Herb's Introduction
Tiliacora racemosa Colebr., synonymously known as Tiliacora acuminata Miers, is a significant medicinal plant belonging to the family Menispermaceae. It is a large, evergreen, woody, climbing shrub or liana native to the Indian Subcontinent and Indo-China, and is found in countries including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam. In traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, and in folk medicine, various parts of the plant, particularly the root and leaves, have been utilized for centuries to treat a wide array of ailments. The plant contains a rich profile of phytochemicals, most notably bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, which are believed to be responsible for its diverse pharmacological activities. Its traditional uses include treatments for snake bites, wounds, and certain chronic conditions, aligning it with the rich tradition of medicinal plants in regions like Nepal.
Name in Different Countries
The plant is known by various local names across its native range, reflecting its widespread recognition and use: Synonym/Botanical Name: Tiliacora acuminata Miers English: Tapering-Leaf Tiliacora Hindi: Bagmushada, Bhaga, Mushada, Nagmushadi Sanskrit (Traditional Name): Krishnavetra Nepali: Rukh kaane Malayalam: Vallikanjiram Kannada: kuri balli Tamil: பெருங்கட்டுக்கொடி (Perunkattukkoti), Kodaparuvavalli Telugu: అడవి తమలపాకు (adavi thamalapaaku), కప్పతీగ (kappa teega), నాగముషిని (naagamushini), వెర్రి చిత్రమూలము (verri chitramulamu)
Terminology
Term Explanation Scientific Name Tiliacora racemosa Colebr. (Accepted name, with Tiliacora acuminata Miers as a major synonym) Family Menispermaceae (Often referred to as the "Moonseed Family," known for climbing plants rich in alkaloids) Habit Climbing Shrub or Liana (A woody vine that climbs on other plants, common in tropical forests) Key Phytochemical Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloids (A class of alkaloids, such as Tiliacorine and (+)-Tiliarine, responsible for significant biological activities) Export to Sheets
Availability
Tiliacora racemosa is generally found growing wild in the wet tropical biomes of South and Southeast Asia. Its range includes forests, hedges, and open lands where it climbs high into trees. It is native to the Indian Subcontinent and Indo-China region, including: India Sri Lanka Bangladesh Myanmar Vietnam Nepal (found in the country and listed in its flora checklist, indicating its status as one of the indigenous Medicinal Plants of Nepal) Pakistan (sometimes cultivated) While it is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use, information on large-scale commercial cultivation is limited. Its presence in Nepal is part of the country's rich biodiversity of medicinal climbers.
External Look
Based on the provided description and general botanical information: Habit: A large, woody, evergreen, climbing shrub or liana that can reach heights of 5-8 meters. Stem: The stems are generally longitudinally striped (striate), sparsely covered with fine hairs (puberulous) or smooth (glabrous). Leaves: The leaves are arranged alternately and are typically ovate (egg-shaped) or lanceolate, chartaceous (papery). They are hairless (glabrous) and often have a characteristic cordate (heart-shaped), truncate, or rarely acute base, with an acuminate (tapering to a long point) apex. They measure approximately 8–14 cm long and 3.5–8 cm wide. Flowers: The inflorescences are panicles arising from the leaf axils. The small flowers are typically yellow. Male flowers have 6 sepals in two rows and 6 petals, with 6 stamens. Female flowers are solitary with similar sepals and petals. Fruit (Drupes): The fruits are oblong to obovoid drupes that become red when ripe, measuring about 10–15 mm long. The endocarp (the innermost layer of the fruit wall) has a reticulate (net-like) structure.
