Herb's Introduction
Platostoma elongatum (Benth.) A.J.Paton is a small, herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, commonly known as the mint family. 🌿 It is an annual herb that grows to a height of 10-15 cm. The plant is described as being pilose, which means it is covered with soft, dense hairs. Its small size and delicate violet-purple flowers make it a subtle yet charming member of its genus. This species is rare and is primarily found in moist, hilly areas of southern India and Sri Lanka.
Name in Different Countries
Since Platostoma elongatum is a rare and localized species, it does not have widely recognized common names in many countries. However, its close relative, Platostoma palustre, is well-known and goes by various names, especially in East and Southeast Asia, where it is used to make a popular dessert called grass jelly. Some of these names include: Chinese Mesona (English) Xian Cao (仙草) (Mandarin Chinese) Cincau Hitam (Indonesian) Sương Sáo (Vietnamese) Chao Guay (Thai)
Terminology
Platostoma elongatum has a few synonyms, which are different scientific names that have been used to refer to the same plant. These include: Geniosporum elongatum Benth. Geniosporum indicum Briq. These synonyms reflect the taxonomic history of the plant, as it was previously classified under the genus Geniosporum before being reclassified into Platostoma. The family Lamiaceae is also commonly known as the mint or basil family, which helps to place the herb within a broader botanical context.
Availability
Platostoma elongatum is considered rare and its availability is limited. Its native range is restricted to specific regions of southern India and Sri Lanka, where it grows in moist, hilly habitats. As a result, it is not a widely cultivated or commercially available herb, unlike its more common relative, Platostoma palustre, which is commercially grown and sold for use in food and traditional medicine.
External Look
The plant is an annual herb, typically reaching a height of 10-15 cm. Leaves: The leaves grow opposite each other on the stem. They are oblong-obovate in shape, measuring 3-5 cm in length and 3-5 mm in width. The leaf margins are sparsely serrated (toothed), and the surfaces are covered with soft hairs (hirsute) and small dots (punctuate). The leaves are attached to the stem by short petioles (0.5 cm). Flowers: The flowers are a striking violet-purple color and are about 4 mm across. They are arranged in dense terminal spikes that can be 5-7 cm long. The flowers have a two-lipped corolla, with the upper lip being four-lobed and the lower lip being longer and pointed. Stamens and Style: The plant has four stamens that extend beyond the corolla (exerted). The style also extends beyond the flower. Nutlets: The fruit consists of small, round nutlets.
Healing Properties
While specific studies on Platostoma elongatum are scarce, its close relatives in the Platostoma genus, particularly P. palustre, are well-documented in traditional medicine and have been shown to possess a range of beneficial properties. These properties are often attributed to the presence of various phytochemicals like flavonoids and phenolic acids. Based on this, P. elongatum is likely to share similar properties. Antioxidant Effects: The herb is known to contain compounds that have antioxidant properties, which help to scavenge free radicals and protect the body from oxidative stress. This can be beneficial in preventing or managing a variety of chronic diseases. Anti-inflammatory: Some studies suggest that related Platostoma species have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help in treating conditions like joint pain and other inflammatory disorders. Antidiabetic: Traditional uses and preliminary research on P. palustre indicate potential in regulating blood glucose levels, making it a subject of interest for diabetes management. Other Potential Effects: The herb has also been traditionally used for its cooling properties and to treat conditions such as fever, high blood pressure, and digestive issues.
Advantages
The potential advantages of Platostoma elongatum are primarily derived from its traditional uses and the known properties of its close relatives. Natural Remedy: As a plant-based remedy, it can be a natural alternative for managing certain health conditions. Versatile Use: The plant and its extracts can potentially be used in various forms, such as teas, jellies, or medicinal preparations. Rich in Bioactive Compounds: The presence of flavonoids and other phenolic compounds gives the plant a strong antioxidant profile, which is a major advantage for overall health. Potential for Research: The limited research on this specific species presents an opportunity for future studies to fully explore its unique medicinal potential.
Uses
Due to its rarity, Platostoma elongatum is not commonly used. However, its historical and traditional uses, as well as the uses of related species, can be extrapolated. Traditional Medicine: It may have been used locally in southern India and Sri Lanka for its purported healing properties, such as treating fever, headaches, and digestive problems. Culinary: While P. elongatum is not a common culinary plant, its relative P. palustre is famously used to make grass jelly (cincau), a popular dessert in Asian cuisine. The leaves and stems are boiled to extract a gelatinous substance, which is then cooled and sweetened. Ornamental: The plant's small stature and attractive violet-purple flowers make it a suitable candidate for ornamental gardening, particularly in rock gardens or as a groundcover.
Using Way
The way to use Platostoma elongatum would likely follow the methods used for other medicinal herbs in the Lamiaceae family. Infusion/Tea: The most common method would be to create a herbal tea by steeping the dried leaves and stems in hot water. This would allow for the extraction of its water-soluble beneficial compounds. Decoction: A decoction, which involves simmering the plant material in water for a longer period, could be used to extract a more concentrated form of its active ingredients. External Application: In some traditional practices, poultices or pastes made from the leaves may be applied topically to treat skin ailments or inflammation. Jelly/Extract: For culinary or more concentrated medicinal use, the plant material could be boiled down to create a gel-like substance or a potent liquid extract.
Conclusion
Platostoma elongatum is a rare and fascinating annual herb from the mint family, native to a specific region of southern India and Sri Lanka. While it lacks widespread common names and commercial availability, its taxonomic relationships to well-known plants like Chinese Mesona suggest it shares similar healing properties, including potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. Its delicate violet-purple flowers and small size make it an intriguing botanical specimen. The limited research on this particular species highlights the potential for further scientific exploration into its unique medicinal compounds and applications.
