DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS

Ayapana triplinervis (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob.

Ayapana triplinervis, commonly known as Ayapana, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to tropical regions of South America, particularly found in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. The plant is primarily recognized for its medicinal properties, especially in traditional medicine. In addition to its therapeutic uses, Ayapana has also been used as a horticultural specimen in some regions.
Botanical Details:
• Scientific Name: Ayapana triplinervis (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob.
• Family: Asteraceae
• Genus: Ayapana
• Species: triplinervis
Common Names:
• English: Ayapana, Carqueja
• Hindi: आयपाना (Ayapana)
• Malayalam- അയ്യപ്പന Ayapana, വിഷപച്ച Vishapacha
• Tamil- Ayappani
Botanical Description:
1. Plant Characteristics:
o Ayapana triplinervis is a herbaceous perennial plant, typically growing 1 to 2 meters (3–6 feet) tall.
o The plant has hairy and rough stems with opposite leaves that are lanceolate or elliptical in shape, and often have a slightly toothed or serrated margin.
o The leaves are green and covered with fine hairs, giving the plant a somewhat rough texture.
o It produces small white to yellow flowers that grow in clusters at the tops of the stems, forming a type of capitate inflorescence (a head of small, tubular flowers).
Medicinal Uses:
Ayapana triplinervis is known for its various therapeutic benefits in traditional medicine across South America. Some of the most well-known uses include:
1. Digestive Health:
o Ayapana is traditionally used to support digestive health and treat conditions such as indigestion, gas, constipation, and bloating. It is considered a carminative, meaning it helps to relieve gas and flatulence.
o The plant has bitter compounds that help stimulate digestive juices, including bile, promoting better digestion and absorption of nutrients.
2. Liver Health:
o In traditional South American medicine, Ayapana is considered beneficial for the liver. It has been used to help treat liver ailments, including jaundice and liver inflammation. The plant is believed to have hepatoprotective properties, protecting the liver from damage and promoting detoxification.
3. Anti-inflammatory:
o Ayapana is known to have anti-inflammatory effects and has been used to relieve inflammation and pain in conditions like arthritis and rheumatism. It is sometimes used as a topical poultice or in infusions to reduce swelling and inflammation.
4. Antimicrobial:
o The plant is used as a natural antibiotic in some traditional practices, with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Ayapana is sometimes applied externally to treat skin infections or used in infusions to help treat respiratory infections.
5. Fever and Cold:
o Ayapana is used in herbal preparations to treat fever, flu, and cold. It is believed to have antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects, making it useful in treating high fever or chills.
6. Anti-diabetic:
o Some traditional uses of Ayapana include its use in controlling blood sugar levels. It has been used by some indigenous communities as a natural remedy for diabetes and hyperglycemia, though more scientific research is needed to validate these uses.
7. Respiratory Health:
o The plant has also been used to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and coughs. It is sometimes used in herbal teas or infusions to help clear mucus and promote respiratory wellness.