Thunbergia fragrans is a fascinating climbing plant with a rich history in traditional medicine, particularly in South Asia. Known by several evocative names, this herbaceous perennial is valued for its potential therapeutic properties, which modern science is beginning to explore.
Herb's Introduction
Thunbergia fragrans Roxb. is a slender, herbaceous twiner belonging to the Acanthaceae family. While commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive, fragrant white flowers, it holds a significant place in traditional medicinal systems, such as Siddha medicine in India. The plant is a fast-growing vine native to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its traditional uses are rooted in its phytochemical richness, which includes compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins.
Name in Different Countries
Common Name: White Clock-Vine, White Lady, White Thunbergia Chinese: 铁贯藤 (Tiě guàn téng) Hindi: चिमीन (Chimin) Japan: Yahazu-kazura Malayalam: Noorvan-valli Marathi: चिमीन (Chimin) Spanish: Flor de nieve (Snow flower) Tamil: இந்த்ரபுஸ்பம் (Indrapushpam), Kaasanangaai, Thannikkodi Other names (regional in India): Benne balli, Chakrakedar, Chimiti, Hegala balli, Indrapushapa, Indrapushpa balli, Indrathige, Indratige, Intiraputpi, Jimandaarathige, Koligokke, Kolikka, Kolikokka, Koliokokkai, Noorvan valli, Palatheega, Simiti, Vengachchaan poovu.
Terminology
Botanical Name: Thunbergia fragrans Roxb. Family: Acanthaceae. This family is known for containing many medicinal and ornamental plants. Habit: Slender, herbaceous twiner or climber. This means it's a non-woody plant that climbs by twining its stem around a support structure. Key Phytochemicals: The plant is rich in secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic compounds. These are the biologically active compounds responsible for its medicinal properties. Traditional System: It is notably mentioned in Siddha medicine, a traditional system of health and healing that originated in South India.
Availability
Native Range: The species is native to a vast region spanning the Indian Subcontinent (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh) to South China and Indo-China. Distribution: It is widespread in moist disturbed areas and found in the Himalayas up to elevations of around 500–1800 meters, including in Nepal. Cultivation Status: While it grows wild, it is also widely cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions globally as an ornamental plant for its attractive white flowers. In some areas, it has become an invasive species due to its fast growth.
External Look
Stem: It is a slender climber with young shoots that are quadrangular (four-angled) and hairy (strigose). Leaves: The leaves are opposite, borne on long petioles (2-4.5 cm). The leaf blade is broadly elliptic to ovate or lanceolate-ovate, ranging from 4-10 cm long. The base of the leaf is typically truncate (cut off squarely) to cordate (heart-shaped) or sometimes sagittate/hastate, and the margins can be entire or slightly toothed. Flowers: Its most distinguishing feature is the flower—solitary, axillary, and relatively large, about 4-5 cm long and across. The corolla (petals) is typically white (or sometimes yellowish-white) with a cylindrical tube, and the five lobes are nearly equal in size. Fruit (Capsule): The fruit is a characteristic beaked capsule, depressed-globose (round but flattened) with a prominent beak 1-1.5 cm long.
Healing Properties
Traditional use and preliminary pharmacological studies suggest that Thunbergia fragrans possesses a range of healing properties, including: Anti-pyretic (Anti-fever): Traditionally used to reduce fever. Anti-inflammatory: Exhibits properties that may help reduce inflammation. Antimicrobial / Antibacterial / Antifungal: Extracts show activity against various microbes, including Gram-negative bacteria, and a decoction of leaves is reported for use in fungal infections. Antioxidant: The plant's high content of phytochemicals, particularly flavonoids, contributes to its ability to scavenge harmful free radicals. Anti-cancer / Anti-proliferative: Some studies have indicated potential anti-cancer activity, especially against certain cell lines. Analgesic (Pain-relieving): Related to its anti-inflammatory action, it may have pain-relieving effects.
Advantages
Multi-Purpose Traditional Use: It is utilized for a wide spectrum of ailments, from common issues like fever and headaches to more serious conditions like skin diseases and paralysis in folk medicine. Phytochemical Richness: The presence of various bioactive compounds (flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins) provides a strong basis for its diverse pharmacological activities. Topical and Internal Application: The plant parts are used for both external poultices and internal consumption (decoctions, juices), making it versatile in traditional applications. Antimicrobial Potential: Its effectiveness against various bacteria, as demonstrated in some studies, positions it as a promising source for developing new antimicrobial agents.
Uses
The uses of Thunbergia fragrans are deeply embedded in traditional medicine: Fever: A paste made from the tender twigs is traditionally applied all over the body. Headache and Giddiness: The juice of tender leaves is poured into the nose for giddiness, and the paste is applied to the forehead for headaches. Skin Diseases, Cuts, and Wounds: Leaves are used as a poultice for skin diseases and a paste of leaves is applied to cuts and wounds. Paralysis: A decoction (boiled extract) made from the crushed leaves is traditionally drunk. Eye Care: Fresh root juice is used as eye drops. Magico-religious Beliefs: The plant is sometimes used to keep off evil spirits and ghosts; for example, flower paste is applied to the body or fruits are worn as a necklace. Contraceptive/Abortifacient: Leaves ground with cumin, mixed in water, are historically taken orally as an abortifacient, though this is a dangerous traditional use that should not be replicated without medical guidance.
Using Way
Traditional preparation methods often involve simple, direct extraction techniques: Paste: Plant material (tender twigs, leaves) is crushed or ground into a fine paste, sometimes with other ingredients like cumin, and then applied topically (on the skin) or mixed with water for oral consumption. Poultice: Crushed or whole leaves are applied directly to the affected area, such as in the case of skin diseases or wounds. Juice/Decoction: Fresh leaf juice is extracted for topical application (e.g., in the nose or on the head). A decoction (extract made by boiling in water) is prepared from crushed leaves for internal ingestion (e.g., for paralysis). Eye Drops: Fresh root juice is collected and administered directly to the eyes. Note: It is crucial to remember that traditional uses, especially those involving internal consumption or sensitive areas like the eyes, have not all been validated by modern science and should not be attempted without professional medical supervision.
Conclusion
Thunbergia fragrans, known as Indrapushpam or Chimin, is an important herbaceous climber in the Acanthaceae family with a long-standing history in South Asian traditional medicine, particularly in regions like Nepal and India. Its ethnomedicinal reputation for treating ailments such as fever, skin diseases, headaches, and wounds is supported by the discovery of a rich profile of phytochemicals like flavonoids and alkaloids, which exhibit promising antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities in preliminary scientific studies. While widely used, further in-depth clinical research is essential to fully validate its efficacy, determine safe dosages, and integrate this traditional herb into modern healthcare practices, ensuring a sustainable medicinal resource.
