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Tulasi – Ocimum Sanctum

Literary review

• Charaka quoted this drug under Svasahara gana.
• Sushruta quoted this drug under Surasadi gana.
• Vagbhata quoted this drug under Surasadi gana.
• Bhava prakasha quoted under Pushpa varga and he mentioned two varieties of Tulasi i,e Sukla and Krsna.
• This is quite interesting that Brhat rayi not used the term ‘Tulasi’ too indicate it. It’s synonym “surasa” is mainly used by them in their work while charaka mentioned Apetarakshasi as a synonym.
• Sushruta described two kinds in the context of surasadi gana i,e surasa dve. Reference S.S.Su 38/8. Tulasi is used in visa chikitsa also.
• In Atharva parisista and sankara dharmasutra we come across the mentioning about “tulasi [A.P 35/2/9-11] [S.D.Su 129]. How ever surasa is delineated as a forebidden leafy vegetable in visnu dharma sutra.[V.D.S 79/17]
• Dhanvantari mentioned Tulasi under Karaveerdi varga.

 

Synonyms

• Tulasi-The leaves are regarded as sacred a good medicine.
• Surasa-The rasa is good and useful.
• Gramya-Common plant grown in village.
• Sulabha-the plant s available easily.
• Bahumanjari- having numerous spike inflorescence.
• Apetarakshasi- It repels the evil spirit.
• Gowri-It protects like goddess gowri.
• Bhoothaghni-drives away evil spirit.
• Devadundubhi- The plant is liked by devas or the flowers are like trumpet.
• Kaayastha- Tulasi maintains body in good condition.
• Svadugandhichada-The leaves have sweet aroma.
• Surabhi-entire plant is aromatics.
• Shoolaghni- It relieves pain.
• Chakraparni- it should be considered as cakra pushpin because the flowers are set densely in a circle.

 

Vernacular names

Language	Names
Hindi	Tulasi
English	Holy basil or sacred basil
Kannada	Tulasi
Malayalam	Tulasi
Telugu	Tulasi
Tamil	Tulasi
Bengali	Tulasi
Marathi	Tulasi

 

 

Varieties

• According to Bhava prakasha:

Two varieties they are according to the colour of the stem and leaves they are

1. Shukla Tulasi or shweta Tulasi
2. Krushna Tulasi

 

• According to botony :Ocimum gratissimum Linn is known as Rama Tulasi .

 

• According to Sushruta : 2 varieties

1. Surasa.
2. Sveta surasa.

 

• Some species of ocimum genus are referred in context of Tulasi. They are

1. Ocimum canum sims(white flowered, sveta surasa)
2. Ocimum gratissimum Linn(phanjjaka, Rama Tulasi)

• Ocimum americanum Linn(a variety of sveta Tulasi)

1. Ocimum kilimandascharicum Guerke (Kapuri Tulasi-Karpura Tulasi)
2. Ocimum basilicum Linn/ Ocimum minimum Linn.
3. Ocimum sanctum.

 

 

 

• According to Kaiyadeva nighantu : 3 varieties

1. Tulasi.
2. Sveta Tulasi.

• Karpura Tulasi.
• Ref Ni.Oshadi varga 1151.

 

 

Useful part

• Panchanga
• Patra
• Pushpa
• Moola
• Seed
• Moola twak.

 

Dosage

• Swarasa/fresh juice : 10-20 ml
• Patra choorna : 2-3 gm
• Beeja choorna : 1-2 gm
• Panchanga swarasa : 1-3 ml
• Root decoction : 50-100 ml

 

Chemical composition

Bornyl acetate, cadinene, camphene, camphor, carvacrol, beta-caryophellene, eugenl, eugenol methyl ether, humelene, methyl chavicol, limonene etc.

The leaves on steam-distillation yield a bright yellow volatile oil possessing a pleasant odour characteristic of the plant with an appreciable note of cloves. The yield of oil varies with type, season and the place of origin.

Data of analysis of various samples [collected from different parts of country] are on record, showing the yield of oil [0.1%-0.23% and 0.2-0.33%] acid val (1.1-1.6), phenols [45-70%] and aldehydes [15-25%] and almost similar varying data.

The seeds of plant give a greenish yellow fixed oil 17.8% with god drying properties and with analytical characteristics, matter containing sitosterol.

The fatty acid composition of the oil is as follows:

• Palmitic-6.9%
• Stearic -2.1%
• Oleic -9.0%
• Linoleic -66.1%
• Linolenic -15.7%

 

 

Properties

• Rasa – Katu, Tikta
• Guna -Laghu, Ruksha
• Veerya -Usna
• Vipaka -Katu

Doshghnata – Kapha –Vatashamaka.

 

• Tulasi katu tiktoshna surabhi shleshmavatajith !

Jantu bhoothakrimihara rucikrdvata shantikrth !!

