Pontederia cordata vs Lens culinaris medicinal

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Pontederia cordata

Nutritive

Lens culinaris

Nutritive

Description

North American aquatic plant whose edible seeds were used by Native Americans as food and mild medicine.

Ancient staple legume used in Ayurveda and Arabic medicine for digestive health, anemia, and nutritive support.

Active Compounds

flavonoids, phenolics, fatty acids

iron, folate, proteins, flavonoids, polyphenols

Traditional Uses

Edible seeds as food by Native Americans, Mild digestive aid

Anemia in Unani medicine, Digestive support, Nutritive tonic, Food for convalescence

Modern Uses

Nutritive food source, Antioxidant support

Iron-rich nutritive, Antioxidant, Blood sugar regulation, Digestive prebiotic

Adult Dosage

Young leaves and seeds as food

Cooked lentils as food regularly

Contraindications

None significant

Gout - purine content, Kidney stones - oxalate

Side Effects

None documented

Bloating, Purine accumulation in gout

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E