Herb's Introduction
Flemingia procumbens, also known by the synonym Flemingia vestita, is a perennial, prostrate herb belonging to the pea family, Fabaceae. Found primarily along the Himalayan slopes, it's a significant plant in various parts of Asia, especially in Northeast India, Nepal, China, Laos, and Vietnam. The plant's most notable feature is its tuberous root, which is both an important local food source and a traditional medicine. 🌿
Names in Different Countries and Terminology
The herb has various local names, reflecting its widespread use. In Northeast India, particularly among the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya, it is famously known as Sohphlang. The term "Sohphlang" comes from the Khasi words "Soh" meaning fruit and "Phlang" meaning grass, as the tubers are often considered juicy "fruits" that are dug from the grassy ground. Other names include ajhar, bhaidalu, chauna, and cheena in India and Nepal, and 矮千斤拔 (ǎiqiānjīnbá) in China.
Availability
Flemingia procumbens is found growing wild in the mountain slopes of the Himalayas at altitudes ranging from 2,100 to 2,900 meters. While it has been traditionally wild-harvested, its growing demand as a food and medicinal product has led to its cultivation as a cash crop in some regions, particularly in Meghalaya, India. The tubers are regularly available in local markets during certain seasons, typically from October to May.
External Look
Flemingia procumbens is a small, weak-stemmed herb that grows close to the ground, reaching about 60 cm in length. It's highly branched with hairy rhizomes and stems. The leaves are pinnately compound and consist of three leaflets. The plant produces dark red flowers in clusters on axillary or terminal racemes. The most distinctive part, the root, is tuberous and has a delicate outer skin that is typically peeled off to reveal a smooth, cream-colored, juicy flesh.
Healing Properties and Advantages
Flemingia procumbens is renowned for its medicinal properties, primarily attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds, particularly isoflavones like genistein, daidzein, formononetin, and pseudobaptigenin.
Anthelmintic (De-worming) Activity: This is perhaps its most well-known traditional use. Both the raw tuber and its outer peel are used to expel intestinal worms. Scientific studies have validated this traditional use, showing that the isoflavones are highly effective against various parasites, including flukes and tapeworms.
Nutritional Value: The tubers are a great source of nutrients, rich in phosphorus and proteins, and also contain a good amount of iron, calcium, and carbohydrates. This makes it a valuable food source, especially for local communities.
Antioxidant Properties: The isoflavones present in the plant have strong antioxidant properties, which help to fight against free radicals in the body. This may contribute to reducing the risk of various diseases, including some forms of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Estrogenic Activity: The presence of isoflavones, particularly genistein, gives the plant mild estrogenic properties. This has led to its traditional use in alleviating menopausal health concerns.
Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects: Research has also shown that extracts from the plant have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can be useful in treating a range of ailments.
Soil Fertility: As a member of the Fabaceae family, Flemingia procumbens has a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules. This ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen improves soil fertility, making it a beneficial plant for agricultural systems and mixed cropping.
Uses and Using Way
The primary use of Flemingia procumbens is for its edible and medicinal tuberous root.
As Food: The tuber is eaten raw as a refreshing and nutritious snack. Its delicate skin is peeled off, and the cream-colored flesh is consumed, which has a sweet, nutty flavor. It's often enjoyed with salt, chili flakes, or a paste made from roasted and ground perilla seeds. The tubers can also be cooked like a vegetable, boiled and fried, or roasted and eaten with salt.
As Medicine:
For Stomach Ailments: The juice of the roots is traditionally used to treat dysentery and stomachaches.
For De-worming: The raw tuber or its outer peel is directly consumed to expel soft-bodied intestinal worms.
Other Uses: The outer skin of the tuber has also been traditionally used as a fish poison in some areas, though this is a less common application.
Conclusion
Flemingia procumbens, or Sohphlang, is a remarkable herb that embodies the deep connection between traditional knowledge and modern science. While long valued by indigenous communities for its unique flavor and powerful de-worming properties, scientific research has confirmed its health benefits, highlighting its richness in isoflavones with anthelmintic, antioxidant, and estrogenic activities. Its dual role as a nutritious food source and a medicinal powerhouse makes it a promising crop for future food and nutritional security, particularly in the Himalayan regions where it thrives.
