Eleusine indica
What's the taxonomical classification of Eleusine indica?
Eleusine indica belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Moving further down its taxonomic hierarchy, it falls under the order Poales and is a member of the family Poaceae. Finally, the plant is identified by its specific genus, Eleusine, and its unique species designation, indica.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Eleusine |
| Species | indica |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Eleusine indica has a fibrous root system, an erect or decumbent growth habit, and linear leaves that wrap around the stem at the base. The plant typically grows to a height of 10 to 40 centimeters and features smooth, narrow leaves that taper to a point. Its inflorescence consists of dense, spike-like clusters that emerge from the top of the stem. These flower spikes are composed of multiple branches that are tightly packed and often exhibit a dark green or purplish hue. The seeds are small, hard, and contained within the compact structure of the spike.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is distributed pantropically across much of the world, including widely established populations in Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. It thrives in a variety of climates ranging from tropical to subtropical regions. Because it is highly adaptable, it is commonly found in disturbed habitats such as roadsides, agricultural fields, and compacted soils. Its ability to colonize diverse environments has allowed it to spread globally through human activity and seed dispersal. This widespread presence makes it a common weed in many different ecological zones.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Eleusine indica is cultivated primarily as a forage crop for livestock or as a weed management subject because it thrives in disturbed, nutrient-poor soils under various climatic conditions.
Growers typically manage it through controlled seeding in tropical or subtropical regions where moisture is sufficient for germination. Since it is highly resilient to heavy foot traffic and soil compaction, it is often found in pastures and agricultural fields. Successful cultivation requires monitoring soil moisture levels and managing competition from other plant species.
Farmers often focus on controlling its spread rather than intensive production due to its aggressive growth patterns.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Eleusine indica utilizes its leaves as a primary medicinal component for treating various ailments. The leaves are often prepared as a decoction or a poultice to address skin inflammations and wounds. In some traditional practices, the leaf extracts are used to help manage symptoms of diabetes and fever. These botanical properties make the foliage a significant part of herbal remedies in several cultures. Practitioners specifically value the leaf for its potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities.
According to a study published by "PloS one", the ethanol extracts of leaves from Eleusine indica were investigated for their medicinal properties. These leaf extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant properties against both hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion. The study also found that Eleusine indica caused a dose dependent reduction in TNF-α production. These findings regarding the antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory activities of the leaf extracts may contribute to the value of the plant in traditional medicine and general medical practice.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaf
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, commonly known as goosegrass, has been utilized in various traditional medicinal systems to treat ailments such as inflammation, skin irritations, and digestive issues.
In many African and Asian folk medicine practices, decoctions made from the leaves are applied topically to soothe wounds or reduce swelling. Some cultures also use the crushed plant material as a poultice to help alleviate symptoms of fever or respiratory distress. Historically, it has also been integrated into local herbal remedies to address kidney-related problems and promote overall detoxification.
These diverse applications reflect the plant's long-standing role in the ethnobotanical knowledge of many global communities.
What are the pharmacological activities of Eleusine indica?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antidiabetic pharmacological activities. Its antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals, which reduces oxidative stress within biological systems. The plant also demonstrates antibacterial effects by inhibiting the growth of various pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, its cytotoxic potential suggests possible applications in cancer research through the destruction of targeted malignant cells. Finally, the bioactive compounds found in Eleusine indica contribute to the effective treatment of diabetes by regulating blood glucose levels.
According to a study published by "Inflammopharmacology", the hydroethanolic extract of Eleusine indica (EI) shows potential anti-inflammatory properties in a rat model of colitis. When treated orally with doses of 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg for 7 days, EI significantly improved the disease activity index (p < 0.05) and reduced the colon weight-to-length ratio (p < 0.05). The extract significantly downregulated TNF-alpha (p < 0.0001) and p38 MAPK (p < 0.0001) while preserving glutathione levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, EI reversed TNBS-induced leucocytosis (p < 0.05) and demonstrated anti-colitic activity comparable to sulfasalazine administered at 500 mg/kg. These findings suggest that Eleusine indica can suppress inflammation and oxidative stress.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- antioxidant
- cytotoxic
- treatment of diabetes
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains lutein, polyphenols, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, and zinc as key medicinal components. The presence of lutein and polyphenols provides significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to the human body. Phytosterols such as stigmasterol and β-sitosterol further contribute to the plant's ability to regulate cholesterol levels. Additionally, the inclusion of zinc supports essential metabolic functions and immune system health. These diverse bioactive compounds work together to offer various therapeutic properties.
