Explore herbs biological activities

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List of herbs biological activities

Showing 145-192 out of 370 results

Appetite-Suppressant

Appetite-suppressant herbs function by modulating hunger signals in the brain or slowing gastric emptying to induce a prolonged feeling of fullness. Common examples of plants exhibiting this biological activity include Hoodia gordonii, Crocus sativus, and Cordia ecalyculata.

Associated herbs: 3

Occurs naturally in

Cordia ecalyculata

Hoodia gordonii

Crocus sativus

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Cancer-Preventive

Cancer-preventive herbs contain bioactive compounds that help protect cells from DNA damage and inhibit the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Examples of plants exhibiting this biological activity include Rosa rubiginosa, Clematis vitalba, and Viola tricolor.

Associated herbs: 4

Occurs naturally in

Gardenia jasminoides

Panax ginseng

Panax

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Cholagogue

A cholagogue is a substance that stimulates the gallbladder to contract, thereby promoting the secretion of bile into the digestive tract to aid in fat digestion. Herbs exhibiting this biological activity include Clematis vitalba, Elettaria cardamomum, and Dipteryx odorata.

Associated herbs: 10

Occurs naturally in

Hypericum perforatum

Picrorhiza kurrooa

Swertia

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Emetic

An emetic is a substance that induces vomiting, typically used to expel toxins or irritants from the stomach. Herbs such as Viola tricolor, Elettaria cardamomum, and Anacardium occidentale exhibit this biological activity when administered in specific doses.

Associated herbs: 7

Occurs naturally in

Stangeria eriopus

Carapichea ipecacuanha

Sapindus mukorossi

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Febrifuge

A febrifuge is a medicinal substance or herb used specifically to reduce or alleviate a fever. Examples of herbs that possess this biological activity include Clematis vitalba, Rubia cordifolia, and Elettaria cardamomum.

Associated herbs: 9

Occurs naturally in

Corydalis dubia

Paramollugo nudicaulis

Malaxis

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Fibrinolytic

Fibrinolytic activity refers to the biological ability of a substance to accelerate the breakdown of fibrin, the protein mesh that forms blood clots. By promoting the dissolution of these clots, herbs with this activity help prevent thrombosis and improve blood circulation. Examples of plants exhibiting this effect include Elettaria cardamomum, Anacardium occidentale, and Mangifera indica.

Associated herbs: 6

Occurs naturally in

Filipendula ulmaria

Aristolochia indica

Allium elburzense

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Genoprotective

Genoprotective activity refers to the ability of certain substances to protect the structure and function of genetic material, such as DNA, from damage caused by oxidative stress or environmental toxins. Herbs exhibiting this protective effect, including Juniperus rigida var. rigida, Curio radicans, and Rosa canina, help maintain genomic stability and prevent mutations.

Associated herbs: 11

Occurs naturally in

Juniperus rigida var. rigida

Curio radicans

Rosa canina

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Osteogenic

Osteogenic activity refers to the biological ability of a substance to stimulate the formation, growth, and mineralization of new bone tissue. Herbs exhibiting this property can support bone density and repair, with examples including Tanacetum cinerariifolium, Elettaria cardamomum, and Anacardium occidentale.

Associated herbs: 7

Occurs naturally in

Paris yunnanensis

Epimedium

Kitagawia praeruptora

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Psychotropic

Psychotropic biological activity refers to the ability of certain plant compounds to affect the central nervous system, altering perception, mood, consciousness, or behavior. Herbs such as Rosa rubiginosa, Viola tricolor, and Anacardium occidentale exhibit these effects by interacting with neurochemical pathways in the brain.

Associated herbs: 5

Occurs naturally in

Cannabis

Cannabis sativa

Mitragyna speciosa

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Antiandrogenic

Antiandrogenic activity refers to the ability of a substance to inhibit the biological effects of androgens, such as testosterone, by blocking their receptors or reducing their production. Medicinal herbs like Rosa rubiginosa, Clematis vitalba, and Rubia cordifolia exhibit this activity, making them potential natural agents for managing hormone-dependent conditions.

