Persicaria hydropiper

Persicaria hydropiper L. is an erect herb that can grow up to 30–50 cm tall. Leaves are oblong-lanceolate, short petioled, tapering to a pointed end, ciliate on the under surface. Flowers are white, in sparse, thin and with hanging false ears. Fruit is black, nut-like and has a flat and domed side. Native to Northern Africa, tropical and temperate Asia, Australia and Europe.

Special Precautions of Persicaria hydropiper

• No known side effects with therapeutic dosages. Larger amounts can cause gastroenteritis. Skin irritation may occur if applied externally.
• Toxicity: Toxic to animals and the LD50 for its chloroform leaf extract was 758.58 mg/kg in male albino mice.

==Phytoconstituents: == Rhamnazin, hydropiperoside, polygoidal, warburganal, isopolygodial, isodrimeninol, drimenol, confertifolin and others.

Health Benefits and Uses of Persicaria hydropiper

• The liquid extract of the plant is used as a contraceptive and a haemostatic.
• The plant is also used alone or with other herbs decocted for diarrhoea, dyspepsia, dysentery, enteritis, diuretic, expelling worms, heat stroke, itching skin, haemorrhage, jaundice and cancer as well.
• In folk medicine, it is used internally for uterine bleeding, menstrual bleeding, bleeding of haemorrhoids, gastrointestinal bleeding, rheumatic pain, as a diuretic, for bladder and kidney disease, and gout. It is used externally for poorly healing wounds, sprains and c ontusions.[1] * * The leaves are pounded and applied to skin diseases, for uterine disorders, while its seeds are used as c arminative, d iuretic and stimulant.

Pharmacological Activities

Analgesic, Anthelmintic, Antifertility, Antifungal, Antineoplastic, Antioxidant, Antimutagenic and Insect repellent.

Dosage

A tea prepared by pouring 0.25 L of hot water over 1 heaped teaspoon of the dried plant extract and strained after 10 min is to be drunk 3 times a day.Homeopathically, it is used to treat varicose veins, 5 drops, 1 tablet or 10 globules are to be taken every 30 to 60 min in acute cases, or 1 to 3 times daily for chronical cases.