Ethnobotanical

  Ampelopsis cantoniensis - The Traditional Anti-inflammatory Vine Introduction Ampelopsis cantoniensis is a climbing vine commonly used in northern Vietnamese traditional medicine. Its leaves, stems, and roots have a long history of use among ethnic minority communities in the region in herbal decoctions or poultices and applied to support general health and well-being. Botanical and cultural background Ampelopsis cantoniensis belongs to the Vitaceae family and is a woody climbing vine that can extend several meters along surrounding vegetation. The plant features broad, ovate, serrated leaves, small greenish-white flowers arranged in clusters, and dark-colored berries when mature. It thrives in forests, forest edges, hillsides, and along riverbanks, particularly in northern Vietnam provinces such as Lào Cai, Hà Giang, Tuyên Quang, and Lạng Sơn. The vine is hardy and often intertwines with other plants. Culturally, Ampelopsis cantoniensis has been utilized for generations by H’...