Abutilon indicum


Abutilon indicum is a small shrub in the family Malvaceae, native to tropic and subtropical regions and sometimes cultivated as an ornamental. It is found in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This plant is often used as a medicinal plant and is considered invasive on certain tropical islands. Its roots and leaves are used for curing fever.
The species occurs in a number of tropical and subtropical zones. An example occurrence is within parts of the Great Barrier Reef islands of the Coral Sea.

Traditional medicine

In traditional medicine, A. indicum various parts of the plant are used as a demulcent, aphrodisiac, laxative, diuretic, sedative, astringent, expectorant, tonic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, and analgesic and to treat leprosy, ulcers, headaches, gonorrhea, and bladder infection. The whole plant is uprooted, dried and is powdered. In ancient days, maidens were made to consume a spoonful of this powder with a spoonful of honey, once in a day, for 6 months until the day of marriage, for safe and quick pregnancy.
The plant is very much used in Siddha medicines. The root, bark, flowers, leaves and seeds are all used for medicinal purposes by Tamils. The leaves are used as adjunct to medicines used for pile complaints. The flowers are used to increase semen in men.

Chemistry

is present in A. indicum and a petroleum ether extract has larvicidal properties against the mosquito larvae Culex quinquefasciatus. A methanol extract of A. indicum has some antimicrobial properties.