– Raja nighantu. Karaveeradi varga. 150

 

 

Karma

• Kaphavatahara
• Deepana
• Krimighna
• Putigandhahara
• Kasahara-Svasahara-ksayahara
• Kanthya
• Hikkanigrahana
• Chardinigrahana
• Krimighna- pachana
• Anulomana
• Janthughna-durgandhanasana
• Sothhara
• Mutrala
• Hrdya-Balya
• Raktashodhana
• Sukrala
• Tvagdoshahara-Kandughna
• Kushtaghna-Svedojanana-Tvachya
• Jwaraghna-Sitaprasamana
• Vishama jwaraghna- Jwarapratisedhaka
• Vishaghna
• Visankramaka

 

 

Prayoga

• Vatashleshmika jwara- pratisyaya
• Kasa-Svasa-Parsvasula-Yakshma
• Agnimandhya-Ajirna chardi
• Udarashoola-Pravahika
• Krimiroga
• Jantu,Kitance sankramana
• Bahyakrimi
• Vedana-aksepa-sotha
• Tvagroga-kacchu-pama- kandu
• Jirnavrana-sotha-vrana
• Daghdavrana
• Siroroga
• Karnashoola
• Hrddourbalya- raktavikara
• Sukrameha
• Mutrakracchra- Mutradaha
• Bastisotha- asmari
• Makkalasula
• Visa- vrishchikadamsha
• Jwara- Jirna jwara
• Dourbalya
• Netraroga
• Balaroga
• Parsvasula- visama jwara

 

Formulation

• Surasadighnakashaya
• Surasadi taila
• Tumburvadi yoga
• Nimbadi lepa
• Sahacharadi taila
• Manasamitravataka
• Tribhuvanakeerti rasa
• Mukta panchamruta rasa
• Mahajvarankusa rasa
• Muktadimahanjana

 

Substitutes and adulterant

The plant is very commonly grown in houses as it is held sacred in Hindu homes. There is as such no problem of adulteration.

Ocimum sanctum variety, nigram growing commonly in south India is considered more effective. Leaves of this plant is purple or greenish purple in colour.

 

Therapeutic uses

• Kaphaja kasa
• Kasanardasvasa vitbhrnga raja vartakajo rasa!

Sakshaudra kaphakasaghna surasasya sitasya cha !!

[Cha. Sa. Chi.18/117]

-Fresh juice of krsna tulasi is given with honey.

 

• Makkalasula
• Surasadalanishyanda puranagudayamandalasamishra!

Peeta prasutisamayadananthara shoolamapaharatya!!

[gadanigraha 6/7-8]

-Juice of tulasi leaves is taken with old jiggery and manda.

 

• Paksmasata
• Sanchoornya pushpakaseesam bhavyeth surasarasai!

Pamra idashaham param paksmashate tadanjanam!!

[Ah.Hr.Utt.9/20]

-A copper vessel is impregnated with paste of pushpa kasisa mixed with tulasi juice and left for 10 days. Afterwards that paste is collected and used as anjana.

 

 

• Visamajwara
• Peeta mareecha choornea Tulasi patrajo rasa!

[sharangadhara samhita]

[B.P jwaradhikara 1/754]

 

• Palitya
• Sahacharadi taila!

[Ah.Hr.Utt.24/37-38]

 

Research

1. Leaves shown abortificient and anti-fertility activity. The aqueous extract (100 mg/kg) showed anti-implantation and abortificient action (vohara et al,1969)
2. Benzene and PE extracts of leaves (100 mg/kg) showed 80% and 60% anti- fertility effect in rats (Batta and Santhakumari 1971)
3. Hitological and biochemical studies on mice fed with leaves showed evidence of mild impairment of spermatogenesis with significant reduction of seminal P^H (Kasinathan etc al 1972)
4. 50% ethonic extract of leaves showed hypoglycaemic effect in rats and antispasmodic activity against spasmogen induced spasms in isolated guines pig ileum (Dhar etal.1968)
5. Crude watery extract of leaves showed transient hypotensive effect in anaesthetized dogs and cats and a negative inotropic and chronotropic effect on rabbit heart (singh et al 1970)
6. The volatile oil is reported to be mosquito larvicidal as well as mosquito- repellent (Sharma and wattal 1979)

 

 

 

 

7. The ether extract of leaves showed anti bactorial activity (Joshi and Magar 1952, Gupta and viswanatham 1955) the essential oil also exhibited anti- bactorial activity (Grover and Rao 1977)
8. Anti-viral activity of leaf extract is reported (Roy et al 1979, Tripathi and Tripathi 1982)

 

BOTANICAL NAME : ZANTHOXYLLUM ALATUM.ROXB.

FAMILY : RUTACEAE

INTRODUCTION

 

Tumburu is mentioned in the patanjala Mahabhasya (P M 1 /1 /46 & 7/2/101). Another plant or synonym Tejani is delineated in Jaimini Grhya sutra (J.G.S. 1/20) .

Tejovati and Tumburu are the terms repeatedly used by Brhat Trayi. They have also described Tejohva few times only Vagbhata quoted the synonyn Tejini (A.H Sa 2/42 & ot. 22/56).

