GOOD LIFE

Anredera cordifolia - Madeira Vine, Binahong, Dheng San Chi

Polska wersja

PLANT PROFILE

Anredera cordifolia is a robust tropical vine with succulent leaves, that grows characteristic aerial tubers on axils of it's older stems as well as big underground tubers. Most authors are writing that this plant originate from South America and some that it came from China. But nowadays it can be found naturalized in many tropical regions, where it often become obnoxious weed, due to it's rampant growth. It has been spread not only in most of tropical world, but has also been brought into gardens in mild temperate climate areas and even became a house plant, mostly because of it's ornamental value and sweet scent of it's flowers. But although in some parts of the world it is not known as such at all, in many countries it is much more valued for it's culinary and medicinal values than for it's beauty.
Even though many botanists thinks that Anredera cordifolia comes from Brasil and neighborhood countries (or maybe it was just one botanist to say that, and the other are just quoting him without second thought), I would rather say that it was brought there from China long before it was recorded there already naturalized and flourishing. One of the reasons that makes me say so, is the fact that if you would go now to Australia, you would see this plant growing in so many places in wild, doing great. That if not the good records about the plants relatively recent introduction to the continent, you could easily think it is native there.
Second reason is the fact that it is very hard to find any records about traditional medicinal uses, culinary uses or at least it's names in native languages of South American cultures. While in China and it's south-eastern neighborhood countries, Anredera cordifolia is well known vegetable and herbal remedy, said to be used for thousands of years.
The third reason is my idea that long long ago some botanist might have just mistaken Anredera cordifolia with Ullucus tuberosus, similar looking, closely related and edible just like Anredera but native to South America (Incas used it before Europeans arrival).
And after all even Departamento de Horticultura e Silvicultura, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, states that - '' Anredera cordifolia is a vine of Basellaceae family that is very common in several Brazilian States, mainly in abandoned lands, coffee plantations and orchards. ''
And it's most commonly used names in South and North America are Parra de Madeira and Madeira Vine, both meaning that this is a vine plant coming from Madeira. Madeira is an island of Portuguese archipelago situated in the north Atlantic Ocean close to Portugal. Where Portuguese merchants from South America was likely to meet those that traveled to China centuries ago.

Although knowledge about usefulness of this plant hasn't been spread as wide as the plant itself has been. In many tropical countries it is widely used nowadays as a leafy vegetable, tuber vegetable, and herbal remedy for infections, wounds, liver problems, diabetes and other ailments. So while in many regions it is planted as a ornamental plant, in other it can be found more often on a vegetable patch on even on plantations (China, Indonesia, Argentina).
Anradera cordifolia is said to be consumed by people in China, Taiwan and Korea for thousands of years and has there long tradition of medicinal uses. There is a true story from Vietnam War about severely wounded Vietcong soldier that had to eat Anredera leaves. After eating the leaves his wounds suddenly began to become fresh and healthy. And since then eating Anredera become compulsory in Vietnam.
Quite recently this herb became popular in Indonesia, where it is grown in gardens as both an ornamental plant and vegetable, that also get naturalized and become environmental weed in some areas. It was probably introduced there from China, as it's most popular name in Indonesia and Malaysia is Binahong, and the word is said to originate from language of Canton. Indonesia is nowadays the country where Anredera cordifolia is probably more popular as a herbal remedy than in any other. In recent years Indonesian scientists have conducted lots of studies researching chemistry and pharmacological actions of the plant. Testing it's traditional medicinal claims and probing it's use for professional modern healthcare of humans but also a livestock. Only very few scientific studies on this herb has been made in China, Taiwan and Malaysia, and I haven't found any document of that kind of research that was made in South American or other countries.

Sadly some government institutions in few countries, like in Australia, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, teach people how to eradicate this weed-become plant, instead of teaching them how to use it as a food and cure for ailments (for both humans and livestock) - they don't even mention none of it in their brochures about treating this plant only as a menace. Instead of giving them food recipes for this expansive veggie, they are telling their citizens which herbicides use to destroy it. In Australia they also spend tens of thousands of dollars for eradication of Anredera, and made it prohibited to bring this plant to the State of South Australia. Spending money to destroy organic, healthy food and medicine, and declaring it's possession illegal, what a mad world!

Here are some of vernacular names of Anredera cordifolia: Madeira Vine, Potato Vine, Basell Potatoes, Lamb’s Tail Vine, Bridal Wreath, Mignonette Vine, Heart-leaf Madeira Vine, White Shroud (English), Binahong (Indonesia and Malaysia), Pinahong (Indonesia - Sulawesi), Winahong (Indonesia - Bali), Asahi-kazura (Japanese name that may also refer to Antigonon leptopus), Dheng San Chi (China - Cantonese), Luo kui Shu (China - Mandarin), Enredadera del Mosquito, Parra de Madeira (Spanish), iDlula (South Africa), Folha Gorda, Bertalha (Brazil), Rubaca (Colombia), Papilla, Zarza (Argentina), Speck Blatter (German, it translates as fat leaf, bacon leaf), Vigne de Madère (French).
Anredera cordifolia has also few botanical synonymes like: Boussingaultia cordifolia, Boussingaultia gracilis and Boussingaultia baselloides, but none of those is in use nowadays.

There are few Anredera species names that can be found in botanical literature. But all their descriptions that I've found are scarce and vague, and are not showing a one single significantly different feature that would distinguish any of those so called 'other species' from Anredera cordifolia. To convince me to consider those described plants as more than just a slight mutations of A. cordifolia. And everyone that was ever growing A. cordifolia for some time and in different conditions, knows well that even clones from the same of it's specimen might vary a bit in appearance. The only exception that I know is Anredera vesicaria synonym Anredera leptostachys, which has always significantly more narrow, eliptical-lanceolate leaves and do not produce aerial tubers.
All Anredera species named other than cordifolia has the same reported traditional medicinal uses, and the same chemical compounds has been found in their tissues, as that those of A. cordifolia.
Anredera cordifolia can be easily mistaken with Basella rubra, and since both plants leaves are mainly eaten and used as a herbal remedy in the same way, Basella is sometimes also called Binahong in Indonesia. Except for the tubers, which B. rubra do not produce, and totally different looking flowers, the both plants can be distinguished by stem, which is much thicker in Basella, even in young tops.

