Herbs from Distant Lands: Dheng San Chi

Polska wersja

PLANT PROFILE

Anredera cordifolia is a robust tropical vine with succulent leaves, that grows characteristic aerial tubers on axils of its older stems as well as big underground tubers. Most authors are writing that this plant originate from South America and some that it came from China. But nowadays it can be found naturalized in many tropical regions, where it often become obnoxious weed, due to its rampant growth. It has been spread not only in most of tropical world, but has also been brought into gardens in mild temperate climate areas and even became a house plant, mostly because of its ornamental value and sweet scent of its flowers. But although in some parts of the world it is not known as such at all, in many countries it is much more valued for its culinary and medicinal values than for it's beauty.
Even though many botanists thinks that Anredera cordifolia comes from Brazil and neighborhood countries (or maybe it was just one botanist to say that, and the other are just quoting him without second thought), I would rather say that it was brought there from China long before it was recorded there already naturalized and flourishing. One of the reasons that makes me say so, is the fact that if you would go now to Australia, you would see this plant growing in so many places in wild, doing great. That if not the good records about the plants relatively recent introduction to the continent, you could easily think it is native there.
Second reason is the fact that it is very hard to find any records about traditional medicinal uses, culinary uses or at least its names in native languages of South American cultures. While in China and its south-eastern neighborhood countries, Anredera cordifolia is well known vegetable and herbal remedy, said to be used for thousands of years.
The third reason is my idea that long long ago some botanist might have just mistaken Anredera cordifolia with Ullucus tuberosus, similar looking, closely related and edible just like Anredera but native to South America (Incas used it before Europeans arrival).
And after all even Departamento de Horticultura e Silvicultura, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, states that - '' Anredera cordifolia is a vine of Basellaceae family that is very common in several Brazilian States, mainly in abandoned lands, coffee plantations and orchards. ''
And its most commonly used names in South and North America are Parra de Madeira and Madeira Vine, both meaning that this is a vine plant coming from Madeira. Madeira is an island of Portuguese archipelago situated in the north Atlantic Ocean close to Portugal. Where Portuguese merchants from South America was likely to meet those that traveled to China centuries ago.

Although knowledge about usefulness of this plant hasn't been spread as wide as the plant itself has been. In many tropical countries it is widely used nowadays as a leafy vegetable, tuber vegetable, and herbal remedy for infections, wounds, liver problems, diabetes and other ailments. So while in many regions it is planted as a ornamental plant, in other it can be found more often on a vegetable patch on even on plantations (China, Indonesia, Argentina).
Anradera cordifolia is said to be consumed by people in China, Taiwan and Korea for thousands of years and has there long tradition of medicinal uses. There is a true story from Vietnam War about severely wounded Vietcong soldier that had to eat Anredera leaves. After eating the leaves his wounds suddenly started become healthy and healed well. And since then eating Anredera become compulsory in Vietnam.
Quite recently this herb became popular in Indonesia, where it is grown in gardens as both an ornamental plant and vegetable, that also get naturalized and become environmental weed in some areas. It was probably introduced there from China, as its most popular name in Indonesia and Malaysia is Binahong, and the word is said to originate from language of Canton. Indonesia is nowadays the country where Anredera cordifolia is probably more popular as a herbal remedy than in any other. In recent years Indonesian scientists have conducted lots of studies researching chemistry and pharmacological actions of the plant. Testing it's traditional medicinal claims and probing it's use for professional modern healthcare of humans but also a livestock. Only very few scientific studies on this herb has been made in China, Taiwan and Malaysia, and I haven't found any document of that kind of research that was made in South American or other countries.

Sadly some government institutions in few countries, like in Australia, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, teach people how to eradicate this weed-become plant, instead of teaching them how to use it as a food and cure for ailments (for both humans and livestock) - they don't even mention none of it in their brochures about treating this plant only as a menace. Instead of giving them food recipes for this expansive veggie, they are telling their citizens which herbicides use to destroy it. In Australia they also spend tens of thousands of dollars for eradication of Anredera, and made it prohibited to bring this plant to the State of South Australia. Spending money to destroy organic, healthy food and medicine, and declaring it's possession illegal, what a mad world!

