Patha (Cissampelos Pareira): Patha Benefits

Patha (Cissampelos pareira), also known as Velvetleaf, is a revered medicinal herb in Ayurveda, celebrated for its immense therapeutic benefits. Known by various names across classical texts and regional dialects, this climbing herb belongs to the Menispermaceae family and has been used since ancient times to treat a variety of diseases. The plant’s root is primarily used in formulations, but its leaves and stem also possess noteworthy medicinal properties. In this detailed exploration, we unravel the Ayurvedic significance, pharmacological actions, therapeutic applications, and formulations of Patha to highlight its pivotal role in natural healing.

Botanical Identity

• Botanical Name: Cissampelos pareira Linn.

• Family: Menispermaceae

• Common English Name: Velvetleaf

• Hindi: Patha

This widespread availability in tropical and subtropical regions ensures that Patha has been an essential part of regional healthcare traditions, particularly in tribal and folk medicine.

Vernacular Names of Patha

Patha is widely recognized by several regional names, a testament to its pan-Indian presence and popularity:

• Hindi – Padhi, Padha

• Kannada – Padavali

• Telugu – Chiruboddi

• Malayalam – Patathali, Kattuvalli

• Gujarati – Venivel

• Bengali – Akanadi

• Marathi – Padavela

This linguistic diversity underscores its long-standing use in traditional medicine systems across India.

Sanskrit Synonyms and Symbolism

Patha has been given a rich variety of Sanskrit synonyms, each describing a unique aspect of its nature or action:

• Ambashta – Acts as Sthambaka, indicating its ability to arrest abnormal discharges.

• Varatikta – Refers to its bitter taste.

• Pracheena – Denotes its abundance in the eastern regions of India.

• Papachelika – A healer of multiple diseases.

• Aviddha Karni – Refers to its distinct peltate (shield-like) leaves.

• Rakashtila, Ekasthila – Denote its one-seeded fruit.

• Kuchelika – Another term emphasizing its botanical form.

These synonyms highlight the plant’s morphology, geographical distribution, and therapeutic properties.

Classical Ayurvedic Categorization of Patha

Charaka Samhita

• Sandhaneeya Gana – Herbs with wound-healing and tissue-unifying properties.

• Jwarahara Gana – Antipyretic group for fever treatment.

• Stanyashodhana Gana – Lactation purifier, helpful for breastfeeding mothers.

Sushruta Samhita

• Included in groups such as:

  • Mustadi

  • Aragvadhadi

  • Pippalyadi

  • Ambashtadi

  • Brihatyadi

  • Patoladi

Vagbhata

• Featured in:

  • Mustadi

  • Aragvadhadi

  • Ambashtadi

  • Patoladi

  • Vatsakadi

These groupings highlight the multidimensional action of Patha in Ayurvedic pharmacotherapy, especially for fevers, wounds, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disorders.

References in Ayurvedic Nighantus

• Sousrutha Nighantu – Vidangadi Gana

• Ashtanga Nighantu – Pippalyadi Gana

• Dhanwantari Nighantu – Guduchyadi Varga

• Shodala Nighantu – Guduchyadi Varga

• Shad Rasa Nighantu – Madanadi Varga

• Hridaya Deepika Nighantu – Doshagna Varga

• Raja Nighantu – Pippalyadi Varga

• Kaiyyadeva Nighantu – Aushadhi Varga

• Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Guduchyadi Varga

• Shaligrama Nighantu – Guduchyadi Varga

• Nighantu Adarsha – Guduchyadi Varga

• Priya Nighantu – Pippalyadi Varga

These mentions affirm the ancient seers’ high regard for Patha in their herbal compendiums.

Varieties of Patha

Ayurveda describes two types of Paata based on geographic and botanical distinctions:

1. Raja Patha – Cyclea peltata (predominantly found in southern India)

2. Laghu Patha – Cissampelos pareira (commonly used in northern India)

Additionally, Stephania hernandrifolia and Stephania glabra are also accepted as variants of Patha in different regions. However, Cissampelos pareira is considered the classical and pharmacologically potent variety.

