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Yastimadhu

 

 

 

LITERARY VIEW

 

MADHUKA OR MADHU YASTIKA are known to the physicians since vedic period. Atharva Parisishta described Madhuka and is considered as Dourbhagya Nashana. Commentators like SAYANA identified it with YASTIMADHU. It was used in the treatment of animal poisons and it is quoted in the context of mulavidhi.

Brihat trayi used this herb extensively in therapeutics but Acharya Charaka included it in many of his Kashaya vargas. He also emphasized its utility among rasayana drugs. Quoting Sushrutha’s view , Chakrapany detailed that though the root of Yasti Madhu is considered as the best for Vamana, The fruits of two varieties of this drug shall be used and we can find reference in Nighantus also. In Dhanvanthry Nigantu as Madhu Yasti, in Raja nigantu as Yasti Madhu and in Madanapala Nigantu as Madhu Yasti.

 

SYNONYMS AND NIRUKTHI

 

1 MADHUKA: Similar to the taste of honey

2.KOSHA PUSHPA: Flowers have cavity inside

3.GUDA PUSHPA: Pushpa will have taste of Guda and Madhu. It is sweet in taste.

4. GOLA PHALA: Fruit is round in shape

5.DOLA PHALA: fruit is round in shape

6. THIKSHNA SARA: Bija majja is Thikshna
7. MADHUKOSTA: Whole part of the plant is sweet in taste
8. MADHU DRUMA: It is used for preparing wine
9. MADHUSRAVA: The essence of plant is sweet in taste.

10 MADHAVA: Flower blossoms in spring season

11. LODHRA PUSHPA: Flower’s color is like Lodra Pushpa
12. VAANAPRASTHA: Plant grows wildly

VERNACULAR NAMES

English: Liquorice root

Hindi: Mulahathi,muleti,jethimadhu

Kannada: Jeshta Madura,athimadhura

Tamil: jeshta Madhuram,athimadhuram

Telugu: Athimadhuramu

Malayalam: Irattimadhuram

 

 

 

 

Varieties (Bedha)

According to Charaka two varieties:

1. Jalaja Madhuyasti
2. Sthalaja Madhuyasti

 

 

 

According to source from where it is obtained there are three varieties.

1. Mishri (Baluchistan) said to be the best.
2. Arbi (Arab Countries) said to be medium.
3. Turkey (Turkey) said to be poor.

 

 

According to modern concept three varieties.

1. Russia – Glycyrrhiza glabra
2. Persia (Iran) – Glycyrrhiza violaceae
3. Syrian – Glycyrrhiza glabra

 

 

 

 

Rasa Panchaka

 

Rasa :- Madhura

 

Guna:- Guru, Snigdha

 

Virya:- Sheeta

 

Vipaka:- Madhura

 

Prabhava:- Tridoshahara,Rasayana, Vrushya

 

 

 

 

Karma :- Daaha Prashamana, Shotahara, Chhardi nigrahana, Vrushya,

Trushnanigrahana, Kantya, Mutrala, Jeevaniya, Chakshushya,

Rasayana, Anulomana.

 

 

 

Indication

 

Vrana, shota, Kaasa, Shwasa, Shirashula, Netravikara, Udhara, Sadyokshata, trut, chaya, Shopha.

Chemical constituents

 

 

Root contains Glycyrrhuzin, a yellow amorphous powder, aspragin, sulphuric acid, mallic acid, calcium and magnesium salts.

 

 

Bark contains a small quantity of tannin and some other chemicals:-

 

Glycyrrhinic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquritin, isoliquiritin, neosioliquiritin, liquiritogenin, isoliquiritogenin, glabrine, glabranine, licuraside, licochalcones A & B, hispaglabridin A & B, licoricidin, glabrene, liquiritic acid, glabloride etc…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Officinal part (prayojanga)

 

 

 

Officinal part:- Root or moola

 

 

Dosage (Matra)

Dosage:- Moola Churna – 3-5 gram.

 

 

Formulations (aushadhiyoga)

 

 

• Yastyaadi churna
• Yastyaadi kwatha
• Madhuyastyaadi taila
• Eladi gutika

 

 

Therapeutic uses (aamayika prayoga)

 

 

1. Bhagandara: the wound should be applied with Madhu

Taila (Shu. Chi. 8)

 

2. Arthavabhedaka: Yastimadhu is mixed with honey and

Used as Avapidana Nasya (Shu. Ut. 26)

 

3. Hrudroga: paste of Yastimadhu and Katuki should be

Given with Sheethajala (Sugar water).

(Cha. Chi. 26)

 

4. Rasayana: Madhuyasti Churna given with Kshera.

 

5. Promote Lactation: Yastimadhu given with cows milk.

 

 

6. Raktapitta: Yastimadhu and Chandan Churna mix with

milk and given.

