Linn.Family: Acanthaceae.
Habitat: Common in tidal forests along the East and West coasts; also distributed in Meghalaya and the Andamans.
English: Sea Holly.Ayurvedic: Krishna Saraiyaka. (Blue-flowered Katasaraiyaa.)Siddha/Tamil: Kollimulli.Folk: Hargozaa.Action: Decoction—antacid (used in dyspepsia with acid eructations), also diuretic (used in dropsy and bilious swellings). Aerial parts show effect on nictitating membrane. The root is a cordial attenuant and is used in debility associated with asthma, paralysis, leucorrhoea.
The air-dried plant contains an alkaloid, acanthicifoline, and a flavone.