Chopchini
Chopchini or China root is a perennial climbing deciduous shrub and is a popular traditional Chinese medicine. The rhizomes or roots of this plant are majorly used for various medicinal purposes.
Chopchini helps manage diabetes by enhancing insulin secretion due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As per Ayurveda, consuming Chopchini powder along with lukewarm water improves digestion and appetite due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.
Chopchini is useful in skin problems. It manages skin inflammation and allergic reactions by inhibiting the histamine release due to its anti-allergic property. Applying Chopchini cream on the skin helps to manage psoriasis by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms due to its antipsoriatic property[1-4].
Chopchini helps manage diabetes by enhancing insulin secretion due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As per Ayurveda, consuming Chopchini powder along with lukewarm water improves digestion and appetite due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.
Chopchini is useful in skin problems. It manages skin inflammation and allergic reactions by inhibiting the histamine release due to its anti-allergic property. Applying Chopchini cream on the skin helps to manage psoriasis by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms due to its antipsoriatic property[1-4].
What are the synonyms of Chopchini?
Smilax china, Chopcheenee, Kumarika, Shukchin, China root, China Pairu, Parangichekkai, Pirngichekka, Sarsaparilla[1].
What is the source of Chopchini?
Plant Based
Benefits of Chopchini
What are the benefits of Chopchini for Fluid retention?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Chopchini helps manage Fluid retention due to its diuretic property. It helps in increasing urine production and reducing water retention[7].
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Chopchini helps manage the symptoms of Fluid retention in the body. In Ayurveda, Fluid retention can be correlated with ‘Shvathu’. In this condition, swelling occurs in the body due to the excess fluid accumulation. Chopchini has Mutral (diuretic) property which helps reduce the accumulation of excess water or fluid in the body and reduces the symptoms of Fluid retention.
Tip to use Chopchini to manage Fluid retention-
1. Take 1-3 gm (or as directed by a physician) of Chopchini powder.
2. Mix it with honey or milk.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking meals to get rid of the symptoms of Fluid retention.
OR
1. Take 1 tablet of Chopchini or as directed by a physician.
2. Swallow it with water twice a day after meals to get relief from the symptoms of fluid retention.
Tip to use Chopchini to manage Fluid retention-
1. Take 1-3 gm (or as directed by a physician) of Chopchini powder.
2. Mix it with honey or milk.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking meals to get rid of the symptoms of Fluid retention.
OR
1. Take 1 tablet of Chopchini or as directed by a physician.
2. Swallow it with water twice a day after meals to get relief from the symptoms of fluid retention.
What are the benefits of Chopchini for Rheumatoid arthritis?
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Rheumatoid Arthritis, known as Aamavata in Ayurveda, is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama takes place in the joints. Amavata starts with a weak digestive fire which leads to accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints. Chopchini helps to reduce Ama due to its Ushna (hot) potency. Chopchini has also Vata balancing property and thus gives relief from the symptoms of RRheumatoid arthritis like pain and swelling in the joints.
Tip to use Chopchini to get relief from the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis
1. Take 1-3 gm of (or as directed by a physician) Chopchini powder.
2. Mix it with lukewarm water.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day after meals to get relief from the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis.
Tip to use Chopchini to get relief from the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis
1. Take 1-3 gm of (or as directed by a physician) Chopchini powder.
2. Mix it with lukewarm water.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day after meals to get relief from the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the benefits of Chopchini for Syphilis?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Although enough scientific evidence is not available for the role of Chopchini in Syphilis, it might help manage Syphilis[14].
How effective is Chopchini?
Insufficient evidence
Fluid retention, Rheumatoid arthritis, Syphilis
Precautions when using Chopchini
Breastfeeding
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Chopchini during breastfeeding[5].
Patients with diabetes
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable for diabetic patients to avoid or consult a physician before taking Chopchini.
Patients with heart disease
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Chopchini may interact with cardiac drugs. So it is generally recommended to consult a physician while taking Chopchini with cardioprotective drugs[5].
Pregnancy
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Chopchini during pregnancy[5].
Side Effects
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
1. Stomach irritation.
2. Runny nose
3. Asthmatic symptoms[5].
2. Runny nose
3. Asthmatic symptoms[5].
Recommended Dosage of Chopchini
- Chopchini Powder - 1-3gm powder twice a day or as directed by a physician.
- Chopchini Tablet - 1 tablet twice a day or as directed by a physician.
How to use Chopchini
1. Chopchini Powder
a. Take 1-3 gm or as directed by a physician of Chopchini powder.
b. Mix it with honey or milk.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after meals to get rid of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Chopchini Tablets
a. Take 1 tablet of Chopchini or as directed by a physician.
b. Swallow it with water twice a day after meals.
c. To get relief from the symptoms of fluid retention.
a. Take 1-3 gm or as directed by a physician of Chopchini powder.
b. Mix it with honey or milk.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after meals to get rid of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Chopchini Tablets
a. Take 1 tablet of Chopchini or as directed by a physician.
b. Swallow it with water twice a day after meals.
c. To get relief from the symptoms of fluid retention.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can Chopchini be used as a flavouring agent?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Yes, Chopchini can be used as a flavouring agent in foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals[5][13].
Q. Can Chopchini be used as a condiment?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Yes, Chopchini is used as a beverage condiment for preparation of soft drinks[5][13].
Q. What is the taste of Chopchini?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Chopchini is slightly bitter in taste[14].
Q. What is the botanical name of Chopchini?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
The botanical name of Chopchini is Smilax china.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Balkrishnan A.Chopchini.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- Zhong C, Hu D, Hou LB, et al.Phenolic Compounds from the Rhizomes of Smilax china L. and their anti-Inflammatory activity.Molecules.2017;22(515):1-8.
- Sabarisenthil B, Kalaichelvan VK.A review on pharmacological activities of Smilax China and Smilax zeylanica.International Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences.2017;8(1):57-64.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-379/sarsaparilla
- Vijayalakshmi A,Ravichandiran V, Malarkodi V, et al. Screening of flavonoid “quercetin” from the rhizome of Smilax china Linn.for antipsoriatic activity. Asian pacific journal of tropical biomedicine.2012;2(4):269-275.
- Bhati R, Singh S, Saharan VK, et al.Pharmacognostical standardization, extraction and anti-diabetic activity of Smilax china L. Rhizome.Asian Journal of Traditional Medicines.2011;6(5):218-223.
- Seo HK, Lee JH, Kim HS, et al.Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Smilax china L.Leaf Extracts.Food Sci. Biotechnol.2012;21(6):1723-1727.
- Saraswathi CD, Suresh MV, Sreemantula S, Kumar MR. Effect of Smilax china Linn. on testicular antioxidant activity and spermatological parameters in rats subjected to forced swimming stress
- Hu LL, Chen DS, Wang YY, et al. Smilax china L. rhizome extract inhibits nuclear factor-kB and induces apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. Chin J Integr Med.2015;21(12):907-915.
- Mlcek J, Jurikova T, Skrovancova S, et al.Quercetin and its anti-allergic immune response.Molecules.2016;21(5).
- Vijayalakshmi A, Ravichandiran V,Anbu J, et al.Anticonvulsant and neurotoxicity profile of the rhizome of Smilax china Linn. in mice.Indian Journal of Pharmacology.201;43(1):27-30.
- Sinha K.K.spices and flavouring crops.tubers and roots.Encyclopedia of food sciences and nutrition.2.2003.
- Perera BPR (2014) A Study on the Plants Used as Chopachini. J Homeop Ayurv Med 3:170. doi: 10.4172/2167-1206.1000170.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.
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Last updated 25 Mar 2025 | 01:59 PM (IST)
Introduction
Benefits
Precautions
Recommended dosage
How to use
FAQs
References