Prayer-beads Product Introduction

Prayer-beads is a perennial herbaceous plant found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions and widely distributed across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Its main components include active compounds such as flavonoids, phenols, and alkaloids, with colchicine and flavonoids being the key constituents. In traditional Chinese medicine, Prayer-beads is valued for its heat-clearing, detoxifying, diuretic, and pain-relieving properties. It is commonly used to treat colds, fever, sore throat, and urinary infections. In folk medicine, it is also applied for rheumatic pain and injuries. Prayer-beads is bitter and spicy in taste, associated with the liver and stomach channels. It should be stored in a dry, ventilated location, avoiding direct sunlight and moisture.

Main Active Components of Prayer-beads

Prayer-beads, a medicinal plant, contains several key active components, including:

  1. Colchicine: The primary alkaloid, known for its sedative, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory effects, often used to manage pain and inflammatory conditions.
  2. Flavonoids: Compounds such as quercetin and kaempferol with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, aiding in detoxification and improving blood circulation.
  3. Phenolic Compounds: Examples include catechol and cinnamic acid, offering antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits that enhance immunity and reduce inflammation.
  4. Alkaloids: Beyond colchicine, it contains pyrrole alkaloids with antibacterial, sedative, and pain-relieving properties, useful for infections and neurological conditions.
  5. Flavonoid Glycosides: Such as quercetin-7-glucoside, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-allergy effects, beneficial for skin inflammation and allergic reactions.

These components provide Prayer-beads with a range of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antimicrobial, antipyretic, detoxifying, and diuretic properties, making it valuable in traditional and folk medicine.

Applications and Dosage of Prayer-beads

Prayer-beads has broad applications in traditional medicine and the food industry. Key uses and dosages include:

  1. Traditional Medicine Applications:
    1. Heat-Clearing and Detoxification: Effective for febrile diseases and conditions involving damp-heat.
    2. Pain Relief: Its alkaloid content, especially colchicine, provides relief from various types of pain.
    3. Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial: Useful in treating infectious diseases due to its flavonoids, phenols, and alkaloids.
    4. Cooling Blood and Detoxifying: Aids in conditions of blood stagnation and heat toxicity.
    5. Wind-Dampness Dispelling: Relieves symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and joint swelling by improving circulation and reducing inflammation.
  1. Food Industry Applications:
    1. Herbal Tea: Used as a tea ingredient for detoxification and refreshment.
    2. Health Foods: Extracts are incorporated into tablets, capsules, or functional foods for immune support and body regulation.
    3. Seasoning: Dried Prayer-beads is used as a flavoring agent with medicinal value.

Dosage Guidelines:

  • Decoction: Use 5–10 grams, ground into powder, boiled in water, and consumed in 2–3 portions daily.
  • Infusion: Steep an appropriate amount in hot water and drink as desired.
  • Topical Use: Grind into a powder, mix with warm water to form a paste, and apply to affected areas to reduce skin inflammation.

It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for guidance, particularly for prolonged use or individuals with chronic conditions. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if adverse reactions occur.

Source Plant, Distribution, and Growth Environment of Prayer-beads

Prayer-beads (*Centella asiatica*), also known as Indian Pennywort, Gotu Kola, or Marsh Pennywort, is a medicinal herb with extensive applications.

  1. Source Plant:
    1. A member of the Apiaceae family, Prayer-beads is a perennial herb characterized by its low stature, round to nearly circular leaves with distinct veins, and wavy edges.
    2. Its stems spread horizontally, producing small branches with ovate leaves. The flowers are light purple and form capsule-shaped fruits.
  1. Distribution:
    1. Native to Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia.
    2. Widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.
  1. Growth Environment:
    1. Prefers moist, semi-shaded habitats such as valleys, forest edges, field margins, and stream banks.
    2. Thrives in loose, well-drained sandy soils and can adapt to calcareous soils.
    3. Its adaptability allows it to flourish as a common weed or cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and lawns.

In summary, Prayer-beads is a shade-tolerant, moisture-loving perennial herb that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with diverse growing conditions.

Harvesting, Processing, and Storage of Prayer-beads

Proper methods for harvesting, processing, and storing Prayer-beads are essential to preserve its medicinal properties:

  1. Harvesting Time: Harvest during early growth or before flowering, when active components such as triterpenoids are at their peak.
  2. Harvesting Method: Hand-pick the entire plant, including roots, ensuring minimal damage to its structure.
  3. Processing: Rinse immediately after harvesting to remove dirt and impurities. Dry in a ventilated, shaded area to retain its medicinal qualities.
  4. Storage:
    1. Store dried Prayer-beads in a cool, dry, and ventilated place, away from sunlight and humidity.
    2. Use breathable containers or bags, sealed to protect from moisture.
  1. Preventing Mold and Pests:
    1. Include desiccants or moisture absorbers in storage.
    2. Inspect regularly for mold or pests, and replace affected batches promptly.
  1. Avoiding Sun Damage: After drying, minimize sun exposure to prevent degradation of active components.
  2. Regular Checks: Periodically check storage conditions to ensure quality preservation.
  3. Pest Control: Implement measures like sealed storage or pest repellents to prevent insect or rodent damage.

By adhering to these guidelines, Prayer-beads can be effectively preserved to maintain its quality and medicinal efficacy.

FacebookXRedditPinterestEmailLinkedInWhatsApp