Aristolochia indica L.

Aristolochia indica L.

Know our Plant

Systematic Classification:

Division   : Angiospermae 
Class      : Dicotyledons
Order      : Piperales
Family     : Aristolochiaceae
Genus      : Aristolochia
Species    : indica

Common Name:

Indian birthwort, Garudakodi,Kudukkamooli.

General information:

Aristolochia indica (native language: Garudakkodi / Eswaramooli) is a creeper plant found in Southern India and also Sri Lanka. This plant is critical to the survival of the southern birdwing and common birdwing, as well as crimson and common rose butterflies. It reaches a height of several metres on trees and cover the branches with thick foliage. It is commonly found in forest floor, rocky hillslopes. It flowers once a year to produce seeds. It can also be propagated by roots. The plant has a number of historical medicinal uses.

Economic Importance:

  • Aristolochia indica L. (Aristolochiaceae) has long been used in Indian subcontinent in the traditional system of medicine to treat cholera, fever, bowel troubles, ulcers, leprosy, skin diseases, menstrual problems and snakebites.
  • The plant is also used as emmenagogue, abortifacient, antineoplastic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antifertility and antispermatogenic agent.
  • Aristolochic acid, a major active constituent of the plant is reported to cause cancer, nephropathy, sister chromatid exchange and is a potent abortifacient.