La insulin plant Cissus verticillata is considered a shrubby perennial belonging to the Vitaceae family. This plant is also known by various common names and has also become very popular due to its properties.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Plant
- Subkingdom: tracheobiont
- Super-division: spermatophyte
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Subclass: rosidae
- Order: Vital
- Family: vitaceae
- Gender: Cissus
- Species: Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicolson & CE Jarvis. 1984.
Synonymy
- Cissus brevipes CV Morton & Standl.
- Cissus canescens Lam.
- Phoradendron verticillatum L.
- Cissus elliptica Schltdl. & Cham.
- Cissus obtusata Benth.
- Vitis sicyoides (L.) Morales. & Cham.
- Cissus sicyoides L.
- Cissus umbrosa Kunth,
Origin and characteristics of the insulin plant
There are two plants that are known as insulin plants, although they are known by the same name, they are very different from each other, therefore, we are going to know a little about both in order to know them or differentiate them from one another:
Chamaecostus cuspidatus
This is a plant originating in Brazil. It is a fleshy plant with the scientific name Chamaecostus cuspidatus, but is more commonly known as the insulin plant.
Its growth can reach up to approximately 70 centimeters and its leaves are arranged in a spiral shape, they are green while its flowers are orange and measure approximately 2 centimeters.
cissus verticillata
In the case of this insulin plant, we are talking about a climber which is native to Florida, United States, to the countries of Bolivia, Paraguay and even the Antilles. This plant can reach a height of 6 or 10 meters, this is because it develops tendrils.
The stems of this plant are flexible, from which their leaves sprout, which are oblong or oval in shape, even some of these can have a shape similar to that of a heart.
In the case of flowers, these are found in small branched and cymose inflorescent groups, their green color varies between yellow-greenish, white or purple, it also has fruits which have a black color and are subglobose.
Surely you have already thought about it, certainly, this plant has excellent properties for those people who suffer from insulin production deficit. It will only be necessary to take a few leaves of this plant natural insulin and make an infusion to consume, although it is recommended that you always consult a doctor first before taking this plant.
Chemical composition of this plant
One of the particularities of this plant is that it has a high content of proteins, iron and antioxidants, ascorbic acid a-tocopherol (vitamin C), β-carotene (vitamin A), flavonoids and steroids.
In addition, this same plant also contains alkaloids, ergasterol steroids, fibers, saponins, tannins and terpenoids, and also contains calcium, copper, potassium and zinc.
Now, let's learn a little about the components that each of the essential parts of this plant contain:
- Sheets: phenolic compounds, sterols and quinones.
- Fruits: sugars, alkaloids, amino acids, delphinidins, sterols, flavonoids, cyanidins, sesquiterpene lactones, saponins, tannins, calcium salts, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, silicon and potassium.
Habitat and distribution
Tropical and subtropical climates are the natural habitats where these plants can be found. They can grow naturally almost anywhere in the world that meets these climatic characteristics, which is why they are not often seen in areas with a temperate climate.
They usually grow wild in almost all of America, from Paraguay and Bolivia to Florida and the Antilles, although they can be seen in greater abundance in Cuba.
Within tropical environments, these plants are found near freshwater, especially those predominantly low deciduous vegetation or high jungle.
These plants are considered as a kind of Invasive plants Because they occupy a large part of the spaces found along the water currents where they grow, being an invasive species, their consequences cause considerable deterioration in mangrove forests.
In the case of the Cissus verticillata species, it is considered a vine that spreads extremely easily through cuttings, layers, and seeds from the plant itself. This easy propagation makes it an invasive plant that causes landscape changes.
Furthermore, it's a fast-growing plant, so its spread is much more rapid. We must also keep in mind that the insulin plant is highly resistant to herbicides, making them very difficult to control.
This plant is geographically distributed throughout the Americas, the Caribbean, and even tropical Africa, although Chile and Canada are exceptions. These plants can cover a wide altitude range, from sea level, that is, at sea level, to 2500 meters above sea level.
This plant is cultivated as an ornamental plant even though it is actually an invasive plant.
