The entire Punarnava plant (Spreading Hogweed/Boerhavia diffusa), including the root and leaves, is known to have medicinal properties. It has long been used by indigenous and tribal people in India. The medicinal value of this plant in the treatment of a large number of ailments is mentioned in Ayurveda"s prime text, the Charaka Samhita.Punarnava has many ethnobotanical uses. The leaves are eaten as a vegetable. The root juice is used to treat asthma, urinary disorders, leukorrhea, rheumatism and encephalitis. In addition, the plant has many pharmacological, clinical and antimicrobial properties.