Ipomoea triloba (Convolvulaceae)- The Purgative-Three-lobed Morning Glory

Quick Overview:

This Morning Glory is a Potent Purgative and Anthelmintic. Its most notable traditional use is as a powerful cleansing agent to expel intestinal parasites (worms) and relieve severe constipation through strong laxative action. It is a go-to remedy for acute parasitic infestations and digestive stagnation.

Its secondary application is as a Topical Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic. The leaves are crushed and applied as a poultice to soothe sprains, joint pain, swellings, and skin inflammations.

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Ipomoea triloba L.

Family: Convolvulaceae

Genus: Ipomoea

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhapushpi): The premier Ayurvedic Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic) for memory, intelligence, and nervous disorders.

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

• Ipomoea aquatica (Kalmishak): A nutritious leafy green vegetable with cooling and demulcent properties.

• Argyreia nervosa (Vriddhadaruka): A Rasayana used in Ayurveda for vitality and as a nootropic, though its seeds are psychoactive.

The Convolvulaceae family demonstrates a fascinating spectrum from potent neurological herbs and nourishing food crops to plants with significant psychoactive properties, united by their often twining growth habit.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Ipomoea triloba | English: Three-lobed Morning Glory, Little Bell, Aiea Morning Glory | Sanskrit: Not definitively recorded in classical Ayurvedic texts. | Hindi: तिनपतिया विलायती (Tinpatiya Vilayati), छोटी पोपटबेल (Chhoti Popatbel) | Tamil: முத்துச்சிரங்கு (Muttuchirangu), சின்ன சக்கரை வள்ளி (Chinna Sakkarai Valli) | Telugu: మూడు చీలిక తీగ (Moodu Cheelika Theega) | Malayalam: മൂന്ന് മുള്ളുള്ള തിരുതാളി (Moonnu Mullulla Thiruthaali) | Marathi: तीनदांडी मॉर्निंग ग्लोरी (Teen Dandi Morning Glory) | Bengali: টিনপাতা কলমি লতা (Tinpata Kolmi Lata) | Spanish: Campanilla Morada, Estrella | French: Liseron trilobé | Portuguese: Campainha-vermelha |

3. Medicinal Uses:Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Vulnerary (wound healing), Antimicrobial, Antipruritic (anti-itching), Mild Laxative.

Medicinal Parts:The leaves are the primary part used in traditional medicine.

• Leaves: Used fresh or dried for poultices and infusions.

• Sap/Plant Juice: Occasionally used topically.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Resin Glycosides (Triterpenoid Glycosides): Common to many Ipomoea species, these compounds are often responsible for Purgative effects in high doses but may contribute to Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial actions in topical applications.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Kaempferol derivatives): Provide Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and potential Antipruritic (anti-itching) benefits.

Tannins: Impart Astringent and Vulnerary properties, aiding in wound contraction and healing.

Alkaloids: Some Ipomoea species contain ergoline alkaloids (e.g., in seeds), but these are less documented in I. triloba. Caution is advised.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Kandu (Itching) & Vrana (Wounds)

Formulation: Fresh leaf poultice or crushed leaf juice.

Preparation & Use: In folk medicine across its range (e.g., Caribbean, South Asia, Pacific), the crushed leaves or their juice are applied directly to skin sores, boils, insect bites, and itchy rashes to promote healing and relieve discomfort.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent properties help cleanse minor wounds, reduce swelling, and soothe itching.

Shotha (Inflammation) & Shoola (Pain)

Formulation: Warm leaf poultice.

Preparation & Use: Leaves are warmed and applied as a compress or poultice on inflamed joints, sprains, or areas of local pain to reduce swelling and provide analgesic relief.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory compounds provide topical relief, while the warmth and perhaps mild counter-irritant effect of the sap can improve local circulation and reduce pain perception.

Vishtambha (Constipation) - with caution

Formulation: Leaf infusion (used sparingly and with caution).

Preparation & Use: In some traditions, a weak infusion of the leaves is used as a mild laxative. This use is not well-documented and carries risk due to potential purgative compounds.

Reasoning: Resin glycosides can irritate the intestinal lining, stimulating bowel movements. However, the dose is difficult to standardize, making this a risky practice.

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

It is not considered a culinary herb. Its use is primarily external and medicinal in folk contexts.

Antipruritic Leaf Paste for Skin Irritation

Purpose: To relieve itching from insect bites, minor rashes, or poison ivy.

Preparation & Use:

1. Crush a handful of fresh, clean Ipomoea triloba leaves into a fine paste.

2. Apply a thin layer directly to the itchy area.

3. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Repeat as needed.

Anti-inflammatory Leaf Compress

Purpose: For joint or muscle inflammation.

Preparation & Use:

1. Warm a few whole leaves briefly over steam or a flame.

2. Apply the warm leaves directly to the painful area.

3. Cover with a cloth and leave in place for 10-15 minutes.

7. Disclaimer:Ipomoea triloba is primarily a plant of folk medicine with limited formal pharmacological study. Internal use is NOT RECOMMENDED. Many Ipomoea species contain purgative resin glycosides or toxic alkaloids, and proper identification is crucial to avoid confusion with more dangerous relatives. Topical use may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It should not be used during pregnancy or lactation. This information is for ethnobotanical and academic interest only and is not a guide for self-treatment.

---- End of the blog -x-x

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

• Ethnobotany of India Series (Volumes on specific regions)

• Caribbean Medicinal Plants and Their Uses (for traditional context)

• Weeds of the Philippines and Their Medicinal Uses

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal (for regional references)

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

1. Ipomoea pes-caprae (Beach Morning Glory, Goat's Foot)

• Species: Ipomoea pes-caprae | Family: Convolvulaceae | Genus: Ipomoea

• Similarities: A closely related coastal species with a nearly identical traditional use profile. Its leaves are famously used as a poultice for stingray and jellyfish stings, sharing I. triloba's strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic topical application.

2. Plantago major (Common Plantain)

• Species: Plantago major | Family: Plantaginaceae | Genus: Plantago

• Similarities: Both are common "weeds" with a primary traditional use as a topical vulnerary and anti-inflammatory poultice for wounds, insect bites, and skin irritation. They are excellent examples of widely available first-aid plants.

3. Solanum americanum (Black Nightshade, Makoi)

• Species: Solanum americanum | Family: Solanaceae | Genus: Solanum

• Similarities: Both are often dismissed as weeds but hold a place in folk medicine as topical anti-inflammatories for skin conditions. This highlights the global pattern of utilizing common, accessible plants for primary wound care.

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