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AYURVEDA-Jyotishmati / Malkangani – Staff-tree (Celastrus paniculatus)
Jyotishmati / Malkangani -Staff-tree, (Celastrus paniculatus)
- Excellent pain reliever
Relieves pain: Apply staff-tree oil on the affected area.
| Celastrus paniculatus | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Celastrales |
| Family: | Celastraceae |
| Genus: | Celastrus |
| Species: | C. paniculatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Celastrus paniculatus Willd. |
|
| Synonyms | |
| Celastrus dependens Wall. | |
Celastrus paniculatus seeds
Celastrus paniculatus is a woody liana commonly known as black oil plant, climbing staff tree, and intellect tree (Sanskrit: jyotishmati ज्योतीष्मती, Hindi: Mal-kangani माल-कांगनी, Chinese: deng you teng 灯油藤).[1][2][3] The plant grows throughout India at elevations up to 1800 m.[1][4] Oil from the seeds is used as a traditional medicine in Indian Unani and Ayurvedic medicine.[1][5]
C. paniculatus is a deciduous vine with stems up to 10 centimeters in diameter and 6 meters long with rough, pale brown exfoliating bark covered densely with small, elongated lenticles. The leaves are simple, broad, and oval, obovate or elliptic in shape, with toothed margins.[1][2] The Intellect tree, or Celastrus paniculatus, is a climbing shrub, also known as malkangani, found throughout India. The seeds contain fatty acids and alkaloids, and have sedative and antidepressant actions. Botanist M. Daniel states that the seeds are used to sharpen the memory, and Ayurvedic practitioners also use the seed oil as a brain tonic and as a treatment for memory loss. A study published in the August 2004 issue of the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” found that intellect tree’s ability to improve memory loss may be due to its neuroprotective actions. A study of rats suggested the aqueous extract of Celastrus paniculatus seed has dose-dependent cholinergic activity, thereby improving memory performance.[6]
- Premila, M. S. (2006). Ayurvedic Herbs: A Clinical Guide to the Healing Plants of Traditional Indian Medicine. New York: Haworth Press. ISBN 0-7890-1768-7.
- H. F. Macmillan (1989). Handbook of Tropical Plants. Columbia, Mo: South Asia Books. ISBN 81-7041-177-7.
- Putz, Francis E.; Mooney, Harold A. (1991). The Biology of vines. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-39250-0.
- Zhixiang Zhang, Michele Funston: Celastrus, in Flora of China, Vol. 11
- Chopra, R. N. Indigenous Drugs of india. Kolkata: Academic Publishers. ISBN 978-81-85086-80-4.
- Bhanumathy M. Harish MS. Shivaprasad HN. Sushma G.”Nootropic activity of Celastrus paniculatus seed.Pharmaceutical Biology. 48(3):324-7, 2010 Mar.
- Caldecott, Todd (2006). Ayurveda: The Divine Science of Life. Elsevier/Mosby. ISBN 0-7234-3410-7. Contains a detailed monograph on Celastrus paniculatus (Jyotishmati) as well as a discussion of health benefits and usage in clinical practice. Available online at http://www.toddcaldecott.com/index.php/herbs/learning-herbs/351-jyotishmati
Native to: India, China, Sri Lanka, and south-east Asia
Celastrus paniculatus is a shrub used in Ayurdevic medicine in India. Various properties are attributed to the aerial parts of the plant, but we will deal here primarily with the seeds and the oil expressed from them. Celastrus paniculatus oil is cold-pressed raw herbal oil expressed from the Malkangni/Intellect Tree seeds of Celastrus panuculatis, a shrub native to India. While Celastrus oil has been used in India for centuries it is only within the past few years that it has started to become known outside of Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medicinal practice of India.
1. The oil is used to increase memory and facilitate learning.
2. It induces a feeling of well-being and has reported aphrodisiac effects.
The oil in its raw state has a shelf life of 2 years if kept in a cool and dark place such as a refrigerator. When put into softgels the shelf life can be expected to be much longer, on the order of four years if kept in a dark and refrigerated state.
