Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College

Category: Dravyaguna Vigyan Blogs

  • ALABU

    ALABU

    ALABU

    Sanskrit name: Alābu

    Botanical name: Lagenaria vulgaris Ser. (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.)

    Family name: Cucurbitaceae

    Identification No.: SDACH/HG/259

    Vernacular names:

    Hindi – Lauki, Ghiya

    English – Bottle gourd

    Tamil – Suraikkai

    Telugu – Sorakaya

    Bengali – Lau

    Synonyms:

    अलाबूः कथिता तुम्बी

    Bhav Prakash: Shaka Varga

    Habitat & Distribution:

    Cultivated widely throughout India in kitchen gardens and farms. Found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Prefers warm climates and grows well during summer and monsoon.

    Morphology:

    Annual, fast-growing vine with soft hairy stems and broad, heart-shaped leaves. Large, white or yellow flowers. Fruits are green, smooth, bottle-shaped or oblong.

    Varieties:

    Various cultivars are identified by fruit shape and size – Bottle-shaped, Round, Long cylindrical types.

    Phytochemicals:

    Cucurbitacins, flavonoids, sterols, saponins, triterpenes, phenolic compounds, vitamins C and B-complex, choline

    Raspanchaka:

    Rasa – Madhura, Kashaya

    Guna – Guru, Snigdha

    Virya – Shita

    Vipaka – Madhura

    Prabhava – Pittahara, Shramahara

    Dosha shamakta – Pitta-Vata shamak

    Karma – Rogaghnata:

    Jvaraghna, Daha-pachaka, Pittahara, Mutrakr̥cchrahara, Raktapittahara, Balya, Hr̥dya

    Amayika Prayoga/Therapeutic Uses:

    External – Fruit pulp applied on inflamed skin and burns

    Internal – Used in urinary disorders, jaundice, acidity, general debility, heart disorders, and bleeding disorders

    Part used: Fruit

    Yoga/Formulations:

    Alābu Swarasa

    Alābu Saka

    IUCN Status: Not Evaluated

    Research updates:

    1. Ghule BV, Murugananthan G, Nakhat PD. Diuretic activity of Lagenaria siceraria fruit extract in rats. Indian J Pharm Sci.
    2. Shah BN, Seth AK. Review on medicinal use of Lagenaria siceraria. Pharmacogn Rev.
    3. Deshpande JR, Choudhari AB, Mishra MR. Hepatoprotective activity of Lagenaria siceraria fruit juice. Indian J Pharm Sci.

    About Alabu

    Botanical Name

    Lagenaria vulgaris Ser. (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.)

    Family

    Cucurbitaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/259

    Parts Used

    Fruit

    Habitat

    India

    IUCN Status

    Not Evaluated

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Madhura, Kashaya

    Guna

    Guru, Snigdha

    Virya

    Shita

    Vipãka

    Madhura

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  • Vrnataka

    Vrnataka

    Vrnataka

    Botanical Name : Solanum melongena Linn.

    Family : Solanaceae

    Identification No.: SDACH/HG/258

    Synonyms :

    Bhantaki, Bhantaa, Vaartaaka, Vaartaaku, Vaartaakini, Vrintaaka

    Solanum ovigerum Dunal

    Solanum trongum Poir.

    Morphology :

    The eggplant is a delicate, tropical perennial often cultivated as a tender or half-hardy annual in temperate climates. The stem is often spiny. The flower is white to purple, with a five-lobed corolla and yellow stamens. The egg-shaped glossy purple fruit has white flesh with a meaty texture. The cut surface of the flesh rapidly turns brown when the fruit is cut open.

    It grows 40 to 150 cm (1.3 to 4.9 ft) tall, with large, coarsely lobed leaves that are 10 to 20 cm (3.9 to 7.9 in) long and 5 to 10 cm (2.0 to 3.9 in) broad. Semi-wild types can grow much larger, to 225 cm (7.38 ft) with large leaves over 30 cm (12 in) long and 15 cm (5.9 in) broad. On wild plants, the fruit is less than 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter, but much larger in cultivated forms: 30 cm (12 in) or more in length

    Uses :

    liver complaints and for amenorrhoea. The fruit reduces blood cholesterol level

    Chemicals :

    Steroidal saponins, melongosides were isolated from seeds; tigogenin, diosgenin , Quercetin, 3-O-rhamnoside,  kaempferol- 3-O-rutinoside.

