Ayurveda the divine science of life -16

Ayurveda the divine science of life

REFERENCES

al-Zuhair H, el-Sayeh B, Ameen HA, al-Shoora H 1996 Pharmacological

studies of cardamom oil in animals. Pharmacological

Research 34(1–2):79–82

Dash B 1991 Materia medica of Ayurveda. B. Jain Publishers, New

Delhi, p 169

Duke J 2002 Handbook of medicinal herbs, 2nd edn. CRC Press,

Boca Raton, p 154

Duke J accessed 2003 Chemicals. In: Elettaria cardamomum (L.)

MATON (Zingiberaceae): Cardamom. Dr Duke’s phytochemical

and ethnobotanical databases. Agricultural Research Services.

Available from http://www.arsgrin.gov/duke/

Evans WC 1989 Trease and Evan’s Pharmacognosy, 13th edn.

Baillière-Tindall, London, p 469, 470

India, Department of Health 1978 The Ayurvedic formulary of

India, Part 1. Controller of Publications, Delhi, p 87

Kapoor LD 1990 CRC Handbook of Ayurvedic medicinal plants. CRC

Press, Boca Raton, p 172

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

1–4. Periodical Experts, Delhi, p 2442

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 475, 476

Sharma PV 2002 Cakradatta. Sanskrit text with English translation.

Chaukhamba, Varanasi, p 125, 170, 310, 321

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

Ayurveda. Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, p 86

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

Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, p 216

Vasudevan K, Vembar S, Veeraraghavan K, Haranath PS 2000

Influence of intragastric perfusion of aqueous spice extracts on

acid secretion in anesthetized albino rats. Indian Journal of

Gastroenterology 19(2):53–56

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

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

Longman, Hyderabad, p 360–364

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

Nadu. Self-published, Bangalore

Goks.ura, ‘cow scratcher’ 199

Botany: Goks.ura is a procumbent annual or perennial

herb with many spreading slender branches, the

immature portions covered in a fine silky hair. The

leaves are oppositely arranged, pinnate, with three to

eight simple leaflets that are almost sessile to the leaf

stem, with appressed hairs below, and to a lesser extent

above. The solitary yellow flowers have five petals, and

are borne in the leaf axils, on hairy pedicles up to 2 cm

long. The fruits are globose, composed of five woody

cocci that bear two pairs of sharp spines, each coccus

containing several seeds. Goks.ura is found throughout

Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and southern Europe,

in sandy soils, often along roadsides and waste areas

(Kirtikar & Basu 1935, Warrier et al 1996).

Part used: Fruit and root.

Dravygun. a:

● Rasa: madhura

● Vipa¯ka: madhura

● Vı¯rya: ´sita, snigdha

● Karma: dı ¯panapa¯cana, bhedana, kr . mighna, chedana,

ka¯sahara, sva¯sahara, kus.t.

aghna vedana¯stha¯pana,

mu¯travirecana, a´smaribhedana, mu¯travi´sodhana,

´sothahara, da¯hapra´samana, raktaprasa¯dana, hr . daya,

vajı ¯karan. a, balya, tridos.ahara.

● Prabha¯va: sattvic; promotes clarity of mind, and

corrects apa¯na va¯yu (Frawley & Lad 1986, Kirtikar

& Basu 1935, Nadkarni 1954, Srikanthamurthy

2001, Warrier et al 1996).

Constituents: Researchers have isolated numerous

steroidal saponins from Goks.ura, including cistocardin,

diosgenin, tribuloin, hecogenin, dioscin, and

ruscogenin, as well as several unnamed steroidal constituents.

Researchers have also isolated a furostanol

diglycoside, the lignanamides tribulusamides A and B,

N-trans-feruloyltyramin, terrestriamide, N-transcoumaroyltyramine,

and -sitosterol (Achenbach et al

1994, Cai et al 2001, Li et al 1998, Sun et al 2002,

Xu et al 2000, 2001). Kapoor (1990) reports an

unidentified alkaloid in the fruit in trace amounts.

Investigation of the aerial portions of Goks.ura has

yielded the furostanol saponin methylprotodioscin

and protodioscin and the sodium salt of methylprototribestin

and prototribestin, L-mannitol and an inorganic

salt, as well as the two -carboline indoleamines

harmane and norharmane. Goks.ura is a rich source

of calcium (Bourke et al 1992, Duhan et al 1992,

Kostava et al 2002).

Medical research:

● In vitro: antispasmodic (Arcasoy et al 1998),

hepatoprotective (Li et al 1998), antifungal (Bedir

et al 2002), antitumour (Bedir et al 2002).

● In vivo: androgenic, aphrodisiac activity

(Gauthaman et al 2002); erectile stimulating

(Adaikan et al 2000); antidiabetic (Li et al 2002);

diuretic, antilithic (Anand et al 1994).

● Human trials: a clinical trial of 406 cases of coronary

heart disease treated with the saponin fraction

of Tribulus terrestris resulted in the remission rate of

82.3%, without side-effects (Wang et al 1990).

Toxicity: The herbaceous portions of Goks.ura is the

cause of geeldikkop in sheep and other small livestock,

a condition characterized by oedema of the head, fever

and jaundice (Kirtikar & Basu 1935). Two -carboline

indoleamines (harmane and norharmane) isolated

from the plant material of Tribulus terrestris have been

implicated in causing central nervous system effects in

sheep that have grazed on Tribulus over a period of

months. Researchers proposed that harmane and

norharmane accumulate in tryptamine-associated

Goks.ura, ‘cow scratcher’

BOTANICAL NAME: Tribulus terrestris, Zygophyllaceae

OTHER NAMES: Gokhuru, Gokshri (H); Nerunji (T); Calthrops, Puncture-vine (E);

Bai ji li (C)

200 PART 2: A¯ yurvedic materia medica

neurones of the central nervous system and gradually

interact irreversibly with a specific neuronal gene

DNA sequence (Bourke et al 1992). Photosensitisation

and cholangiohepatopathy have been noted in sheep

grazing on Tribulus terrestris (Tapia et al 1994).

A recent paper reports gynecomastia in a young male

body-builder taking Tribulus as an anabolic agent

(Jameel et al 2004).

Indications: Haemorrhoids, intestinal parasites,

cough, dyspnoea, asthma, consumption, hives,

dysuria, haematuria, urinary lithiasis, cystitis,

nephritis, urinary tenesmus, spermatorrhoea, impotence,

frigidity, infertility, venereal diseases, cardiovascular

disease, gout, rheumatism, lumbago,

sciatica, menorrhagia, postpartum haemorrhage,

anaemia, diabetes, opthalmia, headache, insufficient

lactation.

Contraindications: Dehydration (Frawley & Lad

1986); pregnancy (Bensky & Gamble 1993).

