Aristolochia indica
Indian birthwort
Aristolochia indica, commonly known as Indian Birthwort, is a perennial climbing herb native to various Asian regions. Renowned for its unique tubular flowers and medicinal potential, it has historically been used in traditional practices. However, caution is vital due to the presence of toxic aristolochic acids within the plant.
- Scientific name: Aristolochia indica
- Family: Aristolochiaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Piperales, it is classified under the family Aristolochiaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Aristolochia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Piperales | WCVP |
| Family | Aristolochiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Aristolochia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Aristolochia indica, is recognized by various traditional names across different languages and cultures. In Malayalam, it is referred to as ഈശ്വരമൂലി, while in Telugu, it is commonly called ఈశ్వర వేరు. In Vietnamese, the plant is known as Mã đậu linh, and in Thai, it is called กระเช้าสีดา. Additionally, in Tamil, it is identified by the name மாம்பாஞ்சான்.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ml | ഈശ്വരമൂലി | Wikidata |
| te | ఈశ్వర వేరు | Wikidata |
| vi | Mã đậu linh | Wikidata |
| th | กระเช้าสีดา | Wikidata |
| ta | மாம்பாஞ்சான் | Wikidata |
| kn | ಈಶ್ವರ ಬಳ್ಳಿ | Wikidata |
| zh | 印度马兜铃 | Wikidata |
| bn | ঈশের মূল | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 印度马兜铃 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 印度馬兜鈴 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, Aristolochia indica, exhibits a widespread distribution across the diverse landscapes of the Indian Subcontinent. It is commonly found growing within the various regions of India. Its presence extends further into the neighboring territories of Bangladesh and Nepal. Additionally, the species can be located within the lush environments of Assam. Finally, its range encompasses the high-altitude terrains of the East Himalaya.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Andaman Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Australia | Northern Territory | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Aristolochia indica, is a climbing vine characterized by several distinct morphological features. The roots of the species typically form a sturdy anchoring system within the soil, and the root structure is essential for the plant's nutrient uptake. Its foliage is equally notable, as the large, heart-shaped leaves provide the primary surface area for photosynthesis. Each individual leaf possesses a smooth texture and distinct venation, contributing to the overall medicinal profile of the plant.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 8
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Aristolochia indica has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include tannins, Aristolochic acid-I, EA1, Savinin, aristolic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 15
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| tannins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Aristolochic acid-I | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| EA1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Savinin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aristolic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aristolindiquinone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aristolochic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aristolochic acid I | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aristolochic acid II | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cepharadione A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Aristolochia indica has 11 reported activities identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Abortifacient, Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Antifungal.
- Total activities
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 15
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Abortifacient | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antivenom | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fibrinolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Repellent | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Teratogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Aristolochia indica has 15 reported medicinal uses identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease, Cerebrovascular Diseases, Plasmodium falciparum, dyspepsia, fertility.
- Total uses
- 15
- Scientific sources
- 15
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cerebrovascular Diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Plasmodium falciparum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dyspepsia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fertility | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leishmaniasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leprosy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |