Derris elliptica

Derris elliptica

ATTENTION! The plant is poisonous!

Product Name: Деррис ядовитый, Derris elliptica, Giftiger Derris, Derris venenosa, Derris toxica, ديريس السام, เดอร์ริส อิลลิปติกา, Derris zaharli, Деррис уулуу, Zəhərli Derris, Деррис заҳролуд, Nuodingasis derris, Indīgais derris, Дерріс отруйний, Zəhərli Derris, דריס רעיל

Synonyms: деррис эллиптический, derris elliptic, elliptischer derris, derris elíptica, derris elliptique, ديريس بيضاوي, เดอร์ริส รูปไข่, tuba root, derris root, rotenone plant, liana insecticide, derris toxica, derris venosa

Used Parts: roots, bark, leaves, seeds.

Primary Indications for Derris elliptica: pediculosis, acariasis, cutaneous leishmaniasis, myiasis, parasitic dermatoses, scabies, cutaneous fungal infections, bacterial dermatitis, entomoses of farm animals, infectious-toxic myocarditis, food toxicoinfection, bartonellosis, onchocerciasis, trypanosomiasis, filariasis.

Application of Derris elliptica in Mixtures and Complexes: tropical malaria, dengue fever, visceral leishmaniasis, viral encephalitis, systemic mycoses, anthrax, plague, tularemia, toxoplasmosis.

Pharmacological Properties of Derris elliptica: insecticidal, acaricidal, antiparasitic, fungicidal, bactericidal, anti-pediculosis, larvicidal, nematicidal, repellent, toxic, neurotoxic, mitochondrial inhibiting, protoplasmic, contact poison.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Derris elliptica

Powder — Derris elliptica

Indications (Powder): pediculosis, acariasis, myiasis, parasitic dermatoses, scabies, cutaneous fungal infections, bacterial dermatitis, entomoses of farm animals.

Standard Dosage (Powder): external application 1—2 times daily to affected skin areas, avoiding contact with mucous membranes.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): external application up to 3 times daily for pronounced pediculosis, acariasis, cutaneous fungal infections with high intensity of lesions.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): no more than 4 external applications per day to limited skin areas for myiasis and severe forms of parasitic dermatoses.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): external application once weekly during the season of high insect activity for chronic parasitic dermatoses, for agricultural workers and cattle breeders.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): use permissible from 12 years of age with child's body weight over 40 kg, only as prescribed by a physician, with dosage reduced by half.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, open bleeding wounds, dermatitis in acute stage; no scientifically registered data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, or in children under 12 years.

Side Effects (Powder): local irritation, erythema, contact dermatitis in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): for body weight below 60 kg — reduce frequency of application by 25%; for body weight above 60 kg — no correction required.

Preparation method (Powder): Ingredients for 100 g of product: dried roots of Derris elliptica — 100 g. Clean the roots from impurities, dry at a temperature not exceeding 45 °C to residual moisture not more than 10%. Grind to a powdery state in a stainless steel mill. Sift through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.3 mm. Package in airtight container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in tightly closed container, in a dry place, protected from light and EMR, at a temperature from 5 °C to 20 °C; shelf life — up to 2 years; after opening, use within 3 months.

Dry Extract — Derris elliptica

Indications (Dry Extract): pediculosis, acariasis, myiasis, cutaneous fungal infections, bacterial dermatitis, entomoses of farm animals, onchocerciasis.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): external use as dusting powder or in ointments — once daily on the affected skin area.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 2 times daily for severe forms of scabies, acariasis, and myiasis.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 3 times daily on limited skin areas with high level of parasitic infestation.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): external application once every 10 days in areas at risk of infection with pediculosis or acariasis, for livestock workers.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): from 14 years with child's body weight over 45 kg, with dosage reduced by half, only as prescribed by a physician.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance, acute inflammatory skin diseases; no scientifically registered data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, or in children under 14 years.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): itching, burning, local inflammation in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): for body weight below 60 kg — reduce the amount of applied extract by 20%; for body weight above 60 kg — no changes.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): Ingredients for 100 g of product: Derris elliptica roots — 500 g, ethanol 70% (organic solvent, used only for extraction, not part of the finished product). Grind the roots to particles of 3—5 mm, pour ethanol in a 1:5 ratio, infuse at 25 °C for 5 days, stirring periodically. Filter, evaporate ethanol in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the solvent odor completely disappears (residual content ≤ 10 ppm). Dry under vacuum at 40 °C to a powdery state.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in dark, tightly closed container, at a temperature from 5 °C to 20 °C, protect from moisture and EMR; shelf life — up to 2 years; after opening, use within 6 months.

