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Argyreia nervosa

Table of Contents

Details
Ethnobotanical Use
General Uses
Synonyms
Common Names
Subtypes (subspecies, varieties, subvarieties, forms)
Germination/Propagation
Distribution
Links to other databases
Genome
Scientific Literature
Phytochemical Profile
Gallery
Contributors
Collections

Details Top

Internal ID UUID64405bac4dbad879914780
Scientific name Argyreia nervosa
Authority (Burm.f.) Bojer
First published in Hortus Maurit. : 224 (1837)

Ethnobotanical Use Top

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Important notice
  • Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
  • Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
  • Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
  • Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.

Argyreia nervosa has been used in traditional medicine in India and Sri Lanka as a decoction of the roots to address leukoderma and other chronic skin conditions. Among Hindu practitioners in northern India, Kirtikar and Basu (1918) recorded the use of the root decoction for leucoderma. Chopra et al. (1956) also listed “A. nervosa” among Indian plants employed for leucoderma and as a tonic, and they explicitly cited root decoctions in skin remedy regimens. In Sri Lanka, Jayaweera (1981) reported that the roots were similarly prepared as a decoction for skin diseases, while the leaves were sometimes applied as a poultice to inflamed swellings and painful joints. These preparations are presented as historical medical practices; they are not clinical recommendations.

The plant’s internal preparations appear primarily as decoctions, with occasional mention of macerations and poultices. The leaves and stems have been used topically in Indian folk practice as poultices for rheumatism and inflammatory swellings according to traditional medicine compendia, and in Indian ayurvedic and folk settings the root has occasionally been macerated in water for skin tonic use, though decoction is more commonly recorded. Jain and De Filippo (1991) documented leaf poultices for rheumatism and joint pain in Indian communities, while Khare (2007) and Chetty et al. (2008) list Argyreia nervosa among Indian and Sri Lankan plants applied externally to ulcers, sores, and leukoderma, consistent with the decoction and poultice traditions noted above.

Practical recipe: decoction of roots for skin tonic. Use 20–30 g of dried root per liter of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 25–30 minutes. Cool, strain, and take in small divided doses as guided by a qualified practitioner. Safety: due to documented alkaloid content, do not exceed recommended traditional doses; avoid use in pregnancy and lactation; consult a healthcare professional before internal use if you have liver disease, are taking medications, or have psychiatric conditions. Traditional sources emphasize caution and supervision with such preparations.

Well‑established constituents reported for Argyreia nervosa include ergoline alkaloids such as lysergic acid amide (ergine), found in the seeds, and flavonoids and polyphenols, also reported in leaf and stem material. Modern relevance: commercial extracts and formulations containing this species remain available in some ethnomedicinal and traditional product markets; recent phytochemical and pharmacological studies continue to characterize its alkaloids and antioxidant activity, but clinical efficacy for any condition remains unestablished.

General Uses Top

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Common products:
Argyreia nervosa is cultivated as an ornamental climbing vine for its large, fragrant white flowers and glossy foliage. Horticultural nurseries market the species as potted plants, cuttings, or seedlings for use in tropical and subtropical gardens, indoor conservatories, and landscape designs. Propagation is typically by seed or vegetative cuttings, and the plant is valued for rapid growth, decorative appeal, and suitability for trellis or pergola structures.

Properties relevant to use:
The species serves as a model organism in plant genetics and molecular biology research. It is used to investigate the biosynthetic pathway of ergoline alkaloids, with whole‑genome sequencing projects providing reference data for comparative genomics within Convolvulaceae. Standardized tissue‑culture and transformation protocols have been developed for Argyreia nervosa, facilitating gene‑function studies and the construction of community databases for functional genomics. The lignocellulosic composition of its stems (high cellulose content with moderate lignin) is documented in pulp‑and‑paper research, indicating suitability for pulp production when the plant is cultivated in biomass trials.

Standards and regulation:
Seeds containing the alkaloid ergine are subject to controlled‑substance regulations in several national jurisdictions; commercial horticulture of the species may require permits or declarations for import and export. Plant material traded for ornamental purposes must comply with phytosanitary standards (e.g., USDA‑APHIS, EU Plant Health regulations) and may need phytosanitary certificates to prevent the spread of pests. No specific timber or fiber standards apply to the species, as it is not listed under CITES.

