Herb's Introduction
Strophanthus boivinii is a species of flowering plant in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, known by the common names Corkscrew Flower and Wood Shaving Flower. It is a small deciduous tree characterized by its peculiar and ornate flowers with long, twisted petals. The genus Strophanthus is well-known for containing potent cardiac glycosides, making all parts of the plant toxic when ingested. Despite its toxicity, it has a history of use in traditional medicine in the areas where it is native or cultivated, and is also grown as an ornamental plant due to its striking appearance. The plant produces a yellowish latex and is native to Madagascar. It is generally found as a cultivated, exotic plant in other regions.
Name in Different Countries
Botanical Name: Strophanthus boivinii Baill. Family: Apocynaceae (Oleander family) English Common Names: Corkscrew Flower, Wood shaving flower, Poison Rope, Strophanthus, Madagascar Corkscrew Flower Bush. French Common Name: Strophanthus de Boivin.
Terminology
Botanical Name: Strophanthus boivinii Baill. Synonyms (Scientific): Roupellina boivinii (Baill.) Pichon, Roupellina boivinii var. angustifolia (H.Perrier ex Pichon) Pichon, Roupellina boivinii var. boivinii, Roupellina boivinii var. grandiflora (Pichon) Pichon, Strophanthus arboreus Boivin ex Franch., Strophanthus aurantiacus Blondel, Strophanthus boivinii var. angustifolius H.Perrier ex Pichon, Strophanthus boivinii var. grandiflorus Pichon, Strophanthus grevei Baill. Etymology: The genus name Strophanthus comes from the Greek words stróphos meaning "twisted cord" and ánthos meaning "flower," a direct reference to the twisted, rope-like petals of some species, including S. boivinii.
Availability
Strophanthus boivinii is native to Madagascar, where it grows primarily in the desert or dry shrubland biome. It is considered an exotic species in many other parts of the world, and its presence is mainly as a cultivated plant in tropical and subtropical gardens or as a potted plant in cooler climates. The plant is commercially available online and in nurseries that specialize in tropical or exotic flowering plants. There is no evidence from the search results to suggest that Strophanthus boivinii is a native or common medicinal plant of Nepal; its mention in the context of the search is likely due to the "Medicinal Plants of Nepal" keyword being used to find general information on the genus Strophanthus or similar plants.
External Look
Strophanthus boivinii is a small deciduous tree or compact shrub. Latex: It contains a yellowish latex. Leaves: The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptic in shape, with a cuneate base and an entire margin. They are often described as glossy and rubber-like. The plant drops its leaves for several months out of the year in certain climates. Flowers: The flowers are the most distinctive feature. They are borne in cymes, usually arising in the forks of branches. The flowers are typically yellow-orange turning reddish-brown. The corolla tube is short, but the five lobes are oblong, twisted, and long, measuring about 3-4 cm long and 0.5 cm wide. This twisted appearance gives rise to the common names "Corkscrew Flower" and "Wood shaving flower." They are sometimes described as eye-catching, bell-shaped, and lightly scented, particularly at night. Stamens: There are 10 stamens attached to the throat of the corolla tube. Fruit: Fruits were not observed in the provided plant description.
Healing Properties
The healing properties of Strophanthus boivinii and the genus Strophanthus are primarily due to the presence of cardiac glycosides (e.g., strophanthins, ouabain) in the plant's tissues, which have the ability to stimulate the heart and act as a cardiac and vascular stimulant. Traditional Uses (Specific to S. boivinii): In local traditional medicine, parts of S. boivinii are used to treat: Gonorrhoea (aerial parts decoction). Colic (bark decoction, drunk). Wounds and Itch (bark decoction, rubbed externally). Fever (aerial parts decoction). General Genus Uses: The genus Strophanthus is historically known for: Treating heart ailments (similar to foxglove/Digitalis, but the active elements are not absorbed well by the body). Diuretic properties. Lowering blood sugar (hypoglycemic effects).
Advantages
Cardiotonic Potential: The most significant potential advantage lies in the presence of potent cardiac glycosides. Historically, extracts from Strophanthus species were used in a purified form to treat congestive heart failure and arrhythmias. Some practitioners still recommend strophanthin for its cardiotonic effects, as its effect is similar to drugs like digoxin. Topical/External Application: Traditional use suggests the bark decoction can be applied externally to treat wounds and itch. Insecticidal/Pest Control: Traditionally, the plant has been used to poison dogs and pest animals, indicating potent toxicity that can be harnessed for pest control (with extreme caution). Ornamental Value: The unique, twisted, and colorful flowers make it a highly desirable ornamental plant for tropical and subtropical gardens or for container gardening.
Uses
Traditional Medicine: Locally used for treating gonorrhoea, colic, wounds, itch, and fever. Historical Pharmacology: Source of cardiac glycosides (strophanthins), historically used in medicine for heart failure and arrhythmias. One species, S. sarmentosus, is a source of the drug cortisone precursors. Poison: Widely used by African tribes as the principal ingredient in arrow poison to stun prey. The seeds are extremely venomous. Pest Control: Used traditionally to poison pest animals. Ornamental Plant: Cultivated for its striking, unusual flowers.
Using way
**Crucial Safety Warning:** All parts of Strophanthus boivinii are TOXIC when ingested due to the presence of potent cardiac glycosides. Self-medication with this plant is UNSAFE and can be FATAL. Use must only be under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider or for controlled external/non-ingestion purposes. Traditional methods of use include: Decoction for Colic and Fever (Ingested - DANGEROUS): A decoction (a strong liquid preparation made by boiling the plant material) from the bark was traditionally drunk to treat colic, and a decoction from the aerial parts was used to treat gonorrhoea and fever. This method is inherently unsafe due to the plant's toxicity. Decoction for Wounds and Itch (Topical): A bark decoction was traditionally rubbed externally on the skin for wounds and itch. This external application carries a lower risk but should still be used with caution due to potential absorption or accidental ingestion. Arrow Poison (Non-Medicinal): The seeds or other parts are pulverized and used to coat the tips of arrows.
Conclusion
Strophanthus boivinii, the Corkscrew Flower, is a visually distinctive small deciduous tree native to Madagascar and grown as an exotic ornamental plant in many regions. Its significance lies in its potent cardiac glycosides, making all parts of the plant highly toxic if ingested. Despite its extreme toxicity, which led to its use as an arrow poison and pest killer, it holds a place in local traditional medicine for treating ailments like gonorrhoea, colic, wounds, itch, and fever. However, due to the narrow therapeutic margin and severe risk of side effects, including heart problems, nausea, vomiting, and vision disturbance, the oral use of Strophanthus is considered UNSAFE without the strictest medical supervision. This herb serves as a powerful reminder of the double-edged nature of medicinal plants, where great therapeutic potential is often coupled with significant danger. It is not listed as a native medicinal plant of Nepal.
