Cyclea peltata, botanically referred to as Cissampelos pareira Linn. in North India and Cyclea peltata in South India, is a well-known medicinal plant belonging to the family Menispermaceae. It is a perennial twining climber that grows naturally in forests, hedges, and moist shady areas. The plant is widely used in Ayurveda and folk medicine due to its root, tuber, and leaf-based therapeutic properties.
Botanical Description
- Common Names: Patha, Rajapatha, Velpatha
- Family: Menispermaceae
- Type: Perennial climbing shrub with woody roots and tubers
- Leaves: Round or peltate (shield-shaped), smooth, and green, which help identify the plant easily
- Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow, unisexual
- Fruits: Small, red to purple drupes
Distribution
- Found throughout tropical India, especially in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Himalayan regions, and forest belts.
- North India: Referred to as Cissampelos pareira Linn.
- South India: Commonly known as Cyclea peltata.
Propagation and Cultivation
- Propagation: Primarily through tubers and stem cuttings.
- Soil: Grows best in moist, well-drained red or lateritic soil with good organic content.
- Climate: Prefers warm, humid tropical to subtropical climates.
- Planting Method:
- Tubers or stem cuttings are planted at the onset of monsoon.
- It requires support for climbing, hence often trained on poles or trees.
- Irrigation: Moderate irrigation is required, avoiding waterlogging.
Medicinal Importance
Cyclea peltata is considered a Rasayana (rejuvenating drug) in Ayurveda and is widely used in formulations.
- Roots and Tubers:
- Used for treating fever, stomach disorders, and urinary tract infections.
- Decoctions are given for digestive and liver-related problems.
- Leaves:
- Applied externally for skin diseases and wounds and breast and pancreatic cancer
- General Uses:
- Acts as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, diuretic, and hepatoprotective herb.
- Included in Ayurvedic preparations like Dashamoolarishta.
Economic and Herbal Value
- Increasing demand in Ayurvedic pharmaceutical industries for its roots and tubers.
- Traditionally collected from the wild, but cultivation is being encouraged to ensure sustainable use.
- Used in folk remedies by tribal communities across India.
Conservation and Cultivation Scope
Due to overharvesting from forests, Cyclea peltata is under threat in many regions. Promoting systematic cultivation in farmer fields, herbal gardens, and agroforestry systems can provide:
- Additional income for farmers
- Sustainable raw material supply for Ayurvedic medicine industries
- Conservation of natural populations
Conclusion
Cyclea peltata (Cissampelos pareira Linn.) is an important medicinal climber with vast traditional and modern medicinal relevance. Its easy propagation, adaptability to Indian climatic conditions, and high demand in herbal medicine make it a promising crop for commercial cultivation and conservation-based farming. By encouraging its cultivation, farmers can diversify income while safeguarding this valuable medicinal resource for future generations.
