Ipomoea hederifolia (Convolvulaceae)

Ipomoea hederifolia (Scarlet Creeper)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Ipomoea hederifolia

Family: Convolvulaceae

Genus: Ipomoea

Related Herbs from the same family:

Ipomoea digitata (Vidari): A classic Ayurvedic rejuvenative (Rasayana) and galactagogue, used to promote vitality and support the female reproductive system.

Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhapushpi): A premier Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic) in Ayurveda, used for enhancing memory, intelligence, and treating nervous disorders.

Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato/Raktalu): The tuber is a nutritive tonic and demulcent, used for strength, lactation, and blood sugar support.

Turbina corymbosa (Ololiuqui): A plant native to the Americas, its seeds were used in traditional rituals for their psychoactive properties due to ergot alkaloids.

The Convolvulaceae family, or morning glory family, contains species with a vast range of uses, from food crops to powerful neurological and purgative herbs. Many contain ergoline alkaloids.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Ipomoea hederifolia | English: Scarlet Creeper, Ivy-leaved Morning Glory | Sanskrit: Not well-defined in classical texts, often regionally specific. | Hindi: Lal Morpankhi | Tamil: Sivappu Talikkodi | Telugu: Yerra Jilledu | Kannada: Kempu Benne Balli | Malayalam: Chuvanna Murikootti | Marathi: Lal Ghavati | Spanish: Campanilla |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Purgative(Virechana), Antiparasitic, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Febrifuge.

Medicinal Parts:

The seeds are the most medicinally significant part.The leaves are also used in some traditions.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Resin Glycosides (e.g., Ipomoein): These are the primary purgative compounds. Their action is a strong Purgative, acting on the large intestine to induce vigorous bowel movements.

Alkaloids (Ergoline Alkaloids): Similar to those found in other Ipomoea and Argyreia species. Their actions can be Psychoactive at certain doses, but in this species, the purgative action is more dominant. They may also have Emetogenic (vomiting-inducing) effects.

Tannins: Present in the leaves, contributing to Astringent and Antimicrobial properties.

Flavonoids: Provide Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory benefits.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Vibandha (Severe Constipation) & Krimi (Intestinal Worms)

Formulation: The seeds.

Preparation & Use: A very small number of seeds (1-3) are crushed and taken with water or milk. This is a powerful purgative used to clear the bowels in cases of severe constipation and to expel intestinal worms.

Reasoning: The resin glycosides irritate the intestinal lining, leading to strong peristalsis and evacuation. This action also helps flush out parasites.

Virechana Karma (Therapeutic Purging)

Formulation: Seed preparation.

Preparation & Use: In some folk medicine practices, it is used as a substitute for more classical purgatives like Trivrit (Operculina turpethum) under strict guidance.

Reasoning: Its strong, downward-acting (Anulomana) force is used to purge excess doshas, particularly Pitta and Kapha, from the small intestine.

Shotha (Inflammation) & Jwara (Fever)

Formulation: Leaf poultice or paste.

Preparation & Use: The leaves are crushed and applied as a poultice to inflamed joints or swellings. A leaf decoction is also used internally to reduce fever in some traditions.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties help reduce swelling, while its Pitta-aggravating nature in excess can, in a controlled manner, be used to break a fever through purgation.

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

This plant is not used in cooking due to its potent purgative effects. Its use is strictly medicinal and requires extreme caution.

Warning: Preparation and dosage are critical and can be dangerous without expert guidance. The following is for informational purposes only.

Purgative for Severe Constipation (Traditional Folk Use)

Purpose: To induce vigorous purgation.

Preparation & Use:

· Take 1 (one) seed.

· Crush it thoroughly and mix with a cup of warm water or milk.

· Consume on an empty stomach. Effects can be strong and rapid.

· This is a potent medicine and not for self-experimentation.

7. Disclaimer:

Ipomoea hederifolia is a potent purgative herb and can be toxic if misused. The seeds are the most powerful part and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, dehydration, and cramping. It is not for self-medication. The use of this plant should only be undertaken under the strict supervision of a qualified and experienced herbalist or Ayurvedic practitioner who understands its dosage and application. Keep away from children and pets. This information is for academic and educational purposes only and is not a recommendation for use.

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

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

· Wealth of India, Raw Materials

· Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (for reference on purgative herbs like Trivrit)

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

1. Operculina turpethum (Trivrit/Nishoth)

* Species:Operculina turpethum | Family: Convolvulaceae | Genus: Operculina

* Similarities:Both are members of the Convolvulaceae family and are classified as strong purgatives (Virechana Dravya) in Ayurveda. They are used to cleanse the GI tract and balance Pitta and Kapha doshas.

2. Ipomoea turpethum (Synonym for Operculina turpethum)

* Species:Ipomoea turpethum | Family: Convolvulaceae | Genus: Ipomoea

* Similarities:This is a botanical synonym, highlighting the very close relationship and identical purgative use. Studying Trivrit provides the classical context for how a potent purgative like I. hederifolia might be applied within a traditional framework.

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