Patawali, Akar Patawali

Tinospora crispa

Physical Characteristics

Tinospora crispa is a deciduous Climber growing to 10 m (32ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - southern China, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia,

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Drink None known

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Antirheumatic Cancer Carminative Cholera Febrifuge Hypotensive Malaria Parasiticide Skin Tonic Vermifuge Vulnerary Considered to be a universal medicine by local people in the Philippines who give it the name 'makabuhai', which means 'to give life'[582 ]. The plant is commonly prescribed as a decoction or in powder form in the treatment of fevers, stomach trouble, indigestion, and diarrhoea. It is the basis of a popular preparation, which is used as a cordial, a tonic, or an ingredient in cocktails[582 ]. A preparation made with coconut oil is an effective cure for rheumatism and is also used in the treatment of flatulence in children[582 ]. This preparation is made by chopping the stem into pieces 2 - 5cm long and placing them in a jar with coconut oil,. This jar is then left out in a sunny position to 'cook' and is then stored for 12 months until it is ready to use[582 ]. The stem is antimalarial, parasiticide, tonic and vulnerary[582 ]. It is taken internally in the treatment of fevers[582 ]. Taken externally, a decoction of the stem is considered an effective cure if used as a wash for tropical ulcers, external parasites, and is also an excellent vulnerary for itches, ordinary and cancerous wounds[582 ]. An infusion of the stem is drunk in Malaysia and Indonesia as a vermifuge and of the whole plant to treat cholera; it is also used to treat diabetes mellitus[310 ]. Externally it is applied against scabies and to heal wounds. In Brunei, the plant is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes and to relieve abdominal pains. In Indo-China, an infusion of the stem is drunk to treat fever (also when caused by malaria) and jaundice. Powdered stems are used to fatten horses and cattle by stimulating their appetite. Tinospora crispa is a very commonly used medicinal plant in the Philippines. In Thailand, an infusion from the stem is used to treat jaundice, cholera, malaria, and against worms in children[310 ].

Known Hazards

None known