Know the herbs

Scientific name

Phyllanthus niruri

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Local name

Dukung anak, amin buah, turi hutan, child pick-a-back

Description

Dukung anak is a small erect annual herb growing up to a height of 30–60 cm. The leaves are bipinnate compound in nature. The leaflets are green, entire and alternately arranged, measuring about 6–10 mm. Leaflet stalk is absent while the compound leaf petiole is present and green. The stem is glabrous, green and erect with spreading branches (Medicinal Herbs & Plant Database 2010–2015).

Usage

In Malaysia, P. niruri is mainly used to treat diabetes, hypertension, diarrhea and as an antidote for poisonous insect bites (Musa et al. 2005). It is also used as a diuretic for urinary calculus and for diarrhea, anorexia and hepatitis (Esai 1986, Dharma 1985).

Malaysia Herbal Monograph (source: Globinmed)