Thalictrum foliolosum DC., commonly known as Leafy Meadow-Rue, Mamera, or Pitarangaa. It is an important medicinal plant, especially in the Himalayan region including Nepal, and is recognized in traditional systems of medicine like Unani and Ayurveda.
Herb's Introduction
Thalictrum foliolosum DC., belonging to the family Ranunculaceae, is a perennial flowering herb widely recognized for its diverse medicinal properties. It is a lesser-explored but valuable source of potent phytochemicals, particularly benzylisoquinoline alkaloids like berberine, which are responsible for many of its therapeutic effects. Historically, it has been utilized in various traditional systems of medicine as a bitter tonic, antiperiodic (to prevent the recurrence of diseases, particularly fever), febrifuge (fever-reducing), diuretic, and purgative. The root and rhizome are the main parts used in medicine. It is a plant native to the temperate Himalayan region, extending across India, Nepal, Bhutan, South-East Tibet, and Burma.
Name in Different Countries
The herb is known by various names across different regions, reflecting its widespread traditional use: Botanical Name: Thalictrum foliolosum DC. Family: Ranunculaceae Synonym: Thalictrum dalingo Buch.-Ham. ex DC. Common Name (English): Leafy Meadow-Rue Hindi: Mamera, Pili-jari, Peelipari Sanskrit: Pitarangaa, Piyaaraangaa, Tikta mula (meaning 'bitter root') Chinese: 金丝黄连 (Jīn Sī Huáng Lián) Urdu: Mamiran Bengali: Guriani Assamese: Mishmi Teeta Other Vernacular Names: barmat, bhamrol, chaitra, chireta, chitramul, gurbiani, jhalamala, keraita, makori, mamira, mamiri, pashmaran, piligor, thangre-jhar, ubyakati.
Terminology
Scientific Classification: It is classified under the genus Thalictrum and the family Ranunculaceae (the buttercup family). Phytochemical Richness: The plant is particularly noted for its abundance of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, especially berberine, as well as other compounds like jatrorrhizine, palmatine, and magnoflorine. These alkaloids are the key bioactive components contributing to its medicinal efficacy. Rasa (Taste, Ayurvedic): Tikta (Bitter). This bitter taste often indicates the presence of alkaloids and is associated with digestive and detoxifying properties in Ayurveda. Veerya (Potency, Ayurvedic): Ushna (Hot). Vipaka (Post-digestive taste, Ayurvedic): Katu (Pungent). Traditional Actions (Unani/Ayurveda): Antipyretic, Antiperiodic, Diuretic, Purgative, Tonic, Chakshushya (improving eyesight), Yakrut Uttejaka (stimulates liver).
Availability
Habitat and Distribution: Thalictrum foliolosum is typically found in the Temperate Himalayan region at elevations ranging from approximately 1,300 to 3,400 meters. Its natural habitat includes forests and shrubberies. Geographic Range: It is widely distributed from Kashmir eastward through the Himalayas, including Nepal, to South-East Tibet and Burma (Myanmar). Form of Availability: It is primarily harvested from the wild, where its roots and rhizomes are collected for traditional medicinal use. It can be found in local markets (bazaars) in the Himalayan and surrounding regions in the form of dried roots, root powder, decoctions, or sometimes as a component in eye applications (collyrium). Due to its traditional use, it may be included in some commercially available herbal formulations.
External Look
Habit: It is a tall, perennial, glabrous (hairless) herb, typically growing to a height of 0.9 to 2.5 meters (3 to 8 feet). The stems are generally branched and rigid. Leaves: The leaves are large, often described as 3-ternate (divided into three sections, with each section divided into three), and can be up to 35 cm long. The individual leaflets are small, rhombic-elliptic or ovate, with a leathery texture, and 3-lobed. Flowers: The flowers are small, borne in a terminal or axillary panicle (branched cluster) up to 20 cm long. The flowers are numerous, and the sepals are typically yellow or tinged with green, early deciduous. It lacks petals. The flowers have many prominent stamens, giving them a somewhat fluffy appearance. Flowering generally occurs from August to September. Root/Rhizome: The most medicinally used part is the root and rhizome. It is typically yellow due to the presence of berberine, and the name Pili-jari in Hindi translates to "yellow root." The roots are bitter in taste.
