Tylophora, Anthrapachaka

Indian Ipecac
Anthrapachaka (Ayurveda)
Kurinjan (Siddha)
Wa Er Teng (TCM, related spcies)

Tylophora indica
A hand-book to the flora of Ceylon (1895) (Wikimedia)

Tylophora indica
(Photo by Rison Thumboor) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:

Tylophora indica (syn. T. asthmatica)
TCM uses the root of T. floribunda

Parts used:

Root; Leaf is emetic and used as a substitute for Ipecac

Temperature & Taste:

Cool, dry. Bitter. Toxic

Uses:

1. Clears Heat, Stops Cough and Wheezing: (Ayurveda, Siddha)

-Cough, Bronchitis, Asthma
-allergies of the Respiratory tract; Rhinitis
-clinically very useful for Bronchial Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis
-regarded as guiding Qi downwards

2. Clears Heat and Damp: (Ayurveda, Siddha)

-Diarrhea, Amoebic Dysentery
-Syphilitic Rheumatism (Siddha)
-Autoimmune disorders associated with heat
-Anti-protozoal

3. Emetic:

-leaf is used as a substitute for Ipecac

Dose:

250–500mg
Doses of 3–6 leaves have been used for Bronchial Asthma

Comment:

TCM uses the root of T. floribunda, called Wa Er Teng. The Indian T. indica is called Yin Du Wa Er Teng, indicating it is viewed as a variety. The Chinese is used to clear Phlegm, stops Cough, clear Wind-Phlegm Fright in children, and to clear Wind-Damp pain. It is also used to clear Toxin in Diphtheria, Snake Bites, Abscess and Boils. In addition, they share similar alkaloid profile.

Substitute:

1. It is considered as a substitute for Ipecacuanha (as an emetic)

Main Combinations:

1. Cough, Asthma from Vata (Wind), with Licorice, Long Pepper
2. Lowered Immunity, with Withania, Sida cordifolia

Cautions:

1. Toxic in overdose or long-term use. Not used for more than 10 days without a break. Side effects may include nausea and vomiting
2. Not used during Pregnancy
3. Alcohol extracts of the leaf show immuno-suppressive effects.

Toxicity:

Large doses of the leaves can be fatal.

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