Ayurveda the divine science of life -16

Ayurveda the divine science of life

Medicinal uses: The Sanskrit name Harı¯takı¯ is rich

with meaning, referring to the yellowish dye (harita)

that it contains, as well as indicating that it grows in

the abode of the god ´Siva (Hari, i.e. the Himalayas),

and that it cures (ha¯rayet) all disease (Dash 1991). Its

other commonly used Sanskrit name, Abhaya¯, refers

to the ‘fearlessness’ it provides in the face of disease.

According to the Bha¯vapraka¯´sa, Harı¯takı¯ is derived

from a drop of nectar from Indra’s cup, similar to

Gud.u¯cı¯ (Srikanthamurthy 2001). Although the fresh

fruit is difficult to obtain in the West, the fruit can be

reconstituted by simmering in water and used in a similar

fashion. Above all, Harı¯takı¯ is considered to mitigate

va¯ta and eliminate a¯ma, the latter indicated by

constipation, a thick greyish tongue coating, abdominal

pain and distension, foul faeces and breath, flatulence,

weakness, and a slow pulse. The fresh fruit is

dı¯pana and the powdered dried fruit made into a paste

and taken with jaggery is mala´sodhana, removing

impurities and wastes from the body. Harı¯takı¯ is an

efficacious purgative when taken as a powder, but

when the whole dried fruit is boiled the resulting decoction

is gra¯hı¯, useful in the treatment of diarrhoea and

dysentery. The fresh or reconstituted fruit fried in

ghr. ta and taken before meals is dı¯panapa¯cana. If this

latter preparation is taken with meals it increases buddhi

(‘intellect’), nourishes the indriya¯s (‘senses’) and

is mutra¯mala´sodhana (purifies the digestive and

genitourinary tract). Taken after meals, Harı¯takı¯

‘quickly cures diseases caused by the aggravation of

va¯yu, pitta and kapha as a result of unwholesome

food and drinks’ (Dash 1991). Harı¯takı¯ is a rasa¯yana

to va¯ta, increasing awareness, and has a nourishing,

restorative effect on the central nervous system.

Harı¯takı¯ improves digestion, promotes the absorption

of nutrients, and regulates colon function. Harı¯takı¯ is

very useful in prolapsed organs, improving the

strength and tone of the supporting musculature. It

may be taken with other hepatic restoratives such as

Haridra¯ or Da¯ruharidra¯, and with carminatives

such as Ela¯ or Ajamoda¯ in dyspepsia and biliousness.

In gastrointestinal candidiasis it may be taken along

with Haridra¯, Barberry root (Berberis vulgaris), Pau

D’Arco (Tabebuia avellanedae), or used by itself for this

purpose. In cases of gastroenteritis and dysentery four

parts Harı¯takı¯ may be decocted with two parts

Dha¯nyaka seed, two parts ´Sa¯tapus.pa¯ seed, one part

Ajamoda¯ seed, one part ´Su¯n.t.hı¯ rhizome, and one part

Yas.t.

imadhu for prompt relief. In the treatment of piles

and vaginal discharge, a decoction of Harı¯takı¯ may be

used as an antiseptic and astringent wash (Nadkarni

1954). A fine paste of the powder may be applied on

burns and scalds (Nadkarni 1954). A cold infusion of

Harı¯takı¯ is an effective mouth rinse and the powder a

good dentifrice in the treatment of apthous stomatitis,

periodentitis, and dental caries (Kirtikar & Basu 1935,

Nadkarni 1954). In the treatment of sciatica, lumbago

and general lower back pain Harı¯takı¯ may be

combined with Guggulu, Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga

racemosa rhizome), Pippalı¯, Ela¯ and Tvak bark. In

combination with Guggulu, Harı¯takı¯ is useful in the

treatment of gout. Harı¯takı¯ is the primary constituent

of Agastya Rasa¯yana leha (confection), formulated

by the sage Agastya, father of the Siddha school of

medicine. It is an excellent formula to improve digestion,

remove waste and impurities from the body, and

stimulate the regeneration of tissues, although the

taste may prove to be a challenge for many Westerners.

Harı¯takı¯ is perhaps best known as a constituent of the

formula Triphala, usually containing equal proportions

of Harı¯takı¯, Bibhı¯taka and A¯ malakı¯.

Dosage:

● Cu¯rn.

a: 1–10 g b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Kva¯tha: 30–120 mL b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Tincture: 1:5, 30% alcohol, 1–5 mL b.i.d.–t.i.d.

Harı¯takı¯, ‘to colour yellow’ 215

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El-Mekkawy S et al 1995 Inhibitory effects of Egyptian folk medicines

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Kapoor LD 1990 CRC handbook of Ayurvedic medicinal plants.

CRC Press, Boca Raton, p 332

Kaur S Grover IS, Singh M, Kaur S 1998 Antimutagenicity of

hydrolyzable tannins from Terminalia chebula in Salmonella

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1–4. Periodical Experts, Delhi, p 1020–1021

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herbal medicines in combination with acyclovir

against herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in vitro and in

vivo. Antiviral Research 27(1–2):19–37

Malekzadeh F, Ehsanifar H, Shahamat M 2001 Antibacterial activity

of black myrobalan (Terminalia chebula Retz) against

Helicobacter pylori. International Journal of Antimicrobial

Agents 18(1):85–88

Nadar TS, Pillai MM 1989 Effect of A¯yurvedic medicines on betaglucuronidase

activity of Brunner’s glands during recovery

from cysteamine induced duodenal ulcers in rats. Indian

Journal of Experimental Biology 27(11):959–962

Nadkarni KM 1954 The Indian materia medica, with Ayurvedic,

Unani and home remedies, revised and enlarged by A.K.