    Amayika Prayoga/Therapeutic Uses:

    External – Paste of roasted fruit applied on boils and ulcers

    Internal – Used in indigestion, intestinal worms, anemia, inflammation, male infertility, and anorexia

    Part used: Fruit, root

    Dose:

    Churna – 3–5 grams

    Swarasa – 10–15 ml (fruit juice)

    Saka (as vegetable) – 50–100 grams cooked

    Yoga/Formulations:

    Vrintaka Saka

    Vrintaka Churna

    IUCN Status: Not Evaluated (NE)

    Research updates:

    1. Noda Y, Kaneyuki T, Mori A. Antioxidant activity of nasunin in eggplant peels. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem.
    2. Sadek KM. Antioxidant and immunostimulant effects of Solanum melongena in rats. J Appl Pharm Sci.
    3. Akanitapichat P, Phraibung K, Nuchklang K. Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of eggplant extracts. Food Chem Toxicol

    About Vrnataka

    Botanical Name

    Solanum melongena Linn.

    Family

    Solanaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/258

    Parts Used

    Fruit, root

    Habitat

    India

    IUCN Status

    Not Evaluated (NE)

    Plant Photos

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  • Karavellaka

    Karavellaka

    Karavellaka

    Botanical Name : Momordica charantia Linn.

    Family : Cucurbitaceae

    Identification No.: SDACH/HG/257

    Introduction :

    Latin name : Momordica – original Latin name mordeo one bite, appears jagged as if bitten; charantia.

    Synonyms :

    कारवेल्लं कठिल्लं स्यात्कारवेल्ली

    Kaaravellaka, Kaaravella, Kaathilla, Sushaavi

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

    Varieties : There are two varieties –

    1) large – karavellali

    2) small – karavelli.

    Morphology :

    Annual creeper with tendrils.

    Leaves – simple, entire, cordate-round. with irregular margins.

    Flowers – yellow, unisexual

    Fruits – 2.5 to 7 cms. long, green with tapering ends and triangular spikes on the surface.

    Seeds – 05.-1 cm. in size, flat.

    Fruits are used as vegetable.

    Distribution & Habitat :

    Throughout India cultivated

    Chemical constituents :

    Rich in iron and minerals,  Hydroxyl tryptamine, charantin, diosgenin, cholesterol, lanosterol , betasitosterol,  cucurbitacin glycosides

    Properties :

    Guna: laghu, ruksha;

    Rasa : tikta;

    Veerya : ushna;

    Vipaka – katu

    Karma :

    Dipani, bedaka, pachana, vishaghna, krimi-kustaghna

    stomachic, laxative, antibilious, emetic, anthelmintic

    Srotogamitva :

    Dosha : Tridoshashamak,

    Dhatu : Rasa (galadogogue, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea), wound healing, rakta, meda (anaemia), rakta (dermatoses), liver disorders, high blood sugar, bleeding disorders).

    Mala : Mutra (calculi, urinary disorders). purisha (helminthiasis), Organ : Intestine.

    Indication :

    Kamala, pandu, kusta, kandu, jwara, swasa, kasa, vrana, prameha, visha,

    fever, skin disease, cough, piles, leucorrhoea,vomiting, dysentery, gout, burning sensation

    Part used :

    Whole plant

    Dosage :

    Leaf juice 10-15 ml

    Powder 2-4 g

    Decoction 50-100 ml

    Uses :

    External uses : It has analgesic, wound cleaning and healing properties. It is useful in burning sensation. dermatoses and piles. It is beneficial to the eyes. Leaf juice is applied on eyes in night blindness.

    Internal uses : Being an appetizer, digestive, cholagogue, purgative and anthelmintic, it is used in anorexia, loss of appetite, ama dosha, liver disorder&, piles and helminthiasis. It is a blood purifier, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, emmenagogue and galactogogue. It alleviates kapha hence It is useful in blood disorders, inflammation, asthma, cough, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, disorders of lactation, urinary disorders, dermatoses. fever, obesity and poisoning. Experience has shown that it is an excellent remedy for high sugar levels in blood and urine.

    IUCN Status: Not Evaluated

    Research updates:

    1. Joseph B, Jini D. Antidiabetic effects of Momordica charantia in animal models and clinical trials. Asian Pac J Trop Dis.
    2. Grover JK, Yadav S, Vats V. Medicinal plants of India with anti-diabetic potential. J Ethnopharmacol.
    3. Rathi SS, Grover JK, Vats V. Prevention of experimental diabetic cataract by Indian medicinal plant extracts. Phytother Res.

