Dhumrapatra

Description

Aristolochia bracteolata is a climbing or prostrate perennial herb with an unpleasant smell, stems 10–60 cm tall from an underground rhizome. The leaves are ovate 1.5–8 × 1.5–7 cm with a petiole 0.5–4.5 cm long. Flowers are dark purple, 0.5–5 cm tubular, with trumpet shaped mouth. Capsules are oblong-ellipsoid, 1.5–2.5 cm. Aristolochia bracteolata has been observed to have 2–3 flowers per leaf axil in Somalia, however outside Somalia the plant seems to have solitary flowers Aristolochia bracteolata grows in subsaharan regions from Mali to Somalia through to the Arabian peninsula and India. The plant grows at elevations of 50-740m above sea level and can be found on the banks of rivers, bushland, desert grasslands. It grows in sandy or lava soils.

Useful Parts

Leaf, root

Benefits

1. Wound Healing: The plant has been used in traditional medicine for the rapid healing of cuts and wounds, with studies showing it increases antioxidant enzymes in the healing tissue. 2. Malaria Treatment: Communities in some regions, like South Sudan, have used Aristolochia bracteolata as an infusion or decoction to treat malaria, with users reporting cures. 3. Skin Conditions: It has been used to treat skin itches and insect bites in countries like Nigeria and India. 4. Intestinal Issues: The plant was used for diarrhea and other bowel complaints in children. 5. General Relief: The whole plant has been used as a purgative, antipyretic (to reduce fever), and anti-inflammatory agent.

Pharmacological Action

Antihelminthic and purgative. Root decoction is indicated in Helminthiasis (Krimighana)

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Tikta

Guna: Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna

Virya: Usna

Vipaka: Katu

Dosha Karma: Vatakapha shamaka