Cissampelos pareira
What's the taxonomical classification of Cissampelos pareira?
Cissampelos pareira belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Moving further down the taxonomic hierarchy, the plant is part of the order Ranunculales and falls within the family Menispermaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Cissampelos and is specifically designated as the species pareira.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Menispermaceae |
| Genus | Cissampelos |
| Species | pareira |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Cissampelos pareira has woody, climbing vines characterized by trifoliate leaves, small yellowish-green flowers, and globose, fleshy fruits. The foliage typically consists of three leaflets that are ovate or elliptical with smooth or slightly serrated margins. Its climbing habit is supported by specialized tendrils that emerge from the leaf axils to help the plant ascend forest structures. The flowers are relatively inconspicuous and are often arranged in small clusters along the stems. Once pollinated, the plant produces small, round berries that turn from green to a darker color when mature. These morphological features allow the vine to thrive in tropical understory environments.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, specifically spanning from India and Sri Lanka across to Southeast Asia and southern China. It thrives in various habitats including forest edges, scrublands, and moist lowland areas where sunlight is filtered. The species is commonly found in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia due to its preference for warm, humid climates. Its distribution is largely limited to these specific latitudes, preventing it from colonizing temperate zones. Local ecosystems in these regions provide the consistent moisture levels necessary for its growth.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, known as Ceylon creeper, is cultivated by planting its rhizomes or cuttings in well-draining, sandy loam soil under partial shade and consistent moisture.
It thrives best in tropical or subtropical climates where temperatures remain warm throughout the growing season. Growers must provide a sturdy trellis or support structure because the species is a vigorous climbing vine. Regular watering is essential to prevent the soil from drying out completely, yet proper drainage must be maintained to avoid root rot.
Periodic organic fertilization helps promote the healthy development of its medicinal roots.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Cissampelos pareira utilizes its roots, stems, and leaves for various medicinal applications in traditional healing practices. The roots are most commonly harvested and processed to treat digestive issues and gastrointestinal ailments. Both the stems and the leaves contain bioactive compounds that contribute to the overall therapeutic profile of the species. Practitioners often prepare decoctions or infusions from these specific botanical structures to address different health concerns. By utilizing these three distinct parts, the plant serves as a versatile resource in herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the leaf extract of Cissampelos pareira is used as an antiferitility agent. When administered orally, the methanolic leaf extract altered the estrous cycle pattern and prolonged the length of the cycle in female albino mice. This extract caused a significant increase in the duration of the diestrus stage and reduced the number of litters. The plant extract also altered the secretion of estradiol and the release of gonadotropins including LH, FSH, and prolactin. The oral LD50 of the Cissampelos pareira extract was found to be 7.3 g/kg in mice.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaf
- root
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Cissampelos pareira has been utilized in various traditional medicinal systems, most notably Ayurveda, to treat gastrointestinal and reproductive ailments. In Ayurvedic practice, the root is often employed to address issues such as dysentery, diarrhea, and various digestive disturbances. Beyond Indian traditions, it has a history of use in other folk medicine practices to support female reproductive health and manage menstrual irregularities. The plant's bitter properties are frequently cited as a key characteristic for its medicinal application in these historical contexts. These diverse applications highlight its long-standing role in managing systemic wellness through herbal intervention.
According to a study published by "3 Biotech", Cissampelos pareira L. var. hirsuta (Buch.-Ham. ex DC.) Forman belongs to the family Menispermaceae. The roots of this taxon are used in Ayurveda as the genuine source plant of the raw drug known as Patha. These roots are used in the treatment of various diseases such as stomach pain, fever, and skin disease. The study utilizes ISSR markers to analyze the genetic relationships and authenticate the species. Such validation is necessary to distinguish the genuine drug from substitutes to guarantee its quality in the market.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ayurveda
What are the pharmacological activities of Cissampelos pareira?
This plant has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, anti-diabetic, and anti-urolithic pharmacological activities. Its ability to reduce pain and swelling makes it a valuable resource for treating various inflammatory conditions. Researchers have also identified its potential to combat malaria parasites and manage blood sugar levels in diabetic subjects. Furthermore, its anti-urolithic properties assist in the prevention or dissolution of kidney stones. These diverse therapeutic effects highlight the significant medicinal importance of Cissampelos pareira in traditional and modern pharmacology.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Cissampelos pareira has been used traditionally to treat numerous diseases including ulcer, wound, rheumatism, fever, asthma, cholera, diarrhoea, inflammation, snakebite, malaria, and rabies. Approximately 54 phytomolecules have been isolated and characterized from the plant, consisting mainly of isoquinoline alkaloids, few flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, and fatty acids. The crude extracts of Cissampelos pareira demonstrate various pharmacological activities such as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, antiulcer, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiferility, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antivenom, antimalarial, and immunomodulatory effects. Although some traditional uses are clarified by modern pharmacological analysis, the correlation between these activities and specific phytoconstituents requires further validation. Future research should focus on pre-clinical and clinical trials to provide more comprehensive data on its pharmacological potential.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- analgesic
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-malarial
- antiulcer
- antiurolithic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, essential oil, and carbohydrates. These diverse chemical constituents contribute to the medicinal properties often attributed to the species. The presence of tannins is particularly notable for its astringent effects on biological tissues. Additionally, the essential oil and terpenoids provide aromatic qualities and specific therapeutic actions. Carbohydrates serve as fundamental structural and energy components within the plant's biological makeup.
