, أخيرانثس أسبره, หญ้าอีดู่, Achirantes qo‘pol, Ахирантес орой, Axirantes kobud, Achirantes šiurkštusis, Raupjais ahirants, Ахірантес шорсткий, Achirantes kobud, אכירנתס מחוספס.

Synonyms: Ахира́нтес колючий, Prickly chaff flower, Devil’s horsewhip, Rough chaff tree, Rauhaariger Spreublumenstrauch, Flor de paja espinosa, Achyranthe épineuse, زهرة القش الشوكية, หญ้าดอกฟางหนาม.

Used Parts: root, aerial part, leaves, seeds, stem.

Main Indications for Use of Achyranthes aspera: Hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, inflammatory bowel diseases, gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer, nephrolithiasis, urinary tract infection, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, rheumatoid arthitis, gout, dermatitis, eczema, bacterial skin infection, intestinal helminthiasis, inflammatory leukocytosis.

Indications for Use of Achyranthes aspera in Mixtures and Complexes: Metabolic syndrome, alimentary obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic pancreatitis, chronic heart failure, coronary heart disease, chronic pyelonephritis, secondary immunodeficiency states, chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases, psoriasis, iron deficiency anemia.

Main Pharmacological Properties of Achyranthes aspera: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, diuretic, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, immunomodulating, bronchodilatory, spasmolytic, analgesic, wound-healing, antiproliferative.

Pharmaceutical Forms

• Powder
• Dry Extract
• Alcohol Tincture
• Oil Infusion
• Vaginal Suppositories
• Rectal Suppositories
• Nasal Drops
• Ear Drops
• Decoction
• Aqueous Infusion
• Ointment
• Cream
• Cosmetic Serum
• Liniment
• External Compress

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Achyranthes aspera

Powder — Achyranthes aspera

Indications (Powder): Hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, nephrolithiasis, urinary tract infection, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, intestinal helminthiasis.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 1–2 grams of powder 2 times throughout the day after meals, course duration — 30 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 3 grams 2 times throughout the day for severe hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, systemic inflammatory process, course duration — 21 days.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 5 grams throughout the day, divided into 2 doses, for nephrolithiasis and severe inflammatory syndrome, course duration — up to 14 days.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1 gram once throughout the day for metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammatory conditions, persons over 40 years of age, course duration — 20 days, repeat after 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): Permitted from 12 years of age with a body weight of at least 40 kilograms, 0.5–1 gram once throughout the day.

Contraindications (Powder): Individual hypersensitivity, pregnancy, lactation, pronounced hypotension, severe renal failure.

Side Effects (Powder): In case of overdose, dyspepsia, diarrhea, and arterial hypotension are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the dosage by 20 percent; for body weight above 90 kilograms, an increase of 20 percent is allowed.

Preparation Method (Powder): To prepare 100 grams of product, 100 grams of dried aerial part of the plant are used. The raw material is dried at a temperature not exceeding +40 °C, ground to a finely dispersed state, and sifted through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.5 millimeters. Store in an airtight glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store at a temperature of +5...+25 °C, in a dry place, without access to direct light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 24 months; use within 6 months after opening.

Dry Extract — Achyranthes aspera

Indications (Dry Extract): Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, inflammatory bowel diseases.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 300–500 milligrams of extract 2 times throughout the day, course duration — 30 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 700 milligrams 2 times throughout the day for severe hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, course duration — 21 days.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 1500 milligrams throughout the day, divided into 2 doses, for systemic inflammatory process, course duration — up to 14 days.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 250 milligrams once throughout the day for metabolic syndrome, course duration — 20 days.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): Permitted from 14 years of age with a body weight of at least 45 kilograms, 200 milligrams once throughout the day.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Pregnancy, lactation, individual hypersensitivity, pronounced hypotension.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): In case of overdose, dizziness, dyspepsia, and lowering of blood pressure are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the dosage by 15 percent; for body weight above 90 kilograms, an increase of 20 percent is allowed.

Preparation Method (Dry Extract): To prepare 100 grams of extract, 500 grams of ground raw material and 3000 milliliters of 70 percent ethanol are used. The solvent is used only for extraction and is not a component of the finished preparation. Infusion is carried out for 7 days at a temperature of +20 °C. Then filtration and evaporation are carried out in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding +50 °C until complete removal of the solvent. The control criterion for removal is the complete disappearance of the ethanol odor. The permissible residual ethanol content is not more than 5000 ppm. Use of the intermediate product containing solvent is not allowed.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store at a temperature of +5...+25 °C, in airtight packaging, without access to light. Shelf life — 24 months; use within 6 months after opening.

Tincture — Achyranthes aspera

Indications (Tincture): Arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, urinary tract infection, nephrolithiasis, intestinal helminthiasis.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20–30 drops, diluted in 50 milliliters of water, 2 times throughout the day after meals, course duration — 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 40 drops 2 times throughout the day for pronounced arterial hypertension, systemic inflammatory process, hyperlipidemia, course duration — 14 days.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 90 drops throughout the day, divided into 3 doses, for nephrolithiasis and severe inflammatory syndrome, course duration — up to 10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 15–20 drops once throughout the day for metabolic syndrome and chronic inflammatory conditions, course duration — 20 days, repeat after 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Permitted from 16 years of age with a body weight of at least 50 kilograms, 10–15 drops once throughout the day.

Contraindications (Tincture): Pregnancy, lactation, individual hypersensitivity, pronounced hypotension, chronic liver diseases, alcohol dependence.

Side Effects (Tincture): In case of overdose, dizziness, dyspepsia, arterial hypotension, and gastric mucosal irritation are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the dosage by 20 percent; for body weight above 90 kilograms, an increase of 15 percent is allowed.

Preparation Method (Tincture): To prepare 100 grams of tincture, 20 grams of ground aerial part and 80 grams of 70 percent ethanol are used. The solvent is used only for extraction and is not a component of the dosed dry form. Infusion is carried out for 10 days at a temperature of +20 °C in a darkened glass container. After filtration, the tincture is stored without evaporation, since ethanol is a stabilizing component. When taken orally, the permissible pharmacopoeial standards for ethanol should be taken into account. Use of intermediate products without filtration is not allowed.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store at a temperature of +5...+20 °C, in a dark place, in a glass container with a tightly closed lid. Shelf life — 36 months; use within 12 months after opening.

Oil Infusion — Achyranthes aspera

Indications (Oil Infusion): Dermatitis, eczema, bacterial skin infection, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, inflammatory myalgia, chronic bronchitis for external chest rubbing.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): Apply 3–5 milliliters to the affected area 2 times throughout the day, course duration — 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): Apply 5–7 milliliters 3 times throughout the day for severe inflammatory process of the skin and joints, course duration — 14 days.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): Up to 20 milliliters throughout the day for extensive skin lesions, course duration — up to 10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): Apply 2–3 milliliters once throughout the day for chronic dermatoses outside the exacerbation stage, course duration — 15 days, repeat after 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): Permitted from 10 years of age in the absence of allergic reactions, apply 1–2 milliliters once throughout the day.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Individual hypersensitivity, open wound surfaces with pronounced exudation.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): In case of overdose, local hyperemia, itching, and contact dermatitis are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For body weight below 60 kilograms, use the lower limit of dosage; for body weight above 90 kilograms, an increase in the volume of application by 20 percent is allowed.

Preparation Method (Oil Infusion): To prepare 100 grams of product, 20 grams of dry ground aerial part and 80 grams of cold-pressed coconut oil are used. The mixture is infused in a water bath at a temperature of up to +50 °C for 3 hours, then kept for 7 days at a temperature of +20 °C in a darkened glass container. After filtration, the product is dispensed into sterile vials.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store at a temperature of +5...+15 °C, without access to light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 12 months; use within 3 months after opening.

Rectal Suppositories — Achyranthes aspera

Indications (Rectal Suppositories): Internal hemorrhoids, proctitis, anal fissure, inflammatory diseases of the rectum, chronic atonic constipation, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs of nonspecific etiology.

Standard Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): 1 suppository weighing 2 grams once throughout the day at night, course duration — 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): 1 suppository 2 times throughout the day for severe inflammatory process of the rectum and hemorrhoidal syndrome, course duration — 7 days.

Maximum Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): 2 suppositories 2 times throughout the day, course duration — up to 5 days for severe pain and inflammatory syndrome.

Preventive Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): 1 suppository every other day for 14 days for chronic hemorrhoids outside the exacerbation stage.

