Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College

Category: Dravyaguna Vigyan Blogs

  • Kakamachi

    Kakamachi

    Botanical Name : Solanum nigrum Linn.

    Family : Solanaceae

    Identification no. – : SDACH/HG/078

    Introduction :

    Latin name : Solanum = comforting, having sedative qualites; nigrum = niger – black.

    Nightshades make up the genus Solanum, and the family Solanaceae, in the order Solanales. Horse nettle is classified as Solanum carolinense, European bittersweet as Solanum dulcamara,silverleaf nightshade as Solanum elaeagnifolium, and black nightshade as Solanum nigrum. Buffalo bur is classified as Solanum rostratum, the common potato as Solanum tuberosum, the eggplant as Solanum melongena, and the Jerusalem cherry as Solanum pseudocapsicum. The sweet potato, classified as Ipomoea batatas, and the morning glory, classified as Ipomoea purpurea, belong to the family Convolvulaceae. Jacob’s ladder, classified in the genus Polemonium, and the common annual phlox, classified as Phlox drummondii, belong to the family Polemoniaceae.

    Names in different Indian languages :

    English : Black Nightshade

    Hindi : Mako, gurkkamai

    Kannada : Kakarundi

    Malayalam : Manattakkali, karintakali, karintakkali

    Sanskrit : Kaakamaachi

    Tamil : Manittakkali

    Telugu : Kamanci, kacci, kaccipandu, gajjucettu

    Synonyms :

    Kaakaahya, Kaakamaataa, Dhvankshamaachi

    Solanum rubrum Mill.

    Morphology :

    This is a shrub with irregular branches and grows upto a height of 30 cm. to 1 mt.

    Leaves- simple, alternate, glabrous, 5cm. to 7cm. in length and 2.5cm to 3.75cm in breadth.

    Flowers – small and white, cyme

    Fruits – berry, small, spiral. smooth. green when unripe but turn blue on ripening, in bunches. The plant flowers in rainy season an fruits in spring.

    Distribution & Habitat :

    All over India

    Chemical constituents :

    solasonine, alphaand beta-solanigrine, alpha-and betasolamargine; steroidal sapogenins, diosgenin and tigogenin; solasodine and solasodine.

    Properties :

    RASA-kashaya

    GUNA- laghu, snigdha

    VIRYA-anushna

    VIPAKA-katu

    Karma : hridya, dipana, pachana, vrisyam, rasayana, virechana

    anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative, diuretic, laxative, antiseptic, expectorant

    Indication :

    Kasa, swasa, krimi, kusta, vrana

    Part used :

    Whole plant

    Dosage :

    Leaf juice 10-15 ml

    Powder 2-4 g

    Decoction 50-100 ml

    Precaution : Large dose causes vomiting, diarrhoea, thirst, abdominal colic, headache, delirium, seizures, coma and sometimes even death.

    Antidote : The treatment should be done similar to dhatura poisoning.

    Uses :

    It is used extensively in inflammation, osteoarthritis, wounds.. liver enlargement and ascites. Its decoction is used for gargling in stomatitis, throat infection and tonsillitis. Warm decoctions used locally in earache. Its juice is used for nasal administration in nasopharyngeal diseases and ineye disorders. Being a digestive, it is used in loss of appetite, common cold, liver diseases, piles,ascites, dysentery, splenomegaly, heart disease and oedema (used as a vegetable). The powder of the fruit is used in hoarseness of voice, cough and asthma. It can also be useful in renal disorders, gonorrhoea, dysuria, skin disorders and chronic fever.

    Therapeutic Uses :

    Leaf juice with honey useful in cough.

    IUCN Status: Not Evaluated (NE)

    Research Updates (Past 5 Years):

    1. Hepatoprotective activity of Solanum nigrum leaf extract in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats (2021).

    2. Anticancer potential through apoptosis induction in liver cancer cell lines (2020).

    3. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant evaluation of methanolic fruit extract (2022).

    About Kakamachi

    Botanical Name

    Solanum nigrum Linn.

    Family

    Solanaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/078

    Parts Used

    Whole plant

    Habitat

    India

    IUCN Status

    Not Evaluated (NE)

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Kashaya

    Guna

    Laghu, Snigdha

    Virya

    Anushna

    Vipãka

    Katu

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  • Karavira(Peeta)

    photo genrate

    Karavira(Peeta)

    Botanical Name: Cassia fistula Linn.

    Family: Caesalpiniaceae

    Identification No.: SDACH/HG/001

    Introduction: In Vedic literature the dried branches of Aragvadha are used for ritual performance Several external applications containing Aragvadha are mentioned in  Ayurveda ( psoriasis etc.)

    Scientific classification: Sennas belong to the subfamily Caesalpinioideae, family Fabaceae (formerly Leguminosae). Alexandrian senna is classified as Cassia acutifolia. The species from which tinnivelly, or Indian senna, is obtained is classified as Cassia angustifolia

    Names in different Indian languages:

    English : Indian Laburnum,Purging Cassia,Golden Shower

    Hindi: Amaltas,girimala

    Kannada: Phallus,kakke,kakke mara

    Malayalam: Konna,kanikonna

    Sanskrit: Aaragvadha

    Tamil: Sarakkonrai

    Telugu: Rela,kondrakaya,aragvadamu

    Synonyms:

    Chaturaangula, Kritamaala, Kritmaalaka, Karnikaara, Shampaaka, Praagraha, Raajvrksha, Nripapaadapa, Raajadruma, Vyaadhighaataka, Aarevata.