Medicinal uses: Goks.ura is an outstanding remedy

in urogenital disease, promoting urine flow, soothing

the mucosa, and aiding in the excretion of stones and

calculi (Frawley & Lad 1986). Unlike diuretics such as

Bearberry leaf (Artostaphylos uva ursi), Goks.ura pacifies

va¯ta and will not promote secondary effects such

as dry skin. Nadkarni (1954) mentions that both the

plant and seeds are used in decoction or infusion in

the treatment of spermatorrhoea, impotence, infertility,

phosphaturia, dysuria, gonorrhoea, gleet, chronic

cystitis, renal calculi, incontinence, gout, and postpartum

haemorrhage. In most cases of cystitis a simple

decoction of the fruit or the tincture will suffice,

although in severe cystitis botanicals such as

Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) or Corn Silk

(Zea mays) can be used in combination for additional

demulcent properties. In severe tenesmus and pain it

may be used along with Kava root (Piper methysticum)

or Henbane (Hyocyamus niger). For urinary lithiasis

Goks.ura may be combined with Buchu herb

(Barosma betulina) and Gravel root (Eupatorium purpurea).

For urinary incontinence and bedwetting

a combination of Goks.ura and Mullein (Verbascum

thapsus root) may be helpful to strengthen the trigone

muscle of the bladder. Goks.ura is highly esteemed as

a vajı¯karan. a rasa¯yana. In the treatment spermatorrhoea

and impotence equal parts powders of

Goks.ura, Tila, Kapikacchu¯ and A´svagandha¯ may

be taken with honey, ghr. ta and goat’s milk, 12 g

b.i.d. on an empty stomach at dawn and at dusk. For

frigidity and infertility Goks.ura may be taken in

equal parts ´Sata¯varı¯ root and Damiana, 5–10 g b.i.d.

Frawley & Lad (1986) consider Goks.ura to be

a rasa¯yana for pitta, and state that it is effective in

va¯takopa conditions, the harmine alkaloids most

likely contribute to Goks.ura’s sedative properties. It

may be taken with A´svagandha¯ as a tonic nervine in

va¯ttika disorders such as nervousness and anxiety.

For lumbar pain Goks.ura may be combined with

´Su¯n.t.

hı¯, Kava (Piper methysticum) and Wild Yam

(Dioscorea villosa). Warrier et al (1996) mention that

the ash of the whole plant is good for external application

in rheumatoid arthrtis. Topically, the oil of the

seed is used in the treatment of alopecia (Frawley &

Lad 1986). In Chinese medicine Goks.ura is used in

the treatment of headache, vertigo and dizziness

due to ascendant liver yang and wind-heat

(Bensky & Gamble 1993). As a vajı¯karan. a, the

Bha¯vapraka¯´sa recommends Goks.ura¯di modaka,

composed of equal parts powders of Goks.ura,

Iks.ura bı¯ja, A´svagandha¯ , ´Sata¯varı¯, Musalı¯,

Kapikacchu¯, Yas.t.

imadhu, Na¯gabala¯ and Bala¯.

These powders are mixed togther and fried in an

equal volume of ghr. ta, eight parts milk and two

parts sugar until most of the liquid is evaporated,

after which the extract is then rolled in pills, taken

in dosages according the strength and needs of the

individual (Srikanthamurthy 2000). In the treatment

of diabetes and urinary tract disorders the

´Sa¯ran . gadhara sam. hita¯ recommends Goks.ura¯di

guggulu, prepared by boiling four parts of

Goks.ura in six times the amount of water until the

original volume of water is reduced by half. The

decoction is then strained from the herb, and one

part Guggulu resin is added and mixed in with the

decoction, to which is added one part each the powders

of Triphala, Trikat.u and Mustaka. The

´Sa¯ran . gadhara also states that Goks.ura¯di guggulu

is useful in menorrhagia, gout, diseases of the

nervous system, and infertility (Srikanthamurthy

1984).

Dosage:

● Cu¯rn.

a: 3–6 g b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Kva¯tha: 30–90 mL b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Tincture: dried fruit, 1:3, 50%; 3–5 mL b.i.d.–t.i.d.

Goks.ura, ‘cow scratcher’ 201

REFERENCES

Achenbach H et al 1994 Cardioactive steroid saponins and other

constituents from the aerial parts of Tribulus cistoides.

Phytochemistry 35(6):1527–1543

Adaikan PG, Gauthaman K, Prasad RN, Ng SC 2000 Proerectile

pharmacological effects of Tribulus terrestris extract on the

rabbit corpus cavernosum. Annals of the Academy of Medicine

(Singapore) 29(1):22–26

Al-Ali M, Wahbi S, Twaij H, Al-Badr A 2003 Tribulus terrestris: preliminary

study of its diuretic and contractile effects and comparison

with Zea mays. Journal of Ethnopharmacology

85(2–3):257–260

Anand R et al 1994 Activity of certain fractions of Tribulus

terrestris fruits against experimentally induced urolithiasis

in rats. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology

32(8):548–552

Arcasoy HB et al 1998 Effect of Tribulus terrestris L. saponin mixture

on some smooth muscle preparations: a preliminary study.

Bollettino Chimico Farmaceutico 137(11):473–475

Bedir E, Khan IA 2000 New steroidal glycosides from the fruits of

Tribulus terrestris. Journal of Natural Products

63(12):1699–1701

Bedir E, Khan IA, Walker LA 2002 Biologically active steroidal

glycosides from Tribulus terrestris. Die Pharmazie

57(7):491–493

Bensky D, Gamble A 1993 Chinese herbal medicine materia medica,

revised edn. Eastland Press, Seattle, p 425

Bourke CA et al 1992 Locomotor effects in sheep of alkaloids identified

in Australian Tribulus terrestris. Australian Veterinary

Journal 69(7):163–165

Cai L, Wu Y, Zhang J et al 2001 Steroidal saponins from Tribulus

terrestris. Planta Medica 67(2):196–198

Duhan A et al 1992 Nutritional value of some non-conventional

plant foods of India. Plant foods for human nutrition

42(3):193–200

Frawley D, Lad V 1986 The Yoga of herbs: an Ayurvedic guide to

herbal medicine. Lotus Press, Santa Fe, p 169–170

Gauthaman K, Adaikan PG, Prasad RN 2002 Aphrodisiac properties

of Tribulus terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and

castrated rats. Life Sciences 71(12):1385–1396

Jameel JK, Kneeshaw PJ, Rao VS, Drew PJ 2004 Gynaecomastia and

the plant product Tribulis terrestris. Breast (Edinburgh,

Scotland) 13(5):428–430

Kapoor LD 1990 CRC handbook of Ayurvedic medicinal plants.

CRC Press, Boca Raton, p 325

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

1–4. Periodical Experts, Delhi, p 420–423

Kostova I, Dinchev D, Rentsch GH et al 2002 Two new sulfated

furostanol saponins from Tribulus terrestris. Zeitschrift für

Naturforschung 57(1–2):33–38

Li JX et al 1998 Tribulusamide A and B, new hepatoprotective lignanamides

from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris: indications of

cytoprotective activity in murine hepatocyte culture. Planta

Medica 64(7):628–631

Li M, Qu W, Wang Y et al 2002 Hypoglycemic effect of saponin

from Tribulus terrestris. Zhong Yao Cai 25(6):420–422

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 1230

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

Ayurveda. Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, p 109

Srikanthamurthy KR 2000 Bha¯vapraka¯´sa of Bhavami´sra, vol 2.

Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, p 829

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

Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, p 234

Sun W, Gao J, Tu G 2002 A new steroidal saponin from Tribulus terrestris

Linn. Natural Product Letters 16(4):243–247

Tapia MO 1994 An outbreak of hepatogenous photosensitization in

sheep grazing Tribulus terrestris in Argentina. Veterinary and

Human Toxicology 36(4):311–313

Warrier PK, Nambiar VPK, Ramankutty C (eds) 1996 Indian

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

Longman, Hyderabad, p 311

Wang B, Ma L, Liu T 1990 406 cases of angina pectoris in coronary

heart disease treated with saponin of Tribulus terrestris. Zhong

Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 10(2):68, 85–87

Xu YJ, Xie SX, Zhao HF et al 2001 Studies on the chemical constituents

from Tribulus terrestris. Yao Xue Xue Bao

36(10):750–753

Xu YX, Chen HS, Liang HQ et al 2000 Three new saponins from

Tribulus terrestris. Planta Medica 66(6):545–550

202 PART 2: A¯ yurvedic materia medica

Botany: Gud.u¯cı¯ is a large deciduous perennial climber

with large succulent stems and papery bark, sending

down long, pendulous fleshy roots as it climbs. The

leaves are glabrous and cordate, with seven to nine

veins. Gud.u¯cı¯ is monoecious with yellowish white flowers

with six petals borne on racemes, the male flowers

clustered in the axils of small subulate bracts, the

female flowers usually solitary, with three carpels. The

mature drupes are red in colour, marked with a subbasal

style-scar (Kirtikar & Basu 1935, Warrier et al

1996).

Part used: Stem.

Dravygun. a:

● Rasa: tikta, ka´sa¯ya, madhura

● Vipa¯ka: madhura

● Vı¯rya: langhana, us.n.

a

● Karma: dı ¯panapa¯cana, gra¯hı ¯, jvaraghna,

da¯hapra´samana, ka¯sahara, kustaghna, hr . daya,

chedana, vajı ¯karan. a, rasa¯yana, tridos.ahara (Dash

1991, Dash & Junius 1983, Kirtikar & Basu 1935,

Srikanthamurthy 2001, Warrier et al 1996).

Constituents: Researchers have isolated a variety of

constituents for Gud.u¯cı¯, including alkaloids, glycosides,

steroids, and other compounds. Among the alkaloidal

constituents are the isoquinolines berberine and

jatrorrhizine, and aporphine-type alkaloids magnoflorine

and tembestarine. Glycosides include the bitter

tasting gilion, tinocordiside, tinocordifolioside,

cordioside, syringin, syringin-apiosylglycoside, palmatosides

C and F, cordifolisides A–E, and diterpenoid

lactones (clerodane derivatives, tinosporon, tinosporidine,

tinosporides, jateorine, columbin). Steroidal constituents

consist of -sitosterol, -sitosterol, tingilosterol,

hydroxyl ecdysone, ecdysterone, makisterone A

and giloinsterol. Other constituents include the

sesquiterpenoid tinocordifolin, aliphatic compounds

octacosanol, heptacosanol and nonacosan-15-one,

a non-glycoside bitter principle called gilenin, and the

polysaccharide arabinogalactan (Chintalwar et al

1999, Gangan et al 1994, Kapil & Sharma 1997,

Singh et al 2003, Swaminathan et al 1989a, b,

Yoganarasimhan 2000).

Medical research:

● In vitro: immunostimulant (Kapil & Sharma 1997,

Thatte et al 1992, 1994) antitumour (Jagetia et al

1998), antioxidant (Mathew & Kuttan 1997).

● In vivo: immunomodulant (Bishayi et al 2002,

Manjrekar et al 2000, Nagarkatti et al 1994), antijaundice

(Rege et al 1989), antidiabetic (Grover et al

2000, Prince & Menon 1999, Stanely et al 2000,

2001), hypoglycaemic (Wadood et al 1992), antioxidant

(Mathew & Kuttan 1997; Prince & Menon

1999; Stanely et al 2001), hypolipidaemic (Stanely

et al 1999).

● Human trials: Gud.u¯cı¯ promoted a highly significant

reduction in sneezing, nasal discharge, nasal

obstruction and nasal pruritus in patients suffering

from allergic rhinitis, compared to placebo (Badar et

al 2005).

Toxicity: No data found.

Indications: Dyspepsia, vomiting, hypochondriac

pain, flatulence, intestinal parasites, intermittent and

chronic fever, burning sensations, cough, asthma, cardiac

debility, hepatitis, jaundice, anaemia, skin diseases,

thirst, debility and weakness, gout, arthritis,

disorders of the genitourinary tract, diabetes.

Gud.u¯cı¯

BOTANICAL NAME: Tinospora cordifolia, Menispermaceae

OTHER NAMES: Amr. ta, ‘nectar’ (S); Gulancha, gud.aach (H); Amridavalli,

Chintilikoti (T); Tinospora (E); Kuan jin teng (T. sinensis) (C)

Gud.u¯cı¯ 203

Contraindications: Pregnancy.

Medicinal uses: According to tradition, Gud.u¯cı¯ is

said to have origination from the epic battle of the

Ra¯ma¯yan.

a in which the God-king Ra¯ma lays siege to

the island of Lanka, home of the evil King Ra¯van.

a.

When Ra¯van.

a is finally defeated King Indra is so

pleased with the result that he sprinkles amr. ta (nectar)

on the bodies of the slain monkeys to bring them

back to life. In all the places where the nectar dribbled

down from the bodies of the monkeys, the Gud.u¯cı¯

plant is said to have grown. For this reason Gud.u¯cı¯ is

also called Amr. ta, but also because Gud.u¯cı¯ is one of

the best agents in the materia medica of India to treat

a¯ma conditions without aggravating or upsetting the

dos.as. To this extent Gud.u¯cı¯ is tridos.ahara, the

ka´sa¯ya and tikta rasas pacifying pitta and kapha,

and the madhura vipa¯ka and us.n.

a vı¯rya reducing

va¯ta. It is particularly suited in chronic debilitated

conditions with autotoxicity, clearing the body of

accumulated wastes (a¯ma), stimulating digestion

(agni), and restoring the energy systems of the body

(ojas). It is widely used by A¯ yurvedic physicians for

a variety of conditions, and finds its way into many

different formulations, especially in the treatment of

diabetes, in which it is often combined with ´Sila¯jatu.

