Biophytum sensitivum
Biophytum sensitivum, also known as little tree plant, or Mukkutti (in Malayalam language) is a species of plant in the genus Biophytum of the family Oxalidaceae. It is commonly found in wet lands of Nepal, tropical India and in other Southeast Asian countries and is used for medicinal purposes in Nepal and India. The plant is also a common weed in tropical greenhouses. Investigations have been undertaken into the plant's chemistry, biological activities, and medicinal uses.[1] The leaflets of Biophytum sensitivum are able to move rapidly in response to mechanical stimulation such as touch.
| Biophytum sensitivum | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Oxalidales |
| Family: | Oxalidaceae |
| Genus: | Biophytum |
| Species: | B. sensitivum |
| Binomial name | |
| Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC. | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Oxalis sensitiva L. | |
Uses
Chemical analyses have shown that the plant parts are rich in compounds such as amentoflavone, cupressuflavone, and isoorientin. Its extracts are traditionally believed to be antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, radioprotective, chemoprotective, antiangiogenetic, wound-healing, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, and cardioprotective in nature.[1]
References
- Sakthivel, KM; Guruvayoorappan, C (2012). "Biophytum sensitivum: Ancient medicine, modern targets". J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 3: 83–91. doi:10.4103/2231-4040.97279. PMC 3401679. PMID 22837955.