Herb's Introduction
The plant in question is scientifically known as Combretum indicum (L.) DeFilipps, which was formerly and is still widely referred to by the synonym Quisqualis indica L.. It is commonly known as the Rangoon Creeper, Chinese Honeysuckle, or Burma Creeper. This vigorous, flowering vine belongs to the family Combretaceae and is native to tropical Asia, specifically the Indian subcontinent, Malaysia, and the Philippines, but has been widely cultivated and naturalized in tropical areas across the globe, including Burma (Myanmar), Vietnam, and Thailand. Beyond its use as an attractive ornamental plant due to its fragrant and multi-hued flowers, it holds significant value in traditional medicine, particularly for its potent anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) properties. The seeds and fruits are the primary parts utilized for medicinal preparations.
Name in Different Countries
The widespread distribution and use of the Rangoon Creeper are reflected in its many common names across various languages and countries. Language/Region Name(s) Common Name Rangoon Creeper, Chinese Honeysuckle, Burma Creeper, Drunken Sailor, Rangoon Jasmine Arabic كيكوال هندي (Kikwal Hindi) Bahasa Ceguk Bengali মধুমংজরী (Madhumanjari) Bombay marmasi, lalachameli, rangunachavel Burmese dawchprincipalg Chinese 使君子 (Shi Jun Zi) Deutsch (German) Rangunschlinger French liane vermifuge Gujarati Barmasi vel Hindi Rangoon ki bel Malayalam യശോദപ്പൂ (Yashodappu) Malay akar pontianak, akar suloh, belimbing hutan Manipuri পারিজাত (Parijat) Marathi मधु मालती (Madhumati) Tamil Irangunmalle, ilengaramalligai Telugu రంగూన్ మల్లె (Rangonimalle), తీగె గన్నేరు (tige−ganneru), రాధా మనోహరం (Radha Manoharami) Thai เล็บมือนาง (Lep Mue Naang) Urdu Ishq pechaan (عسق پیچاں) Vietnamese su quan, qua gium, day gium, qua nac Export to Sheets
Terminology
The scientific terminology for this plant reflects a history of taxonomic reclassification: Accepted Name: Combretum indicum (L.) DeFilipps. The genus Combretum is an Old World genus of climbing shrubs and trees. The specific epithet indicum refers to its origin in India. Synonym: Quisqualis indica L.. The genus name Quisqualis is derived from the Latin "quis" (who?) and "qualis" (what?), possibly alluding to the initial confusion regarding its classification (as it appears as both a shrub when young and a vine later) or its variable flower color. Family: Combretaceae. Common Name: Rangoon Creeper (referencing the city of Rangoon, now Yangon, in Burma/Myanmar, where it was prominent), Chinese Honeysuckle (due to its climbing habit and fragrant flowers), Burma Creeper. Part Used Medically: Primarily the dried ripe fruit or seed. Also, the leaves and roots are used in some preparations. Primary Action: Anthelmintic (expels or destroys intestinal worms).
Availability
The Rangoon Creeper is a robust, vigorous climber that is widely available throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, having been introduced as an ornamental plant. Geographic Availability: Native to Southeast Asia and parts of the Indian subcontinent, it is now cultivated and often naturalized across all tropical regions, including parts of tropical Africa and the Neotropics. It thrives in frost-free areas (USDA Zones 9-11). Habitat: It grows naturally in thickets, primary and secondary forests, and along river banks. As an ornamental, it is commonly found in gardens, on trellises, arches, and arbors. Commercial Availability (Medicinal): The dried ripe fruit or seed is available through traditional medicine suppliers, apothecaries, and specialized herbal stores, particularly those catering to Asian and Chinese medicinal practices. The seeds, known in Chinese medicine as "Shi Jun Zi," are a standard commodity.
External Look
Combretum indicum is a woody, deciduous or evergreen twining liana (vine/climber) that can reach heights of 2.5 meters up to 8 meters. Leaves: The leaves are oppositely arranged, elliptical to oblong-elliptic, 7–15 cm long, with an acuminate (tapering to a sharp point) tip and a rounded base. The petioles (leaf stalks) can become persistent, forming woody, spine-like structures on older stems that aid in climbing. Flowers: The most striking feature. Flowers are fragrant, tubular, and borne in drooping or pendent racemes (clusters) at the ends of branches. They exhibit a remarkable color change over about three days, which is believed to be a strategy to attract different pollinators (hawkmoths at night, bees and birds during the day): Day 1 (Dusk): The flowers open and are typically white. Day 2: They turn pink. Day 3: They become deep red or crimson. The flower orientation also shifts from horizontal to drooping. Fruit (Seed Pod): The fruit is an ellipsoidal drupe (a fleshy fruit with a central stone) that is 30–35 mm long. It is dark brown when ripe and distinctly characterized by having five stiff, prominent wings, making it look star-shaped in cross-section. Seed: The seed inside the fruit tastes somewhat like an almond or coconut when mature.
