Botanical name : Smilax china  Linn.
Family : Liliaceae
SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Madhusnuhi, Dweepantaravacha
AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa    : Tikta
Guna   : Lakhu, Rooksha
Virya   : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu
PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English     : China root
Hindi        : Chopchini
Malayalam    : Pavu, Cheenapavu
Distribution – Cultivated in China, Japan and now in Assam district in India  
PLANT DESCRIPTION
A hard tendril climber with prickles all over the stem. Leaves simple, alternate, elliptic, acute and sometimes obtuse and nerved, with prominent stipule at base of leaves. Flowers, white, small and many, found in axillary umbels. Fruits red globose berries. Rhizomes are long, thick and grey colored. Cut surfaces yellowish white colored.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, vata, kapha, rheumatoid arthritis, syphilis, skin diseases, epilepsy, insanity, flatulence, dyspepsia, constipation, fever and general debility.
Useful part    :    Roots, Leaves.  

Photo : Dr. Eby Abraham MD