CULTIVATION AND HARVESTING

Anredera cordifolia is a tropical perennial vine, with succulent leaves. In hot and humid conditions it has rapid growth and it's stems can grow 1m lenght in just 4 days. It can spread more than 10m high and wide, overgrowing entirely shrubs and small trees. Because of formation of multiple aerial tubers-bulbils on it's stems the plant can become so heavy, that it can even brake tree branches that it grown over with it's own weight. It also produce underground edible tubers, which can be bigger than a football ball and lay even one meter underground. It can also grow without any support for climbing, it will then crawl on the ground, creating thick mat overwhelming low vegetation. Anredera can be easily propagated threw it's bulbils and tubers, it' will even grow from the cutted off piece of bulb. It also grow fast and easy from stems cuttings, through layering or can be grown from seeds.
In fact it can be simply propagated by accident, by growing simply just from small broken piece of stem (which brakes easily) or tiny bulbil scattered by strong wind. And that compared with the plant's fast growth makes it very invasive. Single Anredera cordifolia plant can produce hundreds of aerial tubers, which can hang on stems for years, growing to size bigger than a thumb and sometimes creating clusters bigger than adults hand palm. It can drop to the ground after it mature or in response to environmental stress. The aerial tubers can germinate even after 15 years of storage, and underground tubers after 10 years. In regions with drier season this plant produce seeds, that are said to require perfect conditions to germinate.

Anredera likes tropical and subtropical climate, but it is also growing as a perennial in mild temperate climate regions (with lowest temperatures around -15'C). But frosts will kill it's overground parts, which will grow back from the tubers in the spring. It can be also grown as an annual plant in places with severe winter, or can be easily grown in a pot as a house plant. You can also just keep some bulbils or tubers in dry, warm place over winter, to plant it back in the garden when frosts gone.
Anredera likes light shade and full sun, and copes well with scorching sun and severe droughts. This plant generally grows bit better in drier climates than in places with very high air humidity, but if soil will not have lots of moisture it's growth will be slower. It prefers rich compost, well drained soil but can adapt to almost any type of soil. Anredera is partly salt tolerant and can be found growing in mangroves.
The flowers usually appears on it during dry season, therefore the plant may not produce flowers at all in all-year round humid climate. And if you want to force your house-pot Anredera to flower, stop watering it until it's soil is absolutely dry and do some cutting.
This plant is generally resistant to diseases and insects, although it can be affected by fungus Alternaria alternata causing leaf spots, and beetle Plectonycha correntina likes to eat the leaves. In indoor cultivation spider mites or aphids might be an issue.
Anredera cordifolia leaves, shoots and tubers can be gathered at any time of year, and even in room temperature leaves and shoots storage well and can even stay unwilted for few days. But if you are far from the access to the plant and want to keep it fresh outside of the fridge for longer, you can pick whole few meters stems, fold it and put in open plastic bag, scooping leaves and tender tops when needed. The leaves and shoots of this veggie can be easily damaged by putting in fridge set on very low temp, in nearly freezing temperatures green parts tissues of this plant die quickly and start to rot. The tubers can be storaged in cool, dry and dark place for few years. All parts of the plant can be also chopped and sundried to storage for medicinal use.
Leaves and stems of Anredera are not only consumed by people, but also feed to livestock or pets like rabbits and hens.

CULINARY USES

Anredera leaves and whole young stems shoots can be eaten raw or cooked, when fresh it is very juicy, crispy and quite mucilaginous, with mildly bitter taste. It can be eaten on sandwiches, added to salads, steamed or boiled like spinach, cooked in soups, stir-fried, or fried in pakora batter, and is highly nutritious.
In Taiwan Madeira Vine leaves fried with black sesame oil is often served in restaurants. The raw leaves are sold there in local markets and it's prices are higher than some of other vegetables.
The tubers, sometimes called Basell Potatoes, can be eaten raw, but moment after biting this nice and crispy tuber, it's juice is mixing with your saliva into slime like thick mucilage. But it is a tasty nutritious root vegetable when baked, fried or cooked. The young small aerial tubers of Anredera can be roasted like chestnuts.
Bigger amounts of leaves or tubers eaten fresh at one time can have laxative effect.

COSMETIC USES

In China Anredera cordifolia leaf and tuber extract is used for shampoos, which can promote the metabolism of the scalp to promote hair growth. In Guianas and Guatemala, closely related Anredera leptostachys species leaves are pounded and the juice is used as an external wash to make skin and hair supple, due to this viscous substance.
In Ecuador whole plants of Anredera ramosa species are crushed and scrubbed in hot water, and used it for bath for children to stop fever and headache. In Argentina it is used for baby wash.

MEDICINAL USES

Anredera cordifolia has probably few thousand years long tradition of medicinal use in China, Taiwan and Korea. For many years it was also used as a folk remedy in some regions of Southeast Asia and South America. At the end of the last century, scientific studies of the plant chemistry and pharmacological actions has been started in Taiwan and China. And in recent years Anredera gained attention of scientists in Malaysia and Indonesia, where government support for promotion of herbal medicine caused Indonesia to be the leader in research on this herb. A big number of positive results of tests on Anredera medicinal actions claimed by herbal practitioners, further elevated popularity of this plant's use as a herbal drug. But except for those few Asian countries, where it has high reputation and significant place in folk healing practices, mainstream modern herbalism and even in orthodox medicine. This herb is mostly barely a folk remedy in few other regions of the world, despite it's wide distribution around the globe and often quite popular use as a vegetable.

