Cyathula prostrata (L.) Blume

Cyathula prostrata (L.) Blume

Common name: Cherukadaladi
Family: Amaranthaceae
Genus: Cyathula
Species: prostrata
Malayalam Name: Cherukadaladi
Tamil Name: Civappu nayuruvi
Description: It is a perennial, prostrate, herbaceous plant.
Leaves : Opposite, rhomboid, acute at both ends, thinly pubescent; petiolate.
Inflorescence : Spike terminal, slender, solitary or in group of three.
Flowers : In groups of 3-5 of which one perfect and others neuter; bracts and bracteoles similar, lanceolate, acuminate, pubescent; tepals 5, free, elliptic, acute, hooked awn like in neutor flowers.
Fruits : Achenes, obovoid, compressed, golden brown

USES:
Treating pain and inflammation: In Nigeria, this annual herb is used to treat pain and inflammation.
Treating wounds, eye trouble, and rheumatic fever: The leaves are used to treat these conditions.
Treating otitis: The sap is used as an eardrop to treat otitis.
Treating skin sores and burns: The sap is applied to skin sores and burns.
Treating cervical and breast cancer: The ethanolic extract of C. prostrata has been shown to be effective against cervical and breast cancer cells.