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Kanchanara is known by the botanical name Bauhinia variegata belonging to Caesalpinioideae family. It has main actions like Dipana, Grahi, Kapha Pitha hara. It is very effective in Gandamala.

 

 

LITERARY REVIEW

 

Kovidara is the original name of Kanchanara during the vedic and samhita periods. Vedic literature cosidered its stem as forebidden for rituals. Its utility is relatively less in the Brhat trayi period. Caraka considered it as vamanopaga while Susrutha described it as vamana (urdhvabhagahara). Susrutha also clarified that the root is the useful part of kovidara, while the practice at present is to use the steam bark.

Another important aspect about kovidara is that it is described along with karbudara ie, while variety of kovidara. The white variety is identified as Bauhinia alba. Karbudara is described only by Vagbhata. It is mainly known for its action on lymphadenitis. Hence the Gandari.

SYNONYMS

 

Gandari

Sonapuspaka

Kanchanaka

Kovidara

Karbudara

Svalpa kesari

Yugapatraka

Camarika

Asphothaka

Kundala

Chamari

Yugmapatraka

 

 

 

 

SYNONYMS	Bh. Ni	S. Ni	K. Ni	Dh. Ni	M. Ni	R. Ni
Kanchanara	ü				ü
Kanchana	ü	ü	ü
Raktapushpa		ü	ü		ü
Kanthara		ü
Kanaka prabha		ü
Koliyasha			ü
Bhramareshta			ü
Manohara			ü
Kumbhaara				ü
Kovidara				ü
Kanthapushpa						ü
Karaka						ü
Kaanthaara						ü
Yamalacchadha						ü

VERNACULAR NAMES

 

English – Mountain Ebony, Orchid tree, Camel’s foot tree

Hindi – Kachanar, Kanchara, Kachnar

Tamil – Sigappu mandarai, Sihappu mantari

Telugu – Devakanchanam

Kannada – Kanchavala, Keyumandar

Malayalam – Mandharam, Chuvanna

Sanskrit – Kancanaraka

Bengali – Kanchana, Rakta kanchana

Kashmiri – Kalad

Marathi – Kanchana, Rakta kanchana

Punjabi – Kanchanar

Oriya – Kanchana, Kaniara

VARIETIES

 

There are three varieties of kanchanara on the basis of the flower colour i.e. svetha, peetha and raktha. Svetha and Raktha varieties of kanchanara are of kovidara. Which is botanically identified as Bauhinia purpurea, commonly known as koilar and also koliar and peddare. Kovidara flowers in sharat rtu and fruits in winter. Where kanchanara flowers in spring as indicated in classical description (chakrapani annotating C.S chi 4/70).

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

 

• Β – sitosterol
• Lupeol
• Kaempferol
• 3 – glucoside etc

 

 

• In bark – Tannins and resins.

 

• Seed yield a fatty oil, the bark yields fibre Five flavonoid isolated from the different organs of B – variegate identified as quercetin, rutin, quercetin, apigenin and apigenin 7-O-glucoside, Saponins, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, sugars are also present.

 

• The alcoholic extract of the stem bark showed CNS activity, producing hypothermia in mice.

PROPERTIES

 

Rasa – Kashaya

Guna – Ruksha, Lagu

Veerya – Sheetha

Vipaaka – Katu

Karma – Kapha – Vata hara

 

 

 

KARMA

 

• Gandamalanasana
• Kusthaghna
• Sothahara
• Sthambhana
• Krimighna
• Vamaka
• Raktastambana
• Lasikagranthisothahara
• Kasahara
• Muthrasangrahaniya
• Arthavasravahrasaka
• Lekhana – medapnayana

PRAYOGA

 

• Gandamala
• Raktapradara
• Raktapitta
• Mutrakrcchra
• Vrana
• Arsas
• Musurika
• Atisara
• Twak rogas
• Leprosy
• Intestinal worms
• Diabetes
• Tumours
• Inflammations
• Haemorrhoid
• Menorrhagia
• Cough
• Proctoptosis

CLASSICAL USES OF KANCHANARA

 

Gandamala – Fresh Kancanara twak mixed with sunthi should be pounded with sour gruel and taken. It is an excellent remedy for Gandamala (V.M 41.19)

 

Masurika – Swarna mashika bhasma is given with decoction of (pox) kancanara twak. (B.P C: 60.49)

 

In Gandamala – Decoction of kancanara and triphala added with

& Galagandha pippali powder is beneficial and also triphala – ghrita and diet of barley and green gram. (C.K 183)

Decoction of kancanara twak added with sunthi powder destroys gandamala. Similarly acts that of varuna bark added with honey. (SG 2.2.126 also B.P.Ci 44.37).

