Charak Samhita - Recent changes [en]

Aparajita

Dridhabala — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:26:10 GMT

Pharmacognostic and Standardisation Data (API)

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Talk:Atasi

Dridhabala — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:03:54 GMT

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Talk:Atasi

Dridhabala — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 07:05:09 GMT

Created page with "{{#seo: |title=Charak Samhita |titlemode=append |keywords=Atasi, Alsi, Flax, Flaxseed, Linseed, Linum usitatissimum, Charak Samhita, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, ancient Ayurveda text, Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, Charak, Charaka Samhita, agnivesha, atreya, gopal basisht, yogesh deole, charak samhita wikipedia edition, charak samhita new edition, charaka samhita new edition, carak samhita new..."

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{{#seo:

|title=Charak Samhita

|titlemode=append

|keywords=Atasi, Alsi, Flax, Flaxseed, Linseed, Linum usitatissimum, Charak Samhita, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, ancient Ayurveda text, Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, Charak, Charaka Samhita, agnivesha, atreya, gopal basisht, yogesh deole, charak samhita wikipedia edition, charak samhita new edition, charaka samhita new edition, carak samhita new edition, caraka samhita new edition, research on charak samhita, text book charak samhita, fundamental principles of ayurveda, basic concepts of ayurveda,

|description=Atasi (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a classical Ayurvedic herb referred to in Charak Samhita in dietary categories (Shamidhanya, Krutanna), as a source of Sthavara Sneha, and in external therapies such as Upanaha and Sweda.

|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg

|image_alt=charak samhita

|type=article

}}[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax Linum usitatissimum L.]

{{Infobox

|title = Atasi

|label1 = Section/Chapter

|data1 = Herb database/Atasi

|label2 = Botanical name(s)

|data2 = [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax Linum usitatissimum L.]

|label3 = Family

|data3 = Linaceae

|label4 = Availability

|data4 = Available

|label5 = Contributors

|data5 = [[Team Dravyaguna]]

|label6 = Year of publication

|data6 = 2026

|label7 = Publisher

|data7 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]

|label8 = DOI

|data8 = Awaited

}}

'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax Linum usitatissimum L.]''', popularly known as '''Atasi''' (Alsi), is an erect annual herb, 0.6-1.2 m high, extensively cultivated throughout the plains of India up to an altitude of 800 m. The dried, ripe seeds are the part used medicinally.<ref name="API23">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:23</ref> In [[Ayurveda]] it is described both as a food grain (Shamidhanya) and as a source of Sthavara Sneha (plant-origin lipids), and it is widely used in external applications such as Upanaha and Sweda. It is a commonly used medicinal plant.

==English name ==

Flax, Flaxseed, Linseed

==Therapeutic Use==

Krimiroga (worm infestation), Kushtha (diseases of skin), Prameha (obstinate urinary disorders including diabetes mellitus), Shiroroga (diseases of head)<ref name="API24">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Minitry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:24</ref>

==Other Varieties==

* L. usitatissimum var. stenophyllum (Boiss.) Rech.f.
* L. usitatissimum var. usitatissimum

== Synonyms in Charak Samhita==

Atasi, Uma, Picchila, Devi, Medagandha, Madotkata, Kshuma, Hemavati, Masruna

== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Properties

|-

! Sr.no. !! Pharmacological criteria !! Properties

|-

| 1 || Taste ([[rasa]]) || Sweet (madhura), Bitter (tikta)

|-

| 2 || Potency ([[veerya]]) || Hot (ushna)

|-

| 3 || Post digestion effect ([[vipaka]]) || Pungent (katu)

|-

| 4 || Qualities ([[guna]])|| Heavy (guru), Unctuous (snigdha)

|-

| 5 || Actions ([[karma]]) || Pacify [[vata]], [[pitta]] and [[kapha]]

|-

| 6 || Extra ordinary effect ([[prabhava]]) || --

|}

== Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Herbs and their activities

|-

! Sr.no. !! Reference in Charak Samhita !! Activity

|-

| 1 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/34 || Shamidhanya Varga

|-

| 2 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/292 || Krutanna Varga

|-

| 3 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/10 || Sthavara Sneha Yoni (Vegetable origin of lipids)

|-

| 4 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 14/36 || Dravya for Upanaha Sweda

|-

| 5 ||Cha.Sa.[[Nidana Sthana]] 5/6 || Nidana of Kustha

|-

| 6 ||Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 6/26 || Abhyantar Krimi Chikitsa

|-

| 7 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 8/34 || Garbhasya pratimasik karma

|-

| 8 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 8/47 || Jatamatra balak paricharya

|-

| 9 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 8/61 || Kshirajanan karma

|-

| 10 ||Cha.Sa.[[Kalpa Sthana]] 11/11 || Saptala Shankhini Yoga

|-

| 11 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 5/141 || ''Svedan'' in ''Kaphaj Gulma''

|-

| 12 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 6/20 || ''Pathya'' diet in ''Kaphaj Prameha''

|-

| 13 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/176 || As an ''Utsadan dravya Bahyaprayogarth''

|-

| 14 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 17/84 || Used for mridu svedana

|-

| 15 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 25/51 || As an ingredient of Tiladi upanaha for Shophapaka

|-

| 16 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 25/53 || Used for Pakvasopha prabheda

|-

|}

==Dose==

3-6 gm of the drug in the powder form.<ref name="API24" />

==Important Formulations==

As per A.P.I.<ref name="API24" />

* Sarshapadi Taila

==Constituents==

Fixed oil, mucilage and protein.<ref name="API24" />

==Phytoconstituents==

{| class="wikitable"

! Sr.no. !! Class !! Major compounds / Remarks

|-

| 1 || Fixed oil (fatty acids) || α-Linolenic acid (ALA, omega-3) is the major fatty acid (39.00–60.42 % of the oil), followed by oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic acids. Flaxseed is one of the richest plant sources of ALA.<ref name="Goyal2014">Goyal A, Sharma V, Upadhyay N, Gill S, Sihag M. Flax and flaxseed oil: an ancient medicine & modern functional food. J Food Sci Technol. 2014;51(9):1633-1653. doi:10.1007/s13197-013-1247-9. PMID: 25190822.</ref>

|-

| 2 || Lignans || Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) is the major lignan. After ingestion it is converted in the colon into the mammalian lignans enterodiol and enterolactone.<ref name="Toure2010">Touré A, Xueming X. Flaxseed lignans: source, biosynthesis, metabolism, antioxidant activity, bio-active components, and health benefits. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2010;9:261-269.</ref>

|-

| 3 || Cyanogenic glycosides and other anti-nutritive compounds || Linustatin, neolinustatin, linamarin and lotaustralin (cyanogenic glycosides); also linatine, phytic acid and protease inhibitors. Cyanogenic glycosides can release hydrogen cyanide on hydrolysis, so raw seed intake and processing need care.<ref name="Dzuvor2018">Dzuvor CKO, Taylor JT, Acquah C, Pan S, Agyei D. Bioprocessing of functional ingredients from flaxseed. Molecules. 2018;23(10):2444. doi:10.3390/molecules23102444. PMID: 30250012.</ref>

|}

==Therapeutic Efficacy: Scientific Evidence==

The studies below were carried out on whole or ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil or lignan preparations, which are not identical to classical Ayurvedic preparations of Atasi. They are given to support the traditional uses and should be read as supportive evidence only.

===Lipid-lowering effect===

A meta-analysis of 28 randomized trials found that flaxseed interventions reduced total and LDL cholesterol (by 0.10 and 0.08 mmol/L, respectively). The reductions were significant with whole flaxseed and lignan supplements but not with flaxseed oil, and no significant change was seen in HDL cholesterol or triglycerides. The effect depended on the type of intervention, sex and the initial lipid profile.<ref name="Pan2009">Pan A, Yu D, Demark-Wahnefried W, Franco OH, Lin X. Meta-analysis of the effects of flaxseed interventions on blood lipids. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;90(2):288-297. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.27469. PMID: 19515737.</ref>

===Effect on blood pressure===

A systematic review and meta-analysis (11 studies, 14 trials) reported that flaxseed supplementation lowered systolic blood pressure by 1.77 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.58 mm Hg. The authors concluded that flaxseed may lower blood pressure slightly, with a greater effect on diastolic pressure when whole seed was taken for 12 weeks or more.<ref name="Khalesi2015">Khalesi S, Irwin C, Schubert M. Flaxseed consumption may reduce blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. J Nutr. 2015;145(4):758-765. doi:10.3945/jn.114.205302. PMID: 25740909.</ref>

===Glycemic control (Prameha)===

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 randomized, placebo-controlled trials (30 treatment arms) found that flaxseed supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in blood glucose (weighted mean difference −2.94 mg/dL) and insulin levels, whereas no significant effect on HbA1c was found. The benefit was seen only with whole flaxseed and not with flaxseed oil or lignan extract.<ref name="Mohammadi2018">Mohammadi-Sartang M, Sohrabi Z, Barati-Boldaji R, Raeisi-Dehkordi H, Mazloom Z. Flaxseed supplementation on glucose control and insulin sensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Nutr Rev. 2018;76(2):125-139. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nux052. PMID: 29228348.</ref>

