Herb's Introduction
Myriactis nepalensis, commonly known as Nepal Myriactis or "Thuke phool" in Nepali, is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family, also known as the daisy, aster, or sunflower family (formerly Compositae). This plant is native to the Himalayan regions and Southeast Asia, including countries like Nepal, China, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and Vietnam. It is a robust, upright herb that can grow up to 1 meter in height and is typically found in high-altitude environments. The herb thrives in moist, open, and disturbed areas such as forests, slopes, grasslands, and along roadsides and streams, at elevations ranging from 700 to 3900 meters.
Name in Different Countries
The herb is known by several names depending on the region. Scientific Name: Myriactis nepalensis Less. Common Name: Nepal Myriactis Nepali: थुके फूल (Thuke phool) Chinese: 圆舌粘冠草 (yuán shé nián guān cǎo)
Terminology
The scientific classification of Myriactis nepalensis places it within the Asteraceae family. A key term associated with its medicinal properties is its "essential oil" (MNEO). Recent studies have identified that this oil is rich in "phytochemicals," particularly "sesquiterpenes" and "monoterpenoids." These are complex organic compounds produced by the plant, which are responsible for its therapeutic and biological activities, such as its antibacterial and antioxidant effects. The term "cytotoxic" is also relevant, referring to the essential oil's potential to be toxic to certain cells, including cancer cells, a subject of ongoing research.
Availability
As a wild plant native to the Himalayas and surrounding regions, Myriactis nepalensis is available seasonally. Its flowering and fruiting period extends from approximately April to November. It is a wild-harvested plant, found in its natural habitat rather than being widely cultivated. Its wide distribution across various altitudes and habitats, from grassy slopes to forest margins, indicates its adaptability and relative abundance within its native range.
External Look
Myriactis nepalensis is a hardy perennial herb that typically grows to a height of 15 to 100 cm. The plant has an erect stem that can branch from the middle or base. The leaves are largely basal and lower cauline, meaning they grow at the base of the stem. They are large, ovate-elliptic, and can sometimes be lobed or divided with coarse, toothed margins. The upper leaves are smaller. The plant's most notable feature is its flower heads. These are spherical or hemispherical, about 0.7 to 1.5 cm in diameter. The flower heads are made up of numerous ray florets, which are female, white, and less than 1 mm long. These surround the central disc florets, which are yellow and tubular, giving the flower a distinctive appearance.
Healing Properties
While some sources state no known medicinal use, modern scientific research has uncovered significant healing properties in the essential oil of Myriactis nepalensis (MNEO). Antibacterial Activity: Studies have shown that the essential oil exhibits a strong antibacterial effect, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (a common cause of skin infections). It has also shown some activity against Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The oil's primary components, including sesquiterpenes like caryophyllene oxide and spathulenol, are believed to be responsible for this potent effect. Synergistic Effects: Research indicates that when the essential oil is combined with conventional antibiotics, it can produce a synergistic effect, enhancing their effectiveness against bacterial infections and potentially helping to combat antibiotic-resistant strains. Antioxidant Activity: The plant's essential oil also possesses notable antioxidant properties, which can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, protecting cells from damage. Cytotoxic Potential: Preliminary studies have also found that the essential oil of M. nepalensis may have potential cytotoxic effects on both normal and cancer cells, indicating a promising area for future research in cancer prevention or treatment.
Advantages
The primary advantages of Myriactis nepalensis are its dual use as both an edible plant and a source of compounds with significant medicinal potential. It is a resilient, wild-growing herb that offers a natural source for bioactive compounds. Its potent antibacterial properties make its essential oil a promising candidate for developing new antimicrobial agents to address the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. Its potential antioxidant and cytotoxic effects also highlight its value in broader health and wellness applications.
Uses
Traditionally, Myriactis nepalensis is used as a food source in some of its native regions. Food Use: The leaves and young shoots of the plant are cooked and consumed as a vegetable. The roasted fruits can also be pickled. Medicinal Use: While traditional medicinal uses are not widely documented, its potent essential oil has modern potential for applications in the pharmaceutical and natural health product industries, particularly for treating bacterial infections. It could be used in topical treatments, sprays, or as an ingredient in health supplements once safety and efficacy are fully established.
Using way
Based on traditional use, the primary ways to use the herb are culinary: Cooking: The young shoots and leaves are harvested and cooked, similar to how other leafy greens are prepared. Pickling: The fruits of the plant are roasted and then prepared as a pickle. For medicinal purposes, the essential oil would be extracted and processed for use in controlled, researched applications.
Conclusion
Myriactis nepalensis is a fascinating herb that holds a place in both traditional culinary practices and modern scientific inquiry. Known as a wild-harvested food source in the Himalayan regions, it has recently gained attention for the powerful properties of its essential oil. Scientific research has confirmed its potent antibacterial, antioxidant, and potential cytotoxic activities, making it a valuable subject for developing new natural health solutions. The presence of key phytochemicals like sesquiterpenes highlights its significant therapeutic promise, positioning it as an important plant for future studies in combating bacterial infections and promoting overall health.
