Euphorbia hirta (Euphorbiaceae) Asthma Plant, Dudhli

Das K
Jan 22
7 min read

Quick Overview:

Euphorbia hirta is a globally widespread pioneer herb with a commanding traditional reputation as a dual-action respiratory and gastrointestinal remedy. It is most notably used as a bronchodilator for asthma and bronchitis, and as an antidiarrheal for dysentery, while also demonstrating significant anxiolytic, diuretic, and wound-healing properties.

1. Taxonomic Insights

Species: Euphorbia hirta L.

Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family).

This family is characterized by the presence of a milky, often toxic latex, and includes diverse genera ranging from the medicinal Ricinus communis (Castor) to the ornamental Poinsettia. E. hirta is a classic example of a "weed" with profound, well-documented medicinal value, balancing potent bioactivity with known toxicity risks from its latex.

Related Herbs from the Same Family:

· Ricinus communis (Castor/Eranda): Seeds are the source of castor oil, a powerful purgative and industrial lubricant.

· Phyllanthus urinaria (Chamber Bitter): Used similarly for urinary and liver disorders, lacking the milky latex.

· Croton tiglium (Croton/Jamalgota): Seeds are a drastic purgative, exemplifying the potent and often toxic nature of many Euphorbiaceae.

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2. Common Names

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3. Medicinal Uses

Primary Actions: Bronchodilator, Antiasthmatic, Antitussive, Antidiarrheal, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Diuretic, Vulnerary.

Secondary Actions: Anthelmintic, Galactagogue (in low doses), Antipyretic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial.

Medicinal Parts:

· Whole Aerial Plant (Latex-Free): The primary part used, dried for teas and decoctions.

· Latex: Used with extreme caution in minute amounts, topically for warts, calluses, and wounds.

· Leaves: Applied fresh as a poultice.

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4. Phytochemicals Specific to the Plant and Their Action

· Flavonoids (Quercetin, Quercitrin, Myricitrin): Bronchodilator (smooth muscle relaxant), Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anxiolytic.

· Phenolic Acids (Gallic Acid, Protocatechuic Acid): Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, Antidiarrheal (astringent).

· Triterpenoids (β-Amyrin, Taraxerol): Anti-inflammatory and potential antiasthmatic activity.

· Alkanes (Heptacosane, Nonacosane): May contribute to its observed antiasthmatic effect.

· Shikimic Acid: A precursor in biosynthesis; its presence is notable.

· Latex: Contains diterpene esters (highly irritant, toxic).

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5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical Uses Covering the Medicinal Uses

Tamaka Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma) & Kasa (Cough)

Formulation: Decoction (Kwath) or fresh plant juice.

Preparation & Use: 5-10 ml of fresh plant juice or a decoction made from 2-5 grams of dried herb in water is taken 2-3 times daily. In the Philippines ("Tawa-tawa"), it is famously used as a supportive tea for dengue fever to support platelet count.

Reasoning: The flavonoids, particularly quercetin, act as bronchodilators and mast-cell stabilizers, reducing bronchial constriction and allergic response. Its antispasmodic action relieves coughing fits.

Pravahika (Dysentery) & Atisara (Diarrhea)

Formulation: Strong decoction or dried herb powder.

Preparation & Use: A decoction is used for acute bacillary dysentery and severe diarrhea. The astringent tannins and antimicrobial phenolics help control infection and reduce intestinal secretion.

Reasoning: The high tannin and phenolic content provides a strong astringent action, tightening the gut mucosa. Its antimicrobial activity targets causative pathogens like E. coli and Shigella.

Mutrakrichra (Dysuria) & Ashmari (Urinary Calculi)

Formulation: Cold infusion or decoction.

Preparation & Use: Used as a diuretic to ease urination and help flush small urinary gravel.

Reasoning: Its diuretic action increases urine flow, while anti-inflammatory compounds soothe the urinary tract. Note: May be contraindicated in existing kidney disease due to oxalate content.

Vicharchika (Eczema) & Vrana (Wounds)

Formulation: Latex (carefully applied) or leaf poultice.

Preparation & Use: The diluted latex or a poultice of boiled leaves is applied topically to fungal skin infections, non-healing ulcers, and warts.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial and astringent properties promote healing. The latex is a caustic irritant that destroys abnormal tissue (like warts) but must be used precisely to avoid damaging healthy skin.

