Thunbergia grandiflora (Acanthaceae) Blue Trumpet Vine, Neelkanthi

Thunbergia grandiflora (Blue Trumpet Vine, Bengal Clock Vine)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Thunbergia grandiflora

Family: Acanthaceae

Genus: Thunbergia

The Acanthaceae family is a major medicinal plant family rich in species used for respiratory, hepatic, and inflammatory conditions, often containing bioactive alkaloids and flavonoids.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Justicia adhatoda (Vasaka): One of the most important Ayurvedic herbs for respiratory health, used as a bronchodilator, expectorant, and antispasmodic for coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. Native to the Indian subcontinent.

• Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh): A quintessential bitter tonic and hepatoprotective herb used for fevers, liver disorders, and infections. Native to India and Sri Lanka.

• Hemidesmus indicus (Indian Sarsaparilla, Anantamul): A cooling, blood-purifying root used for skin diseases, rheumatism, and as a detoxifying agent. Native to the Indian subcontinent.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Thunbergia grandiflora | English: Blue Trumpet Vine, Bengal Clock Vine, Sky Vine | Sanskrit: Neelini, Mahananda (Note: These names are sometimes attributed) | Hindi: Neelkanthi, Kukurbicha | Tamil: Kakkappan, Karuvilai | Telugu: Neelithangedu, Chebira | Kannada: Neelakanta balli | Malayalam: Neelakkodi | Bengali: Nilkanta | Assamese: Bhomora lota | Chinese: ShānYèLǎoYāZuǐ (山葉老鴉嘴) | Spanish: Enredadera de trompeta azul |

3. Medicinal Uses:Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Anti-arthritic, Antioxidant, Diuretic, Wound Healing.

Medicinal Parts:The most commonly used parts of the Thunbergia grandiflora plant in traditional medicine are the leaves, roots, and stems.

• Leaves: The primary part used for poultices, decoctions, and washes.

• Roots: Used in decoctions for internal consumption for systemic issues.

• Stems: Often used interchangeably with leaves in traditional preparations.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Flavonoids (Apigenin, Luteolin derivatives): These compounds are potent free-radical scavengers. Their actions include significant Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Analgesic effects, contributing to pain and swelling relief.

Phenolic Glycosides: These are common defensive compounds in plants. Their actions include Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the plant's traditional use in inflammatory disorders.

Terpenoids: A large class of organic compounds. In T. grandiflora, they are believed to contribute to its Anti-inflammatory and potential Anti-arthritic properties.

Tannins: These astringent polyphenols contribute to the plant's Wound Healing properties when applied topically by contracting tissues and forming a protective layer.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Sandhivata (Arthritis) & Shotha (Inflammation)

Formulation: Leaf poultice or root decoction.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are crushed into a paste and applied warm on swollen, painful joints. A decoction made from the roots is also consumed orally to reduce internal inflammation and pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and analgesic phytochemicals work both topically and systemically to reduce prostaglandin-mediated inflammation and provide pain relief, aligning with its Anti-arthritic use.

Jwara (Fever)

Formulation: Leaf or stem decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction is prepared from the aerial parts and consumed to help reduce fever, particularly those associated with inflammatory conditions.

Reasoning: The plant's Antipyretic and Anti-inflammatory properties help modulate the body's temperature-regulating response during fever.

Vrana (Wounds) & Skin Infections

Formulation: Leaf paste or wash.

Preparation & Use: The crushed leaf paste is applied directly to cuts, wounds, and boils. A leaf decoction is used as a wash for infected or inflamed skin.

Reasoning: The Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory actions, along with the astringent tannins, help cleanse the wound, reduce swelling, and promote tissue contraction for healing.

Mutrakrichra (Dysuria) & as a Diuretic

Formulation: Mild leaf infusion.

Preparation & Use: A light infusion of the leaves is traditionally used to promote urine flow and provide relief in painful urination.

Reasoning: The plant exhibits mild Diuretic activity, helping to flush the urinary tract.

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

Thunbergia grandiflora is not typically a culinary plant but is used in straightforward traditional remedies.

Anti-inflammatory Joint Poultice

Purpose: To relieve pain and swelling in arthritic joints or sprains.

Preparation & Use:

• Take a handful of fresh Thunbergia leaves.

• Warm them slightly and crush into a coarse paste.

• Apply the warm paste directly to the affected joint. Cover with a clean cloth. Leave on for 30-45 minutes. Repeat twice daily.

Fever-Reducing Decoction

Purpose: To support the body during fever.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 5-7 fresh leaves and a small piece of stem (about 10g total).

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

• Strain, allow to cool slightly. Consume 1-2 tablespoons of this decoction 2-3 times a day.

Wound Healing Leaf Wash

Purpose: To clean and support the healing of minor cuts and abrasions.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil a handful of leaves in 4 cups of water for 15 minutes.

• Strain and let the water cool completely.

• Use this as a final rinse to wash the wound area 1-2 times a day.

7. Disclaimer:

The medicinal use of Thunbergia grandiflora is based primarily on traditional ethnobotanical knowledge. Scientific validation for its efficacy and safety in humans is limited. It should not be consumed in large quantities or for prolonged periods without the guidance of a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional. As with many medicinal plants, it may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid its use. This information is for educational and academic purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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

• Indian Medicinal Plants: An Illustrated Dictionary by C.P. Khare

• Ethnobotany of India (Volumes series) by T. Pullaiah and K. V. Krishnamurthy

• Compendium of Medicinal Plants of Assam by Dr. P. C. Bhattacharyya

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

1. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi, Amrita)

• Species: Tinospora cordifolia | Family: Menispermaceae | Genus: Tinospora

• Similarities: Both are celebrated for their anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties. While Guduchi is a more deeply researched immunomodulatory Rasayana, both vines are used traditionally to treat joint pain and fevers.

2. Vitex negundo (Nirgundi)

• Species: Vitex negundo | Family: Lamiaceae | Genus: Vitex

• Similarities: Nirgundi is a premier herb for pain and inflammation, especially in joints. Like Thunbergia, its leaves are used to make poultices for swelling and pain. Both are common traditional remedies for rheumatic complaints.

3. Celastrus paniculatus (Jyotishmati, Malkangani)

• Species: Celastrus paniculatus | Family: Celastraceae | Genus: Celastrus

• Similarities: Another climbing plant used for rheumatic pain and inflammation. While Jyotishmati is more famous as a Medhya (brain tonic), its oil is also applied topically for joint pain, similar to the topical application of Thunbergia leaves.

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