Anredera cordifolia leaves and stems are described as : antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiulcer, gastroprotective, stomachic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, diuretic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, anticancer (cytotoxic and antimutagenic), wound healing stimulant, haemostatic, anti-parasitic and antiobesity.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine fresh or sundried tubers are the mostly used part of this plant. It's pharmaceutical name is Bulbilus anrederae, it is also called Tang Saam Cat in Cantonese, Tu San Qi in Taiwan, Akazakazura in Japanese, Deungsamchil in Korean. It is descried as slightly bitter, warming, invigorating the stomach and spleen, opening meridians of liver and kidney, tonifying kidney, strenghtening the loins and knees, dispersing swelling and eliminating blood stasis. In terms of Western Herbalism Anredera bulbils are described as : anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antiviral (anti-herpes virus, anti-adenoviruses), tonic, and stimulating nitric oxide productions. It probably posses most if not all of the other actions of Anredera green parts, as it is often described and used as equal.

Anredera cordifolia leaves contain : saponin 28mg/g (triterpenoid saponin [boussingoside A1]), flavonoid (tetrahydroxyflavonol, desmosflavone, demethoxymatteucinol), polyphenols, alkaloids, quinones, steroids (beta-sitosterol), terpenoids, monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, polysaccharides, monosaccharides (L-arabinose, D-galaktose, L-rhamnose,D-glucose), glycosides, ascorbic acid, oleanolic acid, phenol and the phenolic compounds (p-coumaric acid).
100g of Anredera cordifolia leaves contain : 136mg potasium, 89mg calcium, 18mg phosphorus, 1.61mg iron, 0.78mg vitamin C, 0.59mg niacin, 0.13mg vitamin B2, 0.01mg vitamin B1.

Anredera tubers are reported to contain : saponins 43mg/g (triterpenoid saponins [larreagenin, 3β-hydroxy-30-noroleana-12, 18-dien-29-oate, boussingoside E and quinosaponin-9]), flavonoids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, tannins, steroids, proteins (anacodin), ursolic acid.

Anredera cordifolia leaves, whole stems, aerial or underground bulbs and also flowers, are taken in many forms. It can be eaten fresh or dried and powdered (capsules, pills and whole or sliced dried bulbils are available on some Asian markets), made into decoction or tincture. In Traditional Chinese Medicine standard doses for internal use of decoctions of bulbils are 3-9g of dried or 30-60g of fresh. It can be decocted simply in water or stewed with chicken or lean pork.

This plant is taken internally as a remedy to cure :

- Infections. It is commonly eaten to fight infections of many different kinds, whether bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic. In Indonesia Anredera is traditionally used for stomach, kidney infections, tuberculosis and typhoid fever. In Colombia leaf and stem decoction is taken orally for fevers and skin infections (this herb is also widely applied externally for skin ailments, but more about later in this article). It is also used in the treatment of sexuality transmitted diseases.
The plant's antibacterial activity has been described as similar to antibiotic of penicillin and
tetracycline, with a wide target spectra. It affects both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Studies has showed that this herb inhibits growth of Aeromonas hydrophila, bacteria found in fish, that cause gastroenteritis in humans, and Streptococcus pyogenes that can cause tonsillitis.
The bulbils has been proved to posses anti-herpes virus and anti-adenoviruses actions in vitro, flavonoids isolated from the plant showed weak anti-HIV activities.

- Liver ailments. In China and Indonesia Anredera is consumed as a liver protective, regenerative and anti-inflammatory agent, it is taken to cure liver diseases such as hepatitis.

- Stomach problems. Anredera is widely taken to help with many stomach and digestive tract disturbances like infections, gastritis, colitis, diarrhea and ulcers. Although it is generally considered to be anti-diarrhea herb, mainly due to it's antimicrobial, stomach soothing and gastric muscle relaxation actions, it's fresh leaves and tubers can act as laxative eaten in some bigger amounts. Historically, it was often planted outside of latrines in Australia because of that effect. I myself only pick two or three fresh leaves to eat on it's own at one time, and never experienced this laxative effect. And I think that you can eat quite more of it fresh at one time without having diarrhea, if it comes along with hefty meal.

- Respiratory problems. In Southern Mexico and Cuba it is recorded to be used internally in treatment of asthma and bronchitis. In Java, Indonesia the plant is used to treat tuberculosis, asthma and generally for any cough. In Columbia, fresh leaves and stems are macerated in water and used for topical baths for respiratory complaints.

- Cardiovascular disorders. In Indonesia Anredera is used to treat many cardiovascular complaints such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and blood clots. In Southern Mexico and Cuba it is used in treatment of cardiac palpitation.

Anredera cordifolia leaves extract at dose of 50 mg/kg bw had antihypertensive activity in tests on rats, it also reduced the heart rate which was induced by adrenaline and showed weak diuretic effect compared to furosemide. Ethanolic extract of Anredera cordifolia exhibited vasodilation in rabbit aortic rings, and also exhibited vasodilation on frog heart.

This plant is also proved to have benefit in treating heart disease by lowering the lipid, triglyceride,

and LDL level, and by increasing the HDL level.

- Diabetes. This herb is commonly used as traditional anti-diabetic medicine in Indonesia, Taiwan and Columbia. In Yogyakarta, Indonesia the leaves are boiled, and decoction is drunk after cooling down, for this purpose.
Anredera cordifolia is one of the medicinal plants having action of mimetic of insulin. The saponins contained in leaves and rhizomes of the plant has a function of stimulation insulin secretion in pancreatic a-cells in a concentration dependent manner. Standardized extract of Anredera cordifolia leaves have alfa-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity.

- Wound healing. This herb is famous in many Southeast Asian and South American countries as a remedy that is speeding up wound healing. Although it's leaves are mainly applied externally on wounds, working as a antiseptic, anti-inflammatory agent, it's consumption has also been proved to be effective wound healing stimulation.
There is a real story about Vietcong soldier that get severely wounded during a Vietnam War, and had to eat Anredera leaves. His wounds suddenly began to become fresh and healthy, and since then the plant become a compulsory food in Vietnam. In Indonesia it is both eaten and applied externally following surgery or delivery. In China and Taiwan Anredera cordifolia is an important ingredient in the famous powdered medicine - Yunnan Baiyao, which is used to stop bleeding.