Insulin plant properties
This insulin plant is known for various medicinal properties since it has the presence of different secondary metabolisms. Some of these properties are: the ability to be used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-hemorrhoidal, stomachic, hypotensive and sudorific.
Usually this medicinal plant insulin It is more used by those people who want to regulate their blood sugar level, because in this way, it is easier for them to control diabetes if they suffer from it or are prone to suffering from it.
Diabetes as such is a metabolic condition in which the body stops producing insulin or produces it in very low amounts. One of the ways to ingest this medicinal plant is by taking its leaves and blending them with fresh water and taking it daily on an empty stomach, taking it in this way serves as a very effective supplement for the regulation of diabetes.
Other uses
If the sap found inside the plant's stem is extracted, it can be used as a medicinal product to relieve rheumatic and hemorrhoidal symptoms. Drinking infusions of the leaves can also serve as a powerful antibacterial agent that combats dermatoses, digestive and respiratory conditions, and is also very effective in controlling gonococcus.
Cooking the stems and leaves of the plant can be used to make use of a sudorific which is used to relieve cold and flu symptoms. In addition to this, it can also serve as a particularly good diuretic for those whose bodies usually retain fluids.
If the nectar of the flowers of this plant is taken, warmed a little by the sun's rays and mixed with almond oil, it can serve as an ointment or ointment that helps relieve muscle and rheumatic pain. In the case of wanting to macerate the leaves and use them later as a poultice, it can be used as an external topical anti-inflammatory.
To disinfect open wounds that may have been caused in the body, the decoction of the flowers can be used, in the event that they are macerated, they can also be used as a healing agent, so this combination is perfect for healing wounds and avoiding infections.
In the case of Types of fruits from the insulin plant, they can be used as a laxative, although if they are boiled as a decoction, they also have a pectoral action effect.
In some parts of the world, insulin silver is used as a supplement to livestock feed. Its aerial roots are used by some indigenous peoples of Central America to create basketry and rope.
On the other hand, some of the Brazilian indigenous communities use the fruits of this plant to create a kind of dye very similar to indigo. In addition to this, the leaves that are macerated are used to wash fabrics or clothes in general. It is also used as one of the species of ornamental plants.
Contraindications
These insulin plants They cannot be ingested, in any form, by women who are or suspect they may be pregnant, those who are breastfeeding, children, or people who are physically weak due to some type of physiological disorder.
Pregnant women should only use the plant as a poultice or apply the sap from the leaves to wounds or areas of inflammation, especially in the case of external injuries or wounds.
It is important to note that, ideally, before consuming any type of medicinal plant, you should first consult a doctor and have him or her approve its use, since it is important to remember that the same plant is not always good for everyone, especially those undergoing medical treatment.
Insulin plant consumption mode
There are two ways to consume this plant: internally (orally) or externally (topically). Let's learn about each of these methods and the best way to consume it:
internal (oral)
- Infusion or decoction at 2% of leaves and stems: In the event that the infusion is ingested, it is recommended that it be consumed in quantities of between 50 and 200 ml per day, however, if you want to take the decoction, the ideal is that it be taken from 1 to 4 milliliters a day.
Usually, the decoction of the stems and leaves have anti-flu and sudorific properties.
- Tincture: it is recommended that it be done by supplying between 5 and 20 ml a day that is diluted in water or fruit juice.
- Flower infusion: It is recommended to boil a flower of the insulin plant in a cup of water. It should be left to stand for about 10 minutes and should be consumed between 1 and 3 times a day. This infusion of dried flowers contains antiseptic, healing and disinfectant properties.
- Tea to fight diabetes: To make this tea, place 2 tablespoons of dried leaves and 3 fresh leaves in a liter of boiling water. Once the tea is ready, let it steep for 20 minutes, then strain it and drink it 3 to 4 times a day.
- Stem sap: the sap that is extracted from its stems (they must be tender) are used especially because they have an antirheumatic and antihemorrhoidal effect.
- Fruits: These fruits, also known as berries, are used as a powerful and effective natural laxative.
- Estate: The root of the insulin plant is one of the essential ingredients for making the famous and traditional drink known as "pru oriental." This is a fermented beverage created from the root of this plant, a very special and traditional Cuban drink.