 

7. Vranashotha: Yastimadhu Churna paste apply on Vrana.

 

8. Shiraroga: Decoction of YastiMadhu moola.

 

9. Kalithya and Indralupta: Yastimadhu taila apply(Sha. Sa)

 

 

10. Apasmara:root paste of yastimadhu is cooked with

Ghritha fruit juice of Dhatri thus

Madhuyasti Ghritha is prepared given

Orally to Apasmaara patient.(Bha. 23).

 

11. Visha: Yyastimadhu decoction is given.

 

 

12. Swarabhanga:Yastimadhu Churna with Ghee and

Sugar.

 

13. Pitthaja Chardi: Yastimadhu and Raktchandan churan

Given.

 

14. Muthrakruchra: Yastimadhu siddadugda given.

Modern pharmacology

Liquorice- Bp and IP

 

Acts on sore throat, as mild laxative, expectorant, gastric ulcers,, anti-inflamatory show mild mineralo- corcoid action, rheumatism.

 

When the powder is given orally it get mixed with gastric juices and given as action like that of cortisone.

 

Research

 

• Glycyrrhizin showed anti- arthritic and anti- inflammatory effect on formaldehyde induced rat-paw oedema in adrenalectionized rats. It was found to potentiate the anti-arthritic action of hydro cortisone in rats.
• Glycyrrhizin showed a significant anti- diuretic effect in rats and rabbits on oral and perenteral administration.
• Glycyrrhetic acid showed an anti-pyretic activity similar to that of sodium salicylate on rectal temperature of normal and pyretic rat.
• Anti- inflammatory response of glabra was found to be equivalent to that of oxyphenbutazone. It appeared to posses more potent anti-pyretic and anti- exudative.

 

 

 

Vikantaka

(Flacourtica indica)

“Vikantaka” is botanically identified as “Flacourtia indica” belongs to flacourtiace family.

It is perennial herb with greenish yellow colour flowers. It is found in a temperate region of India. It is quoted by Charaka under Phala Varga. Susruta and Vagbhatta have also mentioned it some indentity it with Gymnosporia Spinosa flori onurs consider Kantaka.

 

 

SYNONYMS

1. Vykandika – Purified by Sulphur
2. Mrdu phala – Having sweet taste
3. Kandaki – Having thorns
4. Grandila – Having nodes
5. Yanja Vriksha – Using in Yanja
6. Gopa Kanda – Having nodes

GANA

Gana according to Charaka: – Tiktha Skanda

 

 

VERNACULAR NAMES

• English: – Madagascar plum or Governer’s plum. Lovi – Lovi.
• Hindi :- Kantangi
• Telugu :- Kanavegu chittu
• Bengali :- Benchi
• Marathi :- Kakat
• Gujarat:- Kankod
• Tamil :- Katukal
• Kannada :- Hunmunoki

BOTANICAL SOURCE

Flacourtia indica (sans.Num – Vikantaka)

Family: – Flacourtiaceae.

Part used

• Bark
• Fruits

 

 

Matra

• Swarasa :- 10 – 20 ml
• Kwatha:- 50 – 100 ml

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS

 

• Nirgundyaadi Gutika

 

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

 

 

 

Alcoholic extract of aerial part is diuretic and Spasmogenic. A mixture plant and guirilla taken on 4^th day cycle makes a woman sterile.

 

Analysis of edible plant (77%) of the fruit gave the following values moisture 74.4, protein 0.37, ether extr 0.21, total carbohydrate 24.20 reducing sugars 4.4, sucrose 5.0, fibre 0.4 and mineral matter 0.30%, calcium 24.1 and phosphorous 12.5mg/100g

 

Bark is used a tanning material.

 

RASAPANCHAKA

 

 

Rasa: – Madhura, Amla, Kashaya.

 

Guna: – Laghu, Rooksha.

 

Virya: – Sita.

 

Vipaka: – Madhura.

 

Dosakarma:-Tridoshahara

SROTOGAMITWA

 

 

• Dosha – Tridoshagna, Pittasarak

 

• Dhatu – Rakta

 

• Mala – Purisha (Purgative).bark – diuretic

• Organs – Stomach and Intestines.

ACTION

KARMA

(ACTION)

• Mutra Sangrahana
• Deepana
• Rakta Sodhana
• Sothahara
• Thwagdoshahara

 

Prayoga

(USES)

• Prameha
• Rakta vikara
• Agni mandya
• Kamala
• Twag Vikara
• Sotha – Apachi – Granthi – Arbuda

THERAPEUTIC USES

• The drug Vikantaka is useful in Anomalies of Urinary system belonging to group of Prameha roga. It is used in Jaundice.
• Blood Impurities
• Skin disease
• Loss of gastric power and liver disorders
• Vikantaka is given in cough Externally the drug used in glandular affection, swelling, tumour, abscess and allied complaints
• It is also used in spider poisoning( Luta Visa)

The fruits are eatable and have a sharp but sweetish taste and agreeable flavor. The fruits of some varieties are sweet enough to be taken raw but those of others can be eaten only after swelling.

