FolkKB

Manyflower Marshpennywort

Hydrocotyle umbellata

Hydrocotyle umbellata, commonly known as marsh penny or water pennywort, is a traditional plant used in various medicinal practices. It has been traditionally employed for treating anxiety and as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent in some cultures. Scientific evidence suggests that HUE (Hydrocotyle umbellata extract) may have potential anticancer effects, with studies indicating its ability to inhibit tumor cell growth and induce apoptosis in mice. While the plant can be differentiated from similar species like Centella asiatica through leaf shapes, stipules, petioles, inflorescences, fruit structures, and chemical compositions, it also shows high copper uptake, which could make it useful for phytoextraction. Safety concerns are minimal with no major issues recorded, but there is currently no evidence of significant drug interactions reported.

At a glance
Traditionally for
anxiety · analgesic
Traditions
Thai traditional · traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

What the science says

  • The study found that combining microscopic analysis, chemical fingerprinting, and DNA profiling could accurately differentiate Centella asiatica, Bacopa monnieri, and Hydrocotyle umbellata. D PMID
  • HUE from Hydrocotyle umbellata inhibited tumor cell growth and induced apoptosis in mice, suggesting potential anticancer effects. D PMID
  • Centella asiatica and Hydrocotyle umbellata can be differentiated by their leaf shapes, stipules, petioles, inflorescences, fruit structures, and chemical compositions. D PMID
  • The study found that Hydrocotyle umbellata roots showed high copper uptake, making it potentially useful for phytoextraction. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Manyflower Marshpennywort?

Manyflower Marshpennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellata) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Manyflower Marshpennywort traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Manyflower Marshpennywort for: anxiety, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, kidney complaints, leprosy. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Manyflower Marshpennywort?

Manyflower Marshpennywort appears in these traditions in our sources: Thai traditional, traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Manyflower Marshpennywort?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Manyflower Marshpennywort; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that combining microscopic analysis, chemical fingerprinting, and DNA profiling could accurately differentiate Centella asiatica, Bacopa monnieri, and Hydrocotyle umbellata.

How strong is the evidence for Manyflower Marshpennywort?

The strongest finding for Manyflower Marshpennywort carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Manyflower Marshpennywort safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Manyflower Marshpennywort in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Manyflower Marshpennywort interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Manyflower Marshpennywort in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Manyflower Marshpennywort?

Manyflower Marshpennywort is also known as: Hydrocotyle à ombelle.

Is Manyflower Marshpennywort a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. and Hydrocotyle umbellata L. identification and quality assessment: A methodology comparison. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Molecular Mechanisms of Anticarcinogenic Potential of Hydrocotyle umbellata and Its Major Components. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Unveiling Cu extractability and statistical insights: Hydrocotyle umbellata L. as a catalyst for environmental remediation. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Integrated microscopic, HPTLC, and HRM analyses for differentiating Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst, and Hydrocotyle umbellata L. literature abstract metadata
  6. T3 Hydrocotyle umbellata CC BY-SA 4.0