    Cassia rhombifolia Roxb

    Classification according to Charaka, Susrutha & Vagbhata:

    Charaka: Kusthaghna, Kandüghna, Tiktaskandha, Virechana

    Susrutha: Aragvadhadi, Syamadi, Slesmasamsamana, Adhobhagahara

    Vagbhata: Aragvadhãdi, syãmadi

     Varieties & adulterants – (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants):

    1.Karnikara

    2.Pãlevatam

    3. Madhura (sweet)

    4. Amla (sour)

    5. praravata-  Psidium guyava

    6. Garcinia mangostan.

    Cassia roxburghii – AD

    Morphology:

    It is moderate-sized tree, 10-12 m. in height.

    Bark- greenish-grey, smooth when young then brick-red.

    Leaves- paripinnate, 4-8 pairs, ovate, acute, bright green, glabrous above, silvery pubescent beneath. 10-15 cm long

    Leaflets 4-8 pairs, about 2-5 cm, acuminate, ovate-lanceolate.

    Flowers- in lax pendulous racemes, yellow, fragrant.

    Pods- cylindrical, pendulous, indehiscent, 25-30 cm long and 2-3.0 cm diam.

    Seeds- numerous, small, flat, smooth, yellowish-grey

    surrounded by black pulp when ripen pulp will be sweet.

    (Flowers in March-May and fruits in May).

    Habitat  & Distribution:

    All over India, Srilanka, Nepal

    Chemical composition:

    Anthraquinone glycosides, sennosides A and B, rhein

    Pulp glucose 60%, glutin. pectin, dyes, calcium oxalate. minerals. gum and water.

    Seeds- sugars, galactomannan

    Flowers- fistulin, leucopelargonidin tetrarner, kaempfer oil

    Pods- fistulic acid  Bark & Heart wood- barbl Oil, fistucacidin, etc.

     Leaves- Rhein, sennosides A & B

    Properties:

    Rasa :  Madhura

    Guna : Madura, Guru, Snigdha

    Virya : Sita

    (Usna: Dhanvañtari Nighandu)

    Vipãka: Madhura

     Karma : Kapha-pittahara , kushtaghna, arsoghna, vrana hara

    Laxative, blood purifier, febrifugal, astringent, antibilious.

    Indications:

     Kustha, Prameha, Hrdroga, Amavãta, Gandamãlã, Kãmalã, Udara, Udãvarta, Vatarakta, Sula, Jvara

    Constipation, colic, chlorosis and urinary disorders,gout, skin disease, psoriasis, fever

    External uses:

     It is anti-inflammatory,analgesic.

    The pulp and leaf paste are used in nodular oedema & gout. rheumatoid arthritis etc.

    The decoction is used for gargling in diseases of oral cavity and throat,

    Leaf paste is used in skin disease and itching.

    Internal uses:

    Nervous system: It is analgesic by vatahara property, so useful in vata diseases.

    Digestive system: It is bitter so improves taste, It is a liver stimulant and purgative by snigtha properties. It is a mild purgative drug and is useful in constipation and jaundice.

    Circulatory system: It is cardioprotective, antiinflammatory, purifies blood so useful in heart disease, haemorrhagic ditorders, gout and swellings.

    Respiratory system: As it is madhur, snigdha, removes kapha and soothes internal organs by mridu property, in dry cough and dyspnoea flower’s avaleha is given.

    Urinary system: Diuretic by sheeta properly. It  soothes the urinary tract. Seeds are antidiabetic

    Skin: Kushthaghna and refrigerant, so used in skin disease and burning.

    Temperature: It is antipyretic, so used in fever and purgation. Its bitter taste works in digestion and is pittashamak. Bark of root is used in fever.

    Srotogamitwa:

    Dosha : Pitta. kaphaghatna ,liver stimulant

    Mala: Purgative.

    Parts used: 

    Root bark, leaves, flowers,fruit pulp

    Dosage:

    Decoction of root bark 75-100 ml.

     Flower paste 6-10 g

    Important Yogas or Formulations:

    Aragvadhadi taila, Arngvadhadi leha, Aragvadharishta..

    Therapeutic Uses:

    1. Kãmalã- Aragvadha (fruit pulp) is given with the juice of sugarcane or vidari or Amalaki after fortifying with Trikatu. (A.H.)

    2. Gandamãlã- Root bark of Aragvadhã is grinded with rice-water and used for Nasya and lepa (V.M.)

    3. Kustha- Leaves of Aragvadhä are made into paste with Amãlaka and applied externally.

    IUCN Status  – Least Concern (Not threatened)

    Research Updates (Past 5 Years)

    1. Antidiabetic Activity (2021): Study confirmed hypoglycemic effect of C. fistula pulp extract.

    2. Antimicrobial (2022): Pod extract showed efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus.

    3. Hepatoprotective (2023): Bark extract reduced liver toxicity in animal models.

    About Karavira(Peeta)

    Botanical Name

    Thevetia neriifolia Juss.

    Family

    Apocynaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/077

    Parts Used

    Root bark, leaves

    Habitat

    Mexico, Brazil

    IUCN Status

    Not Evaluated

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Tikta, Kashaya, Madhura

    Guna

    Laghu, Snigdha

    Virya

    Sheeta

    Vipãka

    Madhura

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  • Rakta Karaveera

    Rakta Karaveera

    Botanical Name : Nerium indicum Mill

    Family : Apocynaceae

    Identification No.: SDACH/HG/076 

    Introduction :

    It is used for brushing the teeth. Karavira flowers are described in Mahãbhya.. Caraka advocated Karavira for Snãna (bathing) and Pãna (internal administration). Suruta indicated Karavira Ksära in Asmari treatment.

    Names in different Indian languages :

    English : Indian oleander, White oleander

    Hindi : Kaner, karber, karu vira

    Kannada : Kanagilu, paddale, dhavekaneri

    Malayalam : Arali, kanaviram, karaviram

    Sanskrit : Karavirah

    Tamil : Arali, Alari, Aatrulari, Karaviram.