Generally they are rich in protein and sufficiently acidic are excellent some as jellies.

• Used in burning sensation of Chest, Sores, Fever, Carbunlce, Stab wound and Cholera.
• Root is sweet, cooling depurative, diuretic and used in bilious affections.
• Rheumatism
• Mental disorders
• Bark is astringent and diuretic.
• Applied to Eczema paste given internally only in mid dog bite.
• Fruits are appetizing and digestive. They are given in Jaundice and enlarged spleen.
• In Indralupta – application of thaila
• Kasahaya of seeds in case of Vaginal wash in foetid discharge.
• The leaves and roots are used in herbal medicine especially for snake bite.
• The bark is believed to be effective for arthritis.
• Most part of the plant is used for Cough, Pneumonia and bacterial throat infections.

 

 

 

ETHNO BOTANY

In traditional Indian medicine it is used to prevent

 

• Ageing
• Improve Skin condition
• Prevent Heart disease
• Relieve Risk of Cancers
• Act as an anti-diabetic
• Treat malaria
• The Juice is used to treating Jaundice and enlarged spleen.
• Leaves often following medicinal benefits, according the word Agroforestry centre, are
• Gynecological problems
• Alleviates Asthma
• Fights Pneumonia
• Is an Anthelminthic (i.e. worm killer)
• Treats intestinal worms and hydrocele.
• The bark infused and gargled to remedy hoarseness
• The ash and roots treat Kidney issues, Snake bites, Arthritis.
• The root and leaves as remedies for diarrhea and as pain reliever.

 

VIBHEETAKI

[BOTANICAL NAME:TERMINALIA BELLERICA ROXB.]

 

 

 

 

 

It is botanically defined as TerminaliabellericaRoxb.which belongs to combretaceae family.

LITERARY VIEW

In Charaka samhitha, he mentioned the drug it under jvarahara and kasahara group.

Susrutha emphasized that it ismadakara while vagbhatta mentioned under mustadisusrutha also categorized in mustadiand Triphala. Vibhitaki is used in ancient medicine and described by all the nighantu works.

The modern books like Indian medicinal plants , Indian material Medicaetc mentioned the drug ‘ vibhataki’ under the name of TerminaliabellericaRoxb,( myrobalanusbellericaGaertn)

 

SYNONYMS

Vibhithaka – That which removes the fear of diseases

On using internally

Aksha – The seeds are used for playing gambling game as disc.

Kalidruma – Regarded as abode of Kali as it is used as dice.

Bahuvirya – It has broad actions

Thailaphala – The seed Kernel is oily

Kaliyugalaya – Used as dice in kaliyuga

Bhootavasa – Said to be house of devils.

Vibidhaka – Removes diseases and maintains health.

Bahedaka – Commonly known as bahed.

Vindhyajatha – Grows mostly in vindhya region.

Kasaghna – Mainly acts as Kaphaksedana and alleviates Kasa.

KarshaPhala – The weight of the fruit is one karsa 20 gms

Samvarthaka – Alleviates all diseases.

Vasantha – Flowers in Vasantarutu – spring.

 

GANAS

Kula – Haritakikula

Charaka – Jwaraghna, virechanopaga

Susrutha – Triphala, Mustadi

Vaghbatta – Mustadi

VENACULAR NAMES

English – Bellericmyrobalan

Hindi – Bahed

Malayalam – Thannikka

Kannada – Tarekai

Telugu – Tanikaya

Bengali – Baida

Tamil – Akkam, Todikai

Arab – Balilay

Gujarathi – Bahera

Marathi – Baherha

 

PRAYOJYANGA

1. Fruit rind
2. Seed
3. Seed kernel

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

• IN FRUITS: Fructose, glactose, Glucose, Mannitor, shamnose

andsitosterol

• SEEDS : Edible oil
• SEED: Garlic acid
• BARK AND
• HEART WOOD:Chebulagic acid ellagic acid

PROPERTIES

Rasa – Kasaya

Guna – Ruksa, Laghu

Virya – Usna

Vipaka – Madhura

Doshagnata – Kaphahara, tridosaghana

KARMA

• Chedana
• Kaphaghna
• Rechana
• Anulomana
• Dipana
• Vedana
• Krmighna
• Kesya
• Chaksushya
• Chardinigrahana
• Kusthaghna
• Kandughna
• Raktarodhaka
• Ropana
• Sadhyovrana

PRAYOGA

• Svitra
• Asmari
• Kasa and svasa
• Atisara
• Jvara
• Chardi

PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC ACTION AND USES

• The fruit is bitter, pungent acid. It is useful inbronchitis, sore throat, inflammations, strangury,asthma and disease of nose and eyes, the heart and the urinary bladder.
• In case of dyspepsia, vomiting, piles, thirst, worms and similar disease of digestive the fruits are useful for oral uses.
• Semi ripe fruit is given in constipation and the fully ripe and dried fruit is used in diarrhea and in dysentery.
• Fruits are also useful in internal hemorrhage and bliousness including burning sensation.
• The bark is useful in asthma, leucoderma.

