Scientific Name Sida cordifolia Linn.
Family Malvaceae
Used Part Seeds
Distribution Area
Common Uses .Considered useful in sexual debility and spermatorrhoea. Used in drugs for sexual strength.
Roots, leaves and seeds are slightly bitter in taste and are used in medicine. The juice of the plant is mixed with the juice of Borassus flabellifer for local use in elephantiasis. The mucilaginous leaves are used as a demulcent and their infusion is given in fever as a refrigerant. They are reported to be used against dysentery and for poulticing ulcers. A decoction of the leaves is said to possess emollient and diuretic properties.

In Cambodia and China, root is considered to possess astringent,
diuretic and tonic properties. An infusion of it is given in urinary
diseases, bilious disorders and gonorrhoea. It is also used in
cystitis, strangury and haematuria. In nervous disorders such as
hemiplegia, sciatica and facial paralysis, the root is administered
internally in combination with asafoetida and rock salt. The root bark is powdered and administered with milk and sugar to relieve frequent micturition and leucorrhoea.

Seeds are credited with demulcent and laxative properties and are
used in bowel complaints such as piles, colic, and tenesmus.
Pharmacological Effect Ethanolic extract of the plant exhibits
antiprotozoal activity against Entamoeba histolytica Strain STA and depresses blood pressure in cats and dogs. The alcoholic extract of this plant possess antibacterial and antipyretic activity.
Others The plant is a major ingredient in several ayurvedic medicines. It is a component of a herbal product `Leucosol' which contains 2000 mg/30 ml of exlixir and is used for treatment in leucorrhoea.