Cleome viscosa (Cleomaceae) Shirkala, Dog Mustard

Cleome viscosa (Asian Spiderflower)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Cleome viscosa

Family: Cleomaceae (formerly placed in Capparaceae)

Genus: Cleome

The Cleomaceae family, often associated with the caper family, includes several aromatic herbs known for their digestive, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Capparis zeylanica (Himsra): Used in Ayurveda for digestive disorders, rheumatism, and as a blood purifier.

• Capparis decidua (Karira): Used for cardiac disorders, cough, and as an appetizer.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Cleome viscosa | English: Asian Spiderflower, Tickweed, Sticky Cleome | Sanskrit: सुगन्धिका (Sugandhika), आसुरी (Asuri), पाशुपति (Pashupati) | Hindi: हुलहुल (Hulhul), बग्गी (Bagghi), सुर्वा (Surva) | Tamil: நாய்வேளை (Naai Velai), காடுகாசி (Kadu Kaasi) | Telugu: కుక్కవోమ్మ (Kukka Vomma), వావిలి (Vavili) | Kannada: ನಾಯಿ ಬಳ್ಳಿ (Nayi balli), ದೊಡ್ಡ ಸಾಸಿವೆ (Dodda sasive) | Malayalam: അരിവേളം (Ari Velam), കാട്ടുകടുക് (Kattu Kaduku) | Marathi: तिळवण (Tilvan), पिवळी तोंडली (Pivali Tondli) | Bengali: হুরহুরে (Hurhure) | Oriya: ସୋରିଷିଆ (Sorishia) |

3. Medicinal Uses:Carminative, Anti-inflammatory, Anthelmintic (de-worming), Analgesic (pain-relieving), Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Antimicrobial, Antidiarrheal.

Medicinal Parts:The whole plant is used, but the seeds, leaves, and roots are most common.

• Seeds: Highly valued for their anthelmintic and carminative properties.

• Leaves: Used for poultices and decoctions.

• Roots: Used in specific traditional preparations.

• Whole Plant: Used fresh or dried in various formulations.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Glucosinolates (Cleomin, Viscosin): Upon crushing, these sulfur-containing compounds break down into isothiocyanates, which are responsible for the plant's pungent smell and its potent Antimicrobial and Anthelmintic actions.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Kaempferol): Provide Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory benefits.

Tannins: Contribute Astringent and Antidiarrheal properties.

Alkaloids and Saponins: Add to the plant's overall biological activity, including potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Krimi (Worm Infestation)

Formulation: Seed powder or paste.

Preparation & Use: The dried seeds are powdered and administered with buttermilk or water to expel intestinal worms, particularly tapeworms and roundworms. A paste of the fresh seeds may also be used.

Reasoning: The isothiocyanates released from glucosinolates are toxic to intestinal parasites, paralyzing or killing them.

Shula (Abdominal Pain) & Anaha (Bloating)

Formulation: Seed decoction or leaf juice.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the seeds or fresh juice of the leaves is given to relieve colicky pain, flatulence, and abdominal distension.

Reasoning: The carminative and antispasmodic properties help expel gas and relax intestinal muscles.

Jwara (Fever) & Shotha (Inflammation)

Formulation: Leaf poultice or root decoction.

Preparation & Use: A poultice of the fresh leaves is applied to inflamed joints or swollen body parts. A decoction of the root is consumed to reduce fever, especially malarial fever in some traditions.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and antipyretic compounds help reduce swelling and lower body temperature.

Vrana (Wounds) & Kandu (Itching)

Formulation: Leaf paste or juice.

Preparation & Use: The fresh leaves are crushed, and the juice or paste is applied topically to disinfect wounds, ulcers, and to relieve itching in skin conditions.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties cleanse wounds and soothe irritated skin.

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

The young leaves and shoots are occasionally used as a pungent, mustard-flavored leafy vegetable or condiment in some regional cuisines, but it is primarily a medicinal herb.

Anthelmintic Seed Decoction

Purpose: To expel intestinal worms.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 1-3 grams of dried Cleome viscosa seeds.

• Crush and boil in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes.