 

 

USEFUL PARTS

 

• Bark
• Flower
• Root

 

Bark – It is dark brown, sometimes with silvery patches, rough, compact, exfoliating in woody strips and scales. Outer surface with small transverse and longitundinal cracks, internal surface white, taste – mildly astringent. Fracture – short outside and fibrous with in, odour faint and characteristics

 

Root – It is also astringent

 

Flowers– Few, large, fragrant, white or pink.

DOSAGE

 

 

• Twak Churna – 5g
• Pushpa svarasa – 10 – 20ml
• Decoction – 550 – 100ml

 

FORMULATIONS

 

• Kancanara guggulu
• Kancanaradi kvatha
• Kancana gudika
• Kovidaradi kasaya

 

Haritaki:- TERMINALIA CHEBULA Retz.

COMBRETACEAE FAMILY

 

LITERARY REVIEW

 

TERMINALIA CHEBULA is an extensively used herbal drug

Rtuharitaki

It is classically recommended as rtuharitaki for using the drug during the course of different seasons.

 

Rtu	Anupana
Varsa	saindhava
Sarada	Sarkara
Hemanda	Sunthi
Sisira	Pippali
Vasantha	Madhu
Greeshma	Guda

 

 

 

• Various medicinal properties of drug fruit are specified in relation to its mode of use such as chewing,powdering,boiling and frying of fruit is stomachic,laxative, astringent and countering Tri-dosasrespectively.

 

• Haritaki is having 5 rasas except salt taste.

 

 

GANA

 

 

 

 

According to – Prajasthapana,jwaraghana, kushtaghna , kasahara , arsogna .

 

 

According to susrutha -Triphala,amalakyadi,parooshakadi,trivritadigana.

 

 

According to susrutha – Triphala,amalakyadi,parooshakadi,trivritadigana.

According to bhavaprakasha –Haritakyadivarga

 

VERNACULAR NAMES

Sanskrit – pathya,haritaki,abhaya

English – myrobalan,inknut,Indian gallnut

French -Badamierchebule

Germen- Rispigermyrobalanenbaum

Hindi – Har, pile har

Punjabi – Hale la

Arab-halilaja

Persian-halia-hezarda

Sind-imachi

Bengali-hora

Kashmiri-zardhalela

Gujarati-himaja

Telengu-karakkya

Tamil- kadukkai

Malayalam-kadukkai

Kannada-anilaykayi

Sinhala-aralu

Malaya-buahkaduk

Assam-hilikha

Burma-pangah

Chinese- helile

Tulu -anile kayi

SYNOYMS AND INTERPRETATION

 

 

Haritaki – one which cures many diseases.

 

Abhyada – By consuming this drug , there is no fear of disease.

 

Avyadha – There is no disease .

 

Padhya – Which is good for the body.

 

Kayastha- It brings stability.

 

Pootana – Body becomes pure by its anuloma action.

 

Haimavathi – Available in himalaya Pradesh.

 

Chetaki – It opens the channels of body.

 

Sreyasi – good for health.

 

Shiva – good for health.

 

Jaya – to win over the diseases.

 

Vijaya – To win the diseases it is helpful.

 

Pranada – Which gives life.

 

Amritha – Having very good quality like ambrosia.