===Constipation and bowel function===

In a single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 53 constipated patients with type 2 diabetes received 10 g of flaxseed in cookies twice daily or placebo cookies for 12 weeks. Compared with placebo, the flaxseed group showed significantly greater improvement in constipation symptom scores, and also in body weight, BMI, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.<ref name="Soltanian2018">Soltanian N, Janghorbani M. A randomized trial of the effects of flaxseed to manage constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2018;15:36. doi:10.1186/s12986-018-0273-z. PMID: 29760761.</ref>

===Skin condition (Kushtha)===

In a 12-week study in healthy volunteers with sensitive skin, daily supplementation with flaxseed oil (compared with safflower seed oil) significantly decreased skin sensitivity (after nicotinate irritation), transepidermal water loss, roughness and scaling, and increased smoothness and hydration. The study was done on sensitive skin and not on Kushtha as described in Ayurveda.<ref name="Neukam2011">Neukam K, De Spirt S, Stahl W, Bejot M, Maurette JM, Tronnier H, Heinrich U. Supplementation of flaxseed oil diminishes skin sensitivity and improves skin barrier function and condition. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2011;24(2):67-74. doi:10.1159/000321442.</ref>

===Research gaps===

Clinical studies on the other Ayurvedic indications listed by the API (Krimiroga and Shiroroga) are not included here. Further well-designed trials using classical Atasi preparations are needed.

==References==

<references />

[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]

Talk:Shami

Dridhabala — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 09:22:01 GMT

Therapeutic Uses

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:22, 23 October 2026
(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)
Line 33:		Line 33:

	== English name ==		== English name ==
	~~Sponge~~ tree~~, Khejri<ref name="Chaudhary2018"/>~~		Spunge tree

	Regional name:		Regional name:
Line 47:		Line 47:

	== Therapeutic Uses ==		== Therapeutic Uses ==
	Kushtha (skin disease including leprosy), Shvitra (leucoderma), Atisara/Pravahika (dysentery), Shvasa (asthma), Kasa (cough, bronchitis), Arsha (piles), Kamala (jaundice), Visha (insect and scorpion bite, bark applied externally).<ref name="Chaudhary2018"/><ref name="SDACH">Shami (Prosopis spicigera Linn.). Dravyaguna monograph. SDACH Ayurveda college website. Available from: https://www.sdach.ac.in/dravyaguna-vigyan-blogs/shami/</ref>		Arsha (piles), Atisara (diarrhoea), Balagraha (psychotic syndrome of children), Bhrama (vertigo), Krimi (worm infestation), Kasa (cough), Kushtha (leprosy / diseases of skin), Netraroga (diseases of the eye), Raktapitta (bleeding disorder), Shvasa (asthma) and Vishavikara (disorders due to poison).<ref name="API"/>

	~~As per the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (leaf), the therapeutic uses are~~ Arsha (piles), Atisara (diarrhoea), Balagraha (psychotic syndrome of children), Bhrama (vertigo), Krimi (worm infestation), Kasa (cough), Kushtha (leprosy / diseases of skin), Netraroga (diseases of the eye), Raktapitta (bleeding disorder), Shvasa (asthma) and Vishavikara (disorders due to poison).<ref name="API"/>

	== Other Varieties / Other Botanical names ==		== Other Varieties / Other Botanical names ==
Line 68:		Line 66:
	! Sr.no. !! Pharmacological criteria !! Properties		! Sr.no. !! Pharmacological criteria !! Properties
	\|-		\|-
	\| 1 \|\| Taste (rasa) \|\| ~~Astringent (kashaya), Sweet (madhura); API (leaf):~~ Bitter (tikta), Pungent (katu), Astringent (kashaya)<ref name="API"/>		\| 1 \|\| Taste (rasa) \|\| Bitter (tikta), Pungent (katu), Astringent (kashaya)<ref name="API"/>
	\|-		\|-
	\| 2 \|\| Potency (veerya) \|\| Cold (sheeta)		\| 2 \|\| Potency (veerya) \|\| Cold (sheeta)
Line 78:		Line 76:
	\| 5 \|\| Actions (karma) \|\| Pacify Kapha and Pitta; API (leaf): Arshoghna, Krimighna, Kaphapittahara, Kushthaghna, Recaka, Sangrahaka, Vatakara<ref name="API"/>		\| 5 \|\| Actions (karma) \|\| Pacify Kapha and Pitta; API (leaf): Arshoghna, Krimighna, Kaphapittahara, Kushthaghna, Recaka, Sangrahaka, Vatakara<ref name="API"/>
	\|}		\|}

	<!-- To be added after checking the printed texts: descriptions of Shami in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Kaiyadeva Nighantu, Raja Nighantu and Dhanvantari Nighantu (varga, verse number, synonyms, properties), and the remaining details of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India entry (full citation with volume, part and year). -->

	== Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==		== Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==

Talk:Ankola

Dridhabala — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 08:53:16 GMT

Created page with "{{#seo: |title=Charak Samhita |titlemode=append |keywords= *ankola, Alangium salviifolium, Alangium lamarckii, Sage-leaved alangium* Therapeutic use, herbs, researches on dravya, Charak Samhita, Dravyaguna, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, ancient Ayurveda text, Indian system of medicine, Charak, Charaka Samhita, agnivesha, atreya, gopal basisht, yogesh deole, charak samhita wikipedia edition, charak samhit..."

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{{#seo:
|title=Charak Samhita
|titlemode=append
|keywords= *ankola, Alangium salviifolium, Alangium lamarckii, Sage-leaved alangium* Therapeutic use, herbs, researches on dravya, Charak Samhita, Dravyaguna, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, ancient Ayurveda text, Indian system of medicine, Charak, Charaka Samhita, agnivesha, atreya, gopal basisht, yogesh deole, charak samhita wikipedia edition, charak samhita new edition, research on charak samhita, text book charak samhita, fundamental principles of ayurveda, basic concepts of ayurveda,
|description=
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
|image_alt=charak samhita
|type=article
}}

{{Infobox
|title = Ankola
|label1 = Section/Chapter
|data1 = Herb database/Ankola
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|data2 = Alangium salviifolium (L.f.) Wangerin
|label3 = Family
|data3 = Alangiaceae (now placed in Cornaceae)
|label4 = Availability
|data4 = Available
|label5 = Contributors
|data5 = [[Team Dravyaguna]]
|label6 = Year of publication
|data6 = 2026
|label7 = Publisher
|data7 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|label8 = DOI
|data8 = Awaited
}}

'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alangium_salviifolium Alangium salviifolium (L.f.) Wangerin]''', known in Ayurveda as '''Ankola''', is a small deciduous tree of the drier parts of India.<ref name="Wiki_Asal"/> The root bark, leaves, seeds and fruit are all used in traditional medicine. In the Charak Samhita it appears among the ''Phala Varga'' drugs and as an ingredient of ''Amruta ghrita'' in ''Visha Chikitsa'', and its special effect (''prabhava'') is described as ''vishaghna''. Modern work has focused on its alkaloids and on reported anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anthelmintic and antiulcer effects, which are summarised below.

== English name ==
Sage-leaved alangium<ref name="API2006"/>

== Therapeutic Uses ==
Graha Badha (microbial affliction or psychiatric disorders in children), Jantuvisha (Insect poisoning/venom), Jvara (Fever), Krimi (Worms/parasites), Kukkuravisha (Canine venom/dog bite toxicity), Lutavisha (Spider venom), Raktavikara (Blood disorders/impurities), Sopha or Sotha (Edema/swelling/inflammation), Vishrikara (Toxic conditions/poisoning effects), Visarpa (Erysipelas/spreading skin eruptions), Matsyavisha (Fish toxicity/poisoning), Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis), Kantharoga (Throat diseases/disorders), Shoola (Colic/sharp pain), and Mushakavisha (Rodent poisoning/rat bite toxicity) <ref name="API2006"/>

== Other Varieties / Other Botanical names ==
* Alangium lamarckii Thwaites
* Alangium decapetalum Lam.
* Alangium acuminatum Wight ex Steud.
* Alangium latifolium Miq. ex C.B.Clarke
* Alangium mohillae Tul.
* Alangium tomentosum Lam.
* Grewia salviifolia L.f.
* Karangolum mohillae (Tul.) Kuntze
* Karangolum salviifolium (L.f.) Kuntze<ref name="POWO"/>

== Synonyms in Charak Samhita ==
Ankoda, Deerghakeela, Nikochaka, Tamraphala, Gupta Sneha.

== Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Properties
|-
! Sr.no. !! Pharmacological criteria !! Properties
|-
| 1 || Taste (rasa) || Bitter (tikta), Pungent (katu), Astringent (kashaya)<ref name="API2006"/>
|-
| 2 || Potency (veerya) || Hot (ushna)<ref name="API2006"/>
|-
| 3 || Post digestion effect (vipaka) || Pungent (katu)<ref name="API2006"/>
|-
| 4 || Qualities (guna) || Light (laghu), Unctuous (snigdha), Sharp (tikshna), Mobile (sara)<ref name="API2006"/>
|-
| 5 || Actions (karma) || Pacify Kapha and Vata (kaphahara, vatahara); emetic (vamaka), purgative (recaka), wound-cleansing (vranashodhaka), diuretic (mutrala), antipyretic (jvaraghna)<ref name="API2006"/>
|-
| 6 || Special effect (prabhava) || Vishaghna
|}

== Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Herbs and their activities
|-
! Sr.no. !! Reference in Charak Samhita !! Activity
|-
| 1 || Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/159 || Phala Varga (group of fruits)
|-
| 2 || Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 13/10 || Sthavara Sneha Yoni (vegetable origin of lipids)
|-
| 3 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 23/244 || As an ingredient of Amruta ghrita
|}

== Dose ==
2-10 gms<ref name="API2006"/>

==Useful parts==
Leaf<ref name="API2006"/>

== Important Formulations ==
As an ingredient of Amruta ghrita in charak samhita Visha chikitsa adhyaya.
== Current Availability ==
Available
* In India: dry regions of the plains and low hills, and especially the forests of South India.<ref name="Wiki_Asal"/><ref name="Jangir2023"/>
* Out of India: the species ranges widely through tropical Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific islands.<ref name="Wiki_Alangium"/>

== Phytoconstituents ==
=== Alkaloids ===
Alkaloids are the characteristic constituents of Ankola. Reviews list alangine, ankorine, tubulosine, alangicine and salsoline among the bioactive compounds reported from the plant.<ref name="Shravya2017"/> The root bark is reported to contain emetine, cephaeline, psychotrine, tubulosine, alangium A and B, marckine, marckidine and lamarckinine.<ref name="Jangir2023"/> Marckine and marckidine were first isolated from the root bark of ''Alangium lamarckii'' Thwaites, together with a new sterol, alangiosterol.<ref name="Siddiqui1965"/>

== Therapeutic Efficacy: Pharmacological Evidence ==
The evidence below comes from reviews of animal and in vitro studies. No controlled human clinical trial of Ankola was verified during the preparation of this monograph. The individual primary studies behind each review statement are still to be abstracted and added to this section.

=== Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity (Shotha) ===
''Alangium salviifolium'' was among the indigenous drugs screened for anti-inflammatory activity in albino rats in an early Indian study.<ref name="Prasad1966"/> Later reviews list anti-inflammatory activity among the reported effects of the plant.<ref name="Shravya2017"/>

=== Antidiabetic activity (Prameha) ===
Reviews report potential efficacy of the plant against diabetes.<ref name="Shravya2017"/>

=== Antiulcer and anthelmintic activity ===
Reviews also report potential efficacy against peptic ulcer and anthelmintic activity, which fits the traditional use of the bark and seed in worm infestation (''krimi'').<ref name="Shravya2017"/>

=== Antidote and anti-poison use (Vishaghna) ===
Ankola is described in the Charak Samhita as an ingredient of Amruta ghrita in Visha Chikitsa (Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 23/244), and its special effect is recorded as vishaghna. Experimental evidence for antivenom or antidote activity was not verified during the preparation of this monograph, so no efficacy claim is made.

== Safety, Toxicity, and Precautions ==
* '''Emetic alkaloids:''' The root bark contains emetine-type alkaloids,<ref name="Jangir2023"/> and a decoction of the bark has been used as an emetic in India.<ref name="Jangir2023"/> The drug should therefore be used only under qualified supervision and in the doses prescribed in the classical and pharmacopoeial sources.
* '''Pregnancy:''' No controlled human safety data was verified for this monograph. As a precaution, avoid use in pregnancy.

== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
|+ Therapeutic Applications of ''Alangium salviifolium'' (reported evidence)
! Indication !! Reported finding !! Type of evidence
|-
| '''Inflammation / arthritis (Shotha)''' || Anti-inflammatory activity reported || Animal studies, summarised in reviews
|-
| '''Diabetes (Prameha)''' || Potential antidiabetic effect reported || Animal studies, summarised in reviews
|-
| '''Peptic ulcer''' || Potential antiulcer effect reported || Animal studies, summarised in reviews
|-
| '''Worm infestation (Krimi)''' || Anthelmintic activity reported || Experimental studies, summarised in reviews
|-
| '''Poisoning (Visha)''' || Traditional use only; no experimental claim made || Classical text
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="API2006">Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of AYUSH. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Part I, Volume V. New Delhi: Government of India; 2006. Monograph 3, Ankola (Leaf).</ref>
<ref name="Wiki_Asal">Alangium salviifolium. In: Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia [Internet]. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alangium_salviifolium [cited 2026 Oct 23].</ref>
<ref name="Wiki_Alangium">Alangium. In: Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia [Internet]. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alangium [cited 2026 Oct 23].</ref>
<ref name="POWO">Plants of the World Online. Alangium salviifolium (L.f.) Wangerin. Richmond: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Available from: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:271431-1 [cited 2026 Oct 23].</ref>
<ref name="Shravya2017">Shravya S, Vinod BN, Sunil C. Pharmacological and phytochemical studies of Alangium salvifolium Wang. – A review. Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University. 2017;55(2):217–222. doi:10.1016/j.bfopcu.2017.07.001</ref>
<ref name="Jangir2023">Jangir RK, Singh C, Purvia RP, Adlakha M. Pharmacological activity and medicinal value of Ankola (Alangium salvifolium Linn.) – a review. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal. 2023;11(1):21–27. Available from: https://wisdomlib.org/uploads/journals/iamj/2023-issue-01-january/21_27.pdf</ref>
<ref name="Siddiqui1965">Siddiqui S, Ali MA, Ahmad VU. Chemical examination of root bark of Alangium lamarckii Thwaites. Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research. 1965;8(4):161–166.</ref>
<ref name="Prasad1966">Prasad DN, Bhattacharya SK, Das PK. A study of anti-inflammatory activity of some indigenous drugs in albino rats. Indian Journal of Medical Research. 1966;54(6):582–590.</ref>
}}

