Leucas aspera


Leucas aspera is a plant species within the genus Leucas and the family Lamiaceae. Although the species has many different common names depending on the region in which it is located, it is most commonly known as Thumbai or Thumba. Found throughout India, it is known for its various uses in the fields of medicine and agriculture.

Distribution

Leucas aspera is commonly found throughout India and the Philippines as well as the plains of Mauritius and Java. In India and the Philippines, it is a very common weed.

Habitat and ecology

Leucas aspera is typically found in dry, open, sandy soil and is abundant in areas with waste.

Morphology and anatomy

It is an annual herb or undershrub that can reach heights of.
. Flower Complete,bisexual, irregular, zygomorphic, hypogynous, pentamerous, white.
;Calyx

Food

It is a herb used in food to provide fragrance to food.

Traditional medicine

Leucas aspera is reported to have antifungal, prostaglandin inhibitory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antinociceptive and cytotoxic activities. Leucas aspera is used in the traditional medicine of the Philippines to treat scorpion bites. It is also an antipyretic, it is a herb that has the ability to help reduce fevers. In some forms of traditional medicine, the steam formed by crushing the Samoolam, can be inhaled. The juice of the flowers can also be used for intestinal worm infections in children.

Other uses

Leucas aspera is used commonly as an insecticide. In addition the plant also has been used in witchcraft.