Convolvulus purga is a species of flowering plant native to Mexico that is commonly known as morning glory. The name "Convolvulus purga" is spelled as /kənˌvɒlvjʊləs ˈpɜːrɡə/, with the stressed syllables being "vul" and "per" respectively. The word "Convolvulus" is derived from the Latin word "convolvere", which means "to entwine", while "purga" comes from the Spanish word for "purge". The plant has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries, particularly as a natural laxative.
Convolvulus purga is a perennial flowering plant of the Convolvulaceae family. It is commonly known as the jalap or purging jalap, and its scientific name is derived from the Latin words "convolvere" meaning "to twine" and "purga" meaning "purge." This plant is native to Mexico and Central America but is also cultivated in other regions for its medicinal properties.
The Convolvulus purga plant is characterized by its long, twining stems and heart-shaped leaves. It produces attractive white or pale pink trumpet-shaped flowers. The plant's root contains a resinous substance called resin jalap, which is highly prized for its purgative and laxative properties.
In traditional medicine, Convolvulus purga has been used for centuries as a powerful cathartic and alternative remedy for constipation. It is believed to stimulate peristalsis and promote bowel movements, making it effective in alleviating digestive disorders. However, due to its potent effects, it should be used cautiously and in regulated doses to prevent adverse reactions.
Convolvulus purga has also gained recognition for its potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry. The resin jalap extracted from its roots contains various active compounds, including resinous acids and glycosides, which have been studied for their antimicrobial and anticancer properties.
Overall, Convolvulus purga is an important plant in traditional medicine and holds promise for further research and potential medicinal applications.
Jalap.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Convolvulus purga" has a Latin-based scientific name.
- "Convolvulus" comes from the Latin word "convolvere", which means "to entwine" or "to coil". This refers to the plant's characteristic coiled vines or winding stems.
- "Purga" is derived from the Latin term "purgare", which means "to cleanse" or "to purge". This suggests a medicinal property of the plant, implying its use as a purgative or laxative.
Overall, the etymology of "Convolvulus purga" reflects the plant's physical appearance and its historical use as a cleansing agent.