Talk:Ativisha: Difference between revisions

From Charak Samhita
Jump to navigation Jump to search
VisualWikitext
Maitreya (talk | contribs)
252 edits
Created page with "Aconitum heterophyllum WALL. {{Infobox |title = Ativisha |label1 = Section/Chapter |data1 = Herb database/Ativisha |label2 = Botanical name(s) |data2 = Aconitum heterophyllu..."
 
Dridhabala (talk | contribs)
239 edits
No edit summary
 
(16 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
Aconitum heterophyllum WALL.  
{{#seo:
|title=Charak Samhita
|titlemode=append
|keywords= Ativisha, Aconitum heterophyllum WALL., Indian Atees, 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, 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=
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
|image_alt=charak samhita
|type=article
}}
 


{{Infobox
{{Infobox
Line 6: Line 15:
|data1 = Herb database/Ativisha
|data1 = Herb database/Ativisha
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|data2 = Aconitum heterophyllum WALL.  
|data2 = [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aconitum_heterophyllum Aconitum heterophyllum WALL.]
|label3 = Contributors
|label3 = Family
|data3 = --
|data3 = Ranunculaceae
|label4 = Year of publication  
|label4 = Availability
|data4 =  2021
|data4 = Available
|label5 = Publisher  
|label5 = Contributors
|data5 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|data5 = [[Team Dravyaguna]]
|label6 = DOI  
|label6 = Year of publication  
|data6 = Awaited
|data6 =  2026
|label7 = Publisher  
|data7 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|label8 = DOI  
|data8 = Awaited
}}
}}


==English name ==
'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aconitum_heterophyllum Aconitum heterophyllum WALL.]''', popularly known as '''Ativisha''' or '''Indian Atees''', is a perennial herb native to the alpine and sub-alpine regions of the Himalayas.<ref name="Wani2022" /> In [[Ayurveda]], it is highly valued as a prominent drug for managing fevers (''Jvara''), digestive ailments, and pediatric disorders, acting as an ''Ama''-pachana and Kapha-Pitta pacifying medicine.<ref name="API" /><ref name="Mathew2023" />


== English Name ==
Indian Atees
Indian Atees


==Therapeutic Use==
== Therapeutic Use ==
 
Worms (Krimiroga), Fever (Jvara), Cough (Kasa), Vomiting (Chhardi), Amatisara<ref name="API" />
Worms (Krimiroga), Fever (Jvara), Cough (Kasa), Vomitting (Chhardi), Amatisara
 
==Other varieties / Other botanical names==


== Other Varieties / Other Botanical names ==
* Aconitum heterophyllum Wallich
* Aconitum heterophyllum Wallich
* Aconitum palmatum
* Aconitum palmatum
* Aconitum kashmiricum
* Aconitum kashmiricum


==Identification Characters==
'''Shuklakanda''' – Root tubers are white in colour.
'''Shrungi''' – Root tubers are horn shaped.
==Types==
Based on colours of root tubers: '''Raja Nighantu'''
* Rakta – Red tubers
* Sweta – White tubers
* Krisna – Black tubers


== Identification Characters ==
* '''Shuklakanda''' &ndash; Root tubers are white in colour.
* '''Shrungi''' &ndash; Root tubers are horn shaped.<ref name="Bhavaprakash" />


== Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
== Types ==
Based on colours of root tubers as per '''Raja Nighantu''':<ref name="RajaNighantu" />
* Rakta &ndash; Red tubers
* Sweta &ndash; White tubers
* Krisna &ndash; Black tubers


Ativisha, Shrungi(Root tubers are horn shape), Virupa, Pittadivallabha(Ativisha is efficacious in pittaja roga), Shwetvaca, Visha, Maadri(Plant grows in maadra desh)
== Synonyms in Charak Samhita ==


==Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu==
* Ativisha
* Shrungi &ndash; Root tubers are horn-shaped.
* Virupa
* Pittadivallabha &ndash; Efficacious in Pittaja roga.
* Shwetvaca
* Visha
* Maadri &ndash; Plant grows in Maadra desh.


