Sabah Snake Grass

Parts Usually Used

All parts of the plant

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Sabah Snake Grass is a perennial plant that grows to about 1 meter tall. It has yellow, red or green flowers that are about 3-4 cm in size.

Where Found

This plant is generally found growing in Indonesia, Malaysia, Africa, Brazil, and Central America.

Medicinal Properties

Snake grass exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-herpes simplex viral activity, antiviral, immune-boosting, antivenom, antioxidant, anti-dengue, antiproliferative and cytotoxic, and anti-diabetic properties.

Biochemical Information

This plant contains such bioactive compounds as glycosides, flavonoids, glycoglycerolipids, cerebrosides and monoacylmonogalatosylglycerol.

Uses

Historically, herbalists and traditional practitioners used this plant in remedies aimed at snake, scorpion, and insect bites. Folk medicine traditions employed it as a diuretic and for digestive complaints such as dysentery and constipation, as well as for fever, pain, gout, and rheumatism. It was traditionally administered for urinary and kidney problems, including dysuria, along with liver conditions, jaundice, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anemia, and menstrual issues.

Traditional applications also extended to prostate inflammation and nasal conditions. Externally and internally, practitioners utilized the plant for various dermatological and musculoskeletal concerns, including eczema, psoriasis, skin rashes, nettle rash, hematomas, contusions, strains, sprains, and the setting of fractured bones.

How Sold

A number of forms of this plant are available for medicinal use such as cream, lotions, capsules, tablets, herbal tea, concentrated extract and secondary metabolites.