Cissus vitiginea (Vitaceae) - Wild grapes

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Cissus vitiginea

Family: Vitaceae

Genus: Cissus

Related Herbs from the same family:Vitis vinifera (Grape Vine) - As mentioned before, a pan-cultivated plant vital in Ayurveda.Cissus quadrangularis (Hadjod) - The most prominent medicinal Cissus in India for bone health.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Cissus vitiginea | English: | Sanskrit: Vanajowaka, Amalvel | Hindi: Jangli Angoor, Hathiabel | Tamil: Kattuppirandai, Naralai | Telugu: Adavinalleru | Kannada: Kadu drakshi balli | Malayalam: Kattupirantal | Bengali: Harjora, Hasjora |

3. Medicinal UsesAnti-inflammatory, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Antioxidant, Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Antidiarrheal, Bone Healing (similar to C. quadrangularis).

Medicinal Parts:The most commonly used parts of Cissus vitiginea are the stems, followed by the leaves and roots.

• Stems: The primary medicinal part. They are crushed, juiced, or dried and powdered for use in fractures, joint pain, and inflammation.

• Leaves: Used in poultices for wounds, swellings, and skin complaints. Leaf juice is used for digestive issues.

• Roots: Less commonly used, but a decoction is sometimes employed for its diuretic and stomachic properties.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Ketosteroids: Believed to be the primary agents responsible for the plant's remarkable bone-healing (osteogenic) and fracture-mending properties. They are thought to stimulate the activity of osteoblasts, the cells that form bone.

Flavonoids (e.g., Quercetin, Kaempferol): These are well-known for their Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory activities, which help in reducing pain and swelling.

Triterpenoids and Sterols (e.g., β-Sitosterol): These compounds contribute significantly to the Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic effects, similar to the action of Cissus repens and C. quadrangularis.

Tannins: Impart astringent properties, which are responsible for the plant's traditional use in managing diarrhea.

Resveratrol: A potent antioxidant stilbene also found in grapes, contributing to its overall therapeutic potential.

Calcium and Phosphorus: The stem is a rich source of these minerals, which are the fundamental building blocks of bone, providing the raw materials necessary for the healing process.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Bone-Healing (For Fractures and Bone Weakness)

Formulation: Fresh stem paste or juice.

Preparation & Use: The fresh stems are crushed to extract the juice or made into a paste. This is applied externally as a bandage over the fractured area. Simultaneously, the juice (about 10-20 ml) is consumed orally with a carrier like milk or ghee.

Reasoning: The ketosteroids and high mineral content work synergistically to accelerate the process of callus formation and mineralization at the fracture site. Vitamin C aids in collagen formation.

Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic (for Arthritis and Body Aches)

Formulation: Stem decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the stems is taken orally to relieve generalized body pain, arthritis, and rheumatism.

Reasoning: The triterpenoids and flavonoids inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins, providing systemic relief.

Antipyretic (for Fevers)

Formulation: Stem decoction.

Preparation & Use: The decoction is administered to bring down fever.

Reasoning: The flavonoids help reset the hypothalamus, the body's temperature regulator.

Antidiarrheal

Formulation: Stem decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction is prepared and given in small doses to control diarrhea.

Reasoning: The astringent tannins help reduce gut inflammation and fluid secretion.

Hemostatic & Wound Healing (For Cuts and Wounds)

Formulation: Fresh leaf or stem paste.

Preparation & Use: The paste is applied directly to fresh cuts and wounds to stop bleeding (hemostatic) and to promote healing.

Reasoning: The tannins contract blood vessels and tissues, helping to staunch blood flow. The overall anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties prevent infection and aid tissue repair.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Like its relatives, C. vitiginea is used medicinally, not culinarily.

Bone and Joint Support Decoction

Purpose: To support the healing process in fractures and reduce joint inflammation.

Preparation & Use:

• Take a 5-7 cm stem of Cissus vitiginea, wash it well.

• Boil in 1.5 cups of water until it reduces to half a cup.

• Strain and drink once a day, preferably on an empty stomach.

• Use only under guidance for a limited period.

  
  

External Analgesic Poultice

Purpose: For topical pain relief in sprains and arthritis.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush the stems into a fine paste.

• Apply directly to the affected area and bandage it.

• Leave for a few hours or overnight. Reapply with fresh paste.

Antidiarrheal Decoction

Purpose: To relieve diarrhea and cramping.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil 10-15 grams of dried stems in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink 30-50 ml of this decoction twice a day until symptoms subside.

7. Disclaimer:The use of Cissus vitiginea is based on traditional practice and its similarity to Cissus quadrangularis. Scientific studies on its safety and efficacy are limited. It is advisable to use it under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Avoid during pregnancy and lactation. This information is for educational purposes only.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.R. Kirtikar and B.D. Basu

• Database on Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda by P.C. Sharma

9. Further study:Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Cissus quadrangularis (Hadjod): Family: Vitaceae. This is the gold-standard for bone healing in Ayurveda. C. vitiginea is often used as a regional substitute or alternative, with very similar applications and phytochemistry.

2. Cissus repens: As detailed above, it shares the same genus and a very similar profile of uses for inflammation and pain.

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