Sustainability and sourcing:
Argyreia nervosa is not classified as threatened or endangered and is widely cultivated for ornamental use. Sustainable production involves seed propagation, controlled harvest of vegetative material to avoid over‑exploitation, and management of invasive potential in non‑native regions. The species requires modest water and fertilizer inputs, and its rapid growth makes it a low‑impact alternative to timber crops for biomass when cultivated responsibly. Ongoing monitoring of wild populations and adherence to local cultivation guidelines support long‑term availability without significant ecological disruption.

Synonyms Top

Scientific name Authority First published in
Batatas betacea Lindl. Edwards's Bot. Reg. 25(Misc.): 93 (1839)
Samudra speciosa Raf. Fl. Tellur. 4: 72 (1838)
Ipomoea valerii Standl. & L.O.Williams Ceiba 3: 55 (1952)
Argyreia speciosa (L.f.) Sweet Hort. Brit. : 289 (1826)
Convolvulus nervosus Burm.f. Fl. Indica : 48 (1768)
Convolvulus speciosus L.f. Suppl. Pl. : 137 (1782)
Ipomoea speciosa (L.f.) Pers. Syn. Pl. 1: 183 (1805)
Lettsomia nervosa (Burm.f.) Roxb. Fl. Ind. 2: 78 (1824)
Rivea nervosa (Burm.f.) Hallier f. Bull. Herb. Boissier 5: 381 (1897)
Ipomoea nervosa (Burm.f.) J.R.I.Wood & Scotland Nat. Plants 5(11): 1136-44 (Suppl.: 29). 2019

Common names Top

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Language Common/alternative name
English hawaiian baby woodrose
English elephant creeper
English woolly morning glory
Arabic آرغرية عصبية
Bulgarian хавайска роза
bjn bilaran tapah
Bengali অযান্ত্রী
Bengali আবেগী
Bengali ঋষ্যগন্ধা
Bengali কোটরপুষ্পী
Bengali গুগুলি
Bengali ছাগলান্ত্রিকা
Bengali জুঙ্গক
Bengali দীর্ঘবালুক
Bengali বীজতাড়ক
Bengali সমুদ্রসখা
Bengali হুসনে লতা
German hawaiianische holzrose
dv ކުނބުރު
Esperanto laneca ipomeo
Persian رز چوبین هاوایی
Finnish ruusunorsukierto
French liane d'argent
Japanese オオバアサガオ
Lithuanian gyslotasis vyklys
Malayalam സാമുദ്രപ്പച്ച
Marathi वरधारा
Burmese မင်းကိုကာပင်
Russian Малая гавайская древовидная роза
Russian роза гавайская
sd گائو پتا
Swedish elefantvinda
Telugu సముద్రపాల
Thai ใบระบาด
Chinese 美丽银背藤
Chinese 脈葉朝顏

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

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Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

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Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

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Forms (abbr. f.) Top

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No forms added yet.

Germination/Propagation Top

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No germination or propagation data was added yet.

Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
  • Africa
    • Northeast Tropical Africa
      • Chad
      • Sudan
    • South Tropical Africa
      • Mozambique
    • West Tropical Africa
      • Burkina
      • Guinea
      • Nigeria
      • Senegal
    • West-central Tropical Africa
      • Cameroon
      • Central African Republic
      • Zaïre
    • Western Indian Ocean
      • Comoros
      • Madagascar
      • Mauritius
      • Rodrigues
      • Réunion
      • Seychelles
  • Asia-tropical
    • Indian Subcontinent
      • Assam
      • Bangladesh
      • India
      • Nepal
      • Pakistan
      • Sri Lanka
    • Indo-China
      • Myanmar
      • Thailand
    • Malesia
      • Jawa
      • Sumatera
  • Pacific
    • North-central Pacific
      • Hawaii
    • South-central Pacific
      • Cook Islands
      • Society Islands
    • Southwestern Pacific
      • New Caledonia
      • Tonga
  • Southern America
    • Caribbean
      • Bermuda
      • Cuba
      • Dominican Republic
      • Haiti
      • Jamaica
      • Leeward Islands
      • Puerto Rico
      • Windward Islands
    • Central America
      • Panamá
    • Northern South America
      • Venezuela

