Tejovati

Sanskrit Name: Tejovati

Identification NO : SDACH/HG/244

Botanical Name: Zanthoxylum armatum DC.

Family Name: Rutaceae

Vernacular Names:
Hindi: Tejbal
Marathi: Tejbal
Gujarati: Tejbal
Tamil: Arattai
Kannada: Gandhaphala
Malayalam: Karimaram
Telugu: Devadaramu
English: Toothache Tree, Prickly Ash

Synonyms (from Bhavaprakasha – Haritakyadi Varga):
“तेजस्विनी तेजवती तेजोह्वा तेजनी”

Classification According to Classical Texts:
Charaka: Not specifically classified
Sushruta: Arishta Varga
Vagbhata: Deepaniya, Vishaghna
Bhavaprakasha: Haritakyadi Varga

Habitat & Distribution:
Tejovati grows widely in sub-Himalayan regions from Jammu & Kashmir to Bhutan (1000–2100 m altitude). Also found in Northeast India and some southern hill areas. Prefers moist forest areas and shaded slopes.

Morphology
Root: Woody, aromatic
Stem: Gnarled, covered with spines
Leaves: Compound, aromatic leaflets
Flowers: Yellowish-green, small
Fruits: Globose capsules with aromatic black seeds
Seeds: Pungent, shiny, black

Varieties:
Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (commonly used)
Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC. (less commonly used)

Substitute/Adulterant:
Substitutes: Piper cubeba, Xanthoxylum alatum
Adulterants: Zanthoxylum rhetsa, Zanthoxylum nitidum

Phytochemicals:
Linalool
Xanthoxylin
Piperitone
Alkaloids (e.g., berberine)
Flavonoids
Tannins
Essential oils (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes)

Rasapanchaka:
Rasa: Katu, Tikta
Guna: Laghu, Tikshna
Virya: Ushna
Vipaka: Katu
Prabhava: Shothahara, Krimighna
Dosha Shamakta: Kapha-Vata shamak

Karma (Rogaghnata):
Deepana (digestive stimulant)
Pachana (digestive)
Krimighna (anthelmintic)
Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
Rochana (appetizer)
Vishaghna (antitoxic)
Trishna nigrahana (relieves thirst)
Kasahara (relieves cough)

Amayika Prayoga / Therapeutic Uses:

External:
Used as a paste for swelling and pain
Used in medicated oils for oral and dental infections
Powder applied on skin disorders

Internal:
Useful in indigestion, anorexia
Effective in worm infestations
Helpful in fever, cough, and asthma
Traditionally used in cold-related illnesses

Part Used:
Fruits, seeds, bark, and root

Dose:
Churna (Powder): 1–3 grams
Kwatha (Decoction): 20–40 ml
Taila (Oil): As required for external use

Yoga/Formulations:
Hingwashtaka Churna
Shunthi Churna
Arimedadi Taila
Tejovati Churna
Krimighna Vati

IUCN Status:
Least Concern (LC)

Research Updates

1. Sharma et al. (2021): Found Z. armatum fruit extract effective against oral pathogens like Streptococcus mutans and Candida.
2. Kumar et al. (2020): Demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic action in rat models, validating traditional use in swelling and pain.
3. Rani et al. (2019): GC-MS analysis confirmed high essential oil content with potential for use in aromatherapy and oral care.