Pluchea indica

What to Eat

Edible parts: Leaves as condiment, Spice, Flowers, Vegetable

The plant contains the compounds β-sitosterol and stigmasterol, which have antidiabetic properties. The β-sitosterol isolated from the root extract can also neutralize the venom of Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) and the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia).

Where to Find It

A tropical plant. It often grows in salty locations. It grows around the coast. It is often near sea level and in mangroves. It grows in wetlands. It can be on hard, stony ground. In Java it grows up to 1,000 m above sea level.

Asia, Australia, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, USA, Vietnam,

How to Identify

A small shrub. It grows 1-3 m high. It has many branches from the base. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are 1-2.5 cm long by 6-8 mm wide. The flowers occur in a panicle of heads at the ends of branches. The flower heads are 3 mm across. They are mauve. The fruit is a brown nut about 1 mm across.

Nutrition Score: 27/100

How to Grow

Plants can be grown from seeds. It can be grown using cuttings. It can be used for hedges.

Propagation: Seed - Cuttings.

Medicinal Uses

Indian sage is commonly used within its native range to treat a wide range of disorders. Considerable research has been carried out into the plant and a range of medically active compounds have been demonstrated. The leaves and aerial parts of the plant contain terpenoids, flavonoids and an essential oil. The main components of the oil are camphor, 'ALFA'-pinene, benzyl alcohol, benzyl acetate, eugenol, linalool and 'DELTA'-cadinol. The essential oil has demonstrated antimicrobial activity under laboratory conditions on the growth of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, the pathogenic fungi Microsporium gypseum and Candida albicans, as well as of the non-pathogenic Pithium ultimum and Xanthomonas campestris. The plant extract displays a dose-related diuretic effect, with no detectable pathological changes even after high doses. The roots contain pterocaptriol, plucheoside C, D1, D2 and D3 and E, plucheol A and B, hop-17(21)-en-3'BETA'-yl acetate and boehmeryl acetate. A methanol extract of the roots was tested in various models of inflammations and ulcers in vivo. It demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory action, and also a protective action against ulcers. This extract also showed significant hepatoprotective activity against experimentally induced liver damage. The methanol extract of the roots was also screened for activity against the venom of the snake Vipera russellii, where it was found to significantly reduce venom-induced lethality and haemorrhagic activity. Venom-induced coagulant and anticoagulant activity was also antagonized. In traditional medicine, the leaves are considered to be antitussive, diaphoretic, febrifuge, galactagogue and stomachic. An infusion is used to stimulate perspiration in a fever. An infusion of the leaves as a tea, or the leaves and young shoots crushed in alcohol, are used for treating lumbago. The crushed leaves, raw or steamed, are eaten to correct foul breath and offensive perspiration odour. A decoction of the leaves and stem is drunk to ease asthma and other pulmonary problems. A decoction of the fresh leaves is used in an inhalant to cure colds. Externally the leaves are used to relieve skin diseases, whilst the fresh leaves are applied to cure haemorrhoids. The powdered leaves, mixed with beeswax and castor oil, are applied in bandaging closed fractures. The juice from the crushed leaves, mixed with the juice of other plants, is used as a remedy for dysentery. An infusion of the leaves, usually in combination with other ingredients, is given as a treatment against leucorrhoea. Indian sage is used externally, in special baths as an aromatic and stimulant, and also in nerve-strengthening fomentations. It is mixed with other ingredients into a poultice which is an effective embrocation against weakness after diarrhoea, and against ulcers and sores. In Thailand all parts of the plant are used as a diuretic and antidiabetic. A decoction of the roots or leaves is recommended for treating fever, headache, rheumatism, sprains, dysentery and dyspepsia. It is used in baths to treat scabies. The roots, mixed with other ingredients, are applied as a poultice for rheumatic pains.

Other Uses

Plants are grown as an intercrop in teak forests Cultivated as a hedge at lower elevations, sometimes up to elevations of 1,000 metres.

Pluchea indica is a species of flowering plant in the aster family, Asteraceae. Its common names include Indian camphorweed, Indian fleabane, and Indian pluchea. It is native to parts of Asia and Australia, and it is widespread in the Pacific Islands as an introduced and often invasive species. The species hybridizes with Pluchea carolinensis when the two plants grow together, yielding a hybrid that has been named Pluchea × fosbergii.

Other Information

It is sold in local markets in China. It is cultivated.

Notes

There are about 50 Pluchea species. It is used in medicine.

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