Eleusine indica
Eleusine indica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Eleusine indica is a versatile plant known for its medicinal properties, particularly through the use of its leaves. Scientific studies have explored various preparations of the plant, including dry samples, hexane fractions, and both ethanol and hydroethanolic extracts. These botanical components are rich in essential minerals such as aluminum, copper, iron, and magnesium. The plant exhibits significant biological activities, most notably acting as an antioxidant and a galactagogue. Consequently, it is frequently studied for its potential to alleviate various conditions, including colitis, cough, fever, and diuretic needs.
- Synonyms
- Juncus Loureiroana · Eleusine Rigidifolia · 18 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Poaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Eleusine indica is a versatile plant known by a wide variety of names across different regions and languages. In many parts of the world, it is commonly referred to as Crow's foot due to its distinct seed structure. Some local traditions identify the species as Aszályfű, while others use the name Carulang. It is also frequently called Dutch grass, a title that reflects its widespread presence in various landscapes. Regardless of whether you call it Eleusine or one of its many aliases, this resilient grass remains a well-recognized species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Eleusine indica is a plant species that has been classified under several different botanical names throughout history. Due to various taxonomic revisions, it is recognized by synonyms such as Cynodon indicus and Cynosurus indicus. Researchers also frequently encounter it listed as Cynosurus pectinatus in older scientific literature. Furthermore, the plant is sometimes identified through the synonyms Eleusine glabra and Eleusine gonantha. Understanding these diverse names is essential for accurately identifying the species across different botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Eleusine indica belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing the diverse world of living vegetation. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Poales, which connects it to many other significant plant groups. As a member of the family Poaceae, it shares characteristics with the well-known grasses found globally. Ultimately, this plant is identified by its specific genus, Eleusine, which defines its unique botanical identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Eleusine |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Eleusine indica exhibits a broad geographical range across several key regions of the African continent. Within East Tropical Africa, the species is widely distributed throughout Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its presence extends beyond the mainland to include the Macaronesian islands. Specifically, it can be found inhabiting the Azores and the Canary Islands. This diverse distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive in various ecological settings across the region.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Eleusine indica is a self-supporting herb characterized by its distinct growth form. This plant typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 0.9 meters as it matures. Depending on its environment, the height can vary significantly, starting from a minimum of 0 meters. Most established specimens are observed to maintain a minimum height of at least 0.35 meters. These physical dimensions and structural attributes define the overall presence of the species in its habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Eleusine indica is a versatile medicinal plant that demonstrates significant pharmacological potential across different biological contexts. Research conducted in Cameroon highlights the plant's strong antioxidant properties, specifically showing efficacy against hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions. Beyond its ability to combat oxidative stress, this species also plays a vital role in traditional ethnoveterinary practices. In the riverine areas of Punjab, Pakistan, it has been identified as a key plant used for its galactagogue effects. These diverse biological activities underscore the importance of integrating such native flora into broader medicinal and veterinary applications.
Compounds
Conditions
Eleusine indica serves as a medicinal plant with significant therapeutic potential for treating diabetes, though its use in capsules or teas should be approached with caution. Research indicates that the plant effectively treats inflammatory bowel disease by demonstrating potent anti-colitic activity. In animal models, Eleusine indica successfully treats TNBS-induced colitis by preserving mucosal architecture and reducing colonic damage. Furthermore, the plant treats TNBS-induced leucocytosis by reversing abnormal haematological parameters. Finally, Eleusine indica treats TNF-α production through a dose-dependent reduction in its expression, which helps suppress inflammation and oxidative stress.
Preparations
Eleusine indica is prepared as dry samples and teas for the analysis of macro- and microelements to assess health risks. The plant is also prepared as ethanol extracts of leaves to investigate its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. Researchers have utilized a hexane fraction of the species to isolate compounds with inhibitory activity against porcine pancreatic lipase. Additionally, Eleusine indica is prepared as a hydroethanolic extract to evaluate its potential anti-colitic activity in models of inflammatory bowel disease.
Parts used
Eleusine indica is a medicinal plant that has been studied for its significant biological properties. In recent research conducted in Cameroon, the leaf of this species was specifically utilized to create ethanol extracts for testing. These extracts were evaluated for their ability to combat oxidative stress and inflammation. The findings demonstrated that the plant possesses strong antioxidant capacities against both hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions. Furthermore, the leaf extracts showed a dose-dependent ability to reduce TNF-α production, supporting its potential value in traditional medicine.