    About Karavellaka

    Botanical Name

    Momordica charantia Linn.

    Family

    Cucurbitaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/257

    Parts Used

    Whole plant

    Habitat

    India

    IUCN Status

    Not Evaluated

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    laghu, ruksha

    Guna

    tikta

    Virya

    ushna

    Vipãka

    Katu

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  • GANDIRA

    GANDIRA

    GANDIRA

    Sanskrit name: Gandira

    Botanical name: Coleus forskohlii Briq. (Plectranthus barbatus)

    Family name: Lamiaceae

    Identification No.: SDACH/HG/256

    Vernacular names:

    Hindi – Mainpati, Patharchur

    English – Indian Coleus

    Kannada – Makandiberu

    Tamil – Karpuravalli

    Habitat & Distribution:

    Native to India, especially found in subtropical Himalayas. Widely cultivated in India (Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu). Prefers dry, hilly, open areas.

    Morphology:

    An aromatic, branched herb growing 30–90 cm tall. Leaves are ovate, fleshy, and aromatic with toothed margins. Flowers are bluish-purple, borne on terminal spikes. Roots are tuberous, thick, and have a camphoraceous aroma, roots should be free from fungal growth, possess characteristic odor, and be light brown externally.

    Phytochemicals:

    Major constituent – Forskohlin (labdane diterpene)

    Others – Essential oils, flavonoids, tannins, rosmarinic acid, and phytosterols

    Raspanchaka:

    Rasa – Tikta, Katu

    Guna – Laghu, Snigdha

    Virya – Ushna

    Vipaka – Katu

    Prabhava – Hridya, Shothahara

    Dosha shamakta – Kapha-Vata shamak

    Karma – Rogaghnata:

    Hridya, Deepana, Shothahara, Lekhana, Shoolahara, Asthapanopaga

    Amayika Prayoga/Therapeutic Uses:

    External – Root paste applied for localized swelling and pain

    Internal – Used in hypertension, obesity, asthma, hypothyroidism, cardiac disorders, and digestive weakness

    Part used: Root

    Yoga/Formulations:

    Makandighrita

    Makandarishta

    IUCN Status: Not Evaluated

    Research updates:

    1. Godard MP, Johnson BA, Richmond SR. Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight men. Obes Res.
    2. Pugliese A, Beltrami P, Bocchino M. The effects of Coleus forskohlii extract on metabolic parameters and insulin resistance in obese subjects. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis.
    3. Srinivasan K, Muruganandan S, Lal J. Antihypertensive and cardioactive properties of forskolin isolated from Coleus forskohlii. Phytother Res.

    About Gandira

    Botanical Name

    Coleus forskohlii Briq. (Plectranthus barbatus)

    Family

    Lamiaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/256

    Parts Used

    Root

    Habitat

    Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu

    IUCN Status

    Not Evaluated

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Tikta, Katu

    Guna

    Laghu, Snigdha

    Virya

    Ushna

    Vipãka

    Katu

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  • Marubak

    Marubak

    Marubak

    Botanical name: Origanum majorana L.

    Family name: Lamiaceae

    Identification No.: SDACH/HG/255

    Vernacular names:

    Hindi – Marwa

    English – Sweet Marjoram

    Arabic – Marzanjosh

    Tamil – Maruvam

    Gujarati – Maruaa

    Synonyms:

    मारुतोऽसौ मरुबको मरुन्मरुरपि स्मृतः।

    फणी फणिज्जकश्चापि प्रस्थपुष्पः समीरणः

     Bhavaprakasha – Pushpha varga

    Habitat & Distribution:

    Native to the Mediterranean region. Cultivated in parts of India, especially in gardens and herbal farms in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Prefers dry, sunny locations with well-drained soil.

    Morphology:

    A small, aromatic, perennial herb growing up to 30–60 cm in height. Leaves are small, grey-green, and ovate with a soft texture. Flowers are small, white to pale pink, arranged in clusters. Whole plant emits a sweet, spicy aroma.

    Varieties:

    No classical Ayurvedic varieties mentioned; modern classifications refer to wild and cultivated forms.

    Substitute/ Adulterant:

    Sometimes substituted with Origanum vulgare (oregano). Adulterants include similar Lamiaceae members like Thymus vulgaris.

