Ipomoea digitata (scientific name: Ipomoea digitata ) is a climbing perennial plant belonging to the Convolvulaceae family native to tropical Asia. Its stems are thick and fleshy, and its leaves range from kidney-shaped to palmate with 5 to 7 lobes, giving it a highly ornamental appearance. The underground portion forms a large tuberous root , which has been used primarily for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine.
In classical Ayurveda, Charaka describes this plant as a rejuvenating preparation (rasayana) and tonic , while Sushruta uses it as an aphrodisiac and nourishing agent for sperm disorders, urinary conditions, fertility support, respiratory disorders, and weakness. Its traditional uses are for restoring strength, maintaining vitality, and balancing the entire body.
In terms of ingredients, the triterpene compound taraxerol , plant sterol (sitosterol) , resin (resin component), etc. Based on these ingredients, basic research and information on traditional use suggest that it may have physiological activities such as anti-inflammatory , antioxidant , hormone and vitality support , immune regulation , and nourishment and recovery support .
Characteristics of the morning glory
- Scientific name: Ipomoea digitata
- Classification: Convolvulaceae
- Japanese name: Yatsude Asagao
- Origin: Tropical Asia
- Growth form: Climbing perennial
- Morphological characteristics: Thick, fleshy stems, palmately divided leaves with 5 to 7 lobes
- Part used: Tuberous root (traditionally used)
Main ingredients (reported examples)
- Triterpene: Taraxerol
- Plant sterols: sitosterol (β-sitosterol, etc.)
- Resin component: resins
- Others: polysaccharides, organic acids, trace minerals, etc.
Expected effects (health focus)
- Nourishing and strengthening support effects: It has been suggested that it may contribute to recovery when physical strength declines and to maintaining endurance and vitality.
- Supports youthfulness and anti-aging care: Its traditional use as a rasayana ingredient suggests its potential to contribute to maintaining a healthy cellular environment.
- Reproductive and hormone balance support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to sperm condition, pregnancy support, and regulating physiological function balance.
- Urinary and excretory support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to maintaining urinary tract condition and regulating body fluid balance.
- Respiratory condition support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to respiratory comfort and maintaining respiratory balance.
- Anti-inflammatory and calming support effects: It has been suggested that it may contribute to the relief of inflammatory stress and the stabilization of tissue condition.
- Immune and defense support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to regulating the body's defense functions and maintaining recovery.
