ABSTRACT
The family Asclepiadaceae consists of approximately 250 genera and 2000 species of tropical climbers, herbs, and shrubs. The botanical signature includes the production of a white latex and simple, opposite, exstipulate, and somewhat fleshy leaves. Well-known examples of medicinal Asclepiadaceae can be found in India and Europe. The second main group of pharmacologically active products found in Asclepiadaceae consists of planar, glucocorticoid-like, phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids such as tylocrebine, characteristic of Tylophora crebiflora, which might hold some potential as a source of chemotherapeutic agents. A decoction of leaves is used as a drink to promote expectoration and to treat asthma. In the Philippines, the juice squeezed from the stems is applied externally to insect bites. The plant is known as Chinese Violet, Fragrant Telosma, Tonkin Creeper, or ye lai xiang. In Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, the plant is used internally to promote urination. In China, the flowers are very fragrant and yield perfumed oil.
