Understanding the Therapeutic Phytochemicals in Paragis (Eleusine indica)

December 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to extensive research, the weed known as Paragis or goosegrass (Eleusine indica) contains a rich array of therapeutic phytochemicals that are responsible for its numerous traditional medicinal uses. This diverse phytochemical composition has been studied for its potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Quick Summary

The phytochemicals in Paragis, including flavonoids like schaftoside and vitexin, as well as alkaloids, tannins, and plant sterols, provide a wide range of bioactive compounds. These constituents contribute to its documented antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities, explaining its use in traditional medicine. The plant's rich profile of secondary metabolites offers a scientific basis for its medicinal potential.

Key Points

Rich Phytochemical Profile: Paragis contains a wide variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and plant sterols, that contribute to its medicinal properties.
Powerful Antioxidant Activity: The high concentration of phenolic compounds and flavonoids provides strong antioxidant effects, protecting the body from cellular damage.
Proven Antimicrobial Efficacy: Scientific studies have validated the traditional use of Paragis for treating infections, confirming its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Significant Anti-inflammatory Properties: Specific compounds like schaftoside and plant sterols contribute to the plant's ability to reduce inflammation.
Synergistic Therapeutic Effects: The different phytochemicals in Paragis work together to enhance the plant's overall medicinal benefits, a phenomenon common in herbal remedies.
Presence of Sterols like β-sitosterol: Key phytosterols, such as β-sitosterol and stigmasterol, have been identified, which are known for their cholesterol-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties.
Source of Traditional Remedies: The phytochemical richness provides a scientific basis for the plant's long-standing use in traditional medicine for treating various ailments like fevers, wounds, and urinary issues.

Introduction to Paragis Phytochemistry

Paragis, scientifically known as Eleusine indica, is a grass widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. In traditional medicine, particularly in the Philippines, it is used to treat a variety of ailments, from urinary tract infections to fevers and wounds. The scientific community has been increasingly interested in validating these traditional claims by studying the plant's phytochemical makeup. The term 'phytochemicals' refers to the non-nutritive, biologically active compounds found in plants that provide health benefits or have therapeutic effects. Research confirms that Paragis is a source of several important classes of phytochemicals.

Major Classes of Phytochemicals in Paragis

Phytochemical screening of various Paragis extracts has consistently revealed the presence of several key compound classes. These include:

Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds are known for their strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Specific flavonoids isolated from Paragis include schaftoside and vitexin, which contribute significantly to the plant's free radical-scavenging activity.
Alkaloids: These pharmacologically active compounds are also present in Paragis extracts and suggest potential antimicrobial activity.
Steroids and Triterpenoids: Plant sterols identified in Paragis include β-sitosterol and stigmasterol. β-sitosterol is known for cholesterol-lowering effects, while stigmasterol has been linked to anti-inflammatory properties. Triterpenes have also been identified.
Tannins: Known for their astringent properties, tannins are consistently reported in Paragis and may contribute to wound healing, as well as possessing antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
Saponins: These compounds are found in Paragis and are known for various effects, including potential antimicrobial benefits.
Cardiac Glycosides: These potent compounds are found in various parts of the Paragis plant.

Specific Isolated Compounds

Specific bioactive compounds isolated from Eleusine indica include schaftoside, vitexin, isovitexin, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and loliolide. These compounds have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.

Comparison of Major Phytochemical Groups in Paragis


Phytochemical Class	Key Characteristics	Therapeutic Properties	Identified Examples in Paragis
Flavonoids	Polyphenolic, water-soluble, antioxidant	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial	Schaftoside, Vitexin, Isovitexin
Alkaloids	Nitrogen-containing, often bitter, pharmacologically active	Antimicrobial, potential nervous system effects	Various compounds, though specific structures require more study
Steroids/Sterols	Similar to animal cholesterol, membrane components	Anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering	β-sitosterol, Stigmasterol
Tannins	Polyphenolic, astringent properties	Antioxidant, antimicrobial, wound-healing	Numerous, contribute to tissue contraction
Saponins	Surfactant-like, create foam in water	Cholesterol-lowering, potential antimicrobial	Varied, contribute to membrane disruption

Synergistic Effects of Paragis's Compounds

The therapeutic efficacy of Paragis is not solely due to individual compounds but rather the synergistic effect of its entire phytochemical composition. This combination enhances the plant's antioxidant and antimicrobial actions, beneficial for wound healing and combating infections. This synergistic interplay is a common feature in herbal medicine, where the whole plant extract often provides broader activity than isolated components.

Research into Paragis's Bioactivities

Scientific studies have helped validate traditional uses of Paragis. Research has shown antibacterial and antifungal activities against various microorganisms, attributed to alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. Studies also highlight its antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. These investigations support the medicinal potential of the plant.

Documented Pharmacological Properties

Antioxidant: Paragis extracts demonstrate significant free radical scavenging, linked to phenolic and flavonoid content.
Antimicrobial: Confirmed antibacterial and antifungal activity supports traditional use for infections.
Anti-inflammatory: Flavonoids and plant sterols contribute to anti-inflammatory actions.
Antidiabetic: Some studies suggest potential antidiabetic activity.
Diuretic: Traditional use as a diuretic is supported by its phytochemical profile.

For further reading on the pharmacological properties and ethnomedicinal uses of Eleusine indica, see this comprehensive review on ResearchGate.

Conclusion

Paragis is a source of numerous phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, and tannins, that support its therapeutic effects. Its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties provide a scientific basis for its traditional uses in herbal medicine. Ongoing research continues to explore the mechanisms of these compounds and their potential for future applications. The synergistic action of its diverse components underscores the value of the whole plant in providing health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main phytochemicals in Paragis include flavonoids (like schaftoside and vitexin), alkaloids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, and plant sterols such as β-sitosterol and stigmasterol.

Flavonoids in Paragis, such as schaftoside and vitexin, possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and can modulate inflammatory responses in the body.

Yes, research has confirmed that Paragis extracts exhibit antibacterial and antifungal activities against several types of microorganisms. This is linked to its diverse phytochemical composition, particularly its alkaloids and tannins.

Plant sterols like β-sitosterol and stigmasterol, found in Paragis, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering effects. They are important structural components and contribute to the plant's therapeutic potential.

Paragis exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, which is supported by the presence of specific phytochemicals like flavonoids and plant sterols. This helps explain its traditional use for various inflammatory conditions.

The synergistic effect in Paragis means that the combined action of its various phytochemicals is more potent than any single compound alone. This holistic interaction is a key reason for its broad range of traditional medicinal uses.

While traditional use and some studies suggest Paragis is relatively safe to ingest, some of its compounds, like cardiac glycosides, are potent and require caution. As with any herbal remedy, professional advice is recommended, and dosage should be controlled.