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Patala garudi

Botanical Name: Cocculus hirsutus (L.) W. Theob.
Family: Menispermaceae
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/287

Introduction:

Cocculus hirsutus, commonly known as Broom creeper or Ink vine, is a fast-growing, perennial climber found widely across India. In Ayurveda, it is used for its antipyretic, diuretic, blood-purifying, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is included in traditional formulations for fever, skin diseases, urinary issues, and chronic wounds.

Scientific classification:

  • Order: Ranunculales
  • Family: Menispermaceae
  • Genus: Cocculus
  • Species: hirsutus

Names in different Indian languages:

  • English: Broom creeper, Ink vine
  • Hindi: Jaljamani, Vellahari
  • Kannada: Bhujangavalli
  • Malayalam: Patal garuda
  • Sanskrit: Jaljamani, Krishnavalli
  • Tamil: Velipparuthi
  • Telugu: Paataalavalli

Synonyms:

Krishnavalli, Vellahari, Vellai amukkura, Jaljamani, Krishna lata, Patala garuda

Varieties & Adulterants

  1. Cocculus trilobus – Varietal resemblance
  2. Cyclea peltata – AD
  3. Tiliacora racemosa – AD

Morphology:

  • Habit: Perennial, hairy climbing herb
  • Stem: Slender, greenish, pubescent
  • Leaves: Ovate-cordate, 3–7 cm, entire or lobed, densely pubescent
  • Flowers: Small, greenish-white, in axillary cymes
  • Fruit: Red to black drupe, globose
  • Seeds: 1 per fruit, curved

Habitat & Distribution:

Found throughout tropical India, especially along fences, wastelands, hedges, and water channels. Distributed also in Southeast Asia and Africa.

Chemical composition:

  • Alkaloids: Hirsutine, Coclaurine
  • Tannins
  • Flavonoids
  • Saponins
  • Lignans
  • Polyphenols
  • Triterpenoids

Properties:

  • Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya
  • Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
  • Virya: Ushna
  • Vipaka: Katu
  • Karma: Jvaraghna, Kushtaghna, Mutral, Krimighna, Raktashodhak

Indications:

  • Jvara (fever)
  • Kushta (skin diseases)
  • Vrana (chronic wounds)
  • Udara (abdominal disorders)
  • Mutrakrichra (dysuria)
  • Prameha (urinary issues, diabetes)
  • Aruchi (loss of appetite)
  • Krimi (worm infestations)

External uses:

  • Leaf paste: Applied to eczema, itching, chronic wounds
  • Crushed leaves: Used in snake bites and insect stings
  • Fresh juice: For skin eruptions and scabies

Internal uses:

  • Digestive system: Stimulates digestion, useful in constipation and loss of appetite
  • Nervous system: Used for body aches in fever
  • Circulatory system: Purifies blood, used in chronic skin conditions
  • Urinary system: Diuretic, reduces inflammation of the urinary tract
  • Temperature: Effective in treating intermittent and chronic fevers

Srotogamitwa:

  • Dosha: Kapha-pittahara
  • Dhatu: Rasa, Rakta
  • Srotas: Raktavaha, Mutravaha, Rasavaha

Parts used:

Whole plant, leaves, roots, stem

Dosage:

  • Swarasa (Juice): 10–20 ml
  • Kwatha (Decoction): 50–100 ml
  • Churna (Powder): 3–6 g

Important Yogas or Formulations:

  1. Jaljamani Ghrita – Used in chronic skin disorders (traditional, regional)
  2. Krishna Vallari Kalka – Leaf paste for non-healing wounds
  3. Cocculus Decoction + Neem + Guduchi – For eczema

Therapeutic Uses:

  1. Chronic fever – Decoction with Tulsi and Sudarshana
  2. Skin diseases – Combined with Neem and Khadira internally & externally
  3. Urinary infection – Root decoction with Gokshura
  4. Wounds – Fresh juice applied externally

IUCN Status –Not Evaluated

Research Updates :

  1. Antipyretic Effect (2020) – Aqueous extract showed reduction in fever in rat models
  2. Wound Healing (2021) – Topical application accelerated wound closure
  3. Antidiabetic Properties (2022) – Leaf extract lowered blood glucose levels in diabetic mice
  4. Antioxidant & Hepatoprotective (2023) – Ethanolic extract showed free radical scavenging & liver protection
  5. Antimicrobial Study (2024) – Effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans
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