Botanical Overview
Soma (Sarcostemma acidum) belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family. While not among the most extensively documented medicinal plants, this species has recorded uses that warrant attention from researchers and practitioners. This species belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family, a group of flowering plants.
General Description
The plant is religiously linked to Hinduism and is believed to be a major ingredient of the Soma in Ancient India.
ⓘ Information
Description adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).Family Context
The Asclepiadaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Milkweed — 27 documented uses
- Gymnema — 15 documented uses
- Indian Sarsaparilla — 15 documented uses
- Swallowwort — 14 documented uses
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 11 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Sterol: cholesterol-like compounds with anti-inflammatory properties
- Tannin: astringent compounds that tighten tissues and resist infection
ⓘ Information
Information on this page is compiled from Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases (USDA ARS), a public domain resource. Consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal preparation.⚠ Caution
Traditional records: This plant has documented uses including Poison.
Self-medication with herbs carries risks including allergic reactions, drug interactions, and toxicity. Only use under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.