Bringaraja

Description

A common weed found throughout India, China, Thailand, and tropical regions worldwide. Grows abundantly in moist, damp, marshy places, near water bodies, paddy fields, and wastelands. It is an annual herb that regenerates quickly in the rainy season. PLANT Type – Small, branched, erect or prostrate, annual herb. HEIGHT – 3–10 cm tall (sometimes up to 40 cm). STEM – Green, cylindrical, hairy, and often reddish. LEAVES – Opposite, sessile, simple, lanceolate, 2–6 cm long, rough with fine hairs. FLOWERS – Small, white, solitary heads (like small buttons), borne on long axillary stalks. FRUITS – Small, compressed, blackish achenes without pappus. SEEDS – Flat, brownish-black, without wings.

Useful Parts

Whole plant

Benefits

Anti-diarrheal → Controls diarrhea by reducing gut hypermotility. Hepatic system Hepatoprotective → Protects liver cells from toxins and oxidative damage; promotes liver regeneration. Immune System Immunomodulatory → Enhances immune response by regulating lymphocyte and cytokine activity. Hair & Skin Health Hair tonic / Anti-alopecia → Promotes hair growth and prevents premature graying. Skin healer → Supports wound healing and skin repair. Musculoskeletal System Anti-inflammatory → Reduces joint and tissue inflammation. Analgesic → Relieves pain in inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions Urinary System Diuretic → Increases urine output and supports kidney function. General / Multi-systemic Antioxidant → Neutralizes free radicals and protects tissues. Antimicrobial → Inhibits bacterial and fungal growth. Anti-diabetic → Helps regulate blood glucose. Anti-pyretic → Helps reduce fever.

Pharmacological Action

Hepatoprotective: Protects liver from toxins, improves regeneration (due to wedelolactone, ecliptine). Hair growth promoter: Stimulates hair follicles, prolongs anagen phase. Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals, prevents oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces swelling and pain. Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria, fungi, and some parasites. Immunomodulatory: Enhances immune response. Neuroprotective: Improves memory, learning (Medhya effect). Anti-ulcer: Protects gastric mucosa. Hypoglycemic: Reduces blood sugar levels. Anti-cancer (experimental): Wedelolactone shows cytotoxic effect on certain cancer cell lines.

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Katu, Tikta

Guna: Ruksha, Laghu

Virya: Usna

Vipaka: Katu

Dosha Karma: Kaphavata shamaka