Pergularia daemia (Apocynaceae)- Treasure Flower

Pergularia daemia (Treasure Flower, Hairknot Plant)

 

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. (Syn: Daemia extensa, Asclepias daemia)

Family: Apocynaceae

Genus: Pergularia

The Apocynaceae family is rich in species containing potent bioactive compounds, many of which are classic Ayurvedic medicines used for metabolic, digestive, and dermatological conditions.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Gymnema sylvestre (Madhunashini/Gurmar): A premier Ayurvedic herb native to India, renowned for its anti-diabetic properties and ability to suppress sweet taste.

• Hemidesmus indicus (Indian Sarsaparilla, Anantmool): A highly valued Ayurvedic root used as a blood purifier, coolant, and for treating skin diseases and rheumatism. It is native to the Indian subcontinent.

• Holarrhena pubescens (Kutaja): The bark is a key Ayurvedic medicine for treating diarrhea (especially amoebic dysentery), intestinal parasites, and fever.

• Wrightia tinctoria (Indrajav, Pala Indigo): The seeds are used for their anti-diabetic properties, and the plant has traditional uses for skin disorders and as a galactagogue.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Pergularia daemia | English: Hairknot Plant, Trellis-vine, Treasure Flower | Sanskrit: Uttamarani, Visanika | Hindi: Uttaran, Jutkanda | Tamil: Uthamani, Velipparuthi | Telugu: Gusthi, Jittuga | Kannada: Haalu balli, Haaluthumbi | Malayalam: Velipparuthi, Uthamaani | Marathi: Utaran, Utharani | Bengali: Ajashringi | Gujarati: Dodi, Kadvo dodi | Arabic: Ushar | French: Pergulaire | Unani: Kasht Ushar |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Anthelmintic (expels worms), Expectorant, Anti-inflammatory, Laxative (mild), Emmenagogue (promotes menstrual flow), Antispasmodic, Hepatoprotective (liver protective).

Medicinal Parts:The most commonly used parts of the Pergularia daemia plant in medicine are the leaves, roots, and the whole plant. The latex is also used topically.

• Leaves: The most frequently used part, employed in decoctions, pastes, and juices for fevers, respiratory issues, and skin ailments.

• Roots: Used in decoctions for fever, intestinal worms, and as a purgative.

• Whole Plant: Used in various traditional preparations for its broad-spectrum properties.

• Latex: Applied topically for skin infections, boils, and inflammation.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Cardiac Glycosides (Daemidin, Pergularin): These are steroidal glycosides specific to Pergularia species. Their actions include Anthelmintic (paralyzing parasites) and potential Cardiotonic effects. They are also responsible for the plant's purgative action in higher doses.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Kaempferol derivatives): These polyphenolic compounds are strong antioxidants. Their actions include Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic, and Hepatoprotective effects.

Terpenoids and Steroids: These compounds contribute to the plant's Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities.

Alkaloids: Present in minor quantities, they may contribute to the plant's biological activity, including potential Antispasmodic effects on smooth muscles.

Saponins: These soapy compounds have Expectorant properties (help loosen phlegm) and may also contribute to its Anthelmintic action.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Krimi (Worm Infestation)

Formulation: Leaf decoction or root decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction (kashayam) made from the leaves or roots is a classic folk remedy for intermittent fevers (like those in malaria) and for expelling intestinal worms, especially in children.

Reasoning: The antipyretic flavonoids help reduce fever, while the cardiac glycosides (like pergularin) have a paralyzing effect on intestinal parasites, facilitating their expulsion.

Kasa (Cough) & Shwasa (Asthma)

Formulation: Leaf juice or decoction with honey.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaf juice or a warm decoction of leaves is mixed with a little honey and given to relieve cough, bronchitis, and asthmatic symptoms.

Reasoning: The saponins act as an Expectorant, helping to thin and expel mucus from the respiratory tract, while the anti-inflammatory compounds soothe bronchial irritation.

Vrana (Skin Ulcers) & Vicharchika (Eczema)

Formulation: Topical paste of leaves or latex application.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are crushed into a paste and applied directly on non-healing ulcers, boils, or eczematous patches. The milky latex is also applied to warts and skin eruptions.

Reasoning: The plant's Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help cleanse the wound, reduce swelling, and promote granulation tissue formation.

Artavakshaya (Scanty Menstruation) & Udavarta (Painful Menstruation)

Formulation: Leaf juice or decoction.

Preparation & Use: In controlled doses, the leaf juice is given traditionally to promote menstrual flow and alleviate menstrual cramps.

Reasoning: It is considered an Emmenagogue and Antispasmodic, likely helping to regulate uterine blood flow and relieve smooth muscle spasms.

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

Pergularia daemia is used almost exclusively as a medicinal plant, not a culinary one, due to its potent properties.

Antipyretic and Anthelmintic Decoction

Purpose: For fevers and intestinal worms.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 5-10 fresh leaves or 1-2 teaspoons of dried root.

• Boil in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink this decoction in divided doses (e.g., 1-2 tablespoons) twice a day for 3-5 days. Dosage is critical and should be personalized.

Expectorant Cough Syrup

Purpose: For wet cough and bronchial congestion.

Preparation & Use:

• Extract the juice from a handful of fresh leaves.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of this juice with 1 teaspoon of honey.

• Take this mixture twice daily after meals. Do not use for prolonged periods.

Topical Leaf Paste for Boils and Inflammation

Purpose: To draw out pus and reduce swelling.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush a few fresh leaves with a pinch of turmeric into a fine paste.

• Apply this paste thickly over the boil or inflamed area.

• Cover with a clean cloth. Replace every 6-8 hours until improvement.

7. Disclaimer:WARNING: Pergularia daemia is a potent medicinal plant that contains cardiac glycosides. Its internal use requires extreme caution and precise dosage. Overdose can lead to severe purgation, vomiting, and cardiac complications. It is not safe for self-medication. Use should only be under the direct guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or ethnomedical expert. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or individuals with heart conditions. Topical application may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. This information is for academic and ethnographic purposes only and is not medical advice.

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

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.R. Kirtikar and B.D. Basu

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

• Antimicrobial Activity of Pergularia daemia (Research Articles in peer-reviewed journals)

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

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

1. Calotropis procera (Akada, Madar)

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

• Similarities: Both are latex-yielding plants from the same family with potent medicinal properties. Both are used traditionally for fever, cough, and skin diseases (via latex application). Both contain cardiac glycosides and require extreme caution in internal use. Calotropis is generally considered more toxic.

2. Tylophora indica (Antamul, Indian Ipecac)

• Species: Tylophora indica | Family: Apocynaceae | Genus: Tylophora

• Similarities: Another important Apocynaceae herb. Both are used as antipyretics and expectorants in respiratory conditions like asthma. However, Tylophora is more specifically known as a bronchodilator and anti-asthmatic, while Pergularia has a stronger anthelmintic indication.

3. Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh)

• Species: Andrographis paniculata | Family: Acanthaceae | Genus: Andrographis

• Similarities: Both are bitter, antipyretic herbs used prominently in traditional medicine for fevers (including malaria), liver disorders, and as blood purifiers. They represent a parallel use in different plant families for similar febrifuge and hepatoprotective purposes.

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