    Telugu : Ganneru, kasturipattu

    Unani : Kaner Safed, Diflaa, Samm-ul-maar, Khar-zaharah

    Synonyms :

    Viraka, Ashvamaaraka, Hayamaaraka, Gauripushpa, Divyapushpa, Shatakumbha, Siddhapushpa (white-flowered var.). Raktapushpa, Raktaprasava, Ravipriya (red-flowered var.) 

    Nerium odorum Soland

    Nerium oleander Linn

    Classification according to Charaka, Susrutha & Vagbhata :

    Charaka

    Kuthaghna, Tiktaskañdha

    Susrutha

    Lãksãdi, sirovirecana

    Vagbhata

    Lãksãdi

    Varieties & adulterants – (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants) :

    1. Sevta,

    2. Rakta,

    3. Pita (yellow)

    4. Krsna – T. peruviana

    Thevetia peruviana

    Morphology :

    A large glabrous erect shrub with milky juice, about 1-3 m high. Leaves— thrice in a whorl, linear-lanceolate, dark green and shining above, thickly coriaceous.

    Flowers— red, rose-coloured, white or yellow; fragrant.

    Fruit— Cylindric, straight, hard follicles, 10-15 cm long, rigid. Flowers and fruits usually during April-June.

    Distribution & Habitat :

    Cultivated as or namental shrub in gardens throughout India.

    Chemical composition :

    pregnanolone glycosides, neriodorin ,glucoside, rosaginine, an essential: oil, a crystalline principle like digilalin. nereine, tannic acid and wax. Leaves contain an alkaloid oleandrine, glucoside, pseudoqurarine, nereine and neriantine.

    Karabin, neriodorein, neriodorin, -sitostero1, neriodin, neriodorin, nerium D, nerioum E (anhydrooleandrin), digitaloside, nerioside, obandrin, digitoxigenin, oleañdroside, rutin, plumericin etc.

    Properties :

    Rasa Katu-Tikta

    Guna Laghu, Rüksa

    Virya Usna

    Vipãka Katu

    Karma : Kapha-Vatahara, Kusthaghna, Vranahara, Cakusya

    Anthelmintic, stomachic, diuretic, Cardioactive, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, insecticidal, toxic

    Part Used :

    Root/root bark

    Dosage :

    Powder 30-125 mg

    Indications :

    Indralupta, Pãlitya, Dusta vrana, Upadama, Kustha, Krmi, Kandü, Netra roga

    asthma, arthragia, ulcers, ringworm, scabies, haemorrhoids, pruritus, skin disease

    External use :

    It cures skin disorders, cleanses and heals wounds and reduces swelling. The application of root paste is helpful in skin disorders, cancer, ulcers and ringworm infection. Leaf juice is put in the eyes in eye disorders. (Care must he taken as it is a poisonous plant).

    Internal use :

    Digestive system : Stimulant or appetite and useful in appetite, digestive disorders and constipation.

    Circulatory system : In a low dose it provides energy to the heart. But in higher dose, it is lethal to the heart. Nerium is a blood purifier. It is useful in oedema. weakness and dyspnoea induced due to cardiac debility.

    Urinary system : It increases the blood flow in the kidneys, thus increasing the urine quantity and flow, It is used in dysuria and stones.

    Skin : Diaphoretic and useful in clearing skin infection. It can be used in very chronic skin diseases.

    Temperature : Febrifuges. mainly episodic fever. The action of 1 ratti lie. 120 mg.) of the bark of yellow nerium is same as 15 ratti of the bark of Cinchona. In malaria, after the temperature comes to normal.

    Satmikaran : It is a powerful poison, this should be kept in mind.

    Higher dose Causes toxicity, feeble pulse, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest and then leads to death.

    Antidote After stomach wash, cow’s ghee should be given.

    Parts used : Roots, bark of the root.

    It is better to avoid internal use of this plant.

    Important Yogas or Formations :

    Karavirãdi taila, Hayamarãdi taila, Karavira yoga, sveta Karaviryadi taila,

    Important research work going on :

    1) cardio tonic activity

    2) insecticidal activity

    3) CNS-depressant effects

    4) anti cancerous activity

    5) bradycardia

    6) antipyretic effect and anti-inflammatory activity.  

    Therapeutic Uses :

    (1) Indralupta— The affected are should be pasted with Karavira juice (A.H. Ut. 24/29).

    (2) Kustha— Oil prepared with Karavira root and aconite along with cow’s urine is useful .

    (3) Apasmãra— The powder of sveta karavira leaves is used for Nasya

    IUCN Status: Not evaluated

    Research updates (past 5 years): 

    1. 2020: Antimicrobial activity against skin pathogens 

    2. 2021: Oleandrin as potential anticancer agent (in vitro) 

    3. 2022: Toxicology and safe handling review 

     

    About Rakta Karaveera

    Botanical Name

    Nerium indicum Mill.

    Family

    Apocynaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/076

    Parts Used

    Root, Root Bark

    Habitat

    India

    IUCN Status

    Not Evaluated (NE)

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Katu, Tikta

    Guna

    Laghu, Ruksha

    Virya

    Ushna

    Vipãka

    Katu

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  • Karanja

    Karanja

    Botanical Name : Pongamia pinnata Pierre.

    Family : Papilionaceae; Fabaceae

    Identification No.: SDACH/HG/075 

    Introduction :

    We come across the references about Karañja in RigVeda and Atharvaveda. Karañja sticks  described as the best among the tooth sticks in susthra stana.