    Phytochemicals:

    Contains essential oils (carvacrol, thymol, terpinene), flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, and ursolic acid

    Raspanchaka:

    Rasa – Tikta, Katu

    Guna – Laghu, Ruksha

    Virya – Ushna

    Vipaka – Katu

    Prabhava – Krimighna, Nasya-prabhava

    Dosha shamakta – Kapha-Vata shamak

    Karma – Rogaghnata:

    Krimighna, Deepana, Shirovirechaka, Kasa-Shwasahara, Shoolahara, Kushtaghna

    Amayika Prayoga/Therapeutic Uses:

    External – Used as oil or poultice for muscle pain, skin infections, and headaches

    Internal – Used in indigestion, cold, asthma, cough, dysmenorrhea, and as an expectorant

    Part used: Panchang

    Dose:

    Swarasa 5-10 drops

    Panchang 1-4 gm

    Essential oil – 2–6 drops (

    Yoga/Formulations:

    Maruvadi Taila

    Maruvaka Churna

    IUCN Status: Not Evaluated (NE)

    Research updates:

    1. Al-Sereiti MR, Abu-Amer KM, Sena P. Pharmacology of Origanum majorana essential oil: Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. J Ethnopharmacol.
    2. Mota ML, Thomas G, Barbosa F. Anti-inflammatory action of marjoram extract in experimental models. Planta Med.
    3. Mohammed F, Rizvi MA, Khan MS. Evaluation of anxiolytic and antidepressant potential of Origanum majorana in rodent models. Biomed Pharmacother.

    About Marubak

    Botanical Name

    Origanum majorana L.

    Family

    Lamiaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/255

    Parts Used

    Panchang

    Habitat

    Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu

    IUCN Status

    Not Evaluated (NE)

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Tikta, Katu

    Guna

    Laghu, Ruksha

    Virya

    Ushna

    Vipãka

    Katu

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  • DHULI KADAMBA

    DHULI KADAMBA

    DHULI KADAMBA

    Botanical Name: Mitragyna parviflora (Roxb.) Korth.
    Family: Rubiaceae
    Identification No.: SDACH/HG/254

    Introduction:

    Mitragyna parviflora, commonly known as Kaim, is a medium to large deciduous tree used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and hepatoprotective properties. It is considered sacred in rural communities and has diverse ethnomedicinal applications, especially in treating fevers, skin conditions, wounds, and liver disorders.

    Scientific classification:

    • Order: Gentianales
    • Family: Rubiaceae
    • Genus: Mitragyna
    • Species: parviflora

    Names in different Indian languages:

    • English: Kaim tree
    • Hindi: Kaim, Kadamb
    • Kannada: Nidgida
    • Malayalam: Kaimaram
    • Sanskrit: Kaim, Nipa
    • Tamil: Nay-karumpuliyamaram
    • Telugu: Konda-kadamba

    Synonyms:

    Kaim, Kadamb, Nipa, Nipa-kadamba, Karmasha

    Classification according to Charaka, Susrutha & Vagbhata:

    • Charaka: Not explicitly mentioned
    • Susrutha: Useful in wounds and skin diseases
    • Vagbhata: Mentions in formulations for healing and anti-inflammatory applications

    Varieties & Adulterants :

    1. Mitragyna tubulosa – CV
    2. Neolamarckia cadamba – AD (closely related species, sometimes confused)
    3. Terminalia tomentosa – AD

    Morphology:

    • Habit: Medium to large deciduous tree, up to 20 m tall
    • Bark: Greyish-brown, rough with vertical fissures
    • Leaves: Opposite, ovate to elliptic, 10–15 cm long, glabrous, entire
    • Flowers: Tiny, creamy-white, in dense globose heads, axillary or terminal
    • Fruit: Capsule, containing minute seeds
    • Seeds: Numerous, minute, oblong

    Habitat & Distribution:

    Widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of India, especially in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. Found in dry deciduous forests and along riverbanks.

    Chemical composition:

    • Indole alkaloids: Mitraphylline, Isomitraphylline
    • Tannins
    • Flavonoids
    • Glycosides
    • Phenolic compounds
    • Saponins

    Properties:

    • Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya
    • Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
    • Virya: Ushna
    • Vipaka: Katu
    • Karma: Vedanasthapana (analgesic), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Vrana hara (wound healing), Yakrituttejaka (hepatoprotective)

    Indications:

    • Jvara (fever)
    • Vrana (wounds)
    • Twak vikaras (skin diseases)
    • Yakrit vikara (liver disorders)
    • Shotha (inflammation)
    • Daha (burning sensation)
    • Arsha (piles)
    • Shula (pain)

    External uses:

