Thavittu Vembada|തവിട്ടു വെമ്പാട|Dineshavally|Red creeper|Ratanjot|Alkanet Root|Ventilago maderaspatana

Red creeper (Thavittu Vembada) or Ventilago maderaspatana is a medicinal herb belonging to family Rhamnaceae.  It is traditionally used for the control of various diseases such as dyspepsia, leprosy, puruitis, etc. Chemical studies have shown that, stem bark contains Flavonoids, tannins etc. Some parts of its phytochemicals possess anticancer, antidiabetics and antiulcers activities. The powder of stem bark mixed with gingelly oil is applied externally to treat skin diseases and itches. The root bark is used as a carminative, stomachic, stimulant.

Antidiabetic activity
The root extracts of  red creeper had also possessed anti-diabetic activity.Methanolic extract of root bark of  red creeper  had 56.25% of inhibitory activity against the enzyme alpha–glucosidase.

Antioxidant activity
Ethnolic extract whole plant of red creeper possesses the anti oxidant and anti denaturation activity.

Antimicrobial and antibacterial activity
The stem bark of red creeper is rich in phytochemicals which has free radicals scavenging activity and strong antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms.

Cardioprotective effect
Methanolic extract of whole plant was found to possess cardioprotective effect against Isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction .

Anti inflammatory and Anticancer activities
The stem bark of this plant was found to possess anti inflammatory and anticancer activities and also used to cure gout .