Sanskrit name: Brahmakamal
Botanical name: Saussurea obvallata (DC.) Edgew.
Family name: Asteraceae
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/207
Vernacular names: Brahmakamal (Hindi), Dudhaphool (Nepali), Kapalphool (Kumaoni), Bhramakamal (Garhwali)
Habitat & Distribution:
Found in the Himalayan region between 3,000 – 4,600 meters. Commonly seen in Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Tibet and Bhutan. Grows in alpine meadows and rocky terrains.
Morphology :
An erect perennial herb, reaching 15–30 cm in height. The plant has large, showy, white to creamy bracts that form a flower head which appears lotus-like. Leaves are oblong or lanceolate, with a slightly hairy surface. The inflorescence is capitate with dense clusters of purple florets surrounded by translucent bracts.
Varieties:
No officially documented botanical varieties, though phenotypic variation is observed across altitudinal gradients.
Substitute/ Adulterant:
Substitute – Nymphaea alba
Adulterant – Local white flowering species resembling Saussurea species
Phytochemicals:
Flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, essential oils, and phenolic compounds.
Amayika Prayoga/Therapeutic Uses:
External:
Paste applied over wounds, ulcers, and inflamed skin conditions for healing and cooling effect.
Internal:
Used in decoctions or as powder for treating fevers, bleeding disorders, gastric ulcers, and spiritual neuro-psychological ailments.
Part used:
Flower, root
Yoga/Formulations:
Brahmakamaladi kwatha, Brahmakamala Churna, and used in traditional Lepa yogas in Himalayan folk medicine
IUCN Status: Endangered
Research updates:
Rana S, Rawat MSM. Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of Saussurea obvallata. Indian J Tradit Knowl.
Sharma A, Singh RK, Joshi GC. Antimicrobial potential of Himalayan medicinal herb Saussurea obvallata. J Ethnopharmacol.
Negi JS, Bisht VK, Bhandari AK. Evaluation of hepatoprotective effect of Saussurea obvallata extract in experimental models. Pharm Biol.