Oil Chemical Composition:
The oil contains protein, carbohydrates (less than 1 calorie per dose), fats (saturated fats: .022 of 1%, polyunsaturated fats: .035 of 1%, monounsaturated fats: .032 of 1%) Vitamin C, Sodium, Potassium, ash, Calcium, Iron, and Sesqiterpene polyesters.
Uses of Malkangni:
1. Celastrus paniculata is a treasured medicinal herb that is revered for its effects on the brain and has been used for centuries in Ayurveda for sharpening the memory, increasing intellect, and improving concentration.
2. The seed oil is used for massage with great benefit, especially in vata diseases like sciatica, lumbago, paralysis, arthritis and facial palsy.
3. The seed oil is useful to hasten the healing in nonhealing wounds and ulcers.
4. Essential for acne, boils, eczema and hair loss.
5. Excellent pain reliever Relieves pain
The seed oil is extremely beneficial as a sirovirecana cleansing nasal therapy, wherein the drops instilled into nostrils, ward off mucous secretions in colds and cough.
Habitat:
It grows almost all over India, up to attitude of 1,800 meter Specially Punjab, Kashmir etc. hilly state. It is also found SriLanka, Malaya deep and Philippines. Globally the species occurs in the tropical and subtropical regions of India, Myanmar (earlier Burma), China, Malaysia, SriLanka and Philippines and also in North America. Within India, it occurs in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
The leaf and seed of Jyotismati is used in the form of powder and oil to treat udara roga, wound, sidhma, drowsiness in fever and amenorrhoea and many Skin diseases.
Morphology Description:
Malkagni is a large, woody, climbing shrub. The leaves are ovate oblong-elliptic, the flowers are unisexual, small greenish white or yellowish green, the capsules are globose, yellow 1-6 seeded and transversely wrinkled, the seeds are ellipsoid or ovoid, yellowish or reddish-brown in color enclosed in scarlet aril, which stains yellowish orange.
Chemical Composition:
The seeds yield brownish yellow oil 52.2% with an unpleasant taste. This oil is reported to contain acetic acids & benzoic acids in addition to the higher amount of the fatty acids.
Application:
The oil of Malkagini locally act as a good analgesic, anti-inflammatory it overcome pain and inflammation in case of paralysis, facial paralysis, joint pains, sciatica, lumber pain etc.
Ayurveda recognizes its seeds as an effective nervine tonic. Its use is recommended in chronic debilitating diseases of nervous system. The seeds possess emetic, diaphoretic, febrifugal and Nervine properties and are used for sharpening the memory & learning abilities.
Effect on Doshas – Pacifies Vata & Kapha, Promotes Pitta.
AYURVEDA- BITTER MELON (Momordica charantia)
BITTER MELON (Momordica charantia): This edible gourd should be every physician’s “go-to” plant for the 16 million or more Americans with high-normal glucose readings or ‘boderline diabetic/metabolic syndrome patients.
Preliminary evidence suggests bitter melon’s hypoglycemic action can be explained through several independent mechanisms: for one, it has been shown to increase peripheral glucose oxidation as well as glucose tolerance and insulin signaling in induced insulin resistance models (Sridhar MG, et al: Br J Nutr. 2008;99(4):806-12. Basch E, et al. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2003;60:356-9). It also decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis, while increasing glycogen synthesis.
Bitter Melon increases insulin output from the pancreas, and it also provides a unique compound called polypeptide-P, which is an insulin mimetic with a similar structure to bovine insulin (Krawinkel MB, Keding GB. Nutr Rev. 2006;64(7 Pt 1):331-7).
Bitter Melon slices.Compounds produced by this intriguing gourd have been shown to reduce triglyceride levels in a dose-dependent manner in animal trials (Jayasooriya AP, et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000;72:331-6). Though we don’t yet have human data corroborating this effect, the animal studies suggest that bitter melon may have a role in reducing cardiovascular risk, particularly in people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Bitter melon products are typically standardized to their constituents, momordicosides and charantin, and usually dispensed in 500-600 mg doses, twice daily, following meals. As it does have an insulin mimetic action, it may be necessary to adjust the dose of concurrently prescribed hypoglycemic drugs.
