Little known uses of common aquatic plant, Hydrilla verticillata (Linn. f.) Royle

摘要

Plants have been associated with health, nutrition and overall care of mankind since time immemorial. Hydrilla verticillata (Linn.f.) Royle is credited with numerous biological activities. The plant is the rich source of variable nutrients and chemical constituents like saponins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, detoxifying agents, etc. Hydrilla is especially valuable to true vegetarians. Besides its other uses, therapeutically this plant may be used to provide complete nutrition, to improve digestion and gastrointestinal function, circulation, neurological health, blood sugar control, to strengthen immunity and increase endurance. The paper highlights various medicinal uses of the plant and different nutrients and chemical constituents present in it.