Tincture — Derris elliptica

Indications (Tincture): pediculosis, acariasis, scabies, cutaneous fungal infections, bacterial dermatitis, parasitic dermatoses, myiasis, onchocerciasis.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): external application with a cotton swab to affected skin areas once daily, avoiding contact with mucous membranes.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 2 times daily for severe forms of acariasis, pediculosis, and cutaneous fungal infections.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 3 times daily pointwise to affected skin areas for myiasis and resistant forms of parasitic dermatoses.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): external application once weekly for persons in contact with infected animals or people, as well as for livestock workers.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): permissible from 14 years with child's body weight over 45 kg, only as prescribed by a physician, with dosage reduced by half.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, open wounds, dermatitis in acute stage; no scientifically registered data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, or in children under 14 years.

Side Effects (Tincture): skin irritation, burning, dryness in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): for body weight below 60 kg — reduce frequency of application by 25%; for body weight above 60 kg — no changes.

Preparation method (Tincture): Ingredients for 100 g of product: Derris elliptica roots — 25 g, ethanol 70% — 75 g (organic solvent, used only for extraction, not part of the finished preparation). Grind the roots to a fraction of 3—5 mm, pour ethanol in a glass container, infuse at 25 °C for 7 days, stirring daily. Strain, remove residual solvent by evaporation in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the odor completely disappears (residual content ≤ 10 ppm). Store in dark glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): store in a place protected from light at a temperature from 5 °C to 20 °C, protect from EMR; shelf life — up to 1 year; after opening, use within 3 months.

Oil Infusion — Derris elliptica

Indications (Oil Infusion): pediculosis, acariasis, scabies, cutaneous fungal infections, bacterial dermatitis, parasitic dermatoses, myiasis, entomoses of farm animals.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): external application once daily to the affected skin area.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): 2 times daily for pronounced symptoms of acariasis or pediculosis.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): up to 3 times daily on limited skin areas with intensive parasitic infestation.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): external application once every 10 days during the season of high insect activity, for livestock workers and veterinarians.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): from 12 years with child's body weight over 40 kg, dosage reduced by half, only as prescribed by a physician.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance, open wounds, acute inflammatory skin diseases; no scientifically registered data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, or in children under 12 years.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): local irritation, contact dermatitis in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): for body weight below 60 kg — reduce the amount of applied oil by 25%; for body weight above 60 kg — no changes.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): Ingredients for 100 g of product: dry crushed Derris elliptica roots — 20 g, coconut oil — 80 g. Heat the oil in a water bath to 45 °C, add the crushed raw material, infuse for 6 hours at this temperature, stirring periodically. Cool, filter through cheesecloth.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): store in airtight dark glass container at a temperature from 5 °C to 20 °C, in a place protected from light; shelf life — up to 12 months; after opening, use within 3 months.

Emulsifiable Concentrate — Derris elliptica

Indications (Concentrate): pediculosis, acariasis, myiasis, parasitic dermatoses, entomoses of farm animals, cutaneous fungal infections, bacterial dermatitis.

Standard Dosage (Concentrate): external use as an aqueous emulsion with a rotenone concentration of 0.2—0.5%, treatment of affected skin areas or animal coat once every 7—10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Concentrate): rotenone concentration 0.5—0.75%, treatment every 5—7 days with high intensity of parasitic infestation or with resistant forms of acariasis.

Maximum Dosage (Concentrate): rotenone concentration up to 1%, no more than one application in 5 days for severe forms of myiasis and entomoses of animals.

Preventive Dosage (Concentrate): rotenone concentration 0.1—0.2%, treatment once every 14—21 days during seasons of high insect activity, for livestock workers and veterinary services.

Pediatric Dosage (Concentrate): use in children is not recommended due to the high concentration of the active substance and risk of toxic effects.

Contraindications (Concentrate): individual intolerance, skin damage, acute inflammatory dermatoses, pregnancy, lactation, childhood.

Side Effects (Concentrate): skin irritation, erythema, contact dermatitis, dizziness, nausea upon accidental inhalation of vapors.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Concentrate): for body weight below 60 kg — reduce solution concentration by 20%; for body weight above 60 kg — no correction required.