 

 

PROPERTIES

 

RASA: Pancha rasa yukta,Kashayapradhana , Alana exception

 

GUNA : Laghu ,Rooksha

 

Virya : Usna

 

Vipaka : Madhura

 

DosaKarma : Tridosahara,Vatasamaka

 

Prabhava : TridosaSamaka

 

Karma : rasayana, Vayahsthapana , Ayusya , Sarvarogaprashamana , Deepana, pashana , Anulomana, MrbuRechana, Grahi, krmighna, mehahara, Arsoghna, Hridya, ShonitaSthapana , Prajasthapana, GarbhashayaShothahara, Naditantra, Medhya, VrnaSodhana, VrnaRopana , Jvaragha , Santarpana ,

 

 

PRAYOGA

 

 

Dosa Karma : Tridusahara

 

Samstanika Karma : rasayana

 

NadiSamstana : Naditantra ,Nadidourbalya, Mastiskaclourbalya

 

PacanaSamstana : AgnimamdyaAjerna, Sulu, Anaba, Adhmama, Vibandha, Chardi , Udararogagulma , krimi, Arsa

 

RaktaVahaSamstana : Hreldourbalya , RaktaVikaraVatarakta

 

PrajananSamstana:GarbanaShayadourbalya,Upadamsa

 

SwasanaSamstana : Kasa ,Swasa, Svaravikara

 

MootravahaSamstana : Mutrakrcchra , Mutraghata, asmari , prameha .

 

 

 

CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION

• Tannin (30%)
• Chebulinic Acid
• Gallic Acid , resin
• Purgative of Nature of anthrax guinone
• Corilangin
• Chebulagic Acid

 

TERAPEUTIC USES :

 

 

 

 

• In Arsas – Haritaki Powder with sugar internally.
• Major drug among rejuvenation.
• Fruit is Stomachic ,tonic , Carminative ,expenturant, antihelmintic , anticlysenteric and alterative .
• In stomach disorders ,powder of Tchebula used internally.
• In pakvaAtisara – Haritaki Powder along with Hot water
• In PanduRoga – Haritaki Powder along with gomuthara
• In vataRakta -Haritaki Powder with guda.
• The ripe fruit is purgative, tonic , carminative and enriches the blood.
• It is useful in ophthamia , diseases of spleen , piles , cold, paralysis . It strengthens brain , eyes , gums .
• Fruits used in sour throat .
• Finely powdered fruit is used as dentrifice medicine useful in carious teeth , bleeding and ulcerative conditions of the gums.
• In condition of constipation, disease with constipation symptometc, fruit powder is taken with warm water in night.
• In sandhivata – Haritakichoorna with castor oil internally .Also in sciatica.
• In bleeding disorders – haritaki powder and pippali powder in equal quantity , given bhavana with swarasa of adathodavascica and given internally along with honey.

 

FOLK LORE USES

 

• A decoction of the fruits is a good astringent wash.
• A fruit, coarsely powdered and smoked in pipe, affords relief in a fit of asthma.
• A fine paste, obtained by rubbing the fruit on a rough stone with little water, mixed with oil and applied to burns and scalds.
• The fruit in combination with other drugs is prescribed for snake bite.

 

RESEARCH STUDIES

• One study reveals the anti oxidant activity of ethanolic extract of terminalicchebula fruit against isoproterenol – induced oxidativestress in rats. the result shows the significant anti oxidant activity.
• Anti – microbial activity ofTerminaliachebula was tested against helicobacter pylori. Waterextracts of terminaliachebula inhibited urease activity of H.pylori signified antibacterial activity.
• chebula exhibited strong anti microbial activity against methiallin resistant strains of staphylococcus aureus.
• chebula extract showed a potent wide spectrum of antibacterial activity against human pathogenic gram positive and negative bacteria.

DOSAGE

Fruit (greater) – 3-6 Gms (as laxative)

• 1 gm as alternative .

Lesser – 1-3 Gms.

 

FORMULATION

Abhayamodaka , Abhayarishta, Pathyadivadi, Vyaghriharitaki , citrakaharitaki, Agasthyaharitaki, Dantiharitaki, Haritakikhanda , Pathyadichoorna, Haritakyadikwatha, Pathyadikwatha, Dasamoolaharitaki, Triphala, Pathyadivarti, Haritakyadirasayana, Pathyavaleha, Abhayalepa, Pathyatrikam.

ETHNOBOTANY

 

In India fruits are available in markets. They used as a mild laxative and as an ashriant against wounds and abscesses.

