About Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L.
Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L. is a prostrate, herbaceous annual plant. Its stems produce many branches, and its leaves are obovate and glabrous. The inflorescence is made up of loose clusters of many small flowers located at the end of each stem. The plant produces rounded seeds that are 0.4 to 0.5 mm long. This species is native to Southern Europe, Great Britain, the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of tropical South America. It has been introduced to the rest of the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. It typically grows in disturbed, shady areas, and is commonly found as a weed growing in crevices in roads, gardens, and fields. Extracts of this plant show potential to protect against free radicals, though its antioxidant capability is slightly lower than that of Vitamin C. The plant has also demonstrated antibiotic, antifungal, and antiproliferative properties.