I therefore intend to collect all the details regarding , identity , morphology, chemical composition, pharmacology, therapeutic properties from time immemorial to present.

VARIETIES

• Zanthouyllum limonella (Denenit ) Aiston
• Zanthouyllum alatum. Roxb
• Zanthouyllum acanthopodium DC.
• Zanthouyllum alatum DC.
• Zanthouyllum aromatum DC.

SYNONYMS

• Tumburu
• Saurabha – Having pleasant smell
• Sauro – Having pleasant smell
• Vanaja – As it is grown in the forest.
• Tejasvini – As it is having tikshna Guna
• Saureya – Having pleasant smell.
• Tejohva – Tikshna dravya or Agni vardaka
• Tejabala – Agnivardaka
• Tejani -Tikshna dravya
• Tejodva – As it is having tikshna guna
• Soolagna – Soolagna action
• Sugandi – Having pleasant smell.

VERNACULAR NAMES

 

English – Toothache Tree

Hindi – Tejbal, Trimburu, Tumbura, Napali Dhaniya

Kannada – Tejaphal, Jinni, Tumburu

Tamil – Tejaphalam, Tejasvini

Telugu – Kondakasimanda, Tejasvini

Malayalam – Tejaphalam, Tejasvini

U.P Hills – Timur

Bengali – Nepali Dhane

Arabic – Phagir karava khandan

Persian – Kavava dahana kushada.

 

 

USEFUL PARTS

 

• Bark
• Fruits

 

DOSAGE

 

Powder – 1 -2 gm (Fruit up to 3 gm)

Kashaya – 50- 100 ml

FORMULATIONS

 

• Tejovatyadi ghrta
• Tumburvadi curna
• Tikteksvakvadi tailam
• Kanakaksiri tailam

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

 

• Plant contains essential oil, linalocol, dipentence an essential oil, ceramic methyl ester.
• Bark contains bitter crystalline principle identical with berberine, a volatil oil and resin, alkaloids, dictamine, mangofluorine , xantho planine, skimmianine.
• Carpals contain a volatil oil, resin, a yellow acid principle and a crystalline solid body xanthoxyline.
• Carpals of fruit yields an essential oil isomeric with turpentine like eucalyptus oil in odour and property . The essential oil possesses antiseptic disinfect ant and deodorant property.
• Fruit containing a resinous substance which produces an intense tingling, sensation in the mouth and this irritating principle is possibly fragramide

 

 

PROPERTIES AND DOSHAGNATHA

Rasa : Katu , Tikta

Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna

Virya : Usna

Vipaka : Katu

Doshagnatha : Kapha vata hara.

 

 

 

KARMA

• Dipana
• Pachana
• Denthasodhana
• Rochana
• Yakrt uttejaka
• Sirasula hara
• Kushtaghna
• Krimighna
• Plihaghna
• Jwaraghna
• Soola prashamana
• Kanda sudhikara
• Kasahara
• Swasahara

 

 

 

PRAYOGA

• Dentha Vedana
• Krimi dentha
• Agnimandhya
• Aruchi
• Amavatha
• Yakrt vikara
• Pliha vikara
• Sira soola
• Kushta
• Krimi
• Soola
• Kanda roga
• Kasa
• Swasa
• Jwara

 

 

THERAPEUTIC USES

 

1. Mukha roga : Equal parts of paatha , Tejovti and Haritaki are powdered mixed with honey and chewed (C.S. Ci 26)
2. Arsas : Tumburu, vidanga, Devadaru and Yava are mixed with ghee and used for fumigation. (C.S. Ci. 26)
3. Karna sula : oil prepared with hingu, Tumburu and sunthi is used as ear drops ( C. S. Ci 26)
4. In sarpavisha : Tejohva pushpa swarasa with Agada.
5. Used as resayana: Tejohva beeja and twak curna.
6. Krimi – 1 gm of Beeja curna given internally to the children.
7. Stem of the plant used as tooth brush.

 

 

PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC USES

 

• Fruit is used against dyspepsia, as a carminative and stomachache.
• Branches are used as miswak (tooth brush).

FOLKLORE USES

• Decoction or infusion of bark and seeds used as an aromatic tonic in fevers , dyspepsia and cholera.
• Fruits as well as the branches and thorns, used as a remedy for toothache; also as carminative and stomachic.
• Elsewhere , used for asthma , bronchitis , cholera, fever, indigestion, toothaches, varicose veins & rheumatism.
• Sino – Annamites are the leaves and fruits as carminative , sudorific, emmenagogue, and astringent.
• In Indian system of medicine used as stomachic, carminative and anthelmintic .
• Fruits and seeds used as aromatic tonic in fever, dyspepsia and cholera.

 

RESEARCH WORKS

Anthelmintic activity of extracts of stem bark investigated; ethereal extract exhibited maximum activity against custodies followed by alcoholic and chloroform extracts.