Here are some of vernacular names of Anredera cordifolia: Madeira Vine, Potato Vine, Basell Potatoes, Lamb’s Tail Vine, Bridal Wreath, Mignonette Vine, Heart-leaf Madeira Vine, White Shroud (English), Binahong (Indonesia and Malaysia), Pinahong (Indonesia - Sulawesi), Winahong (Indonesia - Bali), Asahi-kazura (Japanese name that may also refer to Antigonon leptopus), Dheng San Chi (China - Cantonese), Luo kui Shu (China - Mandarin), Enredadera del Mosquito, Parra de Madeira (Spanish), iDlula (South Africa), Folha Gorda, Bertalha (Brazil), Rubaca (Colombia), Papilla, Zarza (Argentina), Speck Blatter (German, it translates as fat leaf, bacon leaf), Vigne de Madère (French).
Anredera cordifolia has also few botanical synonymes like: Boussingaultia cordifolia, Boussingaultia gracilis and Boussingaultia baselloides, but none of those is in use nowadays.

There are few Anredera species names that can be found in botanical literature. But all their descriptions that I've found are scarce and vague, and are not showing a one single significantly different feature that would distinguish any of those so called 'other species' from Anredera cordifolia. To convince me to consider those described plants as more than just a slight mutations of A. cordifolia. And everyone that was ever growing A. cordifolia for some time and in different conditions, knows well that even clones from the same of its specimen might vary a bit in appearance. The only exception that I know is Anredera vesicaria synonym Anredera leptostachys, which has always significantly more narrow, eliptical-lanceolate leaves and do not produce aerial tubers.
All Anredera species named other than cordifolia has the same reported traditional medicinal uses, and the same chemical compounds has been found in their tissues, as that those of A. cordifolia.
Anredera cordifolia can be easily mistaken with Basella rubra, and since both plants leaves are mainly eaten and used as a herbal remedy in the same way, Basella is sometimes also called Binahong in Indonesia. Except for the tubers, which B. rubra do not produce, and totally different looking flowers, the both plants can be distinguished by stem, which is much thicker in Basella, even in young tops.

And here is the video that I made about Anredera - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbcJKtoa50w&t=16s

CULTIVATION AND HARVESTING

Anredera cordifolia is a tropical perennial vine, with succulent leaves. In hot and humid conditions it has rapid growth and its stems can grow 1m lenght in just 4 days. It can spread more than 10m high and wide, overgrowing entirely shrubs and small trees. Because of formation of multiple aerial tubers-bulbils on it's stems the plant can become so heavy, that it can even brake tree branches that it grown over with its own weight. It also produce underground edible tubers, which can be bigger than a football ball and lay even one meter underground. It can also grow without any support for climbing, it will then crawl on the ground, creating thick mat overwhelming low vegetation. Anredera can be easily propagated threw its bulbils and tubers, it will even grow from the cutted off piece of bulb. It also grow fast and easy from stems cuttings, through layering or can be grown from seeds.
In fact it can be simply propagated by accident, by growing simply just from small broken piece of stem (which brakes easily) or tiny bulbil scattered by strong wind. And that compared with the plant's fast growth makes it very invasive. Single Anredera cordifolia plant can produce hundreds of aerial tubers, which can hang on stems for years, growing to size bigger than a thumb and sometimes creating clusters bigger than adults hand palm. It can drop to the ground after it mature or in response to environmental stress. The aerial tubers can germinate even after 15 years of storage, and underground tubers after 10 years. In regions with drier season this plant produce seeds, that are said to require perfect conditions to germinate.

