Eleusine indica, the Indian goosegrass, goosegrass, wiregrass, yard-grass,or crowfootgrass, is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. It is a small annual grass distributed throughout the warmer areas of the world to about 50 degrees latitude. It is an invasive species in some areas
Goosegrass (also called wire grass or yard grass) is an obnoxious weed with scientific name Eleusine indica (Linn.) Gaertner. In the Philippines, it is commonly known as paragis, apidan, bikad-bikad, bakis-bakisan, bugtusan, barangan, gagabutan, dinapulak, kabit-kabit, palagtiki, parangis-sabungan, sambali, and sabung-sabungan (this is due to the many dialects). This plant, classified as a grass, is a trending topic after a person posted on social media that after drinking the goosegrass "tea", her ailment miraculously was cured. Everyone is looking for a miracle; she is lucky to have found hers.
The Health Benefits of Paragis
According to a study cited in the International Journal of Drug Development and Research, the ethanol extract of Eleusine indica showed positive antiplasmodial and antidiabetic properties when administered to rodents. It indicated substantial schizonticidal activities in rodents in the early phase of malaria. In the same study, the authors found that E. indica extract also caused a drop in blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced rodents showing promise as an anti diabetic.
2. Antipyretic
A study on the Use of Eleusine indica as an antipyretic medicine of herbivores produced positive results as an antipyretic. This is attributed to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Leaves of the plant were used directly as medicine 3-4 times a day on livestock. The study went on saying that this type of cure is eco-friendly, part of organic farming, and sustainable, since goosegrass is easily obtainable and is found in widespread areas.
3. Dysentery
According to the Philippine Traditional Knowledge and Ethnopharmacology Library, oral consumption of the decoction of boiled roots of the goosegrass cures dysentery due to its antimicrobial properties.
4. Fertility and as an Oxytocic Drug
In this research, Phytotherapy and Women's Reproductive Health: The Cameroonian Perspective, the leaves of Eleusine indica is a known treatment for tubal blockage of the fallopian tubes among tribal women. Tubal blockage accounts for 40% of infertility cases and is one of the major causes of infertility worldwide. Moreover, the flowering plant of E. indica is also used in amnionitis and promotes discharge of afterbirth- proof of its ability to aid in childbirth as an oxytocic drug. Infusion of E. indica applied externally eases vaginal bleeding.
5. Diuretic and diaphoretic
For urine retention and kidney and bladder problems, an infusion of macerated leaves and water is orally ingested. It is a potent diuretic, may aid in lowering blood pressure and causes sweating to expel toxins through the skin.
6. Anti-inflammatory
Also stated in the Therapeutic Use of Medicinal Plants and the Extracts (vol.1), a poultice of the leaves of the goosegrass applied locally for a sprain, dislocation of bones, lower back pain and arthritis. Also, it aids in wound healing.
7. Anthelmintic and Anti-microbial
In the published research entitled Antimicrobial and Anthelmintic Activity ofEleusine indica, the researchers found that the strains of bacteria that are usual causes of stomach upsets was susceptible to extracts of E. indica justifying the use of goosegrass for diarrhea. Moreover, the extracts of E. indica on the intestinal worm Strongyloides stercolis resulted in the death of the worms exhibiting its anthelmintic properties. According to a website www.africanmuseum.be, which lists extensive pre-literature regarding E. indica, the roots of E. indica carbonized into powder is used to treat filariasis. The powder is applied locally to the infected area while a root decoction is consumed. An enema of roots crushed in water can also be done for deworming. Also, published in the Therapeutic Use of Medicinal Plants and the Extracts (vol.1), plant decoction of goosegrass is recommended for deworming (practiced in Indonesia), coughs, lung troubles, dysentery, heart problems, bladder and kidney stones, spleen, liver complaints and high blood pressure.
8. Antiviral.
As viruses are becoming resistant to prescribed antiviral drugs, experiments and studies are ongoing to see the antiviral potential of extracts from plants. One of them is E. indica. Cited in the published work Phytochemistry, Cytotoxicity and Antiviral Activity of E. indica (sambau), the authors have concluded that crude extract and hexane fraction prepared from E. indica contains antiviral active compounds and could be a potential antiviral.
9. Cleanses the lymphatic system
According to some articles I've read on the Internet, goosegrass is apparently known for its ability to clean the lymphatic system and aids in curing glandular disorders. A study on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury in rats showed that the hepatoprotective effects of goosegrass might be attributed to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging property.
10. Anti-cancer
Currently being studied is the cytotoxic effects of goosegrass against cancer cells. One notable study showed for the first time that indeed E. indica is cytotoxic to cancer cells (human lung and cervical cancer) and that it is mediated through apoptosis (programmed cell death that cancer cells seem to evade).
Risks of taking paragis!
8. Antiviral.
As viruses are becoming resistant to prescribed antiviral drugs, experiments and studies are ongoing to see the antiviral potential of extracts from plants. One of them is E. indica. Cited in the published work Phytochemistry, Cytotoxicity and Antiviral Activity of E. indica (sambau), the authors have concluded that crude extract and hexane fraction prepared from E. indica contains antiviral active compounds and could be a potential antiviral.
9. Cleanses the lymphatic system
According to some articles I've read on the Internet, goosegrass is apparently known for its ability to clean the lymphatic system and aids in curing glandular disorders. A study on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury in rats showed that the hepatoprotective effects of goosegrass might be attributed to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging property.
10. Anti-cancer
Currently being studied is the cytotoxic effects of goosegrass against cancer cells. One notable study showed for the first time that indeed E. indica is cytotoxic to cancer cells (human lung and cervical cancer) and that it is mediated through apoptosis (programmed cell death that cancer cells seem to evade).
Risks of taking paragis!
- Goosegrass contains coumarin which is a blood thinner. For those who are taking blood thinners, please consult your physician before taking.
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