Venivel: -Local Remedy for cancer, Type 2 diabetes and arthritis

By Shari Jayawardhana-September 2, 2014

Cosciniumfenestratum, commonly known as Venivel (Sinhala), Atturam /Kadari (Tamil), Calumba Wood/Tree Turmeric (English) is one of the most important plants used in traditional medicine.It has become very important in recent years due to its rarity and the growing demand in the medicinal plant sector. This critically endangered plant is a large woody creeper indigenous to the Indo-Malayan region. It is found in Sri Lanka, India,Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand. Venivel is found in abundance in theforest fringes and disturbed forests in the low country wet zone of Sri Lanka.

The climbing vine grows to be around 25-30 meters in length, 6-7 centimeters in diameter. Its outer bark is gray with small scales while the inner bark is yellow and has a bitter taste. Its wood is bright yellow when cut and releases a yellow sap. The leaves are 9-15 centimeters long and 6- 8 centimeters wide.The fruits can be found in a cluster of 10-20 and they are yellow-gray in color.

Critically Endangered

Dried root and stem are the important parts of this medicinal plant. Propagation of the Venivel plant is primarily through seeds. The plant takes around 15 years to mature and flower. Its critically endangered status is due the overexploitation of the plant for the supply of raw drug market and its relatively slow growth rate which results in depletion of the spices in the wild. The stem of the Venivel is cut into pieces and stored in bottles for future use. It is commonly used in Sri Lanka to make a herbal drink.

Anti-Bacterial Properties

Vanivelis reputed to have antibacterial properties due primarily for the presence of the alkaloid ‘berberine’ and a family of its chemical variants. For this reason, it has been used in Auyrvedic and Chinese indigenous medicine for centuries. It is the traditional equivalent of paracetamol and used in the treatment of inflammations, wounds, ulcers, jaundice,burns, skin diseases, abdominal disorders, diabetes and fever. The root bark is commonly used as a dressing for wounds, ulcers. The pasteprepared from Vanivelstem or rot with turmeric is applied to snakebites. A liquid made out of Venivel is used to wash wounds and skin rashes as it has anti-bacterial properties. Venivel is a blood purifier and has been used to treat tetanus. Simply boiling the pieces and bathing with the water relieves body pain. Venivel is also used to treat bleeding piles and excessive bleeding during menstruation. The bark of the Venivel is used to treat various gynaecological troubles. A combination of the bark and honey is taken internally for the treatment of jaundice. In recent years, this medicinal plant has been popularly used to treat Cancer, Type 2 DiabetesMellitus and Arthritis.

Growing Demand

There is a growing demand for Venivel both in the local and international markets. The reason for the plant being in the "Critically Endangered list" may be also due to the resurgence of its health benefits in the East and West. A Venivel product that is popular in the local market is "Paspanguwa." In addition, Venivel is increasingly becoming popular ingredient in Sri Lankan beauty therapy products. Many herbal soap manufacturers are producing "venivel soap."

Skincare Products

For years Venivel or Columba wood has been used in Ayurvedic skin treatment. It has the capability to clear clogged pores, remove harmful toxins and dead cells. Many local and international cosmetic companies use Venivel to create products designed to exfoliate dead skin cells and remove excess oil, deep seated dirt & grime. The leaves, flowers and other parts of the creeper are used as a traditional ayurvedic skin care treatment to enhance the complexion of the skin. It helps to gently renew skin and improve one’s overall health while purifying the skin.Venivel’snatural antiseptic properties nourish the skin while its antioxidants keep skin soft, youthful and revitalized. More recently both international and local markets have used this medicinal plant to manufacture face washes, face masks, fairness creams, acne creams, body lotions, bath gels and bath oils, eye gels and shampoos.

Propagation for Future Use

While Sri Lanka can be excited about the growing fame of herbal species such as Venivel, it is paramount that as Sri Lankans we make an active role in propagating this species which has reached "Critically Endangered" status. It is recommended that the Agriculture and Agrarian Departments take an active interest in growing this widely used medicinal plant. Advocacy on of its medicinal value and how it can be utilized as a home remedy will not only boost its profile but also encourage more propagation of this valuable medicinal plant.

The author has completed two Masters Degrees in Public Health at the University of Queensland in Australia. She is a freelance writer. Email her on shariwitt@gmail.com