Ichnocarpus frutescens (Apocynaceae) Black Creeper

Ichnocarpus frutescens (Black Creeper)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Ichnocarpus frutescens

Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)

Genus: Ichnocarpus

The Apocynaceae family is a treasure trove of medicinally significant plants, many containing complex alkaloids and glycosides. Ichnocarpus frutescens holds a specific place as a Vishaghna (antidote) and Raktashodhaka (blood purifier).

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Hemidesmus indicus (Indian Sarsaparilla, Anantamul): A primary herb for blood purification, skin diseases, and as a cooling demulcent. Both Ichnocarpus and Hemidesmus share the common Sanskrit name Shyama, highlighting their perceived similar detoxifying properties.

• Gymnema sylvestre (Gurmar): A key anti-diabetic herb. This illustrates the family's range from metabolic regulators to detoxifiers.

• Rauvolfia serpentina (Sarpagandha): The classic herb for hypertension and anxiety, containing potent alkaloids. This shows the family's depth in treating neurological and cardiovascular disorders.

• Holarrhena pubescens (Kutaja): A specific remedy for dysentery and intestinal parasites. The Apocynaceae family thus covers digestive, dermal, metabolic, and nervous system health.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Ichnocarpus frutescens | English: Black Creeper, Sariva (note: shared with Hemidesmus) | Sanskrit: Shyamalata, Shyama, Sariva, Krishna Sariva | Hindi: Kali-dudhi, Shyamalata | Tamil: Palvalli, Ural | Telugu: Kasirat, Kalipala | Kannada: Haladipala, Karubugula | Malayalam: Karuvalli, Palvalli | Marathi: Hadjodi, Kapur | Bengali: Shyamalota, Krishnosariva | Assamese: Medelsimalu | Oriya: Dambaru-lota |

3. Medicinal Uses:Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Blood Purifier, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Galactagogue, Diuretic, Adaptogen, Hepatoprotective, Anti-arthritic.

Medicinal Parts:The most commonly used parts of the Ichnocarpus frutescens plant in medicine are the roots and leaves.

• Roots: The primary medicinal part, considered the most potent. Used in powders, decoctions, and medicated oils.

• Leaves: Used for poultices and in decoctions, often for skin conditions and fever.

• Stem & Whole Plant: Sometimes used in traditional preparations.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Triterpenoids (α-Amyrin, β-Amyrin, Lupcol): These pentacyclic triterpenes are central to its activity. Their actions include significant Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective, and Analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, supporting its use in arthritis and liver disorders.

Flavonoids (Rutin, Quercetin): Provide strong Antioxidant support, scavenging free radicals. This underpins its Blood Purifying and Anti-inflammatory properties, helping to neutralize toxins and reduce tissue inflammation.

Steroidal Glycosides: Compounds like ichnocarpus glycosides have been studied. Their actions include potential Antipyretic (fever-reducing) and Anti-inflammatory activity, explaining its traditional use in fevers and inflammatory conditions.

Alkaloids (Ichnocarpine, etc.): Indole alkaloids characteristic of the Apocynaceae family. They may contribute to its Adaptogenic and potential neuro-modulatory effects.

Phenolic Acids: Contribute to the overall Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory profile of the plant.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Vishajwara (Toxic Fever)

Formulation: Root decoction (Kwath).

Preparation & Use: A decoction of Shyama root is a classic remedy for chronic, recurrent, or toxic fevers, including those associated with infections. It is considered a broad-spectrum antipyretic.

Reasoning: Its antipyretic and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals help reset the body's thermostat and combat the inflammation driving the fever, while its detoxifying action addresses the "toxic" component.

Kushtha (Skin Diseases) & Vicharchika (Eczema)

Formulation: Internal root powder and external leaf paste.

Preparation & Use: The root powder is taken internally with water or honey to purify the blood. Simultaneously, a paste of the leaves is applied to itchy, inflamed, or infected skin lesions.

Reasoning: As a potent Raktashodhaka, it clears toxins from the blood that are believed to manifest as skin diseases. The topical application provides direct anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action.

Sandhivata (Osteoarthritis) & Vatarakta (Gouty Arthritis)

Formulation: Medicated oil (Sneha) for external application.

Preparation & Use: The root is boiled in oils (like sesame oil) to prepare a medicated oil. This oil is massaged onto painful, inflamed joints to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Reasoning: The lipophilic triterpenoids (like α-Amyrin) and anti-inflammatory compounds in the root are extracted into the oil, providing local analgesic and anti-arthritic effects.

Stanyajanana (Galactagogue) & Raktalpata (Anemia)

Formulation: Root powder with milk.

Preparation & Use: The root powder is mixed with warm milk and given to nursing mothers to improve milk quality and quantity. Its hematinic property also makes it useful in anemia.

Reasoning: Its adaptogenic and nutritive (Rasayana) properties support overall maternal health and vitality, which in turn supports lactation. Its iron content or hematopoietic effect may aid in anemia.

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

Ichnocarpus frutescens is used therapeutically, not culinarily.

Shyama Root Decoction for Fever & Detox

Purpose: To reduce chronic fever and cleanse the blood.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 1-2 teaspoons of dried, crushed Shyama root.

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

• Strain and drink warm, twice a day. Often combined with Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) for enhanced effect.

Skin Health Tonic

Purpose: For chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Preparation & Use:

• Mix 1/2 tsp Shyama root powder with 1 tsp Neem leaf powder.

• Take this mixture with warm water, followed by a spoon of Ghee (clarified butter) to balance the drying effect, once daily.

Medicated Oil for Joint Pain (Kashaya Sneha)

Purpose: For topical relief in arthritis.

Preparation & Use (simplified):

• Boil 50g of crushed Shyama root in 500ml of sesame oil on a very low heat until the roots darken and the oil absorbs the properties.

• Strain and store. Massage a small amount onto affected joints.

7. Disclaimer:Ichnocarpus frutescens is a medicinal herb with potent actions. Its use should be guided by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider. While generally considered safe in recommended doses, excessive use may cause dryness or stomach upset due to its astringent properties. Due to its blood-purifying and potential hormonal influences, it is not recommended during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed. It may interact with diabetic or hypertensive medications. 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:

• Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Classical Ayurvedic Materia Medica)

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

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

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

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

1. Hemidesmus indicus (Anantamul, Indian Sarsaparilla)

• Species: Hemidesmus indicus | Family: Apocynaceae | Genus: Hemidesmus

• Similarities: This is the most direct comparison. Both share the name Sariva/Shyama and are used interchangeably in many Raktashodhaka (blood purifying) formulations for skin diseases, fever, and as cooling diuretics. Hemidesmus is often considered sweeter and more demulcent.

2. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi, Amrita)

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

• Similarities: Both are premier antipyretic, detoxifying (Vishaghna), and immunomodulatory herbs. They are frequently combined in formulations for chronic fevers, autoimmune skin conditions, and to enhance overall resistance.

3. Berberis aristata (Daruharidra)

• Species: Berberis aristata | Family: Berberidaceae | Genus: Berberis

• Similarities: Both are bitter, cooling, and primarily Raktashodhaka herbs used for skin inflammations, eye disorders, and infections. They have strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them key in treating pustular skin conditions.

-x-x-x-End-x-x-x-