Ipomoea quamoclit (Convolvulaceae)Cypress vine

Ipomoea quamoclit (Cypress Vine)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Ipomoea quamoclit

Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory family)

Genus: Ipomoea

The Convolvulaceae family is rich in species with profound neurological and rejuvenative properties, ranging from daily food crops to powerful psychoactive and tonic herbs.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhapushpi): A revered Ayurvedic Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic) used for enhancing memory, intellect, and treating nervous disorders. It is native to the Indian subcontinent.

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

• Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato, Raktalu): As detailed previously, a nutritive tuber used as a food and medicine for strength and blood sugar balance.

• Argyreia nervosa (Elephant Creeper, Vridhadaru): A significant Ayurvedic Rasayana used for rejuvenation, nervous system disorders, and as an aphrodisiac, though it requires careful processing.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Ipomoea quamoclit | English: Cypress Vine, Star Glory, Hummingbird Vine | Sanskrit: Not classically recorded; sometimes called Kunjalata or Kāmadudhā in modern references. | Hindi: Kamalata, Kunj | Tamil: Mayilmannu, Semmayirkkodi | Telugu: Akasha malli, Kasiratnam | Kannada: Akashamallige | Malayalam: Akashamulla | Marathi: Shankhavalli | Bengali: Tarulata, Kamalata | Spanish: Estrella de la tarde, Quamoclit | French: Liseron plume, Ipomée quamoclit |

3. Medicinal Uses:Vulnerary (wound healing), Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Mild Laxative, Febrifuge (fever-reducing), Astringent.

Medicinal Parts:The most commonly used parts of the Ipomoea quamoclit plant in folk medicine are the leaves, seeds, and the whole aerial plant.

• Leaves: The primary part used, crushed for poultices or made into a paste for topical application.

• Seeds: Used in traditional systems for their purgative properties.

• Whole Aerial Parts: Used in decoctions for internal cleansing and fever.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Flavonoids (Rutin, Kaempferol derivatives): These compounds are responsible for the plant's Antioxidant activity. Their actions include Anti-inflammatory and Vulnerary (wound-healing) properties, strengthening capillaries and reducing oxidative stress at wound sites.

Phenolic Acids (Caffeic Acid, Chlorogenic Acid): Common in Convolvulaceae, these acids contribute to the plant's Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory profile. They may also support mild Febrifuge effects.

Resins and Tannins: Present in the leaves, these compounds provide a mild Astringent action, helping to contract tissue and dry secretions, which aids in wound healing.

Alkaloids: Trace amounts of various alkaloids have been reported, which may contribute to its biological activity, though they are not well-characterized for this species.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Vrana Ropana (Wound Healing) & Twak Vikara (Skin Diseases)

Formulation: Fresh leaf poultice or paste.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are crushed into a paste and applied directly to cuts, wounds, boils, bleeding Piles and ulcers. It is believed to cleanse the wound, reduce swelling, and accelerate healing.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and astringent properties help reduce pus and inflammation, while the antioxidant flavonoids promote tissue regeneration and protect against infection.

Jwara (Fever) & Antidotal Use

Formulation: Decoction of the aerial parts.

Preparation & Use: In various folk traditions, a decoction of the vine is used to help reduce fevers. It is also sometimes used as a wash or internally in cases of certain poisonings, aligning with the broader Vishaghna (antidotal) reputation of some Convolvulaceae plants.

Reasoning: The febrifuge effect may be linked to its anti-inflammatory compounds. Its traditional use as an antidote is likely due to a general detoxifying or purgative action.

Vibandha (Constipation) & Deepana (Digestive Stimulant)

Formulation: Seed preparation.

Preparation & Use: The seeds are known for their strong purgative (laxative) action. They are used in very small, controlled doses to relieve severe constipation.

Reasoning: Like many morning glory seeds, they contain compounds that irritate the gastrointestinal lining, inducing peristalsis. This use is potent and requires extreme caution.

Raktashodhaka (Blood Purifier)

Formulation: Leaf juice or mild infusion.

Preparation & Use: The plant is sometimes used in folk medicine as a blood purifier for skin conditions manifesting from internal toxicity.

Reasoning: Its mild diuretic and laxative effects may promote the elimination of waste, while its antioxidant action supports systemic cleansing.

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

Ipomoea quamoclit is primarily an ornamental plant with ethnomedicinal uses. It is not typically used in cuisine.

Wound Healing Leaf Poultice

Purpose: For minor cuts, abrasions, or boils and bleeding Piles.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 8-10 fresh, clean leaves.

• Crush them into a fine paste using a mortar and pestle.

• Apply directly to the cleaned wound and cover with a clean cloth. Change twice daily.

Fever reducing Infusion

Purpose: As a supportive drink during fevers.

Preparation & Use:

• Take a small handful of fresh leaves and stems.

• Steep in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes.

• Strain and drink cool, 1-2 times a day. This is a mild, folk preparation.

Nourishing Herbal Tea:

Take 10- 15 flowers and add them to a glass of boiling water. Cover and keep for 5 minutes. Filter, add a dash of lemon juice and a sweetener if required.

Miscellaneous uses:

1. Leaves are made into a paste and applied externally to help soothe and heal bleeding piles.

2. Crushed leaves are also applied as a plaster on carbuncles and heat boils.

3. 2 tsps of the leaf juice mixed with equal quantity of ghee is to be consumed twice a day to help heal carbuncles, piles and intestinal inflammation.

   
   

7. Disclaimer:Ipomoea quamoclit is not a major herb in classical Ayurveda or modern phytotherapy. Its medicinal uses are primarily based on folk traditions. The seeds are known to be purgative and potentially toxic if ingested in quantity. Internal use of any part of the plant should be approached with great caution and only under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner. The safety profile for pregnant/nursing women and children is unknown. Topical use of the leaf paste is generally considered safe but perform a patch test first. This information is for academic and educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

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

• Ethnobotany of India (multiple volumes) by T. Pullaiah et al.

• Wealth of India: A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials and Industrial Products (Raw Materials Series)

• Indian Folk Medicines and Indigenous Plants by Dr. S.K. Jain

• Medicinal Plants of the World by Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink

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

1. Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhapushpi)

• Species: Convolvulus pluricaulis | Family: Convolvulaceae | Genus: Convolvulus

• Similarities: A direct family relative with a profound and well-documented Ayurvedic pedigree. Both share a twining habit. While I. quamoclit is used for wounds, Shankhapushpi is a premier nervine tonic, demonstrating the family's neurological focus.

2. Evolvulus alsinoides (Vishnukranta, Shankhapushpi)

• Species: Evolvulus alsinoides | Family: Convolvulaceae | Genus: Evolvulus

• Similarities: Another plant often identified as Shankhapushpi in Ayurveda. It shares the small, delicate flowers and is a highly regarded brain tonic. Studying these together highlights the confusion and importance of proper botanical identification in the Convolvulaceae family.

3. Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola, Mandukaparni)

• Species: Centella asiatica | Family: Apiaceae | Genus: Centella

• Similarities: While from a different family, Gotu Kola is the archetypal wound-healing and nervine tonic herb. It shares I. quamoclit's vulnerary property but has a vastly more extensive and validated profile for enhancing cognitive function and repairing connective tissue.

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