- Kidneys problems. In indonesia Anredera is used traditionally for kidney infections. In Traditional Chinese Medicine this plant (especially bulbils) is used in herbal preparations for healing different kidney ailments and as a nephroprotective and diuretic agent.
Laboratory tests has proved that A. cordifolia leaves can prevent toxic damage of kidneys, help regenerate kidney cells and improve kidney functions.

- Edema. The the plant is taken internally to help edema, it has diuretic effect. Water extract of the leaves, stems and bulbils can inhibit the edema of the toes of rats caused by carrageenan gum. It is also applied externally as a poultice or is massaged into affected areas.

- Cancer. In Indonesia the leaves decoction is used against tumor.
Researches results showed that A. cordifolia leaf extract is promising anticancer agent against HeLa cervical cancer cells (it showed cytotoxic activity and promoted apoptosis in HeLa cells with IC50 value 75 μg/mL), and good activity against colon cancer cells HT-29 and breast cancer cells MDA-MB231.

- Postpartum. In Indonesia the plant is used in postpartum recovery, especially for the healing of wound from cesarean surgery. In Thailand Anredera cordifolia is one of the most common species of medicinal plants used in a postpartum herbal bath formulas and in food supplement formulas.

- Pain. Chopped leaves of A. cordifolia in boiling water are used in folk medicine in Colombia and Taiwan as an analgesic. In northwest Argentina, A. cordifolia stem is used to cure headache and toothache. In China the bulbils are used for pain of waist and knees, traumatic injuries, fracture.

Tests results suggest that the ethanolic extract of Anredera cordifolia has exhibited significant analgesic effect, which were comparable with standard drugs.

- Mental and physical stress. In Indonesia the plant is traditionally used to relief mental and physical stress. In china the tubers and leaves are used as a sedative.

- In Indonesia this herb is used to stimulate increase of breast milk.

- In Traditional Chinese Medicine Anredera is used to increse men’s libido.

- Chewing fresh leaves or tubers, or using dry herb or tuber decoction as a mouth wash, can help with sore throat and bleeding gums

Externally, all parts of Anredera cordifolia plant are used, but especially smashed fresh leaves are applied on :

- Wounds. One of the most common traditional medicinal uses of this plant is it's topical application on wounds to promote healing. Fresh smashed leaves are usually applied, but tubers or whole young stems paste, decoctions or other liquid extracts of any part of the plant can be also used in wraps or just as wash. It helps on many levels, as this herb acts not only antiseptic and anti-inflammatory preventing wound infection, but it also helps regenerate skin tissue by increase the number of fibroblast cells, and stimulate the formation of collagen (as has been showed in laboratory tests resoults). Pharmacodynamics studies show that Anredera cordifolia helps to reduce the time needed for blood clotting.

Anredera is used topically not only for minor wounds but also to heal perineal wound in postpartum mothers, post cesarean surgery and othre surgery wounds. Conclusions of one clinical study made in Indonesia states : '' Binahong decoction water very good for revitalizing the skin, giving extra stamina, blood circulation, resolve swelling and blood clots, restoring weak condition, and heal wounds. Binahong decoction water can be used as alternative technique to for perineum wound healing.''

- Skin burns. Traditional use of fresh, smashed Anredera leaves as a poultice on burns, has been proved to be effective in acceleration of healing by laboratory tests.

- Bruises. Smashed bulbils, tubers and fresh leaves are applied to get rid of bruises and swellings. This herb helps to stop blood flow and relieve bruises, it also soothes pains.

- Fractures. In China, Indonesia and Mexico, Anredera is applied externally as the treatment for broken bones and flesh wounds.

- Muscles and tendons inflamations, arthritis, gout. In many countries fresh parts of the plant are pounded and applied on places of inflammation or arthritic pains (it is also eaten or decoctions are drunk for relief).

- Respiratory complaints. In Columbia, fresh leaves and stems are macerated in water and used for topical baths for respiratory complaints.

- Edema. Fresh leaves are smashed and applied as a cataplasm or used to massage affected areas.

- Bites. Brazilian people use A. cordifolia leaves to traditionally cure wounds from animal bites, for example dog, spider and insects.

- Skin affections. Smashed leaves are applied on mycosis, warts, boils, itching, irritations and hemorrhoids. In South Africa the leaf sap is applied on itchy allergic rash caused by contact with dirty water.

- Mashed A. cordifolia bulbils are applied to strengthening loins and knees.

- In Ecuador whole plant of Anredera ramosa is crushed and scrubbed in hot water, and used for bath for children to cease fever and headache. In Argentina it is used for baby wash, and dried leaf decoctions are used for antineuralgic, eye washes.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

Consumption and medicinal use of Anredera cordifolia is generally considered as safe if kept in proper moderation. Despite of it being widely used as a food and remedy for hundreds of years in many different cultures, there are no reports of it acting as harmful. Laboratory studies also has showed no acute or chronic toxic effect to be caused by consumption of A. cordifolia leaves extracts. Results of tests made on rats suggests that pregnant women can consume the plant leaves safely.
Nevertheless like all the plants rich in saponins, it can cause serious interactions when consumed during taking certain medications, for example during hormonal therapy. Excessive consumption of fresh parts of Anredera cordifolia might cause diarrhoea, and in extreme cases even vomiting.

A New Sapogenin from Boussingaultia gracilis - Huey-Yi Lin, Sheng-Chu Kuo, Pei-Dawn Lee Chao, and Tzong-Dann Lin

One New Flavanoid and Anti-HIV Active Constituents from Boussingaultia gracilis Miers var. pseudobaselloides Bailey - GU QIONG, MA YUNBAO, ZHANG XUEMEI

The antiinflammatory and liver protective effects of Boussingaultia gracilis var. pseudobaselloides extract in rats - Chun‐Ching Lin Tuan‐Ching Sung Ming‐Hong Yen

Anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects of Boussingaultia gracilis Miers var. pseudobaselloides Bailey in obese rats. - Wang L, Bang CY, Choung SY.

