Rivea hypocrateriformis (Convolvulaceae)

 (Mountain Indian Rose)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Rivea hypocrateriformis

Family: Convolvulaceae

Genus: Rivea

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato, Ratalu) - The tuber is a nutritious food.

• Ipomoea aquatica (Water Spinach, Kalmī Śāk) - Used as a green vegetable and in traditional medicine for its cooling properties.

• Cuscuta reflexa (Dodder, Amaravela) - A parasitic plant used in Ayurveda for liver disorders and jaundice.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Rivea hypocrateriformis | English: Mountain Indian Rose | Sanskrit: Phaṇijhaka, Muṇḍitā, Śāradā | Hindi: Phaṇi, Phang | Tamil: Musuttai, Musuttai-kodi | Telugu: Tella Jilledu | Kannada: Mūshte, Musuthina Balli | Malayalam: Muyalchevi, Tirutali | Marathi: Phaṇivel, Phaṇi | Bengali: Dhol Kolmi | Nepali: | Urdu: | French: | Spanish: | Italian: | German: | Chinese: | Russian: | Japanese: | Afrikaans: |

3. Medicinal UsesGalactagogue (promotes milk flow), Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), Laxative, Anthelmintic (expels worms), Tonic.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Alkaloids (Ergoline Alkaloids): Found in the seeds, similar to its relative Argyreia nervosa, but in different concentrations. These can have psychoactive properties in high doses, but the leaves and roots used in traditional medicine contain other therapeutic compounds.

Flavonoids: Provide Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory actions, supporting its use in fevers and inflammation.

Glycosides: Contribute to the Laxative and Diuretic effects of the plant.

Sterols and Triterpenoids: These compounds are often associated with Anti-inflammatory and Hepatoprotective activities.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Galactagogue (Promotes Lactation)

Formulation: Leaf decoction or vegetable.

Preparation & Use: The leaves are cooked as a vegetable or a decoction is prepared and given to nursing mothers to stimulate milk production. This is one of its most well-known uses.

Reasoning: It is considered a nutritive tonic that supports postpartum recovery and hormonal balance, leading to improved milk secretion.

Antipyretic & Anti-inflammatory (For Fevers and Rheumatism)

Formulation: Root or leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the root or leaves is given internally to reduce fevers. The leaves are also crushed and applied as a poultice on inflamed joints and swellings in rheumatic conditions.

Reasoning: The Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant compounds help lower body temperature and reduce localized inflammation and pain.

Hepatoprotective & Tonic (For General Debility and Liver)

Formulation: Root paste or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The root is made into a paste or decoction and used as a general tonic to improve strength and vitality after illness. It is also used in traditional practices for liver disorders.

Reasoning: Its tonic properties are attributed to a combination of its phytochemicals that help in recuperation and support liver function.

Laxative & Anthelmintic (For Constipation and Worms)

Formulation: Leaf juice or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The juice of the leaves is consumed to relieve constipation. It is also used to expel intestinal worms.

Reasoning: The presence of glycosides and other compounds provides a mild laxative and anthelmintic effect.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

Phaṇi Leaf Saag for Postpartum Health

Purpose: To act as a galactagogue and a nutritive tonic for new mothers.

Preparation & Use:

• Clean and chop the tender leaves of Rivea hypocrateriformis.

• Sauté with cumin, garlic, and onions.

• Add the leaves and cook until tender. Consume with rice or roti.

Fever-Reducing Decoction

Purpose: To manage fevers, especially those of unknown origin.

Preparation & Use:

• Take about 10 grams of the root or leaves.

• Boil in 1.5 cups of water until it reduces to half a cup.

• Strain and drink once it cools down slightly.

Anti-inflammatory Poultice

Purpose: To reduce joint pain and inflammation.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush a handful of fresh leaves into a paste.

• Apply this paste directly to the swollen or painful joints.

• Leave on for 30 minutes before washing off.

7. Disclaimer:The seeds of Rivea hypocrateriformis are known to contain psychoactive alkaloids and should not be consumed. The leaves and roots used in traditional medicine have a different safety profile but should still be used with caution and under the guidance of an experienced practitioner. This information is for academic purposes only and is not medical advice.

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

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

• Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants by R.N. Chopra, S.L. Nayar, and I.C. Chopra

• Ethnobotany of India (Volumes) by T. Pullaiah

  
  

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

1. Leptadenia reticulata (Jivanti)

• Species: Leptadenia reticulata

• Family: Apocynaceae

• Similarities: Jivanti is a highly prized rejuvenative and galactagogue herb in Ayurveda. It shares the potent galactagogue and general tonic properties with Rivea, making it a key herb for improving breast milk quality and quantity, as well as for post-illness recovery.

2. Ficus religiosa (Ashvattha)

• Species: Ficus religiosa

• Family: Moraceae

• Similarities: The bark of the sacred fig is used as a potent antipyretic in Ayurveda, similar to the use of Rivea for fevers. Both are used in traditional formulations to manage persistent fevers.

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