[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]

Talk:Shami

Dridhabala — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:53:20 GMT

Created page with "{{#seo: |title=Charak Samhita |titlemode=append |keywords= *shami, Prosopis spicigera Linn., Prosopis cineraria, khejri, sponge tree* Therapeutic use, herbs, researches on dravya, Charak Samhita, Dravyaguna, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, ancient Ayurveda text, Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, Charak, Charaka Samhita, agnivesha, atreya, gopal basisht, yogesh deole, charak samhita wikipedia edition, ch..."

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{{#seo:
|title=Charak Samhita
|titlemode=append
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{{Infobox
|title = Shami
|label1 = Section/Chapter
|data1 = Herb database/Shami
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|data2 = Prosopis spicigera Linn. (accepted name: Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce)
|label3 = Family
|data3 = Mimosaceae (Fabaceae, subfamily Mimosoideae)
|label4 = Availability
|data4 = Available
|label5 = Contributors
|data5 = [[Team Dravyaguna]]
|label6 = Year of publication
|data6 = 2026
|label7 = Publisher
|data7 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|label8 = DOI
|data8 = Awaited
}}

'''Prosopis spicigera Linn.''' (currently ''Prosopis cineraria'' (L.) Druce), popularly known as '''Shami''' or Khejri, is a drought-tolerant tree of dry and arid regions of India. It is called "Kalp Taru" or "Wonder Tree" because nearly all its parts are used.<ref name="Chaudhary2018">Chaudhary KK, Kumar G, Varshney A, Meghvansi MK, Ali SF, Karthik K, Dhama K, Siddiqui S, Kaul RK. Ethnopharmacological and phytopharmaceutical evaluation of Prosopis cineraria: an overview and future prospects. Current Drug Metabolism. 2018;19(3):192–214. doi:10.2174/1389200218666171031125439</ref>
In [[Ayurveda]] it appears in the Phala Varga and in the Kashaya-skandha of [[Charak Samhita]], and it is described as a Kapha-Pitta pacifying drug. Modern experimental studies have examined its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and wound-healing effects; these are summarised below together with its classical description.

== English name ==
Sponge tree, Khejri<ref name="Chaudhary2018"/>

Regional name:
As per API.<ref name="API"/>
* Bengali – Sain, Shami;
* Gujarati – Kheejado, Sami;
* Hindi – Chhonkar, Sami, Chhikur, Jhand, Khejra;
* Kannada – Banni, Kabanni;
* Malayalam – Parampu, Tambu, Vahni;
* Marathi – Sami, Saunder;
* Odia – Shami; Punjabi – Jand;
* Tamil – Vanni; Telugu – Jammi.

== Therapeutic Uses ==
Kushtha (skin disease including leprosy), Shvitra (leucoderma), Atisara/Pravahika (dysentery), Shvasa (asthma), Kasa (cough, bronchitis), Arsha (piles), Kamala (jaundice), Visha (insect and scorpion bite, bark applied externally).<ref name="Chaudhary2018"/><ref name="SDACH">Shami (Prosopis spicigera Linn.). Dravyaguna monograph. SDACH Ayurveda college website. Available from: https://www.sdach.ac.in/dravyaguna-vigyan-blogs/shami/</ref>

As per the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (leaf), the therapeutic uses are Arsha (piles), Atisara (diarrhoea), Balagraha (psychotic syndrome of children), Bhrama (vertigo), Krimi (worm infestation), Kasa (cough), Kushtha (leprosy / diseases of skin), Netraroga (diseases of the eye), Raktapitta (bleeding disorder), Shvasa (asthma) and Vishavikara (disorders due to poison).<ref name="API"/>

== Other Varieties / Other Botanical names ==
* Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce<ref name="Ukani2000">Ukani MD, Limbani NB, Mehta NK. A review on the Ayurvedic herb Prosopis cineraria (L) Druce. Ancient Science of Life. 2000;20(1–2):58–70. PMID: 22556999</ref>
* Mimosa cineraria L. (basionym)

