Echinochloa crus-galli (Linn.) Beauv.
Synonym Pan icurn crus-galli Linn.
Family Gram ineae; Poaceae.
Habitat Cultivated mainly in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tam ii Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
English Barnyard Millet. Ayurvedic Ambah Shyaamaaka.
Siddha/Tamil Oathupul.
Folk Samak.
Action Whole plant—used for diseases of the spleen and for checking haemorrhage.
The grains are rich in carbohydrates (3.474 wt %) and trace elements (Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, Fe, Mn, Sn). The total protein content is 4.2 wt% and the total lipids 4.46%. A hormone, oestrogen, is reported from the lipid.
A polysaccharide extracted from the endosperm and composed of glucose was identified as a phytoglycogen.