Occurrence
Sida acuta occurs nearly throughout Mexico below 1500 m in deciduous forest, evergreen forest, and at roadsides and disturbed sites including urban habitats. It is pantropical in distribution and flowers throughout the year. It is a weedy polymorhic plant. The shrub is frequent in Venezuela in deciduous forests, evergreen forests, savannas, disturbed areas and in deserted former cultivated regions (fallows).

Ethnobotanical and general use

Economical utilization

Fibers of the stem are used for making cordage. Bundles of the tough branches replace ordinary brooms and brushes.

Medical use
Entire plants and twigs with fruits are mainly used. Entire plant. A decoction of the plant is used as an expectorant and against inflammations. Twigs with fruits are sold in herbolarios (herb stands or stalls) of Barquisimeto. They are applied against irritations of the eyes and conjunctivitis.

Healing properties
The slime in the leaves and the stem may help as an expectorant. The plant also contains alkaloids.

Chemical contents
The alkaloids of Sida acuta were studied by PRAKASH, VARMA & GHOSAL (1981).

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Uses: stomach, kideys.                                                 

Origin: Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, India, Laos, Madagascar, Mexico, Nepal, Panama, Peru, South Africa, Suriname, Thailand, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam.      

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Whole plant: Decoction for febrifuge. Ground and mixed with soft grease and sugar for a poultice applied to soften abscesses and release pus.

Leaf: Decoction to bathe wounds; in a preparation for dysentery;  infusion is diuretic; cataplasm for headache. Juice mixed with vinegar for an anti-inflammatory and digestive remedy. Macerated in water for hair conditioner and as a shampoo for flaky skin.

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Origin

Throughout the warmer parts of India.

Action:

Root—astringent, cooling, stomachic, febrifuge, diuretic; used for nervous and sexual debility, haemorrhoids, biliary disorders.

Leaves—demulcent; applied to testicular swellings and elephantiasis.

1) South American medicinal plants : botany, remedial properties, and general use / I. Roth, H. Lindorf. Berlin ; New York : Springer, c2002. -- p. 492.

2) Geraldini , Isanete, Journal of Ethnopharmacology v. 173, 2015 . -- p. 383-423

3) Robertt, A., et al.. Medicinal Plants of the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana)/Smithsonian NMNH. cited online: 17-08-2017.

4) Khare, C.P./ Indian Medicinal Plants. -- Nueva Dheli: Springer, 2007 . - p 604.

5) Asprey, G.F; Phylis Thornton/ Medicinal plants of Jamaica. Parts III & IV. – p. 61.