Tiliacora acuminata The medicinal plant Tiliacora acuminata (Lam.) Miers, a crucial part of the diverse flora and traditional healing systems, including the rich heritage of Medicinal Plants of Nepal, holds significant therapeutic potential. It is a robust climber whose various parts—root, stem, and leaves—have been used for centuries to combat a wide range of ailments, from infectious diseases to chronic conditions.
Herb's Introduction
Tiliacora acuminata is a well-known medicinal plant belonging to the Menispermaceae family, commonly known as the Moonseed family. This species is a large, woody, perennial climber (liana) that thrives across the tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. In the context of the Medicinal Plants of Nepal, it is recognized as a powerful traditional remedy, primarily known for its potent detoxifying and anti-inflammatory actions. Traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, in which it is sometimes referred to as 'Krishnavetra,' have long valued it as an antidote and general therapeutic agent. The plant's deep-rooted use in folk medicine stems from its complex phytochemical profile, which has been partially validated by modern scientific studies for activities such as antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and most notably, anti-venom properties.
Name in Different Countries
Tiliacora acuminata is known by various vernacular names across its native range, often reflecting its physical characteristics or traditional uses. Country/Region Name Nepal रुख काने (Rukh Kaane) English Tapering-Leaf Tiliacora Hindi Bagmushada, Bhaga, Mushada Bengali Teliakora, Bhag lata, Kele lata Malayalam Vallikanjiram, Vallikannimaram Tamil Perunkattukkoti Telugu Adavi thamalapaaku, Kappa teega Odia (Oriya) Kalajati-noi Ayurvedic Krishnavetra Export to Sheets
Terminology
The plant's scientific classification helps to formally identify and distinguish it. It belongs to the Order Ranunculales, Family Menispermaceae. Scientific Name: Tiliacora acuminata (Lam.) Miers Botanical Family: Menispermaceae (Moonseed Family) Synonyms: This species has been historically classified under several different names, leading to various botanical synonyms. The most common synonym is Tiliacora racemosa Colebr., which is often considered conspecific, and Menispermum acuminatum Lam. Terminology Note: The genus Tiliacora is globally recognized for containing species rich in isoquinoline alkaloids, which are the primary source of its medicinal efficacy.
Availability
Tiliacora acuminata is widely distributed across the Indian Subcontinent and extending into Indo-China. It is an indigenous species found in countries including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, and, importantly, Nepal. In Nepal, it grows in the wet tropical and subtropical biomes. Its habitat is typically characterized by: Forests: Found climbing high into trees in deciduous and moist deciduous forests. Waterways: Often seen growing along river banks and streamsides. Open Lands: Commonly found in hedges, forming large, bushy clumps, and along roadsides up to an altitude of approximately 2000 meters. It is primarily harvested from the wild for traditional medicinal purposes, though its local availability is generally high within its specific geographical range.
External Look
Tiliacora acuminata is physically characterized as a large, woody climber, or liana, capable of reaching significant heights, typically between 5 to 8 meters. Habit: It is a large, woody, evergreen climber (liana) with stems that are often sparsely hairy to hairless, and typically exhibit a cinereous (ash-gray) and striped appearance. Leaves: The leaves are alternate, long, and distinctively shaped—ovate (egg-shaped) to lance-shaped. The leaf base can be heart-shaped (cordate), flat (truncate), or rounded, while the apex is sharply pointed or tapering (acuminate), which gives rise to its English common name, Tapering-Leaf Tiliacora. They are typically hairless and can be quite large. Flowers: The flowers are small, measuring about 6 mm across, and are bright yellow in color. They are unisexual (the plant is dioecious, having male and female flowers on separate plants) and arranged in elongated, loose, racemose panicles found in the leaf axils. Fruits: The plant produces small, fleshy fruits known as drupes. These are oblong-ovoid to obovoid, compressed, and are typically red when ripe.
