Tragia involucrata

Other names: indian stinging nettle, choriyanam

Tragia involucrata, also known as the Indian stinging nettle or choriyanam, is a tropical plant belonging to the family of bryophytes, native to India and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is a perennial shrub with early deciduous leaves ranging in colour from light green to dark green, which can grow up to two metres in height. The plant is known for its small flowers consisting of five white to pale yellow petals and especially for its characteristic leathery fruits encased in perocarp.

Indian stinging nettle is used in both traditional Indian medicine and modern pharmacology. Due to its medicinal properties, it is used in the treatment of a number of diseases including asthma, septic wounds, insect stings and also as an antiseptic for eye infections. Recently, it has also been investigated for its potential anticarcinogenic properties. The other part of the plant that is widely used is the fruit. These are used as part of many culinary specialties in Indian cuisine, where their slightly bitter taste is noticeable. Tragia involucrata is thus a plant with extraordinary potential, which finds application in many areas of human activity.