== Synonyms in Charak Samhita ==
Shami, Shivaphala, Ishani, Mangalya, Papnashini

== Other Synonyms ==
Saktuphala, Tunga, Keshahantri, Phala, Shiva, Mangalya, Lakshmi, Shamira<ref name="SDACH"/>, Shankuphalika<ref name="API"/>

== Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Properties
|-
! Sr.no. !! Pharmacological criteria !! Properties
|-
| 1 || Taste (rasa) || Astringent (kashaya), Sweet (madhura); API (leaf): Bitter (tikta), Pungent (katu), Astringent (kashaya)<ref name="API"/>
|-
| 2 || Potency (veerya) || Cold (sheeta)
|-
| 3 || Post digestion effect (vipaka) || Pungent (katu)
|-
| 4 || Qualities (guna) || Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha)
|-
| 5 || Actions (karma) || Pacify Kapha and Pitta; API (leaf): Arshoghna, Krimighna, Kaphapittahara, Kushthaghna, Recaka, Sangrahaka, Vatakara<ref name="API"/>
|}



== Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Herbs and their activities
|-
! Sr.no. !! Reference in Charak Samhita !! Activity
|-
| 1 || Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/160 || Phala Varga
|-
| 2 || Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/144 || Kashaya-skandha
|-
| 3 || Cha.Sa. [[Kalpa Sthana]] 1/8 || Deshavichara
|-
| 4 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/49 || Dhupana yoga in arsha roga
|}

== Dose ==
* Leaf juice: 10–15 ml
* Powder: 2–4 g
* Decoction: 50–100 ml<ref name="SDACH"/>
* Leaf powder (churna): 3–5 g<ref name="API"/>

== Useful Part ==
Whole plant (bark, leaf and pod are the parts mainly used)<ref name="SDACH"/>. The API drug is the leaf (patra).<ref name="API"/>

== Important Formulations ==
* Used as a single drug (API, leaf).<ref name="API"/>

== Current Availability ==
Available. The tree occurs in the arid and semi-arid regions of the Indian subcontinent, and it is the state tree of Rajasthan.<ref name="Sharma2020">Sharma P, et al. Phyto-therapeutic potential of stem bark of the wonder tree, Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce in LPS-induced mouse model: an anti-inflammatory study. Clinical Phytoscience. 2020. doi:10.1186/s40816-020-00168-x</ref>

== Phytoconstituents ==
=== Flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and steroids ===
* Phytochemical studies of ''P. cineraria'' report flavone derivatives (prosogerin A–E), alkaloids (spicigerine and prosophylline), tannins (gallic acid), steroids (stigmasterol, campesterol and sitosterol), fatty acids and amino acids from different parts of the plant.<ref name="Chaudhary2018"/>

* Vitamin K, n-octacosyl acetate and patulitrin have also been listed.<ref name="SDACH"/>

* The API lists the leaf constituents as tannin-rich foliage and volatile fatty acid.<ref name="API"/>

=== Phenolics of the bark ===
The ethanolic bark extract contains large amounts of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and showed the highest antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging potential among the Prosopis extracts compared in one in vitro study.<ref name="Vegetos">In vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extract of Prosopis species growing in Rajasthan, India. Vegetos. Available from: https://vegetosindia.org/article/in-vitro-antioxidant-and-antidiabetic-activity-of-ethanolic-extract-of-prosopis-species-growing-in-rajasthan-india</ref>

== Therapeutic Efficacy: Pharmacological Evidence ==
The evidence summarised below is preclinical (animal and in vitro studies). No controlled human clinical trial of ''Prosopis cineraria'' was found during the preparation of this monograph.

=== Anti-inflammatory activity ===
A hydro-ethanol extract of the stem bark was tested at 100 and 300 mg/kg in LPS-induced inflammation in Swiss albino mice, and the authors reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential against the inflammatory cascade.<ref name="Sharma2020"/> This supports the traditional use of the bark in inflammatory conditions.

=== Antidiabetic activity ===
The chloroform fraction of ''P. cineraria'' (50 and 100 mg/kg for 21 days) significantly lowered blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, and restored body weight, liver glycogen and serum insulin; in vitro it also showed enzyme-inhibitory (α-amylase) activity.<ref name="Soni2018">Soni LK, Dobhal MP, Arya D, Bhagour K, Parasher P, Gupta RS. In vitro and in vivo antidiabetic activity of isolated fraction of Prosopis cineraria against streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes: a mechanistic study. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2018. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.099</ref>

=== Wound-healing and antioxidant activity ===
A phenolic-rich butanol fraction showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activity in vitro. As an ointment applied for 16 days in rats it accelerated wound repair, increased hydroxyproline content, shortened the epithelialisation period and lowered inflammatory markers.<ref name="Yadav2018">Yadav E, Singh D, Yadav P, Verma A. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Prosopis cineraria based phenolic rich ointment in wound healing. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2018. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.180</ref> This agrees with the traditional use of Shami for healing of skin wounds.

