Family- Menispermaceae:
Common names: Climbing plant; aguru, onochie (Igbo); atoo, ato-oloriraun (Yoruba).
Chasmanthera dependens is a woody climbing shrub up to 5m tall with stems up to 3 cm thick, white-dotted; young stems densely hairy. Leaf-blades 7–20 cm long and wide, acuminap or rounded at the apex, cordate at the base, densely hairy.
The species is widely distributed and commonly planted in home gardens throughout tropical Africa.
Parts used: leaves and roots.
Rich in nutrients
Documentation or research carried out on Chasmanthera indicate a wide range of phytochemical compounds including alkaloids (quaternary protoberberine alkaloids and the non-phenolic quaternary), berberine, chasmanthin, steroids, oleic acid, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and phenols. The plant is well known for its haemostatic and wound healing properties; and has also been shown to alleviate swelling and pains of various intensities because of its potentials as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-oxidant, anti-arthritic, diuretic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-fungal, antihistamine, antiviral, insecticidal and muscle relaxant. The leaves are considered disinfectant, antiseptic, vulnerary, astringent, and tonic. The plant also has great antioxidant properties and so may help to slow down cell damage that leads to aging and disease.
Some of the conditions & ailments treatable with Chasmanthera are as follows:
Wounds: The leaf sap of the plant can be used as a first aid treatment for bleeding wounds and bruises. For badulcer burns and wounds, the juice is extracted from the leaves and applied to the affected spot.
Skin disorders: It is applied externally and taken internally for various bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. The leaf is mashed up to obtain the juice, which is placed directly on cuts, boils and other infected skin conditions as well as for pain and inflammation. The leaves are also used as an astringent, antiseptic, and counterirritant against poisonous insect bites. Apply the juice directly on warts and calluses. In addition, the fibrous stem can be beaten and used as a sponge on affected areas.
Pains: The leaves of Chasmanthera dependens have strong analgesic properties and can be used to treat pain and stiffness. It is used topically on sprained joints. Leaf and stem sap are mixed with shea butter as an embrocation to treat sprained joints, pain, and stiffness. The plant is highly beneficial for treating abdominal, arthritic and rheumatic pains.
Fractures: Leaf and stem sap are locally applied to cure sprains as a dressing for fractures. The leaf powder is known amongst traditional bone setters in Nigeria for repairing broken bones, sprains, and fractures. It is said to make bone repair faster. It is also a strong anti-inflammatory herb. When made into a tea, it has mucilaginous consistency. You may add a dash of lemon juice to reduce its sliminess, if desired.
Convulsions: The stem maceration, together with the stems and roots of several other plants (baobab, Lannea sp., Combretum, kapok), is drunk against convulsions. The roasted stem is said to treat convulsions in infants.
Fevers: A decoction of the roots is used to relieve malaria fever. You may add other anti malaria herbs for faster results. Also, a decoction of the leaf is used in baths for fever.
Nerve damage: The bark is taken as a general tonic for physical or nervous weakness in inflammatory and exhausting diseases.
Epilepsy/seizure – roots and leafy twig decoctions are used for the treatment of epilepsy.
Chronic cough: The extracts of this plant will cure that cough that may have lingered for long! A decoction of pounded roots mixed with leaves of African marigold is drunk to treat the condition.
Infertility: The roots of Chasmanthera dependens have fertility-enhancing properties. Aqueous leaf extract is said to improve semen quality. For sexual dysfunctions, a decoction of the root is taken ¼ tumbler 2-3 X daily for a period of time.
Oxidative stress: The leaves, stems, and roots of Chasmanthera are packed with antioxidant properties that can help the body fight free radicals, which can damage cells due to oxidative stress. Taking this herb may help prevent or reduce damage caused by oxidation.
Infections: The bark is chewed or boiled as a remedy for venereal discharges. The root powder in water can be used singly or mixed with other herbs like Grewia flavescens (itakun okere in Yoruba) + Cassia siberiana (aridan-tooro) + Desmodium velutinum (abero-defe in Yoruba; ikeagwu-ani in Igbo). One teacup, 2 x daily.
Other conditions that may be alleviated with Chasmanthera include red-eye infections, snakebites, dementia.
This powerful botanical is often planted in home gardens and is commonly sold in local markets.
•Please consult your physician before taking herbal medicine because it can interact with your other medications.