Preparation method (Concentrate): Ingredients for 100 g of product: dry Derris elliptica roots — 25 g, ethanol 96% — 30 g (organic solvent, used only for extraction, not part of the finished product), coconut oil — 40 g, natural-based emulsifier (e.g., lecithin) — 5 g. Grind the roots, pour ethanol, infuse for 5 days at 25 °C, filter, remove ethanol by evaporation in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the odor completely disappears (residual content ≤ 10 ppm). Mix the obtained extract with oil and lecithin until homogeneous.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Concentrate): store in tightly closed dark glass container at a temperature from 5 °C to 20 °C, away from light sources and EMR; shelf life — up to 12 months; after opening, use within 3 months.

Water-Dispersible Granules — Derris elliptica

Indications (Granules): entomoses of farm animals, pediculosis, acariasis, myiasis, parasitic dermatoses, cutaneous fungal infections.

Standard Dosage (Granules): preparation of aqueous suspension with rotenone concentration of 0.1—0.25%, treatment of affected areas or animal coat once every 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Granules): rotenone concentration 0.3—0.4%, treatment every 7 days with high intensity of infestation or resistant forms of acariasis.

Maximum Dosage (Granules): rotenone concentration up to 0.5%, no more than once every 5 days, for severe cases of myiasis.

Preventive Dosage (Granules): rotenone concentration 0.05—0.1%, treatment once every 14—21 days during the insect activity season.

Pediatric Dosage (Granules): use in children is not recommended.

Contraindications (Granules): individual intolerance, skin damage, acute dermatitis, pregnancy, lactation, childhood.

Side Effects (Granules): skin irritation, erythema, contact dermatitis, headache, nausea upon inhalation of powder.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Granules): for body weight below 60 kg — reduce concentration by 20%; for body weight above 60 kg — no correction required.

Preparation method (Granules): Ingredients for 100 g of product: dry Derris elliptica roots — 30 g, ethanol 70% — 50 g (organic solvent, used only for extraction, not part of the finished preparation), corn starch — 15 g, natural binding agent (gum arabic) — 5 g. Grind the roots, extract with ethanol for 5 days at 25 °C, filter, remove ethanol by evaporation in a water bath at 50 °C until odor disappears (residual content ≤ 10 ppm). Mix with starch and gum arabic, granulate, dry at 40 °C to humidity ≤ 8%.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Granules): store in airtight dark glass container or laminated bag at a temperature of 5—20 °C, away from moisture and light; shelf life — up to 2 years; after opening, use within 3 months.

Cream — Derris elliptica

Indications (Cream): pediculosis, acariasis, scabies, cutaneous fungal infections, bacterial dermatitis, parasitic dermatoses, myiasis, onchocerciasis.

Standard Dosage (Cream): external application in a thin layer to the affected skin area once daily, avoiding contact with mucous membranes.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): external application 2 times daily for pronounced forms of acariasis, pediculosis, and resistant fungal skin infections.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): external application 3 times daily on limited skin areas for severe forms of parasitic dermatoses.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): external application once weekly during the season of high insect activity or upon contact with infected animals, for agricultural workers and veterinarians.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): permissible from 12 years with child's body weight over 40 kg, only as prescribed by a physician, with dosage reduced by half.

Contraindications (Cream): individual intolerance, open wounds, acute inflammatory skin diseases; no scientifically registered data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, or in children under 12 years.

Side Effects (Cream): local irritation, itching, erythema, contact dermatitis in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cream): for body weight below 60 kg — reduce the amount of applied cream by 25%; for body weight above 60 kg — no correction required.

Preparation method (Cream): Ingredients for 100 g of product: dry extract of Derris elliptica roots — 5 g, coconut oil — 40 g, shea butter — 20 g, beeswax — 10 g, distilled water — 23 g, natural-based emulsifier (e.g., lecithin) — 2 g. Melt oils and wax in a water bath at 45 °C, add dry extract, mix thoroughly. Separately heat water to 45 °C, introduce into the oil phase with constant stirring until a homogeneous emulsion forms. Cool to 30 °C, package into dark glass jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): store in tightly closed dark glass container at a temperature from 5 °C to 20 °C, protect from light and EMR; shelf life — up to 6 months; after opening, use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Derris elliptica

Studies show that the main toxic component of Derris elliptica is rotenone, which possesses pronounced insecticidal and mitochondrial inhibitory activity. The acute toxicity index (LD₅₀) for rotenone upon oral administration in rats is approximately 132 mg/kg body weight, upon intravenous administration — about 3.6 mg/kg, which indicates a high level of systemic toxicity upon entering the body. In humans, neurological and respiratory disorders are possible in case of overdose or inhalation of powder/aerosol. For external use in recommended dosages, toxic action is minimal; however, with violation of skin integrity, absorption may increase, raising the risk of systemic effects. Long-term inhalation exposure to rotenone in animal experiments has been associated with the development of pathologies similar to parkinsonism.

