Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
4
Antihelmintic Compounds
INTRODUCTION
Helmintic infections may cause diseases such as anemia, malnutrition, eosinophilia,
and pneumonia. Tannins and polyphenolic compounds produced by freshwater
plants largely help animals by decreasing helminth infestation.
NYMPHOIDES HYDROPHYLLA
(LOUR) O. KUNTZE
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Menyanthaceae
Common name: Crested loating heart
Distribution: Tropical Asia, Taiwan, Bangladesh
Habitat: Lakes, ponds, ditches
Description: This loating herb has a stem of 30 cm length. The rooting is from
nodes. Leaves are heart shaped. Flowers are small, simple, and with ive
star-shaped or rounded petals.
Compounds and activities: This plant's seed powder possesses antihelmintic
properties and may be consumed with honey. The edible portions of this
plant, viz., stem, leaves, and fruits, have been reported to be useful for cur-
ing jaundice and fevers. The extracts of its stalks and leaves with oil are
used for ulcers and insect bites (Swapna et al., 2011).
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