Trichodesma indicum: Benefits, Remedies, Research, Side Effects

Adhah pushpi- Trichodesma indicum is an Ayurvedic plant used for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea, snake poisoning and localized swelling. 

Latin  name- Trichodesma indicum R.Br.
Family- Boraglnaceae (Sleshmataka kula)

Vernacular names

Names in different languages:
Hindi name- Andhahuli, Chotta kulpha , Hetmundiya, Ondhaphuli, Ratmandiya.
English name   -Indian Borage
Gujarati name – Undhaphuli
Kannada name – Athomukhi , Kattetumbesoppu
Kashmiri name- Nilakrai, Ratisurkh
Malayalam name- Kilukkamtumpa
Marathi name  – Chhotaphulya, Lahanakalpa, Pathari, Gaoza.
Punjabi name   -Andusi, Kallributi, Nilakrai, Ratmandi.
Sindhi name- Goazaban
Tamil name- Kiluttaitumpai, Kallutaitumpai.
Telugu name- Guvvagatti.

Sanskrit Synonyms

Andhaka because of the covering of flowers the flower seems to be absent.
Andha pushpaka Flower is opposed by leaves.
Avak pushpi Flower does not move when wind blows as it is covered by leaves.
Adhah pushpi Flowers which face downwards.
Adhoh mukha –   Which face downwards
Amara pushpika Flowers are beautiful
Gandha pushpika Flowers having fragrance
Dhenu jihva Leaves resemble the tongue of cow
Romalu Leaves are hairy
Vashyanga Flower is under control of leaf
Shayalu-                 That which is always sleeping or not seen
Shata pushpa-        That which has hundred flowers

The plant is seen all over India, having hairy stems and growing to a height of 1-1.5 feet.  It is a plant bearing bluish white colored flowers in the month August and which fruits in October.

Properties, part used, dosage

Properties:
Rasa (Taste) – Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
Guna (Qualities) – Laghu (Light for digestion)
Veerya (Potency) – Ushna (Hot)
Vipaka – – Katu (Undergoes Pungent taste after digestion)
Karma (Actions) – Kaphavata shamaka (reduces vitiated kapha and vata dosha)

Part used- Whole plant, Root

Dosage-
Paste of root- 5 to 10 g
Juice of plant- 10 to 20 ml

Chemical constituents

The seed of the plant contains Linoleic acid, Oleic acid, Palmatic acid and stearic acid. The leaves contains Hexaconase, Ethylhexacosanoate, Ethylester and 21, 24- hexacosadienoic acid.

अधः पुष्पी रसे तिक्ता कट्वी लघ्वी प्रशास्यते।
विर्योष्णा कफवातघ्नी व्रणशोयहरा परम् ॥    ( द्र. गु.वि)

Uses

Uses of Adah pushpi:

  • The paste of the whole plant is applied over the joints affected with pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis.
  • The juice of Trichodesma indicum is given in a dose of 15-20 ml to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome and diarrhea.
  • Cold infusion of the leaves of Adah pushpin is given in a dose of 25-30 ml to treat burning sensation and difficulty during micturition.
  • The paste of the root is applied over the area affected with snake bite.
  • The decoction of the plant is given in doses of 30-40 ml to treat dysmenorrhea and in cases of abortion.
  • The paste of the root of Trichodesma indicum is applied over the area affected with skin infection.

Adverse effect

No known adverse effect is reported after the use of Adah pushpi.

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Research

Research articles related to Trichodesma indicum:
Anti- daibetic activity: The objective of the study was aimed to investigate the anti-diabetic activity of Trichodesma indicum (L.) in both in vitro amylase assay and in vivo streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats. The results showed that methanolic leaf extract has moderate α –amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 value = 91.3 µg/ml) when compared to acarbose. Glucose uptake assay of four extracts showed significant activity.

Anti- mitotic and anti- proliferative action: The dried aerial parts of T. indicum were successively extracted with petroleum ether, successive chloroform extract (SCH), successive ethanol extract (SEE) and water. Both SCH and SEE extracts showed significant antimitotic and antiproliferative activity when compared to the standard methothreaxate, vincreastine and adriamycin.

Anti- microbial potential: The anti- micobial action has been checked against five gram positive bacteria and three fungi and found effective.

Anti- inflammatory action: The four extracts of the plant showed anti- inflammatory action in in vitro study conducted in rats.

Classical categorization

Shodala Nighantu- Laxmanadi varga
Nighantu Adarsha- Shleshmatakadi varga

Systemic classification

KINGDOM       : Plantae
SUB-KINGDOM : Phanerogamia
DIVISION           : Angiospermia
CLASS                  :Dicotyledons
SUB-CLASS         :Corolliflorae or Gamopetalae
FAMILY               :Boraginaceae
GENUS                 :Trichodesma
SPECIES               :Indicum

Author:
Dr.B.K.Prashanth M.D (Ayu), Ph.D
E mail: drprashanthbk@gmail.com

Sthanika Karma (Systemic Action)

 External Application: Analgesics and Anti inflammatory in nature. External application of the paste is indicated in joint pain, inflammatory wounds etc. conditions. Also beneficial in Conjunctivitis.

Internal administration-

Digestive System – Carminative and Absorbent. Indicated in Loss of appetite, Malabsorption syndrome, Diarrhea, and dysentery.
Circulatory System – Acts as a blood purifier and is indicated in oedema.
Excretory System – Increases urine output
Reproductive system – Constricts the uterine muscles. Indicated in Dysmenorrhea and in obstructed labor conditions.
Satmikarana – Ant poisonous
Eyes – Good for eyes
Tapakrama – Indicated in fever
Tvak – Indicated in skin disorders

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