Soybeans, probably native to Australia and then established in Asia, have been consumed in China for at least four millennia and are part of the so-called sacred grains, alongside rice, wheat, barley and millet. As a basic element of the Asian diet and cuisine, the phytotherapeutic properties of soy have only recently been rediscovered in the West since the 1990s in herbal medicine, whereas the plant was introduced in Europe in the 17th century.
In Asia and some African countries like Nigeria, this plant is known as a medicine for asthma, bronchitis and respiratory diseases. In West Africa, Euphorbia hirta is mainly known as galactagogue and antidysenteric. It is from its indications that we have been able to verify the action and isolate certain chemical constituents responsible for these uses. Ephorbia hirta is part of the composition of some dilatory bronchial specialties and has already been marketed by a European laboratory as antiamibien. Since 1985, this plant has been listed in the African Pharmacopoeia published by the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
It is a plant widely used in traditional medicine for many indications.The fruits are used to prepare a fermented drink.The barks are used as antidysenteric and the leaves and roots as the antivenoms and Securidaca longepedunculata a universal plant with a medico-magic reputation.