    Names in different Indian languages :

    Hindi : Karanj, Dithouri

    Telugu : Kanugacettu

    Tamil : Pongum; ponkamaram

    English : Indian beech, pongam oil tree

    Gujarati : Kanajhi

    Malayalam : Ungh, pongh

    Kannada : Hongemara

    Sanskrit : Karanjah

    Synonyms :

    Cirabilvaka, Naktamãlã, Gucchapuspaka, Ghrtapura, Snigdhapatra

    Pongamia  glabra Vent.

    Derris indica (Lam.) Benett.

    Classification according to Charaka, Susrutha & Vagbhata :

    Charaka

    Kandüghna, Katuka skañdha

    Susrutha

    Aragvadhãdi, Varunãdi, Arkãdi, Syamãdi, Kaphasamamana

    Vagbhata

    Aragvadhãdi, Varunãdi, Arkãdi, Syamadi

    Varieties & adulterants – (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants) :

    1. P.glabra Vent

    2. Karañja

    3. Püti Karanja.

    4. Kantaka Karañja— Karanja, Naktamãla, Karaja, Ciribilvaka

    5. Ghrta Karañja— Prakirya, Pütika, Pütikaranja, Somavalka

    6. Karañji— Udakirya, Sakgrandha, Hástivãruni, MarkatiKarabhañjikã

    7. Udakirya (Karanja visesa)

    8. Angãravallika

    9. Cirabilva

    10. Valli Karaiija

    11. Guccha Karañja

    12.  Ritha karanja

    Morphology :

    It is a medium-sized glabrous tree, growing about 20 m. bark greyish green or brown.

    Leaves- Compound, imparipinnate; leaflets 5-7, elliptic , ovate.

    Flowers- in axillary racemes, fragrant, pinkish white, tinged with pink or violet; peduncle as long as the rachis.

    Fruits- pods, compressed, woody, glabrous, elliptic obliquely oblong, 5-8 cm long and 2 -3 cm. broad.

    Seeds- 1-2, elliptic or reniform, wrinkled, about 2.0 cm long and 1-2 cm. broad with reddish-brown leathery testa

    (Flowers and fruits during May- June).

    Distribution & Habitat :

    Throughout India upto 1200 m., also cultivates . Found in central and South India, Sri Lanka.

    Chemical composition :

    chromenoflavones, chromenochalcones, coumarones, flavone glucosides, sterols, triterpenes ,  phenylalanine dipeptide

    Seeds contain 27% bitter and dark (sherry) coloured fixed oil (pongamia oil). Bark contains bitter alkaloid, resin, mucilage and sugar. Karanjin, pongapIn, 3-meth- oxypongapin, pongaglabrone, kanjone, pongol, g.matin, lonchocarpm,isolonchocarpin, karanja chromene, porgachromene, isopongaflavone, pongamol, glabrin, ovalitenone, kanugin, cemethoxy, kanugin, pongamin, neoglabrin etc

    Properties :

    Rasa -Tikta, Katu, Kashäya

    Guna –Laghu, Tiksna.

    Virya- Usna

    Vipaka – Katu

    Karma : Kapha-vãta hara, Sothahara, Bhedana,sophahara, vranahara

    Laxative, digestive, carminative,

    Indications :

    Yoniroga, Kustha, Udavarata, Gulma, Arsas, Krimi,vrana , Unmãda etc.

    scabies, herpes, leucoderma, flatulence, dyspepsia, diarrhea , skin disease,  cough, bleeding piles, ulcers , beri beri

    Fruit- Prameha, Arsas, Krimi, Kustha etc.

    Oil- Netra roga, Vãta roga, Kustha, Kandü,  etc.

    Part Used :

    Root bark, stem bark, leaves, seeds, twigs (as tooth brush), seed oil.

    Dosage :

    Fresh juice 10-20 ml; seed powder 3-5g. bark powder 5g

    External use :

    Bark, leaves and seeds are antiseptic, antipmritic and analgesic. Oil derived from the seeds has antiparasitic, wound healing and analgesic properties. used nausea Also useful in various skin diseases and wound& Oil is used for massage in vata disorders, Poultice of leaves removes the bacteria from wounds. Paste of flowers is applied in alopecia.

    Internal uses :

    Digestive system : it improves appetite and digestion. It is purgative, anthelmintic and liver Ionic due to ushna and tikshna properties. Leaves and bark are used in loss of appetite, digestive disorders, constipation. helminlhiasis. and haemorrhoids.

    Circulatory system : Being bitter, it enhances blood flow and its ushna guna reduces swellings. Effective also in rheumatoid arthritic swelling.

    Respiratory system : Being Kaphaghna & kasahara. it is used in cough: especially in whooping cough, powdered seeds in water used.

    Urinary system : Useful in urinary disorders as it reduces the quantity of urine by pungent and hot nature. Flowers are used in ikshumeha.

    Reproductive system : Its ushna and tikta guna makes it keep the uterus in good condition.

    Skin : Kushthaghna. effective in all skin disorders. Karanja oil is the best treatment for fatty ulcers of skin.

    Important Yogas or Formulations :

    Karanjadi churna, Karanjadya ghrit, Karanjadi tailam.

    Important research work going on :

    (1) Antibacterial activity

    (2) Antibacterial activity

    (3) Action on lipid metabolism.

    (4) Antifungal activity

    (5) Hypoglycemic effect

    Therapeutic Uses :

    (1) Grañthi visarpa- Paste of Karañja bark may be applied locally (C.S.Ci.21).

    (2) Rakta pitta—Seed powder of Karañja should be given with sugar & hones (S.S.Ut.45).

    IUCN Status: Least Concern. 

    Research Updates: 

    1. Biofuel and medicinal uses (2020, Renew. Energy) 

    2. Antimicrobial seed oil (2021, J. Ethnopharmacol.) 

    3. Anti-diabetic karanjin (2023, Phytomedicine) 

     

    About Karanja

    Botanical Name

    Pongamia pinnata Pierre.

