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Murvabheda

Botanical Name: Clematis gouriana Roxb. ex DC.
Family: Ranunculaceae
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/284

Introduction:

Clematis gouriana, is a lesser-known medicinal plant with significant traditional use in tribal and folk medicine. It is referred to in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and anti-parasitic properties. It is known for its kusthaghna (anti-skin disease) and krimighna (anti-helminthic) actions, often applied externally.

Scientific classification:

  • Order: Ranunculales
  • Family: Ranunculaceae
  • Other Clematis species (e.g., C. triloba, C. smilacifolia) are used similarly in folk medicine across South and Southeast Asia.

Names in different Indian languages:

  • English: Pepper vine, Indian clematis
  • Hindi: Charanhaar
  • Kannada: Betta huluba
  • Malayalam: Narakapullu
  • Sanskrit: Dahana, Jalanimba, Agnini
  • Tamil: Narivalli
  • Telugu: Nalleru

Synonyms:

Krimihara, Kusthanashini, Agnijwala, Vanalata

Varieties & adulterants

  1. Clematis triloba
  2. Clematis smilacifolia
  3. Cissampelos pareira
  4. Cyclea peltata – Often confused due to similar leaf structure
  5. Bauhinia vahlii
  6. Maerua arenaria

Morphology:

  • Habit: Large woody climber, branching profusely
  • Leaves: Pinnate, 3–5 lobed, ovate or ovate-lanceolate, opposite, petiolate
  • Stems: Thin, twining, grooved
  • Flowers: Small, white or greenish, borne in axillary or terminal panicles, sweet-scented
  • Fruits: Achenes with feathery persistent styles

Habitat & Distribution:

Widespread in India – found in sub-Himalayan regions, Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and forests of Central and South India. Commonly grows on forest edges and hedges.

Chemical composition:

  • Triterpenoid saponins
  • Ξ²-sitosterol
  • Clematichinenosides (saponin derivatives)
  • Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol)
  • Alkaloids (minor)
  • Phenolic compounds

Properties:

  • Rasa: Tikta, Katu
  • Guna: Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna
  • Virya: Ushna
  • Vipaka: Katu
  • Karma: Krimighna, Kushtaghna, Vranahara, Kandughna, Lekhana

Indications:

  • Skin diseases (Kushta)
  • Worm infestations (Krimi)
  • Itching (Kandu)
  • Wounds and ulcers (Vrana)
  • Arthritic swellings and pain (Amavata)
  • Scabies and eczema
  • Oral ulcers and dental pain (as gargle)

External uses:

  • Leaf or stem paste applied on eczema, scabies, abscess, glandular swellings
  • Root decoction used for cleansing wounds and as an anti-scabies wash
  • Gargling with decoction in toothache and mouth ulcers

Internal uses:

  • Krimiroga (worm infestations)
  • Kandu (itching) – decoction with ghee
  • Ama-vata (rheumatism) – decoction in small doses

Srotogamitwa:

  • Dosha: Kapha-Vatahara
  • Dhatu: Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa
  • Srotas: Rasavaha, Raktavaha, Twak (skin), Purishavaha

Parts used:

Root, stem, leaves

Dosage:

  • Powder: 1–3 g (external only)
  • Decoction (Kwatha): 30–50 ml (cautious internal use)
  • Paste (Lepa): As required for local application

Important Yogas or Formulations:

  1. Jalanimbadi Taila – Taila prepared with paste of Clematis leaves in sesame oil for skin diseases
  2. Kusthahara Lepa – With Haridra, Daruharidra & Clematis leaf paste
  3. Krimighna Kashaya – Decoction with Vidanga, Neem, Clematis root
  4. Dantashula Nashak Kwatha – Gargle prepared with its stem/root decoction

Therapeutic Uses:

  1. Kustha – Leaf paste applied externally on eczema, scabies, fungal infections
  2. Krimi – Internal decoction with Vidanga for helminthic infestations
  3. Vrana – Wound washing with root decoction promotes healing
  4. Kandu – Leaf juice applied with Nimba and Manjishtha for chronic itching
  5. Dantashula (Toothache) – Decoction as gargle for pain relief

IUCN Status : Not Evaluated

Research Updates :

  1. Anti-inflammatory Activity (2020) – Ethanolic extract showed significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats
  2. Antimicrobial Potential (2021) – Leaf extract demonstrated efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli
  3. Wound Healing Effect (2022) – Aqueous extract accelerated epithelialization and wound contraction in animal models
  4. Antioxidant & Cytoprotective (2023) – Methanol extract showed protective effect on keratinocyte cells under oxidative stress
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