Eleusine indica
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Eleusine indica Common Names: Indian Goosegrass, Wiregrass,
Yard-Grass, Fowl Foot Grass Scientific Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Monocots Clade: Commelinids Order: Poales Family: Poaceae Genus: Eleusine Species: E. indica Binomial Name: Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. Synonyms: Cynosurus indicus L., Eleusine indica var. monostachya F.M. Bailey, Eleusine japonica Steud., Eleusine marginata Lindl., Glensine marginata Lindl. Morphological Description Eleusine indica is a tufted annual grass, typically 30–50 cm tall, occasionally reaching 1 m. Key features include: · Stems: Flattened at the base, erect or prostrate, rooting at nodes · Leaves: Flat, linear, 10–30 cm long, 3–8 mm wide, tapering, with a white ligule · Inflorescence: 3–7 digit-like spikes, 5–15 cm long, arranged in a terminal whorl · Seeds: Small, dark brown, 1–2 mm, producing up to 50,000 per plant Its C4 photosynthesis enhances drought tolerance (Fern, 2023). Distribution and Habitat Eleusine indica is a cosmopolitan weed, thriving in: · Native Range: Africa and Asia (Eurasia) · Introduced Range: Americas, Australia, Pacific Islands · Habitat: Disturbed sites (fields, roadsides, lawns), tolerates salinity, drought, and trampling · Climate: Tropical/subtropical, 20–35°C, rainfall 500–1,500 mm · Soil: Sandy to clayey, pH 4.5–8 It invades over 60 countries, often outcompeting crops (Holm et al., 1977). Ethnopharmacology Eleusine indica (commonly known as goosegrass) is a medicinal plant with various antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, diuretic, and analgesic properties. It contains flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, and essential oils, which contribute to its therapeutic effects.Traditionally, Eleusine indica has been used for treating fevers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, and respiratory infections. It has diuretic properties, helping in detoxification and promoting kidney health. The plant also exhibits antidiabetic activity, as it may help lower blood sugar levels. Studies suggest its antimicrobial effects are effective against certain bacterial and fungal infections, making it useful for treating skin infections and wounds. Additionally, its antioxidant properties help combat oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and chronic diseases In some cultures, Eleusine indica is used as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent, particularly for conditions like arthritis and muscle pain. It is also believed to have anthelmintic properties, helping expel intestinal parasites. While widely used in traditional medicine, further scientific research is needed to fully understand its pharmacological potential and develop standardized medicinal applications. · Fever: Whole plant decoction in China; antipyretic in rats (150 mg/kg, p < 0.05) (Iqbal & Gnanaraj, 2012). · Postpartum Bleeding: Leaf juice in Malaysia speeds placenta delivery; traditional use (Zakri et al., 2021). · Diuretic: Root infusion in Trinidad; increases urine output in vivo (Lans, 2006). · Wounds: Leaf paste in India; enhances healing in rats (40% at 50 µg/mL) (Sagnia et al., 2014). · Gastrointestinal: Seed decoction in Nigeria; antibacterial against E. coli (MIC 0.5 mg/mL) (Al-Zubairi et al., 2011). · Anti-inflammatory: Leaf extract in Cameroon; reduces TNF-α (dose-dependent) (Sagnia et al., 2014). · Analgesic: Whole plant in Philippines; pain reduction in mice (35% at 200 mg/kg) (De Melo et al., 2005). · Antioxidant: Aerial parts in Vietnam; DPPH IC₅₀ 2350 µg/mL (Iqbal & Gnanaraj, 2012). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: No acute toxicity (LD₅₀ > 2,000 mg/kg in rats); safe in moderation. High doses may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (Iqbal & Gnanaraj, 2012). Additional Information · Agricultural Significance: Herbicide-resistant (e.g., glyphosate); reduces crop yields by 20–50% (Holm et al., 1977). · Nutrition: Seeds (10% protein) used as famine food in India; low yield (Fern, 2023). · Ecological Role: Erosion control, forage for livestock (5–10% grazed) (Zakri et al., 2021). · Cultural Use: Fiber for mats in Pacific Islands (PROTA, 2019). References
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