    Family

    Fabaceae (Papilionaceae)

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/075

    Parts Used

    India, Sri Lanka

    Habitat

    India, Sri Lanka, Nepal

    IUCN Status

    Least Concern

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Tikta, Katu, Kashaya

    Guna

    Laghu, Tikshna

    Virya

    Ushna

    Vipãka

    Katu

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  • Madayanti

    Madayanti

    Botanical Name : Lawsonia inermis Linn.

    Family : Lythraceae

    Identification No.: SDACH/HG/074 

    Introduction :

    Latin name: Lawsonia = after Mr. M. A. Lowson. FRS, who assistedin preparation of flora of British India: nermis = smooth stemmed.without spines or alba = white.

    Names in different Indian languages :

    English : Henna, cypress shrub

    Hindi : Mehanti, Henna

    Kannada : Madurangi

    Malayalam : Mailancgi, mailanci

    Sanskrit : Madayanti, medhini

    Tamil : Marithondi, Marudum, mailanchi

    Telugu : Goranta

    Unani : Hinaa, Mehndi

    Synonyms :

    Madayanti, Madayantikaa, Mendika, Ranjaka.

    Lawsonia alba Lam.

    Morphology :

    It is a shrub with ‘sweet smelling white flowers.

    Leaves – simple, opposite, ovate-lanceolate, give a red colour on crushing.

    Fruits are of the size of peas, with small seeds inside

    Distribution & Habitat :

    Throughout India

    Chemical constituents :

    naphthoquinones, lawsone,  laxanthone, I, II and III

    Properties :

    Guna: laghu, ruksha;

    Rasa: tikta. kashaya;

    Vipaka: katu;

    Virya: sheeta;

    Karma :

    Kushtaghna, bhuta graham vinashana

    astringent, antihaemorrhagic, antispasmodic, oxytocic, antifertility, antifungal,  antibacterial

    Indication :

    Raktatisara, kusta,kasa,pandu, jwara, kandu, galaroga, hridroga, mutra krichra

    Ulcers, wounds, fever, skin disease, cough,

    Part used :

    Whole part

    Dosage :

    Leaf juice 10-15 ml

    Powder 2-4 g

    Decoction 50-100 ml

    Uses :

    It is an analgesic, reduces oedema, and is astringent. anti-inflammatory and antidermatosis.

    It improves complexion and hair growth and reduces burning sensation.

    External application of the paste is useful for burning of hands and feet, headache, joint pains, inflammation, ulcer and skin diseases. Decoction is used for gargling in stomatitis and pharyngitis

    (as an astringent). A combination of henna and lndigofera tinctoria is used  for dying the hair black. Flowers are used as refrigerant and in insomnia.

    Seeds – Extract of seeds stimulates the spleen and liver and hence used in dysentery..

    The juice of the leaves is given orally in jaundice.

    Flowers – Since the flowers are useful in heart conditions, its hot infusion is used in heart diseases.

    Leaves – The juice or decoction of the leaves is used in diseases of the blood. The leaf juice is’

    Since it is a diuretic, leaf juice + sugar are used in dysuria and pyuria. It reduces burning in the urine and soothes the urinary tract. The decoction of the leaves is used in dermatoses and syphilis. Hot infusion of the flowers is given in fever.

    Formulations : Madayantyadi churna

    IUCN Status: Least Concern. 

    Research Updates: 

    1. Wound healing activity (2019, J. Ayurveda Integr. Med.) 

    2. Antioxidant flavonoids (2021, Phytochem. Anal.) 

    3. Anti-inflammatory effects (2022, IJPR) 

     

    About Madayanti

    Botanical Name

    Lawsonia inermis L.

    Family

    Lythraceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/074

    Parts Used

    Whole plant

    Habitat

    India

    IUCN Status

    Least Concern

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Tikta, Kashaya

    Guna

    Laghu, Ruksha

    Virya

    Sheeta

    Vipãka

    Katu

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  • Nagdamani

    Nagdamani

    Botanical Name : Sansevieria roxburghiana

    Family : Liliaceae

    Identification No.: SDACH/HG/073

    Introduction :

    Sansevieria roxburghiana J. & J. Schultes used as ‘murva’ in Bengal and north east region. Sansevieria cylindrical properties are similar to Sansevieria roxburghiana. And Ayurveda usage similar to murva

    Varieties & adulterants – (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants) :

    In south chronemorpha fragrans used as murva, In North Clematis triloba is used.

    Distribution & Habitat :

    North East

    Chemical constituents :

    aconitic acid, sansevierine

    Properties :

    Similar to ‘murva’

    IUCN Status  – Not Evaluated

    Research Updates

    1. 2020: Demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties (Journal of Ethnopharmacology). 

    2. 2021: Identified new saponins with anti-microbial activity (Phytochemistry). 

    3. 2022: Validated traditional use in snake bite management through rodent models (Ayurveda Research Paper). 

     

    About Nagdamani

    Botanical Name

    Sansevieria roxburghiana

    Family

    Liliaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/073

    Parts Used

    Rhizome, Shoots, Whole plant

    Habitat

    North East India

    IUCN Status

    Not Evaluated

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Tikta, Kashaya

    Guna

    Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna

    Virya

    Ushna

    Vipãka

    Katu

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  • Sarpagandha Bheda

    Sarpagandha Bheda

    Botanical Name : Rauvolfia tetraphylla

    Family : Apocynaceae

     Identification No.: SDACH/HG/072

    Morphology : A small, much-branched woody shrub, 0.6-1.2 m high. Leaves whorled, ovate-elliptic. Flowers greenish-white or creamy-white in umbellate cymes. Fruits (drupes) ovoid, deep red or purple when ripe; seeds oblong, rugose.

