EKHARO / Kokilaksha (Asteracantha longifolia)

Known by its formal name, Asteracantha longifolia (syn. Hygrophila auriculata), ekharo / Kokilaksha is a swampy, spiky plant that is frequently found in tropical Asia, including India. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine, it is valued for its aphrodisiac, hepatoprotective, and diuretic properties. The seeds, roots, and whole plant are used in various formulations for urinary, reproductive, and liver health.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Asteracantha
Species: Asteracantha longifolia
Synonyms: Hygrophila auriculata, Hygrophila spinosa

Common Names

English: Marsh Barbel
Sanskrit: Kokilaksha, Ikshura
Hindi: Talimakhana
Gujarati: Ekharo
Tamil: Neermulli
Telugu: Neeragogu
Malayalam: Vayalchulli
Marathi: Talimakhana
Bengali: Kulekhara

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Reproductive Health (Aphrodisiac) - Traditionally used to increase sexual vitality and male fertility. Seeds are used to improve sperm count and motility. It is also classified as a vajikarana herb in Ayurveda.

Liver Protection - The root and seeds are used in decoctions to manage jaundice and liver enlargement. Known for hepatoprotective effects.

Urinary Tract Health - Used as a diuretic in Ayurvedic formulations. Helps manage dysuria, urinary retention, and kidney disorders.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic - Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, it is used to treat rheumatic disorders, gout, joint discomfort, and swelling.

Diabetes Management - Seed extracts have shown hypoglycemic effects and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Blood Purifier - Traditionally used as a blood tonic in general debility and to support hematopoietic functions.

Phytochemical Constituents

Sterols & Triterpenoids: Lupeol, Stigmasterol
Alkaloids: Uncharacterized nitrogenous bases with aphrodisiac activity
Flavonoids: Apigenin, Quercetin derivatives
Phenolic Compounds: Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid
Saponins and Mucilage: Contribute to anti-inflammatory and soothing effects
Other Compounds: Butelin, Essential oils, Fatty acids

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. (1999). Part-I, Volume II. Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH, New Delhi.

Sharma, P.V. (2003). Dravyaguna Vijnana (Vol. 2). Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi.

Nadkarni, K.M. (2002). Indian Materia Medica. Popular Prakashan, Mumbai.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

Chauhan, N.S., & Dixit, V.K. (2010). “A review on Asteracantha longifolia: A potent medicinal plant.” Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy, 20(5), 812–817.

Nagendra Singh Chauhan et al. (2009). “Pharmacological evaluation of Kokilaksha.” International Journal of Ayurveda Research, 1(2), 91–99.

Sharma, R.K., & Dash, B. (2013). Charaka Samhita, Vol. 2. Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series, Varanasi.

European Pharmacopoeia. (10th Edition). Council of Europe.

Rahman, M. et al. (2020). “Phytopharmacological overview of Hygrophila auriculata.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 247, 112261.

The Wealth of India: Raw Materials. (2002). Volume IV: F–Ka. CSIR, New Delhi.

EKHARO / Kokilaksha (Asteracantha longifolia)

Scientific Classification

Common Names

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Phytochemical Constituents

References

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