Aristolochia bracteolata also known as 'worm killer' in English due to its anthelminthic activity and trypanocidal effect, is a perennial herb growing from 10âÂÂ60 cm tall. The plant is important in traditional medicine in Africa, India and the Middle East.
Aristolochia bracteolata grows in subsaharan regions from Mali to Somalia through to the Arabian peninsula and India. The plant grows at elevations of 50-740m above sea level and can be found on the banks of rivers, bushland, desert grasslands. It grows in sandy or lava soils.
Aristolochia bracteolata is a climbing or prostrate perennial herb with an unpleasant smell, stems 10âÂÂ60 cm tall from an underground rhizome. The leaves are ovate 1.5âÂÂ8 à1.5âÂÂ7 cm with a petiole 0.5âÂÂ4.5 cm long. Flowers are dark purple, 0.5âÂÂ5 cm tubular, with trumpet shaped mouth. Capsules are oblong-ellipsoid, 1.5âÂÂ2.5 cm. Aristolochia bracteolata has been observed to have 2âÂÂ3 flowers per leaf axil in Somalia, however outside Somalia the plant seems to have solitary flowers.
Aristolochia bracteolata is usually gathered from the wild.
Aristolochia bracteolata has been used in traditional medicine in Nigeria, India, and Ethiopia as an infusion of dried leaves to treat intestinal worms, skin itch, or insect bites.