- Syrup: this is a syrup that is created based on the extracts of this plant, it must be ingested between 20 and 80 milliliters per day.
External (topical)
- Ointment: By extracting the juice or extract from the leaves of the insulin plant and mixing it with a vegetable oil, especially almond oil, this ointment can be used to relieve muscle aches, pain from rheumatism and boils.
- Poultice: These poultices are applied using hot or macerated leaves, which are placed on open wounds or injuries on the body in order to provide relief from inflammation.
Cultivation of the insulin plant
There are certain conditions that must be met so that this plant can be cultivated correctly. Let's learn a little about what to do:
Requirements
Cissus verticillata spreads rapidly because it has a very good rooting capacity from its vegetative structures. For this reason, the best way to propagate this plant is through cuttings, as this will make its propagation much more effective.
Typically, this plant is planted in hanging pots, although it can also be planted in floor pots. However, stakes must be placed to allow the plant to grow, facilitating its climbing behavior.
Another thing that should be done is to place stakes or some structure that serves as a support so that the aerial roots can be anchored correctly.
Ideally, this plant should be placed in semi-shaded locations, as direct sunlight slows its growth. The ideal temperature for this plant to thrive is between 18°C and 24°C. The minimum recommended temperature is 7°C. Anything lower than this can cause damage and stunt its growth.
When this plant grows naturally, it usually does so in areas where the environment is quite humid, which is why, when grown in pots, it is ideal to keep the substrate moist, of course, always preventing waterlogging.
In addition to this, it is required that it be in an open area and that it has a good current of air, which is why it is recommended to place it in a place that is ventilated but that is well protected from strong drafts. air.
Reproduction
During the spring season, especially at the end of it, is the best time to be able to make the selection and preparation of the cuttings, these should measure between 5 and 7 centimeters long, the cuts should be made only at the younger shoots and that have 1 or 2 branches or apical buds.
To make these cuts, you should use disinfected and sharp tools. Ideally, make a clean cut to prevent the cutting from fraying. Ideally, you should apply rooting phytohormones to aid and facilitate root growth.
These cuttings should be planted in pots using a substrate made with a mixture of equal parts sand and peat, that is, 50% sand and 50% peat. Using a pointed tool, make a hole in which to place the cuttings, which should be placed about 2 or 3 centimeters deep.
The pots where the cuttings are placed should be covered with a completely transparent plastic bag, which should serve as a kind of hood which should maintain a constant and adequate temperature and humidity.
Ideally, the temperature should be kept between 24º and 26º Celsius and the substrate should always be kept moist during the first few days, when rooting occurs.
It is recommended that you check the humidity and condensation inside the hood every day to ensure that it is in the ideal way. Once between 15 and 25 days have elapsed, these cuttings should already have some new shoots, this will indicate that they have already taken root, once this is observed it is the ideal time to remove the plastic that covers them.
Rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots containing fertile, optimal soil for optimal growth. Once transplanted, they should be placed in a cool, semi-shaded area with adequate ventilation.
Care
- This plant should be watered frequently and abundantly (without being excessive) especially in the spring and summer seasons, the plant should never be flooded, because in this way the roots could rot. In the case of the autumn and winter seasons, watering should be occasional, it is recommended that it only be done when the substrate is dry.
- Plants that are grown in a pot should be repotted every year, ideally removing old roots and then placing in a larger pot. The substrate that should be used will be one that contains black earth, peat and sand in equal parts, in this way the drainage of the plant will be much more effective.
- Ideally, every 30 or 40 days, an organic fertilizer is applied, especially during the spring and summer seasons. In the case of winter and autumn, this substrate application should be suspended, because at that time the plant is in a vegetative rest period.
- It is recommended to apply chemical fertilizer once a year, it must have a high content of macro elements, these are: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In addition to this, you should also have some micronutrients such as: copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc.
- The insulin plant is a climbing plant, as mentioned above. It also grows rapidly, which is why it requires occasional maintenance to achieve the desired shape. Pruning during spring will help the plant develop optimally and encourage new branches to grow.
