Scientific Name: Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr.

Synonyms: Campylus sinensis Lour., Menispermum malabaricum Lam.

Unique ID: 139

Systematic Position

Class: Dicotyledonae

Sub class : Polypetalae

Series: Thalamiflorae

Order : Ranales

Family: Menispermaceae

Common Names

English – Malabar Gulbel

Malayalam – കാട്ടമൃത്

Tamil –  Potchindil

Hindi – Gilai

Description: Climber ; Leaves 11-14 x 9-11 cm, broadly ovate, apex acuminate, base cordate, 5-7ribbed, scabrous above, densely white tomentose below. Male flowers 3-5 together, pedicelled; sepals 6 in 2 whorls, outer smaller, inner 2 x 1.5 mm, obovate; petals 6 smaller; stamens 6, free, anthers orbicular. Female flowers: sepals and petals similar to male flowers; carpels 3, stigma bilobed, staminodes 6, clavate. Drupe 8 mm long, 1 or 2 together, ovoid, red, glabrous. Flowering and fruiting: February-June

Habitat: Along streams of evergreen forests, deciduous forests to scrubs, altitude up to 800 m.

Distribution: India to Indo-China

Uses:  Used in ayurvedic, siddha and folk medicine.