    • Leaf paste: Applied to wounds, boils, and inflamed swellings
    • Bark decoction: Used for cleaning chronic ulcers and fungal infections
    • Crushed leaves: Used in insect bites and minor injuries

    Internal uses:

    • Digestive system: Acts as a bitter tonic, aids liver function, helps relieve dyspepsia
    • Circulatory system: Purifies blood and aids in wound healing
    • Nervous system: Analgesic, used in body pain and neuralgia
    • Liver: Stimulates liver activity and used in jaundice
    • Temperature: Effective in intermittent and chronic fevers

    Srotogamitwa:

    • Dosha: Kapha-Pittahara
    • Dhatu: Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa
    • Srotas: Raktavaha, Yakritvaha, Twakvaha

    Parts used:

    Bark, leaves, root, seeds

    Dosage:

    • Kwatha (Decoction): 50–100 ml
    • Churna (Powder): 3–6 g
    • Swarasa (Juice): 10–20 ml

    Important Yogas or Formulations:

    1. Kaim kwatha – Traditionally used in fever and inflammation
    2. Nipa Kalka – Leaf paste for wound dressing
    3. Kaimarishta – Mentioned in folklore for liver disorders
    4. Mitra-yakrit lepa – External application for ulcers

    Therapeutic Uses:

    1. Jvara (fever) – Decoction with Guduchi and Vasa
    2. Vrana – Leaf paste or bark decoction used externally for healing
    3. Yakrit vikara (liver) – Decoction with Bhumyamalaki
    4. Shotha (swelling) – Topical paste for joint swelling and abscesses

    IUCN Status – Least Concern

    Research Updates :

    1. Anti-inflammatory Effect (2021) – Bark extract reduced inflammation in animal models
    2. Wound Healing (2022) – Leaf extract accelerated epithelial regeneration in rats
    3. Hepatoprotective (2023) – Alcoholic bark extract protected liver cells against paracetamol-induced damage
    4. Antipyretic (2024) – Clinical trial showed reduction in fever with kaim bark decoction
    5. Antimicrobial Activity (2025) – Effective against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus

    About Dhuli Kadamba

    Botanical Name

    Mitragyna parviflora (Roxb.) Korth.

    Family

    Rubiaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/254

    Parts Used

    Bark, leaves, root, seeds

    Habitat

    Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh

    IUCN Status

    Least Concern

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Tikta, Kashaya

    Guna

    Laghu, Ruksha

    Virya

    Ushna

    Vipãka

    Katu

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  • Shalmali

    Shalmali

    Shalmali

    Sanskrit Name

    शाल्मली (Shalmali), also known as Shimbal

    Identification No : SDACH/HG/253

    Botanical Name

    Bombax ceiba L. (Synonym: Bombax malabaricum)

    Family Name

    Malvaceae

    Vernacular Names

    • Hindi: Semal
    • English: Red Silk Cotton Tree
    • Bengali: Shimul
    • Marathi: Sawar
    • Tamil: Ilavamaram
    • Malayalam: Ilavu

    Synonyms – Bhav Prakash

    शाल्मलिस्तु भवेन्मोचा पिच्छिला पूरणीति च |
    रक्तपुष्पा स्थिरायुश्च कण्टकाढ्या च तूलिनी ||
    (Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Guduchyadi Varga)

    Classification

    • Bhavaprakasha: Mentioned in Guduchyadi Varga; known for its kandughna, vrana ropana, shukravardhaka actions

    Habitat & Distribution

    • Found throughout tropical and subtropical India up to 1500 m elevation
    • Common in forests, along roadsides, and cultivated for shade and fiber
    • Widely distributed in Southeast Asia, China, and tropical Africa

    Morphology

    • Tree: Large deciduous tree up to 30–40 m tall
    • Trunk: Covered with sharp conical prickles when young
    • Leaves: Palmately compound with 5–7 leaflets
    • Flowers: Bright red, large, bell-shaped, blooming before leafing
    • Fruits: Long capsules containing silky cotton
    • Seeds: Blackish, smooth
    • Bark: Grey-brown, rough
    • Roots: Used in Vajikarana
    • Thorns and gum (mocharasa) are also medicinal

    Varieties

    • Bombax insigne is a close relative but not equivalent

    Substitute / Adulterant

    • Substitute: Ceiba pentandra (White silk cotton tree – not equivalent)
    • Adulterant: Sterculia spp., Ceiba spp. in powdered bark or gum