OCHROCARPUS LONGIFOLIUS

Surapunnaga

LITERARY REVIEW

The drug Surapunnaga was mentioned in samhithakala and it’s

Properties actions and indication in various diseases.

In susruthasamhitha it was mentioned under eladi gana in the context of treatment of Jvara, Rakthapittha, Ama are mentioned.

Surapunaga is a plant which is available throughout India. We get reference about this in Nigantu like Bhavapreakasha Nigantu, NingantuAdarsha & Priya Ningantu

 

 

SYNONYMS

• Surapunaga :This type of punnaga is favorite of good
• Sugandika : It is having good smell.
• Deva vallabha : It is liked by gods.
• Sura parnika : सुरप्रिय पर्णमस्यां
• Surapati :Main flower of god
• Nameru :
• Naga puspa : नगस्त हस्तिनों मदगन्द युक्तं पुष्ण/
• Surangi :

VERNACULAR NAMES

• English : Cobra’s saffron
• Hindi : Nagakesara, Pulaka, Punnaga,Sulthanchampaka
• Kannada : Suragi, Gardundi
• Malayalam : Surampunna, Seava
• Tamil: Nagakesara, Surapunnagam, Surabunnai, Valai.
• Telugu : suarpunna, Surapunnagam
• Bengal : Nagesar, Nagkesara, Rajachampaka
• Oriya : Churiana
• konkani : Ranundi, suringi
• Sanskrit: Surapunnaga, Nameru, Suraparnika, Devavallabha, Rakthapuspa, surangi, Rakthakshara.

 

GANA & VARGA

ELADI GANA

• Karaveeradivarga (Raja Nighantu)
• Naga Pushpadivarga (Nighantu Adarsha)
• Karpooradivarga (Bhavapreakasha)
• Nagakesharadivarga (Drvyaguna)

 

USEFUL PART

• Bark
• Seed
• Oil

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

 

Roots posess Surangine A and B flowers and buds contain Stearyl, Stearate, Stilbene, Squelene, B – Sitosterol, Compestral, Viterein

Leaves contain Friedin, amentoflarone vetexine

Flower bud contain a colouring matter which dyes Silk red.

PROPERTIES AND DOSHAGNATA

 

Rasa: –Kashaya, Madhura

Guna: –Laghu, Rooksha

Veerya: –Sheetha

Vipaka: –Madhura

Dosha Karma: –Kapha – pitta shamaka.

 

KARMA

• Sthambhana
• Raktapitta Shamaka
• Kaphapittahara
• Ama pachana
• Jwaragna
• Trsnagna
• Kandugna
• Chardigna
• Kustagna
• Raktakasahara

 

PRAYOGA

• Raktapitta
• Raktasrava
• Pravatika
• Raktatisara
• Amavata
• Sandivata
• Kusta
• Raktapradara
• Raktakasa
• Jwara
• Ama
• Gurganda
• Visarpa

 

 

PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC USES

• In Kusta –the drug is applied externally.
• Drug Surapunnaga is aromatic, astringent and stimulant. It is used in anorexia, dyspepsia and haemmerhoids.
• Kajal prepared by using seed oil is frequently used in all types of eye diseases and far colloing effect.
• The flower buds poces mild stimulant, carminative and astringent, thet are used by dyspepsia and haemorroids.
• Fruit are edible, it contain a soft juicy pulp with the flavors of rose water.
• Perfume extracted from flower.

 

DOSE

• Bark decoction: 5-100 ml
• Powder :5g
• Oil :5 drops

LITERARY REVIEW

The drug Surapunnaga was mentioned in Samhitakala and its properties, action and indication in various diseases.

In Susrutha Samhitha, it was mentioned under Eladi gana. In the cortex of treatment of Jwara Raktapitta, Ama it was mentioned.

Surrapunnaga is a plant which is available throughout India. One can get reference about its Nighantu, Nighantu Adarsha and priya Nighantu.

 

Sithaphala(Annona squamosa)

INTRODUCTION

 

It is a small tree possessing green coloured flowers. It is mainly cultivated for the commercial value of the fruits. It is not described in the classical Ayurvedic literature; probably it is brought from West Indies (Cuba, Jamaica etc). Sitaphala is mentioned in the Nighantu’s of 19^th Century under the name of “Gandagatra”. Hence it is clear that AnnusSanamosa is brought to Indis by Europeans in the recent times only.

It includes Cherimoys or AnnonaCherimols( and paw paworAsminatribola.

Other varieties are Green which is commonly seen yellow and last one is

red.This species was probably introduced because it produce sweet fruit with resembles to commercial custard apple. Commonly grow Queen land. The anecdote regarding to origin if the common Queens land custard Apple placed its origin the site of cloudsland Ballroom in Brisbane. It was believed to be of hybrid origin and was subsequently propagated by Grafting.

 

SYNONYMS

• Krishna beeja :- Black seed
• Parushaphala :- Fruit is rough in nature.

