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
- Clematis triloba
- Clematis smilacifolia
- Cissampelos pareira
- Cyclea peltata – Often confused due to similar leaf structure
- Bauhinia vahlii
- 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
- β-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:
- Jalanimbadi Taila – Taila prepared with paste of Clematis leaves in sesame oil for skin diseases
- Kusthahara Lepa – With Haridra, Daruharidra & Clematis leaf paste
- Krimighna Kashaya – Decoction with Vidanga, Neem, Clematis root
- Dantashula Nashak Kwatha – Gargle prepared with its stem/root decoction
Therapeutic Uses:
- Kustha – Leaf paste applied externally on eczema, scabies, fungal infections
- Krimi – Internal decoction with Vidanga for helminthic infestations
- Vrana – Wound washing with root decoction promotes healing
- Kandu – Leaf juice applied with Nimba and Manjishtha for chronic itching
- Dantashula (Toothache) – Decoction as gargle for pain relief
IUCN Status : Not Evaluated
Research Updates :
- Anti-inflammatory Activity (2020) – Ethanolic extract showed significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats
- Antimicrobial Potential (2021) – Leaf extract demonstrated efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli
- Wound Healing Effect (2022) – Aqueous extract accelerated epithelialization and wound contraction in animal models
- Antioxidant & Cytoprotective (2023) – Methanol extract showed protective effect on keratinocyte cells under oxidative stress