• In dental care dried powder is applied against stomatitis and against ulcers of the gum.
• Plant is used as antidode in snake bites.
• In southeast asia , it is a popular folk medicine for antitussive , homeostatic , laxative and cardiotonic treatments

 

 

BOTANICAL NAME : CLERODENDRUM SERRATUM

FAMILY : VERBENACEA

LITERARY REVIEW

On review of literature it is observed that Bharngi is one of the most common herbs in the Ayurvedic formulation used in the treatment of respiratory disorders, susrutha included it under pippalyadi Gana.

 

The modern books like Indian medicinal plants, Indian materia medica etc.mentioned the drug Bharngi under the Latin name clerodendrum serratum. However the identity of the drug is still controversial.^[1]

BHEDA

1. Clerodendron serratum^[3]
2. Clerodendrum siphonanthus^[3]
3. Clerodendrum indica^[3]
4. Premnaherbaceae^[3]

1 2 3

 

 

 

 

 

SYNONYMS AND THEIR INTERPRETATIONS

 

1. Bharngi : Relieves disease like Kasa etc^.[3]
2. Bhrigubhava : Originated from sages in Himalaya’s^[3]
3. Padma : Flowers resemble lotus flowers^{. [3]}
4. Brahmana yashtika : The stems are thin and without branches.^[3]
5. Angaravalli : A plant occurring in wild.^[3]
6. Kharasaka : The leaves are rough^[3]
7. Hanjika : The plant is beautiful^[3]
8. Varshabarbaraka : The plant sprouts in varsharitu^[3]
9. Bhramarapriya : The flowers are attracted by bees^[3]
10. Kharapushpa : The flowers are rough^[3]
11. Kasaghni : Relieves kasa^[3]
12. Bhangura : The wood breaks easily^[3]
13. Angaraparni : The plant grows in wild in forest and plains^[3]
14. Vatari : Useful in vata disease^.[3]
15. Sakramata : It is capable of relieving disease.^[3]

VERNACULAR NAMES

Hindi – Bharangi^[3]

Kannada – Gantubharangee^[3]

Malayalam – Cheruteku , Kankabharani^[3]

Tamil – Cheruteku, Kavali^[3]

PRAYOJYANGA

Root ^[2]

 

CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION

The Root Bark contains

Phenolic glycoside^[7]

Saponine^[7]

Serratogenicacid^[7]

d – mannitol^[20]

β- sistesterol^[7]

Hispidulin^[7]

 

PROPERTIES

 

Rasa : Katu ,Tikta , Kasaya^[1]

Guna : Laghu ,Ruksa^[1]

Virya : Ushna^[1]

Vipaka : Katu^[1]

Doshakarma : Kapha – vatasamaka^[1]

KARMA

 

• Kaphaghna^[2]
• Kasahara^[2]
• Svasahara^[2]
• Svedajanana^[2]
• Jvaraghna^[2]
• Amapacana^[2]
• Dipana–pacana^[2]
• Krimighna^[2]
• Sothahara^[2][2]
• Pinasahara^[2]
• Vranaropana^[2]

PRAYOGA

• Svasa^[7]
• Kasa^[7]
• Sotha^[7]
• Vrana^[7]
• Daha^[7]
• Jvara^[7]
• Pinasa^[7]
• Krimi^[7]

PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC ACTION & USES

 

• The root has bitter, pungent and it is stomachic antihelminthic , antiasthatic drug^[19]
• The roots are used in catarrhal and febrile affection, also in malarial fevers and oedema.^[2]
• The leaves are useful in snake bite and roots for scorpion sting^[2]
• Leaves are antispasmodic , carminative, expectorant^[2]
• The root increases appetite, lesion expectoration and useful in inflammation, fever and bronchitis.^[2]

 

THERAPEUTIC USES

• In vanksanavata- Bharngi root is collected in pushya and pounded with Tushodaka. This is given orally to treat inguinal hernia.^[1]
• In svasa -Bharngi and sunthi are given with hot water or sunthi, Bharngi and suvarcalavana are to be given together.^[1]
• In Gandamala – Application of Bharngi with kanjika^[1]
• In vrana – Leaves are used for poultice^[7]
• In upadamsajanyasandhivata – the niryasa is useful^[7]

FOLKLORE USES

• Leaves can be used for external application in head ache.^[13]
• Leaves are used in fever and hiccough^[13]
• Root is used for treatment of asthma, cholera ^[16]
• Leaves are used as vegetables in malarial fever.^[13]