Anredera likes tropical and subtropical climate, but it is also growing as a perennial in mild temperate climate regions (with lowest temperatures around -15'C). But frosts will kill it's overground parts, which will grow back from the tubers in the spring. It can be also grown as an annual plant in places with severe winter, or can be easily grown in a pot as a house plant. You can also just keep some bulbils or tubers in dry, warm place over winter, to plant it back in the garden when frosts gone.
Anredera likes light shade and full sun, and copes well with scorching sun and severe droughts. This plant generally grows bit better in drier climates than in places with very high air humidity, but if soil will not have lots of moisture its growth will be slower. It prefers rich compost, well drained soil but can adapt to almost any type of soil. Anredera is partly salt tolerant and can be found growing in mangroves.
The flowers usually appears on it during dry season, therefore the plant may not produce flowers at all in all-year round humid climate. And if you want to force your house-pot Anredera to flower, stop watering it until its soil is absolutely dry and do some cutting.
This plant is generally resistant to diseases and insects, although it can be affected by fungus Alternaria alternata causing leaf spots, and beetle Plectonycha correntina likes to eat the leaves. In indoor cultivation spider mites or aphids might be an issue.
Anredera cordifolia leaves, shoots and tubers can be gathered at any time of year, and even in room temperature leaves and shoots storage well and can even stay unwilted for few days. But if you are far from the access to the plant and want to keep it fresh outside of the fridge for longer, you can pick whole few meters stems, fold it and put in open plastic bag, scooping leaves and tender tops when needed. The leaves and shoots of this veggie can be easily damaged by putting in fridge set on very low temp, in nearly freezing temperatures green parts tissues of this plant die quickly and start to rot. The tubers can be storaged in cool, dry and dark place for few years. All parts of the plant can be also chopped and sundried to storage for medicinal use.
Leaves and stems of Anredera are not only consumed by people, but also feed to livestock or pets like rabbits and hens.

CULINARY USES

Anredera leaves and whole young stems shoots can be eaten raw or cooked, when fresh it is very juicy, crispy and quite mucilaginous, with mildly bitter taste. It can be eaten on sandwiches, added to salads, steamed or boiled like spinach, cooked in soups, stir-fried, or fried in pakora batter, and is highly nutritious.
In Taiwan Madeira Vine leaves fried with black sesame oil is often served in restaurants. The raw leaves are sold there in local markets and it's prices are higher than some of other vegetables.
The tubers, sometimes called Basell Potatoes, can be eaten raw, but moment after biting this nice and crispy tuber, its juice is mixing with your saliva into slime like thick mucilage. But it is a tasty nutritious root vegetable when baked, fried or cooked. The young small aerial tubers of Anredera can be roasted like chestnuts.
Bigger amounts of leaves or tubers eaten fresh at one time can have laxative effect.

COSMETIC USES

In China Anredera cordifolia leaf and tuber extract is used for shampoos, which can promote the metabolism of the scalp to promote hair growth. In Guianas and Guatemala, closely related Anredera leptostachys species leaves are pounded and the juice is used as an external wash to make skin and hair supple, due to this viscous substance.
In Ecuador whole plants of Anredera ramosa species are crushed and scrubbed in hot water, and used it for bath for children to stop fever and headache. In Argentina it is used for baby wash.

MEDICINAL USES

Anredera cordifolia has probably few thousand years long tradition of medicinal use in China, Taiwan and Korea. For many years it was also used as a folk remedy in some regions of Southeast Asia and South America. At the end of the last century, scientific studies of the plant chemistry and pharmacological actions has been started in Taiwan and China. And in recent years Anredera gained attention of scientists in Malaysia and Indonesia, where government support for promotion of herbal medicine caused Indonesia to be the leader in research on this herb. A big number of positive results of tests on Anredera medicinal actions claimed by herbal practitioners, further elevated popularity of this plant's use as a herbal drug. But except for those few Asian countries, where it has high reputation and significant place in folk healing practices, mainstream modern herbalism and even in orthodox medicine. This herb is mostly barely a folk remedy in few other regions of the world, despite it's wide distribution around the globe and often quite popular use as a vegetable.