According to a study published by "Ancient science of life", Cissampelos pareira belongs to a family of flowering plants that are rich in alkaloids, specifically the bisbenzylisoquinoline type. Preliminary phytochemical studies confirm the presence of alkaloids in this plant. The total alkaloidal content of the methanolic extract of Cissampelos pareira was found to be 0.1656%w/w. The methanolic extracts were assessed at concentrations of 500, 250, 125, 62.5, and 31.25 μg/ml. The IC50 value for Cissampelos pareira was determined to be 129.3 μg/ml. This study concludes that Cissampelos pareira has in vitro cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cell line.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- alkaloids
- tannins
- terpenoids
- essential oil
- carbohydrates
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating arthritis, diarrhoea, inflammation, pain, and urinary problems. It contains active compounds that help reduce systemic inflammation throughout the body. These properties make it a common traditional remedy for managing chronic joint pain and stiffness. Additionally, the plant is utilized to soothe digestive distress such as diarrhoea. Its diuretic effects also provide relief for various urinary problems.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Cissampelos pareira has been used since ancient times to treat numerous diseases including ulcer, wound, rheumatism, fever, asthma, cholera, diarrhoea, inflammation, snakebite, malaria, and rabies. The plant is also recommended for blood purification. To date, approximately 54 phytomolecules have been isolated and characterized from Cissampelos pareira. Crude extracts of the plant have demonstrated various pharmacological activities such as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, antiulcer, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiferility, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antivenom, antimalarial, and immunomodulatory effects.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- inflammation
- pain
- diarrhoea
- urinary problems
- urolithiasis
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as 50% aqueous ethanolic extract, various other liquid extracts, and fine powder. These different forms allow for diverse therapeutic applications in traditional medicine. The 50% aqueous ethanolic extract is particularly valued for its ability to solubilize specific bioactive compounds. Liquid extracts are often prepared to provide concentrated doses of the plant's medicinal properties. Alternatively, the dried powder can be administered directly or incorporated into other formulations.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Cissampelos pareira belongs to the Menispermaceae family and was used traditionally for anti-malarial therapy in the Kilifi and Tharaka districts of Kenya. Extracts of this plant were prepared using water/methanol to test against chloroquine sensitive (NF54) and resistant (ENT30) P. falciparum strains in vitro using a (3)Hypoxanthine assay. Cissampelos pareira was identified as one of the most active plants with an IC(50) value of 5.85 microg/ml. The anti-plasmodial activities of extracts from C. pareira are reported for the first time in this study.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 50% aqueous ethanolic extract
- extracts
- powder
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause various adverse health effects including altered estradiol secretion, female hormone disorders, fever, in vitro cytotoxic activity, and an increased duration of the diestrus stage. Disruption of the hormonal balance may lead to significant complications in reproductive health. The presence of in vitro cytotoxic activity suggests that the plant's components can damage or kill living cells during laboratory testing. Furthermore, individuals consuming the plant might experience systemic symptoms such as fever. These physiological changes are often linked to the plant's influence on the endocrine system and menstrual cycles.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the methanolic leaf extract of Cissampelos pareira was evaluated for its antifertility effects in female albino mice. When administered orally, the extract altered the estrous cycle pattern and significantly increased the duration of the diestrus stage. This plant extract also reduced significantly the number of litters in the mice and altered the secretion of estradiol and the release of gonadotropins including LH, FSH, and prolactin. The oral LD50 of the Cissampelos pareira extract was found to be 7.3 g/kg in mice.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- altered estradiol secretion
- female hormone disorders
- fever
- in vitro cytotoxic activity
- increased duration of diestrus stage
What herbs are paired with Cissampelos pareira?
This plant is traditionally paired with herbs such as ginger, cinnamon, and licorice to enhance its digestive and astringent properties.
Practitioners often combine it with bitter herbs like gentian to support liver function and bile production. Adding warming spices like cloves can help balance its cooling nature during decoction. Some herbalists also blend it with fennel or peppermint to soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
These specific combinations are designed to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of the root in various medicinal preparations.