Patha

In classical Ayurvedic texts, Patha is described as the root of a twining climber. The source plant accepted by the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is Cissampelos pareira var. hirsuta, known as Laghu Patha, which grows in the tropical and semi-dry forests of India (Vijayan et al., 2014; Hullatti & Sharada, 2007).

Three different plants are sold under the name Patha: Cissampelos pareira, Cyclea peltata, known as Raja Patha and used as Patha in Kerala, and Stephania japonica. Their chemical profiles differ, so checking the botanical name on the product label is important .

In Ayurvedic classification, Patha is described as having Tikta (bitter) Rasa, Laghu (light) and Tikshna (penetrating) Guna, Ushna (hot) Virya and Katu (pungent) Vipaka. It is traditionally believed to pacify Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Patha is also listed among the Stanyashodhana herbs in the Charaka Samhita.

Patha is known by different names across languages and regions, as listed below.

• Sanskrit: Ambashtha, Varatikta, Vriki, Patha, Ambasthaki, Prachina
• Hindi: Patha, Padh, Akanadi, Purain, Padhi, Padha
• English: Velvet leaf, Pareira brava
• Bengali: Akanadi, Nimuka, Patha
• Gujarati: Venivel, Karedhiyu
• Marathi: Padavela, Patha
• Odia (Odisha): Kanabindhi, Patha
• Tamil: Paadakkizhangu, Appatta, Appata, Pomutute, Paata Kodi, Vatta tiruppi, Pata
• Telugu: Pata, Viruboddi, Chiruboddi, Chagala Donda
• Kannada: Padavali, Padavala Beru, Patala Garudi
• Malayalam: Patathali, Kattuvalli, Pathakkizhangu

Laboratory analysis of Patha root has identified the compounds below. Their amounts vary depending on the plant species, region and extraction method.

• Bebeerine (curine): A bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid found in higher amounts in Cissampelos pareira root than in other plants sold as Patha .
• Tetrandrine: A bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the root of Cissampelos pareira var. hirsuta (Hullatti & Sharada, 2007).
• Cissampareine: A bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid reported in the root (Hullatti & Sharada, 2007).
• Pareirubrines A and B: Tropoloisoquinoline alkaloids reported in the root (Hullatti & Sharada, 2007).
• Tannins, flavonoids and saponins: Groups of compounds detected in root extracts, with a lower saponin content than that reported in Cyclea peltata (Reza et al., 2014).

Research on Patha root extracts has reported the following properties, based mainly on laboratory and animal studies.

• Antipyretic: Reduced experimentally induced fever in rats (Hullatti & Sharada, 2007; Reza et al., 2014).
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduced experimentally induced paw swelling in rats (Amresh et al., 2007; Reza et al., 2014).
• Antidiarrhoeal: Reduced faecal output in animal models of diarrhoea.
• Hepatoprotective: Reduced chemically induced liver injury in rats (Surendran et al., 2011).
• Antioxidant: Reduced markers of oxidative damage in laboratory tests (Surendran et al., 2011; Reza et al., 2014).
• Antiviral: Inhibited all four dengue virus types in cell-based assays (Sood et al., 2015).

These findings indicate biological activity under experimental conditions but do not establish that Patha treats any condition in humans, including dengue. Human clinical evidence is lacking, and the safety of long-term use has not been established. Animal doses cannot be directly converted into safe human doses, and extracts may differ from the powder or decoction used traditionally. Acute and subacute toxicity studies in animals reported no deaths at the doses tested, but these findings do not establish long-term safety (Amresh et al., 2008).

The points below summarise what Ayurvedic texts and research report for Patha. Most scientific findings come from laboratory and animal studies, so none of these effects has been confirmed in people.

Digestive Support in Traditional Use

In Ayurvedic practice, Patha root is traditionally used for abdominal pain, indigestion and loose stools. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India also lists abdominal pain and diarrhoea among its uses . These uses are based on traditional practice and have not been confirmed in human trials.

Antidiarrhoeal Activity in Animals

In animal studies, a root extract reduced the number of faecal droppings and fluid accumulation in the gut following castor oil administration, a standard experimental model of diarrhoea (Amresh et al., 2004). These findings are limited to animals and do not establish a safe or effective dose for humans. 