• Strain and drink on an empty stomach in the morning. Use for short term only and under guidance.

Carminative Seed Powder for Indigestion

Purpose: To relieve gas and bloating.

Preparation & Use:

• Dry roast a teaspoon of seeds lightly.

• Powder and mix with a pinch of rock salt and 1/4 tsp ginger powder.

• Take this mixture with warm water after a heavy meal.

Anti-inflammatory Leaf Poultice

Purpose: For joint pain or localized swellings.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush a handful of fresh leaves into a paste.

• Apply directly to the affected area and leave for 20-30 minutes before washing off.

7. In-Depth Phytochemical Profile and Clinical Significance of Cleome viscosa (Asian Spiderflower, Dog Mustard)

Cleome viscosa, commonly known as Asian spiderflower, dog mustard, or wild mustard, is a sticky, aromatic annual herb belonging to the Cleomaceae family. Widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, it is easily recognized by its yellow flowers, elongated seed pods, and characteristic pungent odor. Unlike the previous herbs with specific dominant compound classes, C. viscosa presents a more balanced arsenal of glucosinolates, flavonoids, and fatty acids. It is a quintessential "folk medicine" plant, used extensively for its broad-spectrum anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and wound-healing properties.

1. Glucosinolates and Their Derivatives (The Pungent Defenders)

Key Compounds:The pungency and a significant portion of the bioactivity are derived from sulfur-containing glucosinolates and their enzymatic hydrolysis products.

• Glucocapparin (Methyl glucosinolate): Often the predominant glucosinolate.

• Glucocleomin: A glucosinolate more specific to the Cleome genus.

• Isothiocyanates: Upon tissue damage (crushing, chewing), the enzyme myrosinase converts glucosinolates into volatile isothiocyanates (mustard oils), such as methyl isothiocyanate.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:This class is responsible for the plant's sharp, mustard-like taste and its most direct biological actions.

• Potent Anthelmintic & Antiparasitic: The isothiocyanates are highly effective at paralyzing and eliminating intestinal worms (nematodes, cestodes) and other parasites. This is the primary traditional use, with the seeds and leaves administered as a vermifuge.

• Antimicrobial: The volatile isothiocyanates exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity, validating the use of leaf poultices on wounds and skin infections.

• Counter-Irritant & Rubefacient: When applied topically, these compounds cause mild irritation and reddening of the skin (rubefaction), stimulating blood flow to the area. This is used traditionally to relieve deep-seated pain, such as in rheumatism or arthritic joints.

2. Flavonoids and Phenolic Compounds

Key Compounds:

• Flavonoids: Vitexin, Isovitexin (apigenin C-glycosides), Quercetin, Kaempferol, Luteolin.

• Phenolic Acids: p-Coumaric acid, Ferulic acid, Syringic acid, Vanillic acid.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:The phenolic profile provides systemic and supportive therapeutic actions.

• Antioxidant & Hepatoprotective: The flavonoids and phenolic acids are potent free radical scavengers. This antioxidant activity is central to the plant's ability to protect the liver from toxin-induced damage (e.g., from carbon tetrachloride or paracetamol), supporting its use in jaundice and as a liver tonic.

• Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic: Flavonoids like vitexin and quercetin inhibit key inflammatory enzymes (COX-2, LOX) and the NF-κB pathway. This provides systemic anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, complementing the topical counter-irritant action.

• Antipyretic (Fever-Reducing): The anti-inflammatory flavonoids contribute to the plant's traditional use in reducing fevers, likely by interfering with prostaglandin-mediated pyresis.

3. Fatty Acids and Fixed Oil (Seed Focus)

Key Compounds:

• Fatty Acids in Seed Oil: Linoleic acid (omega-6), Oleic acid, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid. The oil is rich in unsaturated fats.

• Sterols: Campesterol, Stigmasterol, β-Sitosterol.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:The seeds and their extracted oil have distinct nutritional and medicinal value.

• Anti-inflammatory & Wound Healing (Topical): The fixed oil, rich in linoleic acid, acts as an emollient and possesses anti-inflammatory properties when applied to skin, burns, or ulcers. It helps in forming a protective barrier and reduces inflammation.