 

 

 

THERAPEUTIC USES

• Svitra – Akshataila is applied externally (A.H Ci 20)
• Asmari – powder of vibhitaki seed is given with sura (S.S Ut58)
• Kasa&Svasa – Vibhitaki powder is given with honey after meals (C.D)
• Atisara – Vibhitaki fruit burnt into and given with salt (V.S)

FLOKLORE USES

• The fruit in combination with other drug is prescribed for snake bite and scorpion – sting
• Mixed with honey, it is also used for the application in case of opthalmia.
• The oil is considered a good application of the hairs

RESEARCH STUDIES

• Out of 93 cases of cough and asthma treated with TerminaliabellericaRoxb, 22 showed complete relief, 27 were significantly relieved, while 35 cases were moderately relieved. The drug exhibited brachodiatory antispasmodic and antiasthamatic activities.
• showed significant activity against both grampositive and gram negative bacteria.
• The HIV – 1 protease unhibitory activity was determined by using the fruit peal methanol extract.
• Ethanolic extract of T. bellericaRoxb. back showed 60-66% antifertrility activity when administerd orally at 250mg/kg dose.
• Most potent inhibitory activity on avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV)- reverse transcriptase (RT)was shown by T. bellericaRoxb.water and methanol extract.

VISHISHTA YOGAS	INDICATIONS	REFERENCE
Triphalachoorna             Talisadichoorna         Lavangadivati     TriphalaGuggulu     Triphalalouha       TriphaladiTaila     ThailadiGhrta     TriphaladiKvatha	Akshiroga, twakroga, prameha, raktavikara, kaphavikara Meha, sopha, Kustha, VishamaJwara, Netraroga   Kasa, svasa, jwara, Chardi, atisara, sosa, adhmana, pliha, Grahani, pandu   Used for Kasa and gulma   Sotha , bhagandhara, arsa, gulma   Amavata, pandu, halimaka, due to visamajwara   Used for rukshika     Used for timira     Used for vridhi	Ashtangahrdaya     Sharangadharasamhitha     SharangadharaSamhithamadhyama -6     Vaidyajivanakasasvasachikista -7   Sharangadharasamhitha -7   Rasendrasarsangraha       BhaishajyaRatnavali -60   Bhaishajya Ratnavali-64   Bhaisajya Ratnavali-64

MATRA

• Choorna: 1-3g

YOGA

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Vathsanabha is known to the ayurvedic pharmacopeia since very early times. The word VISHA is delineated in ADHARVANA VEDA and BRAHMANA GRANDHA. Among the brihaththrayi’scharakacharya mentioned it under STHAVARA VISHA. He also denoted it as visha which is one of the ingredients of iendryrasayana. Vishadharana is one of the prophylactic measures for vishamajwara according to charakacharya. Vathsanabhi is described under 13 verities of kandhavisha by susruthacharya. It is very important to note that he quoted 4 verities of vathsanabhi for first times probably there are 4 varieties which are elaborated by Yogarathnakaralater.Susruthacharya elaborated the poisonous effects of vathsanabhi also. He included it among the KUSHTAHARA YOGAS. Vagbhatacharya preferred the name Visha to denote Vathsanabhi and used it in the treatment of KUSHTA,THIIRA,GANDAMALA,NADIVRNA,and APACHY etc.

Sarangadhara and Bhavamisra delineated Vathsanabhi in the texts while almost all nighadu’s mentioned it. Though Dhanvantharinighanduposses descriptions of Vathsanabhi synonyms and properties, most of the nighandu made little mentionings,Rajanighandu included it in the PANCHA MAHA VISHA. The utility of vathsanabhi definitely increased after the development of rasasastra.

PARYAYAS

VATHSANABHA: The root resembles the umbilicus of vathsa

VISHA

HALAHALA

AMRUTHA

GARALA

GARA

GARADA

BHOGARA

KALAKODA

KSHWEDA: Which act as madaka

SOWRASHTRIKA: Native origin

RAKTHASRUNGIKA: Poison

VISHAMUKTHA

MAHUSHADAM

MARANAM

NAGAM

KSHWEDA

TANKANA

VARIETIES

Susruthacharya quoted about four verities of vathsanabhi. Rasavagbhada have elaborated the four verities as brahma, kshthriya, vaisya, sudra

Brahmana- panduvarnavaisya-pithavarna

Kshatriya-rakthavarnasudra-krishnavarna

But rasatharanginy described only three variety of vathsanabhi on the basis of colour Krishna, kapisa, and panduvarna. They are considered as superior to each other in the same order.