Associated herbs: 5

Occurs naturally in

Strychnos nux-vomica

Scutellaria baicalensis

Dalbergia cochinchinensis

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Antiatherogenic

An antiatherogenic activity refers to the ability of a substance to prevent or reduce the formation of fatty deposits, such as plaques, within the arterial walls. Herbs exhibiting this property help maintain cardiovascular health by inhibiting cholesterol oxidation and preventing the buildup of lipids in the bloodstream. Examples of herbs with antiatherogenic potential include Clematis vitalba, Viola tricolor, and Elettaria cardamomum.

Associated herbs: 5

Occurs naturally in

Andrographis paniculata

Cleome droserifolia

Phyllanthus emblica

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Antihemolytic

Antihemolytic activity refers to the ability of a substance to prevent the destruction or rupture of red blood cells, thereby maintaining their structural integrity and function. Various medicinal herbs exhibit this protective effect, such as Clematis vitalba, Elettaria cardamomum, and Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Associated herbs: 5

Occurs naturally in

Senna velutina

Phyllanthus androgynus

Biebersteinia multifida

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Antipsoriatic

Antipsoriatic activity refers to the ability of medicinal herbs to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis by reducing skin inflammation, slowing abnormal cell proliferation, and soothing irritation. Various plants exhibit these properties, such as Curcuma aromatica, Sesamum indicum, and Capsicum frutescens.

Associated herbs: 9

Occurs naturally in

Guilandina bonduc

Berberis aquifolium

Tussilago farfara

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Antipsychotic

Antipsychotic biological activity refers to the ability of certain plant compounds to reduce symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions, by modulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Examples of medicinal herbs that exhibit these properties include Anacardium occidentale, Mangifera indica, and Vinca minor.

Associated herbs: 5

Occurs naturally in

Nigella sativa

Balanites aegyptiaca

Strychnos nux-vomica

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Bactericide

A bactericide is a biological agent or substance that actively kills bacteria, effectively neutralizing them rather than merely inhibiting their growth. Many medicinal herbs exhibit this property through their natural phytochemicals, such as those found in Ribes uva-crispa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Vitis vinifera.

Associated herbs: 5

Occurs naturally in

Duguetia furfuracea

Catharanthus roseus

Zataria multiflora

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CNS-Depressant

A CNS-depressant biological activity refers to the ability of a substance to reduce the activity of the central nervous system, often resulting in calming, sedative, or sleep-inducing effects. Herbs such as Rubia cordifolia and Chaenomeles japonica may exhibit these properties by slowing down neural signaling to alleviate anxiety or insomnia.

Associated herbs: 5

Occurs naturally in

Ruta chalepensis

Luffa acutangula

Costus afer

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Carcinogenic

A carcinogenic biological activity refers to the ability of a substance to promote the formation of cancer by inducing genetic mutations or stimulating uncontrolled cell proliferation. While many medicinal herbs are used for healing, certain species such as Rosa rubiginosa, Clematis vitalba, and Viola tricolor may contain specific compounds that exhibit this harmful activity under certain conditions.

Associated herbs: 9

Occurs naturally in

Aristolochia

Asarum

Thottea

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Emmenagogue

An emmenagogue is a substance that stimulates or increases menstrual flow and regulates the menstrual cycle. Herbs exhibiting this biological activity include Tanacetum cinerariifolium, Pimenta racemosa, and Achyranthes bidentata.

Associated herbs: 12

Occurs naturally in

Alpinia galanga

Achillea

Alchemilla plicatula

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Galactagogue

A galactagogue is a biological agent, typically a medicinal herb, that is used to stimulate and increase the production of breast milk in lactating women. Examples of plants possessing this activity include Laurus nobilis, Phragmites australis subsp. australis, and Desmostachya bipinnata.

Associated herbs: 9

Occurs naturally in

Laurus nobilis

Phragmites australis subsp. australis

Desmostachya bipinnata

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Hallucinogen

Hallucinogens are medicinal herbs containing psychoactive compounds that alter perception, thought, and sensory experiences by influencing neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Examples of plants exhibiting this biological activity include species such as Erythroxylum incrassatum, Erythroxylum macrophyllum var. macrophyllum, and Erythroxylum ulei.

