Question 1

What is Cocculus hirsutus used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lankan and Indian Ayurvedic practice, Cocculus hirsutus is used primarily to address fever, inflammatory conditions, urinary complaints, and skin disorders. The roots are decocted for internal use, while leaves are applied topically as poultices for wounds and skin irritations. It is considered a multipurpose medicinal plant within the traditional pharmacopoeia.

Question 2

Where does Cocculus hirsutus grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The plant is most common in Sri Lanka's dry and intermediate zones, particularly in the North Central, North Western, and Eastern provinces. It grows naturally along roadsides, forest margins, scrublands, and hedgerows, and is typically collected from the wild rather than cultivated. It flourishes in warm, relatively low-rainfall environments.

Question 3

What family does Cocculus hirsutus belong to?

Accepted Answer

Cocculus hirsutus belongs to the botanical family Menispermaceae, a family of flowering plants known for producing pharmacologically active alkaloids. Several members of this family are used in traditional medicine systems across Asia and Africa. The genus Cocculus contains around five to fifteen species, distributed across tropical and subtropical regions.

Question 4

What are the active compounds in Cocculus hirsutus?

Accepted Answer

Phytochemical studies have identified alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, and tannins in various parts of the plant. The alkaloid fraction has attracted particular scientific interest for potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Research is ongoing, and while laboratory studies are encouraging, large-scale clinical trials are still limited.

Question 5

Is Cocculus hirsutus the same as Broom Creeper?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Cocculus hirsutus is commonly known in English as Broom Creeper or Climbing Cocculus. In Sinhala it is referred to as Väl-welpenela, and in Tamil as Kattukkoti or Perandai. These common names vary by region, so the scientific name is the most reliable way to identify the species.

Question 6

Can tourists visit Ayurvedic herb gardens in Sri Lanka to see medicinal plants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, several Ayurvedic hospitals, wellness retreats, and rural homesteads across Sri Lanka offer guided herb garden tours where visitors can see and learn about medicinal plants including Cocculus hirsutus. These are most commonly found near Kandy, Matale, and along the southern coast. Advance arrangement is recommended, particularly for smaller family-run gardens.

Question 7

How is Cocculus hirsutus identified in the wild?

Accepted Answer

The plant is a slender climbing or scrambling shrub with notably hairy (hirsute) stems, leaves, and young shoots — the trait reflected in its species name. Leaves are heart-shaped to broadly ovate, and the plant produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers. Ripe fruit appear as small dark purple or black drupes. Correct identification should be confirmed by a botanist or experienced practitioner before any medicinal use.

Question 8

What is the Ayurvedic catalog reference for Cocculus hirsutus in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka's national Ayurvedic medicinal plant catalog records Cocculus hirsutus under the identifier LK94006181. This cataloguing is part of the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine and Ayurveda's broader effort to document, standardise, and protect the island's traditional plant knowledge.