Ipomoea BATATUS (L.) Lamk.
| Synonym : | Batatas edulis (Thunb.) Choisy Convolvulus batatas L. Convolvulus esculentus Salisb. Ipomoea purpusii House |
|---|---|
| Bangla Name : | Misti Alu. |
| English Name : | Sweet Potato. |
| Family : | Convolvulaceae |
| Disease : | Antidiabetic, fever, skin diseases, aphrodisiac, laxative, strangury and diarrhea. |
| Description : | A prostrate herb with trailing stem and tuberous roots, tubers red, white or rarely yellow. Leaves ovate-cordate, acute angular or more or less lobed. Flowers 1-several in axillary cymes. Corolla 3-4.5 cm campanulate to funnel-shaped, pale violat. Capsule ovoid, rarely formed. |
| Distribution : | Cultivated throughout the country. |
| Chemical Constituents : | Leaves are a good source of vitamins B and C. Tubers, particularly mouldy ones, contain lung toxic, hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic 2- and 3-substituted furan terpenes and related compound. Hepatotoxic 3-substituted furan terpenes include ipomeamarone and it |
| Uses : | Plant is used as antidiabetic. Whole plant or its infusion is used in low fever and skin diseases. Root is aphrodisiac and laxative, useful in strangury and diarrhoea. Leaf paste with salt is applied to whitlow. Leaves are good source of vitamin B and C. |
| Habit : | Herb |