Ophiorrhiza mungos

Scientific name: Ophiorrhiza mungos L.

Family: Rubiaceae

Bengali/Vernacular name: Gandhanakuli, Kalashona.

Tribal name: Kelarazi (Chakma), Maitu (Bawm).

English name: Mongoose plant, Snakeroot. 

Description of the plant: An annual herb or undershrub. Leaves elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate, apex acuminate, base narrowed, puberulous. Cymes corymbose, puberulous, peduncles up to 6 cm long; flowers white and smooth. Capsules are pedicelled, 2-5 mm in diameter.

Plant parts used: Leaf, root.

Ethnomedicinal uses: Root decoction is used for the treatment of stomachache.

Decoction prepared from roots of the plant is used for wound healing, cleaning ulcer.

Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is used for the treatment of snake poison, boils, oedema, and skin disease.

Juice extracted from the roots of the plant is advised to take two times a day (5 ml amount each time) until the mental disorder is cured.

Distribution: The species occurs in the forests of Chittagong, Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachari.

Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….