• Nutritional & Potential Hypocholesterolemic: The seed oil is edible and a source of essential fatty acids. Phytosterols like β-sitosterol can interfere with dietary cholesterol absorption.

4. Other Critical Compounds

Key Compounds:

• Alkaloids: Presence reported, though not fully characterized (e.g., cleomine-like structures).

• Tannins: Condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins).

• Saponins: Triterpenoid saponins.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

• Astringent & Antimicrobial: Tannins contribute to wound healing by precipitating proteins, forming a protective layer, and exhibiting mild antimicrobial activity.

• Expectorant & Diuretic: Saponins are known for their surface-active properties, which can help loosen respiratory mucus (expectorant) and promote diuresis.

An Integrated View of Healing in Cleome viscosa

The therapeutic application of Cleome viscosa is a pragmatic combination of direct, potent actions (from glucosinolates) and supportive, systemic modulation (from flavonoids and oils).

• For Parasitic Infections (Krimiroga - Worm Infestation): This is a direct, targeted action. Upon ingestion, the Glucosinolates are hydrolyzed in the gut to release volatile Isothiocyanates, which act as a potent anthelmintic, paralyzing and expelling intestinal worms. Concurrently, the anti-inflammatory Flavonoids help soothe the gut lining irritated by the parasites.

• For Dermatological and Musculoskeletal Issues: The plant can be used both topically and internally. Topically, the crushed leaves or seed oil paste provides a multi-pronged approach: the Isothiocyanates act as a counter-irritant and antimicrobial, the Tannins as an astringent, and the Fixed Oil as an emollient and anti-inflammatory agent, making it excellent for wounds, ulcers, and rheumatic pain. Systemically, the absorbed Flavonoids provide underlying anti-inflammatory and analgesic support.

• As a Hepatoprotective and Febrifuge Agent (Yakrit and Jwara): For internal conditions like jaundice and fever, the synergy is clear. The Flavonoids (Vitexin, Quercetin) and Phenolic Acids deliver a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory punch, protecting liver cells from damage and helping to normalize body temperature. The bitter and pungent principles also stimulate digestion and bile flow (cholagogue), further aiding liver decongestion.

• As a Functional "Farmacy" Herb: Its ease of growth, broad availability, and multiple points of use (seeds, leaves, oil) make it a classic household remedy. From deworming children and livestock, to dressing wounds, to relieving joint pain and fevers, C. viscosa embodies a practical, multi-purpose medicinal plant whose phytochemistry directly mirrors its diverse traditional applications.

Disclaimer: Cleome viscosa is a potent medicinal herb. The seeds, in particular, are strong anthelmintics and should be used in precise doses. Excessive consumption can cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, and dizziness due to its bioactive compounds. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Internal use should be short-term and ideally supervised by a practitioner familiar with its properties. This information is for educational purposes only.

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

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

• Wealth of India (Raw Materials) by CSIR

• Ethnobotany of India Series

• Dravyaguna Vijnana (for related herbs like Himsra)

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

1. Embelia ribes (Vidanga)

• Species: Embelia ribes | Family: Primulaceae | Genus: Embelia

• Similarities: Vidanga is the primary Ayurvedic herb for destroying intestinal worms (Krimighna). Both Cleome viscosa and Vidanga are celebrated for their potent anthelmintic properties, though they belong to different families.

2. Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain/Yavani)

• Species: Trachyspermum ammi | Family: Apiaceae | Genus: Trachyspermum

• Similarities: Both are powerful carminatives and antispasmodics used to relieve abdominal colic, bloating, and gas. They share a pungent taste and a strong, distinctive aroma due to volatile oils (in Ajwain) or glucosinolates (in Cleome).

3. Lepidium sativum (Chandrashura/Halim)

• Species: Lepidium sativum | Family: Brassicaceae | Genus: Lepidium

• Similarities: Both are pungent-tasting herbs whose seeds are used medicinally. Garden cress (Chandrashura) is also a carminative and is used in some traditions for respiratory and fracture healing, sharing the theme of being "hot" and stimulating herbs used for digestion and inflammation.

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