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DESCRIPTION :
climbing herbs or under shrubs; sap yellowish. Roots long, fleshy, with longitudinally
glabrous. Seeds 0.6-0.8 x 0.3-0.4 cm, broadly ovate or ovate-oblong, flat, brown, dark
coloured in centre; coma 2.0-2.5 cm long. Fl. & Fr.: August-December (Kirtikar & Basu,
Habitat: Found in the plains, forests, and hilly slopes and outskirts of the forest
(Vitacost, 2004; Truestarhealth, 2005). Forms dense patches in the forest in moist and
humid conditions in open hill slopes and narrow valleys, also cultivated for its medicinal
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uses. The plant shows stunted growth in the area with low rainfall. According to
an elevation of 1,260 m in the sub-Himalayan tract and in the central and peninsular
India. It also met within Eastern, North-East and Central India, Bengal and parts of South
India (Nadkarni, 1976). Except throughout plains of India, it also harbor in Ceylon,
PHYTOACTIVE :
The powdered leaves, stem and root contain 0.2 - 0.3 per cent (up to 0.42-0.46 %) of
alkaloids. The alkaloidal content is not affected by seasonal variations. The alkaloids
(C23H25O4N; m.p. 248-49o). Both the alkaloids are pharmacologically active, and are
reported to have caused dermatitis, producing itching, redness, swelling and eruptions on
or more. The MLD for frogs is 0.4 mg./g. body-wt. Its toxicity for mice and guinea pigs
intramuscularly. It has a marked stimulating effect on both the striped and unstriped
muscles, and a distinct depressing effect on the musculature of heart. The blood-pressure
is lowered when a dose is administered but is raised soon after and is maintained at a
level higher than the normal for a fairly long time (Ratnagiriswaran & Venkatachalam,
loc. Cit.; Chopra et al.,loc. Sit.; Govindachari et al., Tetrahedron, 1958, 4, 311 ; 1961, 14,
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284, 288;1965, 21,2573;Govindachari et al.,Chem. & Ind., 1959, 950;1960, 966; Chopra
et al.,I, 585).
Laboratory research has shown this isolated plant extract exerts a strong anti-
inflammatory action.[Indian J Med Res 1979;69: pp.513-20.] Test tube studies suggest
that tylophorine is able to interfere with the action of mast cells, which are key
components in the process of inflammation. [Ind J Med Res 1980;71: pp.940-8] These
The leaves and roots are used medicinally (Bhavan, 1992). It is said to have laxative,
expectorant, diaphoretic and purgative properties. It has also been used for the treatment
of allergies, cold, dysentery, hay fever and arthritis (CSIR, 1948-1976). It has reputation
rheumatism. Root or leaf powder is used in diarrhoea, dysentery and intermittent fever. It
cough (Nadkarni, 1976). Dried leaves are emetic diaphoretic and expectorant. It is
regarded as one of the best indigenous substitute for ipecacuanha (Kirtikar & Basu,
1935), so it was considered as Indian ipecacuahna in the latter half of the 19th century
(Food4less1, 2005).
The roots and leaves possess stimulant, emetic, cathartic and purgative properties
(Shah & Kapoor, 1976; Sharma & Sharma, 1977; Vasudevan Nair et al., 1982; Nair et
al., 1984). The roots and leaves are also reported to be used in hydrophobia. The leaves
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are employed to destroy vermin. The leaf extract acts as anti tumour (Chitnis et al., 1972;
Other uses: The roots are suggested to be a good natural preservative of food.
Toxic effect: According to Gupta et al. (1979), it may produce some side effects like
drowsiness or giddiness. Loss of taste for salt, mouth pain, upset stomach, temporary
nausea and vomiting are some other side effects (Shivpuri et al., 1969, 1972; Bone,
1996). Tightness in throat or chest, chest pain, skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin
Preliminary studies shows that extract of Tylophora is toxic only in extremely high doses;
these extracts were apparently safe in the far smaller doses needed to produce a
Chemical Components: The major constituent in this plant is alkaloid Tylophorine that
Isotylocrebrine.
