Apocynaceae
Tylophora
Tylophora indica
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
Also known as: Indian Ipecac, Country Ipecac, Climbing Swallowwort
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Parts Used
Leaf
Therapeutic Uses
Asthma (clinical trials — significant improvement, one of few herbs with RCT evidence for asthma), allergic rhinitis, rheumatoid arthritis. Tylophorine unique mechanism: antihistamine and immune modulation.
Herbal Actions
Antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, antitumor (tylophorine — research)
Active Constituents
Phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids (tylophorine — primary, tylophorinine, tylophorinidine), tylocrebrine
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | NOT recommended — alkaloid content requires careful dosing |
| Tincture | 1–2 leaves daily (or equivalent standardized extract) under professional guidance |
| Notes | Promising asthma herb with significant clinical evidence but requires professional guidance (alkaloid content). Chewing one leaf daily: clinical trial showing significant asthma improvement. Avoid large doses — nausea and vomiting common. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Alkaloids cause nausea at higher doses. Professional guidance for asthma use.
Side Effects: Nausea and vomiting (common, dose-dependent). Drowsiness. GI distress. Antimuscarinic effects at high doses.