Asteracantha longifolia is a herbaceous, medicinal plant in the acanthus family that grows in marshy places and is native to tropical Asia and Africa. In India, it is commonly known as kokilaksha or gokulakanta, in Sri Lanka as neeramulli. In Kerala it is called vayalchulli
Asteracantha longifolia is a herbaceous, medicinal plant in the acanthus family that grows in marshy places and is native to tropical Asia and Africa. In India, it is commonly known as kokilaksha or gokulakanta, in Sri Lanka as neeramulli. In Kerala it is called vayalchulli (വയൽച്ചുളളി). In Tamil, it is called Neermulli (நீர்முள்ளி).
Kulikhara, Kokilaksah, Long Leaves Barleria (Asteracantha longifolia) Nees, Acanthaceae, is a source of the ayurvedic drug, 'Kokilaaksha' and the Unani drug, Talimakhana. The seeds are acrid, bitter, aphrodisiac, tonic, sedative, used for diseases of the blood. The plant is known to possess antitumor, hypoglycemic, aphrodisiac, antibacterial, free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation, hepatoprotective and hematopoietic activity. It contains lupeol, stigmasterol, bulletin, fatty acids, and alkaloids. The present review article is focused on phytochemical, pharmacological, and other important aspects of Talimakhana
Uses: Roots are sweet, sour, bitter, refrigerant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hemopoietic, hepatoprotective, and tonic. It is useful in inflammations, hyperdipsia, strangury, jaundice, and vesical calculi. It is also used in flatulence and dysentery. Leaves are hemopoietic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antidiabetic, stomachic, ophthalmic, diuretic, and liver tonic. It is used in hepatic obstruction, jaundice, arthritis, rheumatism, and diseases of the urinogenital tract. It is useful in flatulence and other stomach-related diseases. It is useful in anemia and for treating blood diseases. It is used to lower the blood sugar level. Seeds are gelatinous, febrifuge, rejuvenating and nervine tonic. It is used in burning sensations, fever, and headaches. It is also used in diarrhea and dysentery. A paste of the seeds mixed with buttermilk or whey is given for diarrhea. A decoction of the roots is used as a diuretic and to treat rheumatism, gonorrhea, and other diseases of the genito-urinary tract, jaundice, and anasarca.
<h2 class=""><strong>Velvet raisin, wild currant, seeds (Grewia flava)</strong></h2>
<h2><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Price is for a package of 10 seeds.</strong></span></h2>
<div>Grewia flava is a hardy shrub or small tree, 2–4 m tall. The grey bark on the young branches, which is usually covered with thick-growing but quite short hairs, tends to turn dark grey and becomes smooth the older the tree gets; this is also noticeable on the stems. The greyish-green leaves are alternately arranged and are covered in fine hairs and it appears to be a lighter shade of green on the underside of the leaves. The apex (tip of the leaves) is rounded, whereas the margin is serrated. Three conspicuous veins from the leaf base are characteristic of this tree; a 2 mm long leaf stalk is also very noticeable.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The flowers appear in branched heads from early summer until mid-autumn (October to March) and are about 10–15 mm in diameter.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The 2-lobed fruit is ± 8 mm in diameter, green, turning reddish-brown when ripe. The sapwood appears to be light and the hardwood is brown, with a fine texture.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The leaves and fruits are enjoyed by domestic stock, as well as wild animals such as Kudu and Giraffe and a large variety of birds.</div>
<div></div>
<h3><strong>Uses</strong></h3>
<div>The bark of the brandybush was often used to manufacture rope. The fruits are still used to enhance a kind of brandy or ‘mampoer’. The sweet vitamin C-enriched fruit can be enjoyed on its own as well. Traditionally porridge was prepared from the dried fruit after processing it into flour. The wood is hard and fine-grained and is used for sticks. Earlier hunters, like the San community, used to make their bows and arrows from the branches of this plant.</div>
<div></div>
<h3><strong>Growing Grewia flava</strong></h3>
<div>This plant will grow best in well-drained soil and in a full sun position. It is quite safe to be planted near paved areas in the domestic garden, seeing that it does not have an aggressive root system. Because of the abundance of flowers, it can be successfully used as a focal point in the garden.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The plant is quite hardy and can withstand frost. Over-watering should be avoided when the plant is established.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The best propagation method is by seeds. Select fresh seeds, clean them and dry them in a well-ventilated shady area. Soak the seeds in water for at least 24 hours, the initial water must be hot water. Sow the seeds in seedling trays and cover it about 5 mm deep; use only river sand as the growth medium. Place the trays in a warm sheltered area. Do not let the growing medium dry out. A constant moisture level needs to be maintained for successful germination. The germination of the seeds is usually inconsistent, a success rate of about 50–70 % has been observed. Seedlings can be planted out into containers when they reach the 2-leaf stage.</div>