Pediatric Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): Permitted from 14 years of age with a body weight of at least 45 kilograms, 1 suppository once throughout the day.

Contraindications (Rectal Suppositories): Individual hypersensitivity, rectal bleeding of unclear etiology, acute paraproctitis.

Side Effects (Rectal Suppositories): In case of overdose, burning and local irritation of the rectal mucosa are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For body weight below 60 kilograms, use suppositories weighing 1.5 grams; for body weight above 90 kilograms, an increase in the frequency of use up to 2 times throughout the day is allowed.

Preparation Method (Rectal Suppositories): To prepare 100 grams of mass, 10 grams of dry plant extract and 90 grams of a base of cocoa butter and coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio are used. The base is melted in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding +40 °C, the extract is added, the mixture is thoroughly mixed until homogeneous and poured into molds of 2 grams each. Cooling is carried out at a temperature of +4...+8 °C until complete solidification.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Rectal Suppositories): Store at a temperature of +4...+8 °C, in a place protected from light. Shelf life — 12 months; use within 3 months after opening the package.

Nasal Drops — Achyranthes aspera

Indications (Nasal Drops): Bacterial rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, inflammation of the nasal mucosa, nasal congestion of inflammatory origin.

Standard Dosage (Nasal Drops): 2 drops in each nasal passage 2 times throughout the day, course duration — 7 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Nasal Drops): 3 drops 3 times throughout the day for severe inflammatory process of the nasal mucosa, course duration — 5 days.

Maximum Dosage (Nasal Drops): Up to 12 drops throughout the day in total, course duration — up to 5 days.

Preventive Dosage (Nasal Drops): 1 drop in each nasal passage once throughout the day during the season of increased morbidity, course duration — 10 days.

Pediatric Dosage (Nasal Drops): Permitted from 8 years of age, 1 drop 1–2 times throughout the day.

Contraindications (Nasal Drops): Individual hypersensitivity, atrophic rhinitis.

Side Effects (Nasal Drops): In case of overdose, burning and dryness of the nasal mucosa are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: Dose adjustment by body weight is not required for intranasal use.

Preparation Method (Nasal Drops): To prepare 100 milliliters of solution, 2 grams of dry extract and 98 milliliters of sterile isotonic sodium chloride solution are used. The solution is heated to a temperature of +36...+38 °C, thoroughly mixed until complete dissolution, and filtered through a sterile filter.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Nasal Drops): Store at a temperature of +4...+8 °C. Shelf life — 6 months; use within 14 days after opening.

Ear Drops — Achyranthes aspera

Indications (Ear Drops): Bacterial external otitis, fungal external otitis, inflammation of the external auditory canal, inflammatory dermatitis of the auditory canal.

Standard Dosage (Ear Drops): 2–3 drops into the external auditory canal 2 times throughout the day, course duration — 7 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Ear Drops): 4 drops 3 times throughout the day for severe inflammatory process and pain syndrome, course duration — 5 days.

Maximum Dosage (Ear Drops): Up to 12 drops throughout the day in total, course duration — up to 5 days.

Preventive Dosage (Ear Drops): 1–2 drops once throughout the day for a tendency to recurrent inflammation of the external auditory canal, course duration — 10 days.

Pediatric Dosage (Ear Drops): Permitted from 10 years of age, 1–2 drops 1–2 times throughout the day.

Contraindications (Ear Drops): Perforation of the tympanic membrane, individual hypersensitivity.

Side Effects (Ear Drops): In case of overdose, burning, local irritation, and hyperemia of the auditory canal skin are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: Dose adjustment by body weight is not required for topical use.

Preparation Method (Ear Drops): To prepare 100 milliliters of solution, 3 grams of dry extract and 97 milliliters of sterile oil solution based on coconut oil, heated to a temperature of +36...+38 °C, are used. The mixture is thoroughly mixed until homogeneous and filtered through a sterile filter.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ear Drops): Store at a temperature of +4...+8 °C, without access to light. Shelf life — 6 months; use within 14 days after opening.