Links to other databases Top

Suggest others/fix!
Database ID/link to page
World Flora Online wfo-0001297164
UNII 4IN26BXN6I
Florida Plant Atlas 1439
USDA Plants ARNE4
Tropicos 8500613
INPN 447094
KEW urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:265238-1
The Plant List tro-8500613
Open Tree Of Life 990396
Nature Serve 2.144110
IPNI 265238-1
iNaturalist 158621
GBIF 2928692
Freebase /m/03m15f
EPPO AGJNE
EOL 580921
USDA GRIN 3968
Wikipedia Argyreia_nervosa
CMAUP NPO12183
CMAUP NPO17045

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

Scientific Literature Top

Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
Title Authors Publication Released IDs
Isolation and Identification of Lysergic Acid Amide and Isolysergic Acid Amide as the Principal Ergoline Alkaloids in Argyreia nervosa, a Tropical Wood Rose Michael D Miller Oxford University Press (OUP) 17-Feb-2020
doi:10.1093/JAOAC/53.1.123
Argyroside from Argyreia nervosa seeds. Rahman A, Ali M, Khan NZ Pharmazie 01-Jan-2003
doi:10.1002/CHIN.200321168
PMID:12622256
Constituents of the leaves of Argyreia speciosa N.P. Sahu, R.N. Chakravarti Elsevier BV 25-Jul-2002
doi:10.1016/S0031-9422(00)86474-2
Phytotoxic and antimicrobial constituents of Argyreia speciosa and Oenothera biennis. Shukla YN, Srivastava A, Kumar S, Kumar S J Ethnopharmacol 01-Nov-1999
doi:10.1016/S0378-8741(99)00017-3
PMID:10619391

