Ipomoea carnea (Convolvulaceae)

Ipomoea carnea (Bush Morning Glory)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Ipomoea carnea

Family: Convolvulaceae

Genus: Ipomoea

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Evolvulus alsinoides (Vishnukranti) - As detailed previously, a renowned brain tonic in Ayurveda.

• Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato) - A common food crop whose leaves are also used as a nutritious vegetable.

• Argyreia nervosa (Elephant Creeper, Vridhadaru) - Used in Ayurveda as a rasayana (rejuvenator) for the nervous system, but requires caution due to potent psychoactive compounds.

The Convolvulaceae family contains a diverse range of species, from highly medicinal to toxic, and from food crops to invasive weeds. Ipomoea carnea falls into the category of a plant with significant medicinal potential but also well-documented toxicity.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Ipomoea carnea | English: Bush Morning Glory, Pink Morning Glory | Sanskrit: Bhuijambira, Durdhara | Hindi: Besharam, Dhol Kolsi | Tamil: Vellai Poonikkodi, Paalkodi | Telugu: Pogakalesiri, Ganneru | Kannada: Adumuttada gida, Drona | Malayalam: Appa, Palpasha | Bengali: Dhol Kolmi | Nepali: | Urdu: | French: | Spanish: | Italian: | German: | Chinese: | Russian: | Japanese: | Africaans: |

3. Medicinal Uses(Note: Use with extreme caution) Immunomodulatory, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anticonvulsant, Larvicidal, Antiparasitic, Wound Healing (External use).

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Swainsonine: This is the primary toxic alkaloid. It is a potent inhibitor of the enzyme alpha-mannosidase, leading to a condition known as lysosomal storage disease. This causes Neurological toxicity and is responsible for the plant's poisoning in livestock. In controlled, minute doses, it is investigated for Immunomodulatory and potential Anti-cancer effects due to its ability to alter glycoprotein processing.

Indolizidine Alkaloids (besides Swainsonine): Contribute to the overall toxicity and biological activity.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Kaempferol): These compounds provide Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory benefits, which are harnessed in traditional external applications.

Tannins: Impart Astringent properties, useful for wound contraction and healing in topical preparations.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Crucial Note: The internal use of this plant is highly risky and is not recommended in standard Ayurvedic practice. Traditional uses are often regional and involve specific, cautious preparation methods.

Anti-inflammatory & Wound Healing (External Use for Sores and Inflammation)

Formulation: Poultice or leaf paste.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are warmed or crushed into a paste and applied topically to wounds, ulcers, swellings, and rheumatic joints. It is believed to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory flavonoids and astringent tannins work together to reduce swelling, protect the wound, and promote tissue repair when applied externally.

Antiparasitic and Larvicidal (Environmental Use)

Formulation: Leaf extract.

Preparation & Use: In traditional farming communities, a decoction of the leaves is used as a natural pesticide to control larvae and pests on crops.

Reasoning: The alkaloids present in the plant are toxic to insects and parasites, making it an effective natural biocide.

Immunomodulatory (Limited and Highly Specialized Internal Use)

Formulation: Processed extracts under expert guidance.

Preparation & Use: In very specific and controlled folk traditions, minute doses of properly processed plant parts have been used to modulate the immune system. This is extremely dangerous to attempt without expert supervision.

Reasoning: Swainsonine alters immune cell function, which in a uncontrolled setting leads to poisoning, but in a highly controlled scientific context is being studied for its immunomodulatory potential.

6. Healing recipes, Medicated Oils, Teas and Culinary uses (if any).

Ipomoea carnea has NO safe culinary uses. It is a toxic plant and should not be consumed as a food, tea, or juice. Its applications are strictly limited to external, ethnobotanical, or highly specialized medicinal contexts under expert guidance.

External Poultice for Skin Inflammation and Swelling

Purpose: To reduce localized inflammation, as in sprains or non-bleeding wounds.

Preparation & Use:

• Take a few fresh leaves of Ipomoea carnea.

• Warm them slightly or crush them thoroughly to make a paste.

• Apply the paste directly to the affected area.

• Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then wash off thoroughly.

• Do not use on open or bleeding wounds without professional advice.

7. Disclaimer:This is a critically important disclaimer. Ipomoea carnea is a known toxic plant due to the presence of swainsonine and other alkaloids. Ingestion, even in small quantities, can cause severe neurological damage, lethargy, and death in livestock and humans. Its internal use is NOT RECOMMENDED for the general public or for self-medication. Any external use should be approached with extreme caution. This information is provided for academic and identification purposes only to highlight the risks associated with this plant. It is imperative to consult a qualified medical professional before considering any use of this plant. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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

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

• Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Various research papers on its toxicity and chemical profile)

• Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (Research on swainsonine and its effects)

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

1. Astragalus membranaceus (Milk Vetch): Scientific name: Astragalus membranaceus. Family: Fabaceae. Similarity: While Astragalus is a safe and premier immunomodulator, some species of Astragalus (known as "Locoweeds") also contain swainsonine and cause similar poisoning symptoms in livestock, providing a phytochemical parallel to Ipomoea carnea.

2. Sida acuta (Common Wireweed): Scientific name: Sida acuta. Family: Malvaceae. Similarity: This plant shares a similar traditional use for wound healing and anti-inflammatory poultices. It is also considered to have toxic potential in high doses, necessitating cautious use.

3. Lantana camara (Wild Sage): Scientific name: Lantana camara. Family: Verbenaceae. Similarity: Both Ipomoea carnea and Lantana camara are invasive plants with significant toxicity to livestock, yet they possess compounds (triterpenoids in Lantana) that are investigated for medicinal properties, representing the dual nature of many plants.

   
   

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