Inhibitory effects of ethanolic extracts of Boussingaultia gracilis on the spasmogen-induced contractions of the rat isolated gastric fundus - Wen-Chuan Lin, Shu-Chuen Wu, Sheng-Chu Kuo

Popular knowledge about the use of plant Anredera cordifolia (fat leaf) - Elisa Vanessa Heisler; Marcio Rossato Badke; Andressa Andrade; Maria da Graça Soler Rodrigues

The medicinal use of some weeds, problem and alien plants in the Grahamstown and Peddie districts of the Eastern Cape, South Africa - A.P. Dold and M.L. Cocks

Notes on the occurrence of Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) van Steenis (Basellaceae) - a non-indigenous prospective medicinal plant in North East India from Meghalaya - Dilip Kr. Roy and Bipin Kr. Sinha

Use and valuation of native and introduced medicinal plant species in Campo Hermoso and Zetaquira, Boyacá, Colombia - Cadena-Gonzalez, Ana Lucia; Sørensen, Marten; Theilade, Ida

The use of traditional medicines to lower blood pressure: A survey in rural areas in Yogyakarta - Riana Rahmawati, Beata Bajorek

THE USE OF VARIOUS PLANT TYPES AS MEDICINES BY LOCAL COMMUNITY IN THE ENCLAVE OF THE LORE-LINDU NATIONAL PARK OF CENTRAL SULAWESI, INDONESIA - Rosmaniar Gailea, Ach. Ariffien Bratawinata, Ramadhanil Pitopang, IrawanWijaya Kusuma

Sharing Ethnobotanical Knowledge in Traditional Villages: Evidence of Food and Nutraceutical “Core Groups” in Bali, Indonesia - Giulia Caneva, Lorenzo Traversetti, Wawan Sujarwo, Vincenzo Zuccarello

Medicinal Plants of the Guianas (Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana)

Ethnobotany of Indigenous Saraguros: Medicinal Plants Used by Community Healers “Hampiyachakkuna” in the San Lucas Parish, Southern Ecuador - José M. Andrade, Hernán Lucero Mosquera and Chabaco Armijos

Medicinal plants of the Mien (Yao) in Northern Thailand and their potential value in the primary healthcare of postpartum women - Kannika Panyaphu, Tran Van On, Panee Sirisa-ard, Pratchaya Srisa-nga, Sunee Chansa Kaow, Surapol Nathakarnkitkula

http://alternativehealing.org/teng_san_qi.htm
http://www.eattheweeds.com/anredera-cordifolia-pest-or-food-crop-2/
http://www.abhorticultura.com.br/biblioteca/arquivos/Download/Biblioteca/44_030.pdf
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277730&isprofile=0&
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/17455
http://weeds.ala.org.au/WoNS/madeiravine/docs/47053_ERGO_Weed_Mgmt_guide_Madeira_vine_Pages.pdf
https://typicalgardener.wordpress.com/2022/06/27/anredera-cordifolia-aka-madeira-vine-or-mignonette-vine/
http://203.64.245.61/fulltext_pdf/ebook1/10-5%20madeira%20vine.pdf
http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/223204/madeira_vine_policy.pdf
https://patents.google.com/patent/CN102327203A/en
http://libproject.hkbu.edu.hk/was40/detail?lang=en&record=2&channelid=1288&searchword=alphabet%3DB
http://radix4roots.blogspot.com/search/label/Ghent

Elatostema lineolatum and other Elatostema species - Rainforest Spinach

Polska wersja

PLANT PROFILE

Elatostema is a genus of small herbaceous perennials, that comprises of at least 200 species, and is distributed in tropical and subtropical parts Asia, Australia, Africa and New Zealand. Most of the species can be found in forests of Southeast Asia, and many of it still hasn't been described in botanical literature. And as for those that already was, there is still lots of problems with its proper classification. There is quite a mess with naming, some species has been given many different botanical names in different regions, and some scientific latin names are attached mistakenly to plants from few different Elatostema species.
Elatostema lineolatum is one of the most widely distributed species in this genus. It can be found in Nepal, Bhutan, Assam, China, Taiwan and the Philippines. It is commonly eaten as a leafy vegetable in Nepal and Bhutan, where bundles of whole stems are often sold on local markets. In some regions of Japan Elatostema umbellatum and few other closely related Elatostema species, are used as vegetables and sometimes i's whole stems are sold in bundles.
E. lineolatum, E umellatum and other closely related Elatostema species are also used as wild vegetables in other countries like India, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Australia, but rather only by some indigenous communities and foragers. In Australia Elatostema reticulatum is called Rainforest Spinach by foragers, and I really like this name, that I think can be used for all Elatostema species that are eaten. Although only some species has been recorded for it's utilisation as food, I strongly suspect that in fact all Elatostema species can be eaten. And since I haven't found any information about a single Elatostema species to be poisonous or cause any side effects if eaten. I am taking it as a green light to try eat any species from this genus I can possibly find.
It is sad that Elatostema is such underutilized as a vegetable, even in most of the regions where it grows wild in abundance. And except for a few Elatostema species like Elatostema rugosum and Elatostema repens grown as a ornamental plants, those plants are almost entirely unknown outside countries of it's origin. Except for small semi-wild plantations in Japan, I never heard about any Elatostema cultivation as a crop, even on uncommercial scale, despite the fact that it tastes very good and can grow in conditions that other vegetables can't.

Just like Elatostema species are not popular as a edible plant it is not popular as a medicinal herb. But there records of its uses as a folk medicine from different countries (mostly from tropical Asia), and even few scientific researches has been made on phytopharmacology of those plants.
The reason why Elatostema species are so little known even in most of the regions where it is growing wild in abundance, might be its accessibility. Elatostemas likes deep, impassable, dark, dense, wet jungle. I myself found this plant just after two years spent already in the Philippines, north of Luzon Island, where some Elatostema species are very common, but only in depths of hardly accessible jungle.
It was after very hard attempts to explore jungle in mountainous Cordillera region, that I realized that fighting for every step forward, with dense bushes tangled with lianas is taking to much time. And instead I decided to jump into a highway that I saw. This highway, the only clean way among wilderness of robust plants was .... a dead river bed. That's right, in the Philippines where during rainy season many rivers are wide, deep and has fierce current, most of the same rivers disappears entirely or changes into barely dripping, tiny streams, after few months of dry season. That leaves a nice, sometimes pretty wide corridor, very easy to pass threw compare to dense unbridled jungle. Although the more mountainous the area is, the more jumping or climbing the stones exercise you will get (depends on if you are going down the dead river bed or up). And you will always find a great plants diversity on the edges of river bed, and that's where I saw my first Elatostema plant ever.