Anredera cordifolia leaves and stems are described as : antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiulcer, gastroprotective, stomachic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, diuretic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, anticancer (cytotoxic and antimutagenic), wound healing stimulant, haemostatic, anti-parasitic and antiobesity.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine fresh or sundried tubers are the mostly used part of this plant. Its pharmaceutical name is Bulbilus anrederae, it is also called Tang Saam Cat in Cantonese, Tu San Qi in Taiwan, Akazakazura in Japanese, Deungsamchil in Korean. It is descried as slightly bitter, warming, invigorating the stomach and spleen, opening meridians of liver and kidney, tonifying kidney, strenghtening the loins and knees, dispersing swelling and eliminating blood stasis. In terms of Western Herbalism Anredera bulbils are described as : anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antiviral (anti-herpes virus, anti-adenoviruses), tonic, and stimulating nitric oxide productions. It probably posses most if not all of the other actions of Anredera green parts, as it is often described and used as equal.

Anredera cordifolia leaves contain : saponin 28mg/g (triterpenoid saponin [boussingoside A1]), flavonoid (tetrahydroxyflavonol, desmosflavone, demethoxymatteucinol), polyphenols, alkaloids, quinones, steroids (beta-sitosterol), terpenoids, monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, polysaccharides, monosaccharides (L-arabinose, D-galaktose, L-rhamnose,D-glucose), glycosides, ascorbic acid, oleanolic acid, phenol and the phenolic compounds (p-coumaric acid).
100g of Anredera cordifolia leaves contain : 136mg potasium, 89mg calcium, 18mg phosphorus, 1.61mg iron, 0.78mg vitamin C, 0.59mg niacin, 0.13mg vitamin B2, 0.01mg vitamin B1.

Anredera tubers are reported to contain : saponins 43mg/g (triterpenoid saponins [larreagenin, 3β-hydroxy-30-noroleana-12, 18-dien-29-oate, boussingoside E and quinosaponin-9]), flavonoids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, tannins, steroids, proteins (anacodin), ursolic acid.

Anredera cordifolia leaves, whole stems, aerial or underground bulbs and also flowers, are taken in many forms. It can be eaten fresh or dried and powdered (capsules, pills and whole or sliced dried bulbils are available on some Asian markets), made into decoction or tincture. In Traditional Chinese Medicine standard doses for internal use of decoctions of bulbils are 3-9g of dried or 30-60g of fresh. It can be decocted simply in water or stewed with chicken or lean pork.

This plant is taken internally as a remedy to cure :

- Infections. It is commonly eaten to fight infections of many different kinds, whether bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic. In Indonesia Anredera is traditionally used for stomach, kidney infections, tuberculosis and typhoid fever. In Colombia leaf and stem decoction is taken orally for fevers and skin infections (this herb is also widely applied externally for skin ailments, but more about later in this article). It is also used in the treatment of sexuality transmitted diseases.
The plant's antibacterial activity has been described as similar to antibiotic of penicillin and
tetracycline, with a wide target spectra. It affects both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Studies has showed that this herb inhibits growth of Aeromonas hydrophila, bacteria found in fish, that cause gastroenteritis in humans, and Streptococcus pyogenes that can cause tonsillitis.
The bulbils has been proved to posses anti-herpes virus and anti-adenoviruses actions in vitro, flavonoids isolated from the plant showed weak anti-HIV activities.

- Liver ailments. In China and Indonesia Anredera is consumed as a liver protective, regenerative and anti-inflammatory agent, it is taken to cure liver diseases such as hepatitis.