Regarding the colour of market samples of aconite it is observed that in and around Amrithasar the roots of aconite are artificially coloured by using several techniques

For ex: Kasesa mixed with cow’s urine and then the roots are soaked and boiled in it for some time. Later the roots are shade dried and Mustard oil is applied over them. This method avoid insect and bugs but leading to confusion some times.

 

VERNACULAR NAMES

English : Monk’s hood, Aconitum

Hindi :Bachanag, Bis, Bish, Mhoor

Kannada :Vatsanabhi

Malayalam: Vatsanabham

Tamil : Vashanavi

Telugu : Ativisa, Nabhi

Assam : Bish

Bengal : Bish, Butsnabish, Katbish

Gujerath : Shingadivachanag

Marathi : Bachag, Vachnag

Arabic : Bish

Persian : Bishnag, Zher

 

PART USED

The tuberous root is medicinally used in various preparations. Both the ancient and modern descriptions indicate that the collection of root is preferred during winter.

DESCRIPTION OF PART: Abconical, abruptly tapering roots, more often paired as mother and daughter tubers, 2-5 cm in length and up to 2.5 cm in diameter at the thickest part. Surface dark brown in color, densly covered with remnants of root lets or root scars arranged in an annular fashion. Fracture short exposing a medially surface of yellowish brown color odor nil. Taste slightly sweet followed by tingling sensation.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Root- roots contains pseudo-aconite, a toxic substance (similar to that of aconite) which is obtained approximately 4 gm in about half kg root material.

Aconite: 0.97-1.23%, Picro-aconine, Benzoin-aconine and Homonipoline are also present.

 

PROPERTIES

RASA – MADHURA

GUNA – LAGHU, RUKSHA, TEKSHNA, VYAVAY, VIKASI

VIRYA – USHNA

VIPAKA – KATU

 

 

KARMA

• vathakaphahara
• -jwarahara
• -jangma
• -vishahara
• -madakary
• -kushtagna
• -vedanasthapaka
• -sodhahara
• -depana – pachana
• -hridya
• -sukrasthambana
• -mootrala
• -arthavajanana
• -Amavaathagna
• -sandhivathahara
• -vyavay
• -swedala

 

INDICATION

-NADIDOURBALYA,HRUTDOURBALYA

-PAKSHAGADA, SANDHIVATHA,AMAVATHA

-SIRASOOLA

-KASA, SWASA

-IKSHUMEHA,BAHUMUTRA,SAYYAMUTRA

-MUTRASARKARA,PREMEHA

-JWARA,SANNIPATAJWARA,JEERNAJWARA

-SODAVEDANAYUKTHA VIKARA,JWARA

-AGNIMANDYA,UDARA VIKARA,SULA

-YAKRUT PLEEHAVIKARA

-JANGAMAVISHA

-KUSHTA

-MADHUMEHA

-VATHA ROGA

 

THERAPEUTIC USES

Shirashoola: yeshtichurna 1 thola&vatsanabha powder 2.5g is used as pradhamananasya in a dose of 1 sarshapa mg.

Shoola:pippali,pippalimoola&vatsanabhachoorna are mixed in equal proportion

 

 

DOSAGE

 

In Rasartnasamuchaya

1^st day – 1 sarshapa

2-4th day – 2 sarshapa

5-7th day – 3 sarshapa

9th day onwards – 1 sarshapa quantity increased for every 4 days till it reaches a maximum dose of 1 ratty(120mg)

In Ayurveda prakasa

1st day – 1 sarshapa

2-7th day – 1 sarshapa increased per day

8-14 days – 1 sarshapa reduce per day

3rd week – 1 sarshapa increased per day

4th week – 1 sarshapa reduce per day

RasaratnasamuchayaandAyurvedaprakasamentiond to increse gradually and tappering of vatsanabha like Vardhamana yoga.

-The maximum dose of Vatsanabha is 8 Yava only.

-P.V Sharmaji prescribes 1/8 ratty ie, 15 mg of root powder and VaidyaBapalal advocates 60-125 mg of root powder.

VISISHTA YOGA’S

• -Anathabhirava rasa
• -Amrutharasayana
• -Hinguleswara rasa
• -Indryrasayana
• -Jwaramurary
• -Jaya vaty
• -Kaphakethu rasa
• -Mritunjaya rasa
• -Panjamrutha rasa
• -Panjavaktra rasa
• -Rambhanarasa
• -Saubhagyavatika
• -Siratandava rasa
• -Tribhuvanakeerti rasa
• -Visharasayana
• -Vishataila

RECENT RESEARCH ADVANCES

 

Vaidya Bapalal reported that Dr. Kartika Chandra Basu created a case of leprosy by administering low dose (10grains/clay) of vatsanabhi and cured it

It is documented that unless the skin is sound a dangerous quantity may be absorbed systemically even when applied externally as liniment.