AYURVEDA HERBS-HOLY BASIL (Ocimum sanctum)
HOLY BASIL (Ocimum sanctum): Also known as Tulsi, this plant is actually considered sacred by many people in India. As such, it can be found growing in temple gardens, where the rich fragrance opens respiratory passages and some say, help the spirit soar.
Tulsi is one of the most sacred plants of India. Basil opens the heart and mind, bestowing the energy of love and devotion. Basil strengthens the immune system, increasing prana or life force and improving the memory. A nerve tonic, improving absorption and strengthening the nerve tissue, also used externally for various skin conditions. This plant is found in most East Indian households as it absorbs positive ions, energizes negative ions, and liberates ozone from the suns rays. Found in our spicenlightenment Vata aromatherapy Candle and spicebodhi Vata body bar.
Holy Basil’s key compounds, including eugenol and caryophyllene, are similar to those found in oregano (Origanum vulgare) and it shares the anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic actions typical of the oregano family (Padalia RC, Verma RS. Nat Prod Res. 2011;25(6):569-75. Godhwani S, et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 1987;21:153-63).
This plant is also native to West Africa. In Sierra Leone, it is called ‘Fever Plant.’ The various fixed oil compounds found in the plant have shown extensive antimicrobial and antifungal activity against a variety of pathogens including Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. In classical Ayurveda, Holy Basil was used as an anti-tussive, to clear “excess dampness in the lungs.” Recent human trials have validated this, the data showing that this herb can increase lung capacity as well as reduce labored breathing.
It has also been shown to significantly reduce several measures of stress in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) patients.
Holy basil can be taken in capsule, tea and in liquid forms. It is dispensed in 600-700 mg doses, twice daily, before meals. Allow 2-4 weeks for optimal results.
Ayurveda- Turmeric, Antiarthritic properties
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is native to tropical South Asia and needs temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F and 86°F) and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive. Plants are gathered annually for their rhizomes, and propagated from some of those rhizomes in the following season. In Vietnam, turmeric is called “nghệ”, “củ nghệ”.
When not used fresh, the rhizomes are boiled for several hours and then dried in hot ovens, after which they are ground into a deep orange-yellow powder commonly used as a spice in curries and other South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine, for dyeing, and to impart color to mustard condiments. Its active ingredient is curcumin and it has a distinctly earthy, slightly bitter, slightly hot peppery flavor and a mustardy smell
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
AYURVEDA-SHILAJIT, ANTIAGEING PROPERTIES
A composition comprising Shilajit or an extract thereof in a vitamin and mineral preparation. Shilajit is a compact mass of vegetable organic matter, composed of a gummy matrix interspersed with vegetable fibres and minerals. Substances which have been identified in Shilajit include moisture, gums, albuminoids, calcium, potassium, nitrogen, silica, resin, vegetable matter, magnesium, sulphur, iron, chloride, phosphorous, iodine, glycosides, tannic acid, benzoic acid and a number of vitamins and enzymes.
Shilajit is a natural exudate ejected from rocks during hot weather in the lower Himalayas, Vindhya and other mountain tracts and Nepal, or it may be a tar formed in the earth from the decomposition of vegetable substances. (See the Indian Materia Medica, pages 23 to 32 for a detailed discussion of the composition and properties of Shilajit). It is a compact mass of vegetable organic matter, composed of a gummy matrix interspersed with vegetable fibres and minerals. Shilajit also contains benzoic acid, a compound which, along with its derivatives, has been used as a component of nutritional vitamin and mineral preparations.
Ancient Sanskrit holy texts, over 3,000 years old, make reference to a mysterious substance called shilajit, which they describe as the “destroyer of weakness.” The texts list its powerful health and spiritual benefits and the positive changes that shilajit brought in the lives of those who used it. The sacred substance was prescribed for thousands of years for many different health problems and became a powerful tool in Ayurvedic medicine. There is some indication that shilajit may have been the priceless soma of the Eastern alchemists.
The rediscovery of the power of shilajit is said to have been made by Himalayan villagers observing large white monkeys migrate to the mountains in the warm summer months. The monkeys were seen to be chewing a semi-soft substance that flowed from between layers of rock. The villagers attributed the monkey’s great strength, longevity and wisdom to the strange substance. They began to consume it themselves and reported a broad spectrum of improvements in health. It seemed to give them more energy, relieve digestive problems, Increase sex drive, improve memory and cognition, improve diabetes, reduce allergies, improve the quality and quantity of life and it seemed to cure all diseases.
