Tristellateia australasiae (Malpighiaceae) Shower of Gold

Tristellateia australasiae (Vining Galphimia)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Tristellateia australasiae

Family: Malpighiaceae

Genus: Tristellateia

The Malpighiaceae family includes diverse vines and shrubs, some with significant psychoactive or medicinal properties.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Galphimia glauca: Used in traditional Mexican medicine as a nervine tonic for anxiety and allergies.

• Malpighia emarginata (Acerola): The vitamin C-rich fruit.

• Banisteriopsis caapi: A key component of the psychoactive brew Ayahuasca.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Tristellateia australasiae | English: Vining Galphimia, Shower of Gold Climber, Australian Gold Vine | Sanskrit: Not classically documented. | Hindi: Makhamal bel | Tamil: Mullu Kangani, Kodi Manjanathi | Telugu: Adavijaaji | Kannada: Haladi Balli | Malayalam: Manjakodi | Sinhala: Wel Kathuru Pichcha | Spanish: Lluvia de oro |

3. Medicinal Uses:Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Diuretic, Traditional use for skin conditions and rheumatism.

Medicinal Parts:The leaves, stems, and roots are used in traditional medicine systems like Siddha.

• Leaves & Stems: Commonly used in decoctions.

• Root: Used for more potent preparations.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin): Potent Antioxidants with Anti-inflammatory and Capillary-strengthening effects.

Triterpenoids & Sterols: Common in the Malpighiaceae family, contributing to Anti-inflammatory activity.

Tannins: Provide Astringent properties useful in wound healing.

Alkaloids: Likely present and contributing to the plant's physiological effects.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Shotha (Inflammation)

Formulation: Leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the leaves is consumed to reduce fever and internal inflammation, including arthritic and rheumatic pain.

Reasoning: The antipyretic and systemic anti-inflammatory properties help normalize body temperature and reduce pain and swelling in joints.

Twak Vikara (Skin Diseases) & Vrana (Wounds)

Formulation: Leaf paste or medicated oil.

Preparation & Use: The fresh leaves are made into a paste and applied to boils, eczema, and infected wounds. The leaves are also boiled in oils like coconut oil to create a medicated oil for skin application.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antimicrobial properties help soothe skin irritation, draw out impurities from boils, and promote wound contraction.

Mutrakrichhra (Dysuria)

Formulation: Mild root or stem decoction.

Preparation & Use: A light decoction is used as a diuretic to ease painful urination and support urinary tract health.

Reasoning: The diuretic action helps flush the urinary system.

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

It is not a culinary herb. Its use is primarily medicinal in folk traditions.

Anti-inflammatory Decoction

Purpose: For joint pain or fever.

Preparation & Use:

• Take a handful of dried leaves and stems.

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

• Strain and drink 1-2 tablespoons, 2 times a day. Use short-term.

Skin Oil for Boils and Eczema

Purpose: To apply on inflammatory skin conditions.

Preparation & Use:

• Gently heat 1 cup of coconut oil.

• Add a handful of fresh Tristellateia leaves.

• Simmer on very low heat for 15-20 minutes.

• Strain, cool, and apply to affected areas.

7. Disclaimer:

Tristellateia australasiae is not a well-documented herb in mainstream Ayurveda or modern pharmacology. Its use is based on regional folk medicine (e.g., Siddha). Safety data is limited. It should be used with caution, and internal use should be minimal and brief. Avoid during pregnancy and lactation. Consultation with a practitioner familiar with this specific plant is essential. This information is for academic and ethnobotanical interest.

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

• Siddha Materia Medica (Mineral and Vegetable Section) by Dr. K. N. Kuppusamy Mudaliar.

• Wealth of India by CSIR.

• Ethnobotany of the Mountain Regions of Southeast Asia (Springer).

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

1. Galphimia glauca

• Species: Galphimia glauca | Family: Malpighiaceae | Genus: Galphimia

• Similarities: A close relative within the same family with better-studied properties, particularly for anxiety and allergies. It shares the traditional anti-inflammatory and febrifuge uses, highlighting the medicinal potential of the Malpighiaceae family.

2. Celastrus paniculatus (Jyotishmati/Malkangani)

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

• Similarities: A renowned Ayurvedic climbing shrub used as a brain tonic and for rheumatic conditions. Both are climbers used for inflammation (joints and skin) and in traditional medicine for cognitive and nervous system support, though Celastrus is more prominent in classical texts.

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