- Botanical Name : Coleus amboinicus
- English Name : Indian Borage, Cuban Oregano
- Sanskrit Name : Karpuravalli
- Malayalam Name : Panikurkka (പനിക്കൂർക്ക)
- Part Used : Leaf
Overview
- Coleus amboinicus, synonymous with Plectranthus amboinicus, is a semi-succulent perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family, featuring a pungent oregano-like flavor and odor.
- Common English names include Indian borage, country borage, French thyme, Indian mint, Mexican mint, Cuban oregano, soup mint, and Spanish thyme.
- The leaves enhance the flavor of meat and bean dishes, especially in Caribbean cuisine, described as a blend of thyme and oregano.
Habitat
- Native to Southern and Eastern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India, Coleus amboinicus is widely cultivated and naturalized in tropical regions for its culinary and ornamental uses.
- The plant, transported from South Africa by traders, now grows in mainland India, Europe, and the Americas.
- Propagation occurs through stem cuttings or seeds.
Phytochemistry
- Essential oil analysis reveals prominent compounds like carvacrol, thymol, α-humulene, undecanal, γ-terpinene, p-cymene, caryophyllene oxide, α-terpineol, and β-selinene.
- Variations arise from extraction methods, seasonal changes, soil type, climate, and genetic and geographical disparities.
Nutritional Prowess
- Inhaling forskolin (a chemical from coleus) improves breathing and may reduce asthma attacks.
- A supplement containing coleus extract for 30 days decreases dry eye symptoms.
- Coleus root tuber or whole root tablets for 2 months slightly decrease blood pressure in elderly people.
- Forskolin, by injection, improves heart function.
- A specific supplement containing forskolin may slightly decrease eye pressure. Further usage in treating allergies, blood clots, cancer, chest pain (angina), insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), period pains, seizures, skin issues, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and bladder infections.
Dermatological Perks
- Indian borage is effective in treating insect bites, stings, eczema, and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness, swelling, itching, and inflammation.
- Gamma-linoleic acid present helps reduce inflammation, dermatitis, and allergies.
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