A here is the video that I've made about Elatostema

CULTIVATION AND HARVESTING

Elatostema species are tropical and subtropical, perennial, herbaceous, half succulent undershrubs, that grows is moist, shady places. Most of Elatostema species has very similar look and grow habit to Elatostema lineolatum. E. lineolatum stems grows upright to around 50cm, and after that usually fell on the ground and get more branchy. So the main stem quickly after touching soil is starting to grow roost from stems nodes, and as rotten fallen leaves creates cover for it and quickly become a compost soil (which those plants loves), that stem is becoming more like rhizome. And the young side stems growing out of it starts growing upright, just to repeat the process. That makes easy its propagation threw stem/rhizome cutting or layering.
Elatostema species usually creates whole colonies of dense groundcover, in moist, forests, jungles, near rivers, ponds, on shady mountains slopes (found even at elevations around 2000m). Sometimes it can be found growing on barely any soil, on rocks or tree trunks (especially Elatostema tomentosa which stems usually grows only around 20cm high, and the leaves are around 4cm long, compared to around 10cm long leaves to E. lineolatum). Some of Elatostema species like Elatostema repens, entirely crawl on the ground, or rocks or climb on tree trunks.
Elatostema plants like shade and can be found even in strongly shaded areas, or in places where significant sunlight is accessible only for short time of the day. However New Zealand species Elatostema rugosa can grow in more sun exposed places, and the more sun it gets the more red coloured it young leaves will be.
E. lineolatum can withstand seasonal droughts quite well. Even if it will get extreme and long period, drying to death all above ground parts, the plants ground cowered stems might survive and regrow soon after first rains. Elatostema plants likes high temperatures and don't tolerate frosts. It's flowers are mainly green clusters, resembling more fruits than classic flowers, and the plants can be monoeicious or dioeicious.
Elatostemas can be generally harvested at any time of year, but according to seasons of particular region, there might by limited period of availability of newly grown, tender stems with young leaves, and those are the best. It is the best to pick the whole shoots, young stems with leaves, as they will stay fresh for longer, plus is much easier. But you can also pick separate leaves leaving the stems, so the plants will be stronger to grow new one soon. Make sure to wash it well, as due to it's habitat it is often stained with mud particles, has some bugs underneath its leaves or other dirt.

CULINARY USES

Elatostema lineolatum fresh young leaves and shoots are crispy and juicy, its juice is quite mucilaginous, and it has a mild taste and very nice rootbeer-like aroma. In Bhutan it is called Dumroo, it is available all year round, and during winter months it is highly in demand, being one of most popular plants used in vegetable soup. Locals eat Dumroo soup to relief body pains. Young shoots and leaves are valued as delicacy vegetable eaten as an appetizer, and speciality dish eaten during religious ceremonies is made by cutting it into pieces and cooking with chilli, onions, cheese and sometimes meat. In Indian state of Nagaland it is called Jothu Gazo, and the leaves and tender stems are boiled with rice and other vegetables and sometimes meat, to make Galho dish. It can be stir-fried or pickled too.
Elatostema lineolatum whole aerial part is rich source of calcium (765.00mg/100g), magnesium (760mg/100g), and manganese (82.5mg/100g), and contains other minerals : iron (94.5mg/100g), phosphorus (80mg/100g), zinc (27.5mg/100g), copper (2.0mg/100g), cobalt (2.0mg/100g). It consists mainly of crude protein (24.15%), crude fiber (15.4%), total free amino-acids (5.25%), total soluble protein (5.05%), crude lipid (2.2%) and total sugars (2%).

In Japan Elatostema laetevirens (called Mizu or Aomizu) and Elatostema umbellatum var. majus (Akamizu) sprout, leaves, stems and fruits are commonly eaten as a wild vegetable. It is both eaten in tempura and boiled and has distinctive aroma described as fresh, floral and green. Also Elatostema involucratum (Uwabamisou) shoots, leaves and rhizomes are eaten fresh, boiled or marinated.
  Elatostema umbellatum is also reportedly eaten in Malaysia.

Elatostema reticulatum is called Rainforest Spinach in Australia and its succulent young stems and leafy tips are eaten by foragers. It is said to be best when cooked, and the taste is very pleasant and reminds beans. It can be stir-fried chopped with onions, and used in many other ways that leafy vegetables are.

Elatostema platyphyllum stems and leaves has been reported to be eaten in Nepal (its local name is Sano Gangleto), Bhutan (Dambru), and Nagaland (Mechijakem) and Sikkim (Gagleto) states of India, where the shoots are also used for pickle.

Also Elatostema sessile, Elatostema cuneatum and Elatostema dissectum young leaves are mentioned in literature to be used as vegetables. And as for all those Elatostema species that has never been mentioned in any source of information as edible, I don't wont to dare you, but I would try it. Because not only none of Elatostema spicies has ever been recorded as poisonous. But also it is hard to find any plant species from the whole family of Urticaceae, that Elatostema genus belongs to, that would cause adverse effects if ingested. In fact most of Urticaceae plants can be eaten and many of them has serious health benefits.

