The Mighty Microphylla: Unveiling the Secrets of the Artillery Plant

Have you ever stumbled upon a tiny plant, seemingly insignificant, yet holding a wealth of potential? In the realm of natural remedies and fascinating flora, Pilea microphylla stands out as just such a botanical marvel. Commonly known as the Artillery Plant, Gunpowder Plant and Angeloweed. In Sri Lanka, this plant is known as Parippu Gas (පරිප්පු ගස්). This unassuming herb has captured the attention of traditional healers and modern researchers alike. Its most captivating feature is its unique method of pollen dispersal: the male flowers explosively release pollen into the air, much like tiny cannons firing, which explains its intriguing "artillery" moniker. Originating in the warm climates of tropical America, Pilea microphylla has journeyed across the globe, establishing itself in various tropical and subtropical regions, including the diverse landscapes of the Asia.

What Does Pilea microphylla Look Like? A Guide to Identification

To truly appreciate the wonders of Pilea microphylla, understanding its physical characteristics is key. This herb is typically small, rarely exceeding 10 centimeters in height, making it a subtle yet often abundant presence in its environment. Its stems are slender and angular, displaying a vibrant green hue that often carries a delicate tint of purple. The leaves, small and somewhat elliptical in shape, are arranged in two neat rows along the stem, each leaf measuring approximately 2 to 5 millimeters in length. The flowers of Pilea microphylla are remarkably tiny, crowded together in small clusters known as cymes. These minute blooms are typically greenish but can also exhibit a reddish tinge and are usually less than 1 millimeter in length.  

The plant is recognized by a multitude of common names, reflecting its widespread presence and the diverse cultures that have encountered it. In the Philippines, it is known as Alabong (in the Igorrota language) and Isang-dakot-na-bigas (in Tagalog), which translates to "a handful of rice" due to its appearance. English speakers have given it various names like Angeloweed, Artillery fern, Gunpowder plant, Creeping charly, Joypowder plant, Lace plant, Military fern, Pistol plant, and Rockweed. In Chinese, it is called Xiao ye leng shui hua. The arrangement of its tiny leaves along the stem gives the plant a delicate, fern-like appearance, often leading to its misidentification as a miniature fern. A detailed examination, especially using resources from Taiwan, reveals the presence of linear cystoliths within its tissues, a microscopic feature that aids in accurate botanical identification. The sheer variety of names across different languages and regions suggests a long history of human interaction with this plant in various parts of the world.

The Healing Touch: Traditional Medicinal Uses of Pilea microphylla

For generations, Pilea microphylla has been a valued component of traditional medicine in numerous cultures. In the Philippines, an infusion of the entire plant is a time-honored diuretic. The plant is also employed to address diarrhea and asthma in the region. Crushed leaves are a common remedy for topical application on sores and bruises.  

Moving towards the Caribbean, in the Antilles, a sweetened decoction of the roots serves as another form of diuretic. In Jamaica, the entire plant finds use for women during labor, as well as for addressing infertility and inflammation. In Brazil, the plant is also recognized for its diuretic properties, while in Guatemala, it is used to treat urinary problems. The application of Pilea microphylla extends to diabetes in both Jamaican and Chinese traditional medicine. In Western Panama, a stem decoction is traditionally consumed to alleviate diarrhea. Further south, in Trinidad and Tobago, the leaves are used for their anti-inflammatory properties and as a womb cleanser. In India, folk medicine traditions utilize Pilea microphylla for the treatment of burns, scalds, and wounds.

Exploring non-English sources reveals further traditional uses, particularly in Chinese medicine. Here, Pilea microphylla, known as 小叶冷水花 (xiǎo yè lěng shuǐ huā), is valued for its ability to clear heat and aid in detoxification. It is traditionally used to treat carbuncles, snake bites, burns (from fire or hot water), and erysipelas, a bacterial skin infection. Some sources specify a dosage of 5 to 15 / 6 to 12 grams of the dried plant, decocted in water, for internal use. The consistent use of this plant across diverse geographical locations for similar ailments hints at the presence of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic effects.

Here’s a video about the medicinal uses of Pilea microphylla.

This table explains how Pilea microphylla is used for different health issues complete with prep, dosage, and when to take it.

