Question 1

What is Crotalaria retusa used for in ayurvedic medicine?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka's ayurvedic tradition, Crotalaria retusa is used in compound preparations addressing skin conditions, fever, and inflammatory complaints. Roots, seeds, and leaves are each attributed distinct therapeutic properties in classical texts. Because the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified ayurvedic practitioner.

Question 2

Is Crotalaria retusa toxic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Crotalaria retusa contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic in significant doses and can cause liver damage in humans and livestock. The seeds pose the greatest risk, particularly to cattle and horses. Traditional ayurvedic practice accounts for this through careful formulation and dosage, but unsupervised use of the raw plant is inadvisable.

Question 3

What does the Crotalaria retusa plant look like?

Accepted Answer

It is an erect herbaceous plant growing up to about 90 centimetres, with simple, oblong leaves that are slightly notched at the tip. It produces bright yellow pea-like flowers and inflated cylindrical pods that turn black when ripe, rattling when shaken — which gives the plant its common name, rattleweed.

Question 4

Where does Crotalaria retusa grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

It is most commonly found in the dry and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka, along roadsides, open grasslands, and disturbed agricultural land. It tolerates poor, dry soils and tends to proliferate during and after seasonal rains.

Question 5

What family does Crotalaria retusa belong to?

Accepted Answer

Crotalaria retusa belongs to the Fabaceae family, also known as the legume or pea family. Like other legumes, it forms root nodules that fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it useful as a green manure crop in tropical agricultural systems.

Question 6

Is Crotalaria retusa found only in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

No, Crotalaria retusa is found across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It is thought to have originated in South Asia and has naturalised widely due to its tolerance of disturbed habitats and poor soils. In Sri Lanka it is formally catalogued as a medicinal plant.

Question 7

What is the Sinhala name for Crotalaria retusa?

Accepted Answer

The plant is locally referred to as Andana (ඇඳන) in Sinhala, though local common names can vary by region. It is formally listed in Sri Lanka's Department of Ayurveda catalog under its scientific name, Crotalaria retusa.

Crotalaria retusa

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