Panoramic review of Holarrhena antidysenterica with nighantus focus.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: A panoramic review of holarrhena antidysenterica (roxb. ex flem.)wall. with special reference to nighantus
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Avik Pal and Sumita Ghosh
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: A panoramic review of holarrhena antidysenterica (roxb. ex flem.)wall. with special reference to nighantus
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20221-22569
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article provides a comprehensive review of the medicinal plant Holarrhena antidysenterica (Roxb. Ex Flem.) Wall., commonly known as Kutaja or Kurchi. This small tree has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is noted for its various therapeutic properties. The global market for medicinal plants is significant, exceeding $100 billion annually, reflecting the growing interest in natural remedies. The review highlights the plant's historical usage and its documented efficacy in treating several health issues such as dysentery, diarrhea, and hyperglycemia, citing both classical texts and modern studies.
Medicinal Properties and Traditional Use
Holarrhena antidysenterica is recognized for its broad range of medicinal properties, including antidysentric, anthelminthic, anti-diabetic, and hypolipidaemic effects. The plant’s various parts—such as the stem bark, leaves, and seeds—are traditionally utilized for treating ailments like dysentery, bleeding piles, and malaria. Its presence in ancient ayurvedic texts showcases its significance in traditional medicine. The article discusses the plant's alkaloid and flavonoid content, which contribute to its therapeutic potential, especially in experimental studies aimed at verifying these benefits.
Taxonomy and Description
The article includes a detailed taxonomic classification of Holarrhena antidysenterica, identifying it as belonging to the Apocynaceae family, under the genus Holarrhena. The review elaborates on the plant's morphological characteristics, including its height, leaf shape, flower attributes, and fruit types. Descriptions of the plant's structure help in understanding its ecological distribution, which spans various regions in India, particularly in deciduous forests and hilly areas. The plant flowers from April to July and produces small, long follicles that release numerous seeds when dry.
Ayurvedic and Pharmacological Insights
A significant portion of the review analyzes Kutaja in the context of Ayurveda, outlining its Rasa (taste), Guna (qualities), Virya (potency), and Vipaka (post-digestive effect). The traditional uses align with its modern pharmacological activities, as recent studies have shown its efficacy in diabetic management and anti-inflammatory responses. The review notes various formulations that incorporate Kutaja, such as Kutajarishta and kutajavaleha, indicating its integral role in Ayurvedic treatment. This section emphasizes how traditional knowledge converges with scientific investigations to validate the plant’s therapeutic applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Holarrhena antidysenterica emerges as a valuable medicinal plant with a rich history in traditional medicine, particularly within Ayurveda. The compilation of its various uses, supported by scientific studies, underscores the importance of exploring natural products for health benefits. The article ultimately reinforces the need for continued research on herbal remedies to harness their potential in modern healthcare, alongside maintaining the cultural heritage associated with these medicinal plants. The findings encourage a balanced approach to integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary medical practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Holarrhena antidysenterica commonly known as?
Holarrhena antidysenterica is commonly known as Kutaja or Kurchi. It is a small tree that grows in hilly regions and is used traditionally for various medicinal purposes.
What are the primary medicinal properties of Kutaja?
Kutaja has several medicinal properties including antidysentric, anthelminthic, anti-diabetic, and hypolipidaemic activities. It is traditionally used for treating dysentery, diarrhea, and other ailments.
Which parts of the Kutaja plant are used medicinally?
The stem bark, leaves, and seeds of the Kutaja plant are used for medicinal purposes, often in traditional medicine practices.
What is the taxonomic classification of Holarrhena antidysenterica?
Holarrhena antidysenterica belongs to the kingdom Plantae, under the family Apocynaceae and genus Holarrhena, classified as a flowering plant.
What are the recommended doses for Kutaja preparations?
The recommended dosage for Kutaja varies; for decoction, 20-30 grams is suggested, while the powdered form ranges from 3-6 grams.
Which ancient texts mention the use of Kutaja?
Kutaja is mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and various Nighantus detailing its medicinal properties and uses.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Panoramic review of Holarrhena antidysenterica with nighantus focus.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighantus are specific classifications within the broader category of Ayurvedic literature that focus primarily on medicinal substances. They serve as glossaries or dictionaries, defining the properties, synonyms, and classifications of various plants used in herbal medicine, thereby aiding practitioners in their studies.
