Ipomoea cairica

Ipomoea cairica (Authority: (L.) Sweet) is a twining vine that has been used by several cultures for its medicinal properties. In the Kalahandi district of Odisha, India, the leaves are boiled to make a tea that is drunk to relieve cough and cold symptoms (Sahu et al., 2015). The same leaves are also used as a decoction for fever, while a poultice made from fresh leaves is applied to skin infections and minor wounds (Sahu et al., 2015). In the Philippines, the leaves are steeped in hot water to produce a mild tea that is taken for cough and sore throat, and a decoction of the bark is used to treat stomach aches (Dizon, 2010). Among the Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria, the bark and roots are macerated in water to produce a decoction that is taken to treat malaria and as a poultice for wounds (Oke, 2012). These uses illustrate a consistent theme of treating respiratory ailments, fever, and skin conditions across diverse regions.

To prepare a mild Ipomoea cairica tea, dry 5 g of fresh or dried leaves and steep them in 250 ml of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain the infusion, add a teaspoon of honey if desired, and drink up to two cups per day. The tea can also be used as a mouthwash for sore throats by allowing the cooled infusion to sit in the mouth for 30 seconds before swallowing. Pregnant women, individuals with liver disease, or those taking anticoagulants should avoid this preparation, and discontinue use if any adverse reaction such as rash or dizziness occurs.

Phytochemical analysis of Ipomoea cairica has identified a range of bioactive compounds. Flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, isoquinoline alkaloids including catharanthine and corydine, and saponins are present in the leaves and bark. These constituents are known to possess anti‑inflammatory, antimicrobial, antipyretic, and analgesic activities, which likely explain the plant’s traditional use for fever, cough, and wound healing. Recent studies have isolated a novel isoquinoline alkaloid from the root that shows antimalarial activity in vitro, supporting the ethnomedicinal use reported by the Yoruba (Oke, 2012).

Modern research has confirmed the antibacterial activity of Ipomoea cairica extracts against common skin pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the plant is now available as a dried leaf powder in some herbal supplement markets. Traditional use continues in rural communities, and scientists are exploring its potential as a source of new antimicrobial and antimalarial agents. The vine’s easy cultivation and low cost make it an attractive candidate for further pharmacological development.

Common products:
No standardized products of commerce are recorded for Ipomoea cairica.

Industrial and craft applications:
The species is used as a host plant for lac insects (Kerria lacca) in parts of Asia, supporting resin production (shellac) for protective coatings, polishing, and inert colorant binding. Grown as an ornamental and sometimes for green manure.

Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
Cooked young shoots and leaves are used as a leafy vegetable in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa; they are boiled, stir-fried, or added to soups. Tuberous roots have been consumed after boiling or baking; in some regions they are processed into a starch or flour and used in flatbreads or as a thickener. No non-medicinal beverage uses are documented.

Colorants and tanning:
No substantive dyeing or tanning uses are reported.

Wood and fiber:
No timber or fiber products are documented; stems are soft and not used for fiber.

Fragrance and cosmetics:
No fragrance or cosmetic applications are documented.

Properties relevant to use:
Leafy shoots are mucilaginous when cooked, conferring thickening. Tuberous roots contain starch (amylose–amylopectin ratio similar to many morning-glory species), suitable for flour or paste after cooking. Shellac resin (from lac) is alcohol-soluble and forms glossy, protective films; typical resin composition includes polyesters of jalaric and related resin acids.

Standards and regulation:
Tuberous roots as food are managed under general national food laws where documented. Shellac complies with food-contact and cosmetic standards (e.g., U.S. FDA 21 CFR for food additives; EU specifications for food-contact materials), depending on jurisdiction.

Sustainability and sourcing:
Regarded as invasive in parts of the Pacific, Australia, and the Americas; control efforts prevent escape from horticultural trade. For lac resin, stable, non-destructive harvesting methods are typical and support smallholder livelihoods.

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No distribution data was extracted from POWO/KEW yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

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

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