 

RESEARCH STUDIES

1. Uncinatone and Pectolinarigenin (isolated from c.indicum) inhibed feeding of adult riceweevil, sitophilus oryzae^[1]
2. The alcoholic extract and the saponin isolated from the root bark of c.serratum caused release of histamine from the lung tissue of rats. The antihistamine activity of the extract is reported.^[1]
3. On i.p administration of 0.3mg/kg of saponin in rabbit, the average psuedocholinesterase activity of 45.25 +- 2.5 unit was found to decrease to about 50% and the effect was similar to that observed after 0.04 mg/kg of physostogamine.^[1]
4. The anticholinesterase activity of the saponine was also considered by acetylcholine response on guinea pig tracheal chain preparation, isolated rat ileum and frog rectus muscles.^[1]

 

 

 

MATRA

Mula curna : 3-6 gm^[7]

Kwatha curna : 10-20 gms^[7]

VISHISHTA YOGAS

 

1. BharngyadiKasaya^[7]
2. Bharngiguda^[7]
3. Bharngiavaleha^[7]
4. Kanakasava^[7]
5. Mahavatagajanakusa rasa^[7]
6. Bharngisura^[7]

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

There is no reference of baladvaya in authoritative books of dravayaguna. Usually in the name of BaladvayaBalaAtibaladravyas are considering.

In Vedic literature BALA is described as Rasayana, Visaghna, Balya and prameghana.Majumdas is of the opinion that ‘Arundhati’ or Sahadevi’ may be Bala in the Vedic literature.

But in the bhavaprakashaNighantu there is reference for Balacatushtayam. Though there are different opinions regarding the name of the plants commonly accepted is

1. Bala
2. Atibala
3. Mahabala
4. Nagabala

BALA

Botanical Name : – Sidacordifolia Linn.

Family Name : – Malvaceae

Gana : – Charaka = Bala, Bramhaniya

Shushrutha = Vatasamana

Vagbhata = Vatasamana

 

VERNACULAR NAMES

 

Hindi = Kharainti, Basiyara

Telugu = Chirubenda,Chittamutti

Tamil = PaniyarTuttul, Nilathuththi

English = Country mollow,sida

Malayalam = Kattusum, Vellusum

Kannada = Hettuti

 

 

 

SYNONYMS

Bala = That which gives strength

Vadya = Having strong fibres

Vadyalika = Herb growing in the field or occurring widely.

Odhanahva = The seeda of which are like cereals.

Garayashtika = Having bairy& rough stem.

Balatya = That which give it tenacity & strength.

Pethapushpa = Flowers are yellow in colour.

Bhathrothani = The seeds of which are like cereals.

Vinaya = The plant is used as strength promoting.

Vishwadeva = Using everybody.

Arishta = Leafs are serrited.

Mrugarasa = Volatile oil is more.

Shithapaki = The fruit ripen in winter

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

• Plant contain alkaloidal past 0.085% & seed contain highest content 0.32%
• Ephedrine forms major part of alkaloidal content.
• Hypaphorine, vasicinone, vascicine, vasicinol chlorine, betaine, phytosterolete& also fatty acids, mucilaginousmatter,potassiumnitrare,resin,phytosterol.
• Plant has not yet shown presence of tannin,glucoside.

 

 

PROPERTIES

Rasa = Madhura

Guna = Guru, snigda,pichilla

Virya = Shithavirya

Vipaka = Madhura

Karma = Balya, Bramhaniya,Krimigna,Rasayana

Roga = Grahani,Athmana,pkshagatha

Dosaghnatha = Vatapittahara

 

 

 

THERAPEUTIC USES

 

• Antravrddhi = Balaksheera is added to erandatila and administered orally ( C.D)
• Galaganda = Bala,Atibala and nevadasu are powdered 7 given through oral rout ( S.S.Ci 18)
• Vatavyadhi = Balayusa is best for the vatarogas (V.M)

Kashaya of the balamula with ginger is given in intermittent fever.

• Leucorrhoea = Powder of the root bark is given with milk and sugar for the relief of frequent micturation& leucorrhoea.
• Facial paralysis = The bark of the root with sesama oil and milk is very efficacious in curing facial paralysis.
• Gonorrhea = The seeds are rockoned aphrodisiac & are administered in gonorrhoea.