Visha(it assimilated quickly), Ativisha, Vishva, Shrungi(Root tubers are horn shape), Prativisha, Aruna, Shuklakanda(Root tubers are white in colour.), Upavisha, Bhangura, Dhunavallabha(Root tubers are quickly infested.)
== Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu ==
<ref name="Bhavaprakash" />
* Visha &ndash; It assimilates quickly.
* Ativisha
* Vishva
* Shrungi &ndash; Root tubers are horn-shaped.
* Prativisha
* Aruna
* Shuklakanda &ndash; Root tubers are white in colour.
* Upavisha
* Bhangura
* Dhunavallabha &ndash; Root tubers are quickly infested.


== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==
== Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties ==
According to classical Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics (''Rasa Panchaka''), Ativisha has the following properties:<ref name="API" />


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left;"
|+ Properties
! Sr. No. !! Pharmacological Criteria !! Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes)
|-
! Sr.no. !! Pharmacological criteria !! Properties
|-
|-
| 1 || Taste ([[rasa]]) || Bitter (tikta), Pungent (katu)
| 1 || Taste (''[[Rasa]]'') || Bitter (''Tikta''), Pungent (''Katu'')
|-
|-
| 2 || Potency ([[veerya]]) || Hot (ushna)
| 2 || Potency (''[[Veerya]]'') || Hot (''Ushna'')
|-
|-
| 3 || Post digestion effect ([[vipaka]]) || Pungent (katu)
| 3 || Post-digestion Effect (''[[Vipaka]]'') || Pungent (''Katu'')
|-
|-
| 4 || Qualities ([[guna]])|| Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha)
| 4 || Qualities (''[[Guna]]'') || Light (''Laghu''), Rough (''Ruksha'')
|-
|-
| 5 || Actions ([[karma]]) || Reduces [[vata]], [[pitta]] and [[kapha]]
| 5 || Dosha Action (''[[Karma]]'') || Reduces Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
|}
|}


== Reference in Charak Samhita and its Actions ==
Ativisha is prominently documented across multiple therapeutic chapters of the ''[[Charaka Samhita]]'':


== Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left;"
 
! Sr. No. !! Reference in Charak Samhita !! Activity / Formulation / Therapeutic Use
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Herbs and their activities
|-
|-
! Sr.no. !! Reference in Charak Samhita !! Activity
| 1 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(3) || Lekhaniya mahakashaya (ingredient of group of herbs for treatment of emaciation)
|-
|-
|1
| 2 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(12) || Arshoghna mahakashay (ingredient of group of herbs for treatment of piles)
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]].  4/9(3)
|Lekhaniya  mahakashaya
|-
|-
|2
| 3 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 23/19 || Santarpanajanya vikar chikitsa (management of over-nutrition disease)
|Sutra sthana  4/9(12)
|Arshoghna  mahakashay
|-
|-
|3
| 4 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40 || Agrya Sangraha
|Ch Su 23/19
|Santarpanajanya  vikar chikitsa
|-
|-
|4
| 5 || Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/139 || Madhur skanda (group of sweet drugs)
|Ch Su 25/40
|Agrya Sangraha
|-
|-
|5
| 6 || Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/143 || Tiktaskandha (group of bitter drugs)
|Ch Vi 8/139
|Madhur skanda
|-
|-
|6
| 7 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/204 || As an ingredient of Vatsakadi kashaya
|Vimana Sthana 8/143
|Tiktaskandha
|-
|-
|7
| 8 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/219 || As an ingredient of Pippalyadi Ghrita
|Cha.Sa. Chi.3/204
|As an ingredient of Vatsakadi kashaya.
|-
|-
|8
| 9 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 6/38 || Trikantakadhya Tail/Ghrit in Vata-kaphaj prameha
|Cha.Sa. Chi.3/219
|As an ingredient of Pippalyadi Ghrita.
|-
|-
|9
| 10 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 6/42 || Ingredient in Madhvasava
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 6/38
|Trikantakadhya Tail/Ghrit in Vata-kaphaj prameh
|-
|-
|10
| 11 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 11/16 || As a diet and drinks in treatment of Kshatakshina
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 6/42
|Ingredient  in Madhvasav
|-
|-
|11
| 12 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 12/44 || Ingredient in Kshar Gudika
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 11/16
|As a diet  and drinks in treatment of  Kshatakshina
|-
|-
|12
| 13 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 13/159 || In formulation of Pippalyadi lavana
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 12/44
|Ingredient in Kshar Gudika
|-
|-
|13
| 14 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/187 || Used for raktastambhana
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/159
|In  formulation of pipplyadi lavana
|-
|-
|14
| 15 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/230 || As an ingredient of Hriberadi ghrita
|Cha Sa.ChikitsaSthan14/187
|Used for  raktastambhana
|-
|-
|15
| 16 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/236 || As an ingredient of Sunishanak changeri ghrita
|Cha Sa.ChikitsaSthan 14/230
|As an ingredient of hriberadi ghrit
|-
|-
|16
| 17 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/98 || Kalka of this drug is used for Aampachan (with usnodaka)
|Cha Sa.ChikitsaSthan 14/236
|As an  ingredient of sunishanak changeri ghrit
|-
|-
|17
| 18 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/99 || Churna of this drug with combination of vaca, musta, etc. is given in aam and shoola yukta mala
|Cha. Sa.. ChikitsaSthana
 
15/98
|Kalka of this drug is used for aampachan
 
(With  usnodaka)
|-
|-
|18
| 19 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/101 || Churna with hingu, abhaya, vaca etc. used in Sama and Vatakapha adhika grahani with kostha shola
|Cha. Sa..ChikitsaSthana 15/99
|Churna of  this drug with combination of vaca,musta, etc. is given in aam and shoola  yukta mala
|-
|-
|19
| 20 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/105 || Used in Kaphapittaja grahani
|Cha. Sa..ChikitsaSthana 15/101
|Churna of  this drug with combination of hingu,abhaya, vaca etc is used in Sama and  Vatakapha adhika grahani with kostha shola
|-
|-
|20
| 21 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/129 || As an ingredient of Nagaradhya churna
|Cha. Sa..ChikitsaSthana 15/105
|Used in  kaphapittaja grahani
|-
|-
|21
| 22 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/134, 15/138 || As an ingredient of Kiratadhya churna (Pittaja Grahani chikitsa)
|Cha. Sa..ChikitsaSthana 15/129
|As an ingredient of Nagaradhya churna
|-
|-
|22
| 23 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/165 || As an ingredient of Madhvarista
|Cha. Sa..ChikitsaSthan
 
15/134, 15/138
|As an ingredient of Kiratadhya churna (Pittaja Grahani chiktsa)
|-
|-
|23
| 24 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/173 || As an ingredient of Pipallimuladhya Kshara
|Cha. Sa..ChikitsaSthana 15/165
|As an ingredient of Madhvarista
|-
|-
|24
| 25 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/186 || Used in preparation of Chaturtha Kshara
|Cha. Sa..ChikitsaSthana 15/173
|As an  ingredient of Pipallimuladhya Kshara
|-
|-
|25
| 26 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 16/61 || As an ingredient of Vishaladi Phanta
|Cha. Sa..ChikitsaSthana 15/186
|Used in  preparation of Chaturtha Kshara
|-
|-
|26
| 27 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 18/115 || As an ingredient of Nagaradi yoga
|Cha. Sa. Chi. 16/61
|As an ingredient of Vishaladi Phanta
|-
|-
|27
| 28 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/22 || As an ama pachak dravya
|Cha.sa.chi.18/115
|As an ingredient  of nagaradi yoga.
|-
|-
|28
| 29 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/51 || As an ingredient of Ativishadi yoga
|Cha.sa.chi. 19/22
|As a ama pachak dravya
|-
|-
|29
| 30 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/105 || As a kwatha dravya
|Cha.sa.chi.19/51
|As an ingredient of ativishadi yoga.
|-
|-
|30
| 31 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/108 || As an ingredient of Rasanjanadi yoga
|Cha.sa.chi.19/105,
|As a kwatha dravya
|-
|-
|31
| 32 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/21 || As an ingredient of Vachadi churna
|Cha.sa.chi.19/108
|As an ingredient of rasanjanadi yoga.
|-
|-
|32
| 33 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/97 || As an ingredient of Katphaladi kashaya
|Cha.sa.Chi.26/21
|As an ingredient of Vachadi churna.
|-
|-
|33
| 34 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/101 || Used in Hrudshoola
|Cha.sa.Chi.26/97
|As an ingredient of Katphaladi kashaya.
|-
|-
|34
| 35 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/201 || As an ingredient of Katukadi kashaya