    Phytochemicals

    • Tannins
    • Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol)
    • Steroids
    • Terpenoids
    • Alkaloids
    • Gallic acid
    • Mucilage
    • Saponins
    • Gum-resin (mocharasa) contains complex polysaccharides

    Raspanchaka

    • Rasa: Kashaya, Tikta
    • Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
    • Virya: Sheeta
    • Vipaka: Katu
    • Prabhava: Vrana-ropana
    • Dosha Shamakta: Kapha-Pitta hara

    Karma – Rogaghnata

    • Vrana ropana (wound healing)
    • Kandughna (anti-pruritic)
    • Shukravardhaka (semen enhancer)
    • Stambhana (astringent, anti-diarrheal)
    • Raktapitta hara (anti-hemorrhagic)
    • Garbhasthapana (uterine tonic – traditional use)
    • Prameha hara (anti-diabetic – root bark)

    Amayika Prayoga / Therapeutic Uses

    External

    • Bark decoction or paste used in skin diseases and wounds
    • Thorn powder paste in acne and pimples
    • Mocharasa used in topical burns and inflammation

    Internal

    • Decoction of bark used in leucorrhoea, diarrhea, and diabetes
    • Root powder as an aphrodisiac
    • Gum used as general tonic and in pediatric care
    • Flower decoction in bleeding disorders and dysentery

    Part Used

    • Bark
    • Root
    • Flower
    • Gum (Mocharasa)
    • Thorns (in cosmetics/traditional formulations)

    Dose

    • Churna (powder): 3–6 g
    • Kwatha (decoction): 40–60 ml
    • Mocharasa: 1–3 g
    • Fresh juice (swarasa): 10–20 ml (bark)

    Yoga / Formulations

    • Shalmali Rasayana
    • Mocharasa Yoga

    IUCN Status

    • Least Concern(LC).

    Research Updates

    1. 2020 – Indian Journal of Pharmacognosy
      Ethanolic extract of

    About Shalmali

    Botanical Name

    Bombax ceiba L. (Synonym: Bombax malabaricum)

    Family

    Malvaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/253

    Parts Used

    Bark, Root, Flower, Gum (Mocharasa), Thorns (in cosmetics/traditional formulations)

    Habitat

    India, Southeast Asia, China, and tropical Africa

    IUCN Status

    Least Concern

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Kashaya, Tikta

    Guna

    Laghu, Ruksha

    Virya

    Sita

    Vipãka

    Katu

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  • Vikankata

    Vikankata

    Vikankata

    Sanskrit Name: Vikantaka (विकण्टक)
    Other Sanskrit synonyms include Vikata, Kantaki, Shriphala (regionally)

    Identification No : SDACH/HG/252

    Botanical Name: Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.)

    Family Name: Salicaceae

    Vernacular Names

    • Hindi: Vikankata, Paniala
    • English: Indian Coffee Plum, Governor’s Plum
    • Bengali: Paniala
    • Marathi: Paniala
    • Kannada: Karanji

    Habitat & Distribution

    • Native to India and Southeast Asia
    • Common in tropical and subtropical regions of India: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu
    • Found in forests, hilly areas, and often cultivated for fruits or as a hedge plant

    Morphology

    • Tree/Shrub: Medium-sized thorny shrub or small tree up to 6–10 m
    • Leaves: Simple, ovate-lanceolate, finely serrate
    • Flowers: Small, greenish-white, unisexual
    • Fruits: Globose drupe, reddish-purple when ripe, edible with acidic-sweet taste
    • Bark: Greyish, rough, with inner reddish tinge
    • Thorns: Strong, straight or curved spines on branches
    • Roots: Woody, fibrous; traditionally used

    Varieties

    • Botanically related species:
      • Flacourtia indica
      • Flacourtia ramontchi
      • Flacourtia cataphracta (regional usage)

    Substitute / Adulterant

    • Substitute: Flacourtia indica (commonly used interchangeably)
    • Adulterants: Other wild Flacourtia spp. or non-edible berries may be mixed in fruit powders

    Phytochemicals

    • Flacourside
    • Tannins
    • Flavonoids (quercetin, rutin)
    • Saponins
    • Sterols
    • Polyphenols
    • Gallic acid
    • Essential oils (in leaves and bark)
    • Vitamin C (in fruits)

    Raspanchaka

    • Rasa: Kashaya, Tikta, Amla
    • Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
    • Virya: Sheeta
    • Vipaka: Katu
    • Prabhava: Vrana ropana, Krimighna
    • Dosha Shamakta: Tridoshaghna (especially Kapha-Pitta hara)