Nadkarni. Popular Prakashan PVP, Bombay, p 1207–1210

Phadke SA, Kulkarni SD 1989 Screening of in vitro antibacterial

activity of Terminalia chebula, Eclipta alba and Ocimum sanctum.

Indian Journal of Medical Sciences 43(5):113–117

Saleem A, Husheem M, Harkonen P, Pihlaja K 2002 Inhibition of

cancer cell growth by crude extract and the phenolics of

Terminalia chebula retz. fruit. Journal of Ethnopharmacology

81(3):327–336

Sato Y, Oketani H, Singyouchi K et al 1997 Extraction and purification

of effective antimicrobial constituents of Terminalia

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aureus. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin

20(4):401–404

Sharma RK, Dash B 1988 Agnivesa’s Caraka Sam. hita¯: text with

English translation and critical exposition based on Cakrapani

Datta’s A¯yurvedic Dipika, vol 3. Chaukhambha Orientalia,

Varanasi, p 14

Sohni YR, Bhatt RM 1996 Activity of a crude extract formulation

in experimental hepatic amoebiasis and in immunomodulation

studies. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 54(2–3):119–124

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crude drug formulation of herbal extracts against Entamoeba

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45(1):43–52

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Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, p 159, 160

Suguna L, Singh S, Sivakumar P et al 2002 Influence of Terminalia

chebula on dermal wound healing in rats. Phytotherapy

Research 16(3):227–231

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Haritaki, Amala and Bahira reduce cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis

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21(2):167–175

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medicinal plants: a compendium of 500 species, vol 5. Orient

Longman, Hyderabad, p 263

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216 PART 2: A¯ yurvedic materia medica

Botany: Hin.gu is a herbaceous perennial attaining a

height of up to 3 m, with a fleshy forked taproot much

like a carrot or parsnip, the cortex black and the

whitish medulla exuding a thick, milky foetid juice

when cut. The leaves are alternate, pinnately decompound,

on wide, sheathing petioles. The pale greenishyellow

flowers are borne at the top of the stem in

simple or compound umbels. Hin.gu is found growing

wild in the northwest of India, Nepal and Tibet,

extending westwards into Afghanistan, Iran, the

Middle East and southern Europe. Hin.gu has since

naturalised in the Americas (Kirtikar & Basu 1935,

Warrier et al 1995).

Part used: Dried resinous exudate of the root.

Dravygun. a:

● Rasa: kat.u, tikta

● Vipa¯ka: kat.u

● Vı¯rya: us.n.

a

● Karma: pa¯cana, anulomana, kr . mighna, chedana,

sva¯sahara, a¯rtavajanana, kaphava¯tahara

(Srikanthamurthy 2001, Warrier et al

1995).

Constituents: A number of constituents have been

isolated from Hin.gu, including a volatile oil, a gum,

a resin, and other constituents generally considered to

be impurities. The volatile oil contains the sulfur

compounds foetisulfides A–D, and foetithiophene A

and B, responsible for the characteristically pungent,

sulfurous odour of Hin.gu. The resin contains

asaresinol ferulate and free ferulic acid. The gum contains

glucoronic acid, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose

and protein. Other constituents in Hin.gu include the

sesquiterpene coumarins assafoetidnol A and B, gummosin,

polyanthin, badrakemin, neveskone, samarcandin

and galbanic acid (Abd El-Razek et al 2001,

Duan et al 2002, Evans 1989, Kapoor 1990).

Medical research:

● In vitro: antispasmodic (Sadraei et al 2001), antibacterial

(Tamemoto et al 2001).

● In vivo: anticonvulsant (Sayyah et al 2002), erectile

stimulating (El-Thaher et al 2001), antioxidant,

chemopreventative (Saleem et al 2001).

Toxicity: The TD50 value for a seed acetone extract of

F. gummosa was determined to be 375.8 mg/kg in mice

(Sayyah et al 2002). Hin.gu is widely used as a culinary

spice and is generally regarded as safe. Most

A¯

yurvedic authorities, however, recommend that

Hin.gu undergo a purification process whereby it is

fried in oil (e.g. ghr. ta) to reduce any potential toxicity.

Indications: Poor appetite, gas and flatulence, constipation,

candidiasis, parasites, malabsorption syndromes,

bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma,

pneumonia, otitis media, epilepsy, chorea, dysmenorrhoea,

amenorrhoea, nervous irritability and anxiety,

inflammatory joint disease.

Contraindications: pittakopa.

Medicinal uses: Hin.gu is an excellent representative

of the many herbs of India that serve both as a culinary

spice and as an active medicinal agent. To this

end, Hin.gu is often used as an ingredient in food,

a small amount of the crushed resin dissolved and fried

in ghr. ta, often with medicaments such as Ajamoda¯,

Trikat.u, Triphala and saindhava, and then consumed

with rice. The most commonly used classical

remedy is Hingvastak cu¯rn.

a. Such formulas are

commonly used to treat poor appetite, colic, abdominal

bloating, gas, flatulence, and malabsorption, and

when consumed on a regular basis, Hin.gu is effective

in intestinal candidiasis and parasites. Given that

Hin.gu

BOTANICAL NAME: Ferula foetida, F. narthex, F. rubricaulis, etc., Apiaceae

OTHER NAMES: Hing (H); Perungayam, Gayam (T); Asafoetida, Devil’s Dung (E)

Hin.gu 217

digestive weakness is the aetiology of several different

pathologies in A¯ yurveda, including conditions such as

a¯mava¯ta (rheumatoid arthritis), Hin.gu has a potentially

wide application in the treatment of many diseases.

Apart from its specific activity to enhance

digestion, however, Hin.gu is also an effective antispasmodic

in the respiratory, genitourinary and nervous

systems. For lung complaints such as asthma, chronic

bronchitis, whooping cough, and pneumonia, Hin.gu

can be taken internally, burned with ghr. ta and the

smoke inhaled (dhu¯ma), or the resin dissolved in oil

and then applied to the chest as a rubifacient plaster.