Pharmacology: Test tube studies suggest that tylophorine is able to interfere with the
action of mast cells, which are key components in the process of inflammation action
(Gopalakrishnan et al., 1980). These actions seem to support its traditional use as an anti-
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asthmatic and anti-allergic medication by traditional healers. According to Bone (1996),
the dose should not exceed 200-400 mg dried leaf powder per day or 1 to 2 ml of tincture
per day for the treatment of asthma. The plant shows inhibitory effect on cellular immune
response (Ganguly & Sainis, 2001) and antiallergic activity (Nayampalli & Sheth, 1979).
Udupa et al., 1991; Nandi, 1999). In tests with Tylophora extract, both adrenal weight
These historical and laboratory findings have been supported by several human clinical
trials using differing preparations of Tylophora, including the crude leaf, tincture, and
capsule. Clinical trial against asthma shows that Tylophora leaf chewed and swallowed
daily in the early morning for six days reduces asthma symptoms (Shivpuri et al., 1969).
effects to that of chewing the crude leaf (Shivpuri et al., 1972). Another trial found
the Tylophora was not as effective as a standard asthma drug combination. One double-
blind trial failed to show any effect on asthma for Tylophora (Gupta et al., 1979).
Uses
This plant has been traditionally used as a folk remedy in certain regions of India for the
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treatment of bronchial asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, and dermatitis.
Reactions
Patients using tylophora may experience temporary nausea and vomiting, soreness of the
mouth, and loss of taste for salt, particularly with the fresh leaf and tincture. The herb’s
safety for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding has not been established. At the time
The roots and leaves possess emetic and purgative properties. They are reported to
contain an amorphous alkaloid. The roots have a sweetish taste turning acrid, pleasant
aromatic odour, and a brittle fracture. They possess stimulant, emetic, cathartic,
expectorant, stomachic and diaphoretic properties and are used for the treatment of
given in rheumatic and gouty pains. The roots are said to possess bacteriostatic properties
and have been suggested to be a good natural preservative of food. The roots and leaves
are also reported to be used in hydorphobia. The leaves are employed to destroy vermin
(Datta & Mukerji , Bull. Pharmacogn. Lab., No. 1, 1950,93-94; Rao, proc. Indian Acad.
Sci., 1948, 28A, 173;Nadkarni, I, 252; II, 1252-53; Koman, 1920, III,9;Kirt. & Basu, III,
1632; Chopra & Chopra, Spec. Rep.,Indian Coun. med. Res.,No. 30, 1955, 108; Dastur,
Medicinal plants, 240; Cameron, 195;Dymock, Warden & Hooper, III, 439; Shivpuri et
al.,J. Ass. Physicians. India, 1968, 16(1),9;U.S.D., 1955, 1913;Hocking, 235; Agarwal &
Saha, J. Andhra Pradesh Akad. Sci.,1968, 2, 31;Kirt. & Basu, III, 1632. )
CONTRAINDICATION :
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The leaves and roots have often been employed as a substitute for ipecacanha ; the dried
leaves are reported to be more uniform and certain in their action than the roots. In large
doses, the dried leaves may cause fatal poisoning. The roots are generally exported from
South India, where it is one of the commonest plants in the fields and low sandy jungles
1935, 23, 263;Kirt. & Basu, !!!,1632; Chopra et al.,I,585;U.S.D.,1955, 1913; Datta &
Tylophora is a perennial climbing plant native to the plains, forests, and hills of southern
and eastern India. The portions of the plant used medicinally are the leaves and root.
