Ipomoea carnea (Convolvulaceae)

Ipomoea carnea (Bush Morning Glory)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Ipomoea carnea

Family: Convolvulaceae

Genus: Ipomoea

The Convolvulaceae family contains a diverse range of species, from food crops to potent psychoactive and medicinal plants.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato): A nutritive tuber.

• Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhapushpi): A premier brain tonic.

• Ipomoea digitata (Vidari): A rejuvenative and galactagogue tuber.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Ipomoea carnea | English: Bush Morning Glory, Pink Morning Glory | Sanskrit: Not classically documented. | Hindi: Besharam, Behaya | Tamil: Neyveli Kattamanakku | Telugu: Adavi Jiluga | Kannada: Adavi Biligumbala | Malayalam: Nilappanji | Marathi: Besharam | Bengali: Dumur Lota | Spanish: Boniato de monte, Matacabra |

3. Medicinal Uses:External: Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Wound Healing, Antipruritic (relieves itching). Note: INTERNAL USE IS HIGHLY TOXIC.

Medicinal Parts:The leaves, latex, and stems are used EXTERNALLY ONLY.

• Leaves: Used in poultices.

• Latex: Applied topically.

• Stems: Rarely used.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Swainsonine: An indolizidine alkaloid that is the primary toxin. Action: Potent Inhibitor of cellular enzymes (mannosidases), leading to lysosomal storage disease, neurological dysfunction, and death in livestock and humans upon ingestion.Other Alkaloids: Contribute to overall toxicity.Tannins & Flavonoids: Present and may contribute to the Astringent and Anti-inflammatory effects when used topically.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Vrana (Wounds) & Dadru (Ringworm)

Formulation: Leaf paste or latex application.

Preparation & Use: The fresh leaves are crushed and applied as a poultice to wounds, cuts, and fungal skin infections. The milky latex is directly applied to warts and skin growths.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial and astringent properties help cleanse wounds and fight surface infections when used externally.

Shotha (Inflammation) & Kandu (Itching)

Formulation: Leaf decoction wash.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the leaves is used as a cool wash for inflamed, itchy skin conditions like dermatitis and insect bites.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and soothing properties provide relief from itching and redness.

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

There is ABSOLUTELY NO SAFE CULINARY OR INTERNAL USE. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. Its use is restricted to external application only.

Antifungal and Wound Healing Paste

Purpose: For superficial skin wounds and ringworm.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush a handful of fresh leaves into a fine paste.

• Apply a thin layer to the cleaned affected area.

• Leave on for 20-30 minutes, then wash off thoroughly. Perform a patch test first.

7. Disclaimer:

Ipomoea carnea is a HIGHLY TOXIC PLANT. INGESTION CAN BE FATAL TO HUMANS AND ANIMALS. It causes a condition called "Locoism" characterized by neurological damage, weight loss, and death. Internal use is strictly prohibited. External use should be done with caution, as the sap can cause skin irritation in some individuals. This information is for identification and awareness of its dangers.

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

• Toxic Plants of North America by George E. Burrows and Ronald J. Tyrl

• Veterinary toxicology references.

• Wealth of India by CSIR (for identification).

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

1. Calotropis gigantea (Crown Flower/Aak)

• Species: Calotropis gigantea | Family: Apocynaceae | Genus: Calotropis

• Similarities: Both are plants with milky latex that are highly toxic if ingested but have traditional external uses for wounds, skin diseases, and as anti-inflammatory poultices. Both demand extreme caution.

2. Jatropha curcas (Purging Nut)

• Species: Jatropha curcas | Family: Euphorbiaceae | Genus: Jatropha

• Similarities: Another plant where the internal use (of seeds/oil) is drastically purgative and toxic, but the latex and leaves are used externally for wound healing and inflammation. They exemplify the principle of careful, specific application of toxic plants.

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