Nanchurul (Vincetoxicum indicum)

Nanchurul, jangli pikvan in Hindi, is Indian ipecac, a slender twining climber of the milkweed group whose leaves cause vomiting when chewed, which gave it its English name. Indian researchers in the 1960s and 1970s tested its leaves for asthma, with mixed results and unpleasant side effects. It contains tylophorine alkaloids. Older books call it Tylophora indica or Tylophora asthmatica.

Botanical name: Vincetoxicum indicum (Burm.f.) Mabb.
Family: Apocynaceae
Tamil: Nanchurul
Hindi: Jangli pikvan
Parts used: Leaves in lists
Habit: Twining milkweed whose leaves cause vomiting
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Nanchurul

It is a perennial twining climber with slender stems and milky sap.

The leaves are opposite, oval to heart-shaped, and slightly fleshy.

Each flower is about a centimetre across, with five pointed, finely hairy petals.

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

The fruits are slender, paired pods with seeds carrying silky hairs.

It twines over bushes in scrub and forest edges.

Traditional use of Nanchurul

Ayurveda

The leaf is used in Ayurvedic and folk practice for asthma, coughs and to induce vomiting.

Ayurvedic and Indian folk practice

Siddha

Nanchurul appears in Siddha preparations for breathing complaints.

Siddha practice

Colonial medicine

In nineteenth-century British India the root was listed as a local substitute for imported ipecacuanha.

Indian pharmacopoeia history

Modern notes on Nanchurul

Trials in India found some short-term improvement in asthma, but nausea, vomiting and mouth soreness were common.

Tylophorine alkaloids are toxic in larger doses.

It is not used in modern asthma treatment, which relies on inhalers.

Compounds related to tylophorine have been studied in laboratories for effects on inflammation and cell growth.

Nanchurul safety

Do not chew or take the leaves for asthma. Asthma attacks need prescribed inhalers and medical care.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows in scrub and forest edges across India and Sri Lanka.

Small insects pollinate its flowers.

Wind carries its hairy seeds.

Related plants

Also in Apocynaceae

Questions about Nanchurul

Why is Nanchurul called Indian ipecac?

Its leaves cause vomiting, like ipecac.

Was Nanchurul used for asthma?

It was tested, with side effects.

Is Nanchurul safe?

No, not for home use.

What was the older name of Vincetoxicum indicum?

Tylophora indica.

Does Nanchurul have milky sap?

Yes.

Where does Nanchurul grow?

In scrub and forest edges of India and Sri Lanka.

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.