Herb's Introduction
Rhynchosia viscosa (Roth) DC. is a species of flowering plant belonging to the large Fabaceae (legume or bean) family. It is a woody twiner or perennial climber/subshrub, indicating it grows by twisting around a support structure. The name viscosa refers to its sticky nature, as its stems are described as glandular pubescent (covered in fine, sticky hairs). This herb is distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of the Indian Subcontinent, Africa, and China (Yunnan). It is noted as being a wild plant, primarily growing in seasonally dry tropical biomes, often in hillside areas.
Name in Different Countries
The herb is known by its botanical name and has vernacular names in a few regions: Language Name Scientific Name Rhynchosia viscosa (Roth) DC. Synonyms Dolichos glutinosus, Glycine viscosa, Rhynchosia villosula, etc. (reflecting past classifications) Chinese 粘鹿藿 (zhānlùhuò - literally 'Sticky Deer Bean') French Rhynchosie visqueuse (Viscous Rhynchosia) Common English Name Viscid Rhynchosia Export to Sheets
Terminology
Scientific Name: Rhynchosia viscosa (Roth) DC. Family: Fabaceae (Legume family). This family is known for nitrogen-fixing properties and is a source of many food crops (beans, peas, lentils) and medicinal plants. Habitat: Primarily found in the seasonally dry tropical biome, often on hillsides. Habit: A woody twiner (climber/vine) or subshrub. Distinguishing Feature: Glandular pubescent stems and calyx, giving the plant a sticky or "viscous" feel (hence viscosa). Flower Type: Papilionoid (butterfly-like), typical of the Fabaceae family, with yellow corollas streaked with purple/red.
Availability
The species Rhynchosia viscosa is native to a broad range covering parts of Tropical Africa, the Indian Subcontinent (including India and Sri Lanka), and Southeast Asia (to China and Thailand). In Nepal: While the genus Rhynchosia is present in Nepal (with species like R. himalensis and R. minima listed), the specific presence and commonality of R. viscosa as a significant medicinal herb in the local, readily-available traditional medicine system of Nepal is not widely documented in general searches. Its mention is primarily in botanical checklists. In India, it has been noted as "Rare" in some regions like Andhra Pradesh. Availability is likely limited to its specific native habitats, which are described as hillside areas.
External Look
Habit: A woody twiner (climbing vine) or subshrub, reaching up to 2 meters in height. Stem: The stems are notable for being glandular pubescent, meaning they are covered in sticky, glandular hairs. Leaves: They are 3-foliolate (composed of three leaflets). The terminal leaflet is typically rhomboid (diamond-shaped) or suborbicular (nearly circular), while the lateral leaflets are very oblique (unevenly sided). Both sides are pubescent (hairy), and the lower side is dotted with glands. The petiole (leaf stalk) is long (5-10 cm). Flowers: Showy, with a papilionoid (pea-flower) shape, typically yellow with purple or red streaks. They are relatively large (1.5-2 cm across) and borne in long (20-30 cm) axillary racemes (flower clusters growing from the leaf axils). Fruit (Pod): A legume pod, described as falcate (sickle-shaped), glandular, and containing two seeds. It is about 2.5-3 cm long and 0.8 cm broad.
Healing Properties
The healing properties of Rhynchosia viscosa are primarily derived from its traditional folk uses: Uterine Stimulant/Parturifacient: The leaves are traditionally used to induce contractions in the womb, often given to women during parturiency (childbirth) to help ease delivery. Abortifacient: It has also been documented as an abortifacient (a substance that induces abortion), a property that aligns with its use as a uterine stimulant. Dermatological Agent: In parts of Africa, the plant is traditionally used to treat skin diseases or infections. Other General Uses in Rhynchosia Genus: While not specifically R. viscosa, the genus Rhynchosia is generally noted in traditional medicine for properties like: anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and for the healing of wounds, boils, and rheumatic pains. These activities are often attributed to phytochemicals like flavonoids found in the genus.
Advantages
The traditional usage of Rhynchosia viscosa suggests potential benefits, though these require scientific validation: Natural Aid in Childbirth: Its purported ability to aid in delivery makes it a locally valued traditional remedy in certain cultures. Treatment for Skin Ailments: Its use for skin diseases suggests it may possess antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory compounds beneficial for topical application. Source of Bioactive Compounds: As a member of the Fabaceae family and the genus Rhynchosia, it is likely rich in phytochemicals (such as C-glycosylflavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds) that may possess various pharmacological activities. Genetic Resource: The genus Rhynchosia is considered an important genetic resource, especially as wild relatives of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan).
Uses
The documented traditional uses of Rhynchosia viscosa are specific to certain regions: Childbirth: The leaf juice is traditionally drunk by women during parturiency to facilitate delivery. Abortion: The plant is documented as an abortifacient. (Note: This is a historical/traditional use and should not be attempted due to extreme danger and lack of scientific standardization.) Skin Conditions: Used traditionally in Africa for the treatment of various skin diseases or infections. Ornamental: Some species of Rhynchosia, or R. viscosa itself in certain regions, may be used as ornamental plants in gardens due to their climbing habit and attractive yellow flowers.
Using way
Based on the traditional uses, the primary methods of utilizing the herb are: Internal Consumption (Juice): The leaf juice is extracted and traditionally consumed orally (drunk) for its effects during labor/parturiency. Topical Application: Although the specific method for skin diseases is not detailed, it would likely involve crushing the leaves or other plant parts to create a poultice, paste, or infusion/decoction for application directly to the affected skin area. (Crucial Warning: As the plant has documented abortifacient and uterine-stimulating properties, and the dosage is not standardized, any internal use is extremely dangerous and strictly not recommended without professional medical guidance.)
Conclusion
Rhynchosia viscosa is a woody twiner in the Fabaceae family, characterized by its glandular, sticky stems and yellow, streaked flowers. While it is native to a wide tropical belt spanning Africa and Asia, and its presence is noted in botanical records for the Indian Subcontinent (including the potential for presence in Nepal), its uses are primarily documented as traditional remedies in specific regions. Its most notable traditional uses are as a uterine stimulant/parturifacient and abortifacient from the leaf juice, and for treating skin diseases in parts of Africa. Due to its potent, non-standardized traditional internal uses, particularly related to the reproductive system, caution is essential. Further comprehensive scientific research is needed to validate its traditional dermatological and potential anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties.
