Sariva | Hmidesmus indicus | Anantmool | Indian sarsaparila

Anantmool (Sariva)

classification of Hemidesmus indicus

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Gentianales

Family: Apocynaceae

Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae

Genus: Hemidesmus

Species: H. indicus

Common name: Indian sarsaparila

Nature of Emidesmus indicus
It is a perennial prostrate climber with different shapes of leaves.
rootstocks are fragrant and penetrate deep in the soil.

leaves very greatly in size and shape and opposite in arrangement.
young leaves have whitish midrib.
the flowers are small yellow and purple in colour, borne in umbellate cymes.

fruits with with two follicles and split open when dry.


Special characteristics of Emidesmus indicus

Roots are scented.

Medicianl uses of Emidesmus indicus

Roots are used as diuretic.
It is a well-known plant as blood purifier.
it is also used for improving appetite. young leaves if chewed are refreshing. medicinal preparations like "Raktadoshantak", "Safee" and" Surakta" contain the extract of this plant.
it is also used in ayurvadic and yunani medicine system.

position of Emidesmus indicus: Fairly common in the wild.