Medicinal Properties of Cissampelos Pareira

• Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter)

• Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light to digest), Teekshna (sharp, penetrative)

• Post-Digestive Effect (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)

• Potency (Veerya): Ushna (hot)

• Dosha Action: Balances Pitta and Kapha

• Tissue Penetration: Deep action into dhatus, enhancing systemic healing.

Chemical Constituents

Cissampelos pareira

• Hayatin, Hayatinin

• Menismine, Cissamine

• Pareirine, Cycleanine

• Bebeerine, Quercitol

Cyclea peltata

• Perpamine, Cycleamine

• Chondocurine, Magnoflorine

These alkaloids and flavonoids contribute to the herb’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and analgesic activities.

Therapeutic Uses of Patha (Cissampelos pareira) in Ayurveda

Patha is a versatile herb extensively mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts for its role in treating a wide variety of diseases. With its potent Tikta Rasa (bitter taste), Ushna Veerya (hot potency), and Katu Vipaka (pungent post-digestive effect), Patha primarily pacifies Kapha and Pitta doshas and acts on multiple systems including digestive, circulatory, respiratory, and reproductive systems.

1. Fever (Jwara)

• Patha, along with Ushira and Balaka, is decocted and used to stimulate digestion during fever.

• Separate decoctions of Shunthi, Balaka, and Yavasa with Parpata are also beneficial.

• The juice of Patha root taken early in the morning for three days is effective in fevers with chills (rigor).

2. Diarrhea (Atisara)

• A vegetable preparation using dried Patha and Lonika, cooked with curd, pomegranate, and ghee, is recommended.

• Patha leaves or Ankhota root taken with buffalo buttermilk help control diarrhea.

• Patha or mango bark pounded with cow’s curd instantly relieves diarrhea and its burning sensation.

3. Piles (Arsha)

• Patha, in combination with Dhuralabha, Yavani, Bilva, or Shunthi, helps in the treatment of piles.

4. Edema (Shotha)

• Patha and Panchakola, cooked with gruel, are beneficial in conditions like edema, diarrhea, heart diseases, abdominal tumors (Gulma), piles, poor digestion, and Prameha (urinary disorders).

5. Prameha (Urinary Disorders including Diabetes)

• In Lavanameha, a type of Prameha, a decoction of Patha and Aguru is specifically indicated.

• In Sarpirmeha, a powdered combination of Patha, Kutaja, Hingu, Katuka, Kushta, Guduchi, and Chitraka is advised.

6. Internal Abscess (Vidradhi)

• Patha root mixed with honey and taken with rice water effectively cures internal abscesses.

7. Wound Healing (Vrana Ropana)

• In wounds caused by Kapha dosha, a dressing made from leaves of Patha, Moorva, Guduchi, Kakamachi, Haridra, and Shukanabha is effective.

8. Easy Delivery (Sukhaprasava)

• A paste of Patha, Tulasi, Vasa, Apamarga, and Kutaja applied to the umbilicus, pelvis, and vulva aids in easy childbirth.

9. Galacto-Depurant (Stanya Shodhana)

• Patha is the foremost herb among galacto-depurants, helping to purify breast milk.

10. Hemicrania (Ardhavabhedaka)

• Snuff made from Patha leaves helps in relieving hemicrania or one-sided headache.

11. Splenomegaly (Plihodara)

• The root of Patha, white Punarnava, or Guduchi, pounded with rice water, is effective in reducing an enlarged spleen.

Sthanik Karma (Local and Systemic Actions)

External Application

• Acts as an anti-poison, wound healer, and is indicated in skin diseases, non-healing wounds, and sinus tracts.

• In migraine, nasya (nasal administration) of Patha root juice or powder is recommended.

Internal Administration

• Digestive System: Effective in indigestion, diarrhea, colic, helminthiasis, and general loss of digestive power.

• Circulatory System: Acts as a blood purifier, helpful in edema and blood-borne disorders.

• Respiratory System: Pacifies Kapha, used in cough and breathing difficulties.

• Reproductive System: Purifies breast milk (Stanya shodhana).

• Excretory System: Useful in urinary tract infections, increases urine output.

• Tapakrama: Beneficial in burning sensation, fever, and fever-associated diarrhea.

• Skin (Tvak): Effective in treating skin diseases.

