Abroma Augusta – Devil’s cotton – Uses, Dose, Side Effects

Abroma augusta – Pishacha Karpasa is used in Ayurveda for gynecological disorders, infertility treatment and amenorrhea. It is called as Devil’s cotton. This herb is commonly used in Homeopathy.

Botanical name- Abroma augusta linn f
Family- Sterculiaceae, Malvaceae (Pisacha karpasa kula)

Vernacular names

Names in different languages:
Hindi name- Ulat Kambal
English name- Devil’s cotton
Tamil name -Sivappututti
Bengali name – Olatkaombol

Sanskrit Synonyms

Yoshini, Pivari

Habitat, chemical constituents

Habitat: Found in north India

Abroma Augusta chemical constituents:
Root- Abromine(alkaloid), Friedelin, Abromasterol, Choline betaine etc.

Medicinal qualities

Abroma augusta – Devil’s cotton medicinal qualities:
Rasa (taste) – Katu (pungent), Tikta – bitter
Guna- Laghu, Rooksha – Dryness
Vipaka- Katu – Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion
Veerya – Ushna – Hot potency
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Kapha and Vata Dosha.

Part used, dosage

Part used– root/ root bark
Dosage-
powder: 1-3 g; fresh juice 5-10 ml

Pishacha Karpasa Uses, Indications

Pishacha Karpasa Uses:
पिवरी योषिणी सा स्याद् योनिव्यापद् विनाशिनी रजोदोषप्रशमनी ॥ (आ.वि)
pivarī yoṣiṇī sā syād yonivyāpad vināśinī rajodoṣapraśamanī || (ā.vi)

It is indicated in-
Yonivyapad – Gynecological disorders
Rajodosha – Useful in treating female infertility. It induces menstruation. For this purpose, its root powder or fresh juice is administered 3 – 5 days before the expected date of menstruation till bleeding starts.
It is also used in treating arthritis, bronchitis, headache and diabetes.

Side effects, research

Side effects:
It is best to avoid its usage during pregnancy.
Seek medical advice for its use in children and during lactation.

Research:
Anti diabetic activity
Leaf extract is useful in diabetes induced nephropathy and cardiomyopathy via inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory response
Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of Abroma augusta Lnn. leaves extract

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.

Systemic Action (Sthanika Karma)

Reproductive System – It acts as a uterine stimulant, induces menstruation, cleanses the uterus and reduces menstrual cramp and related symptoms. Its action is mainly restricted to the reproductive system. It is indicated in Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, DUB, etc. It can be given 3 days prior to 2 days after the menstrual cycle.