Sariba plant, an Indian medicinal plant, is found in the peninsular regions up to a height of 1400 metres and in the forest areas of Western Ghats. This medicinal plant has numerous common names such as Sariba and Svetasariva in Sanskrit, Magali beru and Makali beru in Kannada and Mahali kizhangu in Tamil. The botanical name for this Indian shrub is Decalepis hamiltonii.

Sariba plants are the climbing shrub with jointed branches and cylindrical, fleshy and aromatic roots. Leaves of this plant occur in opposite direction and are orbicular, elliptic-obovate. These are approximately 5 cms long; arched and the main nerves present in 6 pairs. The flowers of this medicinal plant are small and whitish-brown in colour. The fruits are small and bear shortly ovate seeds.

Sariba plants are important for their medicinal values. The roots of this plant are considered as an appetizer which are used as blood-purifier and have a sweet sarsaparilla-like taste. In Ayurvedic medicine, the roots are used as a substitute for the plant drug Sariva with the combination of some other medicinal plant parts are used for the treatment of polyuria, hemorrhage, gout, wounds, leprosy, anemia and jaundice.

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