Cocculus hirsutus (L.)

Sanjeet Kumar

Cocculus hirsutus (L.)

Common name: “Musakani”

Botanical name: Cocculus hirsutus

Family: Menispermaceae

Vernacular name(s)                                                 

Sanskrit: Vatsadani                                                    

Kannada: Yagadi balli                                                           

Hindi: Patalagurudi                                                    

Huyer- Bengoli                                                          

                                                                                   

Distribution

It is widely distributed in Odisha, Tropical and Subtropical India, Tropical Africa, Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, Yemen, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar, Namibia, South Africa.

Botany of Cocculus hirsutus (L.)

Straggling perennial climber more or less villous. Leaves triangular to ovate, base rounded, truncate or cordate, margin entire, apex obtuse, rounded or emerginate. younger leaves oblong-ovate to somewhat obovate, covered in yellowish velvety hairs, apex with a small sharp mucro. Male flowers in axillary. Sepals free. Petals free, greenish, obovate, glabrous. Stamens enclosed by petals. Drupe purple, compressed.

Medicinal properties

Decoction of roots is used against rheumatic disorders. Leaves juice is used in Gonorrhea. Roots are also used in Diabetes mellitus.

Chemical Compounds

Some important chemical constituents are D-Trilobine, DL- Coclaurine, Isotrilobine, Protoquercitol etc.

Common Uses

·         It is used in anorexia

·         Roots are useful in Leprosy and other common skin infections

·         It is very effective in premature ejaculation among male.