Asthmaplant (Euphorbia hirta, Sp. Pl.: 454 (1753))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 454 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Euphorbia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Asthmaplant

The Asthmaplant, scientifically known as Euphorbia hirta, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. This plant is originally native to tropical and subtropical regions of America but has since spread to various parts of the world due to its adaptability and medicinal potential.

Characterized by its slender, erect, or prostrate stems, Euphorbia hirta is typically covered with fine hairs. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem, displaying an ovate to elliptical shape with a slightly toothed margin. A distinguishing feature of the plant is its reddish or purplish stem and the presence of a milky sap, which is a common trait among members of the Euphorbiaceae family.

One of the main reasons for the widespread interest in the Asthmaplant is its traditional use in treating respiratory ailments, particularly asthma, from which it derives its common name. For centuries, various cultures have utilized this plant in their folk medicine practices. The sap and leaves of Euphorbia hirta have been employed traditionally to manage conditions such as bronchitis, cough, and colds. It is believed that the plant’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and expectorant properties contribute to its effectiveness in alleviating such symptoms.

Additionally, modern research has started to shed light on the possible pharmacological activities of this plant. Studies suggest that Euphorbia hirta may possess antihistamine, antispasmodic, and bronchodilator properties, which can be beneficial in managing respiratory conditions. Moreover, the plant also contains flavonoids, tannins, and other bioactive compounds that have shown potential in various therapeutic applications, ranging from antimicrobial to anticancer activities.

Euphorbia hirta thrives in environments with ample sunlight and can often be found in waste places, roadsides, and open fields. Its ability to proliferate in a variety of habitats has made it a common sight in many regions outside its native range, including parts of Asia and Africa.

Interestingly, while the Asthmaplant is celebrated for its medicinal properties, it is also considered a weed in many agricultural settings. Its rapid growth and ability to spread can pose challenges for farmers, making it a plant of notable dual characteristics.

In conclusion, Euphorbia hirta, or the Asthmaplant, is a herb with a rich history of use in traditional medicine, paired with emerging scientific evidence supporting its various health benefits. Whether utilized for its therapeutic properties or observed in its natural habitat, it remains a fascinating species within the Euphorbiaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: pillpod sandmat, asthma spurge, asthmaplant, garden spurge, pill-bearing spurge, pillpod spurge, asthma-plant, chickenweed, hairy spurge
Por: erva-de-santa-luzia
Spa: golondrina, hierba de boca, lecherita, lecherón chico, pichoga, yerba de sapo
Ara: labeinah
Khm: ទឹកដោះខ្លា
En: Asthmaplant, Garden spurge, Pill-bearing spurge, Pillpod sandmat, Asthma spurge, Pillpod spurge, Asthma-plant, Chickenweed, Hairy spurge, Asthma herb, Australian asthma herb, Common Spurge, Pill bearing spurge, Pill-pod Broomspurge, Snake weed, Pill-pod sandmat, Spurge
Ar: Labeinah, لبين (لِبين)، لبينه (لِبيْنه)
Fr: Herbe à verrues
He: חלבלוב הכדורים
Km: ទឹកដោះខ្លា
Pt: Erva-de-santa-luzia
Es: Golondrina, Hierba de boca, Lecherón chico, Lecherita, Pichoga, Yerba de sapo

Synonyms

• Euphorbia capitata (Lam.)
• Euphorbia hirta var. glaberrima (Koidz.)
• Euphorbia karwinskyi (Boiss.)
• Euphorbia chrysochaeta (W.Fitzg.)
• Euphorbia pilulifera f. viridis (Domin)
• Euphorbia nodiflora (Steud.)
• Euphorbia gemella (Lag.)
• Chamaesyce pilulifera var. glaberrima ((Koidz.) H.Hara)
• Euphorbia pilulifera var. glabrescens (Thell.)
• Euphorbia pilulifera var. discolor (Engelm.)
• Euphorbia pilulifera var. obliterata ((Jacq.) Hitchc.)
• Euphorbia pilulifera var. hirta ((L.) Thell.)
• Euphorbia pilulifera var. guaranitica (Chodat & Hassl.)
• Chamaesyce rosei (Millsp.)
• Chamaesyce pekinensis var. glaberrima ((Koidz.) Makino & Nemoto)
• Chamaesyce hirta var. laeticincta (Croizat)
• Chamaesyce karwinskyi ((Boiss.) Millsp.)
• Chamaesyce hirta ((L.) Millsp.)
• Ditrita hirta ((L.) Raf.)
• Euphorbia pilulifera f. rubromaculata (Domin)
• Euphorbia pilulifera var. arechavaletae (Herter)
• Euphorbia obliterata (Jacq.)
• Chamaesyce hirta f. litoralis (Hurus.)
• Chamaesyce hirta f. glaberrima ((Koidz.) Hurus.)
• Euphorbia globulifera (Kunth)
• Chamaesyce hirta var. glaberrima ((Koidz.) H.Hara)
• Euphorbia pilulifera f. humifusa (Domin)
• Euphorbia bancana (Miq.)
• Euphorbia hirta var. typica (L.C.Wheeler)
• Desmonema hirta ((L.) Raf.)
• Euphorbia hirta var. destituta (L.C.Wheeler)
• Chamaesyce gemella ((Lag.) Small)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Aruba (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• California (native)
• Central American Pac (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Texas (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
• Utah (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Aldabra (introduced)
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Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 9, 2020 by Christelle Ndiaye (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by Farid AMADOU BAHLEMAN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2019 by Audric Gwynn Decena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2020 by lionel RIGOULOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Ogola Simon Peter (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 24, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2021 by sharon sage (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2019 by Dr Ashwathanarayana Rao (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Feb 8, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Céline PIRAT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2019 by charles blancher (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 21, 2021 by R R (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 18, 2020 by Chee Keong Chan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2019 by Tualau MP (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Prasanta Hembram (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2022 by Gonçalves da Cunha Lucas (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 22, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3068937)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:101651-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphorbia hirta L.)

Specifications

Growth