    Karma – Rogaghnata

    • Krimighna – Anthelmintic
    • Shothahara – Anti-inflammatory
    • Raktapittahara – Anti-hemorrhagic
    • Stambhana – Astringent
    • Vrana ropana – Wound healing
    • Trishna nigrahana – Quenches excessive thirst
    • Shukravardhaka – Enhances semen quality
    • Pramehaghna – Useful in diabetes

    Amayika Prayoga / Therapeutic Uses

    External

    • Bark decoction used for washing wounds and ulcers
    • Paste of leaves used in skin allergies, boils
    • Crushed bark or root as a poultice in abscesses

    Internal

    • Bark decoction used for diarrhea, dysentery, bleeding disorders
    • Root decoction in urinary tract infections and diabetes
    • Fruit juice or syrup for anemia, fatigue, and liver disorders
    • Powdered bark in worm infestations

    Part Used

    • Bark
    • Root
    • Fruit
    • Leaves (less commonly)

    Dose

    • Bark decoction: 40–60 ml
    • Powder (bark/root): 3–6 g
    • Fresh fruit juice: 10–20 ml
    • Fruit (raw or cooked): 25–50 g

    Yoga / Formulations

    • Used in regional classical formulations for Prameha, Vrana, and Krimi
    • Found in tribal medicine as part of anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic combinations

    IUCN Status

    • Not Evaluated

    Research Updates

    1. 2020 – Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies
      Methanolic bark extract showed potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
    2. 2021 – Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine
      Fruit extract demonstrated hypoglycemic effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
    3. 2023 – Journal of Ethnopharmacology
      Ethanolic extract of leaves showed promising

    About Vikankata

    Botanical Name

    Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.)

    Family

    Salicaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/252

    Parts Used

    Bark, Root, Fruit, Leaves (less commonly)

    Habitat

    Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu

    IUCN Status

    Not Evaluated

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Kashaya, Tikta, Amla

    Guna

    Laghu, Ruksha

    Virya

    Sita

    Vipãka

    Katu

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  • Avartani

    Avartani

    Avartani

    Sanskrit Name: Avartini

    Identification No: SDACH/HG/251

    Botanical Name: Helicteres isora L.

    Family Name: Sterculiaceae

    Vernacular Names:
    Hindi – Marorphali, Murudsheng
    Marathi – Murudshenga
    Tamil – Valampuri, Idachamaram
    Telugu – Adavimudra
    Kannada – Koondalkayi
    English – Indian Screw Tree

    Habitat & Distribution:
    Widely distributed throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions of India. Found in dry deciduous forests, open lands, and hilly terrains across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.

    Morphology
    A small deciduous shrub or tree, up to 3–5 meters tall.
    Leaves are ovate, serrated, and densely hairy on both surfaces.
    Flowers are reddish or pink, axillary, with twisted petals.
    Fruits are characteristically twisted (screw-like), 5–10 cm long, dark brown when mature.
    Seeds are black, angular, and enclosed in fibrous pods.

    Substitute / Adulterant:
    No classical substitutes.
    Adulterants – Unrelated twisted fruits or seedpods may be used in local markets.

    Phytochemicals:

    • Tannins (20–30%)
    • Flavonoids (quercetin, rutin)
    • Saponins
    • Sterols (β-sitosterol)
    • Gallic acid, caffeic acid
    • Alkaloids

    Raspanchaka:
    Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya
    Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
    Virya: Sheeta
    Vipaka: Katu
    Prabhava: Grahi, Krimighna
    Dosha Shamakta: Kapha-Pitta hara

    Karma – Rogaghnata:

    • Grahi (absorbent)
    • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
    • Shoolahara (analgesic)
    • Raktasodhana (blood purifier)
    • Atisaraghna (anti-diarrheal)
    • Stambhana (astringent)

    Amayika Prayoga / Therapeutic Uses

    External:

    • Powder applied on wounds and ulcers for healing
    • Paste applied over skin infections
    • Decoction used for vaginal douche in leucorrhoea

    Internal:

    • Decoction or powder used in diarrhea, dysentery, and irritable bowel syndrome
    • Useful in Grahani, Atisara, and Krimi
    • Given with honey in cough and sore throat
    • Traditional use in diabetes and intestinal colic

    Part Used:
    Fruits, Roots, Bark

    Dose:
    Churna – 3 to 6 grams
    Kwatha – 40 to 50 ml

    Yoga / Formulations:

    • Avartinī Churna
    • Local tribal remedies for diarrhea and colic

    IUCN Status:
    Least Concern(LC)

    Research Updates

    1. 2020 – Antidiabetic activity of Helicteres isora fruit extract in STZ-induced diabetic rats (Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine)
    2. 2021 – Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of ethanolic fruit extract (Pharmacognosy Journal)
    3. 2023 – In vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties studied on various extracts (Journal of Herbal Medicine)

    About Avartani

    Botanical Name

    Helicteres isora L.

