Hygrophila schulli, also known by its older scientific names like Hygrophila auriculata and Asteracantha longifolia, is a medicinal plant native to Sri Lanka and widely distributed throughout tropical Africa and South Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It is a spiny herbaceous plant that thrives in moist or wet environments. The plant is highly valued in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda for its wide range of therapeutic properties. Various parts of the plant, including the roots, leaves, seeds, and even the whole plant, are used for medicinal purposes.
Name in Different Countries
English: Marsh Barbel
Sanskrit: Ikshuraka, Kokilaksha (meaning "an eye of the cuckoo," referring to the color of its flowers), Ikshura, Chulli, Talimakhana.
Sinhala (Sri Lanka): Neeramulliya, Katu ikiriya, Ikiriya.
Tamil: Nirmulli.
Marathi: Talimkhana.
Bengali: Kulekhara.
Terminology Scientific Name: Hygrophila schulli (Buch.-Ham.) M.R.Almeida & S.M.Almeida. It has several synonyms, the most common being Hygrophila auriculata and Asteracantha longifolia.
Family: Acanthaceae.
Habitat: It is an aquatic or semi-aquatic plant found in marshy lands, ditches, and wet places.
Ayurvedic Classification: It is known as Seethaveryam and Mathuravipaka in the Ayurvedic system of medicine.
Availability
Hygrophila schulli is widely available in its natural habitat across tropical Africa and Asia. In India, it is found in states like Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. It is also cultivated in some regions, such as in West Africa, both for consumption as a vegetable and for its medicinal value. The plant is considered to be of "Least Concern" in terms of conservation status.
External Look General: It is an annual, spiny herb that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall.
Stem: The stem is erect, tetragonal (four-sided), and hairy, with spines at the nodes.
Leaves: The leaves are sessile (without a stalk), arranged in whorls of eight at each node, and have undulating margins.
Spines: It typically has six spines at each node, which are approximately 2-4 cm long.
Flowers: The flowers are purple-blue, about 2-3 cm long, and appear in whorls. They have a 4-lobed calyx and typically bloom from October to December.
Seeds: The seeds are orbicular, approximately 0.3 mm wide, and are found inside a linear-oblong capsule.
Healing Properties
The medicinal properties of Hygrophila schulli are attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, and glycosides. The plant is known for its:
Diuretic and Antidiuretic Properties: It is particularly effective as a diuretic, helping to treat conditions like dropsy, anasarca (generalized swelling), and urinary tract infections.
Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant
Properties: Extracts of the plant have been shown to protect the liver and possess strong antioxidant activity, which helps in scavenging free radicals and reducing cellular damage.
Anti-inflammatory and Anti-nociceptive (Pain-relieving) Properties: It is traditionally used to treat inflammation, rheumatism, and joint pains, and modern studies have validated these effects.
Antimicrobial Properties: The plant extracts show antibacterial and antifungal activity against various pathogens.
Anticancer and Antidiabetic Potential: Research suggests that certain compounds in the plant have anti-proliferative effects against cancer cells and can help in the management of diabetes.
Aphrodisiac and Male Fertility Support: The seeds, in particular, are known for their aphrodisiac properties and are used to treat sexual debility, premature ejaculation, and to increase sperm count.
Advantages
Versatility: The entire plant, including its roots, leaves, and seeds, can be used for different therapeutic purposes.
Rich Phytochemical Profile: It contains a wide array of compounds that contribute to its broad range of medicinal activities.
Accessibility: As a wild-growing herb, it is widely available and accessible, making it a valuable resource for traditional medicine.
Uses
Urinary and Renal Disorders: Used to treat kidney stones, dysuria (painful urination), and urinary tract infections.
Liver Ailments: Applied in traditional medicine for jaundice, hepatic diseases, and to improve overall liver function.
Inflammatory Conditions: Used for treating rheumatism, joint pain, and other inflammatory disorders.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Employed to manage dysentery, diarrhea, and abdominal disorders.
Reproductive Health: The seeds are specifically used to enhance male fertility, libido, and treat conditions like spermatorrhea.
General Health Tonic: It is used as a general tonic to address conditions like anemia, fever, and blood disorders.
Using Way The plant is used in various forms depending on the ailment:
Decoction: A decoction prepared from the roots or whole plant is commonly used as a diuretic and for treating liver and renal diseases.
Powder: The fruit or seed powder, often mixed with sugar and milk, is consumed as an aphrodisiac.
Paste: A paste made from the leaves is applied topically to treat inflammatory skin conditions and lumbago.
Extracts: The leaves and roots are subjected to hot or cold extraction using various solvents to create concentrated preparations for medicinal use.
Food: In some cultures, the young leaves are chopped and cooked as a vegetable, often with coconut milk or groundnut paste.
Conclusion
Hygrophila schulli is a highly significant herb in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and folk medicine across tropical Asia and Africa. Its wide-ranging therapeutic properties, from being a potent diuretic and liver protectant to its use in treating inflammatory conditions and male reproductive issues, make it a valuable resource. The scientific validation of its traditional uses further strengthens its importance. Despite its potential, ongoing research is needed to fully explore its bioactive compounds and to ensure its sustainable use for future generations.
