Celastrus paniculatus, Cherupunna, Jyothishmathi, Intellect plant, ചെറുപുന്ന, ജ്യോതിഷ്മതി

Family: Celastraceae
Vernacular names: Cherupunna, Jyothishmathi, ചെറുപുന്ന, ജ്യോതിഷ്മതി (Malayalam), Intellect plant (English), Bahuphala (Sanskrit), Apang (Hindi), Vaaluluvai (Tamil)
Distribution: South Asia and Australia
Description: Climbing shrubs. Leaves alternate, broadly ovate. Panicle terminal, axillary, oblong. Flowers many, greenish-white. Capsule to 1 cm across, loculicidal, yellow; seeds 3, aril reddish.
Habit: Climbers/Lianas
Habitat: Moist deciduous and semi evergreen forests
Flowering & Fruiting: December-May

Parts used: Bark and seeds
Properties & Uses: Diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and aphrodisiac. The seeds are used for sharpening memory, to cure sores, ulcer, rheumatism and gout. The seed oil is used to treat scabies, rheumatic pain, wounds, beriberi and paralysis. The leaves and roots are used as a poultice to cure headache.
Systems of Medicines: Ayurveda, Folk, Unani,
Conservation Status: Vulnerable.
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