-S.N. Bal

VASA

INTRODUCTION

Kousika and Panini works delineate vasa and it is described by other commentators as vrsaka and atarusa. The synonym simhi is used in the vedic period to denote brhati but not for vasa.

Vasa is a well-known herb for respiratory disorders,bleeding disorders and febrile illness.Caraka documented the flowers of vasa as kapha-pittahara while susrutha mentioned them as kshaya and kasahara.

Vagbhatta emphasized its role in raktapitta. Shodala and Yogarathnakara have emphatically claimed that it is a definite treatment for raktapitta, kshaya and kasa.

About the drug : Botanical source of vasa is Adhatodavasica. And it belongs to Acanthaceae family.

SYNONYMS

 

 

Vasa – The plant grows in plenty and covers the ground with dense foliage.

Bhishangmatha – It protects like mother to all physician to alleviate diseases.

Atarushaka – The herb is a useful drug which alleviates a number of diseases.

Simhikaa – It is useful in many diseases.

Simhasya – Flowers look like opened mouth of lion.

Vajidantha – The flowers are white like the teeth of horse.

Vrisha – The flowers have prefuse nectar.

Vasaadani – Helpful in the treatment of obesity.

Kasanothpatana – Useful in kasa diseases.

Matha – Supports the patient like a mother.

Kaphaha – Relieves kapha.

Karkasha – The leaves are minutely pubescent.

Raktamutrajith – Relieves the passing of blood in urine or haematuria.

Danthasatvapradayi – Provides strength to the teeth.

Rakthapittaprasadini – It is useful in raktapitta or epistaxis.

 

VERNACULAR NAMES

English – Malabarnut, Vasaka

Hindi – Adusa, Arusa

Kannada – Adusoge, Adasale

Malayalam – Atalotakam

Tamil – Adathodai

Telungu – Addasaramu

Bengali – Bakas

Punjabi – vamsa

Marathi – Adulsa

Gujarati – Araduso

 

VARIETIES

Though there are no varieties mentioned in the classical literature, some vaidyas are using Adhatodabeddomiclarke as vasa.

P.V.Sharmaji reported that Justaciagendarussalinn is being used as Krishna varna.

Dr.Desai quoted Justiciapictalinn as raktapushpa vasa.

 

 

OFFICINAL PART

• Leaves

 

• Flowers

 

• Root

 

 

 

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

• Alkaloids
• Essential oil
• Vasicine (peganine)
• Vasicinine
• Β-Sitosterol
• Kaempferol
• 3-sophoroside
• Luteolin
• Tritriacontane
• Adhatodic acid
• Carotene
• Vasakin
• Vasicinol 1= q-hydroxyvasicine
• Vasicinone
• Vitamin c
• Vasicol
• Vasicinol
• Vasicinolone
• Adhatodine
• Adhavasinone
• Anisotine
• Vasicolone
• vasicolinone

 

PROPERTIES

Rasa – Tikta, Kashaya

Guna – Laghu, Ruksha

Veerya – Seetha

Vipaka – Katu

Doshagnatha – Kapha-Pitta samaka

PHARMOCOLOGICAL ACTION

• Vata karaka
• Swarya
• Hridya
• Kaphagna
• Pittagna
• Raktapitta
• Swasagna
• Kasagna
• Jwaragna
• Chardinigrahana
• Pramehagna
• Kushtagna
• Kshayagna
• Krimigna
• Sothahara
• Vedanasthapana
• Sthambhana
• Kantya
• Svedajanana

 

 

THERAPEUTIC USES

 

• Kapha-vikara

The swarasa of vasa patra is given with Ardrakaswarasa, Pippali and Saindhavalavana along with Madhu.

• Svasa&Kasa

Vasa swarasa given along with Draksha, Haritaka, Madhu and Sarkara.

• Fresh case of Svasa

Kwatha is prepared with Kantakari, Yavasa, Nagaramustha, Sunti and vasa and given with Tankana.

• Rajayakshma

Vasa ghritha is given

• Jvara

Vasa patraswarasa, Vamsalocana, Talisapatra is given with madhu.

• Thamakasvasa

Dhumapana is done with Vasa patra and Datturapatra.

• Rakta-pitta

Vasa patraswarasa given with madhu.

• Vishamajwara

Patrachoorna or mulachoorna is given.

• Aadhmana

Patraswarasa is taken internally.

• Raktha-pitta

Pushpa and patrachoorna is given.

• Athisara

Patraswarasa is given.

 

 

• Amavata

Vasa patrakalka applied externally.

• Tvakroga

Swarasa is given internally.

• Kalka applied externally

Kwatha used for bathing

• For Rasayana purpose

Mulakwatha of vasa is cooked with oil & used. It promotes intellect & life span.