KINDS AND VARIETIES

Another species Annona Linn Is known as Ramphal, Nona and Laxamanphal(Bullocks heart). Both species of Annons differ morphologically. Flowers suprs axillary, solitary, 2cm across and berry heart – shaped in Annonamuricata Linn, while flowers, axillary solitary or faxiculed under 1cm across and berryglobose in Annons squamous Linn.

Annona reticulates Linn small deciduous trees. Leaves 10 – 20cm acuminate, glabrous, flowers 2-3 together. Innermost tipules narrow – oblong. Fruits ancolate, heart shaped, tree becomes leafless when fruit mature.

Main destination of characterestily is of fruits of two species as fruits are late and heart shaped in Annona reticulate when fruits tubercled and globose in Annona Squamosa.

BOTANICAL SOURCE

B.N:- Annona squamosa

Family name: -Annonaceae

VERNACULAR NAMES

 

• English :- Custard apple
• Hindi :- Sitaphal, Sharith
• Kannada:- Sitaphala
• Malayalam:- Aathachakka, Sitaphalam
• Sanskrit :- Subada, Suda, Sitaphala, Janakiphala
• Tamil:- Atta, Sitaphalam
• Telugu:- Gandugatramu, Sitapandu

RASAPANCHAKA

• Rasa :- Madhura
• Guna :- Snigda, Lagu
• Veerya :- Sheeta
• Vipaka :- Madhura
• Doshapakva :- Vatapitta

Srothogamitva

Dosa

• Vatagna, Pittagna, Kaphahara

Dhatu

• Sukra, Mamsa, Meda, Rakta

Mala

• Laxative, eradicates lice

Organ

• Heart

KARMA

• Krimigna
• Garbasaya
• Sitajwara
• Rechana
• Hridya
• Balya
• Vrishya
• Dahaprashamana
• Anulomana
• Soola
• Vishgna
• Swasaha
• Raktapittasamaka
• Mootrala
• Bramana

 

 

USES

• Krimigna
• Sitajwara
• Koshtabatala
• Vidvadi
• Hridroga
• Dourbalya
• Raktapitta
• Hridya

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

The seeds are yield oil and resins, the latter appear to be the acrid principle. The bark has been examined by padlar and warden, who found indicates of an alkaloids principles but failed isolated it in a purestate. They also found an acid resin insoluble in either and 2 resins soluble in either as well as white crystalline principle soluble in alcoholic and ether, but insoluble in water or dilute acid and a viscid yellow neutral resin like body. The fruit pulp contains moisture 73.2, glucose 14.5, Sacchrose 1.7 and proteins 18 percent.

 

 

PARTS USED

Fruit, Seed, Leaves and Root.

DOSAGE

Choorna: – 1-3gm

Kwacha: – 50-1000ml

 

THERAPEUTIC USES

The unripe fruit, seed, leaf and root are considered medicinal and are used for destroying insects. The seeds are abortificant. The root is a drastic purgative. The fruit has a pleasant flavour. It can be mrdu in to drinks and fermented liquor. The fruit is considered to be rich in Vit c.

The fruit of Ramphol or Nona, known as Bullocks Heart(Annona Reticulates Linn) is edible and white pulp has the consistency of fallow and is somewhat inspired (moisture 72.3, glucose 12.5 and proteins 2%). The unripe fruit is considered antihelminthic, the bark a powerful astringent and the leaves andseeds; insecticidal .Bark has 0.03% of an alkaloid anonaine

Fruit sweet, tasty good tonic, enriches the blood, increasesmuscular strength,wooling, lessens burning sensation, Sedative to heart, lessens tendency to bilwusness, relieves vomiting root catheric, fruit sweet, flavours, enriches the blood, increases stimulant, expectorant. Seeds difficult to digest, cause fever and furnunclosisabortifaciem: – produce tears in the eye good to destroy lice in hair used in Yunani. The root is considered asa diuretic purgative and is administered as a drastic purgative and is administered in acute Dysentery. It is also employed internally in depression of spirits and spinal diseases. The astringent bark is used as an anti-diarrhoeic use in ismbodis. In a West Indies and in Central and South Ameries the roof is used as a diuretic cathartic .The seeds are a powerful irritant of conjunctiva.

Seeds contain an acrid principle, fatal to insects and the dried unripe fruit powdered and mixed with gram flour, is used to destroy Vermin.

Bark and leaves conatinannonin, an alkaloid in tropical America, a decoction of the leaves is used as a cold remedy and to clarify urine. A dark decoction is used to stop diarrhoea, while the root is used in the treatment of dysentery.

 

FOLKLORE REMEDY

• The Folk medicine has been used this plant as an Organic Solvent.
• Extract of Custard Apple seeds and leaves against headlice has been reported.
• From the seed extract prepared as a cream.
• From the seed shampoo is prepared against the head lice
• Seed extract in the regulation of hyper thyroidism and lipid – peroxidation in mice possible involvement of quercetin.

