Pupalia lappacea(Amaranthaceae) -Forest Burr

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Pupalia lappacea

Family: Amaranthaceae

Genus: Pupalia

Related Herbs from the same family:Achyranthes aspera (Apamarga, Prickly Chaff Flower) - A very important Ayurvedic herb found throughout India, used for a wide range of conditions including respiratory issues, dental problems, and wound healing.Celosia argentea (Suvarchala, Cock's Comb) - A common weed found across India, used in traditional medicine for eye diseases, diarrhea, and as an antipyretic.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Pupalia lappacea | English: Forest Burr, Creeping Cock's Comb | Sanskrit: Aindri, Sarpakshi | Hindi: Chirchita, Nak-chichri | Tamil: Uppan-thagarai, Naaiyerunjil | Telugu: Uttareni, Nirubadhram | Kannada: Uttarani, Uttaren | Malayalam: Cherukadaladi, Kadaladi | Marathi: Khadap, Khaparya | Bengali: Antamul | Assam: Aghat | Urdu: Chirchita

3. Medicinal UsesAntipyretic (fever-reducing), Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Diuretic, Anthelmintic (expels worms), Galactagogue (promotes milk flow), Wound Healing, Antidiarrheal, Antidote for snake venom (in traditional practice).

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action

Ecdysteroids: Compounds like Ponasterone A and others. These are insect molting hormones, but in mammalian systems, they are studied for their potential anabolic and adaptogenic properties, and may contribute to wound healing.Triterpenoid Saponins: These are soapy compounds that have Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. They may be responsible for the plant's traditional use in treating skin infections and fevers.Flavonoids: Such as kaempferol and quercetin derivatives. These provide potent Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory effects, protecting cells from damage.Alkaloids: Presence of beta-phenylethylamine and tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids which can have physiological effects on the nervous system.Tannins: Provide Astringent properties, which explains its use in diarrhea and wound contraction.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses

Febrifuge (For Fevers and Malaria)

Formulation: Decoction of the whole plant.

Preparation & Use: A decoction is prepared from the fresh or dried whole plant and consumed to reduce high fever, including those associated with malaria.

Reasoning: The antipyretic action is likely due to a combination of its Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant flavonoids and saponins, which help modulate the body's inflammatory response to infection.

Wound Healing and Skin Ulcers

Formulation: Leaf poultice or paste.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are crushed into a paste and applied directly to wounds, cuts, boils, and chronic ulcers. It is believed to cleanse the wound and promote granulation tissue formation.

Reasoning: The Astringent property of tannins helps contract the wound, while the Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions of saponins and flavonoids prevent infection and reduce swelling. Ecdysteroids are also known to promote protein synthesis and cell proliferation, aiding repair.

Galactagogue (For Lactating Mothers)

Formulation: Leafy vegetable preparation.

Preparation & Use: The tender leaves are cooked as a vegetable (saag) and consumed by nursing mothers to improve milk secretion.

Reasoning: This is a common traditional use for many nutritive leafy greens, providing essential nutrients and hydration that support lactation.

Antidiarrheal and Dysentery

Formulation: Plant decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the roots or whole plant is taken orally to treat diarrhea and dysentery.

Reasoning: The Astringent tannins help to precipitate proteins on the intestinal mucosa, forming a protective layer and reducing fluid secretion, thereby firming up stools.

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

While not a common culinary item, the tender shoots and leaves are consumed as a pot herb in some regions.

Decoction for Fever and Diarrhea

Purpose: To reduce fever and manage diarrheal symptoms.

Preparation & Use:Take a handful of fresh or dried Pupalia lappacea whole plant.Boil in two cups of water until it reduces to one cup.Strain and allow it to cool. Consume 15-30 ml twice a day.

Wound Healing Leaf Paste

Purpose: To clean wounds and promote healing.

Preparation & Use:Clean a handful of fresh leaves.Grind them with a few drops of water to make a smooth paste.Apply a thick layer to the cleaned wound and cover with a clean cloth.Change the dressing twice daily.

7. Disclaimer:Pupalia lappacea has a history of traditional use, but scientific evidence to fully validate all its uses is limited. It should be used with caution. Pregnant and lactating women should consult a healthcare professional before use. The information provided 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 K.R. Kirtikar and B.D. BasuIndian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

Wealth of India - A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials & Industrial Products

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

1. Achyranthes aspera (Apamarga): Scientific name: Achyranthes aspera. Family: Amaranthaceae. This close relative is more deeply entrenched in Ayurveda. It shares similar uses as a diuretic, for wound healing, and in the management of fevers and respiratory conditions.

2. Tribulus terrestris (Gokshura): Scientific name: Tribulus terrestris. Family: Zygophyllaceae. While from a different family, it shares the common name "Burr" and has overlapping diuretic and tonic properties, though Gokshura is more specifically used for urinary and reproductive health.

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