Similarly, the resin can be dissolved in oil and applied

warm in otitis media. In the treatment of skin parasites

such as ring worm the same oil can be applied

topically, and Nadkarni (1954) states that it is an

effective vulnerary. In the treatment of dysmenorrhoea

Hin.gu is commonly used by herbalists to relieve

uterine spasm, as well as treat the nervous irritability

that often accompanies the condition. As a nervine

antispasmodic Hin.gu is also used internally in the

treatment of epilepsy and seizure, often mixed with

other pungent herbs such as Vaca¯ and Pippalı¯. Its use

in epilepsy, however, extends beyond its antispasmodic

activity, as it is also used as a protective charm, the

resin contained in a sachet and hung around the neck

to ward off negative spiritual influences. Orthodox

Hindus will often use Hin.gu in place of garlic as

a culinary spice, based on the idea that garlic

(La´suna) is thought to disturb the mind, whereas

Hin.gu does not. Generally speaking, Hin.gu is a

remedy specific to va¯ta, or phrased in Western terms,

“ . . . cases exhibiting nervous depression, with more

or less feebleness, and particularly if associated with

gastric derangements with constipation, flatulence,

and tardy or imperfect menstruation” (Felter & Lloyd

1893). Due to its pungent and warming characteristics,

however, Hin.gu is also used in kaphaja conditions,

but should be avoided in cases of intense heat or

acute ulceration (i.e. pittakopa). Like garlic, the sulfurous

compounds in Hin.gu are excreted through the

urine, breast milk, breath and sweat.

Dosage:

● Cu¯rn.

a: fried in oil, 1–2 g b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Tincture: 1:5, 80%, 1–2 mL b.i.d.–t.i.d.

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coumarins from the roots of Ferula assa-foetida.

Phytochemistry 58(8):1289–1295

Dash B, Junius M 1983 A handbook of Ayurveda. Concept

Publishing, New Delhi

Duan H, Takaishi Y, Tori M et al 2002 Polysulfide derivatives from

Ferula foetida. Journal of Natural Products

65(11):1667–1669

El-Thaher TS, Matalka KZ, Taha HA, Badwan AA 2001 Ferula harmonis

‘zallouh’ and enhancing erectile function in rats: efficacy

and toxicity study. International Journal of Impotence

Research 13(4):247–251

Evans WC 1989 Trease and Evans’ pharmacognosy, 13th edn.

Baillière Tindall, London, p 476

Felter HW, Lloyd JU 1893 King’s American dispensatory. Available:

http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html.

Kapoor LD 1990 CRC Handbook of Ayurvedic medicinal plants.

CRC Press, Boca Raton, p 185

Kirtikar KR, Basu BD 1935 Indian medicinal plants, 2nd edn, vols

1–4. Periodical Experts, Delhi, p 1216–1217

Nadkarni KM 1954 The Indian materia medica, with Ayurvedic,

Unani and home remedies, revised and enlarged by A.K.

Nadkarni. Popular Prakashan PVP, Bombay, p 540

Sadraei H, Asghari GR, Hajhashemi V et al 2001 Spasmolytic activity

of essential oil and various extracts of Ferula gummosa

Boiss. on ileum contractions. Phytomedicine 8(5):370–376

Saleem M, Alam A, Sultana S 2001 Asafoetida inhibits early events

of carcinogenesis: a chemopreventive study. Life Sciences

68(16):1913–1921

Sayyah M, Mandgary A, Kamalinejad M 2002 Evaluation of the

anticonvulsant activity of the seed acetone extract of Ferula

gummosa Boiss. against seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole

and electroconvulsive shock in mice. Journal of

Ethnopharmacology 82(2–3):105–109

Srikanthamurthy KR 2001 Bha¯vapraka¯´sa of Bha¯vami´sra, vol 1.

Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, p 174

Tamemoto K, Takaishi Y, Chen B et al 2001 Sesquiterpenoids from

the fruits of Ferula kuhistanica and antibacterial activity of the

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medicinal plants: a compendium of 500 species, vol 3. Orient

Longman, Hyderabad, p 263

218 PART 2: A¯ yurvedic materia medica

Botany: Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ is an erect perennial herb attaining

a height of 10–60 cm, with a long woody rootstalk

covered in reddish brown fibres that are derived from

the petioles of the withered leaves. The leaves are

mostly basal and elongated, up to 20 cm in length by

2.5 cm wide, with longitudinal veins, glabrous to

slightly pubescent. The flowers are pale pink or blue,

borne in dense crowded cymes. Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ is found in

the fragile ecosystems of the subalpine and alpine

meadows of the Himalayan mountain range, between

3500 and 4500 m in elevation. When dried, the fleshy

aromatic rhizome is fringed with reddish brown fibres

that appear like a braid, a feature which appears to be

the origin of the name Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯. Due to unregulated

harvesting in Nepal Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ is now a threatened

species and is listed in CITES Appendix II (Kirtikar

& Basu 1935, Mulliken 2000, Nepal 2002, Warrier

et al 1995).

Part used: Rhizome.

Dravygun. a:

● Rasa: tikta, ka´sa¯ya, madhura

● Vipa¯ka: kat.u

● Vı¯rya: ´sita

● Karma: dı ¯pana, ka¯sahara, sva¯sahara, da¯hapra´samana,

raktaprasa¯dana, kus.t.

haghna, romasañjana,

vedana¯stha¯pana, nidra¯janana, medhya, balya,

vajı ¯karan. a, pittava¯tahara (Srikanthamurthy 2001,

Warrier et al 1995).

Constituents: Jat.a¯ma¯msı¯ contains the commercially

important Spikenard oil used in perfumery, described

as a sweet, woody and spicy-animal odour. Spikenard

oil consists a variety of constituents including

hydrocarbons (-pinene, -pinene, limonene, aristolene,

dihydroazulenes, -gurjunene, -gurjunene,

-patchoulene, -patchoulene, seychellene, seychelane,

-maaliene), alcohols (calarenol, nardol,

valerianol, patchouli alcohol, maliol), aldehydes (valerianal),

ketones (valeranone [jatamansone], a -ionone,

1-hydroxyaristolenone, aristolenone), and oxides (1,8-

cineole). The rhizome also contains the terpenoid ester

nardostachysin, the coumarins angelicin and jatamansin,

-sitosterol, a resin, gum, starch and sugar

(Chatterjee et al 2000, Kapoor 1990, Lawless 1995,

Rucker et al 1978)

Medical research:

● In vivo: serotinergic, dopaminergic (Prabhu et al

1994); anticonvulsant, hypnotic (Rucker et al

1978); neuroprotective (Salim et al 2003); hepatoprotective

(Ali et al 2000); antioxidant (Salim et al

2003, Tripathi et al 1996).

Toxicity: The oral LD50 of the isolated sesquiterpene

valeranone is reported to be greater than 3160 mg/kg

in rats and mice (Rucker et al 1978). Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ is

generally regarded as safe.

Indications: Dyspepsia, colic, flatulence, pharyngitis,

cough, bronchitis, asthma, insomnia, neurosis,

depression, anxiety, confusion, memory loss, convulsions,

epilepsy, tenesmus and spasm, nephropathies,

muscle pain, lumbago, dysmenorrhoea, burning sensations,

skin diseases, ulcers, angina, palpitations,

hypertension.

Contraindications: Use with extreme care or otherwise

avoid with the use of barbiturates, benzodiazepines,

antiepileptics, antipsychotics, antidepressants

and antihypertensives.

Medicinal uses: Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ is often used interchangeably

with Tagara or Nata, and in many respects is similar

to the European Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) in

Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯, ‘braided and fleshy’

BOTANICAL NAMES: Nardostachys grandiflora, N. jatamansi, Valerianaceae

OTHER NAMES: Ma¯msı¯ (S); Jatamamsi (H); Jatamashi (T); Indian Spikenard (E)

Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯, ‘braided and fleshy’ 219

activity. The taste and odour of Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯, however,

is far more agreeable and its essential oil (called ‘Nard

oil’) has long been an important ingredient in perfumery

all over the world. Unlike Valerian Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯

has a cooling property, making it appropriate for vitiations

of pitta, but combines this activity with an antispasmodic

and sedative activity, making it suitable to

treat afflictions of va¯ta. Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ acts primarily

upon the nervous system, inducing a natural sleep,

without any adverse effect upon awakening, and

appears to lack the stimulating effects that a certain

number of people experience with Valerian. The most

common usage of Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ is as a nervine sedative

in the treatment of insomnia, or to treat chronic irritability

and nervousness, with exhaustion and debility.

To this end Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ can be prepared as a medicated

taila and applied topically in abhyan . ga, and taken

internally combined with herbs such as A´svagandha¯

and Bra¯hmı¯ to nourish and relax the nervous system.

This relaxant property extends into its usage as a

mildly acting anodyne, indicated in muscle pain,

headaches and dysmenorrhoea, in combination with

Guggulu and ´Su¯n.t.

hı¯. As a treatment for epilepsy

seizure disorders Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ may be useful in petit

mal, but taken alone is probably insufficient for more

severe conditions. It can be combined with A´svagandha

¯, Vaca¯, Bra¯hmı¯, and the potentially toxic

Pa¯rasikayava¯nı¯, as well as with Western herbs such

as Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) and Lobelia (Lobelia

inflata) for added effect. For Parkinsonism

(kampava¯ta), Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ can be used with herbs

such as Kapikacchu¯, A´svagandha¯, Pa¯rasikayava¯nı¯

and Bala¯. In the treatment of benzodiazepine addiction

Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ can be an effective weaning agent, but

with other addictions such as heroin or tobacco it is

probably insufficient without combining it with botanicals

such as A´svagandha¯, Milky Oats (Avena sativa),

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Skullcap

(Scutellaria lateriflora), and Lobelia (Lobelia inflata). In

the treatment of flatulent colic and abdominal cramping

and pain, Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ can be combined with

Ajamoda¯ and ´Su¯n.t.

hı¯. Similarly, Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ can

be used in bronchial afflictions, to ease spasmodic

coughing, used in combination with Va¯saka and

Pus.karamu¯la. Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ is also utilised in hypertension,

with Arjuna in the treatment of arrhythmia

and palpitation, and with Arjuna and Ja¯tı¯phala in

angina pectoris.

Dosage:

● Cu¯rn.

a: recently dried rhizome, 1–5 g b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Hima: 60–120 mL b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Tincture: fresh plant, 1:2, 95%; recently dried

rhizome, 1:4, 50%; 1–5 mL b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Taila: in abhyan . ga, ad lib.

● Essential oil: 2–3 gtt b.i.d.–t.i.d.

REFERENCES

Ali S, Ansari KA, Jafry MA et al 2000 Nardostachys jatamansi protects

against liver damage induced by thioacetamide in rats.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology 71(3):359–363

Chatterjee A, Basak B, Saha M et al 2000 Structure and stereochemistry

of nardostachysin, a new terpenoid ester constituent

of the rhizomes of Nardostachys jatamansi. Journal of Natural

Products 63(11):1531–1533

Evans WC 1989 Trease and Evans’ pharmacognosy, 13th edn.

Baillière Tindall, London

Kapoor LD 1990 CRC Handbook of Ayurvedic medicinal plants.

CRC Press, Boca Raton, p 239

Kirtikar KR, Basu BD 1935 Indian medicinal plants, 2nd edn, vols

1–4. Periodical Experts, Delhi, p 1307–1308

Lawless J 1995 The illustrated encyclopedia of essential oils.

Element, Rockport, MA, p 184

Mulliken TA 2000 Implementing CITES for Himalayan medicinal

plants Nardostachys grandiflora and Picrorhiza kurrooa. In:

TRAFFIC Bulletin 18:63–72

Nadkarni KM 1954 The Indian materia medica, with Ayurvedic,

Unani and home remedies, revised and enlarged by

A.K. Nadkarni. Popular Prakashan PVP, Bombay

Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation 2002 Nepal

Biodiversity Strategy. Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation,

Nepal p 29

Prabhu V, Karanth KS, Rao A 1994 Effects of Nardostachys jatamansi

on biogenic amines and inhibitory amino acids in the rat

brain. Planta Medica 60(2):114–117

Rucker G, Tautges J, Sieck A et al 1978 Isolation and pharmacodynamic

activity of the sesquiterpene valeranone from

Nardostachys jatamansi DC. Arzneimittelforschung nach der

Zulassung 28(1):7–13

Salim S, Ahmad M, Zafar KS et al 2003 Protective effect of

Nardostachys jatamansi in rat cerebral ischemia.

Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior 74(2):481–486

Srikanthamurthy KR 2001 Bha¯vapraka¯´sa of Bha¯vami´sra, vol 1.

Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, p 220

Tripathi YB, Tripathi E, Upadhyay A 1996 Antilipid peroxidative

property of Nardostachys jatamansi. Indian Journal of

Experimental Biology 34(11):1150–1151

Warrier PK, Nambiar VPK, Ramankutty C (eds) 1995 Indian

medicinal plants: a compendium of 500 species, vol 4. Orient

Longman, Hyderabad, p 104

220 PART 2: A¯ yurvedic materia medica

Botany: Ja¯tı¯phala is a moderate-sized evergreen aromatic

tree, usually dioecious, with greyish black bark

that contains a reddish juice in the cambium layer. The

leaves are elliptic to oblong lanceolate, thin and leathery,

shiny above and dull below, the margin entire and

tip acute. The flowers are creamy-yellow in colour, fragrant,

borne in racemes, the male flowers with

a stalked staminal column and 10–14 anthers, the

ovary of the female flowers sessile. The globose fruits

are 3.5–5 cm long, covered in a fleshy pericarp that

splits into two when mature, the fragrant seed oblong

and hard, covered in a reddish aril. Ja¯tı¯phala is native

to the Maluku Spice Islands of Indonesia, but has long

since been cultivated in the warmer, tropical regions of

the subcontinent of India (Kirtikar & Basu 1935,

Warrier et al 1995).

Part used: Seed (Ja¯tı¯phala) and arils (Jatipatra,

Mace).

Dravygun. a:

● Rasa: tikta, kat.u, ka´sa¯ya

● Vipa¯ka: kat.u

● Vı¯rya: us.n.

a

● Karma: dı ¯panapa¯cana, gra¯hı ¯, kr . mighna, ka¯sahara,

hr . daya, vedana¯stha¯pana, nidra¯janana, madaka¯rı ¯,

vajı ¯karan. a, va¯takaphahara (Srikanthamurthy 2001,

Warrier et al 1995).

Constituents: Ja¯tı¯phala is noted for its essential oil,

comprising between 5 and 15% of fruit, containing

various constituents including pinene and camphene

(80%), dipentene (8%), myristicin (4%), safrole

(0.6%), eugenol and isoeugenol (0.2%), as well as

methylleugenol, methylisoeugenol, elemicin, isomelecin,

methoxyeugenol, cymene, geraniol, linalool,

and terpineol. Researchers have also identified four

neolignans in Ja¯tı¯phala, the fragnasols A, B, C and

dehydrodiisoeugenol. Ja¯tı¯phala also contains a mixture

of fats (lauric, myristic, stearic, hexadecenoic,

oleic and linoleic acids), epicatechin and cyanidin,

proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron,

magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, vitamin A,

riboflavin and niacin. The arils (i.e. ‘Mace’) are stated

to contain a variety of neolignins similar to the seed

including fragransol C and D, as well as myristicanol A

and B, nectandrin B, verrucosin, dihydroguaiaretic

acid, and the resorcinols malabaricone B and malabaricone

C (Duke 1986, Evans 1989, Juhasz 2000,

Kapoor 1990, Orabi et al 1991, Park 1998,

Yoganarasimhan 2000).

Medical research:

● In vitro: antispasmodic (Grover et al 2002); antifungal,

antibacterial (Orabi et al 1991).

● In vivo: antidiarrhoeal (Grover et al 2002), hepatoprotective

(Morita et al 2003), hypotensive (Grover

et al 2002), hypolipidaemic (Ram et al 1996,

Sharma et al 1995), antithrombotic (Ram et al

1996), analgesic (Grover et al 2002), anti-inflammatory

(Olajide et al 1999, Ozaki et al 1989), antitumour

(Hussain & Rao 1991, Jannu et al 1991).

● Human trials: a dosage of four to six tablespoons

of Nutmeg powder successfully controlled diarrhoea

associated with medullary carcinoma of the

thyroid, and also helped to correct drug-resistant

hypercalcemia to one third of its original level

(Duke 1989).