 

 

 

FOLKLORE USES

• Blood flux = The leaves mixed with rice
• Rheumatism = The juice of the plant is used.
• Arshas = The twigs are fibrous they are boiled in milk &whislcea with the twigs cougulates,thedecented liquid is given in pils.
• Elephantiasis = a paste of the root made with the juice of palmyra palm is locally used.
• Ulcers = The juice of the root is applied as a sedative over ulcers.
• Rheumatism = The root are pounded and boiled in oil which is applied to rheumatism

 

 

 

 

PART USED

 

Root:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOSAGE

Churna = 3-6g

Kvatha = 50-100ml

 

 

PREPARATIONS

Balatila

Balarasayana

Ksirabalatila

CandanaBala

Laksaditila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATIBALA

Botanical Name : – AbutilonIndicomLinn.

Family Name : – Malvaceae

Gana : – Charaka= Bramhaniya

Sushrutha = Vatasamsamana
Vagbhatta = Vatasamsamana
 

VERNACULAR NAMES

 

Hindi : – Kanghi,Kankatika

Kannada : – Shrimudregida,Mudregida

Tamil : – Tutti

Telugu : – Tutturubenda

Malayalam : -Vrqam, urabam,Katuvan

English : – Indian Mallow

SYNONYMS

Atibala: – The roots are very strong when administred increase Bala.

Rishyaproktha : – It grows widely and very common in forests.

Kankathika : – The fruits resemble comb.

Peethapushpa : – The flowers are yellow in colour.

Varshapushpika : – Blossoming in rainy season.

Vadyapushpi : – The plant occurring in wild like that of Bala&

having yellow flowers.

Saha : – Promotes Bala or physical strength.

 

PROPERTIES

Rasa : – Madhura

Guna :- Laghu, Snigdha

Virya :- Sita

Vipaka :- Madhura

Karma :- Vata pitta hara,Balya,Bramhanavrsya.

 

THERAPEUTIC USES

 

• Slipada – Bala and Atibala are taken with milk early in the morning.
• Mutrakracchra – Decoction of Atibala will be used.
• Raktapradara – Root powder of Atibala is given with sugar & Honey.
• RaktaPradara – Root powder of Atibala is given with together
• Raktamutra – Mula decoction.
• Arshas&bastiroga – The seeds are used.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOLK PRACTICES

• For the treatment of inflammation of the oral mucosa, blenorrhea,Asthamativ bronchitis and nasal congestion.
• Stomatitis,Facialparalysis,piles elephantiasis.
• In many part of Africa for various ailments particularly for respiratory problems
• It is an anti – inflammatory drug,due to the ephedrine content,it possesses psycho-stimutant properties.
• It affecting the CNS also CVS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

 

Hescoses, n-alkane mixtures, alkanols Beta- sitosterol,vanillic,

P-coumaric, caffic,Fumaric& amino acids, alantolactone, isoalantolacone etc.

 

 

PART USED

 

 

Root

 

 

 

DOSAGE

 

Kvatha :- 50-100 ml

Churna : – 3-6 g.m

 

IMPORTANT PREPARATIONS

AtibalaRasayana

Balatila

Narayana Tila

MahanarayanaTila

RESEARCH WORK

 

• Crude extract of s.rhombifolia ( 5 & 10 Kg) produce sedative effect and significant potentialion of phenobarabitone sleeping time in mice. Extract didnit produce any change in the normal temperature of the mice, but 10 g/ Kg dose showed significant decrease in rectal temperature of pyretic rats 2 and 3 hr after administration ( Japanese . J . Phusm, 21 : 136, 1971 )
• In an experimental study on the Rasayana drugs viz, Bala, Atibala,Mahabala&Bhumibala have been screened for their immuno – enhancing properties. Animals of drugs treated group showed statistically an enhanced production of “ anti s typhi ‘o’ ” antibodies. Abutilon indicum ( Atibala ) was best drug in augmenting antibody production ( Dixit,1978)

BOTANICAL NAME : PSORALEA CORYLIFOLIA

FAMILY: FABACEAE

Dry fruit of leguminous plant Psoraliacorylifolia Linn is one of the most popular traditional Chinese medicine and officially listed in chinesepharmacopia. The plant is an annual herb and has immense biological importance. It has been widely exploited since ages for its magical effect against several skin diseases such as psoriasis, leukoderma, and leprosy.

