Kurumthotty

Kurumthotty

CommonNames : Bala, Indian Ephedra, Mallow plant

                        

                   Sida cordifolia, commonly known as bala, is a plant in the family Malvaceae. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been investigated as an anti-inflammatory, for treating cancer, and for encouraging liver re-growth. It acts as a stimulant within the central nervous system. It is also used as a fat-burning supplement. The whole plant contains large quantities of active alkaloids (alkaloidephedrine) and hence has been used as a rejuvenating herb, an aphrodisiac, a wonderful and efficacious in curing those diseases when they are due to inflammation of the nerves. It grows well through the plains of India, especially, in damp climates.We crushed it and mix with water to make paste and applied on head as herbal shampoo.

                         It is used in Ayurvedic medicine (Sanskrit:-BALA). It is used in neurological ailments,especially in Stroke rehabilitation. Known as "malva branca", it is a plant used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation of the oral mucosa, blenorrhea, asthmatic bronchitis and nasal congestion stomatitis, of asthma and nasal congestion and in many parts of Africa for various ailments, particularly for respiratory problems. It has been investigated as an anti-inflammatory, for preventing cell proliferation, and for encouraging liver re-growth. Due to its ephedrine content, it possesses psychostimulant properties, affecting the central nervous system and also the heart.

A 50% ethanolic extract of Sida cordifolia tested on rats showed potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity comparable with the standard drug deprenyl.The plant has demonstrated anti-pyretic and anti-ulcerogenic properties.The aqueous extract of Sida cordifolia stimulates liver regeneration in rats.