- Stomach problems. Anredera is widely taken to help with many stomach and digestive tract disturbances like infections, gastritis, colitis, diarrhea and ulcers. Although it is generally considered to be anti-diarrhea herb, mainly due to its antimicrobial, stomach soothing and gastric muscle relaxation actions, its fresh leaves and tubers can act as laxative eaten in some bigger amounts. Historically, it was often planted outside of latrines in Australia because of that effect. I myself only pick two or three fresh leaves to eat on its own at one time, and never experienced this laxative effect. And I think that you can eat quite more of it fresh at one time without having diarrhea, if it comes along with hefty meal.

- Respiratory problems. In Southern Mexico and Cuba it is recorded to be used internally in treatment of asthma and bronchitis. In Java, Indonesia the plant is used to treat tuberculosis, asthma and generally for any cough. In Columbia, fresh leaves and stems are macerated in water and used for topical baths for respiratory complaints.

- Cardiovascular disorders. In Indonesia Anredera is used to treat many cardiovascular complaints such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and blood clots. In Southern Mexico and Cuba it is used in treatment of cardiac palpitation.

Anredera cordifolia leaves extract at dose of 50 mg/kg bw had antihypertensive activity in tests on rats, it also reduced the heart rate which was induced by adrenaline and showed weak diuretic effect compared to furosemide. Ethanolic extract of Anredera cordifolia exhibited vasodilation in rabbit aortic rings, and also exhibited vasodilation on frog heart.

This plant is also proved to have benefit in treating heart disease by lowering the lipid, triglyceride,

and LDL level, and by increasing the HDL level.

- Diabetes. This herb is commonly used as traditional anti-diabetic medicine in Indonesia, Taiwan and Columbia. In Yogyakarta, Indonesia the leaves are boiled, and decoction is drunk after cooling down, for this purpose.
Anredera cordifolia is one of the medicinal plants having action of mimetic of insulin. The saponins contained in leaves and rhizomes of the plant has a function of stimulation insulin secretion in pancreatic a-cells in a concentration dependent manner. Standardized extract of Anredera cordifolia leaves have alfa-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity.

- Wound healing. This herb is famous in many Southeast Asian and South American countries as a remedy that is speeding up wound healing. Although it's leaves are mainly applied externally on wounds, working as a antiseptic, anti-inflammatory agent, it's consumption has also been proved to be effective wound healing stimulation.
There is a real story about Vietcong soldier that get severely wounded during a Vietnam War, and had to eat Anredera leaves. His wounds suddenly began to become fresh and healthy, and since then the plant become a compulsory food in Vietnam. In Indonesia it is both eaten and applied externally following surgery or delivery. In China and Taiwan Anredera cordifolia is an important ingredient in the famous powdered medicine - Yunnan Baiyao, which is used to stop bleeding.

- Kidneys problems. In indonesia Anredera is used traditionally for kidney infections. In Traditional Chinese Medicine this plant (especially bulbils) is used in herbal preparations for healing different kidney ailments and as a nephroprotective and diuretic agent.
Laboratory tests has proved that A. cordifolia leaves can prevent toxic damage of kidneys, help regenerate kidney cells and improve kidney functions.

- Edema. The the plant is taken internally to help edema, it has diuretic effect. Water extract of the leaves, stems and bulbils can inhibit the edema of the toes of rats caused by carrageenan gum. It is also applied externally as a poultice or is massaged into affected areas.

- Cancer. In Indonesia the leaves decoction is used against tumor.
Researches results showed that A. cordifolia leaf extract is promising anticancer agent against HeLa cervical cancer cells (it showed cytotoxic activity and promoted apoptosis in HeLa cells with IC50 value 75 μg/mL), and good activity against colon cancer cells HT-29 and breast cancer cells MDA-MB231.

- Postpartum. In Indonesia the plant is used in postpartum recovery, especially for the healing of wound from cesarean surgery. In Thailand Anredera cordifolia is one of the most common species of medicinal plants used in a postpartum herbal bath formulas and in food supplement formulas.

- Pain. Chopped leaves of A. cordifolia in boiling water are used in folk medicine in Colombia and Taiwan as an analgesic. In northwest Argentina, A. cordifolia stem is used to cure headache and toothache. In China the bulbils are used for pain of waist and knees, traumatic injuries, fracture.

