Biophytum sensitivum

Biophytum sensitivum, also known as little tree plant, is a species of plant in the Oxalidaceae family and belongs to the genus Biophytum. It is commonly found in wet lands of Nepal, tropical India and in other Southeast Asian countries and is used for medicinal purposes in Nepal and India. The plant is also a common weed in tropical greenhouses. Investigations have been undertaken into the plant's chemistry, biological activities, and medicinal uses. The leaflets of Biophytum sensitivum are able to move rapidly in response to mechanical stimulation such as touch. Chemical analyses have shown that the plant parts are rich in compounds such as amentoflavone, cupressuflavone, and isoorientin. Its extracts are traditionally believed to be antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, radioprotective, chemoprotective,, antiangiogenetic, wound-healing, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, and cardioprotective in nature.