|Cha.sa.Chi.26/101
|Used in hrudshoola.
|-
|-
|35
| 36 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 27/35 || As an ingredient of Murvadi Choorna
|Cha.sa.Chi.26/201
|As an ingredient ofKatukadi kashaya.
|-
|-
|36
| 37 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 27/36 || As an ingredient of Swarnakshiradi Choorna
|Ca.Sa.Chi.27/35
|As an ingredient  of Murvadi Choorna
|-
|-
|37
| 38 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/151 || As an ingredient of Bala taila
|Ca.Sa.Chi.27/36
|As an ingredient of Swarnakshiradi Choorna
|-
|-
|38
| 39 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/168 || As an ingredient of Mulakadhya taila
|Cha.Sa. Chi.28/151
|}
|As an ingredient of Bala taila.
 
== Purification (Shodhana) ==
Ativisha tuberous roots are cut into pieces and kept in Gomutra kvatha for 3 hours and then dried in sunlight.<ref name="Shodhana" />
 
== Dose ==
* '''Powder (''Churna''):''' 0.6 &ndash; 2 g daily.<ref name="API" />
 
== Important Formulations ==
As per A.P.I.<ref name="API" />
* Mahavisagarbha Taila
* Rodhrasava
* Siva gulika
* Laksmi narayana rasa
* Rasnaerandadi kvatha Churna
* Sudarshana Churna
* Panchatikta Guggulu Ghrita
* Bala Chaturbhadra Churna
 
== Current Availability ==
Available
* '''In India:''' Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
* '''Out of India:''' Northern Pakistan, Nepal
 
Conservation status: the species is reported as critically endangered because of over-harvesting.<ref name="Wani2022" />
 
== Major Phytoconstituents ==
The pharmacological properties of ''Aconitum heterophyllum'' are primarily attributed to its diterpenoid alkaloids, which are concentrated in the root tubers:<ref name="Mathew2023" />
* '''Diterpenoid Alkaloids:''' Atisine,<ref name="Malhotra2014" /><ref name="Jowett1896" /> atidine,<ref name="Jowett1896" /> heteratisine and benzoylheteratisine, and aconitine (used as the HPLC marker compound for standardisation).<ref name="Prasad2014" /> Heterophylline, heterophylloidine, fischimine and aconine derivatives <sup>[citation needed]</sup>
* '''Lactones & Flavonoids:''' Bitter principles and phenolic compounds contributing to digestive and anti-inflammatory actions
 
== Therapeutic Efficacy & Modern Scientific Research ==
Modern pharmacological evaluations and experimental research support some of the traditional therapeutic indications of ''Aconitum heterophyllum'':
 
=== 1. Anti-diarrheal Action (''Atisara'') ===
* '''Traditional Use:''' Widely used for ''Amatisara'' (diarrhea associated with toxic metabolic wastes) and pediatric gastrointestinal disturbances.<ref name="API" /><ref name="Mathew2023" />
* '''Mechanism & Scientific Evidence:''' In rat models, an ethanol extract of the roots showed anti-diarrheal activity in castor oil-induced diarrhea and fecal excretion tests. Further tests showed reduced small intestinal transit, reduced intestinal fluid accumulation and inhibition of PGE2-induced enteropooling, indicating antisecretory and antimotility effects that appear to be mediated through the nitric oxide pathway.<ref name="Prasad2014" />
 