     Uses :

    The latex, roots, leaves, bark and fruits are all used in traditional medicine in S. America.The roots are frequently used in India as a substitute of Rauvolfia serpentina for medicinal purposes.The latex in the plant is said to be cathartic, diuretic, emetic and expectorant.  It is used for treating dropsy and various other diseases. It is applied to granulated eyelids

    The plant is commonly used in the treatment of malaria in Guatemala, where it is also one of the reputed remedies for snake bites

    The plant contains two alkaloids, to which the names Chalcupine A and B have been given

    The plant is a good source of the alkaloid reserpine, which is used in making allopathic medicines. It is harvested commercially for this purpose

    The roots yield the alkaloid reserpine, which is an antihypertensive and tranquilizer

    IUCN Status: Vulnerable (due to overharvesting).

    Research Updates: 

    1. Hepatoprotective effects (2020, IJNPR) 

    2. Comparative alkaloid study (2022, Nat. Prod. Res.) 

    3. Sustainable harvesting (2023, J. Ethnopharmacol.) 

     

    About Sarpagandha Bheda

    Botanical Name

    Rauvolfia tetraphylla L.

    Family

    Apocynaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/072

    Parts Used

    Roots, Leaves, Bark, Fruits, Latex

    Habitat

    India, Central America, South America

    IUCN Status

    Vulnerable

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Tikta

    Guna

    Ruksha

    Virya

    Ushna

    Vipãka

    Katu

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  • Sarpagandha

    photo genrate

    Sarpagandha

    Botanical Name : Rauvolfia serpentine Benth. ex Kurz.

    Family : Apocynaceae

    Identification No.: SDACH/HG/071

    Introduction :

    This drug used in epilepsy,unmada etc. reserpine separated from this plant .

    Sarpagandhaa of Ayurvedic texts was not the Sarpagandhaa of modern medicine.

    Bapalalji reported that according to Bengali Kavirajas, Rauwalfia serpentina is one of the 3rd   types of  Rãsnã

    Names in different Indian languages :

    Hindi : Chotã chãnd, candrabhaga

    Telugu : patalagandhi

    Tamil : Sivan amalpodi

    English : Serpentina root

    Marathi : Adakayr

    Gujarathi : Amalpodi

    Kanada : sutranabi

    Malayalam : Amalpori, chuvanna amalpori

    Sanskrit : sarpagandha

    Folk : Chhotaa Chaand

    Synonyms :

    “Sarpagandha chandrika chandramarahitapriya | 

     Nakuli nakuleshta cha sarpadanshahara tatha ||”

    (Bhav Prakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, Shloka 180) 

    Nakuli , Sarpachhatrikaa, Varshaasu Chhatrikaaraa, Candramara, Dhavala , Sarpasugan Sugandha,  Muktã, Nakulestã

    Varieties & adulterants – (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants) :

    1. R. tetraphylla  – AD

    Morphology :

    Glabrous under-shrub with red pedicels and calyx.

    Leaves in whorls 3-4, rarely opposite, elliptic-lanceolate or obovate acute or acuminate.

    Flowers— white, tinged with violet in irregular corymbus cymes. Corolla is salver- shaped, tube cylindric, white or fanged with red.

    Fruits— obliquely avoid drupes, purple-black when ripe, Seeds ovoid.

    Flowers and fruits almost throughout the year but mainly during February-May.

    Distribution :

    Grows in waste places and shady forests in India. It is now considered as an endangered species in many parts of India.

    Habitat :

    All over India, mostly in Bihar. Bengal, Konkan and Uttar Pradesh. Also found in Burma, Sri lanka. Java and Andamans.

    Chemical composition :

    It contains salt, resin, white juice, gum, potassium carbonate, phosphate. calcium. cautic and manganese. In addition to these, there are about twenty five elements usually observed. Ajmalicidine, ajmalicine, rouhjmbiiie . Indobinine, reserpiline, reserpine, sarpagine, serpentine, serpentinine, yohimbine, ajmalimine, ajmaline, rauwolfinine (perakenine), sandwicolidine, serpinine etc. Reserpine (an indole alkoloid) is the antihypertensive principle having tranguillizing property also. Ajmaline in combination with other hypotensive agents, is used in the treatment of HTN complicated with sarrythmia.

    Properties :

    Rasa Tikta

    Guna Rüksa

    Virya Usna

    Vipãka Katu

    Karma : Kapha-vata hara, Nidrajánaka

    Laxative, anthelmintic, thermogenic,  diuretic, sedative

    Indications :

    Apäsmara, Unmãda, Sirãgata vãta, Anidra, Bhrama, süla, Raktasammarda.

    hypertension,  epilepsy, giddiness, fever, wounds, colic, insomnia, hypochondria, neuropsychiatric, disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia

    Part Used :

    Root

    Dosage :

    Insomnia 3-6 g; hypertension 1-2 g.. Schizophrenia 3- 6g.

    External uses :

    Juice of leaves can be applied to the eyes as a remedy for corneal opacity.

    Internal uses :

    Nervous Systems : Being analgesic, sedative koastashamak, it is used in insomnia and irrigative conditions of the nervous systems. As it is used in mental disturbance.

    Digestive System : Because of ushna vidrya and tikta guna, it acts as an appetizer; digestive, cholagogue, anthelmintic, Hence it is used in loss of appetite, helmnthiasis etc. For pain in abdomen; 1 part of sarpagandha roots +2 parts of bark of kutaja +3 parts of roots of castor mixed with milk is given.

    Circulatory System: salt reduces the heart rate and dilates the blood vessels with lowering of blood pressure. Because of this special property of reducing the blood pressure, it is a universally known medicine. Along with reducing blood pressure it causes drossiness, reduces giddiness and mental tension.