My favorite Elatostema as a veggie is Elatostema multicanaliculatum as its leaves are usually bigger than those of Elatostema lineolatum, and while E. lineolatum stems quickly grows tough, dry and stringy, E. multicanaliculatum stems grow very thick and succulent and crispy ( the stem can get thicker than 2cm in diameter, an I never tried it yet but I guess it is great for pickles). Just like E. lineolatum, Elatostema multica (as I like to shorten multicanaliculatum) has mild taste with rootbeer-like aroma (which generally most of Elatostema species posses more or less).
Except for those two Elatostema species so far I had a chance to also taste :
Elatostema edule - it is very much like E. multica except that its leaves are bit less succulent
Elatostema longifolium and Elatostema hiperlongifolium - leaves and stems very juicy and aromatic.
Elatostema spinulosum - leaves tastes just like those of E. lineolatum, but has even more of that pleasant rootbeer-like aroma, though its leaves and stems are not as juicy and has quite rough surface.
Elatostema tomentosa - its leaves and stems are even less juicy than those of E. spinulosum, not to mention that its stems are pubescent and leaves a bit too, but it has the same rootbeer-like aroma.
Elatostema banahaense - its leaves and stems are pretty juicy and crunchy, but has less aroma that species mentioned above has.
Elatostema repens -  stems and leaves are juicy and crunchy, but the aroma is barely noticeable in it.
  Elatostema mounttomas and Elatostema tuba - are not very valuable veggies as both are without aroma and quite tough and fibrous.
All of those mentioned here Elatostemas species, stems and leaves are quite mucilaginous, which means that it is highly nutritious.

MEDICINAL USES

There is very little information about any medicinal uses of any of Elatostema species. But some records can be found about knowledge of it's health benefits and uses in traditional medicine of China, Taiwan, Japan, Bhutan, Assam, Malaysia, or Papua New Guinea. There is only very few scientific studies that has been done on phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of few different Elatostema species. The studies has been conducted in such different countries as China, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Japan and New Zealand. Which is showing that there is a chance that at least in countries where Elatostema plants are common in wild, some of it's species might have gain some serious interest of more herbalists, and get wider popularity as a folk remedies and maybe even official drugs in future.

Underneath I put all the information that I have managed to fined about traditional medicinal uses and phytochemistry and pharmacology of Elatostema species. Although scarce, it is showing big potential of those plants. It is also showing the pattern of repeated the same or similar uses of different Elatostema species reported from different countries. Therefore it can be assumed that most of Elatostema species, just as they are similar to each other in outlook structure, posses similar health benefits even if never recorded.
For example, as I know from my own experience, Elatostema lineolatum, Elatostema multicanaliculatum, Elatostema longifolium, Elatostema hiperlongifolium, Elatostema spinulosum, Elatostema edule, Elatostema banahaense and even Elatostema repens, that looks quite different and has different growth habit. All those species leaves and stems has mucilaginous juices, which means it has demulcent action and so can be eaten to soothe dried, sore throat, stomach ulcers, or be applied mashed as a poultice on skin burns or to soothe skin irritation.

  Elatostema lineolatum (called Jothu Gazo in Nagaland; Solunche/Jyan/ Gariyangei/Ching Sougri in Manipur; Himbu, Tang-nap in India; Dumroo in Bhutan; Leng Chi Cao in Taiwan; Xia Ye Lou Ti Cao in China) - The plant is anti-inflammatory and alleviates pain. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the whole plant is used to clear heat and remove dampness, activate blood, unblock the meridian, promote urination and disperse swelling. It is used for bacterial dysentery, rheumatism and arthritis. It is applied externally for boils and pyogenic infections, and also to ease the pain from cat bites. In Taiwan the mashed stems and leaves are used to cover knife cuts and fighting injuries. In Assam people say that the plant paste applied on wounds works like a miracle. Bhutanese believes that the plant has many medicinal properties and builds immunity. During winter months they eat vegetable soup with E. lineolatum as a main ingredient, which is said to relief body pains (probably rheumatic kind of pains coused by cold, damp and windy weather during winter months).
Elatostema lineolatum whole aerial part is rich source of calcium (765.00mg/100g), magnesium (760mg/100g), and manganese (82.5mg/100g), and contains other minerals : iron (94.5mg/100g), phosphorus (80mg/100g), zinc (27.5mg/100g), copper (2.0mg/100g), cobalt (2.0mg/100g). It consists mainly of crude protein (24.15%), crude fiber (15.4%), total free amino-acids (5.25%), total soluble protein (5.05%), crude lipid (2.2%) and total sugars (2%).

  Elatostema umbellatum (Lou Ti Cao in China) - eaten as a vegetable was found to have high antioxidant activities, it is rich in phenolic compounds and contains kaempferol glycosides and caffeic acid. In China leaves poultice is applied for abdominal disorders.
Elatostema umbellatum var. majus (Akamizu in Japan) - yields 0.0018% of essential oils, its main constituents are phytol, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, methyl salicilate, neophytadiene, the most strongly aroma-active compounds of this plant are (2E)-hexenal, (3Z)-hexenol, 1-octen-3-ol, 4-vinyl-o-guiacol.

Elatostema involucratum (Chi Che Shi Zhe in China), some authors consider it to be synonym for Elatostema umbellatum var. majus - in Traditional Chinese Medicine it is described as bitter and slightly cold, working on large intestine, liver and spleen and detoxifying. It is used for dysentery, high fever, convulsions, jaundice, rheumatism, edema, amenorrhea, sores, mumps, herpes zoster, snake bites, bruises, fractures and embolism.

Elatostema stewardii (Lu Shan Lou Ti Cao in China) - in Traditional Chinese Medicine this herb is described as bitter and slightly cold and detoxifying. It is used for dysentery, high fever, convulsions, jaundice, rheumatism, edema, amenorrhea, sores, mumps, herpes zoster, snake bites, bruises, fractures embolism. The leaves poultice is applied for abdominal disorders. The extraction of the polysaccharides from Elatostema stewardii led to yield of polysaccharides of 13.86 % and 14.06 %.

Elatostema platyphyllum synonyms Elatostema platyphylloides, Elatostema platyphylla, (Dambru in Bhutan; Sano gangleto in Nepal; Gagleto in Sikkim, Hoj Ao in Arunachal Pradesh, Mechijakem in Nagaland, also Dambrumchoem, Samselbee, Tang-nap-sau, Tangnap in India; Quan Ye Lou Ti Cao in China) - the whole plant clear heat and drain dampness, promote urination and disperse swelling. In Taiwan the leaf decoction is taken to treat venomous snake bites, and mashed leaves are used to cover wounds. In India fresh root-stem juice is used to stop vomiting. Fresh leaves paste mixed with cow's milk is given to children to kill intestinal worms and ringworms.