Anti-Inflammatory Potential

Patha root extracts reduced experimentally induced paw swelling in rats. Phytochemical screening has also identified several groups of compounds that may contribute to this activity (Amresh et al., 2007; Reza et al., 2014). These findings are based on animal studies, with no established benefit in humans. Patha should not replace prescribed medicines for arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. 

Antioxidant Activity

Laboratory tests have reported antioxidant activity in Patha root extracts, suggesting that they may help limit oxidative damage under experimental conditions (Reza et al., 2014; Surendran et al., 2011). Whether these findings have any relevance to Patha taken as a powder or decoction has not been established in humans.

Fever-Lowering Effect in Animal Models

A methanol extract of Patha root lowered yeast-induced fever in rats (Hullatti & Sharada, 2007; Reza et al., 2014). This does not establish that Patha can treat fever in humans. Fever may indicate a serious infection, including dengue or malaria, so medical assessment is important rather than relying on Patha.

Liver-Protective Effect in Animals

A hydroalcoholic root extract reduced increases in liver enzymes and bilirubin caused by carbon tetrachloride in rats (Surendran et al., 2011). These findings do not establish a liver-protective effect in humans. Patha should not be used to treat liver disease, and anyone with a liver condition should seek medical advice before using it.

Breast Milk Quality in Ayurvedic Tradition

The Charaka Samhita lists Patha among the Stanyashodhana herbs, a group traditionally used to address breast milk quality. This traditional use has not been evaluated in nursing mothers, and safety during breastfeeding remains unknown. Use Patha during breastfeeding only on the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.

Skin Use in Classical Practice

In traditional Ayurvedic practice, Patha root paste is applied to the skin for itching and other skin complaints. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India also lists skin diseases and itching among its uses . However, clinical evidence supporting these uses is lacking, and skin irritation is possible. Seek medical advice before applying it to affected skin, particularly if the skin is broken.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity

Laboratory studies have reported antimicrobial activity of Patha extracts against certain bacterial and fungal strains. However, these findings do not establish that Patha is effective for treating skin infections such as eczema, dermatitis or ringworm in humans.

Urinary Health

Patha has been associated with diuretic effects and is traditionally used for urinary complaints. However, its effectiveness in treating urinary tract infections, kidney stones or preventing stone formation has not been established in human studies.

Ayurvedic physicians use Patha in the following ways. The headings describe traditional uses of the herb and do not imply proven treatment effects.

Single-Herb Root Preparations

Physicians may prescribe Patha on its own as a root powder or decoction for a defined period. The preparation, quantity and vehicle are selected for each person, and the herb should generally be used under professional supervision.

Compound Formulations

Patha is an ingredient in classical compound formulations such as Pushyanuga Churna. These products are prescribed as complete formulations, so the effects of Patha cannot be separated from those of the other herbs in the mixture.

External Application on the Skin

In traditional practice, Patha root powder is mixed with water to form a paste and applied to intact skin. A patch test is advisable before use, and the paste should not be applied to open wounds unless specifically directed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Patha has not been adequately studied in human safety trials, so the following precautions are important, particularly for the groups listed below.

• Pregnancy and conception: Avoid Patha during pregnancy and when trying to conceive. Its safety has not been established, and a leaf extract reduced fertility in female mice (Ganguly et al., 2007).
• Breastfeeding: Use Patha only on the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Safety data for breastfeeding women and infants are lacking.
• Children, teenagers and older adults: Doses have not been established for these groups. Patha should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
• Diabetes: Limited animal data suggest that Patha may affect blood sugar levels (Hullatti & Sharada, 2007). People taking diabetes medicines should consult their doctor and monitor their blood sugar levels. They should not change or stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.
• Liver, kidney or heart conditions: Consult a doctor before using Patha, as its effects in people with these conditions have not been adequately studied.
• Long-term use: Acute and subacute toxicity studies in animals reported no deaths at the doses tested, but chronic toxicity has not been studied (Amresh et al., 2008). Avoid prolonged use without professional supervision.
• Plant identity: Buy Patha from a reputable manufacturer and check that the label specifies Cissampelos pareira, as other plants are also sold under the same name .
• Skin use: Perform a patch test before applying Patha to the skin. Avoid applying it to open wounds or near the eyes.

Seek urgent medical care for a high or persistent fever, diarrhoea with blood or signs of dehydration, severe abdominal pain, or any snake, scorpion or insect bite. Patha is not a substitute for appropriate medical treatment in these situations.

Note: This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor or Ayurvedic physician before using Patha.

