Common Name:

General Information

Crotalaria burhia is a much-branched, perennial plant with stems that can become more or less woody and persist. It can grow 30 - 60cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of fibre. It is sometimes cultivated as a fibre crop[] and can be used in soil stabilization projects.

Known Hazards

No specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, but many members of this genus are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the most potent of which in this genus are monocrotaline, retrorsine and retronecine[]. These alkaloids have a cumulative effect upon the body and, unless concentrations in a plant are high, occasional consumption is generally completely safe. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are derived from amino acids including ornithine. Many of these alkaloids have pronounced hepatic toxicity, but the lungs and other organs may be affected as well. Mutagenic and carcinogenic activities of pyrrolizidine alkaloids have also been reported[].

Botanical References

Range

Asia - Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, northern India

Habitat

Sand dunes in arid regions[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Crotalaria burhia is native to the semi-arid regions of Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India. It experiences hot dry conditions in the growing season and can experience frost and snow in part of its range.
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A decoction of the root has a good cooling effect on the body and can be taken orally[]. The root juice, with sugar, can be given as a treatment for kidney pain. The root is also used as a treatment for rheumatism, whilst it has also been mentioned for its anti-cancer activity[]. Combined with other plants, the root decoction is used to treat typhoid[]

The leaves can be applied externally as a poultice on wounds and cuts[]. The fresh plant juice is applied on eczema and other skin diseases[].

The leaves and branches are used as a cooling medicine[].
The plant is used in the treatment of general infections[].
Dried plant material is ground, mixed with water and filtered, and can be used to treat diarrhoea and other abdominal troubles[].
The plant is also useful in the treatment of a range of conditions including leukoderma, arthritis, gout, fevers, hydrophobia, pain, swellings and inflammation[].

The plant contains a range of medicinally active compounds and has been shown to be an effective antibacterial (especially against gram-positive bacteria), antifungal and antiinflammatory[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant has an extensive root system and is a good binder of the soil[].

Other Uses

A strong but coarse fibre obtained from the bark and stems is used to make ropes[, ].

Propagation

Seed -