• Satmikarana: Anti-toxic, enhances body strength and immunity.

General Functions of Patha

Part Used & Dosage

• Part Used: Root and Stem

• Dosage:

  • Powder (Churna): 1–3 grams per day

  • Decoction (Kashaya): 15–60 ml per day, in divided doses

Conclusion:
Patha (Cissampelos pareira) is a multipotent herb praised in classical Ayurvedic literature for its actions on the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, urinary, and reproductive systems. Whether used internally or externally, Patha offers broad-spectrum relief in conditions like fever, diarrhea, abscesses, skin diseases, and women’s health issues—making it a valuable asset in Ayurvedic practice.

Ayurvedic Formulations Containing Patha (Cissampelos pareira)

Formulations in General Ayurvedic Practice:

Formulations Mentioned in Charaka Samhita:

Formulations Mentioned in Sushruta Samhita:

Formulations Mentioned in Ashtanga Hridaya:

Formulations Mentioned in Sharngadhara Samhita:

Formulations Mentioned in Bhaishajya Ratnavali:

Therapeutic Applications via Formulations:

Home Remedies Using Patha

1. Alleviate Leucorrhoea and Backache

• Grind Patha roots into a fine powder.​

• Mix 1–2 grams of this powder with a cup of rice-washed water.​

• Consume this mixture twice daily to relieve non-specific leucorrhoea and associated backache. ​

2. Soothe Conjunctivitis and Eye Irritation

• Crush fresh Patha leaves and soak them in water.​

• Filter the solution and use it to wash your eyes.​

• This practice helps alleviate conjunctivitis and eye irritation. ​

3. Promote Skin Healing

• Prepare a paste using Patha leaves and roots.​

• Apply this paste to affected skin areas.​

• It aids in treating skin disorders, scabies, itching, and promotes wound healing. ​

4. Relieve Toothache

• Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, apply a paste of Patha leaves and roots to the affected tooth to alleviate pain. ​

5. Enhance Digestion

• Consume Patha extracts to enhance digestive fire, assisting in food digestion.​

• This is attributed to its digestive (Pachan) and appetizer (Deepan) qualities. ​

Note: While these remedies are rooted in traditional practices, it’s essential to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any new treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are on other medications.

Modern Scientific Reasearch on Patha

Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Effects:

The alkaloidal fraction of Cissampelos pareira roots exhibits strong antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Additionally, it demonstrates immunosuppressive effects at lower doses, indicating potential for managing immune-related disorders. This study was published in Phytotherapy Research in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons. ​

Antifertility Activity:

Methanolic leaf extract of Cissampelos pareira significantly alters the estrous cycle in female mice, prolonging the diestrus phase and reducing litter size. This effect is associated with changes in gonadotropin and estradiol levels, suggesting potential contraceptive properties. The research was published in Contraception in 2007 by Elsevier.

Antiurolithic Properties:

Alcoholic root extract of Cissampelos pareira demonstrates protective effects against urolithiasis in rats. It reduces serum calcium and creatinine levels while increasing magnesium, supporting its traditional use in preventing kidney stone formation. This study appeared in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research in 2014 by JCDR Research & Publications.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities:

Alkaloid fractions from Cyclea peltata show significant in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. These effects are attributed to the presence of tetrandrine, which inhibits pro-inflammatory markers in cell cultures. The findings were published in the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2018 by Innovare Academic Sciences.

Gastroprotective Effects:

Ethanolic root extract of Cyclea peltata exhibits antisecretory and antiulcer activities in rat models. It decreases gastric acid secretion, enhances mucosal defense, and protects against ethanol-induced gastric lesions. This research was published in the International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine in 2013 by Medknow Publications.

Antidiabetic Potential:

In streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, Cyclea peltata root extract lowers blood glucose levels and improves antioxidant enzyme activities, indicating its potential in diabetes management. The study was published in the International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine in 2013 by Medknow Publications.

Diuretic Activity:

Ethanolic leaf extract of Cyclea peltata significantly increases urine output and electrolyte excretion in rats, validating its traditional use as a diuretic agent. This evaluation appeared in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research in 2014 by JCDR Research & Publications.