Healing Properties
The healing properties of Tiliacora acuminata are attributed to its remarkable phytochemical richness, with a diverse range of bioactive compounds that exert various pharmacological effects. Antidote Action: Traditionally, the most prominent property is its use as a potent antidote for snake bites. This use is strongly supported by the isolation of specialized alkaloids. Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory: The plant exhibits significant antimicrobial activity against a range of human pathogens, including bacteria (like Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungi (like Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger). It also possesses strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are crucial for treating wounds and internal inflammatory conditions. Metabolic Regulation: It shows scientifically reported antidiabetic and hypoglycemic activities, suggesting its potential role in regulating blood sugar levels. Phytochemical Components: Its key healing constituents are: Alkaloids: Primarily bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, such as Tiliacorine, Tiliarine, and Coclaurine. These compounds are largely responsible for the anti-venom, antimalarial, and cytotoxic actions. Phenolic Compounds and Tannins: These contribute to its strong antioxidant and astringent effects. Saponins, Steroids, and Terpenoids: These compounds collectively enhance its therapeutic efficacy, supporting its use in treating fever, pain, and digestive disorders.
Advantages
The advantages of utilizing Tiliacora acuminata as a medicinal herb are rooted in its broad-spectrum traditional efficacy and the scientific validation of its potent chemical composition. Polypathological Efficacy: Unlike herbs with a singular use, T. acuminata is a true polyherbal agent, effective in treating a cocktail of seemingly unrelated ailments, including infectious diseases (malaria, microbial infections), inflammatory conditions (pain, wounds), and metabolic disorders (diabetes). Source of Novel Alkaloids: It is a rich natural factory for specialized bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids that have proven cytotoxic potential against certain cancer cell lines (e.g., HT-29) and significant antimalarial activity, presenting opportunities for new drug development. Anti-venom Potential: Its primary advantage lies in its traditional and investigated use as an anti-venom agent, offering a readily accessible, traditional remedy in rural areas where access to conventional snake-bite treatment may be limited. Natural Protection: Its antioxidant and hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) properties help in strengthening the body's natural defense mechanisms against oxidative stress and damage caused by toxins.
Uses
The diverse medicinal uses of Tiliacora acuminata are drawn from traditional ethnobotanical practices across its native range. Antidote: Used primarily as a traditional remedy for treating venomous snake bites. Infectious Diseases: Employed in the treatment of persistent fevers, including those associated with malaria. Digestive Ailments: Used internally to manage and cure diarrhea, dysentery, colic, and indigestion. Wounds and Skin Disorders: Applied externally to treat skin diseases, ulcers, cuts, and fresh wounds to stop bleeding and promote healing. Pain and Inflammation: Traditionally used to relieve pain and treat rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Ocular Issues: Used in folk medicine for various eye troubles, such as conjunctivitis and white spots in the eye. Other Uses: Includes addressing migraine headaches and being used as a general tonic. The bark is also used to treat intestinal parasites (helminthic infections).
Using way
The preparation and application methods for Tiliacora acuminata depend entirely on the ailment being treated and the part of the plant being used: For Snake Bites: The most common traditional method involves taking the root of the plant. The root is rubbed between stones, mixed with water, and the resulting decoction or liquid is taken orally as a drink to counteract the venom. A paste of the root or leaf may also be applied directly to the bite area. For Diarrhea and Dysentery: The powdered fruits or root paste are often mixed with a carrier like water or curd (yogurt) and administered orally. The bark juice is also sometimes given for the same purpose. For Wounds and Bleeding: The fresh leaf juice is directly applied to cuts and wounds to quickly stop bleeding. A paste made from the bark or leaves is applied topically to fresh wounds or ulcers to draw out pus and aid in healing. For Migraine: Fine powder from fresh leaves is traditionally snuffed through the nose to relieve the headache. For Conjunctivitis: A concentrated decoction of the bark or the yellow latex from the plant is externally applied to the eyes. Note: These are traditional uses. Scientific verification of safe dosage and preparation is always recommended, especially for life-threatening conditions like snake bites.
Conclusion
Tiliacora acuminata, or Rukh Kaane in Nepali, stands as an invaluable example of the rich biodiversity and traditional medical knowledge inherent in the Medicinal Plants of Nepal and the broader Indian Subcontinent. As a woody climber rich in diverse alkaloids, its traditional use as a potent antidote for snake bites and a multi-purpose remedy for fevers, gastrointestinal issues, and topical infections is strongly supported by modern research confirming its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. While its importance in traditional healing is immense, further scientific investigation into its specific mechanisms of action, standardization of extracts, and clinical trials is necessary. This will ensure the safe, sustainable, and widespread integration of this powerhouse herb into modern therapeutic applications, fully realizing the potential of this traditional remedy.
