Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Uses | Formulas or Dosages | Scientific Evidence | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Alternanthera sessilis
- Alternanthera denticulata
- Alternanthera glabra
- Alternanthera nodiflora
- Gomphrena sessilis
- Illecebrum sessile
Common Names
- Sessile joyweed
- Dwarf copperleaf
- Brazilian spinach
- Sissoo spinach
- Daun tolod (Indonesia)
- Keremak (Malaysia)
- Brede chevrette (French)
- Lian zi cao (China)
- Bunga-bunga (Philippines)
- Angelica (Spain)
- Lupo (Ilonggo)
- Matikanduri (Assam)
Parts Usually Used
The whole plant including leaves, shoots, stems, and roots.
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
A perennial herb with prostrate stems that often root at nodes. Leaves are obovate to broadly elliptic, occasionally linear-lanceolate, 1-15 cm long, 0.3-3 cm wide, with petioles 1-5 mm long. Flowers appear in sessile spikes with shiny white bracts. The plant grows as both terrestrial and aquatic forms.
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Where Found
Native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Commonly found in wet or damp areas, including ponds, canals, and reservoirs. Widespread throughout South and Southeast Asia, tropical Africa, and parts of America.
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Medicinal Properties
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic
- Hepatoprotective
- Antioxidant
- Antimicrobial and anthelmintic
- Anti-diabetic
- Wound healing
- Diuretic and cooling
- Laxative and tonic
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Biochemical Information
Contains important phytochemicals including:
- Polyphenols (catechin, rutin, ellagic acid, quercetin)
- Alkaloids
- Terpenes
- Steroids (lupeol, α and β-spinasterol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol)
- Flavonoids
- Tannins
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Uses
Medicinal Applications:
- Treatment of wounds and skin diseases
- Management of dysentery and diarrhea
- Relief of pain and inflammation
- Treatment of respiratory conditions (bronchitis, asthma)
- Management of hypertension
- Liver protection
- Eye care
- Treatment of fever and intestinal problems
Culinary Uses:
- Consumed as a leafy vegetable
- Added to salads
- Used in stir-fries
- Incorporated into traditional dishes with coconut and spices
- Added to quiches, pies, curries, and pasta sauces
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Preparations or Dosages
The plant can be consumed:
- Raw in salads
- Steamed or boiled (recommended due to oxalate content)
- As a decoction for medicinal purposes
- In traditional preparations with other medicinal herbs
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Scientific Evidence
Research has demonstrated:
- Significant hepatoprotective effects in liver injury models
- Notable analgesic activity in both peripheral and central pain models
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties
- Wound healing capabilities
- Central nervous system stimulating effects
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Warning
- Should be cooked before consuming large quantities due to oxalate content
- May act as a weed in some regions
- Further research needed on specific dosages and long-term effects
- Clinical studies required to confirm safety and efficacy
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Resource Links
Wikipedia – Alternanthera sessilis
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Alternanthera sessilis, Sessile Joyweed
iNatrualist – Sessile Joyweed (Alternanthera sessilis)
Journal of Ethnopharmacology – Review: African medicinal plants with wound healing properties
