Pupalia lappacea (Amaranthaceae)

Scientific Name: Pupalia lappacea

Family: Amaranthaceae

Genus: Pupalia

A few plants closely related to this one:

• Achyranthes aspera (Common name: Apamarga, Prickly Chaff Flower) - A very important herb in Ayurveda, used for a wide range of ailments.

• Celosia argentea (Common name: Surawan, Silver Cock's Comb) - Used in traditional medicine, and its seeds and leaves are sometimes consumed.

• Amaranthus spinosus (Common name: Kateeli Chaulai, Spiny Amaranth) - Used as a pot herb and in traditional medicine for various conditions.

Scientific name: Pupalia lappacea | English: Forest Burr, Devil's Claws, Creeping Cock's Comb | Sanskrit: Antamulakah, Sthulagranthi | Hindi: Chirchita, Latmahuria, Bichhuwa | Tamil: Poonaikali, Sivappat thumpai | Marathi: Kapurmath, Kate-tambada-maath | Telugu: Uttareni, Karapaaku uttareni | Kannada: Seeme harive, Uttaranee | Malayalam: Kattuvalli | Nepali: Bikhake Jhar**

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Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Wound Healing, Antidiabetic, Diuretic, Antipyretic (Fever-reducing), Analgesic (Pain-relieving), Antimalarial, Anti-arthritic, Hepatoprotective (Liver-protecting), Antiurolithiatic (prevents kidney stones).

The medicinal properties of Pupalia lappacea are attributed to a diverse range of bioactive phytochemicals present in its various parts (whole plant, leaves, roots, and fruits).

Here are the main phytochemical constituents responsible for its distinctive healing properties:

Cyclopeptide Alkaloids: Papraline A, B, C, and D, Amphibine H. These compounds are primarily responsible for the herb's potent Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Antimalarial activities.

Ecdysteroids: Ponasterone A, Makisterone C, 20-Hydroxyecdysone. These insect-moulting hormones in plants contribute to significant Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Wound Healing effects.

Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids: Quercetin, Kaempferol, Catechin, Gallic acid, Chlorogenic acid. These compounds are key to the plant's Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antidiabetic, and Hepatoprotective properties.

Saponins and Triterpenoids: Beta-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Ursolic acid. These contribute to the Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Antiurolithiatic, and Diuretic effects.

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Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses

1. Wound Healing, Antimicrobial & Anti-inflammatory

· Formulation: Fresh leaf paste or whole plant poultice.

· Preparation & Use: The fresh leaves or the entire aerial parts are washed and crushed into a smooth paste. This paste is applied directly to wounds, cuts, boils, and chronic ulcers to prevent infection and promote healing. It is also applied to inflamed joints and skin to reduce swelling and pain.

· Justification: The ecdysteroids (like 20-Hydroxyecdysone) accelerate cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. The cyclopeptide alkaloids and flavonoids provide strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action, preventing septicemia and reducing swelling.

2. Antipyretic & Analgesic (Fever & Pain Relief)

· Formulation: Root decoction.

· Preparation & Use: The roots are cleaned, boiled in water, and the resulting decoction is strained and consumed to reduce fever and relieve body aches, headaches, and rheumatic pain.

· Justification: The anti-inflammatory flavonoids and triterpenoids work by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, which are key mediators of fever and pain in the body.

3. Antidiabetic

· Formulation: Leaf juice or decoction.

· Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are crushed to extract the juice or a decoction is made from dried leaves. This is consumed regularly on an empty stomach to help manage blood sugar levels.

· Justification: Flavonoids like Quercetin and phenolic acids enhance insulin secretion and improve glucose uptake by cells, thereby exhibiting antihyperglycemic activity.

4. Diuretic & Antiurolithiatic (For Urinary Issues & Kidney Stones)

· Formulation: Whole plant decoction.

· Preparation & Use: The entire plant is dried and boiled in water. The decoction is consumed to promote urination, flush out toxins, and help in the breakdown and prevention of kidney stones.

· Justification: Saponins and compounds like Ursolic acid are known for their diuretic action. They help increase urine volume and reduce the concentration of stone-forming minerals like calcium oxalate.

5. Hepatoprotective (Liver Protective)

· Formulation: Root or leaf powder mixed with honey or water.

· Preparation & Use: The dried roots or leaves are powdered. This powder is mixed with honey or warm water and taken to treat jaundice and other liver ailments.

· Justification: The potent antioxidant flavonoids (Catechin, Quercetin) and phenolic acids (Gallic acid) help neutralize free radicals and protect liver cells (hepatocytes) from damage caused by toxins.

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Disclaimer:

For the untrained eye,many plants appear similar. Do not attempt to harvest and use herbs until and unless you are familiar with herb identification and usage. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal remedy.

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