Botanical Overview
Cissampelos pareira is a member of the Menispermaceae family, commonly known as Abuta, Velvetleaf, Fishwort, and Jatropha-leaved Abuta. It is native to tropical regions of Asia, South America, and Africa. The whole plant including leaves, stems, and roots are used medicinally.
Energetics
This herb has a cooling temperature and moistening quality. Its taste is predominantly bitter, astringent, and acrid. Directionally, it acts inward and downward. It is relaxing in tonicity and primarily affects the qi energy system.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Diuretic
- Febrifuge (reduces fever)
- Antimalarial
- Antimicrobial
Indications
Western
- Fever
- Dysentery
- Colic
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Menstrual pain
Syndromes
- Inflammatory conditions
- Genitourinary infections
- Febrile diseases
- Gastrointestinal spasms
TCM
No well-documented traditional Chinese medicine uses available.
Ayurveda
- Fever
- Dysentery
- Painful menstruation
Syndromes
- Pitta disorders
- Rakta dusti (blood disorders)
- Vata imbalances
Unani
- Fever
- Abdominal colic
- Urinary disorders
Syndromes
- Taab-e-hareeri (febrile diseases)
- Reeh (flatulence)
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains alkaloids including berberine, tannins, flavonoids, lignans, and essential oils, contributing to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 5-15 g dried plant, 1-3 times daily
- Infusion: 2-5 g dried leaves, 1-2 times daily
- Tincture: 1:5 ratio in 30-50% ethanol, 2-4 mL, 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally regarded as safe within traditional dose ranges. Use cautiously during pregnancy and lactation due to limited toxicology data. Potential mild gastrointestinal discomfort is possible. Drug interaction risks are minimal but use cautiously with other antispasmodic or hypotensive agents.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable sources were identified to ascribe planetary or elemental rulers for Cissampelos pareira.
Selected References
- Plants For A Future: Cissampelos pareira – Abuta
- Indian Materia Medica: Volume 1 by K.M. Nadkarni (1976)
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 1 (1999)
- Joshi SG et al., J Ethnopharmacology, 2005