=== 2. Antipyretic and Anti-inflammatory Properties (''Jvara'') ===
* '''Traditional Use:''' Root tubers are commonly used in pediatric medicine for fever management and have been used as an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agent.<ref name="Mathew2023" />
* '''Mechanism & Scientific Evidence:''' A network pharmacology and docking study, validated in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, found that a root extract reduced nitric oxide release and iNOS expression, and suppressed EGFR/AKT1 and EGFR/JAK2/STAT3 signalling.<ref name="Meng2025" /> These findings are preclinical (in silico and in vitro); direct experimental evidence for the antipyretic effect was not identified in the sources reviewed.
 
=== 3. Antimicrobial Activity ===
* '''Traditional Use:''' Used to combat infections and normalize bodily humors.<ref name="Mathew2023" />
* '''Mechanism & Scientific Evidence:''' An aconitine-standardised root extract (0.0833% w/w aconitine) showed antibacterial activity against microbes implicated in diarrhea.<ref name="Prasad2014" />
 
== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
|+ Therapeutic Applications of ''Aconitum heterophyllum''
! Indication
! Active Biomolecules
! Primary Pharmacological Action
|-
| '''Diarrhea & Dysentery (''Atisara'')'''
| Diterpenoid alkaloids (aconitine used as marker)
| Anti-motility, anti-secretory, antibacterial<ref name="Prasad2014" />
|-
|-
|39
| '''Fever & Inflammation (''Jvara'')'''
|Cha. Sa. Chi.28/168
| Diterpenoid alkaloids
|As an ingredient of Mulakadhya taila.
| Traditional antipyretic use;<ref name="Mathew2023" /> inhibition of NO release and EGFR/JAK2/STAT3 signalling in vitro<ref name="Meng2025" />
|-
| '''Microbial Infections'''
| Aconitine-standardised extract
| Antibacterial activity in vitro<ref name="Prasad2014" />
|}
|}


== Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage ==
* '''Precautions:''' Raw or unpurified roots contain potent aconite-type alkaloids that can be toxic; hence, strict adherence to classical purification (''Shodhana'') processes is mandatory prior to therapeutic usage.<ref name="Shodhana" />
* '''Standard Therapeutic Dosage:'''
** ''Root Powder (Churna):'' 0.6&ndash;2 g daily.<ref name="API" />


 
== References ==
== Current availability==  
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="API">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Part I, Vol. I. New Delhi: Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; 1986. p. 14.</ref>


Available
<ref name="RajaNighantu">Tripathi I, editor. Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, Pippalyadi Varga, verse 136. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy. </ref>
<ref name="Bhavaprakash">Bhavamishra. Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, verses 186&ndash;187. Chunekar KC, editor. Reprint ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati Academy; 2015.</ref>
<ref name="Shodhana">Tripathi I, editor. Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, Pippalyadi Varga, verse 137. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy.</ref>
<ref name="Prasad2014">Prasad SK, Jain D, Patel DK, Sahu AN, Hemalatha S. Antisecretory and antimotility activity of ''Aconitum heterophyllum'' and its significance in treatment of diarrhea. ''Indian J Pharmacol''. 2014;46(1):82&ndash;87. [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3912813/ PMC3912813]</ref>
<ref name="Mathew2023">Mathew A, Chandrashekar KS, Kishore A, Pai V, Aswatha Ram HN, Pemmereddy R. Therapeutic potential of ''Aconitum heterophyllum'': a review on phyto-pharmacological properties. ''Res J Pharm Technol''. 2023;16(1):470&ndash;476.</ref>
<ref name="Meng2025">Meng X, Xu X, Shi L, Liu Y, Deng J, Huang X. Network pharmacology combining molecular docking to unveil the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ''Aconitum heterophyllum''. ''Food Nutr Health''. 2025;2:7. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s44403-025-00016-1 doi:10.1007/s44403-025-00016-1]</ref>
<ref name="Wani2022">Wani TA, Kaloo ZA, Dangroo NA. ''Aconitum heterophyllum'' Wall. ex Royle: a critically endangered medicinal herb with rich potential for use in medicine. ''J Integr Med''. 2022;20(2):104&ndash;113. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2021.12.004 doi:10.1016/j.joim.2021.12.004]</ref>
<ref name="Malhotra2014">Malhotra N, Kumar V, Sood H, Singh TR, Chauhan RS. Multiple genes of mevalonate and non-mevalonate pathways contribute to high aconites content in an endangered medicinal herb, ''Aconitum heterophyllum'' Wall. ''Phytochemistry''. 2014;108:26&ndash;34. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2014.08.025 doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2014.08.025]</ref>
<ref name="Jowett1896">Jowett HAD. Contributions to our knowledge of the aconite alkaloids. Part XIII. On atisine, the alkaloid of ''Aconitum heterophyllum''. ''J Chem Soc Trans''. 1896;69:1518&ndash;1526. [https://doi.org/10.1039/CT8966901518 doi:10.1039/CT8966901518]</ref>
}}


