Tinospora crispa (L.) Miers ex Hook. f. & Thomson
Heartleaf Moonseed / Ratnawali/Akar nawali/Aratnawali (Bru.)
Description
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Ecology
Propagation
Distribution
Precaution
Perennial climber that produces very long aerial roots and can reach 15 m tall. Leaves are simple, alternately arranged, heart- shaped, slightly fleshy and glabrous. Leaf blade is broadly ovate, acuminate at apex, cordate at base with entire margin. Stems are twinning and containing a bitter white sap. Young stems are brownish, slightly fleshy becoming more fleshy when old. Flowers are yellow. Inflorescence a raceme, appearing before leaves grow. Fruit a subglobose, orange drupe.
The leaves are eaten as vegetable or can be made as an infusion to maintain general health. Anticyanobacterial, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiasthmatic, hepatoprotective, antihyperglycemic, antihyperthyroid, antimicrobial, antineuropathic, nephroprotective, antiproliferative and anticonvulsant activities are reported for this
It thrives near streams or riverbanks, on forest edges, on ridges, on coastal areas and in peatswamps. It prefers dry sandy clay soil under full sunlight to partial shade.
Stem cutting and seeds.
Distributed in Southeast Asia.
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