Shaggy Buttonweed uses and benefits

S. hispida is widely used in traditional systems of medicine for various ailments. It is also reported to be useful in reducing obesity, to control bloody diarrhea, urinary infections, oliguria, bone disease and fracture healing. The methanol extract of the plant was also reported for its antibacterial activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging and nitric oxide radical scavenging activities .

In India it is used for intestinal parasites. Several Borreria species are stocked by Chinese herbalists in South-East Asia. In India, the seeds of B. hispida areused as a substitute for coffeeand the leaves are eaten as a vegetable in times of scarcity.

hispida have been used traditionally for the management of urinary infections, oliguria, venereal diseases, conjunctivitis, hemorrhoids, gallstones, stomach ailments, internal injuries of nerves, and kidney, coughs, malaria, internal heat, dyslipidemia, and for reducing weight.

In traditional medicine, Spermacoce hispida isused to heal stomach ailments and also used as tonic and anti dandruff. The Flowers have been applied to boils, eruptions, swellingsand also regarded as an emetic and as a remedy for coughs and malaria.

Spermacoce hispida, commonly known as Shaggy Buttonweed or Nattaichuri, is a medicinal herb with a history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in folk and Siddha systems. It’s part of the Rubiaceae family and is found in various locations, including India, China, and Malaysia. The plant’s roots, leaves, flowers, and seeds have been used to treat a variety of ailments, and studies have shown potential for managing conditions like urolithiasis

Uses in Traditional Medicine:
Folk Medicine: It’s used in various traditional remedies for a range of ailments, including urolithiasis, fever, and skin conditions.
Siddha Medicine: It plays a role in Siddha medicine, particularly for its potential to manage kidney stones.

Medicinal Properties:
Research has highlighted its potential for:
Anti-inflammatory effects: It may help reduce inflammation.
Pain relief: Some studies suggest potential for pain management, particularly in comparison to standard drugs.

Specific Uses and Benefits:
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory:
Spermacoce hispida extracts have shown antioxidant activity in studies, potentially protecting against free radical damage.
Potential Anticancer Activity:
Studies indicate that S. hispida extracts may have anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells, specifically in human ovarian cancer cell lines.
Traditional Medicine:
Digestive Issues: It’s traditionally used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and dyspepsia.
Skin Conditions: Used for wounds, boils, eruptions, and ulcers.
Urinary Issues: Used for urinary infections and oliguria (reduced urine production).
Other: Used for headaches, toothaches, conjunctivitis, hemorrhoids, gallstones, and menstrual disorders.
Bone Health:
The plant is a source of calcium and phosphorus, and its use is suggested for bone diseases and fractures.

In Spermacoce hispida, various parts of the plant are utilized in traditional medicine. The roots, leaves, and seeds are all used for different purposes.
Here’s a breakdown:
Roots:
Used as a tonic, alternative medicine, and in treating urinary infections, oliguria, and internal heat.
Leaves:
Employed for treating headaches, eczema, and as a poultice for wounds and ulcers.
Seeds:
Sometimes used as a coffee substitute, and also in treating dysentery and diarrhea.
The entire plant can also be used to make a decoction for headaches.

Spermacoce hispida as astringent, carminative, emetic, antipyretic, demulcent, emollient, tonic, stomachic.

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