These days the common saprophytic fungi like Mucor, Rhizopus ,Candida and Aspergillus , which are very common in the atmosphere, are playing havoc by creating deadly diseases Mucormicosis (Black fungus) and Aspergillosis (white fungus). But 2 very common plants Parpataka (Oldenlandia corymbosa) and Sahadevi (Vernonia cinerea), seen in our vicinity, can be used to strengthen our nasal membranes, throat, sinuses and lungs and prevent these diseases.
These two plants are conventionally used to combat “all types of fevers”(Sivarajan and Balachandran, 1994).
1. Oldenladia corymbosa/ Hedyotis corymbosa
This plant occurs as a weed everywhere.
It contains at least 8 iridoids such as geniposide, 6 alpha – hydroxygeniposide , scandoside methyl ester etc., rutin and (+)- lyoniresinol-3-alpha -o-beta glucopyranoside; steroids like ursolic acid, oleanolic acid and gamma sitosterol and 2 alkaloids - bifloron and biflorin.
The whole plant extract showed significant antifungal activities against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger.
The maximum antifungal activity was found in Candida albicans.
The Antifungal activity was due to the presence of the constituents like, steroids and iridoid glycosides.(Sridevi. et al.2014).
It is also considered useful against viral infection, acne, eye diseases also.
The proven medicinal properties are anticancer, hepatoprotectant, antiulcer, antimalarial, antifungal, antibacterial, analgesic and antioxidant.
2. Vernonia cinerea/ Cyanthillium cinereum
This plant also is a common weed found everywhere.
It contains a sesquiterpene vernodalin, triterpene compounds like beta-amyrin acetate, lupeol acetate, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, alpha-spinasterol and luteolin-7 mono- beta-D- glucopyranoside
The Materia medica considers this plant as antifungal preventing Candidiasis and inhibits bacterial infections.
The young leaves of this plant are used for the treatment of tonsillitis.
The roots of Vernonia cinerea is used traditionally for toxic viral fevers.
The leaf juice extract is also used to treat skin diseases.
The seeds are used prepare decoction to treat painful urination and colic.
Anyone who is interested in using these plants, may collect them from outside (as they occur as weeds), boil them (10g fresh material or 5 gm, half teaspoonful, if dry) and drink.
Even one of these 2 plants will give enough immunity.
You can also store them after drying.
Daily using them will give you lot of immunity from all viral, fungal and bacterial diseases.
References
1. Sridevi S. K. S. et al.,(2014) A Review on Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Hedyotis corymbosa Linn. Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 26(1), 320-324.
2. www.natureloveyou.sg/Oldenlandia corymbosa/Main.html
3. Sivarajan,V.V & I. Balachandran (1994) Ayurvedic Drugs and Their Plant Sources. Oxford and IBH, New Delhi.
Mammen Daniel
