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Erect and branched half-woody plant, 1 to 1.5 meters high. Stems are
terete, the younger ones, angled. Leaves are elliptic to
oblong-ovate, 2.5 to 10 cm long, with pointed tips and toothed
margins, the base decurrent on the petiole. The spikes are terminal
and slender, 10-30 cm long, 3-4 mm thick, green and continuous.
Calyx is small, oblique, and 4-toothed. Corolla is deep blue, 1 cm
long, The fruit is enclosed in the calyx, about 4 mm long.
Distribution
Common weed in open and waste places at low and medium altitudes.
Chemical constituents and properties
A glucoside, stachytarphine has been isolated from the plant.
Parts utilized:Leaves, roots.
Medical use:
Decoction or roots are abortive.
Decoction of leaves are vermifuge to children.
Juice of fresh leaves is emetocathartic.
Decoction of leaves in enemas used to expel intestinal worms; also
used as purging vehicle for other vermifuges.
Infusion of roots has been used for gonorrhea.
Triturated fresh leaves used on ulcers.
Bruised leaves rubbed on sprains and bruises. |
