Unlocking Nature's Potential: What are the health benefits of Eleusine indica?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

In traditional medicine systems across Africa and Asia, Eleusine indica, commonly known as goosegrass, has been used to treat a wide array of ailments for centuries. This common weed, a close relative of finger millet, holds significant pharmacological potential that scientists are now exploring to understand its documented health benefits.

Quick Summary

Studies suggest goosegrass possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, and antibacterial properties, supported by its rich phytochemical composition. It has been traditionally used to treat various conditions, including kidney issues, inflammation, and fever, with modern research confirming many of these effects in animal models.

Key Points

Antioxidant Rich: High levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, like schaftoside and vitexin, give goosegrass strong antioxidant properties to combat cellular damage.
Anti-Inflammatory Action: Extracts of E. indica have demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies, comparable to some conventional medications.
Kidney and Urinary Support: Traditionally used as a diuretic, research suggests the plant can help prevent kidney stone formation and protect renal function.
Metabolic Health: Studies have identified anti-obesity properties through lipase inhibition and potential anti-diabetic effects, improving lipid profiles and blood sugar control.
Wound Healing: The plant's methanolic extract has been shown to accelerate skin wound healing by promoting collagen production, validating its traditional use as a topical remedy.
Antimicrobial Benefits: Certain extracts, particularly hexane and ethyl acetate, possess significant antibacterial properties against various bacterial strains.
Diverse Phytochemicals: The wide range of medicinal benefits is a result of a complex chemical makeup including flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, and saponins.

Eleusine indica is a resilient, fast-growing grass found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, often considered a stubborn weed by farmers. However, its widespread availability and historical use in folk medicine have made it a subject of increasing scientific interest. Researchers are now investigating the compounds responsible for its diverse therapeutic effects, including its applications for wound healing, kidney support, and managing inflammatory conditions.

Rich Phytochemical Composition

Research confirms that the health benefits of Eleusine indica are linked to its rich array of bioactive compounds. These naturally occurring secondary metabolites contribute to the plant's medicinal properties and include:

Flavonoids: A class of antioxidants known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer effects. Schaftoside and vitexin are two key flavonoids identified in goosegrass.
Phenolic Compounds: These potent antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects.
Alkaloids and Tannins: Known for various pharmacological activities, including antibacterial and analgesic properties.
Saponins and Glycosides: Contribute to potential cytotoxic activity and other medicinal effects.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

One of the most robustly studied benefits of Eleusine indica is its antioxidant activity. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants, can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Studies have consistently demonstrated the plant's ability to scavenge free radicals:

A 2011 study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine confirmed that methanol extracts of Eleusine indica possess significant antioxidant activity. The study found a strong correlation between the plant's total phenolic content and its ability to inhibit free radicals.
Another study specifically noted that the methanolic extract from the plant showed significant antioxidant capacity, indicating its potential as a natural source of antioxidants to combat oxidative damage.
In animal models, aqueous extracts of E. indica have been shown to protect against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage, which is mediated by the plant's free radical scavenging properties.

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties of E. indica have also been explored. Research published in The Journal of Phytopharmacology in 2006 showed that extracts effectively reduced edema (swelling) and inhibited pain responses in mice, comparable to standard drugs like dexamethasone and acetylsalicylic acid.

Support for Kidney and Urinary Health

Traditional medicine often uses Eleusine indica as a diuretic and for treating kidney and urinary problems, and these uses are backed by some scientific studies.

In an animal study, the aqueous extract of E. indica roots was shown to possess anti-urolithiasis properties, helping prevent the formation of kidney stones in rats.
The extract also had a protective effect on kidney function, as evidenced by improved serum and urinary parameters in the animal model.
The diuretic effect helps increase urine output, which can aid in flushing out toxins and supporting kidney health.

Digestive and Metabolic Benefits

In some traditional practices, goosegrass is used to address digestive issues like dysentery and general digestive discomfort. While clinical evidence is limited, some studies suggest potential benefits for metabolism and weight management:

Eleusine indica extract has demonstrated the ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fat. This mechanism suggests a potential role in reducing fat absorption and may contribute to anti-obesity effects.
Animal studies have shown that goosegrass extracts can reduce body weight gain and improve serum lipid profiles, including decreasing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, in high-fat-diet-fed rats.
Furthermore, preliminary studies have reported antidiabetic activity, with extracts showing the potential to improve blood sugar control in diabetic rats.

Wound Healing Properties

Eleusine indica has a history of topical use for wounds and skin lesions due to its antiseptic and antimicrobial effects. Modern research has started to unravel the mechanisms behind this traditional application:

A study on cutaneous wound healing in rats revealed that a methanolic extract of E. indica significantly accelerated the healing process.
The study found that the extract promoted wound contraction and increased hydroxyproline content, a marker for collagen synthesis.
The wound-healing effect was found to be mediated by stimulating collagen production through the Smad signaling pathway.

Comparison of Goosegrass Extracts in Research

The efficacy of Eleusine indica can vary depending on the extraction method and the specific compounds isolated. Here is a comparison of different solvent extracts based on a scientific study evaluating antioxidant activity:


Feature	Methanol Extract (MeTH)	Ethyl Acetate Extract (EA)	Hexane Extract (H-Ei)	Dichloromethane Extract (DCM)
Antioxidant Activity	Highest (77.7%)	Strong (64.5%)	Moderate (47.19%)	Low (40.83%)
Total Phenolic Content	Highest (450 mg GAE/g)	Lower (175 mg GAE/g)	Intermediate (210 mg GAE/g)	Intermediate (310 mg GAE/g)
Antibacterial Activity	None against tested strains	Broad spectrum	Strongest against MRSA and P. aeruginosa	Weakest against P. aeruginosa
Antiobesity Potential	Reported high lipase inhibition	-	Confirmed highest lipase inhibition	-

This table illustrates that while the methanolic extract demonstrates the highest antioxidant potential, other extracts like hexane show superior antibacterial activity and anti-obesity effects, underscoring the diversity of beneficial compounds within the plant.

Conclusion

Eleusine indica, long valued in traditional medicine, offers a range of scientifically supported health benefits. Its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to a rich profile of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, suggest its value in combating cellular damage and chronic inflammation. Furthermore, studies in animal models have confirmed its potential for supporting kidney function, aiding in weight management and metabolic health, and accelerating wound healing. While many of these findings are promising, further clinical research is needed to determine appropriate dosages and confirm efficacy and safety in humans. With continued study, this common weed may prove to be a valuable natural resource for nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals. For more information on the research surrounding Eleusine indica, one can explore scientific reviews like this one from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

While traditional use and some studies suggest that parts of the plant, especially the leaves and roots, are safe, caution is advised. The roots have been reported to contain cyanogenic glucosides that can be toxic to some animals in certain conditions. Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially since dosage for human consumption is not well-established.

Traditional preparations often involve decoctions or infusions made from the boiled plant or aerial parts to treat ailments such as fever, cough, and urinary issues. Seeds have also been used as a food source during famines.

Some studies, particularly in animal models, have shown anti-obesity effects from goosegrass extracts. These extracts have been found to inhibit pancreatic lipase, which reduces fat absorption and has led to a reduction in body weight gain and improved lipid profiles in rats.

Yes, research indicates that extracts from Eleusine indica have potent anti-inflammatory effects. Studies in mice have demonstrated that extracts can suppress swelling and pain responses.

Eleusine indica is a wild grass often considered a weed, though its seeds are sometimes used as a famine food. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is a closely related, cultivated crop grown specifically for its nutritious grain.

Traditional medicine has long used goosegrass for kidney and urinary tract issues. Modern animal studies support this, showing the root extract can help prevent the formation of kidney stones and improve kidney function.

While generally considered low-hazard in tested animal models, human data is limited. The potential presence of cyanogenic glucosides in some parts of the plant is a concern, and more research is needed on safe preparation methods. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and individuals with chronic conditions should consult a doctor before use.

Goosegrass extracts have been shown to accelerate wound healing in animal studies. It appears to work by stimulating the production of collagen, a crucial protein for skin repair, through the Smad signaling pathway.