Patha is used in three forms in traditional practice. The following steps apply only to products from a licensed manufacturer and should be followed under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

Root Powder

• Check that the label states Cissampelos pareira and that the product is within its expiry date.
• Measure the dose advised by the physician, which may be 1 to 3 g in traditional practice, using a clean, dry spoon.
• Mix the powder with a small amount of warm water or warm milk.
• Take the mixture once or twice a day, as advised by the physician.
• Drink a glass of water afterwards and stop use if any discomfort occurs.

Decoction

• Take the quantity of coarse root powder prescribed by the physician.
• Boil it in the volume of water specified by the physician until the liquid reduces to the required amount.
• Strain the liquid and allow it to cool until warm.
• Take the prescribed amount, which may be 50 to 100 ml in traditional practice, once or twice a day, as advised.
• Prepare a fresh decoction for each use and discard any remaining liquid.

Paste for External Use

• Apply a small amount of paste to the inner forearm and wait for 24 hours to check for redness, itching or swelling.
• If there is no reaction, mix the powder with clean water to form a smooth paste.
• Clean and dry the affected area of skin.
• Apply a thin layer once or twice a day, as advised by the physician.
• Wash it off with lukewarm water. Do not apply the paste to open wounds, broken skin or near the eyes.

Note: This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor or Ayurvedic physician before using Patha.

Herbs Traditionally Used With Patha

Classical Ayurvedic texts and formulations list the following herbs alongside Patha. These associations reflect traditional practice, and the combinations have not been adequately studied in humans.

These traditional associations do not establish the safety or effectiveness of combining these herbs. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician before using Patha with other herbs or Ayurvedic formulations.

No dose has been established for Patha through clinical trials. The table below provides the traditional adult dosage range and indicates where doses have not been established.

For external use, a thin layer of paste may be applied once or twice a day, as advised by a physician. Taking more than the prescribed amount may cause digestive upset, and long-term safety has not been established.

Note: This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor or Ayurvedic physician before starting Patha or changing its dose.

No human safety trials of Patha have been published, so the following effects are possible but have not been confirmed in humans.

Digestive Upset

Patha may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or loose stools, particularly if more than the advised amount is taken or the powder is taken on an empty stomach.

Skin Reactions

Applying the paste may cause redness, itching or a burning sensation in people with sensitive skin. A patch test before use may help identify a skin reaction.

Low Blood Sugar

Limited animal data suggest that Patha may affect blood sugar levels (Hullatti & Sharada, 2007). People taking insulin or other diabetes medicines should consult their doctor before use and watch for symptoms of low blood sugar, such as sweating, shakiness and confusion.

When to Stop Use

Stop using Patha and consult a doctor if any adverse reaction occurs. Seek emergency medical care for swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing, severe vomiting or fainting.

No studies have investigated interactions between Patha and other medicines in humans, so potential interactions cannot be ruled out. The following precautions are therefore recommended.

Antidiabetic Medicines

Limited animal data suggest that Patha may affect blood sugar levels (Hullatti & Sharada, 2007). If taken with insulin or oral diabetes medicines, Patha may increase the risk of low blood sugar. Consult a doctor before use.

Other Prescription Medicines

As interaction studies are lacking, anyone taking regular prescription medicines, including blood pressure medicines and blood thinners, should consult their doctor before using Patha.

Herbal and Ayurvedic Products

Patha should not be combined with other herbs or Ayurvedic preparations unless a qualified physician has advised the combination, as the effects of such combinations have not been adequately studied.

Storage of Patha

Store Patha root powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children and use a clean, dry spoon each time. Check the expiry date and discard the powder if it develops a musty smell, mould or a change in colour.

• Patha is the root of Cissampelos pareira, traditionally used in Ayurveda for digestive and skin complaints.
• Research is limited to laboratory and animal studies, with no confirmed benefits in human clinical trials.
• Three different plants are sold as Patha, so check the botanical name on the product label.
• Avoid Patha during pregnancy. During breastfeeding and in children, use it only on a physician's advice.
• People with diabetes or those taking regular medicines should consult a doctor before use, as potential drug interactions have not been studied.
• Possible side effects include digestive upset and skin irritation, while long-term safety remains unknown.
• Patha is not a substitute for medical care for fever, severe diarrhoea, kidney stones or venomous bites.
• This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor or Ayurvedic physician before using Patha.