== Current researches ==
[[Index.php?title=Category:Database of herbs and minerals| Herbs]]


[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
''This article is under development ..''
  This article is under development ..

Latest revision as of 09:30, 6 October 2026


Ativisha
Section/Chapter Herb database/Ativisha
Botanical name(s) Aconitum heterophyllum WALL.
Family Ranunculaceae
Availability Available
Contributors Team Dravyaguna
Year of publication 2026
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI Awaited

Aconitum heterophyllum WALL., popularly known as Ativisha or Indian Atees, is a perennial herb native to the alpine and sub-alpine regions of the Himalayas.[1] In Ayurveda, it is highly valued as a prominent drug for managing fevers (Jvara), digestive ailments, and pediatric disorders, acting as an Ama-pachana and Kapha-Pitta pacifying medicine.[2][3]

English Name

Indian Atees

Therapeutic Use

Worms (Krimiroga), Fever (Jvara), Cough (Kasa), Vomiting (Chhardi), Amatisara[2]

Other Varieties / Other Botanical names

  • Aconitum heterophyllum Wallich
  • Aconitum palmatum
  • Aconitum kashmiricum


Identification Characters

  • Shuklakanda – Root tubers are white in colour.
  • Shrungi – Root tubers are horn shaped.[4]

Types

Based on colours of root tubers as per Raja Nighantu:[5]

  • Rakta – Red tubers
  • Sweta – White tubers
  • Krisna – Black tubers

Synonyms in Charak Samhita

  • Ativisha
  • Shrungi – Root tubers are horn-shaped.
  • Virupa
  • Pittadivallabha – Efficacious in Pittaja roga.
  • Shwetvaca
  • Visha
  • Maadri – Plant grows in Maadra desh.

Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

[4]

  • Visha – It assimilates quickly.
  • Ativisha
  • Vishva
  • Shrungi – Root tubers are horn-shaped.
  • Prativisha
  • Aruna
  • Shuklakanda – Root tubers are white in colour.
  • Upavisha
  • Bhangura
  • Dhunavallabha – Root tubers are quickly infested.

Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties

According to classical Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics (Rasa Panchaka), Ativisha has the following properties:[2]

Sr. No. Pharmacological Criteria Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes)
1 Taste (Rasa) Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
2 Potency (Veerya) Hot (Ushna)
3 Post-digestion Effect (Vipaka) Pungent (Katu)
4 Qualities (Guna) Light (Laghu), Rough (Ruksha)
5 Dosha Action (Karma) Reduces Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

Reference in Charak Samhita and its Actions

Ativisha is prominently documented across multiple therapeutic chapters of the Charaka Samhita:

