Chanchu – Jute: Corchorus fascicularis Uses, Dose, Research

Many varieties of Corchorus such as Corchorus fasciularis, C. acutangulus are identified as Chanchu – Jute variety. It is used in treating anaemia, improving memory, intelligence, aphrodisiac, laxative etc.

Botanical name- Corchorus fascicularis Lam / corchorus acutangulus lam / corchorus aestuans
Family- Tiliaceae / Malvacea

Vernacular names

Names in different languages:
Hindi name- Pat, Chanchu, Chevuna  English name- Jute variety Telugu name- Parina
Bengali name – Chechako

Sanskrit Synonyms

Dirgha patra, Satiktaka, Kala saka

Distribution

Found in warmer parts of India

Classical categorization

Bhavaprakasha – Purvakhanda, Mishra prakarana, Shaka Varga
Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Oshadhi Varga

Chemical constituents

Wild Jute – Corchorus fascicularis  Major chemical constituents
B- sitosterol, Betulinic acid and a flaronoid glycoside etc
Leaves of Corchorus have flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, phenol & tannins, saponins, glycosides and alkaloids
Corchoroside-A, Corchoroside-B, Corchoroside-C, Corchoroside-D, Corchoroside-E and Corchoroside-F,  ?-sitosterol, lupeol, quercetin, kaempferol, oleanolic acid, 2- methylanthraquinone and fusidic acid. (reference: Phytochemical Examination of Corchorus Fascicularis Roots)

Medicinal properties

Chanchu – Wild Jute medicinal Properties
Rasa (taste) – Madhura – sweet, Tikta – bitter Guna (qualities) – Picchila – Sticky, Slimy, Guru (heaviness)
Vipaka- Madhura – Undergoes sweet taste conversion after digestion
Veerya – Sheeta – Coolant
Effect on Tridosha – Balances all the three Doshas
Prabhava – Special effect – Medhya – improves intelligence

Part used, dosage

Part used– Whole plant, fruit
Dosage– Decoction 20-30 ml

Sanskrit verse

Health benefits

Chanchu Jute – health benefits:
Ruchya – improves taste, relieves anorexia.
Dhatupushtikara  – nutritious, improves nourishment
Balya – improves strength and immunity
Medhya – improves intelligence
Bruhmana – nourishing

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 of the 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

-A. P. Rajput et al /Int.J. PharmTech Res.2011,3(4) 2196

Powder of the entire plant of Corchorus fascicularis is used in treating anaemia. – Patil D.A., Flora of Dhule and Nandurbar Districts, Sing Bishen Publishers, Dehradun, 2003, 112-113.

The leaves act as laxative, stimulant, tonic and aphrodisiac. The seeds are used in the treatment of tumours, abdominal pain, gastritis, skin diseases and scabies. It is useful in discharging ulcers – Kirtikar K.R., Basu B.D., Indian Medicinal Plants, International Book Distributor, Dehradun, 1996,401-402

Jute, potherb, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt

Taste – sweet, bitter
Properties – heavy, unctuous (slightly less heavy as it is cooked and drained)
Potency – cold
After digestion taste transformation ( Vipaka ) – sweet
Effect on Doshas
Vata balancing
Pitta balancing
Kapha balancing

Jute, potherb, cooked, boiled, drained, with salt

Taste – sweet, bitter, slightly salty
Properties – heavy, unctuous (slightly less heavy as it is cooked and drained)
Potency – not very cold (salt is hot in potency)
After digestion taste transformation ( Vipaka ) – sweet
Effect on Doshas
Vata balancing
Pitta nourishing (salt is Pittakara)
Kapha balancing