Elephantopus scaber

Daisy P, Jasmine R, Ignacimuthu S, Murugan E. (2009) A novel Steroid from Elephantopus scaber L., an ethnomedicinal plant with antidiabetic activity. Phytomedicine 16 252-257. 

Elephantopus scaber L. Tian Ja Cai (Rough elephant s foot) (whole plant) A bitter principle, a glycosidic compound.50-52 Diuretic, tonic, vermifuge, for diarrhea, dysentery, leucorrhea. 

This tropical genus is particularly well known because one species, Elephantopus scaber, is now a widely distributed, invasive herb in many countries. There are approximately one dozen species of these herbaceous perennials in North and South America. 

B. gaudichaudiana, which is commonly used for diabetes. Elephantopus scaber contains hydroxylated germacranolides, such as molephantin and molephantinin, which cause diuresis, antipiresis, eliminate bladder stones, and have cytotoxic and antitumor properties. From the Tithonia genus, T, diversifolia is widely used in Mexico and often has been identified erroneously as Arnica montana. Because of this confusion it is used as European arnica to treat hematomas and muscular cramps. The genus is rich in sesquiterpene lactones.11... 

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