Coscinium fenestratum (Goetgh.) Colebr., Trans. Linn. Soc. London 13: 65 (1822)

Synonyms
Coscinium maingayi Pierre
Coscinium miosepalum Diels
Coscinium peltatum Merr.
Coscinium usitatum Pierre
Coscinium wallichianum Miers
Coscinium wightianum Miers ex Diels
Menispermum fenestratum Gaertn.

Description
Creeping and climbing vine of 25-30 m length, diameter 6-7 cm. Shoots curved, noded stem. Outer bark grey with small scales, inner bark yellow with bitter taste. Wood bright yellow when cut, vertical sections showing radial lines, yellow sap. Leaf, single, alternate, obovate, lower blade white-green, leaf base rounded or truncate, apex acute, margin entire, 9-15 cm long, 6-8cm wide, twisted petiole 4-7 cm. Inflorescence flat, round topped rising from nodes, green-yellow flowers. Fruits, drupes 3 cm in diameter, brown to orange or yellow-grey in clusters of 10-20.

Ecology
Prefers mixed and dense evergreen forest with fertile soil and high moisture.

Uses
Stem and roots processed in traditional medicine in an infusion, to treat wounds and dysentery and after effects of childbirth. Khuea haem in the form of berberine is a popular medicine to eradicate bacterial diarrhoea and intestinal parasites. It has significant microbiological activity against bacteria, fungi, yeast, protozoans (Gardia), viruses and worms, but also anticancer, anti-diabetes, anti-hepatitis activities. Chipped stems are used to make a yellow dye, resembling turmeric.

Distribution
India and Sri Lanka to Indochina and western Indonesia (Sunda Shelf Islands).

Local names
Cambodia: Khreua hen, Khamin khreua, Haem mahatsa chan.
English: Berberine vine, Tree turmeric.
Thai: Kheua haem, Haem khuay.
Vietnam: Day vang dang, Vang dang latrang, Hoang dang, Dang giang, Daymonang, Ko trong, To rong.