Tests results suggest that the ethanolic extract of Anredera cordifolia has exhibited significant analgesic effect, which were comparable with standard drugs.

- Mental and physical stress. In Indonesia the plant is traditionally used to relief mental and physical stress. In china the tubers and leaves are used as a sedative.

- In Indonesia this herb is used to stimulate increase of breast milk.

- In Traditional Chinese Medicine Anredera is used to increse men’s libido.

- Chewing fresh leaves or tubers, or using dry herb or tuber decoction as a mouth wash, can help with sore throat and bleeding gums

Externally, all parts of Anredera cordifolia plant are used, but especially smashed fresh leaves are applied on :

- Wounds. One of the most common traditional medicinal uses of this plant is its topical application on wounds to promote healing. Fresh smashed leaves are usually applied, but tubers or whole young stems paste, decoctions or other liquid extracts of any part of the plant can be also used in wraps or just as wash. It helps on many levels, as this herb acts not only antiseptic and anti-inflammatory preventing wound infection, but it also helps regenerate skin tissue by increase the number of fibroblast cells, and stimulate the formation of collagen (as has been showed in laboratory tests resoults). Pharmacodynamics studies show that Anredera cordifolia helps to reduce the time needed for blood clotting.

Anredera is used topically not only for minor wounds but also to heal perineal wound in postpartum mothers, post cesarean surgery and othre surgery wounds. Conclusions of one clinical study made in Indonesia states : '' Binahong decoction water very good for revitalizing the skin, giving extra stamina, blood circulation, resolve swelling and blood clots, restoring weak condition, and heal wounds. Binahong decoction water can be used as alternative technique to for perineum wound healing.''

- Skin burns. Traditional use of fresh, smashed Anredera leaves as a poultice on burns, has been proved to be effective in acceleration of healing by laboratory tests.

- Bruises. Smashed bulbils, tubers and fresh leaves are applied to get rid of bruises and swellings. This herb helps to stop blood flow and relieve bruises, it also soothes pains.

- Fractures. In China, Indonesia and Mexico, Anredera is applied externally as the treatment for broken bones and flesh wounds.

- Muscles and tendons inflamations, arthritis, gout. In many countries fresh parts of the plant are pounded and applied on places of inflammation or arthritic pains (it is also eaten or decoctions are drunk for relief).

- Respiratory complaints. In Columbia, fresh leaves and stems are macerated in water and used for topical baths for respiratory complaints.

- Edema. Fresh leaves are smashed and applied as a cataplasm or used to massage affected areas.

- Bites. Brazilian people use A. cordifolia leaves to traditionally cure wounds from animal bites, for example dog, spider and insects.

- Skin affections. Smashed leaves are applied on mycosis, warts, boils, itching, irritations and hemorrhoids. In South Africa the leaf sap is applied on itchy allergic rash caused by contact with dirty water.

- Mashed A. cordifolia bulbils are applied to strengthening loins and knees.

- In Ecuador whole plant of Anredera ramosa is crushed and scrubbed in hot water, and used for bath for children to cease fever and headache. In Argentina it is used for baby wash, and dried leaf decoctions are used for antineuralgic, eye washes.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

Consumption and medicinal use of Anredera cordifolia is generally considered as safe if kept in proper moderation. Despite of it being widely used as a food and remedy for hundreds of years in many different cultures, there are no reports of it acting as harmful. Laboratory studies also has showed no acute or chronic toxic effect to be caused by consumption of A. cordifolia leaves extracts. Results of tests made on rats suggests that pregnant women can consume the plant leaves safely.
Nevertheless like all the plants rich in saponins, it can cause serious interactions when consumed during taking certain medications, for example during hormonal therapy. Excessive consumption of fresh parts of Anredera cordifolia might cause diarrhoea, and in extreme cases even vomiting.