Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R.Br. ex DC.
Common Name:Ponnanganni
Family: Amaranthaceae
Genus: Alternanthera sessilis
Species: sessilis
Malayalam Name: Ponnanganni
Tamil Name: Ponnanganni Keera
Description:
This is a perennial herb with prostrate stems, rarely ascending, often rooting at the nodes. Leaves obovate to broadly elliptic, occasionally linear-lanceolate, glabrous to sparsely villous, petioles 1–5 mm long. Flowers in sessile spikes, bract and bracteoles shiny white, glabrous; USES
Food: The leaves, flowers, and tender stems are eaten as a vegetable in some regions of South East Asia. In Brazil, the leaves are often eaten raw in salads, but should be cooked if eaten in large quantities.
Medicine: It has been used traditionally to treat a variety of conditions, including:
Wounds, cuts, and ulcers, Fevers, Ophthalmia, Gonorrhea, Burning sensations, Diarrhea , Skin diseases, Dyspepsia
Herbal remedy: A decoction of A. sessilis is used to treat wounds, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, cough, bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery, and diabetes.
Ingredient in medicinal hair oils and Kajal: The plant is believed to be beneficial for the eyes.
Antibacterial: The leaves and aerial parts of A. sessilis have been shown to have antibacterial and antioxidant activities
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