The ancient Vedic text Rig Veda states that soma “has mountains and stones for its body” and “dwells within the mountainous rock where it grows.” Mountainous rocks are the “abode of soma,” and it is “plucked from between the rocks by mountain dwellers and brought to the priests-alchemists who prepared the soma by washing and grinding and cooking.” Soma was considered the elixir of immortality, the secret substance used by alchemists to perfect both body and mind.
Shilajit must be harvested from sacred cliff sides high in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal. Millions of years ago, before the Himalayas were formed, a lush garden flourished in a vast fertile valley. The vegetation in that primeval garden became trapped and preserved as the movement of the continents caused that valley to become the tallest mountain range in the world. Today, millions of years later the monsoon rains and extreme freeze and thaw conditions work together to crack large rock formations, exposing the precious shilajit. Because of its ancient nature, the vegetation was never exposed to any type of fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide, or pollution. The native Nepali people collect and carry this gift of nature down the mountain, where it is alchemically processed into a potent, high-quality extract.
This ancient wisdom was passed from generation to generation among the Indian and Nepali alchemists and holy men, but it escaped the notice of the Western medical establishment until the last days of the twentieth century, when explorer John Anderson heard of the amazing benefits of this substance and refused to give up the search until he found its source. He journeyed throughout India and Nepal until he learned of the perilous harvesting the raw shilajit from the cliffs. He also documented the reams of Sanskrit studies showing the rare plant’s benefits. He spoke firsthand with more than fifty Indian and Nepalese researchers that have been studying the wonderful effects of shilajit and perfecting the processes for delivering the purest, most concentrated shilajit ever know to man.
Over sixty years of clinical research have shown that shilajit has positive effects on humans. It increases longevity, improves memory and cognitive ability, reduces allergies and respiratory problems, reduces stress, and relieves digestive troubles. It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and eliminates free radicals. The research proves that shilajit increases immunity, strength, and endurance, and lives up to its ancient reputation as the “destroyer of weakness.”
Technically, shilajit is an exudate that is pressed out from layers of rock in the most sacred and highest mountains in Nepal and other areas. It is composed of humus and organic plant material that has been compressed by layers of rock. Humus is formed when soil microorganisms decompose animal and plant material into elements usable by plants. Plants are the source of all our food and humus is the source of plant food. Unlike other soil humus, shilajit humus consists of 60-80% organic mass.
AYURVEDA SPOTLIGHT- BRAHMI
Bacopa monnieri
| Bacopa monnieri | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Bacopa |
| Species: | B. monnieri |
Bacopa monnieri (waterhyssop, brahmi, thyme-leafed gratiola, water hyssop) is a perennial, creeping herb whose habitat includes wetlands and muddy shores. Brahmi is also the name given to Centella asiatica, particularly in North India, and Kerala where it is also identified in Malayalam as muttil (മുത്തിള്) or kodakan. This identification of brāhmī as C. asiatica has been in use for long in northern India, as Hēmādri’s Commentary on Aṣṭāṅgahṛdayaṃ (Āyuṛvēdarasāyanaṃ) treats maṇḍūkapaṛṇī (C. asiatica) as a synonym of brahmi, although that may be a case of mistaken identification that was introduced during the 16th century.
Brahmi been used by Indian Ayurvedic medical practitioners for almost 3000 years. The earliest chronicled mention of Brahmi is in several ancient Ayurvedic treatises including the Caraka Samhita (6th century A.D.), in which it is recommended in formulations for the management of a range of mental conditions including anxiety, poor cognition and lack of concentration, and the Bravprakash Var-Prakarana (16th century A.D.).
Description
Bacopa monnieri in Hyderabad, India.
The leaves of this plant are succulent and relatively thick. Leaves are oblanceolate and are arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers are small and white, with four or five petals. Its ability to grow in water makes it a popular aquarium plant. It can even grow in slightly brackish conditions. Propagation is often achieved through cuttings.
