Edible Uses
The leaves are, on rare occasions, used as a vegetable[
]. This could be unwise - see the notes above on toxicity[
].
Medicinal
The plant has been widely used for centuries to treat warts, inflammations and tumours. Throughout tropical Africa it is used as an analgesic to ease rheumatic pain, as a diuretic and to treat numerous skin problems including yaws, urticaria, scabies, ulcers, eczema and impetigo[
]. Throughout the Continent, there is a wide variation in the plant parts that are used, and also in methods of preparation and administration[
].
A decoction of the whole plant is used to treat thrush, diarrhoea, diabetes, venereal diseases and frequent excretion of urine[
A decoction of the whole plant is used to treat thrush, diarrhoea, diabetes, venereal diseases and frequent excretion of urine[
]. The whole plant is boiled and the beverage used as a remedy for heat rash[
]. It is boiled with Desmodium sp. (ironweed) in a decoction that is used as a purgative of the reproductive system to function as a 'cleanout' for men and women[
].
An infusion of the plant is used as an eye-lotion and to clean ulcers[
An infusion of the plant is used as an eye-lotion and to clean ulcers[
].
The leaves are haemostatic, stomachic[
The leaves are haemostatic, stomachic[
]. An infusion is used as a remedy for asthma, ulcers, dysentery, bronchitis, red eyes, boils etc[
]. The leaf juice is used to treat and soothe the pain of conjunctivitis[
]. Mixed with coconut oil and a small amount of salt, the leaves are administered to children as a remedy for colds, grippe and coughing[
]. The leaves are boiled with Mikania micrantha for treating upset stomachs[
].
The powdered leaves are used to treat infected gums[
The powdered leaves are used to treat infected gums[
]. A poultice made from the leaves is applied to rheumatic limbs, to wounds and insect bites[
].
The flowers are emmenagogue in small doses and abortifacient in large[
The flowers are emmenagogue in small doses and abortifacient in large[
]. They are used to control menstrual blood loss; yaws; skin ulcers[
].
The plant contains the hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids heliotrine and lasiocarpine. The major alkaloid, indicine, shows antitumor activity[
The plant contains the hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids heliotrine and lasiocarpine. The major alkaloid, indicine, shows antitumor activity[
].
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