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Asperugo procumbens is an annual herbaceous plant with a sharply ridged, succulent stem reaching up to one meter in length. The stem is sparsely pubescent and covered with strong hooked prickles. These hooked spines help the weak creeping shoots to entwine themselves among grasses, shrubs, or climb fences. Without support, the branches spread flat along the ground.
Along the entire stem, simple petiolate bristly-hairy leaves are arranged alternately or oppositely. The leaves are obovate or oblong-elliptic, up to 5 cm long and about 25 mm wide. The bracts are smaller in size.
The small sessile flowers of Asperugo procumbens feature a prickly-bristly five-petaled calyx. The corolla is violet but fades to blue over time. Some petals bear white stripes. The fruits are brownish-green, ovoid dry nutlets measuring up to 3 mm in length.
Harvesting of Raw Materials
The entire above-ground part of the plant is considered medicinal raw material, but for therapeutic purposes, usually only the leaves of Asperugo procumbens are harvested. They are collected during the spring and summer seasons, dried in the air under shelter, crushed, and stored in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of Asperugo procumbens is not well studied. Saponins have been identified in the herb.Pharmacological Properties
The medicinal effects of Asperugo procumbens are not well studied. Experiments on mice have shown that the alcoholic extract of the plant has a sedative effect, which is attributed to the presence of saponins in Asperugo procumbens. The anti-inflammatory activity and expectorant properties of the plant are also due to these glycosides.
Use in Traditional Medicine
Traditional medicine recommends using decoctions and infusions made from the leaves of Asperugo procumbens for bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, hypoxia, and gout. In some Asian countries, the herb is used as a calming agent. Externally, it is applied to treat various inflammatory skin conditions.