Ecology
It commonly grows in marshy areas throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, and is also found in Florida, Hawaii and other southern states of the USA where it can be grown in damp conditions by the pond or bog garden.
Traditional uses
It has been used in traditional Ayurvedic treatment for epilepsy and asthma. It is also used in Ayurveda for ulcers, tumors, ascities, enlarged spleen, indigestion, inflammations, leprosy, anemia, and biliousness. This plant can be grown even as hydroponics using almost simple water.
Chemical constituents
Bacopa monnieri has many chemical constituents including alkaloids (brahmine and herpestine), saponins (d-mannitol and hersaponin, acid A, and monnierin), flavonoids (luteolin and apigenin). It also contains significant amounts of betulic acid, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, and bacopasaponins (bacosides A, bacosides B, bacopaside II, bacopaside I, bacopaside X, bacopasaponin C, bacopaside N2). The minor components include bacopasaponin F, bacopasaponin E, bacopaside N1, bacopaside III, bacopaside IV, and bacopaside V).
Pharmacology of chemical constituents
In rats, bacosides A enhance antioxidant defenses, increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity.Laboratory studies on rats indicate that extracts of the plant improve memory capacity. Some studies in mice suggest that ingestion of Bacopa for a 12 week period can significantly improve cognitive ability by accelerating the rate of learning and enhanced memory.The sulfhydryl and polyphenol components of Bacopa monnieri extract have also been shown to impact the oxidative stress cascade by scavenging reactive oxygen species, inhibiting lipoxygenase activity and reducing divalent metals.This mechanism of action may explain the effect of Bacopa monniera extract in reducing beta amyloid deposits in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. B. monnieri has a demonstrated ability to reverse diazepam-induced amnesia in the Morris water maze test. The mechanism of this action is unknown. In some trials, bacopacide extract did not restore or enhance memory formation, but improved retention. In others, including a randomized clinical trial of 98 healthy older people (over 55 years), Bacopa significantly improved memory acquisition and retention. A 2012 systematic review found some evidence to suggest that Bacopa improves memory free recall, but there was a lack of evidence for enhancement of other cognitive abilities.
Brahmi may regulate antibody production by augmenting both Th1 and Th2 cytokine production.It may also cause a lower heart rate, and increase secretions in the stomach, intestines, and urinary tract. The increase in secretions may irritate ulcers and urinary tract obstructions.
No safety studies have been performed on brahmi’s use in humans. When a preparation of the plant was evaluated for safety and tolerability it showed no adverse effects but there were some reports of mild gastrointestinal symptoms.
However, participants in a 2001 double-blind study published in Psycho pharmacology experienced side effects including nausea, weakness and dry mouth while taking brahmi, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Brahmi could potentially cause elevated thyroid-hormone levels and decreased sperm counts. Therefore, taking brahmi should be avoided if you have a thyroid condition or are taking thyroid replacement therapies and other medications that affect thyroid function.
Aqueous extract of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) has been reported to reversibly suppress spermatogenesis and fertility in male mice with at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight/day for 28 and 56 days(equivalent to 1.54 g/day for a 76kg male, when properly controlling for animal to human conversions ) Parameters of motility, viability, morphology, and number of spermatozoa in cauda epididymidis returned to baseline 56 days after treatment cessation.
The plant is known by many names in many international languages, including:
- ബ്രഹ്മി in Malayalam
- நீர்ப்பிரமி (Niirpirami)/ Valaarai in Tamil
- ผักมิ (Phak mi), พรมมิ (Phrommi) in Thai
- Lunuwila in Sinhalese (Sri Lanka)
- ae’ ae’ in Hawaiian (Hawaii)
- Rau Đắng in Vietnamese
- פְּשֵטָה שרועה (“psheta sru’a”) in Hebrew\
- conclusions
- Brahmi is a plant that has been used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda). Be careful not to confuse brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) with gotu kola and other natural medicines that are also sometimes called brahmi.Brahmi is used for Alzheimer’s disease, improving memory, anxiety, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), allergic conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, and as a general tonic to fight stress.People also take brahmi to treat backache, hoarseness, mental illness, epilepsy, joint pain, and sexual performance problems in both men and women. It is also sometimes used as a “water pill.”
