Duranta erecta ( Verbenaceae)

Duranta erecta (Golden Dewdrop)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Duranta erecta (Syn. Duranta repens)

Family: Verbenaceae

Genus: Duranta

Related Herbs from the same family:

· Vitex negundo (Nirgundi): A highly important Ayurvedic herb for pain, inflammation, and respiratory conditions.

· Clerodendrum serratum (Bharangi): Used for respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchitis.

The Verbenaceae family contains several potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic herbs.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Duranta erecta | English: Golden Dewdrop, Pigeon Berry, Skyflower | Sanskrit: Not classically documented. | Hindi: Van Neem, Duranta | Tamil: Gucchamanjari, Vatrali | Telugu: Tellavareni | Kannada: Duranta | Malayalam: Duranta | Marathi: Duranta, Pivali Pani | Bengali: Duranta | Spanish: Duranta, Celinda |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Analgesic(pain-relieving), Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Larvicidal, Anticancer (studied). Also known to be TOXIC.

Medicinal Parts:

The leaves,fruits, and stems are used in traditional medicine, but all parts are considered poisonous.

· Leaves: The most commonly used part for poultices.

· Fruits: Highly toxic, especially to children.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Durantanin I & II: These are specific lectins isolated from the plant that have Antifungal properties.

Triterpenoid Saponins: Contribute to the Antimicrobial and Larvicidal actions.

Alkaloids: The plant contains several alkaloids which are likely responsible for both its medicinal and Toxic effects, including gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Shula (Pain) & Shotha (Inflammation)

Formulation: Leaf poultice or wash.

Preparation & Use: In folk medicine, a poultice of the leaves is applied topically to relieve joint pain, swellings, and headaches. A leaf decoction is used as a wash for skin infections.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties provide temporary relief from pain and swelling when applied externally.

Krimi (Worms) & Jwara (Fever)

Formulation: Leaf extract (used with extreme caution).

Preparation & Use: In some traditions, a very dilute leaf extract is used internally for intestinal worms and fever. This is a highly risky practice due to toxicity.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial and anthelmintic properties of the saponins and alkaloids are believed to be responsible.

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

There is NO SAFE CULINARY USE. The berries are particularly poisonous and have caused fatalities in children. All uses are external and risky.

Anti-inflammatory Leaf Poultice

Purpose: For joint pain and swelling.

Preparation & Use:

· Crush a handful of fresh Duranta leaves.

· Apply as a poultice to the affected area for no more than 20-30 minutes.

· Caution: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Discontinue if skin irritation occurs.

7. Disclaimer:

Duranta erecta is a TOXIC PLANT. The berries are known to be FATAL if ingested, especially by children. All parts of the plant are poisonous and can cause nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and death.Internal use is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. External use can also cause skin irritation and is not recommended without expert supervision. This information is primarily for identification and awareness of its significant hazards.

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

· Toxicology journals and case reports.

· Wealth of India by CSIR

· Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

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

1. Vitex negundo (Nirgundi)

· Species: Vitex negundo | Family: Verbenaceae | Genus: Vitex

· Similarities: A safe and highly effective relative from the same family. Nirgundi is the gold-standard Ayurvedic herb for external and internal treatment of pain, inflammation, and respiratory conditions, without the associated toxicity of Duranta.

2. Lantana camara (Lantana)

· Species: Lantana camara | Family: Verbenaceae | Genus: Lantana

· Similarities: Another ornamental plant from the Verbenaceae family that is also toxic yet used in folk medicine for similar purposes (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial). Both serve as examples of plants where significant toxicity limits their therapeutic application despite bioactive properties.

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