Associated herbs: 1

Occurs naturally in

Salvia divinorum

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Androgenic

Androgenic activity refers to the ability of certain substances to mimic or stimulate the effects of male sex hormones, such as testosterone, within the body. Certain medicinal herbs, including Clematis vitalba, Rubia cordifolia, and Elettaria cardamomum, have been studied for their potential to influence these hormonal pathways.

Associated herbs: 6

Occurs naturally in

Massularia acuminata

Terminalia ivorensis

Lepidium meyenii

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Antianemic

Antianemic herbs possess biological activities that help increase hemoglobin levels and stimulate the production of red blood cells to combat anemia. Examples of plants exhibiting this therapeutic effect include Rubia cordifolia, Chaenomeles japonica, and Elettaria cardamomum.

Associated herbs: 4

Occurs naturally in

Cryptolepis nigrescens

Lepidium spinosum

Petroselinum crispum

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Anticariogenic

Anticariogenic activity refers to the ability of a substance to prevent the formation and progression of dental caries by inhibiting the growth of decay-causing bacteria and reducing plaque accumulation. Medicinal herbs such as Rosa rubiginosa, Viola tricolor, and Elettaria cardamomum exhibit this property through their natural antimicrobial and anti-biofilm actions.

Associated herbs: 4

Occurs naturally in

Piper crocatum

Derris reticulata

Verbascum speciosum

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Anticomplement

Anticomplement activity refers to the ability of certain substances to inhibit or regulate the complement system, a critical component of the innate immune response that helps clear pathogens but can cause excessive inflammation if overactive. Herbs such as Achyranthes bidentata, Vinca minor, and Rhododendron dauricum exhibit this biological activity, offering potential therapeutic benefits for managing autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Associated herbs: 4

Occurs naturally in

Tiarella polyphylla

Hyparrhenia dichroa

Aster indicus

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Antidementia

Antidementia biological activity refers to the ability of certain plant compounds to protect neurological functions by reducing oxidative stress, decreasing neuroinflammation, and preventing the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain. Herbs such as Rosa rubiginosa, Viola tricolor, and Rubia cordifolia exhibit these properties, helping to preserve cognitive clarity and slow the progression of memory loss.

Associated herbs: 2

Occurs naturally in

Ginkgo biloba

Salvia officinalis

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Antihemorrhagic

Antihemorrhagic activity refers to the ability of a substance to prevent, reduce, or stop bleeding by promoting blood clotting or repairing damaged blood vessels. Herbs such as Rosa rubiginosa, Anacardium occidentale, and Mangifera indica exhibit this property, helping to control hemorrhage through their medicinal components.

Associated herbs: 4

Occurs naturally in

Capsella bursa-pastoris

Azadirachta indica

Euphorbia tithymaloides

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Antiperoxidative

Antiperoxidative activity refers to the ability of a substance to inhibit the production and damage caused by free radicals, thereby preventing the oxidation of essential cellular components like lipids and proteins. This protective mechanism helps reduce oxidative stress within the body, a property found in medicinal herbs such as Anacardium occidentale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Lippia origanoides.

Associated herbs: 4

Occurs naturally in

Gymnema montanum

Luffa acutangula

Stereospermum colais

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Antipruritic

Antipruritic activity refers to the ability of a substance to relieve or prevent itching caused by skin irritation or inflammation. Several medicinal herbs possess this property, including Elettaria cardamomum, Anacardium occidentale, and Pimenta racemosa.

Associated herbs: 5

Occurs naturally in

Protium heptaphyllum

Cannabis

Pachylecythis pisonis

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Antisyphilitic

Antisyphilitic biological activity refers to the capacity of certain medicinal herbs to inhibit the progression of or treat syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Traditional herbal remedies used for this purpose include species such as Coptis chinensis, Papaver somniferum, and Berberis fortunei.