Gud.u¯cı¯ is often used along with circulatory stimulants

such as ´Su¯n.t.

hı¯ in the treatment of a¯mava¯ta

(rheumatoid arthritis), to reduce the symptoms of

inflammation and pain. Although classified in many

nighan.t.

us as warming in energy, the balance

between its bitter and sweet tastes also makes Gud.u¯cı¯

specific to disorders and deficiencies of the liver, blood,

and skin, and to reduce the vitiations of pitta. Thus

Gud.u¯cı¯ is often used to treat liver disorders, including

hepatitis and jaundice, as well as anaemia. The

Bha¯vapraka¯´sa mentions a series of formulations

called Gud.u¯cı¯ ghr. ta, the simplest forms prepared

from a decoction of Gud.u¯cı¯ dried herb or fresh juice,

with ghr. ta and water, in the treatment of gout, leprosy,

jaundice, anaemia, splenomegaly, cough and

fever (Srikanthamurthy 2000). According to the

Cakradatta a similar preparation made with sesame

oil is used for a similar range of conditions, including

itching and ringworm (Sharma 2002). In the treatment

of all types of jvara or fever, with loss of

appetite, nausea, thirst and vomiting, the

Bha¯vapraka¯´sa recommends a decoction called

Gud.u¯cı¯ kva¯tha, composed of equal parts Gud.u¯cı¯,

Dha¯nyaka, Nimba, Padmaka and Raktacandana

(Srinkanthamurthy 2000). In the treatment of vomiting,

the Cakradatta recommends a cold infusion

(hima) with honey (Sharma 2002). As a rejuvenative

the Cakradatta recommends Gud.u¯cyadi rasa¯yana,

made up of equal parts powders of Gud.u¯cı¯, Vid.

an.ga,

´San.khapus.pı¯, Vaca¯, Harı¯takı¯, Kus.

t.

ha, ´Sata¯varı¯

and Apa¯ma¯rga, taken with ghr. ta as an anupa¯na.

The Cakradatta states that this formula ‘ . . . makes

one capable of memorizing a thousand stanzas in only

three days’ (Sharma 2002).

Dosage:

● Cu¯rn.

a: 3–5 g b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Kva¯tha: 30–90 mL b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Tincture: fresh stem, 1:2, 95%; 2–5 mL

b.i.d.–t.i.d.

REFERENCES

Badar VA, Thawani VR, Wakode PT et al 2005 Efficacy of

Tinospora cordifolia in allergic rhinitis. Journal of

Ethnopharmacology 96(3):445–449

Bishayi B, Roychowdhury S, Ghosh S, Sengupta M 2002

Hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory properties of

Tinospora cordifolia in CC14 intoxicated mature albino rats.

Journal of Toxicological Sciences 27(3):139–146

Chintalwar G, Jain A, Sipahimalani A 1999 An immunologically

active arabinogalactan from Tinospora cordifolia.

Phytochemistry 52(6):1089–1093

Dash B 1991 Materia medica of Ayurveda. B. Jain Publishers, New

Delhi, p 14

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

Publishing, New Delhi, p 139

Gangan VD, Pradhan P, Sipahimalani AT, Banerji A 1994

Cordifolisides A, B, C: norditerpene furan glycosides from

Tinospora cordifolia. Phytochemistry 37(3):781–786

Grover JK, Vats V, Rathi SS 2000 Anti-hyperglycemic effect of

Eugenia jambolana and Tinospora cordifolia in experimental

diabetes and their effects on key metabolic enzymes involved in

carbohydrate metabolism. Journal of Ethnopharmacology

73(3):461–470

Jagetia GC, Nayak V, Vidyasagar MS 1998 Evaluation of the antineoplastic

activity of guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) in cultured

HELA cells. Cancer Letters 127(1–2):71–82

Kapil A, Sharma S 1997 Immunopotentiating compounds from

Tinospora cordifolia. Journal of Ethnopharmacology

58(2):89–95

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

1–4. Periodical Experts, Delhi, p 77–78

Manjrekar PN, Jolly CI, Narayanan S 2000 Comparative studies of

the immunomodulatory activity of Tinospora cordifolia and

Tinospora sinensis. Fitoterapia 71(3):254–257

Mathew S, Kuttan G 1997 Anti-oxidant activity of Tinospora

cordifolia and its usefulness in the amelioration of

cyclophosphamide induced toxicity. Journal of Experimental

and Clinical Cancer Research 16(4):407–411

204 PART 2: A¯ yurvedic materia medica

Nagarkatti DS, Rege NN, Desai NK, Dahanukar SA 1994

Modulation of Kupffer cell activity by Tinospora cordifolia in

liver damage. Journal of Postgraduate Medicine 40(2):65–67

Prince PS, Menon VP 1999 Anti-oxidant activity of Tinospora cordifolia

roots in experimental diabetes. Journal of Ethnopharmacology

65(3):277–281

Rege NN, Nazareth HM, Bapat RD, Dahanukar SA 1989 Modulation

of immunosuppression in obstructive jaundice by Tinospora

cordifolia. Indian Journal of Medical Research 90:478–483

Rege N, Bapat RD, Koti R 1993 Immunotherapy with Tinospora

cordifolia: a new lead in the management of obstructive jaundice.

Indian Journal of Gastroenterology 12(1):5–8

Sharma PV 2002 Cakradatta. Sanskrit text with English translation.

Chaukhamba, Varanasi, p 169, 236, 626

Singh SS, Pandey SC, Srivastava S et al 2003 Chemistry and medicinal

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Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, p 402

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related actions of Tinospora cordifolia roots in alloxan-induced

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columbin, a diterpenoid furanolactone from Tinospora cordifolia

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Nadu. Self-published, Bangalore, p 547–548

Guggulu 205

Botany: Guggulu is a small shrubby tree, 1.2–1.8 m

in height, with knotty and crooked branches that

terminate in a sharp spine. The compound leaves are

composed of one to three subsessile leaflets, rhomboid-

ovate in shape, serrate along the upper margin

and tapering at the base, the leaf surface shining

and smooth, the lateral leaflets usually half the size

of the terminal leaflet. The flowers are borne in fascicles

of two or three, the calyx campanulate, glandular

and hairy, the petals brownish red, nearly

three times the length of the calyx. The flowers give

way to a red drupe when ripe, 6–8 mm in diameter.

Guggulu is found throughout the subcontinent of

India, the Middle East and Africa, particularly in dry

arid locales (Kirtikar & Basu 1935, Warrier et al

1994).

Part used: Oleogum resin, exuding from the cracks

and fissures in the bark, or from incisions. Crude

Guggulu may contain the oleogum resin from several

different species. Warrier et al (1994) states that the

best quality Guggulu is that which melts and evaporates

with heat, bursts into flame when burned, and

dissolves easily in hot water.

Dravygun. a:

● Rasa: tikta, ka´sa¯ya, kat.u

● Vipa¯ka: kat.u, laghu

● Vı¯rya: us.n.

a, ru¯ks.

a

● Karma: pa¯cana, rasa¯yana, vajı ¯karan. a, balya,

kr . mighna, vedana¯stha¯pana, raktaprasa¯dana,

a¯rtavajanana, a´smaribhedana, sandha¯nı ¯ya, svarya,

va¯takaphahara.

● Prabha¯va: Although Guggulu is stated to be us.n.

a in

vı ¯rya, the Bha¯vapraka¯´sa states that due to its ka´sa¯ya

rasa it also reduces pitta, and is therefore tridos.aghna

(Srikanthamurthy 2001, Warrier et al 1994).

Constituents: The oleogum resin of Guggulu is a

mixture of 30–60% water-soluble gum, 20–40% alcohol-

soluble resins, and about 8% volatile oils. Among

the water-soluble constituents is a mucilage, arabinose

and proteins. Alcohol-soluble constituents

include the commiphoric acids, commiphorinic acid

and the heerabomyrrhols. Among the volatile constituents

are terpenes, sesquiterpenoids, cuminic aldehyde,

eugenol, myrcene, -camphorene, the ketone

steroids Z- and E-guggulsterone, and guggulsterols I, II

and III. The sesquiterpenoid fraction within the essential

oil contains a group of furanosesquiterpenoids

that give Guggulu its primary odour. Also found in

Guggulu are the lignans guggullignan I and II.

(Blumenthal et al 2000, Bradley 1992, Evans 1989,

Williamson 2002, Wu et al 2002, Zhu et al 2001).

Gugulipid is a proprietary standardised extract of the

oleogum resin that does not contain the gum or the

base fraction of the resin.

Medical research:

● In vitro: hypocholesterolaemic (Cui et al 2003,

Urizar et al 2002, Wu et al 2002), antimicrobial

(Asres et al 1998, Dolara et al 2000)

● In vivo: hypocholesterolaemic (Singh et al 1990,

Urizar et al 2002), antithrombotic (Olajide 1999),

cardioprotective (Seth et al 1998), hypotensive

(Abdul-Ghani & Amin 1997), thyrostimulant

(Panda & Kar 1999), anti-inflammatory (Kimura

et al 2001; Tariq et al 1986), anti-arthritic

(Sharma & Sharma 1977), antitumour (al-Harbi

et al 1994, Qureshi et al 1993)

Guggulu

BOTANICAL NAMES: Commiphora mukul, C. molmol, C. abyssinica, Burseraceae

OTHER NAMES: Mahis.a¯ks.

a (S); Gugal (H); Gukkal (T); Bdellium (E); Mo yao (C);

‘Myrrh’ is C. myrrha, called Bola in Sanskrit; ‘Frankincense’ is another

similar species in the Bursuraceae called Kun˜ duru (Boswellia serrata)

206 PART 2: A¯ yurvedic materia medica

● Human trials: compared to placebo, Gugulipid

significantly decreased total serum cholesterol,

LDL, and triglycerides in patients with hypercholesterolaemia

(Singh et al 1994); compared to clofibrate

the use of Gugulipid in hypercholesterolaemic

patients promoted a significant improvement in

HDL to LDL ratios (Nityanand et al 1989); over

a period of 30 days the administration of Guggulu

was found to enhance weight loss in obese adults

(>90 kg) eating a calorie-restricted diet, by an average

of 2.25 kg (Bhatt et al 1995); over a 3-month

period Gugulipid promoted slightly better results

than tetracycline in the treatment of nodulocystic

acne, with patients with oily faces responding best

to the treatment (Thappa & Dogra 1994); Guggulu

was found to be a safe and highly effective remedy

in the treatment of Fasciola (liver fluke) infection

over a 3-month period (Massoud et al 2001);

Guggulu was found to be a safe and highly effective

remedy in the treatment of schistosomiasis

(Sheir et al 2001); Guggulu resin had a total curative

effect in children diagnosed with fascioliasis

and schistosomiasis, over a period of 4–12 weeks

(Soliman et al 2004).

Toxicity: Acute (24 hour) and chronic (90 day) oral

toxicity studies on Commiphora molmol were carried

out in mice, using dosages of 0.5, 1.0 and 3 g/kg in

the acute studies, and 100 mg/kg per day for the

chronic study. Researchers found no significant difference

in mortality in acute or chronic treatment as

compared to controls, noting a significant increase in

the weight of the testes, epididymides and seminal

vesicles, as well as a significant increase in RBC and

haemoglobin levels in the treatment group, compared

to the control group (Rao et al 2001). In young male

Nubian goats an oral dose of 0.25 g/kg per day was

found to be non-toxic (i.e. 37.5 g in a 150 kg human)

(Omer & Adam 1999). Myrrh has been reported to

cause dermatitis in topical preparations used to relieve

pain and swelling due to traumatic injury (Lee & Lam

1993).

Indications: Gingivitis, apthous ulcers, dyspepsia,

candidiasis, chronic colitis, intestinal parasites, haemorrhoids,

chronic fever, chronic upper respiratory

tract infection, chronic muco-epithelial ulceration,

strep throat, pharyngitis, bronchitis, cystitis, urinary

calculi, spermatorrhoea, endometritis, amenorrhoea,

menorrhagia, leucorrhoea, skin diseases, wounds,

abrasions, chronic ulcers, arthritis, gout, lumbago,

neurasthenia, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis,

hypothyroidism, anaemia, oedema, cancer, postchemotherapy

(to improve WBC count).

Contraindications: The Bha¯vapraka¯´sa states that

those undergoing therapy with Guggulu should avoid

sour foods and drinks, uncooked foods, excessive physical

and sexual activity, alcohol consumption, and

excess exposure to heat and sunlight (Srikanthamurthy

2001). Generally speaking, Guggulu should be

used with caution in pittakopa conditions. Guggulu is

contraindicated with concurrent hypoglycaemic and

lipotriptic therapies, thyrotoxicosis, thyroiditis and

pregnancy. The effect of a single oral dose of Gugulipid

was studied on bioavailability of single oral dose of propranolol

(40 mg) and diltiazem (60 mg), and was found

to significantly reduce the peak plasma concentration

and area under curve of both the drugs in a small trial

of healthy volunteers (Dalvi et al 1994).

Medicinal uses: Guggulu is a common ingredient in

many A¯ yurvedic formulations, used both as a medicinal

agent and excipient, such that an entire class of

medicaments are called guggulu (e.g. Triphala guggulu,

Yogara¯ja guggulu, Goks.ura¯di guggulu,

etc.). In the treatment of boils and gout, the

Bha¯vapraka¯´sa recommends a preparation of

Guggulu mixed with equal parts juice of Gud.u¯cı¯ and

Dra¯ks.

a¯ macerated in a decoction of Triphala. This

preparation is evaporated in the hot sun or over heat

to the correct consistency and rolled into pills of about

5 g and taken with honey (Srikanthamurthy 2001).

As an antiseptic and vulnerary the Cakradatta recommends

that Guggulu be mixed with a decoction of

Triphala, and applied topically (Sharma 2002). In

the treatment of broken bones and fracture, the

Cakradatta recommends an internal preparation

comprising one part each Harı¯takı¯, Trikat.u and

Triphala, mixed with a portion of Guggulu equal to

all of the above (Sharma 2002). In the treatment of

sciatica the Cakradatta recommends a pill composed

of 40 g Ra¯sna¯ and 50 g Guggulu, mixed with ghr. ta

(Sharma 2002). In the treatment of va¯ttika disorders

of muscles, bones, joints and nerves, the Cakradatta

recommends a formula made up of ten parts

Guggulu, two parts each of Triphala and Pippalı¯,

and one part each Tvak bark and Ela¯ seed, soaked in

Guggulu 207

a decoction of Da´samu¯la, and dried in the sun. When

the appropriate consistency is obtained the mixture is

then rolled into pills and dosed at 3–5 g, b.i.d.–t.i.d.,

taken with a diet rich in meat soups (Sharma 2002).

