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).

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

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.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Bone Fracture Healing

Formulation: Stem paste or poultice.

Preparation & Use: Similar to Cissus quadrangularis, the stems of C. vitiginea are crushed into a paste and applied externally as a bandage over fractured bones to promote union and reduce pain.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and analgesic phytochemicals reduce swelling and pain at the fracture site, while traditional knowledge asserts it helps in callus 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.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

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.

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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