-
Brahmi Benefits
Brahmi is considered a nootropic agent, which is the term given to a drug that improves mental functions such as cognition, memory, intelligence, motivation, attention, and concentration. Brahmi has been used in ayurvedic medicine and in traditional treatments for a number of disorders, particularly those involving anxiety, intellect, and poor memory.
Recent major scientific reviews of the plant suggest that it has prominent action on the central nervous system, where it improves understanding, memory, intellect, and speech, and corrects aberrations of emotions, mood, and personality in an individual. Based on the results of human clinical trials, the nootropic effects of Brahmi are thought to manifest after chronic dosing (i.e. 12 weeks) rather than acute (i.e. single day). Studies in humans have shown that chronic administration of Brahmi results in improvements in working memory, visual information processing, learning rate and anxiety.
In India, Brahmi is currently recognized as being effective in the treatment of mental illness and epilepsy. In certain parts of India, Brahmi is believed to be an aphrodisiac; in Sri Lanka, under the name of Loonooweella, Brahmi is prescribed for fevers; in the Philippines, it is used as a diuretic.
-
How does it work?
Brahmi might increase certain brain chemicals that are involved in thinking, learning, and memory. Some research suggests that it might also protect brain cells from chemicals involved in Alzheimer’s disease.
AYURVEDA SPOTLIGHT- ASHWAGANDHA, THE STRESS BUSTER
Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, or winter cherry, is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Several other species in the genus Withania are morphologically similar. It is used as a herb inAyurvedic medicine.
| Ashwagandha root is known as “Indian Ginseng”. In Ayurvedic medicine it is considered an adaptogen that facilitates learning and memory. |
It grows as a short shrub (35–75 cm) with a central stem from which branches extend radially in a star pattern (stellate) and covered with a dense matte of wooly hairs (tomentose). The flowers are small and green, while the ripe fruit is orange-red and has milk-coagulating properties. The plant’s long, brown, tuberous roots are used for medicinal purposes.
Ashwagandha in Sanskrit means “horse’s smell” (ashwa– horse, gandha– smell), probably originating from the odour of its root which resembles that of a sweaty horse.
The species name somnifera means “sleep-inducing” in Latin
Cultivation
Ashwagandha plant with berries
Withania somnifera is cultivated in many of the drier regions of India, such as Mandsaur Districtof Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat,and Rajasthan.It is also found in Nepal
Withania somnifera is grown as late rainy-season (kharif) crop. Semitropical areas receiving 500 to 750 mm rainfall are suitable for its cultivation as a rainfed crop. If one or two winter rains are received, then root development improves.
The crop requires a relatively dry season during its growing period. It can tolerate a temperature range of 20 to 38°C and as low a temperature as 10°C. The plant grows from sea level to an altitude of 1500 meters.
Ashvagandha plant at Talkatora Gardens, Delhi
Withania somnifera is prone to several pests and diseases. Leaf spot disease caused byAlternaria alternata is the most prevalent disease, which is most severe in the plains ofPunjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Biodeterioration of its pharmaceutically active components during leaf spot disease has been reported. The Choanephora cucurbitarumcauses a stem and leaf rot of Withania somnifera Oxyrachis tarandus (atreehopper/cowbug species) feeds on the apical portions of the stem, making them rough and woody in appearance and brown in colour. The apical leaves are shed and the plant gradually dies away. Carmine red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is the most prevalent pest of Withania somnifera in India.
The berries can be used as a substitute for rennet, to coagulate milk in cheese-making
The main chemical constituents are alkaloids and steroidal lactones. These include tropineand cuscohygrine. The leaves contain the steroidal lactones, withanolides, notably withaferin A, which was the first withanolide to be isolated from W. somnifera.
Traditional medicinal uses
In Ayurveda, the berries and leaves of W. somnifera are locally applied to tumors, tubercular glands, carbuncles, and ulcers.[5] The roots of W. somnifera are used to prepare the herbal remedy ashwagandha, which has been traditionally used to treat various symptoms and conditions.
Side effects
In two published clinical trials of W. somnifera, the side effects were not significantly different from those experienced by placebo-treated individuals.