The famous formula Yogara¯jaguggulu is prescribed

in similar conditions. As a tincture, Guggulu is effective

as a gargle in gingivitis, apthous ulcers, strep

throat and pharyngitis, alone or with such herbs as

Sage (Salvia officinalis). The tincture also has a vulnerary

and antiseptic activity in gastrointestinal ulcers,

both of the upper and lower tracts, although it is best

avoided in active inflammation, used only after the initial

inflammation has been dealt with by demulcent

and vulnerary botanicals such as Yas.t.

imadhu,

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) and Slippery Elm

(Ulmus fulva). Internally, the tincture improves digestion

and stimulates the appetite in digestive atony,

removing chronic catarrh in both the gastrointestinal

and respiratory tracts. Guggulu also finds utility in

urogenital infections after the active inflammation has

been resolved, improving mucus membrane secretion

and providing an antiseptic action against any lingering

infection. In endometritis it may be combined with

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia), False

Unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum), Chasteberry (Vitex

agnus castus) and Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis)

to check inflammation, remove infection and

reorientate the oestrous cycle. In arthritis and gout

Guggulu is particularly effective, combined with

such herbs like Lignum vitae (Guaicum officinalis),

Celery seed (Apium graveolens), and Devil’s Claw

(Harpagophytum procumbens), or used in formulations

like Yogara¯ja guggulu. In the treatment of dyslipidaemia,

atherosclerosis and diabetes the use of the

standardised extract called Gugulipid has shown

promise, especially when taken with a low-carbohydrate

diet and array of antioxidant minerals, vitamins

and omega-3 fatty acids. For a more traditional

approach, Guggulu may be combined with herbs

such as Gud.u¯cı¯, A¯malakı¯ and ´Sila¯jatu in the treatment

of diabetes. In chronic immunodeficiency, or in

patients undergoing chemotherapy or taking corticosteroids,

Guggulu may be combined with A´svagandha

¯ and Yas.t.imadhu.

Dosage:

● Cu¯rn.

a: 2–5 g b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Tincture: 2–5 mL (1:3 95%) b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Standardized extract: (equal to 25 mg

guggulsterones), 500 mg b.i.d.–t.i.d.

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Commiphora opobalsamum on blood pressure and heart rate

in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 57(3):219–222

al-Harbi MM, Qureshi S, Raza M et al 1994 Anticarcinogenic

effect of Commiphora molmol on solid tumors induced by

Ehrlich carcinoma cells in mice. Chemotherapy

40(5):337–347

Asres K, Tei A, Moges G et al 1998 Terpenoid composition of the

wound-induced bark exudate of Commiphora tenuis from

Ethiopia. Planta Medica 64(5):473–475

Bhatt AD, Dalal DG, Shah SJ et al 1995 Conceptual and methodologic

challenges of assessing the short-term efficacy of

Guggulu in obesity: data emergent from a naturalistic clinical

trial. Journal of Postgraduate Medicine. 41(1):5–7

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Bradley PR (ed) 1992 British herbal compendium. British Herbal

Medicine Association, Bournemouth, p 163

Cui J, Huang L, Zhao A et al 2003 Guggulsterone is a farnesoid

X receptor antagonist in coactivator association assays but acts

to enhance transcription of bile salt export pump. Journal of

Biological Chemistry 278(12):10214–10220

Dalvi SS, Nayak VK, Pohujani SM et al 1994 Effect of gugulipid on

bioavailability of diltiazem and propranolol. Journal of the

Association of Physicians of India. 42(6):454–455

Dolara P, Corte B, Ghelardini C et al 2000 Local anaesthetic, antibacterial

and antifungal properties of sesquiterpenes from

myrrh. Planta Medica 66(4):356–358

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

Baillière-Tindall, London, p 475

Kimura I, Yoshikawa M, Kobayashi S et al 2001 New triterpenes,

myrrhanol A and myrrhanone A, from guggul-gum resins, and

their potent anti-inflammatory effect on adjuvant-induced airpouch

granuloma of mice. Bioorganic and Medicinal

Chemistry Letters 11(8):985–989

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

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orthopaedic solution tieh ta yao gin. Contact Dermatitis

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Massoud A, El Sisi S, Salama O, Massoud A 2001 Preliminary study

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Nadkarni KM 1954 The Indian materia medica, with Ayurvedic,

Unani and home remedies, revised and enlarged by

A.K. Nadkarni. Popular Prakashan PVP, Bombay

Nityanand S, Srivastava JS, Asthana OP 1989 Clinical trials with

gugulipid. A new hypolipidaemic agent. Journal of the

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Olajide OA 1999 Investigation of the effects of selected medicinal

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Omer SA, Adam SE 1999 Toxicity of Commiphora myrrha to goats.

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208 PART 2: A¯ yurvedic materia medica

Panda S, Kar A 1999 Gugulu (Commiphora mukul) induces triiodothyronine

production: possible involvement of lipid peroxidation.

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genotoxic, cytotoxic, and antitumor properties of Commiphora

molmol using normal and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell-bearing

Swiss albino mice. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology

33(2):130–138

Rao RM, Khan ZA, Shah AH 2001 Toxicity studies in mice of

Commiphora molmol oleo-gum-resin. Journal of

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protection against isoproterenol induced myocardial necrosis in

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activity of Commiphora mukul (an indigenous drug) with those

of phenylbutazone and ibuprofen in experimental arthritis

induced by mycobacterial adjuvant. Arzneimittelforschung

nach der Zulassung 27(7):1455–1457

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antischistosomal therapy derived from myrrh. American

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effects of Commiphora mukul as an adjunct to dietary therapy

in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Cardiovascular Drugs

and Therapy 8(4):659–664

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activity of Commiphora molmol. Agents and Actions

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Thappa DM, Dogra J 1994 Nodulocystic acne: oral gugulipid versus

tetracycline. Journal of Dermatology 21(10):729–731

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that lowers cholesterol as an antagonist ligand for FXR. Science

296(5573):1703–1706

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

Longman, Hyderabad, p 164–172

Williamson EM (ed) 2002 Major herbs of Ayurveda. Churchill

Livingstone, London, p 110

Wu J, Xia C, Meier J et al 2002 The hypolipidemic natural product

guggulsterone acts as an antagonist of the bile acid receptor.

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Zhu N, Kikuzaki H, Sheng S et al 2001 Furanosesquiterpenoids of

Commiphora myrrha. Journal of Natural Products

64(11):1460–1462

Haridra¯, ‘giving yellow’ 209

Botany: Haridra¯ is a perennial herb that attains

a height of up to 90 cm, with a short stem, long

sheathing petiolate leaves, and a large cylindrical root

with thick sessile tubers that are intensely orangeyellow

when cut or broken. The leaves are simple,

quite large in proportion to the stem, the petiole as

long as the leaf, oblong-lanceolate, glabrous, entire

and acute, 30–45 cm long to 12.5 cm wide. The yellow

flowers are borne in spikes, concealed by the

sheathing petioles. Thought to be native to eastern

India, Haridra¯ is extensively cultivated throughout

the tropics (Kirtikar & Basu 1935, Warrier et al

1994).

Part used: Fresh and dried root.

Dravygun. a:

● Rasa: tikta, kat.u,

● Vipa¯ka: kat.u

● Vı¯rya: us.n.

a, ru¯ks.

a

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

chedana, raktaprasa¯dana, ´sothahara, caks.us.ya,

varnya, kus.t.

haghna, sandha¯nı ¯ya, kaphapittahara

(Srikanthamurthy 2001, Warrier et al 1994).

