Euphorbia hirta
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Euphorbia hirta Common Names: Asthma Weed, Hairy Spurge, Garden
Spurge, Snakeweed, Pill-Bearing Spurge Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Malpighiales Family: Euphorbiaceae Genus: Euphorbia Species: E. hirta Binomial Name: Euphorbia hirta L. Synonyms: Chamaesyce gemella (Lag.) Small, Chamaesyce hirta (L.) Millsp., Chamaesyce karwinskyi (Boiss.) Millsp., Chamaesyce rosei Millsp., Desmonema hirta (L.) Raf., Euphorbia bancana Miq., Euphorbia capitata Lam., Euphorbia chrysochaeta W.Fitzg., Euphorbia gemella Lag., Euphorbia globulifera Kunth, Euphorbia karwinskyi Boiss., Euphorbia nodiflora Steud., Euphorbia obliterata Jacq., Euphorbia pilulifera (L.) Thell., Euphorbia verticillata Vell. Morphological Description Euphorbia hirta is an annual or short-lived perennial herb, typically 15–60
cm tall, with a hairy, erect or sprawling habit. Key features include: · Stems: Slender, reddish-purple, 2–5 mm thick, densely hairy,
exuding milky latex · Leaves: Opposite, elliptic to lanceolate, 1–5 cm long, toothed, dark
green above, paler beneath · Flowers: Tiny, greenish, 1–2 mm, grouped in dense cyathial clusters
with glandular bracts · Seeds: Small, angular, 0.8–1 mm, reddish-brown, explosively
dispersed Its hairy appearance and
latex are distinctive traits (Kumar et al., 2010). Distribution and Habitat Euphorbia hirta thrives in: · Native Range: Tropical Americas (Mexico to northern South America) · Introduced Range: Pantropical (Africa, Asia, Australia,
Pacific Islands) · Habitat: Open grasslands, roadsides, disturbed sites, gardens;
0–2,000 m altitude · Soil/Climate: Well-drained soils; warm, humid, 500–2,500 mm rainfall It’s a cosmopolitan weed
due to its adaptability (CABI, 2023). Ethnopharmacology Euphorbia hirta, commonly known as asthma-plant, is a
herbaceous plant widely recognized in traditional medicine across various
cultures. It has been traditionally employed to address respiratory ailments,
including asthma and bronchitis, owing to its bronchodilator properties. Additionally,
E. hirta has been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and
dysentery, attributed to its antimicrobial and antispasmodic effects. The plant has also been applied topically for
skin conditions like wounds, warts, and fungal infections, benefiting from its
antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Furthermore, E. hirta has been utilized in managing ailments like
conjunctivitis, hay fever, and as a galactagogue to promote lactation. However, it's important to note that while
these traditional uses are well-documented, scientific validation through
clinical studies is limited, and caution should be exercised due to potential
side effects. Traditional uses are
extensive, supported by studies: · Asthma/Respiratory Issues: Philippine decoction for asthma;
bronchodilatory effect in rats (IC50 0.32 mg/mL) (Tuhin et al., 2017). · Dengue Fever: Filipino use increases platelets; 100 mg/kg raised counts in
rats (Mir et al., 2012). · Digestive Disorders: Indian remedy for dysentery; antidiarrheal
in mice (ED50 50 mg/kg) (Ali et al., 2020). · Skin Diseases: Nigerian latex for warts. · Anti-inflammatory: Thai use for swelling. Consult healthcare
professionals before use. ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Latex irritates skin/eyes; ingestion causes
vomiting, diarrhea (LD₅₀ 1,500 mg/kg in rats) (Mwine & Van Damme, 2011). Additional Information · Weed Status: Invasive in crops (e.g., reduces rice yield by 20%) (CABI,
2023). · Ornamental Use: Valued in tropical gardens for foliage
(Kumar et al., 2010). · Cultural Role: Used in rituals in India for healing (Tripathi et al.,
2021). References
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