Plant Name
Chenopodium album Linn.
Botanical Info
Erect annual herb, 0.2-1.7 m high.
Geography:
Most of the Europe, including Britain, north up to 71° N,. N. and S. Africa, Asia, Australia and N. America. A common weed on cultivated grounds, especially gros well on rich soils and old manure heaps. It is often one of the first weeds to appear on newly cultivated lands.
Chemical Content
The leaves yield ascaridole, used for treating round-and hookworms. The oil also contains traces of ascaridole. Plant contains 8% saponins. Cryptomeridiol, the sesquiterpene diol isolated from the seeds, showed significant growth promoting activity.
Traditional Use and Activity
In India used as a laxative and anthelmintic against round-and hookworms. It is blood-purifier and antiscorbutic. An infusion is used for hepatic disorders, spleen enlargement, biliousness, intestinal ulcers. It is also used for treating burns. The leaves and seeds of all members of this genus are more or less edible.