Constituents: The active constituents of Haridra¯ are

the yellow flavonoid constituents called the curcuminoids

or diarylheptanoids, of which curcumin is the

best studied, but also includes methoxylated curcumins.

Haridra¯ also contains a volatile oil consisting of

sesquiterpene ketones such as -tumerone, as well as

other volatile compounds including atlantone, zingiberone,

-phellandrene, sabinene, cineole and borneol.

Other constituents include sugars, proteins, and

resins (Evans 1989, Kapoor 1990, Mills & Bone 2000,

Yoganarasimhan 2000).

Medical research:

● In vitro: antioxidant (Boone et al 1992, Mortellini

et al 2000, Toda et al 1985), anti-inflammatory

(Brouet & Ohshima 1995; Chan 1995), antitumour

(Thaloor et al 1998)

● In vivo: anti-ulcerogenic (Ammon & Wahl 1991,

Rafatulla et al 1990), hepatoprotective (Deshpande

et al 1998, Donatus et al 1990, Kiso et al 1983,

Park et al 2000, Soni et al 1992), neuroprotective

(Rajakrishnan et al 1999), hypolipidaemic

(Ramirez-Tortosa et al 1999, Ramprasad & Sirsi

1957), antithrombotic (Srivastava et al 1986), antioxidant

(Dikshit et al 1995), anti-inflammatory

(Arora et al 1971, Mukhopadhyay et al 1982,

Srivastava 1989), antitumour (Kawamori et al

1999, Limtrakul et al 1997), paracidal (Allen et al

1998), antifungal, antidermatophytic (Apisariyakul

et al 1995), vulnerary (Sidhu et al 1998, 1999).

● Human trials: Haridra¯ promoted the healing

and reduction of symptoms in patients diagnosed

with peptic ulcer disease (Prucksunand et al

2001); Haridra¯ inhibited COX–2 protein induction

and prostaglandin E2 production in patients

with advanced colorectal cancer (Plummer et al

2001); Haridra¯ produced significant symptomatic

relief in patients with external cancerous

lesions, reducing size, odour and pruritis (Kuttan

et al 1987); Haridra¯ promoted a reduction in

signs and symptoms of chronic anterior uveitis

comparable to corticosteroids, without side-effects

(Lal et al 1999); a standardised extract of Haridra¯

was found to promote a significant reduction in the

signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

(IBS) in a randomised study of 207 otherwise

healthy patients (Bundy et al 2004).

Toxicity: The oral LD50 in rats of the petroleum-ether

extract of Haridra¯ was determined to be 12.2 g/kg

(Arora et al 1971). Researchers evaluated the potential

oral toxicity of curcumin taken over a 3-month period

Haridra¯, ‘giving yellow’

BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma longa, Zingiberaceae

OTHER NAMES: Haldi (H); Manjal (T); Turmeric (E); Jiang huang (C)

210 PART 2: A¯ yurvedic materia medica

in 25 patients suffering from a variety of severe illnesses.

Researchers noted that there was no treatmentrelated

toxicity up to 8 g daily, but that beyond this, the

bulky volume of the drug was unacceptable to the

patients (Cheng et al 2001). Haridra¯ is commonly used

as a culinary spice and is generally recognised as safe.

Indications: Poor appetite, dyspepsia, peptic and duodenal

ulcers, gas and flatulence, constipation, candidiasis,

intestinal parasites, pharyngitis, catarrh, bronchitis,

asthma, anaemia, cholecystitis, cholecystalgia, jaundice,

hepatitis, hepatosplenomegaly, oedema, inflammatory

joint disease, sports injuries, skin diseases, parasitic

skin conditions, wounds, bruises, sprains, fractures, diabetes,

dyslipidaemia, cardiovascular disease, amenorrhoea,

gonorrhoea, cystitis, cancer prevention and

treatment.

Contraindications: va¯takopa, in excess.

Medicinal uses: Haridra¯ is one of the more familiar

Indian herbs in the West, most people identifying it

with the flavour of curries, although in actuality

Haridra¯ is only a minor component in most spice

mixtures, used in small proportions as a colouring

agent rather than for its flavour, which is rather bitter

and unpleasant. The same potency of Haridra¯ to

color curries and other foods is also utilised in the dyeing

of textiles, for which it was imported from India to

the West before the advent of aniline dyes. Haridra¯ is

still used in India as a dyeing agent, not only for textiles

but also as a cosmetic, popular among Indian

women as a paste to improve the texture and lustre of

the skin. Haridra¯ also has important symbolic uses in

Hindu ceremonies, especially at weddings in which it

is used to draw designs on the hands and feet. The

activity of Haridra¯ as a dyeing agent is due to the curcuminoids,

which are also in large part responsible for

its medicinal activities. The volatile constituents and

resins, however, are also medicinal and therefore

aqueous extracts are avoided in favour of the cu¯rn.

a or

a tincture. Given the quality of Haridra¯ as a culinary

spice, however, the tincture made from the fresh rhizomes

is preferred, allowing for a lower dosage, which

can enhance patient compliance considerably.

Haridra¯ is among the more common household

remedies in A¯ yurveda. For mild colds and flus one teaspoon

of the cu¯rn.

a is mixed with one half teaspoon of

´Su¯n.t.hı¯, with a little honey and water, taken two to

three times daily. In pharyngitis Haridra¯ cu¯rn.

a can

be mixed with Yas.t.

imadhu cu¯rn.

a, saindhava and

water and gargled, thrice daily. For dry coughs and

bronchitis, one large teaspoon of Haridra¯ cu¯rn.

a can

be decocted in a 150 mL of milk, taken with honey.

Mixed with a pinch of ´Su¯n.t.

hı¯ and Pippalı¯ powders,

Haridra¯ is mixed with a small amount of ghr. ta,

burned and inhaled in dhu¯ma to treat respiratory

catarrh. For skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis,

acne and parasitic infections (e.g. scabies)

Haridra¯ is taken internally as well as applied externally

as a paste with water or honey, or prepared as

a medicated ghr. ta, although people with very white

skin may find the transient staining somewhat unappealing.

For sprains, bruises and other sports-related

injuries Haridra¯ can be made into a paste with honey,

and applied generously over the affected part and covered

with plastic wrap, changing the dressing every

few hours. Taken internally, Haridra¯ is an effective

treatment to strengthen the joints and tendons, and is

an exceptionally important remedy in arthritis and

other joint diseases, often used with Guggulu and

´Su¯n.t.

hı¯. In the treatment of ophthalmic disorders

equal parts Haridra¯ and Triphala can be prepared as

a medicated ghr. ta and applied to the eye. The

Cakradatta recommends a collyrium called Saugata

añjana in ophthalmic disorders, prepared from

equal parts Haridra¯, Da¯ruharidra¯, Harı¯takı¯,

Jat.

a¯ma¯msı¯, Kus.

t.

ha and Pippalı¯ (Sharma 2002).

Prepared with equal parts Yas.t.

imadhu and

´Sata¯varı¯, Haridra¯ can be used as as a douche or medicated

ghr. ta in cervical dysplasia. In the treatment of

haemorrhoids the cu¯rn.

a can be mixed with mustard

oil and applied topically, to accompany internal treatments.