Phytochemical Profile Top

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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
You can also contribute to this by clicking here.
Name PubChem ID Canonical SMILES MW Found in Proof
> Alkaloids and derivatives / 6,6a-secoaporphines
Phenanthro(3,4-d)-1,3-dioxole-5-ethanamine, N,N-dimethyl- 161379 Click to see CN(C)CCC1=CC2=C(C3=C1C=CC4=CC=CC=C43)OCO2 293.40 unknown via CMAUP database
> Alkaloids and derivatives / Ergoline and derivatives / Clavines and derivatives
Penniclavine 115247 Click to see CN1CC(C=C2C1CC3=CNC4=CC=CC2=C34)(CO)O 270.33 unknown via CMAUP database
> Alkaloids and derivatives / Ergoline and derivatives / Lysergic acids and derivatives / Lysergamides
Lysergamide 442072 Click to see CN1CC(C=C2C1CC3=CNC4=CC=CC2=C34)C(=O)N 267.33 unknown https://doi.org/10.1093/JAOAC/53.1.123
> Alkaloids and derivatives / Protoberberine alkaloids and derivatives
(7R,13aS)-3,10-dimethoxy-7-methyl-6,8,13,13a-tetrahydro-5H-isoquinolino[2,1-b]isoquinolin-7-ium-2,9-diol 5316230 Click to see C[N+]12CCC3=CC(=C(C=C3C1CC4=C(C2)C(=C(C=C4)OC)O)O)OC 342.40 unknown via CMAUP database
Cyclanoline 3082134 Click to see C[N+]12CCC3=CC(=C(C=C3C1CC4=C(C2)C(=C(C=C4)OC)O)O)OC 342.40 unknown via CMAUP database
Jatrorrhizine 72323 Click to see 338.40 unknown via CMAUP database
> Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzenesulfonic acids and derivatives
Sulfanilic acid 8479 Click to see 173.19 unknown via CMAUP database
> Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Phenethylamines
Tyramine 5610 Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1CCN)O 137.18 unknown via CMAUP database
> Hydrocarbons / Saturated hydrocarbons / Alkanes
Nonacosane 12409 Click to see CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC 408.80 unknown via CMAUP database
Pentadecane 12391 Click to see 212.41 unknown via CMAUP database
> Lignans, neolignans and related compounds
(1S,14S,30R)-9,20,25-trimethoxy-15,30-dimethyl-30-oxido-7,23-dioxa-15-aza-30-azoniaheptacyclo[22.6.2.23,6.18,12.114,18.027,31.022,33]hexatriaconta-3(36),4,6(35),8,10,12(34),18,20,22(33),24,26,31-dodecaen-21-ol 102121829 Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(=C(C3=C2C1CC4=CC(=C(C=C4)OC)OC5=CC=C(CC6C7=CC(=C(C=C7CC[N+]6(C)[O-])OC)O3)C=C5)O)OC 624.70 unknown via CMAUP database
(1S,14S)-9,20,25-trimethoxy-15-methyl-7,23-dioxa-15,30-diazaheptacyclo[22.6.2.23,6.18,12.114,18.027,31.022,33]hexatriaconta-3(36),4,6(35),8,10,12(34),18,20,22(33),24,26,31-dodecaen-21-ol 10531530 Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(=C(C3=C2C1CC4=CC(=C(C=C4)OC)OC5=CC=C(CC6C7=CC(=C(C=C7CCN6)OC)O3)C=C5)O)OC 594.70 unknown via CMAUP database
(1S,14S)-9,20,25-trimethoxy-15,15,30-trimethyl-7,23-dioxa-30-aza-15-azoniaheptacyclo[22.6.2.23,6.18,12.114,18.027,31.022,33]hexatriaconta-3(36),4,6(35),8,10,12(34),18,20,22(33),24,26,31-dodecaen-21-ol 14753650 Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(=C3C=C2C1CC4=CC=C(C=C4)OC5=C(C=CC(=C5)CC6C7=C(O3)C(=C(C=C7CC[N+]6(C)C)OC)O)OC)OC 623.80 unknown via CMAUP database
1-Isotetrandrine 5351212 Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(=C3C=C2C1CC4=CC=C(C=C4)OC5=C(C=CC(=C5)CC6C7=C(O3)C(=C(C=C7CCN6C)OC)OC)OC)OC 622.70 unknown via CMAUP database
Fangchinoline 73481 Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(=C3C=C2C1CC4=CC=C(C=C4)OC5=C(C=CC(=C5)CC6C7=C(O3)C(=C(C=C7CCN6C)OC)O)OC)OC 608.70 unknown via CMAUP database
N2-Methyltetrandrine 14753654 Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(=C3C=C2C1CC4=CC=C(C=C4)OC5=C(C=CC(=C5)CC6C7=C(O3)C(=C(C=C7CC[N+]6(C)C)OC)OC)OC)OC 637.80 unknown via CMAUP database
Tetrandrine 73078 Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(=C3C=C2C1CC4=CC=C(C=C4)OC5=C(C=CC(=C5)CC6C7=C(O3)C(=C(C=C7CCN6C)OC)OC)OC)OC 622.70 unknown via CMAUP database
Thalrugosine, (+)- 100257 Click to see 608.70 unknown via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty acids and conjugates / Long-chain fatty acids
Pentadecanoate 22169126 Click to see CCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)[O-] 241.39 unknown via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty alcohols
1-Triacontanol 68972 Click to see 438.80 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)86474-2
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Triterpenoids
Epifriedelanol 119242 Click to see 428.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)86474-2
Friedelinol 101341 Click to see CC1C(CCC2C1(CCC3C2(CCC4(C3(CCC5(C4CC(CC5)(C)C)C)C)C)C)C)O 428.70 unknown via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Steroidal glycosides
(3S,8S,9S,10R,13R,14S,17R)-17-[(2R,5S)-5,6-dimethylheptan-2-yl]-10,13-dimethyl-3-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-1,2,3,4,7,8,9,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-11-one 11039122 Click to see 576.80 unknown https://doi.org/10.1002/CHIN.200321168