=== Other reported activities ===
Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anthelmintic, anticancer and antihyperlipidaemic activities have also been reported for the plant; these are mostly single animal or in vitro studies and need confirmation.<ref name="Sharma2020"/><ref name="Nemade2026">Nemade CT, Baste NS, Bihani MM, Surse S, Gawali SR. Update on phytochemistry and pharmacology of Shami Prosopis cineraria (L) Druce: a review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2026;15(3):414–424.</ref>

== Safety, Toxicity, and Precautions ==
* '''Toxicity:''' No formal human toxicity data were found during the preparation of this monograph. The pods are eaten as a vegetable in Punjab and Rajasthan.<ref name="SDACH"/>
* '''Precautions (inference, not from a cited study):''' Because blood-glucose-lowering effects have been reported in diabetic rats, caution is reasonable in patients taking antidiabetic drugs. Data on use in pregnancy, lactation and children are lacking.

== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
|+ Therapeutic Applications of ''Prosopis cineraria'' (preclinical evidence)
! Indication !! Experimental finding !! Type of evidence
|-
| '''Shotha / Amavata (inflammation, rheumatism)''' || Reduced LPS-induced inflammation by stem-bark extract || Mouse model
|-
| '''Prameha (diabetes)''' || Lowered blood glucose and HbA1c, restored insulin and liver glycogen (chloroform fraction) || Rat model; in vitro
|-
| '''Vrana (wounds)''' || Faster wound closure, higher hydroxyproline with butanol-fraction ointment || Rat model; in vitro
|-
| '''Oxidative stress''' || Strong free-radical scavenging by phenolic-rich bark extracts || In vitro
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="Chaudhary2018">Chaudhary KK, Kumar G, Varshney A, Meghvansi MK, Ali SF, Karthik K, Dhama K, Siddiqui S, Kaul RK. Ethnopharmacological and phytopharmaceutical evaluation of Prosopis cineraria: an overview and future prospects. Current Drug Metabolism. 2018;19(3):192–214. doi:10.2174/1389200218666171031125439</ref>
<ref name="Ukani2000">Ukani MD, Limbani NB, Mehta NK. A review on the Ayurvedic herb Prosopis cineraria (L) Druce. Ancient Science of Life. 2000;20(1–2):58–70. PMID: 22556999</ref>
<ref name="SDACH">Shami (Prosopis spicigera Linn.). Dravyaguna monograph. SDACH Ayurveda college website. Available from: https://www.sdach.ac.in/dravyaguna-vigyan-blogs/shami/</ref>
<ref name="Nemade2026">Nemade CT, Baste NS, Bihani MM, Surse S, Gawali SR. Update on phytochemistry and pharmacology of Shami Prosopis cineraria (L) Druce: a review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2026;15(3):414–424.</ref>
<ref name="Sharma2020">Sharma P, et al. Phyto-therapeutic potential of stem bark of the wonder tree, Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce in LPS-induced mouse model: an anti-inflammatory study. Clinical Phytoscience. 2020. doi:10.1186/s40816-020-00168-x</ref>
<ref name="Soni2018">Soni LK, Dobhal MP, Arya D, Bhagour K, Parasher P, Gupta RS. In vitro and in vivo antidiabetic activity of isolated fraction of Prosopis cineraria against streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes: a mechanistic study. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2018. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.099</ref>
<ref name="Yadav2018">Yadav E, Singh D, Yadav P, Verma A. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Prosopis cineraria based phenolic rich ointment in wound healing. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2018. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.180</ref>
<ref name="Vegetos">In vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extract of Prosopis species growing in Rajasthan, India. Vegetos. Available from: https://vegetosindia.org/article/in-vitro-antioxidant-and-antidiabetic-activity-of-ethanolic-extract-of-prosopis-species-growing-in-rajasthan-india</ref>
<ref name="API">The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Shami (Leaf). Appendix pages CLXXVI–CLXXVIII.</ref>
}}

[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]

Talk:Dhanyaka

Dridhabala — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 07:00:36 GMT

Traditional Context

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:00, 20 October 2026
Line 43:		Line 43:
	# Gramya		# Gramya
	# Vanya		# Vanya

	~~==Traditional Context==~~
	In Ayurvedic texts Dhanyaka is regarded as ''Tridoshahara'' (pacifying all three doshas), with sweet post-digestion effect (''madhura vipaka'') and hot potency (''ushna veerya''). It is used in formulations for kindling digestion and for fever.

	==Ayurvedic pharmacological properties==		==Ayurvedic pharmacological properties==

Talk:Nirgundi

Dridhabala — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 06:50:13 GMT