Healing Properties
The healing properties of Thalictrum foliolosum are largely attributed to its rich content of alkaloids, particularly berberine, which confers antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Key healing properties include: Antiperiodic and Febrifuge: Highly valued as an antiperiodic tonic to prevent the recurrence of malarial and other intermittent fevers, and as a febrifuge to reduce existing fever. Ophthalmic Remedy: It is famously used as a collyrium (eye application) for ophthalmia (inflammation of the eye), conjunctivitis, and is believed to improve eyesight and clear the cornea. The Sanskrit name Chakshushya denotes this benefit. Gastrointestinal Health: It acts as a bitter tonic, stomachic, and digestive aid. It is used to treat atonic dyspepsia (impaired digestion), peptic ulcer, indigestion, gas, and abdominal colic pain. Its purgative and aperient action helps relieve constipation. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: Used to treat inflammatory conditions like gout, rheumatism, and is topically applied to relieve toothache and treat itching skin/eczema. Antimicrobial and Antioxidant: Research supports its potential as an antimicrobial agent against various bacteria and fungi, and its high phenolic and flavonoid content provides strong antioxidant activity, which is crucial in mitigating oxidative stress linked to various diseases.
Advantages
Multi-Targeted Action: Its diverse phytochemical profile allows it to address a wide range of ailments, from fevers and digestive issues to eye and skin diseases. Source of Berberine: As a natural source of berberine, it offers the advantages of this powerful alkaloid, which is noted for its antimicrobial, anti-diarrheal, and potential blood sugar-lowering effects. Traditional Validation: It has a long history of safe use in major traditional systems like Ayurveda and Unani, particularly for chronic or recurrent conditions. External and Internal Use: It is versatile, being used internally as a tonic and febrifuge, and externally for eye ailments, skin conditions, and headache relief. Low Toxicity (Traditional View): Traditional sources generally suggest it is safe for consumption, though caution is always advised, especially given its membership in a family that includes poisonous plants.
Uses
The uses of Thalictrum foliolosum are varied and concentrated primarily in its root/rhizome: Application Area Specific Uses Part Used/Preparation Fever and Infection Malarial fever, recurrent (antiperiodic) and contagious fevers, febrifuge. Pounded root eaten, root powder, or decoction. Eye Disorders Ophthalmia, conjunctivitis, corneal opacity, improved eyesight. Root extract/ash/paste applied as collyrium or anjan to the eyes or on the eyelids. Digestive System Atonic dyspepsia, indigestion, peptic ulcer, abdominal colic pain, loss of appetite, jaundice (liver stimulant), constipation (purgative/aperient). Root decoction, root juice, or root powder. Pain and Inflammation Gout, rheumatism, toothache, headache (applied externally). Root paste, root powder, or poultice. Skin Conditions Dermatosis, itching of skin, eczema, boils, pimples (applied externally to clear them). Root paste, ash of the root, or leaf juice. Other Uses Diuretic (for water retention/dysuria), tonic (during convalescence), snakebites. Root powder/extract. Veterinary Medicine Root poultice for foot and mouth diseases, orally for fever in cattle. Root paste/poultice. Export to Sheets
Using Way
The main part used is the root/rhizome, and occasionally the leaves. The methods of preparation vary depending on the ailment: Powder (Churna): The dried root is ground into a fine powder. Dosage: Typically 0.5–1 gram of the root powder, taken orally, often three times a day, particularly as a tonic or antiperiodic. Decoction (Kwath): The root is boiled in water and reduced to a concentration. Dosage: 14–28 ml of the tea/decoction, taken orally. Tincture: An alcoholic extract of the root. Dosage: 1–2 ml of root tincture. External Paste (Lepa): The root is pounded or ground with a little water to form a paste. Use: Applied directly to the forehead for headache, around the eyes for conjunctivitis, on the skin for itching or eczema, or on the gums/tooth for toothache. Eye Application (Collyrium/Anjan): Use: Ash of the roots or a finely ground root powder/extract is prepared and applied to the inner eyelids or as an external paste for ophthalmic issues. Note: The efficacy of active compounds like berberine can decrease with prolonged storage; hence, fresh or well-preserved material is crucial. It is important to always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal medicine, especially since it belongs to a family that may contain toxic species.
Conclusion
Thalictrum foliolosum (Mamera, Pitarangaa) stands as a vital medicinal herb of the Himalayan region, deeply entrenched in the traditional medicine of countries like Nepal and India. Its therapeutic significance is underscored by its rich concentration of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, notably berberine. The herb is a broad-spectrum remedy, acting as a potent tonic, febrifuge, digestive aid, and, crucially, an effective remedy for eye disorders. The scientific community is continually exploring its documented antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-tumor potentials, validating its extensive historical use for ailments ranging from chronic fevers and jaundice to gastrointestinal and skin problems. As a perennial from the high-altitude forests, it represents an invaluable component of the world's herbal pharmacopeia, demanding sustainable harvesting and further research to fully harness its therapeutic capabilities in modern healthcare.