Toxicity: Several cases of intoxication have been

reported after an ingestion of approximately 5 g of

Ja¯tı¯phala, corresponding to 1–2 mg myristicin/kg

body weight, which is a major constituent in the essential

oil. Such doses and larger are reported to be

more or less intoxicating, with symptoms such as

visual hallucinations, headache, dizziness and tachy-

Ja¯tı¯phala, ‘fruit of excellence’

BOTANICAL NAME: Myristica fragrans, Myristicaceae

OTHER NAMES: Mada´saunda, ‘intoxicating fruit’ (S); Jaiphal (H); Jatamaram,

Jatikkai (T); Nutmeg (E); Rou dou kou (C)

Ja¯tı¯phala, ‘fruit of excellence’ 221

cardia. Researchers have hypothesised that myristicin

and elemicin can be readily modified into amphetamines

by the body. In toxicological studies with rats no

toxic effects were observed with the administration of

myristicin perorally at a dose of 10 mg/kg. The oral

LD50 for the potentially carcinogenic safrole is 1950

mg/kg in rats. The oral LD50 for Nutmeg oil is 2600

mg/kg in rats, 4620 mg/kg in mice, and 6000 mg/kg

in hamsters (Duke 1989, Hallstrom & Thuvander

1997).

Indications: Dyspepsia, colic, flatulence, diarrhoea,

dysentery, insomnia, muscle pain, fibromylagia,

rheumatism, lumbago, dysmenorrhoea, cough, bronchitis,

asthma, angina, hypertension, dyslipidaemia,

impotence.

Contraindications: Use with extreme care or otherwise

avoid with the use of barbiturates, benzodiazepines,

antiepileptics, antipsychotics, antidepressants

and antihypertensives. Avoid oral usage in mucoepithelial

ulceration.

Medicinal uses: The origin of the name Ja¯tı¯phala,

the ‘fruit of excellence’ or ‘high caste fruit’, is

unknown, but is likely a reference to its rich essential

oil content and its pleasant and distinct aroma.

Ja¯tı¯phala is now widely used throughout the world as

both a culinary spice and medicinal agent. In

A¯

yurvedic medicine it is most commonly used as an

adjunct to other formulas to improve their taste or

odour, and as a dı¯panapa¯cana agent to enhance the

uptake of the other constituents in the formula. It is

often used along with, or instead of, similarly aromatic

herbs such as Tvak bark, Lavan . ga fruit, and ´Su¯n.t.

hı¯

rhizome to treat a variety of digestive disorders,

including nausea and dyspepsia. One of the most

important uses for Ja¯tı¯phala is in both infectious and

chronic diarrhoea, for which it acts to slow the number

of motions, ease intestinal griping, and kill parasites.

To this end a compound called Ja¯tı¯phaladi

cu¯rn.

a is often prescribed, taken in doses of 10–12 g

with honey as an anupa¯na; also used to treat malabsorption,

bronchitis, asthma, consumption and rhinitis

caused by va¯ta and kapha (Srikanthamurthy

1984). Prepared as a medicated oil or the taken as the

essential oil diluted in a base oil, Ja¯tı¯phala can be

used in abhyan . ga as an analgesic and antispasmodic

in the treatment of myalgia and rheumatism.

Prepared in a saturated fat such as ghr. ta or lard

Ja¯tı¯phala is used topically in the treatment of haemorrhoids

(Felter & Lloyd 1893, Nadkarni 1954). Taken

internally, Ja¯tı¯phala is a very good antispasmodic in

the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions of

the muscles such as fibromyalgia. In sufficient doses

Ja¯tı¯phala acts as a delayed onset sedative that begins

to act 3–5 hours later, and is particularly useful for

night-time wakening, particularly that associated

with muscle pain and rheumatism. To this end,

Ja¯tı¯phala mixed with more immediate-acting hypnotics

such as the Himalayan Poppy (Meconopsis

grandis) and Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ instead of the sleeping pills,

antidepressants and anti-inflammatories commonly

used to treat fibromyalgia. Taken with antispasmodics

such as Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), Kava

(Piper methysticum), and Lobelia (Lobelia inflata),

Ja¯tı¯phala can be similarly taken during the day to

relieve fibromyalgia pain. Ja¯tı¯phala is also considered

to be an important agent in the treatment of heart disease

and angina, and in the treatment of hypertension

and dyslipidaemia may be of benefit when taken with

Guggulu, Arjuna and La´suna. As an expectorant,

Ja¯tı¯phala finds its way into several different formulations

in the treatment of bronchitis, asthma and

consumptive conditions, and its virtues extolled in

both hemispheres in the treatment of intermittent

fever (Felter & Lloyd 1893). As a vajı¯karan. a,

Ja¯tı¯phala is believed to awaken the sexual passions in

both men and women in the treatment of impotence

and frigidity, in combination with other vajı¯karan. a

dravyas such as A´svagandha¯, Goks.ura and

´Sata¯varı¯.

Dosage:

● Cu¯rn.

a: freshly powdered seed, 1–5 g b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Tincture: freshly crushed seed, 1:3, 50% alcohol,

1–5 mL b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Taila: in abhyan . ga, ad lib.

REFERENCES

Duke JA 1985 Handbook of medicinal herbs. CRC Press, Boca

Raton, p 319–321

Evans WC 1989 Trease and Evans’ pharmacognosy, 13th edn.

Baillière Tindall, London p 452

Felter HW, Lloyd JU 1893 King’s American Dispensatory. Available:

http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html

222 PART 2: A¯ yurvedic materia medica

Hallstrom H, Thuvander A 1997 Toxicological evaluation of myristicin.

Natural Toxins 5(5):186–192

Hussain SP, Rao AR 1991 Chemopreventive action of mace

(Myristica fragrans, Houtt) on methylcholanthrene-induced

carcinogenesis in the uterine cervix in mice. Cancer Letters

56(3):231–234

Grover JK, Khandkar S, Vats V et al 2002 Pharmacological studies

on Myristica fragrans – antidiarrheal, hypnotic, analgesic and

hemodynamic (blood pressure) parameters. Methods and

Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology

24(10):675–680

Jannu LN, Hussain SP, Rao AR 1991 Chemopreventive action of

mace (Myristica fragrans, Houtt) on DMBA-induced papillomagenesis

in the skin of mice. Cancer Letters 56(1):59–63

Juhasz L, Kurti L, Antus S 2000 Simple synthesis of benzofuranoid

neolignans from Myristica fragrans. Journal of Natural

Products 63(6):866–870

Kapoor LD 1990 CRC Handbook of Ayurvedic medicinal plants.

CRC Press, Boca Raton, p 238

Kirtikar KR, Basu BD 1935 Indian medicinal plants, 2nd edn, vols

1–4. Periodical Experts, Delhi, p 2141

Morita T, Jinno K, Kawagishi H et al 2003 Hepatoprotective effect of

myristicin from nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) on lipopolysaccharide/

d-galactosamine-induced liver injury. Journal of

Agricultural and Food Chemistry 51(6):1560–1565

Nadkarni KM 1954 The Indian materia medica, with Ayurvedic,

Unani and home remedies, revised and enlarged by A.K.

Nadkarni. Popular Prakashan PVP, Bombay, p 833

Olajide OA, Ajayi FF, Ekhelar AI et al 1999 Biological effects of

Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) extract. Phytotherapy Research

13(4):344–345

Orabi KY, Mossa JS, el-Feraly FS 1991 Isolation and characterization

of two antimicrobial agents from mace (Myristica

fragrans). Journal of Natural Products 54(3):856–869

Ozaki Y, Soedigdo S, Wattimena YR, Suganda AG 1989 Antiinflammatory

effect of mace, aril of Myristica fragrans Houtt.,

and its active principles. Japanese Journal of Pharmacology

49(2):155–163

Park S, Lee DK, Yang CH 1998 Inhibition of fos-jun-DNA

complex formation by dihydroguaiaretic acid and in vitro

cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. Cancer Letters

127(1–2):23–28

Ram A, Lauria P, Gupta R, Sharma VN 1996 Hypolipidaemic effect

of Myristica fragrans fruit extract in rabbits. Journal of

Ethnopharmacology 55(1):49–53

Sharma A, Mathur R, Dixit VP 1995 Prevention of hypercholesterolemia

and atherosclerosis in rabbits after supplementation

of Myristica fragrans seed extract. Indian Journal of Physiology

and Pharmacology 39(4):407–410

Srikanthamurthy KR 1984 ´Sa¯ran . gadhara sam. hita¯: A treatise on

Ayurveda. Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, p 92

Srikanthamurthy KR 2001 Bha¯vapraka¯´sa of Bha¯vami´sra, vol 1.

Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, p 220

Warrier PK, Nambiar VPK, Ramankutty C (eds) 1995 Indian

medicinal plants: a compendium of 500 species, vol 4. Orient

Longman, Hyderabad, p 90

Yoganarasimhan SN 2000 Medicinal plants of India, vol 2: Tamil

Nadu. Self-published, Bangalore, p 370

Jyotis.matı¯, ‘luminous’ 223

Botany: Jyotis.matı¯ is a large deciduous climbing

shrub with long slender branches attaining a height of

up to 18 m, the bark reddish brown and covered in

elongated white lenticels. The leaves are simple, ovate

to obovate, leathery and smooth, alternately arranged

on short petioles. The greenish white flowers are

borne in terminal drooping panicles giving rise to

depressed-globose capsules, bright yellow and threelobed,

each containing three to six seeds enclosed in

an orange-red aril. Jyotis.matı¯ is found throughout

India, from the sub-Himalayan tract in India eastwards

into southern China, Malaysia, Indonesia and

Australia. It is now cultivated in these areas, and more

recently in Africa, but wild populations in India are

reported to be at risk (Kirtikar & Basu 1935, Nayar &

Sastry 1987, Warrier et al 1994).

Part used: Seeds, bark, leaves.

Dravygun. a:

● Rasa: kat.u, tikta

● Vipa¯ka: kat.u

● Vı¯rya: us.n.

a, snigdha, tiks.n.

a

● Karma: dı ¯panapa¯cana, anulomana, jvaraghna,

chedana, ka¯sahara, hr . daya, mu¯travirecana,

a¯rtavajanana, medhya, vajı ¯karan. a, va¯takaphahara

(Srikanthamurthy 2001, Warrier et al 1994).

Constituents: Jyotis.matı¯ contains the sesquiterpene

esters malkanguniol, malkangunin, celapanine, and

celapanigine, dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpenoids,

the alkaloids celastrine and paniculatine, and

a sesquiterpene polyol ester. Quinone-methide and

phenolic triterpenoids isolated from the root bark have

been identified as celastrol, pristimerin, zeylasterone

and zeylasteral. The seeds contain a brownish yellow

oil, with a higher proportion of acetic and benzoic

acids in addition to other fatty acids, as well as a crystalline

substance thought to be a tetracasanol and

sterol (Gamlath et al 1990, Kapoor 1990,

Yoganarasimhan 2000).

Medical research:

● In vitro: antioxidant (Russo et al 2001).

● In vivo: nootropic (Gattu et al 1997, Kumar &

Gupta 2002; Nalini et al 1995), sedative (Kapoor

1990), analgesic, anti-inflammatory (Ahmad et al

1994).

Toxicity: The oil of Jyotis.matı¯ administered to rats at

the highest dose of 5 g/kg did not produce any toxic

effect or impair motor coordination (Nalini et al

1995).

Indications: Dyspepsia, arthritis, rheumatism, paralysis,

sprains, sores, ulcers, asthma, mental impairment,

mental exhaustion, poor memory and

concentration, senile dementia, epilepsy, psychosis.

Contraindications: The Bha¯vapraka¯´sa states that

Jyotis.matı¯ is an emetic, and is contraindicated in

nausea and vomiting, and in conditions where emesis

is contraindicated (Srikanthamurthy 2001). Given its

us.n.

a and tiks.n.

a vı¯rya, Jyotis.matı¯ is contraindicated

in pittakopa conditions. Applied topically in

large amounts the expressed oil may cause skin irritation.

Medicinal uses: Jyotis.matı¯ means ‘luminous’, perhaps

in reference to the brightly coloured fruit, or more

likely to its effect of enhancing cognitive function and

the natural luminosity of the ‘intellect’ (buddhi).

Jyotis.matı¯ is a warming herb, used internally as a

decoction with botanicals such as Ja¯tı¯phala and Tvak

bark in the treatment of va¯ttika and kaphaja afflictions

of the muscles and joints, including rheumatism,

gout and paralysis (Nadkarni 1954). As the expressed

Jyotis.matı¯, ‘luminous’

BOTANICAL NAME: Celastrus paniculatus, Celastraceae

OTHER NAMES: Malkanguni, Malkuki, Malkungi (H); Valulavai (T); Staff tree (E)

224 PART 2: A¯ yurvedic materia medica

or medicated oil Jyotis.matı¯ is used for topical application

as a rubifacient and stimulant. As a poultice the

seeds are also used to heal indolent ulcers and sores, as

well as infectious skin conditions such as scabies

(Kirtikar & Basu 1935). The medicated oil is also used

when applied to the head to enhance the mind and

memory (Nadkarni 1954). Internally, the decoction

can be used in the treatment of intellectual impairment

and cognitive dysfunction, in combination with

botanicals such as Vaca¯, Bra¯hmı¯, Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯ and

Man.d.

u¯kaparn.

ı¯. Several texts report the benefit of the

expressed oil in beriberi, a disease of the peripheral

nervous system associated with a thiamine deficiency,

in doses of 10–15 drops (Kirtikar & Basu 1935).

Similarly, a smaller dose of 4–10 drops of the expressed

oil can be used in mental exhaustion, taken earlier

in the day to accommodate any possible stimulant

activity. In combination with botanicals such as

Kapikacchu¯ and A´svagandha¯, Jyotis.matı¯ may be

helpful as a vajı¯karan. a rasa¯yana in the treatment of

sexual debility. The As.t.

a¯ñga Hr.

daya recommends

Jyotis.matı¯ to be smoked (dhu¯ma) as a tiks.n.

a dravya

in the treatment of kaphaja conditions of the head

and neck, and can also be used as an adjunct therapy

in ‘psychosis’ (unma¯da) (Srikanthamurthy 1994).

In the treatment of amenorrhea and delayed menses

the Cakradatta recommends a combination of

Jyotis.matı¯ leaves and Japa¯ flower (Sharma 2002).

Dosage:

● Cu¯rn.

a: freshly powdered seed, 1–3 g b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Tincture: freshly crushed seed, 1:5, 50%, 1–3 mL

b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Taila: in abhyan . ga, ´sirodhara, ´sirovasti, ad lib.

REFERENCES

Ahmad F, Khan RA, Rasheed S 1994 Preliminary screening of

methanolic extracts of Celastrus paniculatus and Tecomella

undulata for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology 42(3):193–198

Gamlath CB, Gunatilaka AAL, Tezuka Y et al 1990 Quinonemethide,

phenolic and related triterpenoids of plants of

Celastraceae: further evidence for the structure of celastranhydride.

Phytochemistry-Oxford 29:3189–3192

Gattu M, Boss KL, Terry AV, Buccafusco JJ 1997 Reversal of

scopolamine-induced deficits in navigational memory performance

by the seed oil of Celastrus paniculatus. Pharmacology,

Biochemistry, and Behavior 57(4):793–799

Kapoor LD 1990 CRC handbook of Ayurvedic medicinal plants.

CRC Press, Boca Raton, p 111

Kirtikar KR, Basu BD 1935 Indian medicinal plants, 2nd edn, vols

1–4. Periodical Experts, Delhi, p 574–576

Kumar MH, Gupta YK 2002 Anti-oxidant property of Celastrus

paniculatus willd.: a possible mechanism in enhancing cognition.

Phytomedicine 9(4):302–311

Nadkarni KM 1954 The Indian materia medica, with Ayurvedic,

Unani and home remedies, revised and enlarged by

A.K. Nadkarni. Popular Prakashan PVP, Bombay, p 296

Nalini K, Karanth KS, Rao A, Aroor AR 1995 Effects of Celastrus

paniculatus on passive avoidance performance and biogenic

amine turnover in albino rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology

47(2):101–108

Nayar MP, Sastry ARK (eds) 1987 Red data book of Indian plants,

vol 1. Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta

Russo A, Izzo AA, Cardile V et al 2001 Indian medicinal plants as

antiradicals and DNA cleavage protectors. Phytomedicine

8(2):125–132

Sharma PV 2002 Cakradatta. Sanskrit text with English translation.

Chaukhamba, Varanasi, p 579

Srikanthamurthy KR 1994 Va¯gbhat.

a’s As.t.

a¯ñga Hr. dayam, vol 1.

Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, p 267

Srikanthamurthy KR 2001 Bha¯vapraka¯´sa of Bha¯vami´sra, vol 1.

Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, p 186

Warrier PK, Nambiar VPK, Ramankutty C (eds) 1994 Indian

medicinal plants: a compendium of 500 species, vol 2. Orient

Longman, Hyderabad, p 47

Yoganarasimhan SN 2000 Medicinal plants of India, vol 2: Tamil

Nadu. Self-published, Bangalore, p 120

Kan.

t.

aka¯ri, ‘thorny’

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...) 

(My humble salutations to   Sreeman Todd Caldecott, Elsevier’s Health Sciences and others other eminent medical scholars and doctors   for the collection)