Herb's Introduction Ixeris polycephala Cass. is a biennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae (or Compositae) family, commonly known as the daisy, aster, or sunflower family. It's a plant of significant cultural and medicinal importance, particularly in its native range across East and South Asia. The plant is known for its edible leaves and stems, as well as its use in traditional medicine. It is a hermaphroditic species, meaning it possesses both male and female reproductive organs, and is typically pollinated by insects.
Names in Different Countries
This plant is known by various names depending on the region.
English: Many-head Ixeris, Many-flowered Ixeris.
Nepali: Mulee Butee (मुली बुटी) or Naangaasaree (नाङ्गासरि).
Vietnamese: Kim anh nhiều đầu, Rau diếp đắng nhiều đầu, or đa đầu khổ mại.
Terminology & Synonyms
The botanical name Ixeris polycephala Cass. has several synonyms, which are other scientific names that have been used to refer to the same species. These include:
Chondrilla fontinalis Wall.
Chondrilla longifolia Buch.-Ham.
Chondrilla tenuis Buch.-Ham.
Crepis bonii Gagnep.
Crepis coronopus Gagnep.
Ixeris matsumurae (Makino) Nakai
Lactuca biauriculata H.Lév. & Vaniot
Lactuca matsumurae Makino
Lactuca polycephala (Cass.) Benth.
Availability & External Look
Ixeris polycephala is native to a wide range of Asia, including the Himalayas, China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asian countries like Nepal, India, and Vietnam. It is typically found in moist, shady places at elevations from 700 to 2,100 meters, often by paddy fields or in open woodlands and grasslands.
Externally, the plant is a biennial herb that grows to about 0.3 meters (1 foot) tall. It features a rosette of narrow, elongated leaves at its base. Slender stems emerge from the plant, bearing charming yellow composite flowers. These flowers are a mosaic of tiny florets and are typically seen blooming in the spring. The plant's overall appearance is a simple, green herb with a slight, milky sap, similar to other plants in the chicory tribe.
Healing Properties & Advantages
The plant has a history of use in traditional medicine and is studied for its pharmacological potential. Research indicates that Ixeris polycephala contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, triterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and phenylpropanoids. These compounds contribute to its healing properties, which include:
Anti-inflammatory: It has been found to down-regulate inflammatory mediators, which is a key benefit for various conditions.
Antioxidant: The plant extract has a high capacity to scavenge free radicals, which helps to combat oxidative stress in the body.
Detoxifying: In traditional medicine, it is used for its detoxifying effects.
Febrifuge: The juice of the plant is traditionally used in the treatment of fevers.
Wound Healing: It is used to promote tissue regeneration and remove necrotic tissue.
Anti-proliferative: Preliminary studies suggest that extracts may help alleviate the progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by inhibiting prostate cell growth and inflammatory responses.
Uses & Using Ways
Ixeris polycephala has both culinary and medicinal uses.
1. Culinary Uses: The leaves and young stems of the plant are edible. They are often consumed cooked and are a unique addition to salads, soups, and stews. The plant has a slightly bitter taste, which is a characteristic of many herbs in the Asteraceae family.
2. Medicinal Uses: The entire plant is used for medicinal purposes.
A paste made from the flower heads is applied topically to the skin to treat conditions like scabies.
The juice of the plant is used as a febrifuge to treat fevers.
The leaves and roots are often used to make teas and decoctions to promote general wellness, stop bleeding, and treat inflammation.
Conclusion
Ixeris polycephala Cass. is a multifaceted herb with a rich history of both traditional food and medicinal use across Asia. While often considered a lesser-known plant, its rich nutritional profile and pharmacologically active compounds, such as flavonoids and triterpenoids, give it significant value. From its use as a detoxifying and anti-inflammatory agent to its potential in addressing conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia, this plant holds promise for further scientific exploration. Its simple, robust nature and wide distribution make it a valuable part of the traditional herbal landscape in many regions.