    Reproductive System : It reduces libido and increases menstrual bleeding. So it is used for priapism and excessive libido. It reduces pain of dysmenorrhoea. It is also used to increase uterine contraction during labour.

    Temperature : Because of its tikta rate it is amapachak as well as antipyretic. especially effective in lever caused by vata pitta, contageous fever and insomnia.

    Satmikaran : It is antidote to snake bite

    Precautions : It should be used only on established disease with mental disturbance. Ii should be used with caution in patients who are mentally as well as physically weak. The result of the medicine is expected within a week but within 3 to 6 weeks results are definitely seen. After stopping the medication its effect is washed out in into 3 weeks. The blood pressure fluctuates according to change of body conditions, which does not happen with this medicine. It  causes diarrhoea and bad dreams if given in larger dose. Sarpagandha sometimes causes blocking of nose, weight gain, reduced libido and increased intestinal motility.

    Contraindications : Bronchial asthma. duodenal ulcer. hyperacidity, renal pain and mental instability.

    Important Yogas or Formations :

    Sarpagandhadi churna, Sarpagandha yoga. Sarpagandha vati (Maheshwari vats) Saragandhãdi cürna, Sarpagandhaghanavati

    Important research work going on :

    Anti cancerous activity

    Therapeutic Uses :

    (1) Visücikã- Sarpagandha should be given with warm water (Vai. Ma.)

    (2) Atisãra- Sarpagandha root and kutaja root are powdered and administered in diarrhoeal disorders .

    (3) Sarpa Visa- Root powder of Sarpagandha (10-20 g) is grinned with water and used internally. The same is applied locally as well.

    IUCN Status: Endangered.

    Research Updates: 

    1. Antihypertensive alkaloids (2019, J. Ayurveda Integr. Med.) 

    2. Neuroprotective reserpine (2021, Phytomedic

    3. Conservation status (2023, J. Threatened Taxa) 

    About Sarpagandha

    Botanical Name

    Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz

    Family

    Apocynaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/071

    Parts Used

    Root

    Habitat

    India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Java

    IUCN Status

    Endangered

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Tikta

    Guna

    Ruksha

    Virya

    Ushna

    Vipãka

    Katu

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  • Katu Shigru

    Katu Shigru

    Botanical Name : Moringa oleifera Gaertn.

    Family : Moringaceae

     Identification No.: SDACH/HG/070

    Introduction :

    It is applied externally in krimi rogas . Leaves of Sigru are considered to be sukrala, chakusya, Vishaghna.

    Scientific classification: The horseradish tree belongs to the moringa family, Moringaceae. It is classified as Moringa pterygosperma.

    Names in different Indian languages :

    Hindi : Sahijana

    English : Drum stick plant, Horse-radish tree

    Telugu : Munaga chettu

    Tamil : Murungal

    Malayalam : muringa

    Kanada : Nuggi, Murunga

    Sanskrit : Sigru, sobhanjanah

    Unani : Sahajan

    Synonyms :

    Madhu Shigru, Sigra, Shobhaanjana, Haritashaaka. Raktaka, Murangi, Mochaka, Akshiva, Tikshnagandhaa.

    Moringa oleifera Lam

    Classification according to Charaka, Susrutha & Vagbhata :

    Charaka

    Krmighna. Svedopaga, Sirovircecanopaga, Katuka skañdha

    Susrutha

    Varunädi, sirovirecana

    Vagbhata

    Varunädi

    Varieties & adulterants – (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants) :

    1. Sveta Sigru & Madhu Sigru

    2. Rakta Sigru or Sigruka

    3. Moringa coñeanensis Nimmo

    4. M. oleifera Lam

    5. Sweet sigru

    6. Bitter sigru

    Types : Depending on the types of flowers, it is classified into two (1) white and (2) reddish white.

    Morphology :

    A small or medium-sized tree, growing upto 12m. Bark- corky, soft, thick, deeply fissured. Wood is soft.

    Leaves: tripinnate, Rachis slender, 30.5-61.0 cm long; leaflets elliptic.

    Flowers: bisexual, irregular, fragrant, white, in large panicles.

    Fruits:pod, triangular ribbed, pendulous, greenish, 25-50.00 cm

    Seeds : Trigonous, winged

    Distribution & Habitat :

    All over India.

    Chemical composition :

    Bark- sterols, terpenes (bayrenol)

    Leaves- amino acids viz., aspartic and glutamic acid, serine.

    Whole plant- moringine, moringinine, bayrenol, indole acitic acid, concanensis acid, pteregospermine, carotene etc.

    Seeds: contain stable, clean, colourless oil

    Root:  bad smelling volatile oil

    Flowers- Ouercetin, kaempferol.

    Properties :

    Rasa:  Katu, Tikta

    Guna:  Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna

    Virya:  usna

    Vipaka: katu

    Karma : Kapha-vãtahara, sukrala, Grãhi, Dipana, Hridya, chaksusya

    Anti inflammatory (but irritates Kidney ) ,Cardiac and circulatory stimulant, antipyretic, anthelmintic, digestive, Anti allergic, carminative, laxative, diuretic. Cardiac tonic, antiepileptic.

    Indications :

    Krimi, Pimaroga, Galagama, sirahsãla, Kandü, sotha, Apaci, Vrana, Medo roga, Vidradhi, Gulma.

    Rheumatic arthritis, nervous debility, asthma, enlarged liver and spleen, deep-seated inflammation

    Part Used :

    Panchang

    Dosage :

    Root bark juice 25-50 ml, seed powder 2-4 g, stem bark

    Important Yogas or Formulations :

    Sigru pusparasayana,sigruvadi lepa.

    External uses :

    A paste of bark and leaves produces burning sensation, is anti-inflammatory and acts on abscesses. It is applied topically on inflammation and abscess. Seed powder is the best shirovirechana  nasya, Seed powder is administered nasally in headache and heaviness of the head produced by kapha. Seed oil is analgesic hence used in rheumatoid arthritis and painful diseases.