Chinta (Anxiety) & Anidra (Insomnia)

Formulation: Mild decoction or tea.

Preparation & Use: A weak tea of the dried herb is used traditionally as a calmative.

Reasoning: Flavonoids like quercitrin have demonstrated anxiolytic activity in animal models, possibly via modulation of GABAergic pathways.

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6. Healing Recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary Use

No culinary use. It is a purely medicinal herb.

Standard Antiasthmatic/Expectorant Decoction

Purpose: For acute episodes of dry, spasmodic cough or asthma.

Preparation & Use:

1. Boil 1-2 teaspoons (3-5g) of dried E. hirta herb in 2 cups of water.

2. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

3. Strain and drink 1/2 cup, up to 3 times daily.

Antidiarrheal Preparation

Purpose: For acute, non-specific diarrhea.

Preparation & Use:

1. Prepare a stronger decoction using 1 tbsp dried herb in 1 cup water, reduced to 1/2 cup.

2. Take 1-2 tablespoons every 3-4 hours until symptoms subside. Ensure hydration.

Topical Wash for Skin Infections

Purpose: For eczema, athlete's foot, or minor wounds.

Preparation & Use:

1. Boil a large handful of the fresh plant in 1 liter of water for 15 minutes.

2. Let it cool and strain.

3. Use as a wash or apply soaked cloth as a compress to affected areas 2-3 times daily.

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7. In-Depth Phytochemical Profile and Clinical Significance of Euphorbia hirta

Introduction

Euphorbia hirta, often dismissed as a mere sidewalk weed, is a pharmacologically dense herb with a particularly strong affinity for the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Its efficacy is driven by a synergistic combination of flavonoids, phenolics, and triterpenoids, which collectively deliver antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anxiolytic effects. Unlike many Euphorbiaceae, its aerial parts (minus latex) exhibit significant therapeutic activity with manageable toxicity when used correctly, making it a staple in global folk medicine.

1. Flavonoids: The Primary Bioactive Ensemble

Key Compounds: Quercetin, Quercitrin (quercetin-3-rhamnoside), Myricitrin, Leucocyanidol.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

· Bronchodilatory & Antiasthmatic: This is the herb's signature action. Quercetin and related flavonoids inhibit phosphodiesterase and histamine release, leading to direct relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle. This provides a scientific basis for its global name "Asthma Plant."

· Anxiolytic & Sedative: Quercitrin has shown notable anxiolytic effects in animal studies, comparable to diazepam but without the same degree of sedation. This validates its traditional use for nervousness and insomnia.

· Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory: These flavonoids are potent scavengers of free radicals and inhibitors of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), useful in systemic inflammation and tissue damage.

2. Phenolic Acids and Tannins: The Astringent Antimicrobials

Key Compounds: Gallic acid, Protocatechuic acid, Ellagic acid, various tannins.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

· Antidiarrheal & Antidysenteric: These compounds are strongly astringent, precipitating proteins on the gut mucosa to reduce secretion and inflammation. Their antimicrobial activity against enteric pathogens like Shigella and E. coli provides a dual attack on infectious diarrhea.

· Hepatoprotective & Nephroprotective: Gallic acid and protocatechuic acid protect organs from oxidative damage, potentially mitigating toxin-induced injury.

3. Triterpenoids and Alkanes: Supporting Actors

Key Compounds: β-Amyrin, Taraxerol, Euphorbol, Heptacosane.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

· Anti-inflammatory & Anti-arthritic: β-Amyrin is a known anti-inflammatory compound, inhibiting edema and pain pathways.

· Potential Antiasthmatic Synergy: Alkanes like heptacosane may contribute to the overall bronchodilatory effect through mechanisms not yet fully elucidated.

4. The Latex: A Potent but Hazardous Medicine

Key Components: Diterpene esters (ingenol, phorbol types), proteolytic enzymes.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

· Powerful Counter-Irritant & Keratolytic: Applied topically, it destroys warts, corns, and abnormal tissue. This is a classic "fighting fire with fire" approach.

· High Toxicity: The latex is severely irritant to mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, gut) and is a potent skin sensitizer. Internal use of the latex is dangerous and can cause severe gastroenteritis.

