Growing wild along the roadside, but few people know its many uses

🌿 Euphorbia prostrata 

Scientific Name: Euphorbia prostrata
Common Names: Prostrate Spurge, Spreading Sandmat
Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)

🌱 Botanical Description:

• Growth habit: Euphorbia prostrata is a small, low-growing herb that spreads horizontally along the ground (prostrate).
• Leaves: Oval-shaped, opposite leaves with a reddish or purplish tinge.
• Stems: Thin, hairy, and reddish, often forming a mat-like structure.
• Flowers: Tiny, not showy, appearing in leaf axils.
• Latex: Like many Euphorbia species, it exudes a milky white sap when broken.

🌍 Native Region:

• Originally native to tropical and subtropical regions, especially in India, but now found worldwide, including Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.

🧪 Traditional Uses:

Euphorbia prostrata has been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda and folk medicine, for the treatment of:

• Hemorrhoids (piles)
• Wounds and skin infections
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Inflammatory conditions

It is most famous for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.

✅ Anti-inflammatory effects:

• Chronic inflammation is linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Euphorbia prostrata contains flavonoids and polyphenols that may reduce inflammation, potentially offering neuroprotective effects.

✅ Antioxidant activity:

• Its antioxidant compounds may help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress in the body and brain—important for protecting neurons and maintaining cognitive function.

• Its effects on the brain may be supportive or secondary, via reducing inflammation or oxidative stress.

⚠️ Caution & Side Effects:

• The plant’s milky latex can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Self-medication is not advised without guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.
• Internal use should be done carefully, preferably in standardized extract form.

🧴 Forms of Use :

• Dried powder
• Herbal paste (for external wounds)
• Extract capsules or tablets (commonly used in piles treatment)

🔬 Potential for Research:

• Euphorbia prostrata is being studied for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.
• Further research may uncover more direct links to neurological or brain health, especially regarding inflammation-linked brain diseases.