Please note that it is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to
find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms: if you treat
yourself for the wrong illness or a specific symptom of a complex disease, you may delay
legitimate treatment of a serious underlying problem. In other words, the greatest danger
in self-treatment may be self-diagnosis. If you do not know what you really have, you
Knowing how difficult it is to weed out misinformation and piece together countless
facts in order to see the "big picture", we now provide simple online access to The
Analyst. Used by doctors and patients alike, The Analyst is a computerized diagnostic
treatments, The Analyst™ will help to build an accurate picture of your current health
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status, the risks you are running and courses of action (including appropriate lab testing)
Respiratory-Asthma
One clinical trial with asthma sufferers found that tylophora leaf (150mg of the leaf by
weight) chewed and swallowed daily in the early morning for six days led to moderate to
trial with asthma patients, an alcoholic extract of crude tylophora leaves in 1gm of
glucose had comparable effects to that of chewing the crude leaf. [Ann Allergy 1972;30:
pp.407-12]
Another trial found similar success in reducing asthma symptoms using a tylophora leaf
powder at 350mg per day. [J Indian Med Assoc 1978;71: pp.172-6] However, the
tylophora was not as effective as a standard asthma drug combination. One double-blind
trial failed to show any effect on asthma for tylophora. [Ind J Med Res 1979;69: pp.981-
9]
Tylophora leaf at 200-400mg of the dried leaf per day or 1-2ml of tincture per day can be
India for the treatment of bronchial asthma (Bielory & Lupoli, 1999), inflammation
(Exoticnatural. 2005), bronchitis, allergies, rheumatism and dermatitis (Gupta & Bal,
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1956; Shivpuri et al.,1969; Dhananjayan et al., 1974; Mathew & Shivpuri, 1974;
Haranath & Shyamalakumari, 1975; Thiruvengadam, et al., 1978; Gupta et al., 1979;
Karnick & Jopat, 1979; Gore et al., 1980; Truestarhealth, 2005; Remedyfind, 2005).
Apart from the above, it also seems to be a good remedy in traditional medicine as anti-
Conclusion
With the discovery of herbal wealth of Patalkot's treasures, many people are attracted
towards the valley and herbs. The natives are generous with their knowledge and offer
their medicinal secrets with open hearts. This is how the people have always survived, by
sharing information and supplies with each other. People who came to the forest,
however, saw a way to profit from this. They brought in teams of harvesters to strip the
forest clean of valuable herbs. They sold these herbs outside the district for great profit.
Tylophora is believed as one of the most important herbs. The whole series of traditional
medicine plants, which have been in use for thousands of years, will be threatened if
plants like T. indica will not be saved from excessive collection. It is, therefore, need of
the hour is to come forward and save this important herb of Patalkot. Active contribution
Tylophora has become an increasingly popular treatment for asthma, based on its
traditional use for this purpose, and several studies performed in the 1970s. However, the
studies that found it effective were poorly designed, and a better designed study found no
benefits.
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Tylophora is also still recommended for some of its other traditional uses, including hay
antiallergic, and antispasmodic actions.9–12 All these effects could make it useful for the
show a treatment effective. For tylophora and asthma, the evidence from this type of
trial of 195 individuals with asthma who were given either placebo or 40 mg of a
tylophora alcohol extract daily for 6 days.13 The results showed that people taking
tylophora had less asthma symptoms, and the benefits endured for months after use of the
herb was stopped. Similarly long-lasting results were seen in two double-blind placebo-
Even the researchers involved in these trials expressed surprise that short term use of
tylophora could produce long lasting benefits; to outside observers, such findings make
the results difficult to believe at all. Furthermore, most of these studies suffered from
poor design and reporting. In 1979, researchers published the results of a double-blind
study designed to remedy these problems.16 A total of 135 people with asthma were given
either tylophora or placebo. No benefits were seen, and tylophora has not undergone
The bottom line: Better studies that show benefit will be necessary to before tylophora
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Dosage
The typical dosage of tylophora leaf in dried or capsule form is 200 mg twice daily or
Safety Issues
In the second study mentioned above, tylophora caused nausea, vomiting, mouth
soreness, and alterations in taste sensation in more than half of the participants. The other
two studies found similar side effects, but far less frequently. The difference may have
been because the second study had people chew the whole leaves from the plant, whereas
other studies have used dried leaves or powdered extract in capsule form.
extremely high doses; these extracts were apparently safe in the far smaller doses needed
Due to the lack of comprehensive safety studies on tylophora, the herb should not be used
Alternative Medicine
The following information is specific for alternative and complementary medicine. For
Common name:
• Indian ipecac
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Botanical names:
• Tylophora indica
• Tylophora asthmatica
Tylophora is a perennial climbing plant native to the plains, forests, and hills of southern
and eastern India. The portions of the plant used medicinally are the leaves and root. 1
Health Concerns
Tylophora has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the
Asthma
Diarrhea
Hay fever
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
health benefit.
An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little
Tylophora leaf-200 to 400 mg of the dried leaf per day or 1 to 2 ml of tincture per day-
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Side Effects
Patients using tylophora may experience temporary nausea and vomiting, soreness of the
mouth, and loss of taste for salt, particularly with the fresh leaf and tincture. 10, 11, 12 The
herb's safety for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding has not been established.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with tylophora.