Healing Properties
Scientific studies on Tiliacora racemosa and its isolated compounds, such as tiliacorine, confirm several traditional uses and suggest new therapeutic potential: Antioxidant Activity: Extracts, particularly from the stem and root, have shown strong free radical-scavenging and antioxidant properties, suggesting a role in combating oxidative stress and preventing degenerative diseases. Anti-cancer/Cytotoxic Activity: Specific alkaloids like tiliacorine and (+)-tiliarine have demonstrated potent cytotoxicity against certain human cancer cell lines (e.g., cervical cancer and melanoma cells). Studies suggest mechanisms involving oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage and apoptosis (programmed cell death). Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects: The alkaloid tiliacorine has been shown to possess: Hypnotic Potentiation: It can prolong the sleeping time induced by standard hypnotics like diazepam. Analgesic Potentiation: It enhances the pain-relieving effects of standard analgesics like morphine. Anticonvulsive Activity: It exhibits protective effects against convulsions induced by substances like strychnine. Nootropic (Cognitive Enhancing) Activity: Leaf extracts have shown memory-enhancing capabilities and inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, suggesting potential application in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Anti-bacterial Properties: Extracts have demonstrated antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Hypotensive Action: Tiliacorine produces a dose-dependent reduction in blood pressure in experimental animals.
Advantages
The primary advantages of Tiliacora racemosa lie in its multi-faceted therapeutic potential, driven by its complex alkaloid composition: Traditional Antidote: It is a well-known traditional remedy, particularly the root, used as an antidote for venomous snake bites. Natural CNS Modulator: The presence of alkaloids with sedative, pain-relieving, and anticonvulsant properties offers a natural alternative for managing certain neurological and pain-related conditions. Potential in Cancer Treatment: The demonstrated cytotoxic activity against specific cancer cell lines highlights its potential for developing novel chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive agents. Neuroprotective Potential: Its nootropic and anti-cholinesterase activity suggests a role in supporting cognitive function and treating age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Sustainable Use: By identifying the strong antioxidant activity in the stem (comparable to the root), researchers suggest that the stem could be used as a sustainable alternative to root harvesting, helping to conserve the plant's ecological balance.
Uses
The plant's parts are traditionally and scientifically used for the following applications: Traditional Medicinal Uses: Antidote: Root paste or decoction mixed with water is drunk to treat venomous snake bites. Wound Healing: Paste of leaves and roots is applied externally to cuts and wounds. Diuretic/Urinary Ailments: Decoction of the leaf is given for strangury (painful, difficult urination). External Parasites: Leaves are used for anti-dandruff properties and to kill lice and nits. Other Traditional Uses: The long, flexible branches of this climbing shrub are utilized for thatching roofs and for making baskets. Modern Pharmacological Focus: Research targets include its use as an Antioxidant, Cytotoxic agent (against cancer cells), Nootropic (memory enhancer), Analgesic, and Anticonvulsant.
Using way
Traditional methods of using Tiliacora racemosa involve simple preparation of its parts: For Snake Bites: The root is typically rubbed between stones, mixed with water, and the resulting liquid is consumed as an internal antidote. For Cuts and Wounds: A paste is prepared from the leaves and/or roots and applied externally to the affected area. For Strangury (Urinary Issues): A decoction (a liquid preparation made by boiling the plant material) of the leaf, often combined with other ingredients like long peppers, is administered orally. Modern Formulations: For its confirmed pharmacological activities (e.g., nootropic, cytotoxic, analgesic effects), research focuses on isolating the active compounds (alkaloids like tiliacorine) and developing standardized extracts or pharmaceutical dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules, or injections) for clinical application.
Conclusion
Tiliacora racemosa (syn. T. acuminata) is a highly valued and pharmacologically significant medicinal plant of the Menispermaceae family, deeply embedded in the traditional medicine of the Indian Subcontinent and found as one of the medicinal plants in Nepal. Its traditional applications as an antidote for snake bites and a remedy for wounds are now being validated and expanded by modern research. The presence of powerful bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, particularly tiliacorine, endows the plant with promising antioxidant, anti-cancer, nootropic, analgesic, and anticonvulsive activities. The growing scientific evidence supports its use for neurodegenerative disorders, pain management, and potentially as a source for developing novel anti-cancer drugs. Sustainable harvesting practices, such as utilizing the stem in place of the traditionally-used root for certain applications, are being explored to ensure the long-term ecological balance and continued availability of this important medicinal resource.
