Agathi Keerai / August tree leaves: an amazing ayurvedic plant.
Agathi Keerai (scientifically known as Sesbania grandiflora) belongs to the spinach family which is effective against various physiological and psychological problems.
Agathi Keerai is popular in many names like Vegetable Hummingbird, August tree leaves, and so on. This fast-growing tree is generally found in hot and humid climates. The fruits obtained from Agathi Keerai are long and flat with thin green beans. They are very much sensitive to cold environments. The flowers are red, white, or orange in color. Generally, these flowers are used for medicinal purposes. This is mostly due to the presence of phenolic compounds in red and white colored flowers. In this article, we will discuss potential health benefits of Agathi Keerai. Read on.
Agathi Keerai: Nutritional profile:
The flowers and leaves obtained from Agathi Keerai are enriched with protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are a good source of folate, vitamin a, thiamin, vitamin C, and niacin. Among macronutrients, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus are found in abundance. Also, this is one rare plant-based source of selenium. Furthermore, all 8 essential amino acids are obtained from Agathi leaves.
Agathi Keerai has powerful antimicrobial properties:
The presence of Sulfur-enriched amino acids like cysteine and cystine in Agathi leaves make them an efficient antimicrobial agent. It also possesses antioxidant effects to scavenge free radicals. Some scientific reports have also shown the antifungal properties of Agathi leaves effective against Aspergillus Niger and Candida albicans. The roots of Agathi Keerai are known to be effective against tuberculosis.
Agathi Keerai improves immunity:
Antioxidant-enriched plant products are always useful to boost immunity. Powerful antioxidants obtained from Agathi Keerai leaves prevent the damage of cell membranes due to free radicals. Some antioxidants are also effective against DNA damage. As per reports, Agathi Keerai leaves upregulate the concentration of zinc, magnesium, and selenium in the blood while decreasing the amount of harmful glutathione reductase and glutathione S transferase. Some studies have also confirmed the effectiveness of Agathi Keerai against hypersensitivity.
Agathi Keerai can prevent cancer:
Agathi Keerai seeds are enriched with chemoprotective agents like cyanidin and leucocyanidin. The leaves of Agathi Keerai possess strong antioxidant properties to prevent lipid peroxidation hindering the growth of cancer cells. The flowers of Agathi Keerai are known to be effective against lung and colon cancer.
Other benefits of Agathi Keerai:
The abundance of calcium and vitamins in Agathi leaves strengthens bones and decreases the risks associated with osteoporosis. It also improves mineral density in bone. Several recent studies have confirmed that Agathi Keerai leaves are effective against diabetes.
The flowers and leaves of Agathi Keerai are bitter in taste. It may cause stomach upset when consumed in excess.