2) Kutaja (Kuta-ja):
Kutaja, scientifically known as Holarrhena antidysenterica, is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Ayurveda. It is recognized for its various therapeutic properties, particularly in treating diseases like dysentery and diarrhea, and is featured prominently in Ayurvedic texts for its efficacy and historical significance in natural medicine.
3) Sthana:
Sthanas refer to the sections or chapters in classical texts that delineate specific subjects, treatments, or conditions. Each sthana encompasses detailed discussions that provide practitioners with essential knowledge for clinical applications in Ayurveda.
4) Varga:
Varga denotes a group or classification within Ayurvedic texts that categorize herbs, plants, and treatments based on shared properties or intended actions. By grouping plants into vargas, practitioners can easily reference their uses and effects, enhancing the understanding of their therapeutic potentials.
5) Samhita:
Samhitas are authoritative texts in Ayurveda containing comprehensive knowledge on medicinal plants, treatments, and health practices. They are foundational documents that help practitioners understand the ancient principles that guide holistic healing and patient care.
6) Drug:
Drugs in Ayurveda include herbal substances characterized by specific therapeutic actions. A comprehensive understanding of these drugs is fundamental to effectively addressing various ailments and promoting health within the Ayurvedic system.
7) Medicine:
Medicines encompass a broad range of substances used for therapeutic purposes, including herbal remedies, tinctures, and formulated extracts. In Ayurveda, the emphasis on natural medicines highlights the importance of using botanicals for holistic healing.
8) Vatsaka:
Vatsaka is another name for the medicinal plant Kutaja, highlighting its significance in traditional medicine. This name is often encountered in classical texts and signifies the plant's historical and cultural relevance in the context of Ayurveda and herbal remedies.
9) Bitter:
Bitter is one of the taste categories (Rasa) in Ayurveda that characterizes certain medicinal plants and drugs. The bitter taste is associated with detoxification and stimulation of digestive juices, enhancing appetite and digestion, and is often a key therapeutic property in herbal formulations.
10) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa represents the six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent) recognized in Ayurveda, which influence the effects of food and medicine on the body's doshas. Rasa plays a critical role in determining the therapeutic qualities and applications of herbal treatments.
11) Guna:
Guna refers to the inherent qualities or attributes of a substance in Ayurveda. These qualities, such as heaviness, lightness, dryness, or oiliness, help determine the effects of medicinal herbs or concoctions on the body and their suitability for particular conditions and constitutional types.
12) Kalinga (Kalimga):
Kalinga is another vernacular name for the plant Kutaja, emphasizing its regional significance and diverse naming convention in Ayurvedic literature. The use of such names signifies the contextual knowledge and cultural heritage surrounding medicinal plants in different Indian regions.
13) Powder:
Powder refers to the processed form of medicinal plants, particularly their parts like bark, seeds, or leaves, ground into a fine substance for ease of use in formulations. Powders are commonly utilized in Ayurvedic practices for concoctions, offering potent therapeutic benefits in a concentrated form.
14) Virya:
Virya denotes the potency or energy of a substance in Ayurveda, describing how a drug acts within the body. Understanding virya is crucial for determining the effectiveness of a medication or treatment, influencing dosage and combinations in herbal formulations.
15) India:
India is the geographical context where Ayurveda originated and developed as a traditional system of medicine. The rich diversity of flora in India contributes significantly to the extensive use of various medicinal plants, such as Holarrhena antidysenterica, in Ayurvedic practices globally.
16) Table:
In this context, 'Table' refers to organized data representations that categorize and summarize information regarding medicinal plants, their classifications, properties, and applications in Ayurveda. Tables enhance comprehension and facilitate quick references for practitioners and researchers.
17) Kuda:
Kuda is another vernacular term for Kutaja, reinforcing the plant's diverse naming conventions across different Indian languages. This diversity reflects the regional variations in use and familiarity with the plant, emphasizing its importance in the local herbal medicine practices.
18) Wall:
Wall in this context may refer to the author designation, 'Wall', associated with the botanical nomenclature of Holarrhena antidysenterica. This designation highlights the scientific classification and understanding of the plant, essential for botanical studies and identification.
19) Girimallika (Giri-mallika):
Giri-mallika is yet another name for Kutaja, emphasizing its recognition in classical literature and regional applications of medicinal plants. This diversity in naming denotes the plant's widely acknowledged significance across cultures.