PROPERTIES AND USES

The bark is a powerful astringent and as tonic is much used in medicine. The ripe fruit externally applied to malignant tumours to hasten Suppuration. The seeds, leaves and unripe fruit contain an acid principle fatal to Vermin and Insects. The leaves made into paste without adding water are applied to unhealthy ulcers. Leaves are anti- helminthic. Seeds applied to uteri cause abortion. The leaves are applied for extraction of guines – worm. The seeds yield an oil and resin. The latter is an acrid principle. The seeds are detergent and therefore their powder mixed with gram is a good hair wash. The root is a violent purgative.

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION

Astringent, tonic, anti-helminthic, purgative and diuretic. Ether extract of the seed was tonic to muscanebulo and Triboloium mcastaneum adults. An insoluble resin was formed when petroleum ether was added to the ether extract and the resin was found to be six times more toxic as conduct poison against musca nebulo. The seeds were found to have little oxytoxic activity, although some uterotonic activity was observed in isolated tissue experiments. The alcoholic extract of the aerial part of Anona squamosa was tested to have anticsneer activity against Human epidermal carcinoma of the naso pharynx in tissue culture.

 

 

Vedic literature extensively quoted sirisha among the Santa vraksas. It is considered as one of the best plants for Danta Kasthas(tooth brushes).

Though charaka enumerated sirisa under vishaghna vedanasthapana, sirovirechana & kashaya groups, he emphasized vishagna property. Recent works prove that albezininis found to be an universal anti dote.

Bhavamisra described pancavalkala as pancha vraksas. Among the fire trees parisha is omitted by few scholar & sirisa or vetasa is accepted instead.

 

 

SYNONYMS

Sirisa: – A beautiful tree to look at

Bhandil – That which brings happiness

Kapithana – Grows widely

Shukapushpa – Flowers liked by parrots

Shukataru – The leaves resemble the colour of the parrot

Mrudupushpa – The flowers are tender & soft

Shukapriya – Liked by parrot

Supushpaka- The flowers are beautiful

Lomashapushpaka – The flowers are pubescent

Vishahantha – Antidote for the poisons

Vruntapushpa – having round flowers

Shukabhapushpa – Flowers are like by parrots

Vishapaha – That which removes poison.

 

 

VARIETIES

There are various species or albezzia viz., Albezzia odoratissima Benth.Albezzia procera Benth & Albezzia lucido benth. Sveda sirisa, botanically known as Albezzia procera also mention in classical compendia.

VERNACULAR NAMES

• SANSKRIT » Sirisa
• HINDI » Sirisa
• ENGLISH » Lebbeck tree
• KANNADA » Begemara
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• TELUGU » Dirisena

PARTS USED

• Stem
• Bark
• Seed
• Flower
• Leaves

 

MATRA

• Churna – 3-6 gms
• Decoction – 5- -100ml
• Fresh juice – 10-20 ml

CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION

Major chemical constituents – albigenin , albizlagenin , albegenic acid, saponins, lebekkanins etc.

• Bark :-

Condensed tannin viz, D-catechin , lebbecacidin, (-) melacacidin etc. fredecon , B-sitosterol

• Heart wood :-

Lebbecacidin , leucopelargodin , melacacidin, melanoxetin ,

okanin (+) pinitol.

• Seeds: – Proteins , aminoacids.
• Flowers: – Benzyl alcohol , benzok acid , P-nitro-benzoate etc.
• Leaves: – Caffric acid , k aempterol , myricirin, reynounin etc.

PROPERTIES

 

Rasa:

Kashaya , Tiktha , Madhura

Guna:

Lagu , Ruksha , Thikshna

Virya:

Ushna (Anushna)

Vipaka:

Katu

Doshakarma:

Tridoshashamaka

 

DOSHAGNATHA

 

• Tridoshahara

 

KARMA

• Thridoshahara
• Varnya
• Vishagana
• Shothahara
• Vedanasthapana
• Vranaropana
• Kushtagana
• Kandugana
• Visharpahara
• Kasaghna
• Vrashya
• Sirovirechana
• Twakdoshahara
• Chakshushya
• Kaphagana
• Vamaka
• Rakthashodhaka
• Sthambana

PRAYOGA

• Shotha
• Kasa
• Vrana
• Visarpa
• Kushta
• Krimi
• Visharoja
• Kandu
• Svasa
• Vyvarnyatha
• Klybhya
• Shiroroga
• Masurika
• Suryavartha
• Gandamala
• Charmavikara
• Nethraroga
• Prathishaya

THERAPEUTIC USES

• Sharpavisha :– Sveda maricha soaked in sirisa flower juice for 7 days is used for nasya , pana& Anjana (c.s.ut 33)
• Suryavarta & Ardhavabhedaka :- Nasya of the seeds or sirisa & Mulaka may be useful(s.s ut 26)
• Kushta :- Paste of the bark of sirisa is useful (A.H.ut 19).
• Antiasthmatic, in skin diseases, antihistaminic, in night blindness, diarrhoea, piles , as tonic.
• Root Bark: – in powder form used to sireg therns the gums.
• Bark & seeds :- Asirin given in piles & diarrhoea.
• Leaves: – In night blindness gum, sapanin & Tanin.
• Plant: – In snake bite & scorpion sting.

