Tinospora crispa
Tinospora crispa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (9 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Tinospora crispa is a versatile medicinal plant known for its diverse therapeutic activities, including antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, and antifilarial properties. The plant's stems and leaves serve as primary sources for bioactive compounds such as borapetoside A, borapetoside C, borapetoside E, and chlorogenic acid. These phytochemicals are utilized in various preparations, most notably through aqueous and ethanol extracts. Such extracts are studied for their potential to manage various health conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, insulin resistance, and jaundice. Consequently, this plant remains a significant subject of interest in pharmacological research due to its wide range of medicinal applications.
- Synonyms
- Menispermum Crispum · Tinospora Gibbericaulis · 15 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Menispermaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Tinospora crispa is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional and linguistic names. In certain areas, it is commonly referred to as akar patawali. Its identity is equally recognized in Chinese contexts through names such as 大叶藤 and 绿包藤. Some people also identify the species as 波叶青牛胆, a name that highlights its distinct botanical characteristics. Furthermore, it is frequently called 波叶青牛胆（绿包藤） to provide even more specific classification.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Tinospora crispa is a botanical species that has been identified by several different scientific names throughout history. Taxonomic records indicate that it has been formally classified under the synonym Chasmanthera crispa. The plant is also linked to various names within the Cocculus genus, including Cocculus bantamensis and Cocculus crispus. Furthermore, its botanical lineage includes the synonyms Cocculus rimosus and Cocculus verrucosus. Understanding these shifting nomenclatures is essential for accurately tracking the plant's medicinal and scientific history.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Tinospora crispa belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, serving as a fascinating example of botanical diversity. Within this expansive group, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Ranunculales, showcasing its evolutionary connections to other flowering species. As a member of the genus Tinospora, it possesses unique characteristics specific to its lineage. Finally, this plant is nested within the family Menispermaceae, which defines its broader biological identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Menispermaceae |
| Genus | Tinospora |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Tinospora crispa exhibits a wide and diverse geographic distribution throughout various regions of Asia. This plant can be found in temperate zones of China, including the South-Central areas. Its presence is equally significant across the tropical landscapes of the Indian Subcontinent, spanning from Bangladesh to the East Himalaya. Within these tropical reaches, it is widely established throughout India and the state of Assam. This extensive range highlights the plant's ability to adapt to both temperate and tropical Asian environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Tinospora crispa is characterized by an obligatory climbing habit that allows it to ascend toward sunlight. This vigorous vine typically reaches a maximum height of 10 meters during its standard growth cycles. However, under optimal environmental conditions, the plant can extend its reach to a maximum height of 15 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Tinospora crispa is a versatile medicinal plant recognized for its wide array of bioactive compounds and diverse pharmacological properties. Research demonstrates that its extracts possess significant antidiabetic activity, primarily by stimulating insulin release to improve glucose tolerance. Furthermore, the plant serves as a potent natural source of antioxidant compounds, which are highly effective at combating oxidative stress. Its medicinal value extends to anticancer potential, particularly through selective cytotoxicity against specific cancer cell lines. Additionally, Tinospora crispa has exhibited notable antifilarial and antimalarial effects, making it a promising candidate for treating various parasitic infections.
Compounds
Tinospora crispa is a medicinal climbing plant recognized for its rich profile of diverse bioactive secondary metabolites. Scientific investigations have confirmed that the plant contains several significant compounds, including borapetoside A, borapetoside C, and borapetoside E. In addition to these specific borapetosides, the plant is also characterized by the presence of chlorogenic acid. These constituents are part of a broader group of chemical compounds found within the species, specifically the clerodane diterpenes. Together, these phytochemicals contribute to the plant's traditional use in treating various metabolic and inflammatory conditions.
Conditions
Tinospora crispa is widely utilized in ethnomedicine to treat diabetes and manage hypertension. Its active constituents, such as borapetoside C and E, effectively address insulin resistance by enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization. Additionally, the plant is traditionally employed as a remedy for jaundice. However, clinical evidence indicates that the chronic use of high doses of Tinospora crispa can induce toxic hepatitis.
Preparations
Tinospora crispa is prepared as an extract for various pharmacological studies, including the evaluation of its hypoglycaemic and insulinotropic properties. Researchers have specifically utilized Tinospora crispa prepared as an aqueous extract to treat hyperglycaemia in diabetic rat models. Different studies also involve Tinospora crispa prepared as extracts using various solvents such as methanol, chloroform, and petroleum ether to determine their biological activities. The plant is also frequently prepared as an ethanol extract to isolate bioactive compounds like borapetoside A and to maximize antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, Tinospora crispa is prepared as a water extract to study its ability to decrease glucose levels and reduce lipid profiles in diabetic subjects.
Parts used
Tinospora crispa is a plant species that offers significant therapeutic potential through its various anatomical components. Research indicates that the stems of this plant contain potent extracts capable of treating diabetes mellitus and reducing inflammation. Specifically, aqueous extracts from the stem have been shown to improve glucose tolerance and insulin levels in diabetic models. Beyond the stem, the leaves also serve as a vital part of the plant's biological profile. Together, these different parts contribute to the diverse chemical properties that make the species a subject of intense pharmacological study.