Gangeruki – Grewia tenax Uses, Research, Side Effects

Gangeruki – Grewia tenax is explained by Charaka and Sushruta. It has blocking action, useful in bleeding disorders such as menorrhagia, ulcerative colitis etc. Bhavaprakasha considers Gangeruki as a synonym of Nagabala.

Botanical name- Grewia populifolia Vahl. (Grewia tenax Fiori Boss)
Family- Malvaceae, Tiliaceae (Parushaka kula)

Table of Contents

Vernacular names

Names in different languages:
Hindi name- Gangeran
Telugu name- Kaladi
Punjabi name- Ganger
Gujarati name- Gangeti
Sanskrit Synonyms- Nangeti

Chemical constituents

Grewia tenax chemical constituents:
Triacontan, Lupenone, Betulin, B-Sitosterol, B- Amyrin

Medicinal properties

Grewia tenax medicinal properties:
Rasa (taste) – Kashaya – astringent, Madhura – sweet
Guna- Laghu, Rooksha – Dryness
Vipaka- Katu – Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion
Veerya – Sheeta – Coolant
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Kapha and Pitta Dosha.

Part used, dosage

Part used- Root, Stem bark
Dosage- fresh juice 10-20 ml, decoction 50-100 ml

Sanskrit verse

गाङ्गेरुकं.. । मधुरं सकषायं च शीतं पित्तकफापहम्॥
(च.सू.२८)
सकषायं हिमं स्वादु धान्वनं कफावातजित्।
तद्वत् गाङ्गेरुकी विद्यात्…।(सु.सू.४६)
gāṅgerukaṃ.. | madhuraṃ sakaṣāyaṃ ca śītaṃ pittakaphāpaham||
(ca.sū.28)
sakaṣāyaṃ himaṃ svādu dhānvanaṃ kaphāvātajit|
tadvat gāṅgerukī vidyāt…|(su.sū.46)

It has Stambhana action – Useful in wound healing, to check bleeding. It is also very useful in heavy periods (menorrhagia), painful periods, ulcerative colitis and such other bleeding disorders.

Its root juice is applied locally on fresh wounds to check bleeding. (Sharangdhara Samhita).

Research, side effects

Research:
Effects of Grewia populifolia Extracts on the Development of Chick Embryos

Side effects:
It is best to avoid during constipation, amenorrhoea and oligomenorrhea (low menstrual flow)

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.