USTC Pharmacy Medicinal Garden

University of Science and Technology Chittagong (USTC)

USTC Pharmacy Medicinal Garden

অনন্তমূল (HEMIDESMUS INDICUS)

ORIGIN

Hemidesmus indicus is native to South Asia, particularly India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan. It commonly grows in tropical and subtropical regions and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems of the Indian subcontinent.

TAXONOMY

  • Kingdom: Plantae

  • Clade: Angiosperms → Eudicots

  • Order: Gentianales

  • Family: Apocynaceae

  • Genus: Hemidesmus

  • Species: Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br.

It belongs to the same family as Calotropis and Catharanthus.

EVOLUTION

Hemidesmus indicus evolved as a perennial climbing or trailing shrub adapted to warm climates. The development of aromatic roots and bioactive secondary metabolites is considered an evolutionary defense mechanism against soil pathogens and herbivores, while also aiding plant survival in diverse habitats.

DESCRIPTION

Hemidesmus indicus is a slender, perennial, twining shrub.

  • Stem: Thin, woody at the base, latex-bearing

  • Leaves: Opposite, elliptic to oblong, smooth

  • Flowers: Small, greenish-white to purplish, fragrant

  • Roots: Long, cylindrical, woody, strongly aromatic and medicinally important

ECOLOGY

The plant grows in open forests, scrublands, roadsides, and dry to moderately moist soils.

  • Thrives in warm climates

  • Tolerates seasonal drought

  • Pollinated mainly by insects

  • Contributes to soil stability through its root system

CULTIVATION

Hemidesmus indicus is cultivated mainly for its medicinal roots.

  • Propagation: Seeds and root cuttings

  • Climate: Tropical to subtropical

  • Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil

  • Harvesting: Roots harvested after 18–24 months

Cultivation helps reduce pressure on wild populations.

TRADITIONAL USES

Traditionally, Anantamul is widely used as:

  • A cooling agent and blood purifier

  • Ingredient in herbal drinks (syrups, sherbets)

  • Remedy for skin diseases, fever, and urinary disorders

  • Component of classical Ayurvedic formulations

MEDICINAL USES

In Ayurveda, Unani, and folk medicine:

  • Roots used as anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and detoxifying agent

  • Used in treating eczema, acne, psoriasis, and itching

  • Helpful in digestive disorders and respiratory conditions

  • Acts as a mild immunomodulator

RESEARCH

Modern research has identified:

  • Phytochemicals: Hemidesmin, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, essential oils (vanillin-like aroma compounds)

  • Pharmacological activities:

    • Antioxidant

    • Anti-inflammatory

    • Antimicrobial

    • Hepatoprotective

    • Antidiabetic

    • Anticancer (preclinical studies)

Most studies are in vitro and animal-based, with limited human clinical trials.

BIOLOGY

  • Life form: Perennial climber or trailing shrub

  • Reproduction: Sexual (seeds) and vegetative

  • Latex: Present in stems and roots

  • Adaptation: Aromatic root system and drought tolerance

TOXICITY

Hemidesmus indicus is considered relatively safe when used in traditional doses.

  • No major toxicity reported

  • Excessive or prolonged use may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort

  • Use during pregnancy should be supervised by a healthcare professional

CONCLUSION

Hemidesmus indicus (Anantamul) is an important medicinal plant with deep roots in traditional medicine and growing scientific support. Its cooling, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties make it valuable in treating skin, liver, and urinary disorders. While generally safe, standardization, dosage control, and further clinical research are essential for its wider acceptance in modern medicine.

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