Clematis gouriana Health Dictionary

Roxb.

Family: Ranunculaceae.

Habitat: Throughout India in plains.

English: Commercially known as Muurvaa.

Folk: Belkangu (used as substitute for Muurvaa in Maharashtra).

Action: Leaf and stem—vesicant, poisonous.

Aerial parts and roots contain a quaternary aporphine alkaloid, magnoflu- orine. The leaves yield protoanemonin, a fungitoxic compound.

A related species, C. napaulensis DC. is used in leprosy. C. recta (Upright Virgin’s Bower) is used in homoeopathic medicine for cancerous and foul ulcers; orally for rheumatic pains, varicose veins, gout and as a diuretic.