Biophytum sensitivum (Oxalidaceae) Lajwanti, Little Tree Plant

Biophytum sensitivum (Little Tree Plant)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Biophytum sensitivum

Family: Oxalidaceae

Genus: Biophytum

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Averrhoa carambola (Kamarak): The star fruit, used for its cooling, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Oxalis corniculata (Changeri): A classic Ayurvedic sour herb used for digestive disorders, hemorrhoids, and as an anti-inflammatory.

The Oxalidaceae family is characterized by plants often containing oxalic acid and flavonoids, giving them sour, cooling, and anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Biophytum sensitivum | English: Little Tree Plant, Sensitive Plant, Life Plant | Sanskrit: Jhulipushpa, Vipareetalakhmana, Peethapushpa | Hindi: Lajwanti, Lakshmana | Tamil: Nilaiccin, Tintanali | Telugu: Pattimandra, Jala Puspa | Kannada: Horamunji, Hara Muni | Malayalam: Mukkutti, Tintarmanni | Marathi: Lajwanti | Bengali: Jhalai | Sinhala: Gas Nidikumba |

3. Medicinal Uses:Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Immunomodulatory, Adaptogenic, Antidiabetic, Anticancer (studied), Diuretic, Hepatoprotective.

Medicinal Parts:The whole plant is used medicinally.

• Whole Plant: Used fresh or dried for decoctions, powders, and juices.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Biflavonoids (Amentoflavone): The primary bioactive compound. Action: Potent Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer, and Immunomodulatory effects. It is a key marker compound.

Phenolic Acids (Gallic Acid, Protocatechuic Acid): Contribute to strong Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory activities.

Polysaccharides: Believed to be responsible for the Immunomodulatory and adaptogenic effects.

Alkaloids and Saponins: Present and contribute to the overall pharmacological profile.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Kasa (Cough) & Shwasa (Asthma)

Formulation: Whole plant decoction with honey.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the whole plant is mixed with honey and given for chronic cough, asthma, and other respiratory ailments.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory action helps soothe bronchial inflammation, while its immunomodulatory effect may address underlying hypersensitivity.

Madhumeha (Diabetes)

Formulation: Plant juice or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The fresh juice of the plant or a decoction is consumed regularly to help lower blood sugar levels.

Reasoning: Studies have shown that extracts of B. sensitivum can stimulate insulin secretion and improve glucose tolerance, supporting its Antidiabetic use.

Raktashodhaka (Blood Purifier) & Vrana (Wounds)

Formulation: Plant paste or juice.

Preparation & Use: The fresh plant paste is applied topically to wounds, boils, and chronic ulcers. The juice is also consumed for skin diseases.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties promote wound healing and cleanse the blood, as per traditional understanding.

Balya (Strength Promoter) & Ojasvardhaka (Immunity Enhancer)

Formulation: Powder with milk or ghee.

Preparation & Use: The dried plant powder is mixed with milk or ghee and consumed as a daily tonic to boost immunity, vitality, and general strength, especially in children and the elderly.

Reasoning: Its adaptogenic and immunomodulatory polysaccharides help the body resist stress and improve overall resilience.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

It is not a culinary herb. Its use is strictly medicinal.

General Tonic and Immunomodulator Decoction

Purpose: To boost overall immunity and vitality.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 1-2 grams of dried Biophytum sensitivum whole plant.

• Boil in 1 cup of water for 5-7 minutes.

• Strain and drink once daily, preferably in the morning.

Topical Paste for Wounds and Inflammation

Purpose: For minor wounds, boils, or skin inflammation.

Preparation & Use:

• Grind a handful of fresh plant material into a fine paste.

• Apply directly to the affected area and allow to dry.

• Reapply 2-3 times a day.

7. Disclaimer:

Biophytum sensitivum is generally considered safe in traditional use. However, due to its potent biological activity, it should be used in moderation. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it due to a lack of safety data. Its hypoglycemic effect means diabetics on medication should use it with caution and monitor blood sugar levels. Consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended for therapeutic dosing. This information is for educational purposes.

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

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

• Ethnobotany of the Western Ghats (specific studies on Malabar region)

• Journal of Ethnopharmacology (for research on amentoflavone and immunomodulation)

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Oxalis corniculata (Changeri)

• Species: Oxalis corniculata | Family: Oxalidaceae | Genus: Oxalis

• Similarities: A close relative from the same family, sharing the sour taste and anti-inflammatory properties. It is more specifically used in Ayurveda for digestive issues (Agnimandya, Arsha) but also shares wound-healing and diuretic uses.

2. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi)

• Species: Tinospora cordifolia | Family: Menispermaceae | Genus: Tinospora

• Similarities: Both are premier immunomodulators (Rasayana) and adaptogens used to enhance the body's resistance to stress and infection. They are used in fever, diabetes, and as general health tonics.