An Integrated View of Healing in Euphorbia hirta

· For Bronchospastic Disorders (Asthma, COPD, Spasmodic Cough): E. hirta acts as a natural bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory. The flavonoids provide immediate relief from bronchoconstriction, while the anti-inflammatory phenolics reduce underlying airway edema and reactivity. Its mild anxiolytic effect is particularly valuable, as anxiety often exacerbates asthma attacks. This multi-target approach makes it effective for both acute relief and long-term management.

· For Infectious Gastrointestinal Disorders (Dysentery, Gastroenteritis): It addresses infectious diarrhea through a triple action: 1) Astringent tannins reduce fluid loss, 2) Antimicrobial phenolics attack pathogens, and 3) Anti-inflammatory flavonoids soothe the irritated intestinal lining. This makes it a comprehensive, albeit symptomatic, treatment for acute bacterial diarrhea.

· As an Anxiolytic with a Somatic Focus: Its anxiolytic action is unique among herbs because it is coupled with strong effects on somatic symptoms often associated with anxiety—namely, respiratory tightness and gastrointestinal upset (e.g., "nervous stomach"). It calms the mind while simultaneously relaxing the physical manifestations of stress in the body.

· The Dengue Fever Phenomenon: Its widespread use in the Philippines as "Tawa-tawa" for dengue is fascinating. While it does not kill the virus, its high quercetin content may help stabilize capillary walls (reducing leakage), and its immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects may support recovery and potentially mitigate platelet destruction. This exemplifies its role as a supportive symphytotic (wound-healing/connective tissue support) agent in viral hemorrhagic conditions.

Conclusion: Euphorbia hirta is a paradigm of effective folk medicine—a common plant with unmistakable, reproducible effects grounded in identifiable chemistry. Its power lies in its dual dominion over the respiratory and enteric systems, linked by a common thread of smooth muscle spasm and inflammation. While its latex demands respect and caution, the prepared aerial parts offer a relatively safe and powerful herbal option. Its modern validation, particularly for anxiety and asthma, elevates it from a mere weed to a significant herbal therapeutic, embodying the principle that profound medicine often grows unassumingly underfoot.

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Disclaimer:

Euphorbia hirta requires careful use. The milky latex is toxic and irritant; it must not be ingested and should only be applied topically for specific conditions (e.g., warts) with precise caution, avoiding eyes and mucous membranes. Internal use should be of the dried aerial parts only, in recommended doses. High doses may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea due to its potency. It is not recommended during pregnancy due to uterine stimulant properties, or for individuals with severe kidney disease. The herb may interact with antihypertensive, sedative, or blood-thinning medications. Its use for dengue fever should be supportive only, not a replacement for urgent medical care. This information is for educational purposes.

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

· Indian Medicinal Plants by K.R. Kiritkar & B.D. Basu

· Philippine Medicinal Plants (Various monographs on Tawa-tawa)

· The Complete German Commission E Monographs (Lists related Euphorbia species with cautions)

· Scientific Journals:** Numerous studies on its bronchodilatory, anxiolytic, and antidiarrheal effects in journals like Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

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9. Further Study: Plants That Might Interest You Due to Similar Medicinal Properties

1. Tylophora indica/asthmatica (Antamul/Indian Ipecac)

· Species: Tylophora indica | Family: Apocynaceae

· Similarities: The other premier antiasthmatic herb of Indian medicine. Both are strong bronchodilators and anti-allergics used for asthma. Tylophora is more emetic and potent, often used in smaller, controlled doses, while E. hirta is gentler and more broad-spectrum.

2. Psidium guajava (Guava)

· Species: Psidium guajava | Family: Myrtaceae

· Similarities: The young guava leaf is a supreme antidiarrheal and antidysenteric agent, rich in astringent tannins and antimicrobial flavonoids, used identically to E. hirta for infectious diarrhea. Guava is often safer and more palatable for this purpose.

3. Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)

· Species: Ginkgo biloba | Family: Ginkgoaceae

· Similarities: Both are potent flavonoid-rich herbs (quercetin, myricetin) with strong antioxidant, bronchodilatory, and anxiolytic profiles. Both improve microcirculation—Ginkgo in the cerebrum, E. hirta in the bronchi. They represent a fascinating parallel of flavonoid pharmacology in different organ systems.

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PREHEALING

Euphorbia hirta (Euphorbiaceae) Asthma Plant, Dudhli

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