China root

Scientific name of China root: Smilax china

Name of China root in different languages:-

English: Smilax, China root

Sanskrit: Madhusnuhi, Dweepantaravacha

Hindi: Chopchini

Malayalam: Cheenapavu-ചീനപ്പാവ്, Pavu-പാവ്

Plant description:

China root plant is a bushy spiny plant, that grows about 3 feet high, the leaves are thin, membranous, ovate to ovate-oblong, five-nerved, acute or obtuse at both ends, root or rhizome is stipules, distinct obtuse and hard, large, blackish outer, pale and whitish internally. Flowers are small found in umbels greenish yellow, fruits are red and small.

Useful plant parts:

Root

Medicinal uses:

Used in the treatment of psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, urinary tract infections, skin ulcers, and enteritis, and useful in old syphilitic cases.

Chemical contents:

Antiscrophulatic, carminative, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic and tonic.

China root is used as an ingredient to prepare Ayurvedic medicines like:-

• Madhusnuhyadi Choornam
• Moolakadyarishtam
• Brihat Madhusnuhi Rasayanam
• Allerin Table
• Anuphala Capsules
• Leucorid tablets
• Rheumallin tablet