Ailment	Plant Part Used	Preparation Method	Timing of Usage	Dosage	Before/After Meal
Diuretic	Entire plant	Infusion, sweetened decoction of roots	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Diarrhea	Entire plant, stem	Infusion, stem decoction	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Asthma	Entire plant	Infusion	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Sores and Bruises	Crushed leaves	Applied topically	As needed	Sufficient amount to cover affected area	Not applicable
Labor (women)	Entire plant	Not specified	During labor	Not specified	Not specified
Infertility	Entire plant	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Inflammation	Entire plant, leaves	Not specified, leaves used in wash	As needed	Not specified	Not specified
Urinary Problems	Entire plant	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Diabetes	Entire plant	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Womb Cleanser	Leaves	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Burns, Scalds, Wounds	Entire plant	Pounded (for juice), crushed leaves, infusion	As needed	Sufficient amount to cover affected area	Not applicable
Carbuncles, Boils	Entire plant	Pounded into poultice (sometimes with brown sugar)	As needed	Sufficient amount to cover affected area	Not applicable
Snake Bites	Entire plant	Decoction (internal), pounded (external)	As needed	5-15 grams (dried, internal)	Not specified
Erysipelas	Entire plant	Decoction (internal), pounded (external)	Not specified	5-15 grams (dried, internal)	Not specified
Unidentified Poisoning	Entire plant	Decoction (internal)	Not specified	5-15 grams (dried)	Not specified
Lung Diseases	Entire plant	Decoction	Not specified	5-15 grams (dried)	Not specified
Hepatitis	Entire plant	Decoction	Not specified	5-15 grams (dried)	Not specified
Sore Throat	Entire plant	Decoction	Not specified	5-15 grams (dried)	Not specified
Trauma	Entire plant	Not specified	As needed	Not specified	Not applicable
Insomnia	Entire plant	Tea, Tincture	Before bedtime	Not specified traditionally, consult a professional	Not specified
Fever Reduction	Entire plant	Tea, Consumption	As needed	Not specified traditionally, consult a professional	Not specified
Pain Relief	Entire plant	Tea, Topical Application	As needed	Not specified traditionally, consult a professional	Not specified

 From Garden to Table: Exploring the Culinary Potential of Pilea microphylla

Beyond its traditional medicinal uses, Pilea microphylla also finds its place in the culinary practices of some Asian cultures. The entire plant or its leaves are considered edible and are utilized in various dishes. However, it's worth noting, as highlighted by resources from Taiwan, that Pilea microphylla possesses a bitter and astringent taste.  

One interesting culinary application is 小葉冷水麻 Fried Rice, a recipe detailed in a Taiwanese agricultural resource. This dish involves stir-frying the leaves of Pilea microphylla with leftover white rice, soy sauce, and rice wine. The preparation method includes soaking the leaves in soy sauce, which is believed to help reduce some of the plant's natural astringency. Personal accounts from individuals who have tried eating Pilea microphylla raw or simply blanched indicate that the astringency can be quite pronounced, likened to that of an unripe banana, making it generally unpalatable without specific preparation.  

Due to its non-toxic nature, Pilea microphylla is also sometimes used in teas and tinctures. One source even mentions the leaves being specifically used to make tea. This aligns with its traditional use as a diuretic infusion, suggesting that water-based preparations are a common way to extract potential benefits or make the plant more palatable. While the fried rice recipe offers a glimpse into its culinary use, the strong astringency suggests that careful preparation is essential for enjoyable consumption.

Here’s a table showing how Pilea microphylla is prepared for food.

Use	Plant Part Used	Preparation Method	Notes
Fried Rice	Leaves	Stir-fried with rice, soy sauce, and rice wine	Requires soaking in soy sauce to reduce astringency
Eaten Raw	Entire plant	Washed	Very astringent, generally not palatable
Blanched	Entire plant	Briefly boiled in water	Slightly less astringent, stems are fibrous
Herbal Tea	Entire plant	Infusion in hot water	Non-toxic, often used in teas
Food (General)	Entire plant, leaves	Not specified	Can be eaten cooked or raw / fried

Here are three videos demonstrating how Pilea microphylla is prepared for food and tea.

Where Does It Grow and How Can You Cultivate It?

Pilea microphylla naturally thrives in the warm, humid environments of Mexico, tropical South America, the West Indies, and Florida. Its adaptability has allowed it to naturalize in numerous tropical and subtropical regions across the globe, including the Philippines, Taiwan, and parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. This resilient plant can be found in a variety of habitats, from damp walls and ditches to roadsides, rock crevices, and even as a common weed in gardens and nurseries.  

Cultivating Pilea microphylla at home is relatively straightforward, whether you choose to grow it as a charming houseplant or, in warmer climates, as a lush groundcover. It flourishes best in bright, indirect light to semi-shade conditions, as direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves. For soil, it prefers a loose, well-draining mix that retains moisture, such as a combination of peat moss, perlite, and regular potting soil. Consistent watering is key to keep the soil evenly moist, but it's crucial to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Mimicking its native tropical environment, Pilea microphylla thrives in warm and humid conditions, with ideal temperatures ranging from 65 to 85°F and humidity levels above 45%.  

