Cissampelos pareira L.
Vernacular name: Velvetleaf, Patha (Hindi: पाठा)
Species Name: Cissampelos pareira L.
Family: Menispermaceae
Habit: Slender dioecious climber
Stem: Scandent, glabrous or hairy, 3-5 m long, swollen nodes.
Leaf: Alternate, peltate orbicular 7-14 cm diameter, entire, membranous, reticulate veins.
Flowering: Pre-monsoon
Flowers: Bracteate axillary racemes/panicles (male) or solitary (female); tiny petals (absent or minute), 6 stamens (anthers sessile male), superior ovary (unicarpellate female).
Fruit: Drupelet 1 cm ovoid red to black, single seed, fleshy aril
Uses:
- Root decoction serves as diuretic, urinary antiseptic, and stone-dissolving remedy in Ayurveda.
- Plant is also used in treatment of diarrhea, indigestion and intestinal worms.
- Leaf paste treats wounds, inflammation, and menstrual disorders traditionally.
- Plant is used to treat coughs, bronchitis, joint pains, ulcers and sinuses.
- Stem extract acts as antimalarial and antifertility agent.
- Plant has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antipyretic properties.
- Plant promotes liver, kidney and urinary health.
- Ayurvedic Patha for kidney stones; tribal snakebite antidote; “false calumba” antimalarial.