    Internal uses :

    Nervous system as it is tikshna and ushna, it is a nerve stimulant. The non crystalline part of the bark is very strong and it acts through afferent nerves on the body. Because of this, it cause hypertension, increases heart rate and contracts the blood vessels. It towers the function of muscles in respiratory as well as digestive system. Dilatation of pupil occurs similar to the action of adrenalin and ephedrine. Tender plant root is useful in epilepsy.

    Digestive system : As it is pungent and tikshna, it improves appetite, is digestive,Vidahi, grahi Induces motility), analgesic, antibacterial and de-worming agent. Madhu shigru is viscous and sweet and so it is purgative. In unassimilated internal abscess. madhu shigru is used in lunch, drink and in external application also. It is useful in lose of appetite, tastelessness, pain in abdomen, ascites, gulma and worms.

    Circulatory system : Due to ushna guna it acts as a stimulant to heart, creates hypertension and is anliinflamrnatonj. It is used in weakness of heart and inflammation.

    Respiratory system : Kaphaghna. Useful in kaphaja kasa. Seed powder is useful for shodhana nasya.

    Urinary system : As it is ushna & tikshna. it stimulates the kidneys and increases the quantity of urine. It is useful in dysuria and in increased acidity in urine. In calculi its decoction is useful. It is not used in hydronephorsis, as it irritates the kidneys and increases inflammation.

    Reproductive system : It stimulates menstruation and as it is ushna and anti inflammatory, it is useful in dysmenorrhoea and obstructed menstruation.

    Satmikaran : It controls medoroga and reduces effects of poison. It reduces shukra therefore one should not use it in conditions involving reduced shukra. It acts on shukra but reduces it.

    Skin : Tikshna and ushna, induces sweating. Therefore its hot infusion is used in skin diseases. If there are maggots in the wound fresh bark paste is applied and bandoged on the wound. Due to its smell, all maggots come out. (Turpentine and resin ad similarly).

    Temperature : Since it is a diaphoretic, its hot infusion is used in fever associated with rigors caused by obstruction of sweat. The legumes of shigru are used as diet in post . pyrexial conditions.

    Eyes : The seeds are used for topical application in the eyes: It is useful in eye disorders produced by kapha.

    Excess intake : As it is ushna, tikshna, it produces raktapitta and burning sensation if taken in excess dose. It is contraindicated in pitta prakriti and, raktapitta. (According to some experts, it is superior to penicillin in preventing inflammation and suppuration in traumatic ‘wounds without any side effects as in penicillin).

    Important research work going on :

    (1) Antimicrobial and antibacterial activity

    (2) Action on Eye.

    (3) Antifungal activity

    (4) Antiviral activity

    (5) Anti-inflammatory activity

    Therapeutic Uses :

    (1) Pratisyãya- Root of Sigru should be taken with ghee oil as Anupãna (G.N.)

    (2) Krimi- Decoction of Sigru stem bark is given with Vidanga

    & honey (V.S.).

    (3) Netraroga- Eyes are cleansed with the juice Sigru leaves

    (4) Dadru Kustha- Sigru root bark paste is applied locally

    IUCN Status: Least Concern. 

    Research Updates: 

    1. Antidiabetic effects (2020, J. Food Sci.) 

    2. Nutritional supplementation (2021, IJNPR) 

    3. Anti-inflammatory activity (2023, AJAY) 

     

    About Katu Shigru

    Botanical Name

    Moringa oleifera Gaertn.

    Family

    Moringaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/070

    Parts Used

    Panchang (Whole plant)

    Habitat

    India

    IUCN Status

    Least Concern

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Katu, Tikta

    Guna

    Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna

    Virya

    Ushna

    Vipãka

    Katu

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  • Madhushigru

    Madhushigru

    Botanical name :Moringa concanensis

    Family :Moringaceae

     Identification No.: SDACH/HG/069

    Morphology

    M. concanesis is a   evergreentree with a spreading crown, upto 8 feet.

    Leaves alternate, 2-3- pinnate, obovate,caducous.

    Flowers large, white,hermophrodite, irregular in axillarypanicles.

    Calyx thinly tomentose, long,segments white, oblong, reflexed. Petalsyellow, veined with red, oblong.

    Stamens 5 fertile and 4-5 staminodes.

    Capsule straight, actively triquetrous,slightly contsricted between the seeds.

    Seeds white or pale yellow 3- angled.

    Therapeutic Uses

    Eye care – Leaves

    Leaves of M. concanensis werecollected, washed and cooked asa vegetable and taken internallytwice in a week will produce cooling effect of eyes and prevent sore eyes.

    Thyroid Problems – Flower50 gms of juice of fresh flowers is to be taken twice a day for 30days. It will cure the thyroid problems in human being specially in women.

    Fertility in women – Leaves30 gms of juice of fresh leaves is to be taken internally on empty stomach.

    Tiredness –  Leaves Decoction of the leaf is mixedwith sugar and taken internallyin the early morning in an empty stomach for 7 days.

    To reduce Blood Pressure –   Leaves50 gms of leaves were boiledwith 1g of Milagu (Pipernigrum) on 200ml of water.Then filtered and taken internally for 7 days in the early morning.

    About Madhushigru

    Botanical Name

    Moringa concanensis Nimmo ex Dalzell & A.Gibson

    Family

    Moringaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/069

    Parts Used

    Leaves, Flowers, Root, Bark

    Habitat

    India, Pakistan

    IUCN Status

    Not Evaluated (NE)

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Katu, Madhura, Tikta

    Guna

    Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna

    Virya

    Ushna

    Vipãka

    Katu

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