Coatbuttons
plant, a creeping perennial herb, is widely distributed
across tropical and subtropical regions. Botanically known as Tridax
procumbens, it belongs to the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). Though
often regarded as a roadside weed, it has long held an important place in
traditional medicine in India, Africa, and several Asian countries. Coatbuttons
plant is especially valued for wound healing and is traditionally used
for cuts, burns, skin infections, inflammatory disorders, respiratory ailments,
fever, diabetes, and liver complaints. Modern phytochemical and pharmacological
studies have supported many of these traditional uses by identifying a broad
range of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. Coatbuttons plant is a
classic example of a traditional medicinal plant whose ethnobotanical uses are
supported by experimental research. Although native to tropical America, it has
widely naturalised in many countries of the Southern hemisphere and become an obnoxious
weed in USA.
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COMMON NAMES |
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English:
Coatbuttons, Tridax Daisy, Mexican Daisy Hindi:
Ghamara Bhaji, Kanphuli, Khal Muriya, Kumda, Tal Muriya, Tridhara,
Vaanarpoonch Sanskrit:
Jayanti Ved, Kshudra Sevantika, Avanti Assamese:
Kurkuri Bon, Putoli Bon, Tridhara Bengali:
Kanaiya, Kanaphuli, Pardesi Bhangara, Tridaksa,
Tridhara Dogri:
Jakhm-Jadi, Tantani Garhwali:
Kumra Gujarati:
Ghaburi, Panaphad, Pardeshi Bhangaro, Vanarpuch Haryanvi:
Hari Ghash, Sadahari Kannada:
Addike Soppu, Attige Soppu, Gabbu
Sanna Shaavanthi, Gonde Soppu, Ilaathi Soppu, Netta Gabbu Shaavanthi, Theeke Konkani:
Dagadi Paala Malayalam:
Kumminippacha, Kurikootticheera, Muriyampachila, Otiyancheera, Yilpoocheti,
Saanipoovu, Telukkutti Marathi:
Bandukiche Phul, Dagadi Paala, Ekdandi,
Kambarmodi Nepali:
Husure Jhaar, Kurakure Jhaar, Putalee Jhaar, Ramne Jhaar Odia:
Bhumi Pokasungha, Bishalya Karani Pahari:
Ghamru Rajasthani:
Ghaav Patta, Kagla Ri Mehndi, Kumru, Sadabahar Runkdi Santali:
Handiful, Susumujar, Tridhara Tamil:
Kinarruppacan, Vettukkaya-P-Puntu, Vettukkaaya-Thalai Telugu:
Balapaaku, Gaayapaaku, Gaddi Chamanthi, Kampu
Chemanthi, Palakaaku Urdu:
Zakhm-E-Hayaat |
MORPHOLOGY
Coatbuttons is a spreading, annual to perennial, caulescent herb. The stem is branched from the base; the branches are slender, spreading or ascending, and hirsute. Leaves are few and shortly petiolate. The blades are ovate to ovate-lanceolate, with a cuneate base, deeply and irregularly serrate to pinnatisect margins, a few narrow segments, and an acute to acuminate apex. Flowers are organised into capitula, which are solitary, borne on very long (10–30 cm) peduncles. Phyllaries are few-seriate and hispid. Ray florets are 4-5 and white; disk florets are yellow. Fruit is a brown and oblong achene with a shiny pappus.
PHYTOCHEMICAL
CONSTITUENTS
More than 100 phytochemical constituents have been identified to occur in coatbuttons plant. These include flavonoids (such as quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin; contribute antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytoprotective effects), alkaloids (support antimicrobial, astringent, haemostatic, and wound-healing activity), tannins (help contract tissues and form a protective layer over wounds), carotenoids (natural antioxidants and support tissue regeneration, immune function, and cellular protection), phytosterols and triterpenoids (such as β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and lupeol; associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, and tissue-protective activities).
MEDICINAL
USES
1. Wound Healing
One
of the best-known traditional uses of coatbuttons plant is wound care. Fresh
leaf juice or crushed leaf poultices are commonly applied to cuts, abrasions,
burns, ulcers, and infected wounds to promote healing and reduce the risk of
infection.
2. Haemostatic
Properties
The
coatbuttons plant is valued for its haemostatic action. Fresh leaf extracts are
traditionally used on minor wounds to help control bleeding and support clot
formation. Experimental studies suggest that it may enhance collagen synthesis,
stimulate fibroblast proliferation, support epithelial regeneration, and
accelerate wound contraction.
3. Anti-inflammatory
Properties
The
coatbuttons plant is traditionally used to reduce swelling, relieve joint and
muscle pain, and manage inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Pharmacological
studies suggest that flavonoids, triterpenoids, and phytosterols may help
reduce inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress, thereby supporting pain
relief and tissue repair.
4. Useful
for Respiratory Health
Traditional
healers also use infusions prepared from the aerial parts of the coatbuttons
plant for cough, bronchitis, asthma, and respiratory tract irritation. Although
clinical evidence is limited, experimental findings indicate that antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory constituents may help reduce airway inflammation and
support respiratory health.
5. Antimicrobial
Properties
The
coatbuttons plant is widely used in traditional practice for microbial
infections and skin disorders. Crushed leaves are applied externally to boils,
ulcers, infections, and other skin diseases. Laboratory studies have reported
antibacterial and antifungal activity against several pathogenic
microorganisms, supporting its traditional use as a topical antimicrobial
agent.
6. Hair-Care
Applications
In
many rural communities, fresh leaf extract of coatbuttons plant is also applied
to the scalp as a hair tonic. It is used to support hair growth, strengthen
follicles, reduce dandruff, and maintain scalp health. Preliminary studies
suggest that antioxidant phytochemicals may contribute to follicular health,
although well-designed clinical trials are still needed.
7. Useful for Metabolic
Health
The
coatbuttons plant has attracted increasing interest for its possible role in
metabolic health. In traditional medicine, aqueous leaf extracts are consumed
to help regulate blood glucose and support liver function. Animal and in vitro
studies suggest that flavonoids such as quercetin and luteolin may protect
pancreatic β-cells from oxidative injury, improve insulin sensitivity, and
inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Experimental
studies have reported hepatoprotective effects, including protection against
chemically induced liver injury through antioxidant mechanisms and
stabilization of liver enzyme profiles.
8. Antipyretic
Properties
In
India and parts of Africa, traditional healers administer decoctions of the
aerial parts of coatbuttons plant as an antipyretic and as adjunct care in the
traditional management of malaria.
CONCLUSION
