Description
Hawaiian Baby Woodrose (Argyreia Nervosa): A Mysterious Plant with Similarities to Well-Known Sister Plants
The Hawaiian Baby Woodrose (Argyreia Nervosa) is a mysterious plant with little known about its traditional medicinal use. However, its sister plants, Rivea corymbosa (ololiuqui) and Ipomoea tricolor (tlitliltzin), are well-known for their medicinal properties. Interestingly, the chemical components of these three species are very similar.
Habitat
Argyreia nervosa, also known as Elephant creeper, is a perennial climbing vine that is native to India but now grows in other areas such as Hawaii, Africa, and the Caribbean. Despite being regarded as an invasive species, it is certainly a beautiful plant that can reach a height of 10 meters in the proper environment. The Hawaiian Baby Woodrose has large trumpet-shaped leaves with velvet-like hairs, and the flowers are purple in color, fading to a lovely lavender color towards the opening of the flower. The furry seeds are inside the seedpods, with typically four to six seeds in each pod.
Warning: Not Safe for Consumption
The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has made a risk assessment and warns against consuming Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds. According to the RIVM, the use of these seeds is unsafe and can cause hallucinogenic effects, nausea, vomiting, elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, (severe) fatigue, and lethargy. These health effects can occur even when the seeds are consumed at the recommended dose.
It is important to note that the Hawaiian Baby Woodrose is not intended for human consumption and should only be used for research purposes or as an ornamental plant.
Scientific Information
While there is little known about the traditional medicinal use of the Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, there is scientific research that suggests the plant may have potential therapeutic benefits. The seeds contain ergot alkaloids, which have been shown to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. Additionally, the seeds contain lysergic acid amide (LSA), which is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound that is similar in structure to LSD.
Features of Hawaiian Baby Woodrose
- Perennial climbing vine
- Large trumpet-shaped leaves with velvet-like hairs
- Purple flowers fading to a lovely lavender color
- Furry seeds inside seedpods with typically four to six seeds in each pod
- Contains ergot alkaloids and lysergic acid amide (LSA)
If you are interested in purchasing the Hawaiian Baby Woodrose for research purposes or as an ornamental plant, visit the Wisdom of Plants Institute today.