• Vatavyadhi

Vasamuladitaila is given.

• Kushta

Vasa, Kutaja, Saptaparna, Karavira, Karanja, Nimba&Khadira mixed with Gomutra is given as Snana&Panartha.

DOSAGE

• Swarasa – 5-20 ml
• Patrachoorna – 1-3 gms
• Mulachoorna – 3-6 gms
• Pushpachoorna – 5-1 gms
• Kwatha – 50-100 ml

 

 

FORMULATIONS

• Vasakasava
• Vasarishta
• Vasachandanaditaila
• Vasavaleha
• Vasapanaka
• Brihatmanjishtathikwatha
• Panjatiktagritha
• Chyavanaprashaavaleha
• Kanakasava

RESEARCH

• Relaxation producing activity of dl-vasicinone on isolated guniea pig tracheal muscle was about 1/2000 that of adrenaline.
• Vasicine showed abortificient effect in guniea pigs depending on the stage of pregnancy and prior priming of animals with estradiol.
• Intra amniotic injection of vasicinehcl was effective in inducing mild trimester abortions at dose of 60mg.
• Bronchodilatory activity of vasicinone was compared to that of isoprenaline and aminophylline.
• Vasicine also potentiated prostaglandin-induced uterine contractions in rats.

 

 

Varuna

[Crataeva nurvala Buch.Ham]

CAPPARIDACEAE FAMILY

CLASSICAL CATAGORISATION

• Susruta
• Varunadi
• Vatasmari nasaka
• Tikta varga
• Vata samshamana
• Charaka—-Tikta skandha
• Vagbhata —- varunadi
• Vrinda madhava— Ashmarigha
• Sodala Nighandu —- Amradi varga
• Kaiyadeva Nighandu—- Aushadhi varga
• Bhava prakasha Nighandu —- Vatadi varga
• Dhanvantari Nighandu —- Amradi panchama sarga
• Sad rasa Nighandu / Abhidhana ratnamala—-Kashaya dravya

 

VERNACULAR NAMES

• English 3 leaved caper
• Malayalum Niravila
• Kannada Neravele
• Hindi Varna, Baruna
• Tamil Mavilingam
• Telugu Magalingam
• Marathi varun
• oriya Baryno

 

 

 

 

SYNONYMS

• Varuna :That which useful in treatment of Gulma.
• Tiktasaka : That’s stem are tikta in taste.
• Kumaraka : The leaflets – glabrous.
• Setuvrksha : Having malabhedanadi guna.
• Bilva patra : Like bilva it has three leaflets.
• Bahupushpa : During Vasanth rtu all the branches of plant

will be covered by flower / full of flowers.

• Bhramara priya : Attract Bhramaras (honey bee).
• Vrtha Phala :Fruit are round.
• Ashmarighna : Useful in Asmari.
• Tikthasara :Sara is tikta in taste.

 

 

 

 

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

• Stem Bark:Tannin & Saponoin

(-)- epiafzelechin, (-)- epiafzelechin 5- O-β-D glucoside,(-) catechin,lupeol, diosgenin,friedelin, betulenic acid, ceryl alcohol,glucocapparin,β-sitosterol; varunol, the alkaloids,cadabicine, , diacetate, & cadabicine Methyl ether also isolated.

• LEAF:L-stachydrine, rutin, quercetin &isoquercetin.
• FRUIT:Ceryl alcohol,cetyl alcohol, tricontanol, tricontane, glucocapparin &β-sitosterol.
• ROOT BARK :βsitosterol, lupeol,varunol, β-sitosterol acetate, β-taraxasterol,β-epilupeol,lupenone, rutin & quercetin (anti-inflammatary substances).

PROPERTIES

Rasa :Tikta,kashaya,madhura

Guna :Laghu,Ruksha

Virya :Ushna virya

Vipaka :Katu

Prabhava :Ashmari bhedhana

KARMA

• Ashmari bhedhana
• Dheepana
• Anulomana
• Krimaghna
• Bhedhana
• Moothrala
• Gulmaghna
• Raktha shodhaka
• Raktha uttejaka
• Jwaragana
• Yakrt uttejaka
• Krimighna
• Vata raktha hara

ROGAGNATHA/PRAYOGA

• In vidhrathi,Ganda mala
• asmari,mootra krachra & moothraghadha
• Vrna sodha
• Agnimandya
• Soola
• Yakrt vikara
• Krmi
• Jwara
• Bhasthi soola
• In Asthama & bronchitis
• Worms
• Raktha dosa, vyanga – varnavikara
• Medoroga
• Arsas
• Dourbalya

AMAYIKA PRAYOGA (THERAPEUTIC USES)