Sr. No. Reference in Charak Samhita Activity / Formulation / Therapeutic Use
1 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(3) Lekhaniya mahakashaya (ingredient of group of herbs for treatment of emaciation)
2 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(12) Arshoghna mahakashay (ingredient of group of herbs for treatment of piles)
3 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 23/19 Santarpanajanya vikar chikitsa (management of over-nutrition disease)
4 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 25/40 Agrya Sangraha
5 Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/139 Madhur skanda (group of sweet drugs)
6 Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/143 Tiktaskandha (group of bitter drugs)
7 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/204 As an ingredient of Vatsakadi kashaya
8 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/219 As an ingredient of Pippalyadi Ghrita
9 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/38 Trikantakadhya Tail/Ghrit in Vata-kaphaj prameha
10 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/42 Ingredient in Madhvasava
11 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/16 As a diet and drinks in treatment of Kshatakshina
12 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/44 Ingredient in Kshar Gudika
13 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/159 In formulation of Pippalyadi lavana
14 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/187 Used for raktastambhana
15 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/230 As an ingredient of Hriberadi ghrita
16 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/236 As an ingredient of Sunishanak changeri ghrita
17 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/98 Kalka of this drug is used for Aampachan (with usnodaka)
18 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/99 Churna of this drug with combination of vaca, musta, etc. is given in aam and shoola yukta mala
19 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/101 Churna with hingu, abhaya, vaca etc. used in Sama and Vatakapha adhika grahani with kostha shola
20 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/105 Used in Kaphapittaja grahani
21 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/129 As an ingredient of Nagaradhya churna
22 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/134, 15/138 As an ingredient of Kiratadhya churna (Pittaja Grahani chikitsa)
23 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/165 As an ingredient of Madhvarista
24 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/173 As an ingredient of Pipallimuladhya Kshara
25 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/186 Used in preparation of Chaturtha Kshara
26 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/61 As an ingredient of Vishaladi Phanta
27 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/115 As an ingredient of Nagaradi yoga
28 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/22 As an ama pachak dravya
29 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/51 As an ingredient of Ativishadi yoga
30 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/105 As a kwatha dravya
31 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/108 As an ingredient of Rasanjanadi yoga
32 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/21 As an ingredient of Vachadi churna
33 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/97 As an ingredient of Katphaladi kashaya
34 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/101 Used in Hrudshoola
35 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/201 As an ingredient of Katukadi kashaya
36 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/35 As an ingredient of Murvadi Choorna
37 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/36 As an ingredient of Swarnakshiradi Choorna
38 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/151 As an ingredient of Bala taila
39 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/168 As an ingredient of Mulakadhya taila

Purification (Shodhana)

Ativisha tuberous roots are cut into pieces and kept in Gomutra kvatha for 3 hours and then dried in sunlight.[6]

Dose

  • Powder (Churna): 0.6 – 2 g daily.[2]

Important Formulations

As per A.P.I.[2]

  • Mahavisagarbha Taila
  • Rodhrasava
  • Siva gulika
  • Laksmi narayana rasa
  • Rasnaerandadi kvatha Churna
  • Sudarshana Churna
  • Panchatikta Guggulu Ghrita
  • Bala Chaturbhadra Churna

Current Availability

Available

  • In India: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
  • Out of India: Northern Pakistan, Nepal

Conservation status: the species is reported as critically endangered because of over-harvesting.[1]

Major Phytoconstituents

The pharmacological properties of Aconitum heterophyllum are primarily attributed to its diterpenoid alkaloids, which are concentrated in the root tubers:[3]

  • Diterpenoid Alkaloids: Atisine,[7][8] atidine,[8] heteratisine and benzoylheteratisine, and aconitine (used as the HPLC marker compound for standardisation).[9] Heterophylline, heterophylloidine, fischimine and aconine derivatives [citation needed]
  • Lactones & Flavonoids: Bitter principles and phenolic compounds contributing to digestive and anti-inflammatory actions

Therapeutic Efficacy & Modern Scientific Research

Modern pharmacological evaluations and experimental research support some of the traditional therapeutic indications of Aconitum heterophyllum:

1. Anti-diarrheal Action (Atisara)

  • Traditional Use: Widely used for Amatisara (diarrhea associated with toxic metabolic wastes) and pediatric gastrointestinal disturbances.[2][3]
  • Mechanism & Scientific Evidence: In rat models, an ethanol extract of the roots showed anti-diarrheal activity in castor oil-induced diarrhea and fecal excretion tests. Further tests showed reduced small intestinal transit, reduced intestinal fluid accumulation and inhibition of PGE2-induced enteropooling, indicating antisecretory and antimotility effects that appear to be mediated through the nitric oxide pathway.[9]