Ointment — Achyranthes aspera

Indications (Ointment): Dermatitis, eczema, bacterial skin infection, superficial skin mycosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis for external use, inflammatory myalgia.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): Apply 3–5 grams of ointment to the affected area 2 times throughout the day, course duration — 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): Apply 5–7 grams 3 times throughout the day for severe inflammatory process of the skin and joints, course duration — 14 days.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): Up to 20 grams throughout the day for extensive skin lesions, course duration — up to 10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): Apply 2–3 grams once throughout the day for chronic dermatoses outside the exacerbation stage, course duration — 15 days, repeat after 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): Permitted from 8 years of age, apply 1–2 grams once throughout the day.

Contraindications (Ointment): Individual hypersensitivity, open infected wounds with pronounced exudation.

Side Effects (Ointment): In case of overdose, itching, contact dermatitis, and local hyperemia are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For body weight below 60 kilograms, use the lower limit of dosage; for body weight above 90 kilograms, an increase in the volume of application by 20 percent is allowed.

Preparation Method (Ointment): To prepare 100 grams of product, 15 grams of dry extract, 50 grams of coconut oil, and 35 grams of beeswax are used. The base is melted in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding +40 °C, the extract is added, the mixture is stirred until homogeneous, and poured into sterile containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): Store at a temperature of +5...+15 °C, in a place protected from light. Shelf life — 12 months; use within 3 months after opening.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Achyranthes aspera

According to experimental studies, aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Achyranthes aspera demonstrate low acute toxicity. With oral administration of the aqueous extract to rats, the LD₅₀ value exceeded 2000 mg/kg of body weight, which corresponds to the category of low-toxic substances according to the WHO classification. In studies on mice with oral administration of the methanol extract of the aerial part of the plant, the LD₅₀ was more than 3000 mg/kg of body weight. With intraperitoneal administration of alcohol fractions, a more pronounced toxic effect was noted; however, lethal doses also exceeded 1000 mg/kg of body weight. In subacute toxicity models with use for 28 days at doses up to 500 mg/kg of body weight, no irreversible changes in the liver, kidneys, and myocardium were detected. Blood biochemical parameters remained within the physiological norm. Data on genotoxicity and mutagenicity in available publications did not reveal mutagenic potential of aqueous and alcoholic extracts in standard in vitro tests. Based on the presented data, the taxon belongs to the category of low-toxic substances when therapeutic dosages are observed.

Reference: Singh S., et al., 2011, Acute and subacute toxicity study of Achyranthes aspera Linn. extract in rodents, International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 9(2), 78–83 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...)

Pharmacodynamics — Achyranthes aspera

The pharmacodynamic properties of Achyranthes aspera are due to the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, and phenolic compounds. Plant extracts exhibit pronounced antioxidant activity due to their ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce the level of lipid peroxidation in cell membranes. A decrease in the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppression of enzyme systems involved in the synthesis of inflammatory mediators have been noted, indicating a modulating effect on the inflammatory cascade.

In experimental models, an effect on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism has been identified through increased tissue sensitivity to insulin and a decrease in the concentration of circulating low-density lipoproteins. The participation of activation of intracellular signaling pathways regulating energy metabolism and the expression of antioxidant enzymes is assumed.

At the level of the respiratory system, a bronchodilatory effect has been demonstrated, associated with relaxation of the smooth muscles of the bronchial tree and a decrease in the release of inflammatory mediators. With respect to the cardiovascular system, a mild vasodilating and diuretic effect is noted, contributing to a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance.

The immunomodulating effect is realized through stimulation of macrophage phagocytic activity and modulation of the cellular immune response. Experimental studies have also shown the ability of extracts to exert an antiproliferative effect on cell lines, which is associated with an influence on cell cycle processes and apoptosis.

Reference: Bafna A., Mishra S., 2010, Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Achyranthes aspera, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 128(2), 424–430 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...)

Pharmacokinetics — Achyranthes aspera

With oral administration of powder and dry extract, the biologically active substances of Achyranthes aspera are absorbed primarily in the small intestine. Saponins and flavonoids undergo partial transformation under the action of intestinal microflora with the formation of more bioavailable metabolites. Absorption of phenolic compounds occurs by passive diffusion and partially with the participation of organic anion transporters.

After absorption, the active components are distributed primarily in the liver, kidneys, and tissues with developed blood supply. Metabolism is carried out in the liver through oxidation enzyme systems and conjugation with glucuronic acid. Excretion of metabolites occurs primarily through the kidneys in the urine, and partially through the bile and intestines.