    Family

    Sterculiaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/251

    Parts Used

    Fruits, Roots, Bark

    Habitat

    Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.

    IUCN Status

    Least Concern

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Tikta, Kashaya

    Guna

    Laghu, Ruksha

    Virya

    Sita

    Vipãka

    Katu

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  • Jati

    Jati

    Jati

    Botanical Name:  -Jasminum offcianarum 

    Family Name:  -Oleaceae 

    Identification No.: SDACH/HG/250 

    Vernacular Names:

    – Hindi: Chameli, Jati 

    – English: Spanish Jasmine 

    – Tamil: Malligai 

    – Telugu: Mallepuvvu 

    – Kannada: Mallige 

    – Malayalam: Mulla 

    Synonyms : 

    जाती सुमना हृद्या मालती चेटिका तथा। 

    राजपुत्री च सा प्रोक्ता पुष्पेषु गुणवत्तरा॥

    – Bhav Prakash Reference:

    Classification in Ayurvedic Texts:

    – Charaka: Not explicitly mentioned; generally grouped under aromatic flowers. 

    – Sushruta: Listed in Pushpa Varga (group of flowers). 

    – Vagbhata: Considered cooling and fragrant. 

    – Bhav Prakash: Classified under Pushpa Varga, used for its soothing and aromatic properties. 

    Habitat & Distribution: 

    – Native to tropical and subtropical regions. 

    – Cultivated widely in India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and West Bengal. 

    Morphology 

    – Leaves: Opposite, pinnate, with 5-7 leaflets. 

    – Flowers: White, fragrant, tubular with 5-8 lobes. 

    – Stem: Slender, woody, climbing. 

    Varieties:

    – Jasminum officinale (Common Jasmine) 

    – Jasminum sambac (Arabian Jasmine) 

    Substitute/Adulterant: 

    – Jasminum auriculatum (adultrant in some regions). 

    Phytochemicals: 

    – Essential oils (linalool, benzyl acetate, jasmon). 

    – Alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides. 

    Rasapanchaka:

    – Rasa (Taste): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent) 

    – Guna (Quality): Laghu (light), Snigdha (unctuous) 

    – Virya (Potency): Sheeta (cooling) 

    – Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (pungent) 

    – Prabhava (Special effect): Fragrance enhances mood. 

    – Dosha Shamakta: Balances Pitta and Kapha. 

    Karma

      – Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, aphrodisiac. 

      – Useful in skin disorders, headaches, and fever. 

    Amayika Prayoga (Therapeutic Uses) 

    External 

      – Flower paste for skin inflammation. 

      – Essential oil for aromatherapy and stress relief. 

    Internal:

      – Flower decoction for fever and digestive issues. 

      – Used in Arishtha (fermented formulations) for detoxification. 

    Part Used: 

    • Flowers, leaves, and essential oil. 

    Dose:

    – Powder: 1-3 grams. 

    – Decoction: 50-100 ml. 

    – Oil: 1-2 drops for topical use. 

    Yoga/Formulations: 

    • Jati Taila: For headaches and nasal congestion. 
    • Chameli Ark: Used in perfumery and skincare. 

    Mentioned in Chandanadi Taila and Eladi Churna. 

    IUCN Status: 

    – Not evaluated (cultivated widely, not threatened). 

    Research Updates : 

    Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects:

    Antioxidant and Antiulcer Properties:

    Analgesic and Anticonvulsant Activities

    About Jati

    Botanical Name

    Jasminum offcianarum

    Family

    Oleaceae

    Identification No.

    SDACH/HG/250

    Parts Used

    Flowers, leaves, and essential oil.

    Habitat

    Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and West Bengal.

    IUCN Status

    Not evaluated (cultivated widely, not threatened).

    Plant Photos

    Ayurvedic Properties

    Rasa

    Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)

    Guna

    Laghu (light), Snigdha (unctuous)

    Virya

    Sita

    Vipãka

    Katu (pungent)

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