 

External Uses:-

Anti-inflammatory, analgesics, antibiotic, beneficial to complexion & beneficial to eyes. So used in inflammation, Lymphadenopathy etc. seed paste is applied in kusta-dermatosis & in wounds, bark paste is applied.

 

 

• In tooth ache & looseness of tooth gargling with bark decoction is done. In eye disease especially in night blindness, leaf juice/ decoction is droped in the eyes.
• Rubbed seeds are also used in eyes for application.
• It is also applied externally in various types of poisoning

Internal Uses:

Digestive system: – Astrignent, but in high doses vomiting occurs. Bark powder gives strength to the gums.

CirculatorySystem: – Purifies blood, anti-inflammatory, useful in blood disease, herpes, inflammation

Skin :- In dermatoses, seed powder is used.

Satmikaran :- Antitoxic. In organic & inorganic poisoning, bark decoction or seed powder are used

Reproductive system :- It is virilizing , in poor , semen quality, seed powder with milk is given for virilization., flowers are used for delaying ejaculation.

RESEARCH STUDY

The alcoholic extract of the roots was found to posseses anti-cancer activity against sarcoma 180 in mice.The stem bark of the plant had hypoglycemic activity in albino rats. The pods possessed anti protosoal activity against Ent.histolytica. It also showed hypoglyceamic activity in albino rats & anti cancer activity in human epidermal carcinoma of the nasopharynx in tissue culture.(Dhar –etal; 1968).

• Biochemical finding along with the histochemical picture of the adrenal medulla of the guinea pigs suggest that simultaneous administration of A.lebbeck along with tylophorine & mangostin reduces the release of carecholamine in response to histamine(Tripathreral . 1983)
• Saponins showed Beta-heamolysis against buffer & sheep blood & alpha-haemolysis against human blood, purified saponin showed antifungal activity against macro phomina phascolina. stemphillem species & Jusarium colani (vet.J.1990). Saponin fraction & seed extract of plant significantly reduced the number of ruptured master cells, in both mesenteric bits & peritoneal fluid obtained from sensitized rats & this effect was identical in both types of systemic anaphylaxis(end.J physiol pharmacol 1985).

• Aquous extracts or both stem bark & flowers significantly reduced bronchospasm induced by microaerosals acid phosphate & acetylcholine chloride inguinea pig bronchi . In another study sirisa has shown a significant disodium cromoglycale-like activity on the mast cells. The mast decoction significantly reduced the blood sugar content of the fasting rats on 7 days administration.

VISHISTA YOGA’S

• Shirisharista
• Panchasirisha Grutha
• Dasanga lepa
• Devadarvarishta
• Ayaskriti
• Vajraka taila
• Brhanmaricyadi taila
• Pancasirisagadan
• Mahashirish agad

Ayurvedic pharmacopeia.

Moringaoleifera [Moringaceae]

Sigru

‘sigru’ is botanically identified an ‘MoringaOleifera’ which belongs to ‘Moringaceae family. The drug is commonly a tree. The plant is documented to pocess beneficial effects as helmentic action and svedopaka actions. The present review is an attempt to high light the Various characters and uses of the drug ‘sigru’ (MoringaOleifera).

LITERARY REVIEW

 

RegVeda documented ‘Sigru’ as a domestic plant. Dharma sutras prohibit its utility as tooth brush as well as in rituals.

BrhatTrayis have quoted ‘Sigru’ extensively in their works. Generally its bark is useful for krimi,seeds are used for Nasya Karma and leaves are for Sveda.

Nighantu texts describe sigrubija as svetamarica. The author is of the opinion that svetaMarica may not be the seeds of Sigru. The unprocessed fruits of Piper nigrum will be white in colour are probably interpreted as the seeds of Sigru. Leaves of Sigru are considered to be Sukrala and its seeds are Avrsya.

GANAS AND VARGAS

• Caraka : Krmighna, Svedopaga, Sirovirecanopaga

KatuSkandha

• Susruta : Varunadi, SiroVirecana
• Vagbhata : Varunadi

VERNACULAR NAMES

English -Drumstick tree, Horseradish tree, Bentree

Hindi – Saijna, Shajna

Malayalam – Muringa

Sanskrit – Shobanjana, Sigru

Tamil – Moringa, Murungai

Kannada – Nugge, Murunga

Telugu – Munaga, Mulaga, tellamunaga

SYNONYMS

1. Sobhanjana
2. Mocaka
3. Aksiva
4. Sigru
5. Harithashaka
6. Thikshnamoola
7. Thikshnagandha
8. Bahumoola
9. Ghanachadha
10. Krishnagandha

11.Vidradhigna

12. Murangi
13. Bahalapallava
14. Svedamarica
15. Moolaparni
16. Svedasigru
17. Komalapatraka
18. Supatraka
19. Shakapatra

DIFFERENT VARIETIES

In Brhat Trayi Texts described two varieties viz, Sigru (white) and Sigruka (red). Sigru dvaya is described by Susruta (s.s.ka 5/73). Bhava misra quoted three varieties Syama(blakish), Sveta(white) and Rakta(red).

