Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses XXIV. Patha (Cissampelos pareira, faimly Menispermaceae)

Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved

Many herb collectors of Chhattisgarh collect this herb in the name of Harjori but in fact it is not the true Harjori or Hadjori. The real Harjori (Cissus quadrangularis) is totally different from Patha. Due to this confusion, many times the herb traders supply the wrong herb to the buyers at national levels. Patha is a twining, perennial shrub distributed in the tropical and sub-tropical tracts of the India. In Chhattisgarh, it is common herb. The traditional healers and herb collectors are aware of its natural occurrence but as medicine it is used less frequently. It is not in the list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh having routine demand The herb traders at national and international levels are not aware of its natural occurrence in the state. This is the reason that there is no threat to this species in forest. The natives are also not much aware of its medicinal properties and uses. Through my ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I noted many existing and traditional uses of Patha as medicine. In present article, I am giving details of these uses. Botanically, Patha is a climbing shrub, branches more or less pubescent. Leaves peltate, orbicular or reniform, cordate at the base, mucronate, margins ciliate,
flowers minute, yellowish, male flowers in axillary cymes, petals combined into cup shaped corolla, female flowers in elongate, solitary or twin, axillary racemes. Fruits drupe, sub-globose,
compressed, hairy, red. Flowering time July-September. As medicine, roots and leaves are used. According to Ayurveda, Patha is hot with bitter taste, removes pain, fever, dysentery, skin
eruptions, heart troubles, burning, itching etc., alleviates vomiting, asthma, removes intestinal worms, cures enlarged spleen and ulcers, useful in hemicrania, piles, uterine complaints, helps
parturition. Recent research have revealed that the roots and vines, possess the alkaloid called hayatine, It is good substitute for curare, d-tubo curarine and other curariform drugs (Muscular
relaxants).

The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the leaves of Patha in treatment of diarrhoea. The leaves are given with fresh curd (Dahi) internally. The healers give roots with whey (Mattha) to
the patients having the problem of indigestion. In treatment of Bavasir (piles) the roots are given with Sonth (dried Ginger). The traditional healers specialised in treatment of cancer use the
roots alone or in combination with other herbs to cure the problem. In general, it is given with shahad (honey). The healers of northern hilly regions of Chhattisgarh use the decoction of
Patha roots in treatment of urinary troubles but as other promising and cheap alternatives are available, it is used rarely.

In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India many other uses of Patha are given but unfortunately the natives and healers are not aware of these uses. Through my surveys, I am trying hard to get more information on this herb.

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