Hygrophila auriculata

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS

Hygrophila auriculata Schumach.

Common Name: Kokilaksha
Family: Acanthaceae
Vernacular Names: Gokanta – Sanskrit., Neermulli – Tamil., Vayalchulli- Malayalam., Kulekhara – Bangla
Synonyms: Bahel schulli Buch.- Ham., Barleria hexacantha Moris ., Barleria hexacantha Bertol ., Asteracantha longifolia (L.) Nees.
Plant Description: H. auriculata is a herbal plant growing upto 60 cm in height. The stem is tetragonal, hairy and stiff at the nodes and is dark brown. Leaves are elliptic to lanceolate and herpid. Flowers are purple and to a lesser extent violet blue. Fruit resembles a four-sided shape, linear, glabrous and abot 1 cm long with seeds that are hairy and brown in color.
Distribution and Habitat: H. auriculata grows in marshy places and is native to tropical Asia and Arica.
Uses:
H. auriculata ia used in Ayurveda. Its seeds, roots and panchaga are used a a medication. It has hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity and can reduce toxic accumulation from certain therapies.