Changeri (Oxalis corniculata L.) is a delicate appearing, low growing herbaceous plant, found throughout warmer parts of the country and also in all tropical and temperate climate, growing up to elevation of 3000 m in North-West Himalayas.
It is called as the creeping wood sorrel or procumbent yellow sorrel in English. Its Sanskrit names are Ambashta, Amlapatrika, Amlika etc. It is Amla (sour) and Kashaya (astringent) in Rasa (taste) and Ushna (hot) in Virya (potency). It possesses properties like Deepana (enhancing digestion and metabolism), Grahi (absorptive or binding capacity), Ruchya (taste enhancer), Vata-Kaphahara (pacifies Vata and Kapha) and Pittakara (increases Pitta).
The entire plant is edible and is rich source of Vitamin C. The important phytochemical constituents isolated from the plant are flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols, phenol, glycosides, fatty acids, galacto-glycero lipid and volatile oils.
The dose for internal use is 5-10ml of Swarasa (fresh juice extract). It can also be used externally. Various studies carried out on this medicinal plant reveals that it possess anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antifungal, antiulcer, antinociceptive, anticancer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, abortifacient, antimicrobial and wound healing properties.
This plant is used for treatment purposes in single as well as in compound form (Eg: Changeri ghrita) in various diseases conditions like Irritable bowel disorders, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, skin diseases etc.
Dr. S. Asha