Vattathiruppi, patha in Hindi, is velvet leaf, a slender, hairy climber with round leaves attached to their stalks from underneath like small shields. Its root is the patha of North Indian Ayurveda, used for fevers and women’s health. Kerala practice uses another climber, Cyclea peltata, under the same name. It belongs to the moonseed family.
- Botanical name
- Cissampelos pareira L.
- Family
- Menispermaceae
- Tamil
- Vattathiruppi
- Hindi
- Patha
- Sanskrit
- Pāṭhā
- Parts used
- Root in lists, Leaves
- Habit
- Slender climber with shield-shaped leaves; patha in North Indian practice
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Patha
It is a slender, twining climber with softly hairy stems.
The leaves are round to kidney-shaped, velvety, with the stalk attached just inside the edge, like a shield.
Tiny greenish flowers grow in small clusters, male and female on separate plants.
The fruits are small, hairy berries that turn red.
Cyclea peltata also has shield-shaped leaves but is smoother, with longer flower clusters.
The roots are long, twisted and woody, with a bitter taste.
Traditional use of Patha
Ayurveda
Patha root is used in Ayurvedic formulas for fevers, diarrhoea and women’s complaints.
Ayurvedic practice
Siddha
Vattathiruppi is used in Siddha preparations for fevers and skin.
Siddha practice
Folk use
In parts of South America it is used in folk practice for menstrual complaints.
South American folk practice
Modern notes on Patha
The root contains alkaloids, including hayatine, studied in laboratories.
A 2010s study tested an extract against dengue virus in the laboratory, but this is not clinical evidence.
Which plant is sold as patha varies by region.
Patha safety
Use patha only under a trained practitioner and avoid it in pregnancy. Fevers that could be dengue or malaria need a medical test.
Ecology and sourcing
It grows across the tropics of Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Birds eat its red berries.
It twines over hedges and scrub.
Related plants
Also in Menispermaceae
Questions about Patha
What is patha?
Its Hindi name; the plant used varies by region.
Is Patha the same as Cyclea peltata?
No, but both are called patha.
Why are the leaves shield-shaped?
The stalk joins the leaf from underneath.
Is Patha safe in pregnancy?
No.
What family is Patha in?
The moonseed family, Menispermaceae.
Sources
- Cissampelos pareira L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q3291604 (Cissampelos pareira)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.