Herb's Introduction
Setaria verticillata (L.) P.Beauv. is an annual grass belonging to the family Poaceae (the grass family). Commonly known as Bristly Foxtail or Hooked Bristlegrass, this plant has a widespread presence across tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, though it is now found on nearly every continent as an introduced species. While often notorious as a highly competitive and pervasive weed in agricultural fields, disturbed habitats, and urban areas, Setaria verticillata is also recognized for its traditional social and medicinal uses. In various cultures, it has been historically used as a source of food, animal feed, and a component in folk medicine for treating several disorders. Its tenacious, clinging inflorescence is a distinguishing feature, a result of its unique, backward-curved barbs.
Name in Different Countries
This widely distributed grass is known by numerous common names across the globe, reflecting its most prominent physical trait—its bristly, clinging nature. Country/Region Common Name Nepal Jhuse Kagune Ghans, Kagune Jhar English Bristly Foxtail, Hooked Bristlegrass, Rough Bristle-grass, Bur Bristle Grass Tamil Ottoppul Spanish Lagartera, Almorejo verticilado French Sétaire verticillée German Quirl-Borstenhirse, Wirtel-Borstenhirse Chinese Lun sheng gou wei cao Danish Kransstillet skaermaks Turkish Yapışkanotu Export to Sheets
Terminology
The scientific classification for this plant is: Scientific Name: Setaria verticillata (L.) P.Beauv. Family: Poaceae (Grass Family) Synonyms: The plant has a large number of accepted and historical synonyms, reflecting its wide distribution and variable appearance. Some prominent synonyms include Panicum verticillatum L., Chaetochloa verticillata (L.) Scribn., and Setaria adhaerens (Forssk.) Chiov. Key Botanical Feature: The term "retrorsely barbed bristles" is the definitive terminology used to describe the tiny, backward-curved barbs on the spikelets of the inflorescence, which cause the seed head to cling tenaciously to clothing and animal fur, aiding in seed dispersal. The species name verticillata refers to the whorled or 'verticillate' arrangement of the spikelets on the flower stalk.
Availability
Setaria verticillata is an extremely widespread and common plant, available across a vast geographical range. Its native range spans the Tropical and Subtropical Old World, but due to its highly successful seed dispersal mechanism and adaptability, it is now naturalized and frequently encountered in disturbed and cultivated habitats across most continents. In the context of Medicinal Plants of Nepal, it is a common species found in waste places, path sides, and cultivated fields. It thrives in diverse altitudes and is generally considered a common weed, making it readily available to traditional healers and local communities who utilize it for medicinal purposes.
External Look
Setaria verticillata is typically a loosely tufted annual grass that can grow up to 1 meter (3 feet) high. Culms (Stems): The stems are often ascending, meaning they grow upwards but can be bent or "geniculate" at the lower nodes, where they may sometimes root. Leaves: The leaf blades are thin, soft, and can be up to 30 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. Inflorescence (Flower/Seed Head): This is the most distinctive feature. It is a narrow, spike-like panicle, typically 5–15 cm long. The spikelets are subtended by bristles that are 2–8 mm long. These bristles have retrograde barbs (backward-pointing hooks), which cause the entire seed head to be sticky or clinging like Velcro, easily attaching to anything that brushes past it. This "stickiness" is the key feature that distinguishes it from other Setaria species.
Healing Properties
Traditional uses and preliminary phytochemical research suggest that Setaria verticillata possesses several potential healing properties, primarily attributed to the presence of various bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, sterols, cardiac glycosides, saponins, and terpenoids. The main identified properties include: Anti-inflammatory: Components in the plant may help reduce inflammation. Anti-oxidant: It possesses compounds that can counteract harmful free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Hepatoprotective: The plant may have a protective effect on the liver. Anticarcinogenic: Potential anti-cancer properties have been suggested due to the presence of beneficial phenolic compounds. Anti-thrombotic: It may help in preventing the formation of blood clots.
Advantages
The principal advantages of using Setaria verticillata in traditional medicine are: Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness: As a common and widely distributed weed, it is easily available in large quantities and is virtually free, making it a highly accessible and less expensive option for primary healthcare in rural and developing regions like parts of Nepal. Rich Phytochemical Profile: The presence of a wide range of bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenols suggests a broad spectrum of pharmacological activity, supporting its traditional use for multiple ailments. Traditional Use Validity: Its long history of use in traditional folk medicine for specific ailments such as skin conditions (psoriasis, chronic eruptions) and rheumatism lends credence to its therapeutic value within local systems of medicine (Homeopathy, Ayurvedic, and traditional folklore).
Uses
In traditional and folk medicine, particularly in regions where it is commonly found, the plant parts of Setaria verticillata (often the whole plant or specific extracts) are used for various health conditions: Rheumatism: Used traditionally to help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatic disorders. Skin Disorders: Applied or used internally for treating psoriasis and other chronic skin eruptions. Anti-inflammatory Agent: Used for conditions involving general inflammation. General Tonic: Its antioxidant properties suggest it may have general health-promoting benefits, supporting overall well-being and disease prevention. Beyond medicine, the plant also has social uses as animal food (fodder) and a source of food (grains) for humans in some contexts, though the grains are generally considered hard and can be bitter unless properly prepared (e.g., boiling).
Using way
Traditional methods of utilizing Setaria verticillata for medicinal purposes typically involve preparing extracts or pastes from the whole plant. Aqueous Extract: For general internal use or systematic disorders, an aqueous extract (a simple water-based decoction or infusion) of the whole plant is often prepared and consumed. This method is used to extract the water-soluble compounds like certain alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids. External Application: For skin disorders like psoriasis and chronic eruptions, the plant material might be crushed into a paste or a poultice and applied externally directly to the affected area. The specific preparations and dosages are dependent on traditional knowledge systems and the local practitioner. Note: As with all traditional remedies, modern scientific validation for human dosage and safety is often limited. Any medicinal use should be done with caution and preferably under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider or a knowledgeable traditional herbalist.
Conclusion
Setaria verticillata is a ubiquitous grass with a duality—it is a pervasive agricultural weed yet a recognized traditional medicinal plant. Hailing from the Poaceae family, its distinct, clinging inflorescence defines its identity. Locally known as Jhuse Kagune Ghans in Nepal, it is readily available and a cost-effective resource for local healthcare. The plant’s pharmacological significance lies in its rich profile of alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols, lending it proven or potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. Traditionally, it is employed for conditions like rheumatism and chronic skin eruptions. Further scientific study is warranted to validate the efficacy, standardize the dosage, and ensure the safe use of this tenacious and beneficial component of the world's natural pharmacopeia.
