Niyog-Niyogan, Herbal Medicine & Side Effects

What is Niyog-niyogan

Common Names :
Scientific Names: Quisqualis indica
Chinese honeysuckle (English)
Rangoon Creeper (English)
Niyog-niyogan (Filipino)
Quiscual (Spanish)
Madhu Malti or Madhumalti (Hindu)
Radha Manoharam (Telugu)
Shih-chun-tzu (China)

Niyog-niyogan is a large climbing, woody shrub that is native in Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines, India, Myanmar and Malaysia. Niyog-niyogan grows to about 20 feet in height with leaves that is rounded at the bottom and pointed at the tips. Niyog-niyogan shrub has fragrant and colorful flowers. Niyog-niyogan flowers exhibit varying colors, from white, red, reddish purple, pink red to orange that sprouts into clusters. Niyog-niyogan has edible fruit that is ellipsoidal in shape with five lengthwise wings. It has seeds that are black in color.

Niyog-niyogan is also one of the herbal plants endorsed by the Philippine Department of Health for its deworming property. Niyog-niyogan has other medicinal benefits as discussed in the following.

Niyog-niyogan herbal medicine - Health Benefits

According to Philippine Department of Health, Niyog-niyogan has the following folkloric health benefits.

Expels Intestinal Worms and Parasites. The seeds of Niyog-niyogan are dried and taken orally. Recommended dosage is 4 to 7 seeds for Children while 8 to 10 seeds for Adults.

Caution: Adverse reactions - diarrhea, abdominal pain, distention and hiccups more likely if nuts are eaten in consecutive days or when fresh nuts are eaten.

Treatment of Inflammation of Kidneys, Niyog-niyogan fruits are believed to alleviate nephritis or inflammation of the kidneys.

Remedy for boils and skin ulcers; Niyog-niyogan leaves are pounded and applied to externally to skin ulcers and boils.

Remedy for headaches, Niyog-niyogan leaves are applied to the head to relieve headaches.

Remedy for Diarrhea and Fever, ripe fruits of Niyog-niyogan are roasted and taken internally for diarrhea and fever treatment.

Remedy for Dysuria or painful urination. A decoction of boiled Niyog-niyogan leaves are taken as tea to relieve pain while urinating.

Anti-Cancer, According to Professor Dr. Thomas Efferth of the DKFZ who studied 76 kinds of Chinese Medicinal plants, Niyog-niyogan or the Rangoon Creeper contains three ingredients with powerful anti-tumor activity that suppress the growth of a specific tumor cell line that is particularly resistant to many commonly used cytotoxins due to overproduction of a transport protein in the cell wall. In contrast, a whole range of standard anti-cancer drugs fail to be effective against this cell.


Niyog-niyogan, herbal medicine Side effects

Adverse side effects of the Niyog-niyogan or Chinese honeysuckle may include the following;

hiccups,
diarrhea, and
abdominal pain)

frequently occur if the nuts of the plant are eaten for consecutive days or when fresh nuts are eaten.

Niyog-niyogan Availability

Niyog-niyogan are seen in the wild forest of Southeast Asian countries but also cultivated and propagated as ornamental plant for its beautiful and colorful flowers.

Dried fruits and leaves of Niyog-niyogan may also be available in Chinese or Asian health stores

(Source: http://www.medicalhealthguide.com)