Leucas aspera(Lamiaceae)

Scientific Name: Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link

Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Genus: Leucas

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil, Tulsi) - A cornerstone of Ayurveda, revered as an adaptogen and used for respiratory, digestive, and stress-related conditions.

• Mentha spicata (Spearmint, Pudina) - Widely used across India for its digestive, carminative, and cooling properties.

• Coleus amboinicus (Indian Borage, Karpooravalli) - A common South Indian herb used for treating cold, cough, and respiratory congestion.

• Orthosiphon aristatus (Java Tea, Kumis Kucing) - While not native, it's used in traditional medicine for its diuretic and kidney-supporting properties.

• Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) - Used globally, its habitat includes temperate regions, and it is valued for its potent antiseptic and respiratory benefits.

Scientific Name: Leucas aspera | English: Common Leucas, Thumbai | Sanskrit: Dronapushpi, Chitrapatra | Hindi: Chota halkusa, Gophaa | Tamil: Thumbai, Peythumbai | Telugu: Thummichittu, Gummaditulasi | Kannada: Tumbe, Habbulasa | Malayalam: Thumba, Irumban | Marathi: Tamba, Kumbha | Bengali: Bholghasiya, Ghalghase | Odia: Bhutamari, Gayas

Medicinal Uses: Diaphoretic (promotes sweating), Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Anthelmintic (expels worms), Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Antidiarrheal, Insecticidal, Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), Antitussive (relieves cough), Dermatological (skin disease) aid.

Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action:

Oleanolic Acid: A key triterpenoid responsible for significant Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective, and Antimicrobial activities. It helps protect liver cells from damage and fights various pathogens.

Linoleic Acid and other Fatty Acids: Found in the seeds and plant. Possesses Anti-inflammatory properties and is essential for skin health.

Flavonoids (Luteolin, Apigenin): These polyphenolic compounds are potent Antioxidants that scavenge free radicals. They contribute to the plant's Antipyretic, Anti-inflammatory, and Antimicrobial effects.

Alkaloids and Glycosides: These nitrogen-containing compounds and their sugar-bound forms are often associated with the plant's Analgesic (pain-relieving) and Anthelmintic (de-worming) properties.

β-sitosterol: A phytosterol with documented Anti-inflammatory and potential immune-modulating effects.

P-Coumaric Acid and other Phenolic Acids: These compounds exhibit strong Antioxidant and Antimicrobial actions, contributing to the plant's use in treating infections and skin diseases.

Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses:

Antipyretic & Diaphoretic (for Common Fever and Cold)

Formulation: Leaf juice or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The juice of fresh leaves (5-10 ml) is administered with honey. A warm decoction of the whole plant is also given to induce sweating and break a fever.

Justification: The Diaphoretic property helps open pores and promote sweating, which cools the body. The Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant compounds like oleanolic acid and flavonoids help reduce the fever and fight the underlying infection.

Antimicrobial & Dermatological (for Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Ringworm)

Formulation: Leaf poultice or plant juice.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are crushed into a paste and applied topically on wounds, chronic skin ulcers, and psoriatic patches. The juice is applied to treat ringworm and other fungal infections.

Justification: The Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory phytochemicals (oleanolic acid, phenolics) help prevent infection, reduce swelling, and promote healing. The plant's traditional use for skin conditions is strongly supported by its phytochemical profile.

Antitussive & Anti-inflammatory (for Respiratory Ailments)

Formulation: Leaf juice or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The juice of the leaves is mixed with long pepper (Piper longum) and honey to relieve cough and cold. Inhaling the vapor of a leaf decoction can help relieve sinusitis and headache.

Justification: The Anti-inflammatory action soothes the irritated respiratory tract, while the Antimicrobial properties help fight respiratory pathogens. The Diaphoretic effect also aids in relieving the symptoms of a common cold.

Antidiarrheal & Anthelmintic (for Digestive Issues and Worms)

Formulation: Leaf juice or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The leaf juice is given to treat diarrhea and dysentery. A decoction of the whole plant is administered on an empty stomach to expel intestinal worms.

Justification: The Antimicrobial properties target the pathogens causing diarrhea. The presence of Alkaloids and Glycosides is linked to its traditional use as an Anthelmintic, helping to paralyze and expel parasitic worms.

Analgesic & Insecticidal (for Headache, Snakebite, and Insect Repellent)

Formulation: Leaf poultice or fresh plant.

Preparation & Use: Crushed leaves are applied to the temples to relieve headache. The plant is also used in traditional first aid for scorpion stings and snakebites. Dried plants are burned to repel mosquitoes and insects.