With external use of oil forms and ointments, absorption is limited to the epidermal and dermal layers; systemic exposure is minimal. With intranasal and rectal use, partial systemic absorption through the mucous membranes is possible, bypassing the first-pass effect through the liver. A cumulative effect with short-term use has not been described.

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Achyranthes aspera

The pharmacological activity of Achyranthes aspera is due to the presence of triterpenoid saponins, alkaloids, ecdysteroids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. In experimental models, it has been shown that plant extracts can inhibit the activation of the nuclear factor that regulates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a decrease in the production of interleukin-1 type, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and other mediators of the inflammatory cascade. Suppression of signaling pathways associated with mitogen-activated protein kinases is accompanied by a decrease in the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and a reduction in prostaglandin synthesis.

The saponin fraction exhibits membrane-stabilizing properties and modulates the permeability of cell membranes, which may explain the antioxidant and cytoprotective effects. Plant flavonoids can bind reactive oxygen species, activate intracellular antioxidant enzymes, and reduce the level of lipid peroxidation. Experimental data indicate an effect on carbohydrate metabolism enzymes, including enhanced hexokinase activity and decreased glucose-6-phosphatase activity, indicating participation in the regulation of energy metabolism.

In in vitro studies, an effect on the receptor structures of smooth muscle cells has been identified, accompanied by a decrease in tone and relaxation of muscle fibers. The involvement of calcium channels and regulation of intracellular calcium ion concentration is assumed. The immunomodulating effect is associated with the activation of macrophage phagocytic function and modulation of the production of immunoregulatory cytokines.

Ecdysteroids found in the plant are considered as compounds capable of affecting cell proliferation and apoptosis through the regulation of gene expression controlling the cell cycle. The combination of these mechanisms confirms the multifactorial action of the taxon at the cellular and molecular levels.

References:
– Gupta M., et al., 2008, Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity of Achyranthes aspera Linn., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 119(3), 495–500 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...)
– Mishra S., et al., 2011, Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Achyranthes aspera Linn., International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 9(1), 50–57 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...)

Synergy — Achyranthes aspera

In studies of the combined use of Achyranthes aspera with Azadirachta indica, an additive enhancement of antioxidant activity and potentiation of the anti-inflammatory effect were noted due to the total suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and stabilization of cell membranes. The combination with Withania somnifera demonstrated a modulating effect on the immune response, accompanied by increased macrophage activity and normalization of the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators.

The combination with Tinospora cordifolia in experimental models was accompanied by an enhancement of antioxidant potential and more pronounced regulation of signaling pathways associated with cellular stress. With the combined use with Curcuma longa, a potentiating effect was observed with respect to the inhibition of inflammatory mediators, which is associated with an effect on similar intracellular cascades and enzyme systems.

The saponin fraction of Achyranthes aspera in combination with flavonoid-containing plants demonstrates an additive effect on antioxidant enzymes and a reduction in the level of reactive oxygen species. The presented data indicate tissue-specific and cellular enhancement of effects with rational combination with plants having a similar spectrum of action.

References:
– Kumar S., et al., 2012, Evaluation of combined antioxidant potential of Achyranthes aspera and Azadirachta indica, Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 6(18), 3458–3464 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...)
– Sharma A., et al., 2013, Herbal synergism: scientific basis of polyherbal formulations, Pharmacognosy Reviews, 7(13), 64–70 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...)

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Achyranthes aspera

Achyranthes aspera is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and South America. Traditionally, the plant was used in India within the framework of Ayurvedic medicine, where it is mentioned in ancient treatises as a component of cleansing and strengthening formulations. In Indian ethnomedical practice, the aerial part and roots were used in the form of decoctions and pastes for external application.

In Nepal and Sri Lanka, the plant was used in folk recipes in the form of aqueous infusions and powders. In some regions of East Africa, it was used as a remedy for purification rituals, as well as a protective plant. In rural traditions of South India, seeds and stems were used in rituals for protecting the home.

In Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, the plant was part of herbal mixtures of folk medicine. In the ethnocultural context, it was associated with purification and protection from adverse influences. Mentions of its use are found in regional herbal books of the 19th century, where the plant is described as a remedy of a general strengthening nature.