Propagation is easily achieved through stem cuttings or division, making it simple to expand your collection or share with others. While it does produce seeds, they can be difficult to find for starting new plants. During the growing season, a light feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks can encourage healthy growth. It's worth noting that in some regions, particularly outdoors, Pilea microphylla can spread readily and may become weedy or even invasive. Its ability to thrive in diverse and sometimes challenging environments makes it a relatively easy plant to cultivate for those interested in its ornamental or potential therapeutic uses.  

Unlocking the Secrets: New Research and the Science Behind Pilea microphylla

Recent scientific investigations have begun to validate the traditional uses of Pilea microphylla and have also uncovered new potential health benefits. Studies have consistently demonstrated its significant antioxidant properties. These effects are largely attributed to the presence of various phenolic compounds and flavonoids within the plant. Research on animal models has highlighted the antidiabetic potential of Pilea microphylla, showing its ability to reduce blood glucose levels and improve overall glucose tolerance in mice. One potential mechanism for this effect involves the inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), an enzyme targeted by some modern antidiabetic drugs.  

The anti-inflammatory activity of Pilea microphylla has also been observed in mice studies, with the plant extract showing comparable effects to standard anti-inflammatory medications. Furthermore, research suggests that Pilea microphylla possesses radioprotective and cytoprotective properties, potentially shielding cells from radiation-induced damage. Its antimicrobial activity has been demonstrated against a range of bacteria, including problematic strains like Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Interestingly, studies on mice have also indicated that Pilea microphylla may have antidepressant-like effects, similar to those produced by conventional antidepressant medications. Beyond these findings, research has shown that Pilea microphylla can improve sperm parameters in rats with varicocele and exhibits enzyme inhibitory activity, particularly against acetylcholinesterase and lipase. Recent studies have even explored its potential as an antiulcer agent in rats. This growing body of scientific evidence lends support to the traditional uses of Pilea microphylla and highlights its potential as a source of valuable bioactive compounds.  

More Than Just a Pretty Plant: Unveiling the Benefits and Characteristics of Pilea microphylla

Pilea microphylla is indeed more than just an attractive addition to your garden or windowsill. Its key benefits include significant antioxidant properties, the potential to aid in managing diabetes, anti-inflammatory effects, and antimicrobial activity. Emerging research also suggests potential antidepressant properties. Importantly, the plant is considered non-toxic, making it safe for use in teas and for topical applications. Its aesthetic appeal as a groundcover or houseplant, with its delicate, fern-like foliage, adds to its value. Furthermore, when grown indoors, Pilea microphylla requires relatively little maintenance, making it a rewarding plant for both novice and experienced gardeners. The combination of potential health benefits and ease of care makes Pilea microphylla a truly remarkable plant worth knowing.  

Key Takeaways: Why Pilea microphylla is Worth Knowing

In conclusion, Pilea microphylla, the seemingly humble Artillery Plant, is a botanical treasure trove with a rich history of traditional uses and a promising future in modern research. From its unique pollen explosion to its potential health benefits as an antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory agent, this plant offers much more than meets the eye. Its adaptability makes it easy to cultivate, adding a touch of green beauty to homes and gardens. Whether you are drawn to its ornamental charm or intrigued by its potential wellness properties, Pilea microphylla is undoubtedly a plant worth exploring. As with any natural remedy, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.

Here’s an informational video about Pilea microphylla.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pilea microphylla

What are the common names of Pilea microphylla? Pilea microphylla is known by various common names, including Artillery Plant, Gunpowder Plant, Angeloweed, Alabong, Isang-dakot-na-bigas, and Xiao ye leng shui hua.  

Where can Pilea microphylla be found? It is native to Mexico, tropical South America, the West Indies, and Florida, and has naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, often found in damp places like walls, ditches, and gardens.  

What are some traditional medicinal uses? Traditionally, it has been used as a diuretic, for treating diarrhea and asthma, for wound healing, during labor, for infertility, inflammation, urinary problems, diabetes, and as a remedy for burns and snake bites.

Is Pilea microphylla edible? Yes, the entire plant or its leaves can be eaten, although it has a bitter and astringent taste that may require specific preparation. It is used in dishes like fried rice in some cultures.  

How do you grow Pilea microphylla? It prefers bright indirect light to semi-shade, well-draining and moisture-retentive soil, regular watering, warm temperatures, and high humidity. It can be propagated from stem cuttings or division.  

Is Pilea microphylla safe? Yes, it is considered non-toxic to humans and pets.  

What does recent research say about it? Recent studies suggest that Pilea microphylla has antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and potential antidepressant properties.

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