2. Antipyretic and Anti-inflammatory Properties (Jvara)

  • Traditional Use: Root tubers are commonly used in pediatric medicine for fever management and have been used as an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agent.[3]
  • Mechanism & Scientific Evidence: A network pharmacology and docking study, validated in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, found that a root extract reduced nitric oxide release and iNOS expression, and suppressed EGFR/AKT1 and EGFR/JAK2/STAT3 signalling.[10] These findings are preclinical (in silico and in vitro); direct experimental evidence for the antipyretic effect was not identified in the sources reviewed.

3. Antimicrobial Activity

  • Traditional Use: Used to combat infections and normalize bodily humors.[3]
  • Mechanism & Scientific Evidence: An aconitine-standardised root extract (0.0833% w/w aconitine) showed antibacterial activity against microbes implicated in diarrhea.[9]

Summary of Therapeutic Profile

Therapeutic Applications of Aconitum heterophyllum
Indication Active Biomolecules Primary Pharmacological Action
Diarrhea & Dysentery (Atisara) Diterpenoid alkaloids (aconitine used as marker) Anti-motility, anti-secretory, antibacterial[9]
Fever & Inflammation (Jvara) Diterpenoid alkaloids Traditional antipyretic use;[3] inhibition of NO release and EGFR/JAK2/STAT3 signalling in vitro[10]
Microbial Infections Aconitine-standardised extract Antibacterial activity in vitro[9]

Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage

  • Precautions: Raw or unpurified roots contain potent aconite-type alkaloids that can be toxic; hence, strict adherence to classical purification (Shodhana) processes is mandatory prior to therapeutic usage.[6]
  • Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
    • Root Powder (Churna): 0.6–2 g daily.[2]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Wani TA, Kaloo ZA, Dangroo NA. Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex Royle: a critically endangered medicinal herb with rich potential for use in medicine. J Integr Med. 2022;20(2):104–113. doi:10.1016/j.joim.2021.12.004
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Part I, Vol. I. New Delhi: Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; 1986. p. 14.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Mathew A, Chandrashekar KS, Kishore A, Pai V, Aswatha Ram HN, Pemmereddy R. Therapeutic potential of Aconitum heterophyllum: a review on phyto-pharmacological properties. Res J Pharm Technol. 2023;16(1):470–476.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Bhavamishra. Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, verses 186–187. Chunekar KC, editor. Reprint ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati Academy; 2015.
  5. ↑ Tripathi I, editor. Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, Pippalyadi Varga, verse 136. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Tripathi I, editor. Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, Pippalyadi Varga, verse 137. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy.
  7. ↑ Malhotra N, Kumar V, Sood H, Singh TR, Chauhan RS. Multiple genes of mevalonate and non-mevalonate pathways contribute to high aconites content in an endangered medicinal herb, Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. Phytochemistry. 2014;108:26–34. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2014.08.025
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Jowett HAD. Contributions to our knowledge of the aconite alkaloids. Part XIII. On atisine, the alkaloid of Aconitum heterophyllum. J Chem Soc Trans. 1896;69:1518–1526. doi:10.1039/CT8966901518
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 Prasad SK, Jain D, Patel DK, Sahu AN, Hemalatha S. Antisecretory and antimotility activity of Aconitum heterophyllum and its significance in treatment of diarrhea. Indian J Pharmacol. 2014;46(1):82–87. PMC3912813
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Meng X, Xu X, Shi L, Liu Y, Deng J, Huang X. Network pharmacology combining molecular docking to unveil the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Aconitum heterophyllum. Food Nutr Health. 2025;2:7. doi:10.1007/s44403-025-00016-1

Herbs

This article is under development ..

Retrieved from "https://www.charakasamhitauptodate.com/index.php?title=Talk:Ativisha&oldid=45793"