| Latin Names |
Sanskrit Names |
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.
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. |
Morphology Description (Habit)
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.
Principal Constituents
It is rich in b -carotene and Vitamin C.
Pharmacology
It shows anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities.
Toxicology
No adverse effect has been reported on the use of this plant
as medicine or food.
Indications
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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