Makeerzhangu (Decalepis hamiltonii)

Makeerzhangu, maghasugandha in Hindi and makali beru in Kannada, is swallow root, a climber of the Deccan and Eastern Ghats whose tuberous roots smell strongly of vanilla. The roots are pickled in curd or lemon juice in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and made into a cooling drink. Because the whole root is dug, wild plants have become scarce, and the species is considered threatened.

Botanical name: Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn.
Family: Apocynaceae
Tamil: Makeerzhangu
Hindi: Maghasugandha
Sanskrit: Śveta sārivā
Parts used: Tuberous root
Habit: Deccan climber with a fragrant, vanilla-scented root
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Makeerzhangu

It is a woody, twining climber with milky latex.

The leaves are thick, glossy and oval, in opposite pairs.

Small, greenish-white, star-shaped flowers grow in clusters.

The fruits are paired pods with seeds carrying silky hairs.

The roots are long, fleshy and cylindrical, with a strong, sweet vanilla scent when cut.

Traditional use of Makeerzhangu

Kitchen

Sliced roots are pickled in curd or lemon with salt and chilli as makali beru uppinakayi.

Kannada food practice

Kitchen

The roots are steeped in water or milk for a cooling summer drink.

South Indian food practice

Herb trade

The root has been sold as a substitute for nannari, Hemidesmus indicus.

Indian herb trade

Modern notes on Makeerzhangu

The vanilla scent comes mainly from 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, an isomer of vanillin.

Laboratory studies report antioxidant activity in root extracts.

Tissue culture and cultivation projects aim to reduce wild harvesting.

It grows wild only in peninsular India, which makes the loss of wild plants harder to replace.

Makeerzhangu safety

The root is a traditional pickle and drink. Buy from cultivated sources where possible, since wild roots are overharvested.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows on rocky hills of the Deccan plateau and Eastern Ghats.

Digging the whole root kills the plant, so wild populations are declining.

Bees visit its small flowers.

Related plants

Also in Apocynaceae

Questions about Makeerzhangu

Why does Makeerzhangu smell of vanilla?

Its root contains a vanillin-like compound.

How is Makeerzhangu eaten?

Pickled in curd or lemon.

Is Makeerzhangu endangered?

It is threatened by overharvesting.

Is Makeerzhangu the same as nannari?

No. Nannari is Hemidesmus indicus.

What is makali beru?

Its Kannada name.

Can Makeerzhangu be cultivated?

Yes, from seed or tissue-cultured plants, though roots take years to reach a good size.

Sources

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.