Menispermum crispum L.
Tinospora gibbericaulis Hand.-Mazz.
Tinospora mastersii Diels
Tinospora rumphii Boerl.
Tinospora thorelii Gagnep.
Photograph by: Mokkie
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Tinospora crispa is a deciduous climbing shrub producing stems up to 15 metres long[
]. The stems are up to 1cm thick[
]. The plant often produces aerial roots from its stems, these can grow down 10 metres or more to root into the soil[
A very popular medicinal plant in southeast Asia, where the plant is commonly gathered from the wild. The plant is also cultivated, especially in Thailand, India and Sri Lanka.
E. Asia - southern China, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines.
Waste ground, forest margins[
]. Primary rain forest and mixed deciduous forest, it can also be very common in secondary vegetation after logging and in hedges, at elevations up to 1,000 metres[
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if seed is required. The female form is much rarer than the male, suggesting vegetative propagation of male plants for medicinal purposes[
Considered to be a universal medicine by local people in the Philippines who give it the name 'makabuhai', which means 'to give life'[
The plant is commonly prescribed as a decoction or in powder form in the treatment of fevers, stomach trouble, indigestion, and diarrhoea. It is the basis of a popular preparation, which is used as a cordial, a tonic, or an ingredient in cocktails[
A preparation made with coconut oil is an effective cure for rheumatism and is also used in the treatment of flatulence in children[
]. This preparation is made by chopping the stem into pieces 2 - 5cm long and placing them in a jar with coconut oil,. This jar is then left out in a sunny position to 'cook' and is then stored for 12 months until it is ready to use[
The stem is antimalarial, parasiticide, tonic and vulnerary[
]. It is taken internally in the treatment of fevers[
Taken externally, a decoction of the stem is considered an effective cure if used as a wash for tropical ulcers, external parasites, and is also an excellent vulnerary for itches, ordinary and cancerous wounds[
An infusion of the stem is drunk in Malaysia and Indonesia as a vermifuge and of the whole plant to treat cholera; it is also used to treat diabetes mellitus[
]. Externally it is applied against scabies and to heal wounds. In Brunei, the plant is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes and to relieve abdominal pains. In Indo-China, an infusion of the stem is drunk to treat fever (also when caused by malaria) and jaundice. Powdered stems are used to fatten horses and cattle by stimulating their appetite. Tinospora crispa is a very commonly used medicinal plant in the Philippines. In Thailand, an infusion from the stem is used to treat jaundice, cholera, malaria, and against worms in children[
Some species in this genus are the larval hosts of fruit-piercing noctuid moths that cause significant damage to crops
of Citrus (particularly Mandarins) and Dimocarpus longan (Longan) in Thailand[
Cuttings - easy, the stems naturally produce aerial roots.
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