Associated herbs: 5

Occurs naturally in

Mikania glomerata

Mikania laevigata

Zeyheria montana

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Cardiotoxic

Cardiotoxicity refers to a biological activity where certain substances cause direct damage or dysfunction to the heart muscle and its electrical conduction system. While many herbs are therapeutic, some such as Rubia cordifolia and Chaenomeles japonica can exhibit cardiotoxic effects if consumed in excessive amounts or improper dosages.

Associated herbs: 5

Occurs naturally in

Cerbera odollam

Cerbera manghas

Viscum album

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Hypothermic

Hypothermic biological activity refers to the ability of a substance to induce a reduction in body temperature, often by counteracting heat or fever. Herbs such as Elettaria cardamomum, Pimenta racemosa, and Trachyspermum ammi exhibit these properties, helping to stabilize or lower internal thermal levels.

Associated herbs: 4

Occurs naturally in

Lepidium spinosum

Neustanthus phaseoloides

Persicaria nepalensis

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Moisturizing

Moisturizing biological activity refers to the ability of certain herbs to attract and retain water within the skin or tissues, preventing dehydration and maintaining hydration levels. This property is often achieved through the presence of polysaccharides or mucilage, which can be found in herbs such as Bassia scoparia, Triticum aestivum, and Ananas comosus.

Associated herbs: 5

Occurs naturally in

Bassia scoparia

Triticum aestivum

Ananas comosus

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Molluscicide

A molluscicide is a biological agent or substance used to control and eliminate mollusks, such as snails and slugs, which are often devastating agricultural pests or disease vectors. Various medicinal herbs exhibit this activity, including Rubia cordifolia, Anacardium occidentale, and Trachyspermum ammi.

Associated herbs: 5

Occurs naturally in

Euphorbia milii

Phytolacca dodecandra

Balanites aegyptiaca

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Preservative

Certain medicinal herbs exhibit preservative biological activity by utilizing antimicrobial and antioxidant properties to inhibit the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms and prevent oxidative degradation. Examples of plants that demonstrate this capability include Cynanchum viminale subsp. viminale, Mangifera indica, and Dipteryx odorata.

Associated herbs: 4

Occurs naturally in

Moringa oleifera

Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis

Crithmum maritimum

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Teratogenic

A teratogenic biological activity refers to the ability of a substance to cause malformations or structural defects in a developing embryo or fetus during pregnancy. Certain medicinal herbs, such as Elettaria cardamomum, Anacardium occidentale, and Pimenta racemosa, may exhibit these effects if consumed in excessive or improper medicinal doses.

Associated herbs: 13

Occurs naturally in

Mimosa

Lupinus

Veratrum

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Tranquilizer

Tranquilizers are medicinal herbs that possess sedative properties to reduce anxiety, calm the nervous system, and alleviate mental agitation. Examples of plants exhibiting this biological activity include Rubia cordifolia, Tanacetum cinerariifolium, and Chaenomeles japonica.

Associated herbs: 7

Occurs naturally in

Pimpinella

Echium

Grewia bicolor

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Uterotonic

A uterotonic is a substance or herb that stimulates contractions of the uterine smooth muscle, which can be used to induce labor or control postpartum bleeding. Examples of medicinal plants exhibiting this biological activity include Erythrophleum suaveolens, Achyranthes bidentata, and Vinca minor.

Associated herbs: 4

Occurs naturally in

Paraleonurus japonicus

Rhoicissus

Agapanthus

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Vermifuge

A vermifuge is a medicinal substance used to expel parasitic worms, such as roundworms or tapeworms, from the gastrointestinal tract of a host. Various herbs possess this biological activity, including Clematis vitalba, Actaea rubra, and Elettaria cardamomum.

Associated herbs: 4

Occurs naturally in

Dioscorea deltoidea

Senna rugosa

Zingiber officinale

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Alpha-Glucosidase-Inhibitor

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are medicinal compounds that slow down the digestion of carbohydrates by blocking the enzyme responsible for breaking down complex sugars into glucose. This biological activity helps prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar levels after meals, making such herbs useful in managing diabetes. Examples of plants exhibiting this activity include Vinca minor, Anemarrhena asphodeloides, and Picrorhiza kurrooa.