Taken as a paste prepared with Gud.u¯cı¯ and

A¯

malakı¯, Haridra¯ may be of benefit in diabetes.

Combined with Guggulu, Haridra¯ can be an effective

treatment in dyslipidaemia. In the treatment of jaundice

the Cakradatta recommends a milk decoction of

Haridra¯, Pippalı¯, Nimba, Bala¯ and Yas.t.

imadhu

(Sharma 2002). In the treatment of memory loss,

poor concentration, and speech disorders the

Cakradatta recommends a formula called Kalya

¯n. akaleha, consisting of Haridra¯ mixed with equal

parts Vaca¯, Kus.

t.

ha, ´Su¯n.t.

hı¯, Jı¯raka, Yas.t.

imadhu

and saindhava, taken with ghr. ta (Sharma 2002). In

the treatment of gout with kaphaja symptoms the

Cakradatta recommends a formulation of Haridra¯,

A¯

malakı¯ and Mustaka (Sharma 2002). Haridra¯ is

Haridra¯, ‘giving yellow’ 211

used in Chinese medicine for patterns of blood stasis

and stagnant qi, with cold and deficiency, in the treatment

of menstrual pain, abdominal pain and pain in

the shoulders (Bensky & Gamble 1993).

Dosage:

● Cu¯rn.

a: recently dried and powdered rhizome, 3–5

g b.i.d.–t.i.d.; up to 10 g t.i.d. of the herb derived

from culinary sources

● Svarasa: 15–25 mL b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Kva¯tha: 1:4, 30–90 mL b.i.d.–t.i.d.

● Tincture: fresh rhizome, 1:2, 95%, 2–5 mL

b.i.d.–t.i.d.

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212 PART 2: A¯ yurvedic materia medica

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Harı¯takı¯, ‘to colour yellow’ 213

Botany: Harı¯takı¯ is a medium to large deciduous tree

attaining a height of up to 30 m, with widely spreading

branches and a broad roundish crown. The leaves

are elliptic-oblong, with an acute tip, cordate at the

base, margins entire, glabrous above with a yellowish

pubescence below. The flowers are monoecious, dull

white to yellow, with a strong unpleasant odour, borne

in terminal spikes or short panicles. The fruits are

glabrous, ellipsoid to ovoid drupes, yellow to orange

brown in colour, containing a single angled stone.

Harı¯takı¯ is found throughout deciduous forests of the

Indian subcontinent, on dry slopes up to 900 m in elevation

(Kirtikar & Basu 1935, Warrier et al 1996).

Part used: Fruit; seven types are recognised (i.e.

vijaya¯, rohin. ı¯, pu¯tana¯, amr. ta, abhaya¯, jı¯vantı¯ and

cetakı¯), based on the region the fruit is harvested as

well as on the colour and shape of the fruit. Generally

speaking the vijaya¯ variety is preferred, which is traditionally

grown in the Vindhya mountain range of

central India and has a roundish as opposed to a more

angular shape (Srikanthamurthy 2001).

Dravygun. a: Fresh fruit

● Rasa: ka´sa¯ya, tikta, amla, kat.u, madhura

● Vipa¯ka: madhura

● Vı¯rya: us.n.

a

● Karma: dı ¯panapa¯cana, bedhana (cu¯rn.

a), gra¯hı ¯

(kva¯tha, tincture), kr . mighna, mu¯travirecana,

jvaraghna, sva¯sahara, ka¯sahara, kus.t.

haghna,

´sothahara, medhya, vedana¯stha¯pana, sandha¯nı ¯ya,

caks.us.ya, hr . daya, rasa¯yanam, tridos.aghna.

● Prabha¯va: named for the god ´Siva (Harı ¯ ), who

brings ‘fearlessness’ (abhaya¯) in the face of death

and disease, and because it purifies the mind of

attachments (Dash 1991, Dash & Junius 1983,

Frawley & Lad 1986, Warrier et al 1996).

Constituents: Researchers have isolated a number of

glycosides from Harı¯takı¯, including the triterpenes

arjunglucoside I, arjungenin, and the chebulosides

I and II. Other constituents include a coumarin conjugated

with gallic acids called chebulin, as well as other

phenolic compounds including ellagic acid, 2,

4-chebulyl--D-glucopyranose, chebulinic acid, gallic

acid, ethyl gallate, punicalagin, terflavin A, terchebin,

luteolin, and tannic acid (Creencia et al 1996,

Kapoor 1990, Saleem et al 2002, Williamson 2002,

Yoganarasimhan 2000).

Medical research:

● In vitro: antibacterial (Ahmad et al 1998, Jagtap

& Karkera 1999, Malekzadeh et al 2001, Phadke

& Kulkarni 1989, Sato et al 1998), antifungal

(Dutta et al 1998), antiviral (Badmaev &

Nowakowski 2000, El-Mekkawy et al 1995,

Yukawa et al 1996), antitumour (Creencia et al

1996, Kaur et al 1998, Saleem et al 2002)

● In vivo: hepatoprotective (Sohni & Bhatt 1996),

antibacterial (Suguna et al 2002), antiamoeba

(Sohni et al 1995), antiviral, immunomodulant

(Yukawa et al 1996), vulnerary (Suguna et al

2002), hypolipidaemic (Thakur et al 1988), antiulcerogenic

(Nadar & Pillai 1989)

● Human trials: a mouth rinse prepared with a 10%

solution of Harı¯takı¯ siginificantly inhibited salivary

bacterial counts (Jagtap & Karkera 1999).

Toxicity: Feeding trials in rats with Terminalia chebula

produced hepatic lesions that included central vein

abnormalities and marked renal lesions (Arseculeratne

et al 1985). This same study also suggested that

Withania somnifera produces similar renal lesions, an

effect that has not been observed in any other studies.

Harı¯takı¯, ‘to colour yellow’

BOTANICAL NAME: Terminalia chebula, Combretaceae

OTHER NAMES: Abhaya¯ ‘fearless’ (S); Hara, Harad (H); Katukkay (T); Chebulic

myrobalan (E); He zi (C)

214 PART 2: A¯ yurvedic materia medica

Given the long history of usage and popularity of

Harı¯takı¯, this single study cannot be reliably extrapolated

to human usage.

Indications: Gingivitis, stomatitis, asthma, cough,

dyspnoea, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, ulcers, diarrhoea,

constipation, IBS, haemorrhoids, candidiasis,

parasites, malabsorption syndromes, biliousness,

hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, ascites, vesicular and

renal calculi, urinary discharges, tumours, skin diseases,

leprosy, intermittent fever, rheumatism, arthritis,

gout, neuropathy, paralysis, memory loss, epilepsy,

depression, leucorrhoea, diabetes, cardiovascular

disease, anorexia, wounds.

Contraindications: Pregnancy, dehydration, emaciation,

pittakopa (Frawley & Lad 1985). Caraka indicates

that Harı¯takı¯ is contraindicated in weak

digestion, fatigue due to excessive sexual activity, with

alcoholic drinks, and in hunger, thirst and heat stroke

(Sharma & Dash 1988).

 

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)