Oxalis corniculata As An Anxiolytic

Oxalis corniculata is a plant commonly called creeping wood sorrel or sleeping beauty. It belongs to a group of similar plants that are often also called wood sorrel. Oxalis wood sorrel plants belong to the family Oxalidaceae. The leaves of Oxalis corniculata are edible and taste of lemons. Because of this flavour, a decoction can be made by adding the leaves to hot water. The plant is high in a number of phytochemicals, particularly vitamin C, and this may explain its anti-inflammatory effects. Medicinally the plant can be used as a stimulant and tonic, and it may have central nervous system effects that explain its ability to prevent convulsions. Evidence suggests that Oxalis corniculata has anxiolytic effects in animals. For example, in one study researchers administered extracts of Oxalis corniculata to mice and they experienced significantly less anxious behaviour. In addition, the mice also showed less tendency to fight, suggesting that they may have been calmer and less agitated. 

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Oxalis corniculata contains a number of phytochemicals in addition to its high vitamin C content. Studies show the presence of Fatty acids (palmitic acid, a mixture of oleic, linoleic, linolenic and stearic acid), tannins, phytosterols, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and a volatile oil.

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Gupta, G., Kazmi, I., Afzal, M., Rahman, M. and Anwar, F. 2012. Anxiolytic effect of Oxalis corniculata (Oxalidaceae) in mice. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease. 2: S837-S840

About Robert Barrington

Robert Barrington is a writer, nutritionist, lecturer and philosopher.
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