Basella ALBA L.
| Synonym : | Basella alba var. subcordata Hassk. Basella cordifolia Lam. Basella lucida L. Basella rubra L. Gandola nigra (Lour.) Raf. |
|---|---|
| Bangla Name : | Poi, Puishak, Rakto Pui. ,Jhum Poi Shak (Tanchangya). |
| English Name : | Indian Spinach, Malabar nightshade |
| Family : | Basellaceae |
| Disease : | Demulcent, diuretic, laxative, gonorrhea, balanitis, urticaria, sores and toothache |
| Description : | A glabrous, much branched, succulent climber. Leaves large, thick, broadly ovate, cordate or orbicular, 5-17.75 cm diam. Spikes 2.5-15 cm, axillary, peduncled, simple or branched, flowers white or red, sessile. Fruit, the size of a pea, black. |
| Distribution : | Cultivated throughout the country |
| Chemical Constituents : | Various parts of the plant contain mucilage (a water soluble polysaccharide), vitamins A and B, ascorbic acid, protein, fats, sterols and minerals. The ?-cyanins, gomphrenins I and II, isogomphrenins I and II, gomphrenin III and their derivatives are pres |
| Uses : | The leaves are demulcent, diuretic and laxative, used in gonorrhoea and balanitis. It is also used in urticaria, catarrhal affactions, as a poultice for sores and to hasten suppuration. The juice of the leaves is used in constipation, particularly in chil |
| Habit : | Climber |