20) Dhanvantarinighantu (Dhanvantari-nighantu):
Dhanvantari-nighantu is a classical text that catalogues medicinal plants and their characteristics. This nighantu plays a crucial role in Ayurveda, serving as a reference for identifying and utilizing plants effectively, fostering a rich understanding of herbal medicine.
21) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of how drugs interact with biological systems. In the context of Ayurvedic plants, pharmacological research aims to validate traditional uses by exploring mechanisms of actions and therapeutic effects, bridging ancient wisdom and modern science.
22) Dhanvantari (Dhanvamtari):
Dhanvantari is a revered deity in Ayurveda, considered the god of medicine. His name represents traditional healing practices and is often associated with medicinal teachings, reflecting the spiritual and philosophical roots of Ayurveda as an ancient science of healing.
23) Aragvadhadi (Aragvadha-adi):
Aragvadhadi refers to a group of medicinal formulations or herbs categorized within Ayurvedic texts. Such categorizations facilitate understanding of their combined therapeutic effects, guiding practitioners in selecting appropriate remedies for various ailments.
24) Pippalyadi (Pippali-adi):
Pippalyadi is a classification of herbal formulations in Ayurveda focused on the combination of specific plants, including pippali. This category addresses various therapeutic properties and corresponds to treatment regimens for specific conditions, showcasing the complexity of Ayurvedic medicine.
25) Activity:
Activity refers to the biological functions or effects exerted by substances, particularly in pharmacological contexts. Understanding the activity of herbal medicines helps determine their efficacy in treating specific diseases and informs the development of treatment protocols.
26) Disease:
Disease refers to specific pathological conditions diagnosed and treated within the Ayurvedic system. Ayurveda focuses on holistic approaches to restoring balance in the body to combat disease, stressing prevention and treatment through natural remedies.
27) Mallika:
Mallika refers to the fragrant flowers often seen in traditional Ayurvedic texts. The association with aromatic properties signifies the importance of floral qualities in herbal formulations, enhancing their therapeutic appeal and potential benefits.
28) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Astanga refers to the school of Ayurveda known as Astangahridaya, which synthesizes broad Ayurvedic teachings. It encompasses methods for diagnosis, treatment, and healthy living, integrating both physical and spiritual dimensions of healing.
29) Surface:
Surface indicates the outer layer of plant parts used in Ayurvedic preparations and may refer to the skin or bark. Understanding the characteristics of these surfaces is important for medicinal applications and quality control in herbal medicine.
30) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha pertains to the quality of being dry and is one of the qualities (Gunas) identified in Ayurveda. Ruksha guna influences the therapeutic actions of herbs, often involved in managing conditions characterized by excess moisture or dampness.
31) Vipaka:
Vipaka signifies the post-digestive effect of a substance, a key consideration in Ayurvedic treatments. By understanding the vipaka, practitioners can better predict how a herb will influence the body after digestion, thus informing its therapeutic use.
32) Tikta:
Tikta indicates a bitter taste among the six Rasas significant in Ayurveda. Plants with tikta rasa are known for their detoxifying and digestive properties, directly impacting health by cleansing and stimulating bodily functions.
33) Shakra (Sakra):
Sakra is a synonym associated with Kutaja in Ayurvedic literature. This nomenclature indicates the plant's multifaceted identity and its representation in various traditional texts, underscoring the cultural and herbal heritage inherent in Ayurveda.
34) Katu:
Katu represents the pungent taste classified under Rasa in Ayurvedic terminology. Plants with katu rasa are often stimulating and can heat the body; they're corresponding therapeutic properties to treat conditions related to cold or damp imbalances.
35) Sita (Shita):
Sita means cool and refers to the quality of reducing heat in Ayurvedic contexts. Understanding this quality aids in selecting appropriate herbal remedies for conditions characterized by excessive heat, promoting healing through cooling effects.
36) Tree:
Tree signifies the structural form of numerous medicinal plants, including Kutaja. The importance of trees in traditional medicinal practices is emphasized due to their availability of various plant parts used in the formulation of diverse therapies.
37) Kaiyadevanighantu (Kaiyadeva-nighantu):
Kaiyadeva-nighantu is a classic text listing medicinal plants along with their properties. Its contributions to the understanding of various herbs and their uses are invaluable for practitioners devoted to Ayurvedic medicine.
38) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Sushruta-samhita is a seminal Ayurvedic text focusing on surgical practices and medicinal properties. It represents an essential resource for practitioners dealing with both surgical and medicinal aspects of healthcare.
39) Uttaratantra (Uttara-tantra):
Uttaratantra is a section of classical Ayurvedic texts that discusses advanced topics pertaining to treatments and health. This section provides additional insights into the medicinal applications and intricate details found in Ayurvedic practices.
40) Kalpasthana (Kalpa-sthana):
Kalpasthana is part of classical texts emphasizing preparation methods for medicinal remedies. This section informs practitioners on various formulations to enhance the use of herbs effectively in patient management.
41) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
Sutrasthana refers to the foundational sections of Ayurvedic texts, conveying essential principles and theories. Studying these sutras equips practitioners with core insights critical for effective practice in Ayurvedic medicine.
42) Indravriksha (Indra-vriksha, Indravrksa):
Indravrksa is yet another term for the medicinal plant Kutaja, highlighting its various nomenclatures across different texts and languages, affirming the plant's integral role in Ayurvedic practice.
43) Mahakashaya (Mahakasaya, Maha-kashaya):
Mahakasaya refers to a specific formulation or category of Ayurvedic treatments, often encompassing potent combinations aimed at particular therapeutic goals. This concept highlights the importance of recognized herbal preparations within traditional medicine.
44) Pravrishenya (Pravrsenya):
Pravrsenya indicates 'rainy season' in Sanskrit and is linked to the flowering time of Kutaja. Understanding seasonal variations helps assess the chemical compositions of plants used in herbal formulations, impacting effectiveness.
45) Kandughna (Kandu-ghna):
Kandughna is a category within Ayurveda referring to herbal formulations effective against itching and skin ailments. Such classifications guide practitioners in selecting remedies targeted at specific conditions within traditional medical practices.
46) Samgrahin (Sangrahi, Samgrahi):
Samgrahi denotes the property indicating substances that bind or control excess discharge, particularly in digestive disorders. This characteristic helps in selecting appropriate herbal treatments for managing conditions like diarrhea.
47) Bleeding:
Bleeding refers to the loss of blood due to various reasons. In Ayurvedic contexts, herbs that have properties to control or promote coagulation are specifically highlighted for their importance in managing bleeding disorders.
48) Madhura:
Madhura denotes a sweet taste among the six Rasas in Ayurveda. Herbal medicines possessing this taste are often soothing and nourishing, impacting the body positively through their gentle and comforting effects.
49) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
Hridaya is a significant text within Ayurveda focused on the heart and circulatory system. It provides refined insights into health conditions related to the heart, allowing practitioners to tailor treatments effectively.
50) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that traditionally has influenced medical practices and treatments. Ayurvedic approaches to managing leprosy highlight the complex understanding of skin diseases and their traditional remedies.
51) Dravya:
Dravya refers to substances, particularly those used in herbal formulations. This term encompasses a wide range of materials, from plant extracts to minerals, essential for preparing traditional Ayurvedic medicines.
52) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya indicates the astringent taste among the six Rasas in Ayurveda, with specific herbs noted for their ability to tighten tissues. This quality is significant for addressing conditions related to fluid imbalance.
53) Family:
Family refers to the broader taxonomic classification of plants, placing them within a category based on shared characteristics. This classification aids in understanding plant relationships and their respective medicinal properties.
54) Sutra:
Sutra translates to 'aphorism' or 'formula' in the context of Ayurvedic texts. It encapsulates comprehensive knowledge in concise statements, serving as guiding principles for practitioners in their medical practice.
55) Kalpa:
Kalpa denotes methodologies or practices regarding the preparation of medicines in Ayurveda. It emphasizes the importance of procedural approaches in the comprehensive methodology of formulating herbal remedies.
56) Laghu:
Laghu denotes the quality of lightness in Ayurvedic terminology and indicates how substances affect the body, especially in terms of digestion and energy levels. This property plays a role in determining appropriate herbal applications based on the body's needs.
57) Rakta:
Rakta translates to 'blood' and is a crucial component in Ayurvedic practice, where maintaining balance among bodily fluids is essential for health. It signifies the interaction between blood and various physical and psychological processes.
58) Taila (Thaila):
Taila means oil and refers to the preparations in Ayurveda that incorporate oils as carrier substances for herbal medicines. Taila formulations enhance the delivery of active compounds, enriching therapeutic effectiveness.
59) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna signifies warmth or heating qualities in Ayurvedic herbal properties. Understanding ushna guna allows practitioners to select suitable remedies for conditions requiring warming actions, particularly beneficial for cold conditions.
60) Acrid:
Acrid indicates a sharp or irritating taste associated with some Ayurvedic herbs. This quality is significant when treating conditions related to stagnation and helps promote metabolism and circulation.
61) Hair:
Hair refers to the fine appendages often observed in plants, influencing both their appearance and potential medicinal qualities. The presence of dense hair may affect the plant's therapeutic effectiveness depending on its role in medicinal applications.
62) Gana:
Gana refers to a collective group or category of herbs categorized based on shared properties and actions. It reflects the organizational structure of knowledge in Ayurvedic texts, facilitating better understanding and application in treatment.
63) Pala:
Pala is typically associated with units of measurement or quantities within traditional contexts. Understanding dosage is vital when using herbal medicines to ensure efficacy and safety in treatment protocols.
64) Worm:
Worms represent parasitic organisms targeted in Ayurvedic treatments, necessitating the use of specific anthelmintic herbs. Recognizing the impact of worms on health underlines the importance of ensuring effective digestive wellness.
65) Madanapalanighantu (Madanapala-nighantu):
Madanapala-nighantu is an important Ayurvedic text that classifies medicinal plants and their therapeutic uses. It serves as a crucial reference for practitioners seeking detailed knowledge of herbal properties and applications in traditional medicine.
66) Prabhadradivarga (Prabhadradi-varga):
Prabhadradi-varga indicates a specific category within Ayurvedic literature that involves classifications of herbs or remedies possessing particular characteristics or uses, informing treatment protocols for various conditions.
67) Ashtangasamgraha (Astangasamgraha, Astangasangraha, Ashtanga-samgraha, Ashtanga-sangraha, Ashtangasangraha):
Astanga-samgraha is an influential compendium in Ayurveda collating various knowledge streams, formulations, and therapeutic practices. This work serves as an essential guide by merging diverse information critical to Ayurvedic healing.
68) Shabdacandrika (Sabdacandrika, Shabda-candrika):
Shabda-candrika is a reference that compiles definitions and explanations of terms used in Ayurvedic literature. It serves as a valuable resource for practitioners and scholars to understand the intricacies of Ayurvedic terminology.
69) Nighantushesha (Nighantusesa, Nighantu-shesha):
Nighantu-shesha represents the concluding sections of nighantu texts, often detailing additional medicinal plants and their properties. This inclusion enhances the richness of herbal knowledge documented in traditional texts.
70) Asthapanopaga (Asthapana-upaga):
Asthapanopaga refers to a category of herbal preparations or formulations indicated for specific conditions. This classification aids practitioners in selecting the appropriate remedies tailored to individual patient needs.
71) Rajanighantu (Raja-nighantu, Rajan-nighantu):
Raja-nighantu is a classical Ayurvedic text dedicated to the categorization of medicinal herbs. It serves as a crucial reference for the properties and extensive applications of various herbal substances in traditional healthcare.
72) Vimanasthana (Vimana-sthana):
Vimana-sthana is the section of classical texts that focuses primarily on the science of drug formulation and pharmacology. This area offers critical insights into the therapeutic preparations utilized within Ayurveda.
73) Siddhisthana (Siddhi-sthana):
Siddhi-sthana refers to the section in Ayurvedic texts that explains the achievement or perfection of therapeutic processes. It delves into the methodologies for attaining optimal health results through herbal treatments.
74) Siddhamantra:
Siddha-mantra pertains to specific rituals or invocations utilized in Ayurvedic practices intended to enhance the potency of medicinal herbs. These mantras symbolize the interplay of spirituality and healing in traditional medicine.
75) Pandhara-kuda:
Pandhara-kuda reflects another vernacular term for a variant of Kutaja, demonstrating the diverse linguistic landscape surrounding the plant. This serves to affirm the cultural heritage connecting local languages with traditional medical lore.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 160]
Other Science Concepts:
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Sushruta-samhita, Nighantu, Traditional medicine, Charak Samhita, Pharmacological activities, Ayurvedic properties, Antidiabetic activity, Medicinal plant products, Plant distribution, Hypolipidaemic activity, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Chemical constituent, Phytochemical constituent.