About Heliotropium indicum L.
Indian heliotrope, with the scientific name Heliotropium indicum L., is an annual, erect, branched plant that reaches a height of about 15–50 cm (5.9–19.7 in). Its stem is hairy, and bears alternate ovate to oblong-ovate leaves. The small flowers are white or purple, with a green calyx, five stamens attached to a corolla tube, a terminal style, and a four-lobed ovary. This plant is native to Asia, and is a common weed growing in waste places and settled areas. Heliotropium indicum contains tumorigenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The plant is chiefly used as a traditional medicine in the Philippines. Extracted juice from pounded leaves is applied to wounds, skin ulcers, and furuncles, and is also used as an eye drop for conjunctivitis. Pounded leaves of the plant are used as a poultice. It is also widely used in native medicine in Tamil Nadu, India.