This extract is derived form the leaves of Indian ipecac botanically known as Tylophora
orbicular leaves of this branching climber have attracted attention in the treatment of
bronchial asthma. This plant has been traditionally utilized as a folk remedy in certain
regions of India, not only in the treatment of bronchial asthma, but for bronchitis,
Scientific Evidence
Laboratory research has shown this plant extract exerts a strong anti-inflammatory action.
Moreover, scientists suspect that tylophorine is able to interfere with the action of mast
cells, which are key components in the process of inflammation. In human trials
Tylophora indica was given to 110 bronchial asthma patients in doses of 150 mg of the
leaf. After six days, 62% of the patients consuming tylophora reported experiencing
moderate to complete relief of their asthma symptoms compared to 28% in the placebo
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group. In a separate study one group of patients received either 350 mg of tylophora leaf
powder or placebo daily in the first week. A second group of asthmatics were given a
similar amount of the leaf for seven days followed by an anti-asthmatic drug
combination. Overall, results of the study showed the amount of oxygen in the lungs
(e.g., vital capacity) increased in those using the leaf, but decreased in those using the
Tylophora is a perennial climbing plant native to the plains, forests, and hills of southern
and eastern India. The portions of the plant used medicinally are the leaves and root.1
This plant has been traditionally used as a folk remedy in certain regions of India for the
treatment of bronchial asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, and dermatitis. In the latter half of
the 19th century, it was called Indian ipecacuahna, as the roots of the plant have often
been employed as an effective substitute for ipecac. The use to induce vomiting led to
Tylophora leaf—200 to 400 mg of the dried leaf per day or 1 to 2 ml of tincture per
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Patients using tylophora may experience temporary nausea and vomiting, soreness of the
mouth, and loss of taste for salt, particularly with the fresh leaf and tincture.10 11 12 The
herb’s safety for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding has not been established.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with tylophora.
Dosage: Talk with your caregiver about how much Tylophora you should take. The
amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Tylophora.
If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the
directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than
To store this medicine: Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store
medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom,
near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine
to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of
date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.
Drug and Food Interactions: Do not take Tylophora without talking to your doctor first
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Side Effects: Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you
have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these
• Chest pain
Other Possible Side Effects: You may have the following side effects, but this medicine
may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think
Tylophora has become an increasingly popular treatment for asthma, based on its
traditional use for this purpose, and several studies performed in the 1970s. However, the
studies that found it effective were poorly designed, and a better designed study found no
benefits.
Tylophora is also still recommended for some of its other traditional uses, including hay
www.ayurvedicmedicinalplants.com
Weak preliminary evidence hints that tylophora might have anti-inflammatory,
antiallergic, and antispasmodic actions.9–12 All these effects could make it useful for the
show a treatment effective. For tylophora and asthma, the evidence from this type of
trial of 195 individuals with asthma who were given either placebo or 40 mg of a
tylophora alcohol extract daily for 6 days.13 The results showed that people taking
tylophora had less asthma symptoms, and the benefits endured for months after use of the
herb was stopped. Similarly long-lasting results were seen in two double-blind placebo-
Even the researchers involved in these trials expressed surprise that short term use of
tylophora could produce long lasting benefits; to outside observers, such findings make
the results difficult to believe at all. Furthermore, most of these studies suffered from
poor design and reporting. In 1979, researchers published the results of a double-blind
study designed to remedy these problems.16 A total of 135 people with asthma were given
either tylophora or placebo. No benefits were seen, and tylophora has not undergone
The bottom line: Better studies that show benefit will be necessary to before tylophora
Safety Issues
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In the second study mentioned above, tylophora caused nausea, vomiting, mouth
soreness, and alterations in taste sensation in more than half of the participants. The other
two studies found similar side effects, but far less frequently. The difference may have
been because the second study had people chew the whole leaves from the plant, whereas
other studies have used dried leaves or powdered extract in capsule form.
extremely high doses; these extracts were apparently safe in the far smaller doses needed
Due to the lack of comprehensive safety studies on tylophora, the herb should not be used
www.ayurvedicmedicinalplants.com