Associated herbs: 4

Occurs naturally in

Scutellaria baicalensis

Salacia reticulata

Morus alba

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Anabolic

An anabolic biological activity refers to the process of promoting growth and the synthesis of complex molecules, such as proteins and tissues, from smaller precursor units. Herbs with anabolic properties help stimulate cellular repair and muscle development, with examples including Achyranthes bidentata, Mitragyna speciosa, and Vitis vinifera.

Associated herbs: 3

Occurs naturally in

Gymnema lactiferum

Ajuga

Lepidium meyenii

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Antiacetylcholinesterase

Anti-acetylcholinesterase activity refers to the ability of certain compounds to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, thereby preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine and increasing its availability in the nervous system. This mechanism is primarily studied for its potential to enhance cognitive function and treat neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease, with herbs such as Elettaria cardamomum, Anacardium occidentale, and Pimenta racemosa exhibiting this biological property.

Associated herbs: 4

Occurs naturally in

Isodon wightii

Cucumis melo

Ruta chalepensis

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Antiaggregant

Antiaggregant activity refers to the ability of a substance to inhibit the clumping or sticking together of blood platelets, thereby preventing the formation of harmful blood clots. Herbs such as Rosa rubiginosa, Clematis vitalba, and Viola tricolor exhibit this biological activity, helping to maintain smooth blood flow and reduce cardiovascular risks.

Associated herbs: 2

Occurs naturally in

Arbutus unedo

Tetraclinis articulata

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Anticomplementary

Anticomplementary activity refers to the ability of certain bioactive compounds to inhibit or regulate the complement system, a crucial part of the innate immune response that helps clear pathogens. By modulating this cascade, these herbs can prevent excessive inflammation and autoimmune damage, as demonstrated by species such as Viola tricolor, Mangifera indica, and Ludwigia perennis.

Associated herbs: 3

Occurs naturally in

Panax notoginseng

Tinospora cordifolia

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta

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Antigout

Antigout activity refers to the ability of medicinal herbs to reduce inflammation and lower uric acid levels in the blood to prevent painful joint swelling. Herbs such as Anacardium occidentale, Scutellaria lateriflora, and Phaseolus vulgaris exhibit this property by helping to manage the metabolic imbalances associated with gout attacks.

Associated herbs: 8

Occurs naturally in

Colchicum autumnale

Juniperus procera

Asparagus racemosus

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Antiperspirant

Certain medicinal herbs possess antiperspirant properties by utilizing alkaloids that act on the nervous system to inhibit the sweat glands. Examples of plants exhibiting this biological activity include Scopolia carniolica, Datura innoxia, and Duboisia myoporoides.

Associated herbs: 3

Occurs naturally in

Astragalus eremophilus

Cupressus sempervirens

Atractylodes macrocephala

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Antispermatogenic

Antispermatogenic activity refers to the ability of a substance to inhibit or reduce the process of spermatogenesis, thereby decreasing the production and development of sperm cells. Certain medicinal herbs, such as Solanum torvum, Thespesia populnea, and Helianthus annuus, exhibit this biological activity, suggesting their potential role in male contraceptive research.

Associated herbs: 3

Occurs naturally in

Limonia acidissima

Berberis aristata

Hedera nepalensis

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Cosmetic

Medicinal herbs with cosmetic activity are utilized to enhance skin appearance, improve texture, and provide protective benefits such as hydration or anti-aging effects. Examples of plants used for these purposes include Rosa rubiginosa for skin rejuvenation, Clematis vitalba for its potential soothing properties, and Elettaria cardamomum for its revitalizing fragrance and skin-clearing qualities.

Associated herbs: 4

Occurs naturally in

Lepidium meyenii

Aloe

Aloe succotrina

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Hematopoietic

Hematopoietic activity refers to the biological ability of a substance to stimulate the production and development of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, within the bone marrow. This process is essential for treating conditions like anemia and supporting a healthy immune system. Examples of herbs possessing this activity include Anacardium occidentale, Phaseolus vulgaris, and Urtica dioica.

Associated herbs: 3

Occurs naturally in

Hygrophila auriculata

Angelica sinensis

Azadirachta indica

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