Justification: The Analgesic properties of its alkaloidal constituents provide local pain relief. The Insecticidal and mild venom-neutralizing effects are part of its deep-rooted ethnobotanical knowledge, though professional medical help is critical for bites.

Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes:

While not a common culinary vegetable like spinach, Leucas aspera is primarily used in medicinal preparations.

Thumbai Juice for Fever and Cold

Purpose: To reduce fever and relieve cold symptoms.

Preparation & Use:

1. Take a handful of fresh Leucas aspera leaves and stems.

2. Wash thoroughly and blend with half a cup of water.

3. Strain to obtain the juice.

4. Mix 1-2 teaspoons with an equal amount of honey. Consume twice a day until symptoms subside.

Healing Leaf Poultice for Skin Boils and Wounds

Purpose: To draw out infection and promote wound healing.

Preparation & Use:

1. Clean a bunch of fresh Leucas aspera leaves.

2. Grind them into a fine paste with a few drops of water.

3. Apply the paste directly onto the boil, wound, or area of skin irritation.

4. Cover with a clean cloth and leave for 1-2 hours. Reapply 2-3 times a day.

Thumbai Decoction for Deworming and Digestion

Purpose: As an anthelmintic and to soothe digestive upset.

Preparation & Use:

1. Take about 20 grams of the whole Leucas aspera plant (fresh or dried).

2. Boil in two cups of water until it reduces to one cup.

3. Strain and allow to cool.

4. Consume 15-20 ml on an empty stomach in the morning for 3-5 days for deworming.

Insect Repellent Smudge

Purpose: To naturally repel mosquitoes.

Preparation & Use:

1. Dry a few whole Leucas aspera plants.

2. Bundle them together and light one end, allowing it to smolder and produce smoke.

3. Use this in living areas to keep mosquitoes away, similar to how citronella is used.

Disclaimer: Leucas aspera has a long history of use in traditional medicine. However, scientific research on its efficacy and safety in humans is limited. It is generally considered safe in small, traditional doses, but its use during pregnancy and lactation has not been established and should be avoided. The plant's use for serious conditions like snakebite should not replace immediate, professional medical treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner or an Ayurvedic doctor before using this or any herb for therapeutic purposes, especially if you are on other medication. This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

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Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Dravyaguna Vijnana (Vol. 2) by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

• Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants by R. N. Chopra, S. L. Nayar, & I. C. Chopra

• Ethnobotany of India, Volume 5 edited by T. Pullaiah, K. V. Krishnamurthy, and Bir Bahadur

Web resources and links:

1. A detailed phytochemical and pharmacological review of Leucas aspera: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249767/

2. Study on the antimicrobial activity of Leucas aspera: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23170789/

3. Research on the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874105004366

4. Article on the traditional uses and botany from the Journal of Ethnopharmacology: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874104007650

5. A study on the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects: https://www.ijpsonline.com/articles/antipyretic-activity-of-leucas-aspera-extracts-in-rats.html

6. Database entry for Leucas aspera on Plants of the World Online: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:449482-1

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

1. Acalypha indica (Indian Nettle, Kuppaimeni)

   • Scientific Name: Acalypha indica | Family: Euphorbiaceae

   • Similarities: Like Leucas aspera, it is a common weed with potent medicinal uses. It is renowned for its Antimicrobial and dermatological properties, used extensively in South India for treating skin sores, wounds, and ringworm. Both plants are used as a poultice and have expectorant properties for respiratory issues.

2. Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil, Tulsi)

   • Scientific Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum | Family: Lamiaceae

   • Similarities: Being from the same family (Lamiaceae), they share a similar phytochemical foundation (e.g., phenolic compounds). Both are quintessential Antipyretic, Antioxidant, and Adaptogenic herbs in Ayurveda, used for fever, cough, cold, and to bolster immunity.

3. Andrographis paniculata (King of Bitters, Kalmegh)

   • Scientific Name: Andrographis paniculata | Family: Acanthaceae

   • Similarities: Both herbs are intensely bitter and are first-line remedies for fever and upper respiratory tract infections. They share Antipyretic, Anti-inflammatory, and Hepatoprotective properties, with andrographolides in Kalmegh and oleanolic acid in Thumbai being key active constituents.

4. Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola, Vallarai)

   • Scientific Name: Centella asiatica | Family: Apiaceae

   • Similarities: Both are used for skin health and wound healing. While Centella is famous for its cognitive and connective tissue regeneration effects, its traditional use for chronic skin conditions like leprosy and ulcers parallels the dermatological use of Leucas aspera. Both contain triterpenoids (asiaticoside in Gotu Kola, oleanolic acid in Thumbai) that facilitate this action.

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