Dregea volubilis (Apocynaceae) Green Milkweed climber

Dregea volubilis (Green Milkweed Climber)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Dregea volubilis (Syn: Wattakaka volubilis)

Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane family; formerly Asclepiadaceae)

Genus: Dregea

The Apocynaceae family is vast and medicinally critical, containing many plants with milky latex and complex alkaloids or glycosides. Members range from potent toxins to vital rejuvenatives, often requiring specific processing.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Hemidesmus indicus (Indian Sarsaparilla, Anantamul): A cornerstone Ayurvedic herb for blood purification, skin diseases, and as a cooling demulcent. It is a premier Raktashodhaka (blood purifier) native to the Indian subcontinent.

• Gymnema sylvestre (Gurmar, Madhunashini): The famous "sugar destroyer," a key herb for diabetes management and reducing sugar cravings. It is native to the forests of India.

• Calotropis gigantea (Crown Flower, Arka): A powerful medicinal plant with toxic latex, used in detoxified forms for digestive, respiratory, and skin conditions. It exemplifies the family's strong purgative and emetic properties.

• Holarrhena pubescens (Kurchi, Kutaja): The bark is a specific and highly revered remedy for diarrhea, dysentery, and intestinal parasites (Atisara and Pravahika).

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Dregea volubilis | English: Green Milkweed Climber, Wattakaka | Sanskrit: Hemajivanti, Hamsapadi, Arkapushpi | Hindi: Hemajivanti, Nakchikni | Tamil: Kodi Palaikkooďi, Uralai | Telugu: Budadagaurinta, Teegajemudu | Kannada: Halasuru balli | Malayalam: Kattuvalli, Velipparuthi | Marathi: Kharchudi, Hemsagar | Bengali: Jukti, Hemshagar | Sri Lanka: Wal kiri anguna |

3. Medicinal Uses:Galactagogue (promotes lactation), Adaptogen, Nervine Tonic, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Hematopoietic (blood-forming), Wound Healing, Anti-ulcer, Immunomodulatory.

Medicinal Parts:The most commonly used parts of the Dregea volubilis plant in medicine are the leaves, roots, and the whole plant.

• Leaves: The primary part used, especially for promoting lactation and in wound healing.

• Roots: Used for their tonic and hematinic properties.

• Whole Plant: Used in decoctions and powders for systemic benefits.

• Latex: The milky exudate is used topically for skin conditions.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Pregnane Glycosides (Dregein, Volubilosides): These are the characteristic bioactive compounds. Their actions include significant Galactagogue effects, likely by influencing prolactin or mammary gland metabolism. They also exhibit Anti-inflammatory and Adaptogenic properties.

Flavonoids (Rutin, Quercetin): Present in the leaves, these contribute to the plant's Antioxidant capacity, protecting cells from oxidative damage. They also support Anti-inflammatory and Wound Healing processes.

Triterpenoids and Sterols (β-Amyrin, β-Sitosterol): These compounds are associated with Anti-inflammatory, Wound Healing, and potential Immunomodulatory effects. β-Sitosterol may support hormonal balance.

Alkaloids: Various indole alkaloids have been isolated, which may contribute to its Nervine and tonic effects on the central nervous system.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Stanyajanana (Galactagogue) & Stri Rogadhikara (Female Reproductive Health)

Formulation: Leaf juice or decoction.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaf juice or a decoction of the leaves is a traditional remedy given to nursing mothers to improve the quantity and quality of breast milk. It is also considered a general uterine tonic.

Reasoning: The pregnane glycosides are believed to stimulate mammary gland activity. Its nutritive and tonic (Rasayana) properties support the overall health and vitality of the mother.

Ojas Vardhaka (Promotes Vitality) & Medhya (Brain Tonic)

Formulation: Whole plant or root powder.

Preparation & Use: Classified as a Rasayana (rejuvenative), it is used in conditions of weakness, fatigue, and nervous debility. It is believed to strengthen the nervous system and improve mental function.

Reasoning: Its adaptogenic and antioxidant actions help the body resist stress, while the nervine properties may support neurotransmitter function, enhancing vitality and resilience.

Raktashodhaka (Blood Purifier) & Vrana Ropana (Wound Healing)

Formulation: Leaf paste for external use; leaf decoction for internal use.

Preparation & Use: A paste of the fresh leaves is applied directly to wounds, ulcers, and boils to accelerate healing. Internally, a decoction is used for chronic skin diseases and to purify the blood.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cell-proliferative effects of its flavonoids and triterpenoids promote tissue repair. Its systemic detoxifying action treats skin issues from within.

Raktalpata (Anemia) & Dhatu Vardhaka (Tissue Builder)

Formulation: Root decoction with milk.

Preparation & Use: The root is boiled in milk and consumed as a hematinic tonic to improve red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels, and to build bodily tissues.

Reasoning: Its rich phytochemical profile, combined with the nutritive value of milk, provides essential co-factors for hematopoiesis (blood cell formation) and overall nourishment.

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

Dregea volubilis is primarily used in therapeutic preparations.

Galactagogue Leaf Decoction

Purpose: To support healthy lactation postpartum.

Preparation & Use:

• Take a handful of fresh Hemajivanti leaves.

• Boil in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink warm, once or twice daily. Often combined with fenugreek seeds or fennel for enhanced effect. Use under guidance, especially postpartum.

Rasayana Tonic Powder

Purpose: For general debility, convalescence, or nervous weakness.

Preparation & Use:

• Dried whole plant or root is made into a fine powder.

• Take 1-2 grams of this powder with warm milk or ghee, twice daily after meals.

Wound Healing Leaf Poultice

Purpose: For non-healing ulcers or boils.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush fresh leaves into a paste.

• Apply a thick layer directly on the cleaned wound.

• Cover with a clean cloth. Change twice daily.

7. Disclaimer:

Dregea volubilis is a potent medicinal herb. Its use as a galactagogue should be supervised by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider, especially during the sensitive postpartum period. Due to its traditional use as a uterine tonic, it is contraindicated during pregnancy. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Apocynaceae family should exercise caution. The safety profile for long-term use is not fully established. This information is for educational and academic purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Dravyaguna Vijnana (Vol. II) by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

• Medicinal Plants of India by Dr. R.P. Rastogi et al.

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

1. Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari)

• Species: Asparagus racemosus | Family: Asparagaceae | Genus: Asparagus

• Similarities: Both are premier female tonics and galactagogues in Ayurveda. While Shatavari is more cooling, nutritive, and focused on the reproductive system, Hemajivanti also shares strong adaptogenic, wound-healing, and nervine properties, offering a broader Rasayana effect.

2. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

• Species: Withania somnifera | Family: Solanaceae | Genus: Withania

• Similarities: Both are adaptogenic Rasayana herbs used for vitality, nervous exhaustion, and building strength (Balya). While Ashwagandha is more grounding and focused on muscle tissue and stress, Hemajivanti has a stronger affinity for lactation and wound healing.

3. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi)

• Species: Tinospora cordifolia | Family: Menispermaceae | Genus: Tinospora

• Similarities: Both are immunomodulatory, detoxifying (Raktashodhaka), and wound-healing herbs. Guduchi is a classic for fevers and liver disorders, while Hemajivanti is more specific for lactation and as a female tonic. They represent different angles of rejuvenation.

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