According to a study published by "Journal of pharmaceuotics", Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertner is a traditional herb known to be depurative, febrifuge, and diuretic. Among thirty two plants screened, it reported the highest inhibitory activity against porcine pancreatic lipase. The hexane fraction of the plant showed an inhibitory activity of 27.01 ± 5.68% at 100 μg/mL. Bioactivity-guided isolation from this fraction yielded three compounds: lutein, β-sitosterol, and stigmasterol. Lutein demonstrated an outstanding inhibitory activity of 55.98 ± 1.04%, which is 60% higher than the reference drug Orlistat. The other identified compounds were β-sitosterol at 2.99 ± 0.80% and stigmasterol at 2.68 ± 0.38%.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- lutein
- polyphenol
- stigmasterol
- β-sitosterol
- Zn
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing diabetes, digestive problems, fever, inflammation, and worm infestation. The leaves and roots are often prepared as decoctions to help regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Its medicinal properties also assist in soothing various digestive problems and reducing systemic inflammation throughout the body. Additionally, the plant serves as a natural remedy to lower high fever and eliminate internal worm infestation. These traditional uses highlight the plant's diverse therapeutic potential in various herbal practices.
According to a study published by "BioMed research international", Eleusine indica is used in popular medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The study examined the content of K, Mg, Na, P, Al, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Se in the dry samples and teas of this plant. While the dry plant contains high concentrations of K and P, it also contains Mg, Na, Al, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Cu above the limit permissible level set by the World Health Organization (WHO). All hazard index (HI) values in the plant teas were found to be within safe limits for human consumption with HI < 1. However, the ingestion of this plant through capsules or teas can be harmful to the health of diabetics. Therefore, the prescription of this plant for the treatment of diabetes should be treated with caution.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- colitis
- diabetes
- digestive problems
- inflammation
- inflammatory bowel disease
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal preparations such as methanolic extract, ethanol extracts, hexane fraction, and tea. Researchers often utilize methanolic and ethanol extracts to isolate bioactive compounds for pharmacological study. The hexane fraction is specifically employed to separate non-polar constituents from the plant material. In traditional practices, the leaves are frequently boiled to produce a medicinal tea for various ailments. These diverse preparations allow for the targeted extraction of different chemical properties found within the species.
According to a study published by "PloS one", ethanol extracts of leaves from Eleusine indica were investigated for their antioxidant capacities and anti-inflammatory activities. These ethanol extracts showed strong antioxidant properties against both hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion. The effect of Eleusine indica on gamma delta T cells and immature dendritic cells was evidenced by a dose dependent reduction in TNF-alpha production. The study utilized chemiluminescence to analyze antioxidant activities and flow cytometry to measure gamma delta T cells proliferation and anti-inflammatory activity. These results demonstrate the antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory activities of the plant extracts collected in Cameroon.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- methanolic extract
- ethanol extracts
- hexane fraction
- tea
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause various health issues including digestive problems like indigestion, oral infections, worm infestation, and genital prolapse. Consuming parts of the plant may lead to significant gastrointestinal distress and discomfort. There are also documented risks of developing infections within the mouth. The plant has been linked to the presence of worms in the body and more severe anatomical complications such as genital prolapse. These adverse effects highlight the potential dangers associated with improper handling or ingestion of the species.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine", Eleusine indica is one of five grasses that showed a 100% FL value. This plant is utilized to treat diuretics, helminthiasis, digestive problems, fever, cough, worm infestation, indigestion, galactagogue, oral infections, and genital prolapse. The study involved a total of 114 plant species divided into 56 families used to treat 16 different illnesses. Among the data collected from N = 279 informants, the maximum value of disease cured level was recorded at 87.6% for endo- and ecto-parasitic ailments.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- digestive problems
- indigestion
- oral infections
- worm infestation
- genital prolapse
What herbs are paired with Eleusine indica?
This plant Eleusine indica is traditionally paired with herbs such as ginger, peppermint, and licorice to enhance its medicinal properties in decoctions.
Combining it with ginger helps to improve its warming effects and aids in digestion when used as a tea. Peppermint is often added to mask the earthy flavor of the grass while providing soothing properties for the stomach. Licorice root serves as a natural sweetener that complements the plant's bitter profile and supports respiratory health.
These combinations are frequently utilized in various traditional healing practices to target specific ailments.