What is Polygonum Aviculare or Prostrate knotweed?

Botanical Name: Polygonum aviculare

Common Names: Birdweed, Pigweed, Lowgrass, Prostrate knotweed, Dooryard knotweed, Mat grass, Wiregrass, knotweed, Bird’s Knotgrass

Polygonum Aviculare is an annual herb that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. The plant has a long history of traditional use in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

Polygonum Aviculare has been traditionally used to treat various ailments such as inflammation, infections, skin diseases, and respiratory disorders. Recent studies have shown that the plant contains several bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Extracts of Polygonum Aviculare have been reported to have potential therapeutic effects in the treatment of diabetes, liver diseases, cancer, and hypertension.