References: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.g...

Memo for Those Intending to Take Derris elliptica Orally

• This is a poison, not a "natural supplement". Rotenone, contained in Derris elliptica, is a potent mitochondrial poison. It stops cellular respiration and kills not only insects but also the cells of your body.
• LD₅₀ is very low — for rats only 132 mg/kg when taken orally. In humans, even a small amount can cause acute intoxication and death.
• Symptoms of poisoning — severe weakness, shortness of breath, convulsions, loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest. There is no specific antidote.
• Long-term consequences — with chronic entry into the body, rotenone can damage the nervous system, causing pathological changes similar to Parkinson's disease.
• The body will not "cleanse itself" — rotenone is poorly excreted, accumulates in tissues, and continues to destroy mitochondria even after a single dose.
• No sane physician will prescribe rotenone internally — it is prohibited for use in food and pharmaceutical products for internal use in most countries of the world.
• You will not be able to "precisely calculate" a safe dose — because even individual variations in body weight, liver condition, and genetics change toxicity manifold.

Conclusion: oral intake of Derris elliptica is a guaranteed way to cause serious, often irreversible harm to yourself or to die. Even microdoses are unsafe. Use the plant only in external forms and strictly as prescribed by a specialist.

Pharmacodynamics — Derris elliptica

The pharmacodynamic action of Derris elliptica is determined by a complex of biologically active compounds, the main of which is rotenone — a natural isoflavonoid with pronounced insecticidal and mitochondrial inhibitory activity. The main mechanism of action is associated with blocking the function of complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase), which leads to disruption of oxidative phosphorylation and a sharp decrease in ATP synthesis in cells. This process is accompanied by accumulation of reduced forms of NADH and increased formation of reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative stress and damage to cellular structures.

At the systemic level, compounds of Derris elliptica exhibit neurotoxic action, caused by disruption of energy metabolism in nervous tissue and secondary changes in the transmission of nerve impulses. At the level of the peripheral nervous system, a decrease in conductivity of nerve fibers and suppression of signal transmission in synapses are noted, leading to paralysis in sensitive organisms.

In cutaneous and transdermal forms of exposure, active substances exert a local cytotoxic and protoplasmic effect on arthropod cells and some microorganisms, disrupting the integrity of cell membranes and suppressing enzymatic processes. Along with this, in low concentrations, plant extracts may exhibit fungicidal and bactericidal activity due to damage to the cell wall and inhibition of key enzymes of pathogenic microflora.

At the immunological level, Derris elliptica does not exhibit pronounced immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive action, but may indirectly influence the inflammatory response by reducing microbial and parasitic load on the skin. The effect on endocrine and other systemic regulatory systems in therapeutic external concentrations is minimal and limited to local effects.

The pharmacological effects of Derris elliptica can be classified as insecticidal, acaricidal, antiparasitic, fungicidal, bactericidal, as well as agents with pronounced mitochondrial inhibitory action upon systemic entry into the body.

References:
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Rotenone
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a...

Pharmacokinetics — Derris elliptica

With external application, active substances of Derris elliptica, including rotenone, are absorbed in limited quantities through the intact stratum corneum of the skin; however, with violation of epidermal integrity or when using forms with penetrating solvents, the level of systemic entry significantly increases. With the transdermal route of administration, distribution of the substance in the body is limited to areas of local contact, with gradual penetration into the superficial layers of the dermis and partial entry into the capillary bed.

With inhalation exposure (inhalation of powder or aerosols), absorption occurs through the alveolar epithelium, which ensures rapid entry into the systemic bloodstream. The oral route of administration is accompanied by rapid absorption in the small intestine and significant systemic effects, increasing the risk of toxic damage.

Upon entering the bloodstream, active substances are distributed mainly in the lipid fractions of tissues, with accumulation in adipose tissue, liver, and nervous system. Metabolism is carried out mainly in the liver, with the participation of oxidative-type enzyme systems, including microsomal enzymes. Metabolic products are excreted mainly with bile, to a lesser extent with urine. Part of the substance may be excreted through the lungs with the inhalation route of entry.

