Question 1

What is Ophiorrhiza mungos used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

Ophiorrhiza mungos has traditionally been used in Sri Lankan Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for snakebite, fever, diarrhoea, and inflammatory skin conditions. The root and aerial parts are prepared as decoctions or poultices depending on the intended application. Use is guided by qualified Ayurvedic practitioners.

Question 2

What is the Sinhala name for Ophiorrhiza mungos?

Accepted Answer

The plant is commonly known as Nai Kaduru (නයි කදුරු) in Sinhala. The name translates roughly to 'snake root', reflecting its historical association with treatments for venomous snakebite in traditional Sri Lankan medicine.

Question 3

Does Ophiorrhiza mungos contain camptothecin?

Accepted Answer

Some members of the Ophiorrhiza genus are known sources of camptothecin, an alkaloid with anticancer properties. Ophiorrhiza mungos contains alkaloids and other bioactive compounds, though it is not among the highest-yielding species for camptothecin within the genus. Research into its phytochemistry is ongoing.

Question 4

Where does Ophiorrhiza mungos grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The plant is found mainly in Sri Lanka's wet zone — in districts such as Galle, Kalutara, Ratnapura, and Kandy — and in the foothills of the central highlands up to around 1,000 metres elevation. It prefers shaded, moist conditions near streams or under forest canopy.

Question 5

Is Ophiorrhiza mungos endemic to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not endemic. Its natural range extends through parts of peninsular India and Southeast Asia. However, Sri Lanka's wet zone forests represent an important habitat for the species, and it features prominently in the island's Ayurvedic plant catalogue.

Question 6

Is Ophiorrhiza mungos safe to use as a home remedy?

Accepted Answer

Traditional use of this plant is well-documented, but self-medication with wild-harvested material is not recommended without guidance from a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. Dosage, preparation method, and contraindications are all factors that require professional assessment.

Question 7

What family does Ophiorrhiza mungos belong to?

Accepted Answer

Ophiorrhiza mungos is a member of the Rubiaceae family, one of the largest flowering plant families, which also includes coffee (Coffea) and gardenia. The genus Ophiorrhiza itself comprises several hundred species distributed across tropical Asia.