Description

Perennial twining climber with lance-shaped leaves and greenish flowers producing many flat seeds.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to the Indian subcontinent, asmatica grows wild on the plains of India. The leaves are gathered when the plant is in flower.

Parts Used

Leaves.

Constituents

Asmatica contains alkaloids (including tylophorine), flavonoids, sterols, and tannins. Tylophorine has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.

History & Folklore

Asmatica has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to induce vomiting and expectoration, and to treat dysentery and rheumatic conditions.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Considered a specific remedy for asthma, asmatica may relieve symptoms for up to 3 months. It is also beneficial in cases of hay fever, and is prescribed for acute allergic problems such as eczema and hives. It holds potential as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome and other immune system disorders. Asmatica may relieve rheumatoid arthritis, and may also be of value in the treatment of cancer.

Research

Extensive laboratory and clinical research in India has established that asmatica is an effective remedy for asthma. In the 1970s, a number of clinical trials showed that a majority of asthmatic patients taking the herb for just 6 days gained relief from asthma for up to a further 12 weeks. However, subsequent studies have failed to reproduce these results. The leaves produce side-effects including nausea and vomiting.

Caution

Take asmatica only under professional supervision.