Barleria prionitis(Acanthaceae) - Porcupine flower

Das K
Nov 7
4 min read

Barleria prionitis - Porcupine flower

Scientific Name: Barleria prionitis

Family: Acanthaceae

Genus: Barleria

Related Herbs from the same family:

Justicia adhatoda (Vasaka) - A quintessential Ayurvedic herb for respiratory ailments like asthma, bronchitis, and cough.
Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) - A renowned bitter herb used for liver disorders, fevers, and infections.
Ecbolium viride (Green Ice Crossandra, Udajati in Sanskrit) - Used in traditional medicine for skin diseases and jaundice.
Hygrophila spinosa (Kokilaksha) - Used in Ayurveda for urinary disorders, rheumatism, and as a diuretic.

2. Common names

3. Medicinal Uses

Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Diuretic, Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), Antioxidant, Wound healing, Antidiarrheal.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

The therapeutic properties of Barleria prionitis are attributed to a rich profile of secondary metabolites present in its leaves, roots, and bark.

Iridoid Glycosides: Barlerin, Acetylbarlerin, Shanzhiside methyl ester. These are key bioactive compounds with demonstrated Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic effects, inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Phenolic Compounds and Flavonoids: Apigenin, Luteolin, Quercetin. These compounds are potent Antioxidants that scavenge free radicals. They contribute to the plant's Antimicrobial, Antipyretic, and Hepatoprotective activities.

Saponins: These glycosides are responsible for the foaming property and contribute to the Antimicrobial and Antifungal effects. They may also support the plant's traditional use as a diuretic.

Alkaloids: Present in smaller quantities, they may contribute to the overall bioactivity, including potential analgesic effects.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic (for Joint Pain and Toothache)

Formulation: Leaf juice or root decoction.

Preparation & Use: The juice of fresh leaves is used as a gargle to relieve toothache and gum inflammation. A paste of the leaves is applied topically to swollen joints and painful areas. A root decoction is consumed for internal inflammation.

Justification: The iridoid glycosides (like Barlerin) are potent inhibitors of inflammatory pathways. The analgesic effect helps reduce pain perception.

Wound Healing and Skin Infections

Formulation: Leaf poultice or paste.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are crushed into a paste and applied directly to cuts, wounds, boils, and chronic ulcers to prevent infection and promote healing.

Justification: The Antimicrobial action of saponins and flavonoids prevents bacterial growth. The Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant properties reduce swelling and oxidative stress at the wound site, facilitating faster tissue repair.

Antipyretic (for Fevers)

Formulation: Decoction of the whole plant.

Preparation & Use: A decoction made from the leaves and roots is consumed to reduce fever, particularly in cases of infectious diseases.

Justification: The flavonoids and other compounds work to lower the body's elevated temperature through their anti-inflammatory and potential diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) actions.

Hepatoprotective (for Liver Health)

Formulation: Root or leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: In traditional medicine, a decoction is used to support liver function and treat jaundice.

Justification: The antioxidant flavonoids (like apigenin and luteolin) protect liver cells (hepatocytes) from damage caused by toxins and free radicals.

Diuretic and for Urinary Disorders

Formulation: Leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: The leaf decoction is consumed to increase urine output and to help with urinary tract infections.

Justification: Saponins are known to have a mild diuretic effect, helping to flush out the urinary system.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

Barleria prionitis is not typically used in cuisine. Its applications are primarily medicinal.

Dental Health Gargle for Toothache

Purpose: To relieve gum inflammation and tooth pain.

Preparation & Use:

Crush a handful of fresh leaves to extract 1-2 teaspoons of juice.
Mix this juice with a cup of lukewarm water.
Use as a gargle, swishing it around the affected area for 1-2 minutes.
Repeat 2-3 times a day. Do not swallow.

Healing Leaf Poultice for Wounds and Swellings

Purpose: To disinfect wounds and reduce inflammation.

Preparation & Use:

Clean and crush a sufficient number of fresh leaves into a smooth paste.
Apply the paste directly to the clean wound or swollen joint.
Cover with a clean cloth or bandage.
Replace the poultice every 4-6 hours.

Antipyretic and Liver Tonic Decoction

Purpose: To reduce fever and support liver function.

Preparation & Use:

Take 5-10 grams of dried Barleria prionitis leaves and roots.
Boil in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.
Strain and allow it to cool.
Consume 1-2 tablespoons of this decoction twice a day after meals.

7. Disclaimer

Barleria prionitis is generally considered safe for short-term medicinal use in traditional doses. However, scientific data on its long-term toxicity is limited. Due to its bioactive nature, it should be used with caution. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation. Consultation with a healthcare provider or a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended before use for treating specific medical conditions. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

Indian Medicinal Plants by P.K. Warrier et al.
Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

9. Web resources and links:

NCBI - Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Barleria prionitis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15507363/
ResearchGate - A review on phytochemical and pharmacological potential of Barleria prionitis: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279498360_A_REVIEW_ON_PHYTOCHEMICAL_AND_PHARMACOLOGICAL_POTENTIAL_OF_BARLERIA_PRIONITIS
ScienceDirect - Antimicrobial activity of Barleria prionitis: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874105001325
Journal of Ethnopharmacology - Hepatoprotective effects of Barleria prionitis: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874105001325
PubMed - Wound healing activity of Barleria prionitis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16213701/

10. Further study: Plants that might interest you...

Justicia adhatoda (Vasaka) - Family: Acanthaceae. Similarities: Shares the same family and several therapeutic applications, particularly for inflammation and respiratory issues. Both are staples in Ayurvedic medicine for their strong pharmacological activities.
Phyllanthus amarus (Bhumyamalaki) - Family: Phyllanthaceae. Similarities: Both herbs are renowned for their hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) and antiviral properties, making them interesting subjects for comparative study in treating liver disorders.
Achyranthes aspera (Apamarga) - Family: Amaranthaceae. Similarities: Both are common roadside plants with significant ethnomedicinal value. They share uses in dental care (toothache), wound healing, and as anti-inflammatory agents.