Desmodium molliculum
StarDesmodium molliculum
Synonyms: Meibomia mollicula, Desmodium mexicanum, Hedysarum molliculum, Hedysarum adscendens var. caeruleum, Heteroloma lanatum, Desmodium adscendens var. caeruleum
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In the Andean highlands of Peru, Desmodium molliculum (known as manayupa, pega pega or amor seco) is a widely used folk remedy. The whole plant is prepared as an infusion or decoction and taken for inflammatory complaints, respiratory ailments and asthma, urinary problems, and as a hepatic and 'blood-cleansing' tonic (De Feo, 1992). Experimental work supports several of these uses: an ethanolic extract significantly reduced carrageenan-induced hind-paw edema in rats and lessened leukocyte infiltration and allergen-specific IgE in a murine asthma model, while a separate study showed hepatoprotective activity against naproxen-induced liver toxicity in rats.
Botanical Description
Desmodium molliculum is a low, creeping perennial herb of the bean family, forming spreading mats with slender, often reddish, finely hairy stems that root at the nodes. The leaves are trifoliate with small, rounded to obovate leaflets that are softly pubescent beneath, giving the plant its specific epithet. Tiny pea-like flowers, pink to pale violet, are borne in slender terminal racemes and are followed by small, segmented, flattened loment pods whose joints break apart and cling to fur and clothing, earning the local name pega pega ('sticks-sticks'). Native to the Andean highlands of South America, it is common in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia, growing in pastures, field margins, roadsides and disturbed grassland at moderate to high elevations.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Desmodium molliculum.
No notes yet.