Cayratia Trifolia (l.) Domin Medicinal Uses

Medicinal Uses (Traditional/Folklore): Whole plant is used as diuretic and astringent and is useful in tumors, neuralgia, splenopathy and treatment of leucorrhea. Leaf, root and seeds are used as poultice to ulcers and boils. Fomentation of hot decoction of leaves and root is used as diaphoretic and recommended in high fever. Sap of stems and juice of leaves are used as aphrodisiac. Root is used to reduce anemic condition, stomachic diseases, as an astringent and paste as an antidote in snake bite, also in complains of caruncles. Root bark is used for muscular pain and as an antidote against snake bite; the stem is reportedly has aphrodisiac property. The root, ground with black pepper, is applied to boils.

Extract of tuber along with infusion of Cayratia trifolia seeds is given orally to diabetic patients to check sugar level of blood whereas powder of tuberous root is taken orally with the milk for the early recovery of fractured bone. Leaves are rubifacient, used to stop bleeding of injuries. Leaf decoction or the juice of fresh leaves is used to cure scurvy in the Philippines, to prevent head itch and dandruff in Java, to relieve inflammation and high fever in Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia while the young leaves are eaten as vegetable in Moluccas. Infusion of seeds along with the extract of tubers is traditionally given orally to diabetic patients to check sugar level of blood. Paste of tubers is applied on the affected part in the treatment of snake bite. Paste of Cayratia trifolia is applied locally by the tribal for early cure of wounds and edema. Roots are grounded with black pepper and applied as poultice on boils; root paste is mixed with coconut oil and applied as decoction for three days. Leaf paste of Gymnema sylvestris and Cayratia trifolia is applied locally for the treatment of eczema. The aqueous extract of C. trifolia leaf is reported to be a cost effective antimosquito and potent larvicidal agent against Culex quinquefasciatus.

As a veterinary medicine poultice of leaves is used for yoke sores of bullock and also used to cure swelling, injury and other infections. Climbers are wrapped around the neck of frantic bullock and poultice of leaves used for treating yoke sores of bullock.