Syama – Grahi

Sveta – Dahakara

Rakta – Saraka (Madhu sigru)

Raja Nighantu mentioned about Nila Sigru as well

 

PROPERTIES

• Rasa – Katu, Tikta
• Guna – Laghu, Ruksa, Tikshna
• Virya – Usna Virga
• Vipaka – Katu

KARMA

Kapha –Vatahara

Sukrala

Grahi

Dipana

Hrdya

Krmighna

Caksusya

Plihahara

Artavajanana

Sirovirecana

Sula prasamana

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOSHAGHNATA

 

Kapha – Vatahara

Pittaghna

PRAYOGA

1. Krmi
2. Jvara
3. Kustha
4. Prameha
5. Siroroga
6. Amavata
7. Katisula
8. Svasa
9. Kasa

10Apasmara

11.Jalodara

12.Asmari

13.Mukhavikara

14.Kastartava

15.Plihashotha

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

• Bark Contain : Sterols,Terpens(Bayrenol)
• Leaves contain: Aminoacids,Serine,glycine, Glutamic acid.
• Whole plant contain: Moringine,Moringinine,Bayrenol,Indole acetic acid,Ptereyospermine,Carotene.
• Flower Contain: Onercetin, Kaempferol.

USEFUL PARTS

• Root bark
• Stem bark
• Leaves
• Fruits
• Seeds

 

 

DOSAGE

 

1. Root bark juice à10-20ml

 

2. Seed powder à 1-3gm

 

3. Stem bark decocation à 50-100ml

THERAPEUTIC USES

 

Sigru is useful in Jvara, Krimi, Kustha, Prameha and Siroroga. The bark is useful in stimulating secretion of digestive juices. The seed powder is used as nasya in Siroroga. The seed oil is used as a vedanasthapana. The Phala and puspa are useful in Amavata, Katisula, Svasa, Kasa, Plihasotha.

 

à In pratisyaya – Root of sigru should be taken with ghee and oil as Anupana.

àIn Netraroga- Eyes are cleansed with the juice of sigru leaves

à In Krimiroga – Decocation of Sigru stem bark is given with vidanga and boney.

 

àIn Dadru Kustha – Sigru root bark paste is applied externally.

 

à A mixture of water and sigru seed powder should be used as nasya in Kaphajasiroroga and Murcchha.

AUSADHAYOGA(Formulations)

 

 

• Sobhanjanalepa
• Syamadicurna
• Visatindukataila
• Ekangarira rasa
• Ratnagiri rasa
• Sigrupusparasanjana

FOLKLORE USES

The use of Moringaoleifera (Sigru) for medicinal Purpose may seems to have its roots in folklore and myth, but indigenous people have found much success in using various parts of the tree to cure many physical aliments.

à Root bark and bark of moringa are used for poor circulation to increase the apetite and stimulate digestive system.

àMoringa flowers are used to cure inflammation.

RESEARCH STUDIES

 

• The juice from the leaves and stem bark of Moringaoleifera inhibited staph.aureus(Bhawasar et al.1965).
• 4 (a-L_Rhamnosyloxy) isothiocyanate showed antimicrobial activity (Ind.J.exp .Biol;1981) and antibacterial activity (Phillipp.J.Sci.1960) Bhatnagar eta; 1961 and Bhawasar 1965).
• The bark extract showed antifumgal activity agains Micro gypseum, Trichomentagrophyfes,Coandidaalbicans and Helminsativum(Bhatnagar et al.,1961).
• 50% ethunolic extract of root bark showed antiviral activity (Dhar et al., 1968 and Babbar et al., 1970).
• Moringaoleifera root entract (50% ethanolic ) at a dose of 200mg/kg led to foetalresorption in 60% of female pregnant rats (Prakash and Mathur, 1976)
• Ethanolic extract (50%) of the fruit, root and root bark were also found to have spasmogenic effect on the isolated guinea pig ileum (Dhar et al.,1968).
• The alcoholic extract of root bark showed anti-inflammatory activity against formalin indused rat paw oedema ,cotton pellet implantation and granuloma pouch in does of 500,750 and 1000 mg/kg oral dose respectively in albinorats. It also showed analgesic (Singh et al, 1972).

 

• The seedextract agglutinated blood cells of various animals (sathe et al.,1970).
• The alcoholic extract of leaves caused an initial rise in B.P in mongrel dogs and cats followed by a gradual fall lasting for a considerable duration and it also potentiated the response of norepinephrine on B.P and nictitating membrane. Its action on B.P suggested the presence of a potest adrenergic nemone blocking substance(s) in the alcoholic extract (singh et al., 1976).
• The fruit extract of Moringaconcanensis showed the LD₅₀> 1000mg/kg(Aswal et al., 1984b)