Question 1

What is Pergularia daemia used for in traditional medicine?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic tradition, Pergularia daemia is used to address respiratory conditions such as cough and asthma, digestive complaints, fever, and skin irritations. The leaves, roots, and latex are each applied in different preparations depending on the condition being treated. Its use should always be supervised by a qualified practitioner given the plant's active biochemical compounds.

Question 2

What is the Sinhala name for Pergularia daemia?

Accepted Answer

The plant is commonly known in Sinhala as Wel Penela. In Tamil, particularly in the north and east of Sri Lanka, it is called Veliparuthi. Both names appear in classical Ayurvedic and Siddha medical texts.

Question 3

Is Pergularia daemia found in the wild in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Pergularia daemia grows naturally across Sri Lanka's dry and intermediate climate zones. It is commonly found along roadsides, hedgerows, and at the edges of scrub forests, particularly in the North Central, North Western, and Southern provinces.

Question 4

Is Pergularia daemia safe to use at home?

Accepted Answer

Raw use of the plant is not recommended without professional guidance. The plant contains alkaloids and glycosides that can be harmful in excessive doses, and the latex can irritate skin and eyes. Always consult a registered Ayurvedic physician before using any preparation containing this herb.

Question 5

What scientific research exists on Pergularia daemia?

Accepted Answer

Laboratory studies have examined the plant's potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anthelmintic properties. Researchers have identified bioactive compounds including calotropin, uscharin, flavonoids, and terpenoids. However, robust human clinical trials are still limited and the plant should not be used as a replacement for evidence-based medical treatment.

Question 6

Which family does Pergularia daemia belong to?

Accepted Answer

Pergularia daemia belongs to the family Apocynaceae, which includes many other plants with medicinal and toxicological properties. It was formerly classified under Asclepiadaceae before botanical reclassification. The milky latex it produces is characteristic of this broader plant group.

Question 7

Where can visitors learn about Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic medicinal plants?

Accepted Answer

Registered Ayurvedic hospitals, herbal gardens, and wellness centres across Sri Lanka offer guided introductions to the island's medicinal plant heritage. The Department of Ayurveda maintains oversight of qualified practitioners nationwide. Some botanical gardens and eco-tourism destinations in the wet and dry zones also include medicinal plant collections and guided walks.