1. Varuna pushpa ( varuna’s flower) useful in Amavata & considered as Grahi & pittarechaka.
2. In vidradhi& ganda mala, a kvatha is prepared with the bark & given with madhu. Externally applied on ganda mala as paste.
3. In Asmari a kvatha is Prepared with mulatwak, the curna of bark is added to& given (V.M).
4. In mutrakrucchra the bark kvatha is useful.
5. In vyanga , lepana of varuna twak with goat’s milk applied externally. (Chakradhatta)
6. In asmari, prameha, bastisula, mutrakrucchra & other mutradiseases, along with apamarga, punarnava, yaraksara,goksura & yastimadhu given.
7. In vedanayuktha vata vikara’s : Varuna mula twak churna with shingru mula twak churna & dhanyamla applied externally (B.P).
8. In asras : varuna pathra kvatha avaghaha sweda given (C.C).
9. Kikkisa – First the suprapubic area is rubbed with dried cow – dung & then anionted with the paste of varuna leaves ( R.M).

 

 

10. In Rheumatism – leaf juice in doses of ½ to 3 tolas is given, mixed with coconut milk & ghee.
11. Calculus – Root & bark used in the form of embocation which is prepared by boiling them in oil.
12. Bark decoction with addition of treacle : decoction prepared by bruising & boiling 4 ounces of bark in 1 pints of water till reduced to 1 pint & strained & cooled which is useful in urinary complaints such as kidney, bladder stones. Fever, to relieve vomiting.
13. Bark used in snake bite.
14. Aromatic & bitter tonic prepared by infusion of leaves.
15. In ascites, urinary disorders, calculus affection- compound decoction containing its root bark,leaves,small calrrops, ginger, carbonate of potash, honey & water.
16. Swelling & burning sensation in feet – paste of leaves applied to soles of feet.
17. For scrofulous Enlargements of glands under lower jaw – a decoction of bark prescribed (sarangadhara).
18. Internal / deep seated suppurative inflammation – A decoction of bark & punarnava in the proption of 5 to 2 parts respectively.

 

 

PARTS USED ( UPAYUKTHA ANGA)

• Moola Twak Pushpa Pathra

 

1. Root & Root bark

• Roots are long, cylindrical, woody & 0.5 to 8.0 mm in diameter.
• Root bark is 1.0 mm to 4.0 mm thick. Outer surface of root & root bark is yellowish brown, longitudinally wrinkled, rough due to presence of lenticels. Inner surface is smooth, yellow,longitudinally striated, fracture is tough.

2. STEM

Mature bark is 6-15 cm long & 3-10cm wide with thickness varying from 5 to 12mm. The thinner bark pieces are chanelled, but the thicker ones are flat & slightly curved. The outer surface is ash coloured & rough due to presence of numerous small & found lenticels & transverse wrinkles. Inner surface is smooth & whitish brown to buff coloured.

3. LEAVES

Leaves are alternate, petiolate, exstipulate with fairy large digitately trifoliate leaflets, which are thin texture, green, entire, ovate to lanceolate, glabrous, acute, petioles are long . Lateral leaflets areoblique.

 

 

DOSAGE

Choorna 1-2 gm

Kvatha 50-100ml.

 

FOLK LORIC REMEDIES

1. Fresh leaves of crataeva bruised well with a little vinegar, lime juice or lime water or hot water, & applied to the skin as poultice/paste act as a vesicant.
2. Fresh leaves & roots mixed with coconut juice & ghee are used as food to reduce corpulence.
3. Leaf smoked in caries of the bones of the nose, & the smoke is exhaled through the nose.
4. A paste of the leaves applied to soles of the feet to relieve swelling & burning sensation.
5. A decoction of the bark of the tree is used in scrofulous enlargement of glands under the lower jaw.
6. A decoction of the bark is also used for internal/deep seated suppurative inflammation.

 

YOGA’S (FORMULATIONS)

• Varundya tila
• Varunadya ghrta
• Varunadi kwatha
• Varuna kshara yoga
• Kanjanara guggulu
• Manjishtadhyrishta
• Varunadhi kvatha choorna

RESEARCH STUDIES

• At the central unit of govt.Research dept. of Ayurveda Hyderabad varuna kvatha is used as stomatch wash through Ryelie’s tube & is found to very effective in case of peptic ulcer.
• Some of the fractions of crataeva nurvala showed promising anti- inflammatory & anti – arthritic activities. It has been found to produce prolonged hypotension of gradual onset (CCRIMH annual report 1972-73).

 

 

 

 

 

PHARMACOLOGY

• The water extract of crataeva bark plays nicotinic actions on guinea pig ileum & dog tracheal muscle in vitro.
• The effect of this water extrct on the bladder contractility of dogs has studied.
• The alcohol ether extract of bark has anti – inflammatory activity comparable to that of corticosteroids.
• Acute inflammations induced by histamine & carrageenin & delayed (chronic) inflammation ( in formaldehyde induced arthiritis) are both inhibited.
• The water extract of leaves has anti-bacterial activity against shigella & salmonella.