Cocculus hirsutus (Doosarabali )

 Cocculus hirsutus  (Doosarabali ) 

Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels, commonly known as Inkberry or Jal Jamni, is a fast-growing, perennial climber belonging to the family Menispermaceae. Widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa, this plant holds significant ethnomedicinal importance in traditional systems such as Ayurveda and folk medicine. Various parts of the plant-including leaves, stems, and roots-are used for treating fever, skin infections, diabetes, liver disorders, inflammation, and reproductive ailments. Botanically, the plant is characterized by hairy stems and ovate-cordate leaves with dense trichomes. Its diagnostic features, such as unisexual flowers and curved reniform seeds, assist in its correct identification. Phytochemical investigations have revealed the presence of diverse bioactive compounds These metabolites exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. This review comprehensively covers the plant’s taxonomy, morphology, traditional uses, phytochemical profile, and pharmacological properties, supported by recent scientific findings.

Cocculus hirsutus has been used in Indian traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha, as well as by tribal communities. 

• Whole Plant: Traditionally used as a febrifuge, blood purifier, and general tonic 

. In tribal areas of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the plant decoction is consumed to reduce body heat and treat typhoid 

 . • Leaves: Crushed leaves are applied to wounds, ulcers, and skin infections. The juice is used in eye ailments  . In folk medicine, a poultice of leaves is used to treat eczema and ringworm  . • 

Roots: Decoctions are given orally for venereal diseases (e.g., syphilis), and urinary tract infections 

Wound Healing Activity Topical application of C. hirsutus paste and extract has demonstrated accelerated wound contraction, epithelialization, and collagen synthesis in excision and incision models