Interaction with intestinal microflora is possible upon oral intake; however, no significant biotransformation effect from the microbiota has been described. With external use, systemic accumulation is minimal, but with repeated exposure and use of high concentrations, a gradual increase in rotenone content in lipid tissues is possible.

References:
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.g...
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a...
https://link.springer.com/arti...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Derris elliptica

The pharmacological action of Derris elliptica is primarily determined by the content of rotenone — an isoflavonoid compound with high biological activity. The main molecular mechanism consists of inhibiting NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, which blocks electron transfer from NADH to ubiquinone, causes a sharp decrease in ATP levels and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This initiates oxidative stress cascades, damage to membrane lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, leading to apoptosis or necrosis of cells. At the cellular level, it has been established that rotenone disrupts the function of neuronal mitochondria, reduces membrane potential, and suppresses the synthesis of neurotransmitters, including dopamine.

In addition to mitochondrial inhibition, rotenone and other phytoactive substances of the plant are capable of exerting a direct effect on the cell membranes of parasites and arthropods, altering their permeability and disrupting ion transport. Studies have shown that these compounds can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, disrupting neuromuscular transmission, which in combination with energy depletion leads to paralysis. The effect on immunocompetent cells is indirect — due to a decrease in parasitic and microbial load, the stimulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, including TNF-α and IL-1β, is reduced.

At the level of signaling pathways, rotenone can activate NF-κB and MAPK cascades upon excessive accumulation of ROS, which under physiological conditions can lead to an inflammatory reaction, and at high concentrations — to cell death. With local application, phytochemical components of Derris elliptica exhibit fungicidal and bactericidal properties due to disruption of the integrity of the microorganism cell wall and inhibition of key metabolic enzymes.

References:
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.g...
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a...
https://link.springer.com/arti...

Synergy — Derris elliptica

Confirmed data on the synergy of Derris elliptica with other natural taxa and compounds indicate potentiation of insecticidal and acaricidal action when combined with extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) and Melia azedarach (chinaberry). In vitro and in vivo studies show that the combined use of extracts of these plants with rotenone-containing preparations enhances the blockade of neuromuscular transmission in arthropods due to simultaneous inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and disruption of energy metabolism.

In combination with pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium), an additive and sometimes potentiating effect is observed, caused by parallel action on neuronal sodium channels and the mitochondrial respiratory chain. This combination enhances the rate of onset of paralysis in target organisms and reduces the required concentrations of each component.

With extracts of Allium sativum (garlic) and Capsicum annuum (red pepper), modulating synergism against some species of pathogenic fungi and bacteria has been recorded. The mechanism is associated with an increase in the permeability of microorganism cell membranes by sulfur compounds and capsaicinoids, which facilitates the penetration of rotenone and other lipophilic components of Derris elliptica.

In combination with essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), protective synergism with external use has been identified, expressed in a partial reduction of the irritating effect of rotenone on the skin due to the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of the oil.

References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://link.springer.com/arti...

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Derris elliptica

Derris elliptica is traditionally used in countries of Southeast Asia, mainly in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. Ethnographic and botanical descriptions indicate that the plant is known in coastal and island communities as a source of natural insecticide and fishing agent. In the archipelagos of Indonesia, roots and stems were used to prepare an infusion or decoction that was used to poison water in enclosed bodies of water, facilitating fish collection. In rural areas of Thailand and Laos, plant powder was used for treating hair and skin for hygienic purposes, as well as for protection against insects.

In the folk medicine of Malay and Filipino communities, extracts from the roots of the plant were used in the form of external applications, wraps, and lotions for the skin. Traditional healers combined root powder with coconut or peanut oils, creating a thick paste used for domestic and preventive purposes. In some villages of Borneo, plant material was hung at the entrance of dwellings or farm buildings, believing that it protected against insects and snakes.

Historical mentions of the use of Derris elliptica are found in colonial botanical collections of the 19th century, which describe methods of its use by local inhabitants as a natural insecticide and fishing poison. On the islands of the Moluccas archipelago, the plant was considered "powerful" in a domestic and magical sense: root powder was used for fumigating dwellings and boats, and it was also added to ritual mixtures during preparations for sea voyages.

In the ritual practice of some ethnic groups in Malaysia, plant roots were placed in special baskets or bundles, which were hung at the village border, symbolically reflecting the protection of the community from harm. At the same time, in a magical context, the plant was regarded as a conduit of "strong water" — associated with rivers and seas, where food procurement depended on the ability to manage natural forces.