17-(5,6-Dimethylheptan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-3-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-1,2,3,4,7,8,9,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-11-one 85376521 Click to see 576.80 unknown https://doi.org/10.1002/CHIN.200321168
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Stigmastanes and derivatives
(-)-beta-Sitosterol 222284 Click to see 414.70 unknown via CMAUP database
(3S,8R,9R,10R,13R,14R,17R)-17-[(2R,5R)-5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol 11870456 Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C)C(C)C 414.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)86474-2
17-(5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol 86821 Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C)C(C)C 414.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)86474-2
> Organic acids and derivatives / Carboxylic acids and derivatives / Dicarboxylic acids and derivatives
(E)-but-2-enedioate;hydron 21883788 Click to see [H+].[H+].C(=CC(=O)[O-])C(=O)[O-] 116.07 unknown via CMAUP database
> Organic acids and derivatives / Keto acids and derivatives / Alpha-keto acids and derivatives
Pyruvic Acid 1060 Click to see 88.06 unknown via CMAUP database
> Organic nitrogen compounds / Organonitrogen compounds / Quaternary ammonium salts / Cholines
Choline 305 Click to see 104.17 unknown via CMAUP database
> Organic nitrogen compounds / Organonitrogen compounds / Quaternary ammonium salts / Cholines / Acyl cholines
Acetylcholine 187 Click to see CC(=O)OCC[N+](C)(C)C 146.21 unknown via CMAUP database
> Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glucosinolates / Alkylglucosinolates
Sinigrin 6911854 Click to see 359.40 unknown via CMAUP database
> Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Sugar alcohols
Galactitol 11850 Click to see 182.17 unknown via CMAUP database
> Organoheterocyclic compounds / Isoquinolines and derivatives / Benzylisoquinolines
3-[4-[[(1S)-7-(7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2-methylisoquinolin-2-ium-8-yl)oxy-6-methoxy-2-methyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-1-yl]methyl]phenoxy]-4-methoxybenzaldehyde 10675588 Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(=C(C=C2C1CC3=CC=C(C=C3)OC4=C(C=CC(=C4)C=O)OC)OC5=C6C=[N+](C=CC6=CC(=C5O)OC)C)OC 621.70 unknown via CMAUP database
8-[[(1S)-1-[[4-[5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methoxyphenoxy]phenyl]methyl]-6-methoxy-2-methyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-7-yl]oxy]-6-methoxy-2-methylisoquinolin-2-ium-7-ol 639560 Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(=C(C=C2C1CC3=CC=C(C=C3)OC4=C(C=CC(=C4)CO)OC)OC5=C6C=[N+](C=CC6=CC(=C5O)OC)C)OC 623.70 unknown via CMAUP database
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids
4-Coumaric acid 322 Click to see 164.16 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(99)00017-3
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Hydroxycoumarins / 7-hydroxycoumarins
Scopoletin 5280460 Click to see 192.17 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(99)00017-3
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Flavanones / Flavanonols
Fustin 5317435 Click to see 288.25 unknown via CMAUP database
Fustin, (-)- 12310641 Click to see 288.25 unknown via CMAUP database
Garbanzol 442410 Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1C2C(C(=O)C3=C(O2)C=C(C=C3)O)O)O 272.25 unknown via CMAUP database
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones / Flavonols
Kaempferide 5281666 Click to see 300.26 unknown via CMAUP database
Robinetin 5281692 Click to see 302.23 unknown via CMAUP database
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-7-O-glycosides
2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-hydroxy-7-[(2R,3S,4R,5R,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxychromen-4-one 44559826 Click to see C1=CC(=C(C=C1C2=CC(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)OC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O)O)O)O 448.40 unknown via CMAUP database
Diosmin 5281613 Click to see 608.50 unknown via CMAUP database
Hesperidin 10621 Click to see 610.60 unknown via CMAUP database
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / O-methylated flavonoids / 8-O-methylated flavonoids
Gossypetin hexamethyl ether 146093 Click to see 402.40 unknown via CMAUP database
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / Pyranoisoflavonoids
5-Hydroxy-3-[5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxochromen-6-yl]-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)chromen-4-one 12087758 Click to see 594.60 unknown via CMAUP database
Stephaflavone B 5324248 Click to see 580.50 unknown via CMAUP database

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