Decalepis hamiltonii is a species of plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is endemic to Peninsular India and known by the names maredu kommulu, nannari kommulu and madina kommulu in Telugu, makali beru and vagani beru in Kannada and magali kizhangu in Tamil. The root is used in Ayurvedic medicines, to make pickles and to make the drink sharbat.[3]
| Decalepis hamiltonii | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Spermatophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Decalepis |
| Species: | D. hamiltonii |
| Binomial name | |
| Decalepis hamiltonii | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
The major component of the essential oil of the root is the fragrant phenolic compound 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, a positional isomer of vanillin.[4]
The English name swallowroot is sometimes used for the plant and studies have shown that it has insecticidal activity and a potential use in control of stored grain pests. The active ingredient in the root was synthesized and encapsulated with beta-cyclodextrins. The roots were also subjected to supercritical carbon-dioxide based extraction at the Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, India.[citation needed]
The root contains antioxidants and extraction methods for it have been patented.[5]
The rising popularity of the drink in the international market has made its price soar and has put the species on the endangered list.[6] Cultivation has been successfully trialled. The roots can be ready for harvest 12-14 months after sowing. An average of 7,500-15,000 kg of roots can be harvested from one hectare. The roots can be harvested by digging around the plant leaving the central core of the root and stem. The plant can go on to produce for 4-5 years since regrowth is vigorous.[7]
References
edit
- ↑ Ved, D.; Saha, D.; Ravikumar, K.; Haridasan, K. (2015). "Decalepis hamiltonii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2015 e.T50126587A50131330. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T50126587A50131330.en.
- 1 2 "Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2026. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
- ↑ Solomon Raju, A.J.; Venkata Ramana, K. (2011). "Traditional preparation of a health drink Nannari Sharbat from the root extract of Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn" (PDF). Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources. 2 (1): 121–124.
- ↑ Thangadurai, Devarajan; Anitha, Sreeyapureddy; Pullaiah, Thammineni; Reddy, Ponnathota Narasimha; Ramachandraiah, Oleti Siva (2002). "Essential oil constituents and in vitro antimicrobial activity of Decalepis hamiltonii roots against foodborne pathogens". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 50 (11): 3147–3149. doi:10.1021/jf011541q. Retrieved 1 May 2026.
- ↑ Patent (WO/2005/063272) Process for Preparation of Extract of Decalepis hamiltonii having Antioxidant Activity
- ↑ Devulapalli, Rahul (10 May 2013). "Health drink plant Nannari faces extinction". Times of India. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
- ↑ Vedavathy, S. (2004). "Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn. – An endangered source of indigenous health drink" (PDF). Natural Product Radiance. 3 (1): 22–23. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
 | This Apocynaceae article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by adding missing information. |