Ashwagandha Scientific Research
Ashwagandha contains many useful medicinal chemicals, including withanolides, (steroidal lactones), alkaloids, choline, fatty acids, amino acids, and a variety of sugars. While the leaves and fruit have valuable therapeutic properties, the root of the ashwagandha plant is the part most commonly used in Western herbal remedies.
Medical researchers have been studying ashwagandha with great interest and as of this date have carried out 216 studies of its healing benefits, summarized below:
- confers immune system protection
- combats the effects of stress
- improves learning, memory, and reaction time
- reduces anxiety and depression without causing drowsiness
- stabilizes blood sugar
- lowers cholesterol
- reduces brain-cell degeneration
- contains anti-malarial properties
- offers anti-inflammatory benefits
Some studies have also found that ashwagandha inhibits the growth of cancer cells in small animals, but further research is needed to determine whether the herb prevents the development of tumors in human beings.
Ashwagandha in particular is known for its ability to calm, and some research indicates this herb can be used to promote sleep. In Texas, researchers noted the similarities in the sleep-inducing properties of ashwagandha and the calming effects of the well-known amino acid GABA. Likewise, ashwagandha has also been shown to ease anxiety or restlessness, as well as to reduce the symptoms of drug withdrawal. Its ability to stabilize moods and encourage adrenal recovery is highly valued by many herbalists.
But the benefits of ashwagandha extend far beyond mood. In India it is also used to help older patients with mental agility, cognitive ability, and memory. It is also known for its ability to fight off cold and cough symptoms. Preliminary studies give researchers reason to feel that ashwagandha also has the potential ability to decrease cancer cells without adversely affecting healthy cells.
Ashwagandha Practical and Precautions
The usual recommended dose is 600 to 1000 mg, twice daily. For people who suffer from insomnia and anxiety, having a cup of hot milk that contains a teaspoon of powdered ashwagandha before bedtime is beneficial. In extremely large doses, ashwagandha has been reported to induce abortions in animals. Although no similar studies have been carried out on humans, women should avoid the herb during pregnancy.You should consult your ayurvedic doctor or other health care professional before starting on any ayurveda treatment.
Other Name:
Ajagandha, Amangura, Amukkirag, Asan, Asana, Asgand, Asgandh, Asgandha, Ashagandha, Ashvagandha, Ashwaganda, Ashwanga, Asoda, Asundha, Asvagandha, Aswagandha, Avarada, Ayurvedic Ginseng, Cerise d’Hiver, Clustered Wintercherry, Ghoda Asoda, Ginseng Ayurvédique, Ginseng Indien, Hayahvaya, Indian Ginseng, Kanaje Hindi, Kuthmithi, Orovale, Peyette, Physalis somnifera, Samm Al Ferakh, Samm Al Rerakh, Sogade-Beru, Strychnos, Turangi-Ghanda, Vajigandha, Winter Cherry, Withania, Withania somnifera.
Organic India launches single ingredient Moringa products in US
Moringa oleifera
The Drumstick Plant
08 February 2013, Organic India, a manufacturer of herb-based functional supplements, has launched organic single ingredient Moringa products in the US.
Available in both capsule and powder formulations, the product made from powdered leaves of Moringa oleifera tree contains vitamin A, B1, B3, B12, iron, magnesium, potassium, amino acids, and polyphenols and is used for restoring internal imbalances.
Organic India national sales manager Heather Henning said the ancient therapeutic Moringa oleifera plant has been used for years and has seen increasing popularity amongst mainstream consumers worldwide.
Moringa oleifera leaf powder
“Millions of people globally use Moringa for essential nutrition — now, the US distribution channel will have access to this extraordinary plant with USDA organic certification,” Henning added.
The company said Moringa supplement, which has more B12 than steak, more vitamin A than eggs, and more calcium than milk, will be unveiled to the public at Expo West 2013.