Healing Properties
The plant's healing properties are primarily attributed to the chemical compounds found within its seeds and fruits, most notably quisqualic acid. Anthelmintic/Antiparasitic Action: This is the most well-known property. The seeds and fruits contain quisqualic acid, which shows significant activity against intestinal parasites, particularly roundworms (Ascaris), pinworms, and tapeworms. It is a traditional remedy for expelling these worms, often favored for children due to its perceived mildness compared to harsher purgatives, provided it's taken correctly. Gastrointestinal Regulation: Traditionally used to harmonize and tonify the Spleen and Stomach, helping with digestive disturbances, abdominal distension, and loss of appetite, particularly in cases of childhood nutritional impairment linked to parasites. The ripe, roasted seeds have also been given for diarrhea and fever. Astringent and Cathartic Activity: The plant is noted for its astringent properties. Furthermore, the dried ripe fruit or seed acts as a purgative (cathartic). Topical/External Use: The macerated seeds in oil are applied externally to treat parasitic skin diseases. Juice expressed from the leaves is used to heal boils and ulcers, and to treat ringworm infection. Other Traditional Uses: The roots are traditionally used to relieve cough and hiccups, to soothe rheumatism, and assuage gastric discomfort. A leaf decoction is prescribed for abdominal pain and sometimes for dysentery.
Advantages
The key advantages of using Combretum indicum in traditional medicine are rooted in its specific action and general profile: Effective Natural Anthelmintic: It provides a potent, natural remedy for intestinal worm infestations, which are common ailments in many tropical and subtropical regions. Its main active compound, quisqualic acid, is specifically noted for this action. Suitable for Children (with caution): It is traditionally recommended for children to expel parasites, as it is considered "not too strong for their digestive tracts" compared to more aggressive chemical or herbal purgatives. Multi-Purpose Use: Beyond worm expulsion, the herb is used for a range of related digestive issues (distension, appetite loss) and external skin conditions, offering broad therapeutic potential within traditional systems. Contains Beneficial Compounds: The leaves and flowers contain compounds like rutin (a flavonoid with antioxidant properties) and the seeds contain various beneficial fatty acids (arachidic, linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids) and trigonelline.
Uses
The different parts of the Rangoon Creeper are employed in various traditional medicinal practices: Part Used Primary Traditional Use Geographical Region/System Fruit/Seed Expulsion of intestinal worms (Anthelmintic), especially roundworms and tapeworms. Also for swelling of the belly. Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Chinese Medicine Fruit Decoction Given to children to stop diarrhea. Used for gargling. Malaysia Ripe Seeds (Roasted) Given in cases of diarrhea and fever. India (Traditional) Leaves (Juice/Decoction) Applied to heal boils and ulcers, treat ringworm infection, relieve fever, and prescribed for abdominal pain and dysentery. Malaysia, Myanmar, Traditional Chinese Medicine Roots Used to relieve cough and hiccups, to soothe rheumatism, and assuage gastric discomfort. Philippines, Vietnam Macerated Seeds in Oil Applied topically to treat parasitic skin diseases. India (Traditional) Export to Sheets
Using Way
The traditional usage involves preparing the plant material in specific ways to maximize efficacy and minimize side effects: Internal Use (Anthelmintic): Preparation: The ripe fruit or seed is the most common form. It may be used dried or, in some traditions like Chinese Medicine, the seeds are often toasted or roasted. Toasting is said to decrease its mild toxicity and side effects. Administration: Typically taken as a decoction (a liquid preparation made by boiling the plant material) of the fruit. In Malaysia, the fruits are sometimes simply eaten. Crucial Caution: When taken internally for parasite expulsion, it is advised to take it only with cold water. Traditional knowledge warns that warm water may induce side effects such as nausea. Internal Use (Digestive/General): Decoction of the leaves for abdominal pain. Decoction of the roots for cough, hiccups, or gastric discomfort. External Use: Juice expressed from the leaves is applied directly to boils, ulcers, and ringworm. Seeds macerated in oil are applied to parasitic skin diseases.
Conclusion
Combretum indicum, the Rangoon Creeper, is a significant tropical liana deeply embedded in the traditional medicine of Asia, highly valued primarily for its robust anthelmintic action. The active component, quisqualic acid found mainly in the seeds and fruits, provides an effective, traditional means to combat intestinal parasitic infections. Furthermore, its leaves and roots offer applications for various ailments, including skin conditions, coughs, and digestive issues. While being a valuable herbal remedy, it is crucial to note its mild toxicity; side effects like nausea and vomiting can occur, especially with warm water ingestion or overdose. Traditional practices of toasting the seeds and adhering to strict dosage recommendations are essential for safe use. Its widespread cultivation also highlights its aesthetic appeal, making it a plant with dual importance in both horticulture and ethnomedicine.
