ARISTOLOCHIA INDICA Meaning and
Definition
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Aristolochia indica, commonly known as the Indian birthwort or Indian pipevine, is a perennial climbing plant native to Asia, particularly found in India. It belongs to the Aristolochiaceae family and is characterized by its distinctive morphological features and medicinal properties.
The plant is renowned for its unique, tubular-shaped flowers, which can be greenish-yellow or reddish-brown in color. These flowers possess a strong odor that attracts insects for pollination. The leaves of Aristolochia indica are heart-shaped and glossy, arranged alternately along the stems.
Aristolochia indica has been traditionally used in folk medicine for various therapeutic purposes. Its extracts are believed to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. The plant contains several bioactive compounds, including aristolochic acid, which is considered the major pharmacological component responsible for its medicinal effects.
Despite its potential health benefits, it is important to note that Aristolochia indica has been linked to certain toxic effects if consumed in large quantities or over a prolonged period. The aristolochic acid present in the plant has been associated with kidney damage and carcinogenic effects, particularly when used in herbal formulations without proper processing or dosage control.
In conclusion, Aristolochia indica is a flowering plant native to Asia, known for its characteristic tubular flowers and heart-shaped leaves. It has been traditionally used in folk medicine for its medicinal properties, primarily attributed to its bioactive component, aristolochic acid. However, caution should be exercised in its consumption due to potential toxic effects associated with excessive or unregulated use.
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Furnishes the drug aristolochia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ARISTOLOCHIA INDICA
- zristolochia indica
- sristolochia indica
- wristolochia indica
- qristolochia indica
- aeistolochia indica
- adistolochia indica
- afistolochia indica
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- a5istolochia indica
- a4istolochia indica
- arustolochia indica
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- arkstolochia indica
- arostolochia indica
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- ar8stolochia indica
- ariatolochia indica
- ariztolochia indica
- arixtolochia indica
- aridtolochia indica
Etymology of ARISTOLOCHIA INDICA
The word "Aristolochia" has its roots in the Greek language. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words, "aristos" meaning "best" or "excellent", and "locheia" meaning "childbirth". This name was given to the plant due to its historical use in traditional medicine to aid in childbirth.
The term "indica" refers to the plant's origin or association with India. It is derived from the Latin word "indicum" which means "of India" or "belonging to India". It is commonly added to plant species names to indicate their geographic origin. In the case of Aristolochia indica, the name suggests that this particular species is native to, or found in, the Indian subcontinent.
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