_leaves_with_flowers_at_Kolkata_W_IMG_2125.jpg)
Sonjna (Moringa oleifera) leaves with flowers
Moringa oleifera (synonym: Moringa pterygosperma) is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Moringa, which is the only genus in the family Moringaceae. English common names include moringa, and drumstick tree, from the appearance of the long, slender, triangular seed pods, horseradish tree, from the taste of the roots which resembles horseradish, or ben oil tree, from the oil derived from the seeds. The tree itself is rather slender, with drooping branches that grow to approximately 10m in height. In cultivation, it is often cut back annually to 1–2 meters and allowed to regrow so the pods and leaves remain within arm’s reach.[1][2]
In developing countries, moringa has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development, and support sustainable landcare.[3] It may be used as forage forlivestock, a micronutrient liquid, a natural anthelmintic and possible adjuvant.[2][4][5]
The moringa tree is grown mainly in semiarid, tropical, and subtropical areas, corresponding in the United States to USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10. While it grows best in dry, sandy soil, it tolerates poor soil, including coastal areas. It is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree that is native to the southern foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India.
Cultivation in Hawai’i, for commercial distribution in the United States, is in its early stages.[6]
“India is the largest producer of moringa, with an annual production of 1.1 to 1.3 million tonnes of tender fruits from an area of 380 km². Among the states, Andhra Pradesh leads in both area and production (156.65 km²) followed by Karnataka (102.8 km²) and Tamil Nadu(74.08 km²). In other states, it occupies an area of 46.13 km². Tamil Nadu is the pioneering state in·so·much as it has varied genotypes from diversified geographical areas and introductions from Sri Lanka.”[7]
Moringa is grown in home gardens and as living fences in Tamil Nadu Southern India and Thailand, where it is commonly sold in local markets.[8] In the Philippines, it is commonly grown for its leaves, which are used in soup.[9] Moringa is also actively cultivated by theWorld Vegetable Center in Taiwan, a center for vegetable research with a mission to reduce poverty and malnutrition in developing countries through improved production and consumption of vegetables. Tamil Nadu Southern India has Moringa in its folk stories and as well considered to be auspicious to grow in home. Interestingly the name in Tamil is Moorungai which sounds same as Moringa.
It is also widely cultivated in Africa, Cambodia, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Central and South America, and Sri Lanka
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An Indian drumstick (cut)
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 64 kcal (270 kJ) |
| Carbohydrates | 8.28 g |
| – Dietary fiber | 2.0 g |
| Fat | 1.40 g |
| Protein | 9.40 g |
| Water | 78.66 g |
| Vitamin A equiv. | 378 μg (47%) |
| Thiamine (vit. B1) | 0.257 mg (22%) |
| Riboflavin (vit. B2) | 0.660 mg (55%) |
| Niacin (vit. B3) | 2.220 mg (15%) |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.125 mg (3%) |
| Vitamin B6 | 1.200 mg (92%) |
| Folate (vit. B9) | 40 μg (10%) |
| Vitamin C | 51.7 mg (62%) |
| Calcium | 185 mg (19%) |
| Iron | 4.00 mg (31%) |
| Magnesium | 147 mg (41%) |
| Manganese | 0.36 mg (17%) |
| Phosphorus | 112 mg (16%) |
| Potassium | 337 mg (7%) |
| Sodium | 9 mg (1%) |
| Zinc | 0.6 mg (6%) |
| Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database |
|
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 37 kcal (150 kJ) |
| Carbohydrates | 8.53 g |
| – Dietary fiber | 3.2 g |
| Fat | 0.20 g |
| Protein | 2.10 g |
| Water | 88.20 g |
| Vitamin A equiv. | 4 μg (1%) |
| Thiamine (vit. B1) | 0.0530 mg (5%) |
| Riboflavin (vit. B2) | 0.074 mg (6%) |
| Niacin (vit. B3) | 0.620 mg (4%) |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.794 mg (16%) |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.120 mg (9%) |
| Folate (vit. B9) | 44 μg (11%) |
| Vitamin C | 141.0 mg (170%) |
| Calcium | 30 mg (3%) |
| Iron | 0.36 mg (3%) |
| Magnesium | 45 mg (13%) |
| Manganese | 0.259 mg (12%) |
| Phosphorus | 50 mg (7%) |
| Potassium | 461 mg (10%) |
| Sodium | 42 mg (3%) |
| Zinc | 0.45 mg (5%) |
| Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database
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New Drug Approvals 