Introduction:

Vidhara (Argyreia Nervosa) also known as Ghav Bel , Adhoguda, Elephant Creeper, Hawaiian baby wood rose, wooly morning glory and Samudrasokha, is a perennial climbing/ creeping vine. It is native to Indian subcontinent but also found in other parts of the world like Hawaii, Africa and Caribbean islands. It is called Vidhara in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine, Adhoguda in Sanskrit, Elephant Creeper due to its specific property to climb to a significant height making structures like elephant trunk, Hawaiian baby wood rose in Hawaii islands, wooly morning glory in Caribbean and Samudrasokha in tribal belts of Deccan and Bengal. Vidhara is a medicinal plant, being used as traditional medicine for cuts and wounds by tribal population for a long time and also by Ayurvedic and Siddha medical practitioners to treat a number of health problems. It is an ever green vine so it is being grown on arbours (shady alcoves with sides and roof made by the plant), pergolas (arched structure) walls and trees. It is grown outdoors in moderate fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun.

Description:

Vidhara the elephant creepers is a vigorous vine native to India, introduced world-wide. It has large leathery heart shaped leaves which are smooth green upper side but white under side due to hairs. It is called elephant creepers due to large leaves like the ears of elephant and its property to creep up very high and forms a structure like elephant’s trunk. It bears trumpet shaped flowers white and pale pink in colour on long, white velvety stalks. Flowers are 5-7cm. long, with a short tube and bell shaped limb lavender to pink, the throat being of a darker shade. The flowers are followed by hard, woody capsules, which when they ripen break open to resemble miniature roses containing seeds.

Growing Tips:

Generally Vidhara is grown as decorative plant, it never fails to attract attention of passerby. It is easy to grow climber, can be grown by its stem cuttings and also from seeds. Plants grow quickly and bloom in profusion.
Generally the plant creeps and climb on wall, trees, barbed boundaries and arches of the gate but one can provide good, strong support as the vine is quite heavy. Moist well drained soil is suitable for growing Vidhara vine. It is an evergreen plant and can be made hedge of desired shape by regular cutting and shaping

Uses:

The leaves, roots and seeds of Vidhara are being used by Ayurvedic and Siddha medical practitioners and also by tribal populations to treat various health issues. The leaves of the plant possess antiseptic and anti- inflammatory properties so they are applied in the form of paste to treat cuts and wounds of the body parts. Ghee applied on the surface of the leaves, heated and wrapped to the affected area to get rid of inflammation. The root of the plant is regarded as a tonic for the nerves and the brain and is ingested as a rejuvenation tonic to maintain the strength, attraction and brightness of the body and brain simultaneously. The seeds of Vidhara are used by monks and religious practitioners as traditional entheogen to enhance the stability of mental skill and to concentrate during meditation for a long time. Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine stream use the leaves, roots and seeds of Vidhara in the treatment of gonorrhea, strangury, chronic ulcers, diabetes, anemia and cerebral disorders. The parts of the plant are also used as appetizer, brain tonic, cardio tonic and aphrodisiac. It possesses anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibacterial antifungal and antiviral activities. The decoction of the root is used to promote the flow of urine. The powdered root is suggested to take with milk to take care of synovitis.

Chemical Composition:

The plant Vidhara contains medicinal compounds Tannins, Resins, Alkoloids, Chanoclavine, Ergine, Ergonovine and Isoergine. The plant also contains triacontanol, beta-sitosterol, epieriedline, kaemperol, amides, pennidavine etc.

Conclusion:

Vidhara or Elephant Creepers is mainly grown for decoration purpose but Ayurveda and Siddha medicine suggests so many medical uses of the leaves, roots and seeds of the plant to cure so many complications as anxiety, depression and insomnia. The seeds of the plant contains naturally occurring psychedelic compound called Lysergic Acid Amide ( LSA) which is similar to LSD in structure and effects. Some people use its seeds as a legal substitute for LSD but they can also have dangerous side effects and should be used with caution.