Wound Healing in Diabetic Conditions:

Topical application of Cyclea peltata extracts accelerates wound healing in diabetic rats, promoting tissue regeneration and reducing healing time. This finding was reported in the International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine in 2013 by Medknow Publications.

Immunomodulatory and Anticancer Activities:

Flavonoid-rich fractions from Cyclea peltata enhance lymphocyte proliferation and exhibit anticancer properties in vitro, suggesting potential for immune support and cancer therapy. The study was published in the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2018 by Innovare Academic Sciences.

These findings underscore the therapeutic versatility of Patha, aligning with its traditional Ayurvedic applications and highlighting its potential in modern medicine. Continued research is essential to fully elucidate its mechanisms and clinical efficacy.

Safety and Precautions

• Usage in Children and Pregnant Women: Only under medical supervision

• Precautions: Overuse may lead to dryness and aggravation of Vata. Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before initiating long-term use.

Conclusion

Patha (Cissampelos pareira) remains one of the most powerful Ayurvedic herbs for a wide array of health conditions, especially those related to fevers, infections, gynecological problems, and skin diseases. Its versatility, rooted in centuries of traditional wisdom and supported by modern pharmacology, makes it a crucial part of Ayurvedic practice even today.

Incorporating Patha into lifestyle therapies and herbal formulations promotes long-term wellness and natural healing.

Patha : Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Patha in Ayurveda?

Patha refers to two Ayurvedic herbs: Cissampelos pareira (Laghu Patha) and Cyclea peltata (Raja Patha). Both belong to the Menispermaceae family and serve various therapeutic purposes in traditional medicine.

2. What are the primary health benefits of Patha?

Patha offers multiple health benefits:​

• Digestive Health: It enhances appetite and supports digestion.​

• Respiratory Support: Patha aids in managing coughs and colds.​

• Urinary Health: It acts as a diuretic, promoting urine flow.​

• Skin Care: Patha helps in treating skin disorders and wounds.​

• Women’s Health: It supports menstrual health and may assist in managing menstrual discomfort.​

3. How does Patha support women’s reproductive health?

Patha plays a role in balancing hormones and supporting uterine health. It may help alleviate menstrual cramps and regulate menstrual cycles. However, pregnant women or those trying to conceive should consult a healthcare provider before using Patha.​

4. Can Patha help with digestive issues?

Yes, Patha stimulates digestive fire (Agni), aiding in better digestion and absorption. It can be beneficial for individuals experiencing indigestion or loss of appetite.

5. Does Patha have any side effects?

While Patha is generally safe when used appropriately, it may have side effects:​

• Antifertility Effects: Patha may influence fertility; therefore, individuals planning to conceive should exercise caution.​

• Blood Sugar Levels: It may lower blood sugar levels; diabetics should monitor their glucose levels when using Patha.​

• Medication Interactions: Patha might interact with certain medications; consult a healthcare provider before combining it with other treatments.​

6. How can one consume Patha?

Patha can be consumed in various forms:​

• Powder (Churna): Typically taken with warm water.​

• Decoction (Kashaya): Prepared by boiling the herb in water.​

• Tincture: An alcohol-based extract.​

• Medicinal Tea: Infused in hot water for consumption.​

Dosage and form should be determined by an Ayurvedic practitioner based on individual health needs.​

7. Where does Patha naturally grow?

Patha is indigenous to India and thrives in regions like Bihar, West Bengal, Chota Nagpur, Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. It also grows in parts of East Africa and North America.​

8. Are there different varieties of Patha?

Yes, Ayurveda recognizes two main varieties:​

• Laghu Patha: Derived from Cissampelos pareira.​

• Raja Patha: Derived from Cyclea peltata.​

Both varieties have unique properties and are used based on specific therapeutic needs.​

9. Can Patha be used during pregnancy?

Due to its potential antifertility effects, pregnant women or those planning to conceive should avoid using Patha unless advised by a qualified healthcare provider.​

10. Where can one purchase Patha products?

Patha-based products are available at Ayurvedic pharmacies, health stores, and online platforms specializing in herbal supplements. Ensure purchasing from reputable sources to guarantee product quality and authenticity.

You can also read about Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina): Is It Good for Hypertension?

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