Elatostema duyunense - is widely used as traditional Chinese medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid complaints, fracture, anasarca and dysuria. The herb consist of flavonoids and its glycosides, triterpenoids, steroids, fatty acids, alkanes and polysaccharides. It's essential oils consist mainly on limonene (8.71%), mushroom alcohol (7.89), beta-ionone (4.56), geranylacetone (4.43), phenylethyl alcohol (4.13), quinoline (3.85), geraniol (3.1), linalool (2.83), nerol (2.73) and thymol (2.28), it also contain borneol, naphthalene, methyl salicylate, terpineol, citronellol, citral, copaene, hexadecane, plant ketone and other.

  Elatostema rugosum (Parataniwha, New Zealand Begonia in New Zealand) - the plants red leaves contains anthocyanins, and in tests has shown to be on average 14 times more effective at scavenging DPPH radicals than E. rugosum green leaves, and had substantially greater antioxidant activities, it also contains other flavonoids and the hydroxycinnamic acids.

  Elatostema laetevirens (Aomizu in Japan) - major components its essential oil (yields 0.0016%) are phytol, neophytadiene, y-himachalene, ethyl acetate, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, the most strongly aroma-active compounds of E. laetivirens are (2E)-hexenal, (2E,4E)-nonadienal, heptanal, linalol, 4-vinyl-o-guiacol.

  Elatostema papilosum (Shilajhar, Elya in Bangladesh; Wei Jing Lou Ti Cao in China) - in Bangladesh the plant has widely been used by local traditional medicine practitioners against various diseases, including hysteria and abdominal pain. The leaves has showed strong antioxidant action and anticholinesterase potential in tests, which makes this herb potential to provide an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

  Elatostema repens synonyms Polychroa repens, Pellionia daveauana, Pellionia repens; vernacular names: Isek Naga Bukit, Sisek Tenggiling, Sisek Keli (Malaysia), Tai Das, Sam Das (Vietnam), Trailing Watermelon Begonia (English) - in Malaysia the plant is applied as a poultice to swellings, boils, dislocated bones and abdominal disorders. A decoction is drunk to treat rheumatism and infectious diseases.

  Elatostema sessile, Sisek Tenggiling, Cheng Man (Malaysia), Chaulu (India), Gaglato (Nepali) - the leaves are taken for gastric disorder in Sikkim state of India. In Malaysia, pounded leaves are used as a poultice to treat severe abdominal disorders. Plant paste is applied for boils, pimples and blisters in Nepal.

Elatostema parasiticum - the ethanolic extract of the aerial part of this plant has showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Microsporum gypseum.

Elatostema calcareum, Tapun Ayuyu (Guam), Tupu-n-Ayuyu, Nengkano’Ayuyu (Northern Mariana Islands) - in Guam both the leaf and stem are collected, the plant is used for its moisturizing qualities, and is as a ingredient in all-purpose herbal combination decoction. In Northern Mariana Islands the leaves are used for pain, body aches, headaches and fever.

Elatostema rostratum - in Indonesia it is usually taken in form of decoction as a medicine for fever and also stomach ache.

Elatostema beccarii (Wamplenmpla in Vanatu) - the leaves are squeezed and the juice drunk to faciliate birth.

Elatostema macrophyllum (Naghulu Nu in Vanatu) - as contraceptive one handful of leaves is squeezed with some water, and one glass of that aqueous extract is drunk.

Elatostema strigosum (Sisik naga in North Sumatra, Indonesia) - the plant is used to treat asthma, fever, gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension and injuries.

Elatostema banahaense - in the Philippines the plant is used against itch and scabies.

Elatostema cyrtandrifolium (Rui Chi Lou Ti Cao in China) - reported to act as sedative.

Elatostema integrifolium ( Quan Yuan Lou Ti Cao in China) - leaves poultice is applied on abdominal disorders.

Elatostema schizocephalum ( Lie Xu Lou Ti Cao in Chin) - reported to act as analgesic.

Elatostema obtusum - is ingreadient in Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal composition for chronic pancreatitis treatment, the whole plant is considered as detoxifying.

Elatostema oblongifolium - is ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal composition medicine for treating children spastic cerebral palsy.

Elatostema sp. called Kaskas-bhirs in Papua New Guinea - whole plant decoction is used topically for scabies.

Elatostema sp. called Moin Kukuri in Papua New Guinea - whole plant is chewed fresh for fever, headache and joint pain.

In Peninsular Malaysia, leaves of unidentified Elatostema species are reputedly used to make a
poultice for application to the head of women in labour. In the Moluccas, the leaves of some Elatostema are applied to the forehead to treat headache, pounded leaves are used as an embrocation in children suffering from severe cough, and the plants are applied in a cooling wash for the head, sometimes also to promote hair growth. In Papua New Guinea, Elatostema sp. leaves are used internally to arrest diarrhoea.

ELATOSTEMA LINEOLATUM

Female flowers

ELATOSTEMA MULTICANALICULATUM (Elatostema multica)

Male flowers

Female flowers

ELATOSTEMA EDULE

ELATOSTEMA LONGIFOLIUM

ELATOSTEMA HIPERLONGIFOLIUM

I gave it this name as an indication that it is probably a mutation of E. longifolium. I have found only few specimens of this new species in one location near Bakakeng, Baguio, the Philippines.

ELATOSTEMA SPINULOSUM

Male flowers

ELATOSTEMA BANAHAENSE

Male flowers

Female flowers

ELATOSTEMA REPENS synonym PELLIONIA REPENS

Flowers

ELATOSTEMA TOMENTOSA

This name was given by me due to suprising lack of existing data about this species, which is very common around Baguio, the Philippines

ELATOSTEMA MOUNTTOMAS

This is the species that I found only at one location at Mount Santo Tomas near Baguio, the Philippines, and I didn't found yet any record of it.

ELATOSTEMA TUBA

This is the species that I found only at one location at Mount Santo Tomas, Tuba, near Baguio, the Philippines, and I didn't found yet any record of it.