Description

Operculina turpethum, Indian jalap, is a large perennial climbing vine of the family Convolvulaceae, native to the coastal forests and moist secondary vegetation of the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. The root bark — known as Trivrit in classical Sanskrit — is one of the most specifically documented cathartic agents in the entire Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. The Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridayam all extensively document Trivrit as a primary Virechana (purgative) drug for the classical Panchakarma detoxification procedures, incorporated in formulations including Trivrit Lehyam and Trivrit Avaleha, both listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India. The root bark contains resin glycosides (turpethin) responsible for its potent cathartic action. Commercially harvested in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa.