Question 1

What is Leea indica used for in traditional medicine?

Accepted Answer

Leea indica is used in Sri Lankan ayurvedic and folk medicine to address skin conditions, rheumatic pain, fevers, and wound healing. Different parts of the plant — roots, bark, leaves, and berries — are prepared as decoctions, poultices, and infusions depending on the intended application. Traditional use is well documented in the island's botanical pharmacopoeia.

Question 2

Where can Leea indica be found in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Leea indica grows across Sri Lanka's wet and intermediate zones, particularly in lowland forests, forest margins, and areas of secondary growth. It is tolerant of disturbed habitats and is commonly found along roadsides and near cultivated land. Areas around rainforest ecosystems such as Sinharaja are typical habitats.

Question 3

What family does Leea indica belong to?

Accepted Answer

Leea indica belongs to the family Vitaceae, the same family as the common grape vine. It is a shrub or small tree bearing compound leaves, small clustered flowers, and fleshy berries that ripen to a dark purple or black colour.

Question 4

Has Leea indica been studied scientifically?

Accepted Answer

Yes, modern phytochemical research has identified flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds in Leea indica. Laboratory studies have explored its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anti-diabetic properties. Most of this research is preclinical and the plant should not replace professionally prescribed treatment.

Question 5

Is Leea indica safe to use at home?

Accepted Answer

Traditional preparations of Leea indica are best undertaken under the guidance of a qualified ayurvedic practitioner. Correct botanical identification is important since misidentification of wild plants can be hazardous, and appropriate dosage depends on the individual's condition and constitution.

Question 6

What does Leea indica look like — how do I identify it?

Accepted Answer

Leea indica is a shrub or small tree, typically one to four metres tall, with large alternate compound leaves whose leaflets are elliptic and serrated. It produces small white or pale pinkish flowers in flat-topped clusters, followed by small berries that turn red and then dark purple or black when fully ripe.

Question 7

What is Leea indica called in Sinhala?

Accepted Answer

Leea indica is known locally by vernacular names that vary by region in Sri Lanka. It is sometimes referred to in folk contexts as a shrub associated with forested margins and wet-zone villages, though formal Sinhala nomenclature can differ across districts and practitioners.