Hygrophila auriculata
Marsh barbel
Hygrophila auriculata, commonly known as Koovalam or Marsh Barbel, is a versatile medicinal herb found in tropical wetlands. Renowned in Ayurvedic medicine, it possesses potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and diuretic properties. This plant is widely utilized to treat urinary disorders, skin ailments, and various inflammatory conditions throughout traditional healing practices.
- Scientific name: Hygrophila auriculata
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls into the order Lamiales and the family Acanthaceae. Finally, it is taxonomically identified under the genus Hygrophila.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Acanthaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Hygrophila | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Hygrophila auriculata, is recognized by various local names across different regions and languages. In Malayalam, it is called വയൽചുള്ളി (vayalchulli), while in Rwanda, it is referred to as Bugangabukare. In Tamil, the plant is known as நீர்முள்ளி (neermulli), and in Odia, it is called କୋଇଲିଖିଆ (koilikia). Additionally, in Bengali, it is commonly known as কুলেখাড়া (kulekhara).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ml | വയൽചുള്ളി | Wikidata |
| rw | Bugangabukare | Wikidata |
| ta | நீர்முள்ளி | Wikidata |
| or | କୋଇଲିଖିଆ | Wikidata |
| bn | কুলেখাড়া | Wikidata |
| pa | ਗੋਕੁਲਕਾਂਟਾ | Wikidata |
| kn | ಕೊಳವಳಿಕೆ | Wikidata |
| my | လယ်ပတူ | Wikidata |
| pt | Hygrophila schulli | Wikidata |
| sv | Hygrophila schulli | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical presence across several nations within the West Tropical Africa region. It is documented to grow naturally in the country of Benin. Furthermore, its distribution extends into Burkina and the Gambia. The plant is also found within the borders of Ghana. Finally, its range includes the territory of Guinea-Bissau.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Hygrophila auriculata, is a versatile medicinal herb where various components are utilized for therapeutic purposes. Often, the whole plant is harvested and used in traditional remedies to treat various ailments. The leaves, whether taken as a single leaf for topical application or used in bulk, possess significant healing properties, particularly in managing inflammation and skin conditions. Additionally, the root is frequently employed in decoctions for its systemic benefits, while the tiny seeds are also recognized for their nutritional and medicinal value in specific traditional practices.- Total parts
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 8
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| whole plant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Hygrophila auriculata has 16 reported activities identified across 19 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Aphrodisiac, Analgesic, Anthelmintic, Anticataract.
- Total activities
- 16
- Scientific sources
- 19
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Aphrodisiac | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticataract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipyretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Hygrophila auriculata has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include brain diseases, breast cancer, liver diseases.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| brain diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| liver diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |