Aranya Jiraka Centratherum anthelminticum: Uses, Research, Remedies

Aranya jeeraka Centratherum anthelminticum is a herb mentioned in Ayurveda for the treatment of intestinal worms, skin diseases, fever, gynecological disorders and general debility. 

Latin name- Centratherum anthelminticum Kuntze
Family- Asteraceae (Bhringaraja kula)

Vernacular names

Names in different languages:
Hindi name-Kali jeeri, Sohrai, Kalijiri, Somraj
English name- Purple fleabane, Achenes, Bitter cumin
Bengali name- Somraj
Gujarathi name- Kali jeeri, Kadavi jeeri
Marathi name- Kadu jeere
Telugu name- Adavi Jilakarra
Tamil name- Kattu  seeragam

Sanskrit synonyms

Vanya jeeraka- It grows in the wild
Somaraji (not the same as ‘Bakuchi’ herb)

Aranya jeeraka is a small herb, 2 to 5 feet in height, growing in the Himalayan range and plains of India. The flowers of the plant are purplish and the fruits emit a strong odor. Vernonia anthelmintica is the synonymous latin name.

Classical categorization

Raja Nighantu- Pippalyadi varga

Properties, part used, dosage

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

Part used- Seeds and Fruit
Dosage- Powder – 1 to 3 g

Sanskrit verse

Chemical constituents

The seed contains mainly Delta-7-avenasterol, vernasterol and demanolide. The leaves and stem contain centratherin and germacranolide. Abscisic acid has been isolated from the leaves of the plant.

Uses, side effects

Uses of Aranya jeeraka:

• The paste prepared from the seeds of Aranya jeeraka is applied over the area affected with ringworm, boils with pus for treatment.
• The paste prepared from the seeds of Centratherum anthelminticum is applied over the scalp to kill lice.
• To treat leucoderma, paste prepared from 1 part of the seeds of Aranya jeeraka, mixed with 4 parts of purified Arsenic and then grounded using cow urine, is applied externally over the affected area.
• The decoction from the seeds of the plant is given in a dose of 25-30 ml to treat intestinal worms.
• 1 gram of Aranya jeeraka is taken with equal amounts of black sesame and consumed with hot water to treat skin diseases.
• The cold infusion of the seeds is consumed in a dose of 50 ml to treat general debility and burning micturition.
• The decoction of the seeds is given in a dose of 40-50 ml to treat gynecological disorders and difficulty of lactation.
• The decoction of the seeds is given in a dose of 40-50 ml to treat cases of insect bite and fever.

Adverse effects: No adverse effects are known or reported after the normal use of Aranya jeeraka. 

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.

Ayurvedic medicines

Formulations containing Aranya jeeraka:
Gastrex tablet: This is a proprietary ayurvedic medicine useful to treat gastritis, abdominal bloating and flatulence.

Prasootika kashaya: This is a proprietary ayurvedic medicine useful as an ideal tonic for postpartum period to restore strength.

Research

Research articles about Centratherum anthelminticum:
Anti- bacterial and Anti- fungal action: The antibacterial and antifungal effects of chloroform of plant seeds were tested against the different bacteria and fungus eg. Stalophylococous aureous

ATCC-29737, Escherischia coli ATCC-14169,Pseudomonas aerugenosaATCC-9027, Bacillus Subtilis ATCC-6633 Fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Phomopsis dalbergiae, Trichoderma piluliferum.By disc diffusion method or microdilution technique in-vitro. The growth of E-coli,Pseudomonas aerugenosa the gram-negative bacteria and Fungus, have been inhibited by the chloroform extracts of the seeds of the Centratherum anthelminticum the extracts did not prevent the growth of the other test organism.

Anti- oxidant activity: The phenolic extracts of bitter cumin at microgram concentration showed significant scavenging of DPPH and ABTS radicals, reduced phosphomolybdenum (Mo(VI) to Mo(V)), ferricyanide Fe(III) to Fe(II), inhibited liposomes oxidation and hydroxyl radical induced damage to prokaryotic genomic DNA. The results showed a direct correlation between phenolic acid content and antioxidant activity.

Anti- hyperglycemic action: The effect of black/bitter cumin seeds Centratherum anthelminticum (L.) Kuntze extract (CA) containing mixture of polyphenolic compounds was tested on rat intestinal α-glucosidases, human salivary α-amylase activity and postprandial hyperglycemia in rats. Feeding of CA at 50–200 mg/kg body weight (b.wt) to maltose (2.0 g/kg b.wt), loaded rats significantly reduced the postprandial plasma glucose levels compared with acarbose. This study demonstrated that CA exerts anti-hyperglycemic effect by decreasing postprandial glucose in rats by modulating α- amylase and glucosidases (sucrase and maltase) activity and thus may be useful for the management of diabetes mellitus.

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

Sthanika Karma (Systemic Action)

External – External application is beneficial to reduce swelling, pain, itching. 4 parts of black cumin along with 1 part Haritala mixed in cow urine can be applied in conditions like Leukoderma.

Digestive System – Carminative, induce vomiting, and Antimicrobial in nature. Indicated in  Round worm and thread worm infestation.Circulatory System – Act as a blood purifier
Excretory System – Improve the urine output.  Indicated in Mutraghata
Reproductive system – Cleanses uterus, Stimulate milk production.
Skin – Reduce itchy skin lesions.
Tapakrama – Jvaraghna
Satmikarana – Anti poisonous (indicated in jangama visha – poison of animal origin).