Alternanthera sessilis DC. (Amaranthaceae): A new source for the treatment of rickets and marasmus

摘要

Alternanthera sessilis DC. ('Kanchari'), a species distributed throughout India, has been found to be very effective in the treatment of rickets and marasmus. Alternanthera sessilis DC. (Amaranthaceae) ('Kanchari'), occurs commonly in wild in and around J. P. Nagar (Amroha), a district in western Uttar Pradesh as well as throughout the country as a weed (Agarwal 1997, 2003). It contains 16.7 g /1000 g of iron, a compound useful in building of Red Blood Cells (RBC) in human body (Chopra et al. 1992),besides 5% protein, hydrocarbons and sterols. It is said to be useful in the preparation of Lonika, a medicine used in some parts of Uttaranchal for treating wounds, flatulence, cough, bronchitis and diabetes, as reported by Minor Forest Products (MFP) Centre, Dehradun (Pathak 1970). This species has also been found useful in malaria and rheumatism. Some ethnobotanical reports are also available from Bihar region about its being useful in night blindness and as poultice in healing wounds (Jain 1991). The stems are employed as febrifuge and galactagogue (Anon. 1986). Young shoots and leaves are considered useful in indigestion and are often utilized as green vegetable in rural areas. Chopra et al. (1965 - 81) reported it to be useful in vomiting, pregnancy and abdominal pains.