The drug “ BAKUCHI” have no synonyms from vedic literature .Though somavathi is described in Rigveda its identity with P. corylifolia is not established.

In charakasamhitha the name kushtagna is used for khadira or prapunnada but not for Bakuchi.Avalguja is the undisputed name of this plant in BhratTrayi.

The tribal name ‘Sevaraja’ in the forest areas of Bihar for Vernoniaanthelmintica wild may also be considered for somarajiacc to Thakurji

There are two important properties for Bakuchi like vishagna and svitranashana.

The name Bakuci is being used by only Sushrutha and vaghbata.

 

VARIETIES

 

• Swethaavalguja

• Krishna Avalguja,

SYNONYMS

• AVALGUJA
• PUTIPHALA
• SOMARAJI
• SOMAVALLI
• CHANDRASHAKLA
• KRISHNAPHALA

 

VERNACULAR NAMES

 

Hindi : Bavachi, bakuchi, babchi

English : Psoralia seed, Malaya Tree, Purple flame

Kannada : Bavanchi, Bavachige

Bengali : Habuch

Telugu : Bavanchalu

Tamil : Karpokarisi, karpokaralasi

Malayalm : Karkokil , Karkokilari, Kaurkolari

PART USED

 

• Seeds
• Seed oil
• Root
• Leaves

PROPERTIES

 

RASA : KATU, TIKTA

GUNA : LAGHU, RUKSHA

VIRYA : USHNA

VIPAKA : KATU

PRABHAVA : SWITHRA KUSHTA NASHANA

 

KARMA

 

• KAPHA VATAHARA
• RASAYANA
• KESHYA
• TWACHYA
• KUSHTAGNA
• BALYA
• VISHTAMBAHARA
• RUCHYA
• RAKTHA PITTAHARA
• HRIDYA
• SHWASAGNA
• PRAMEHAGNA
• JWARAGNA
• KRIMIGNA
• PANDU ROGHAHARA
• VAJIKARA

PRAYOGA

 

• SHWITRA
• KUSHTA
• KHALIYA
• VARNYA
• NADIDAURBHALYA
• AGNIMANDYA
• JEERNA JWARA
• AMADOSHA
• VIBHANDHA
• TWAK ROGA
• HRITSHODHA
• KASA
• KLAIBYA

THERAPEUTIC ACTION

 

• Seeds are prescribed with the other drugs combination in snake bite and scorpionsting. Seeds are ground with water and the liquid is poured into each nostril in stuper and coma.
• In sadyovrana, backache leaf paste is applied over cut wound to check bleeding.
• In badriya , powder of Musali and Bakuchi is given. To relieve kushta, bakuchi is to be taken with ushnadaka and patient is exposed to sunlight and kept on milk diet.
• A compound ointment of the powdered seeds of bakuchi and cakramarda (cassia tora) with lime juice was tried in cases of ringworm with marked beneficial effect.

MATRA

 

• BEEJA CHOORNA (SEED POWDER) : 3-6 g
• FOR KRIMI : 4 – 6g
• TINCTURE : 3 – 15 ML /DAY
• OIL APPLIED EXTERNALLY

 

AUSHADHA YOGA (FORMULATIONS)

 

• Bakuchitaila
• Somarajitaila
• Avalgujaditaila
• Svitraghavati
• Bakuchirasayana
• Mahanilatailam
• Khadiraristha

 

RESEARCH STUDY

 

• In the preliminary clinical studies. (At the kolkata school of tropical medicine, Kolkata) the olio resinous extract of the seeds was found to be the most effective preparation when applied locally on the patches of leucoderma.
• The extract of seeds produced a rise in BP on anaesthetized dogs and caused stimulation of intestinal smooth muscle both invivo and invitro
• Psoralen, one ofthe chemical content also seemed to have progesterone like activity on sexually immature rabbits.
• The anti bacterial activity of essential oil is also documneted
• The action of psoralen on pigment production has been studied in some detail at the CDRI