Talk:Bruhati
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Bruhati |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Solanum anguivi LAM. |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Solanum anguivi LAM. (syn. *Solanum indicum* L.), popularly known as Bruhati, is an erect, prickly shrub belonging to the family Solanaceae. It is highly esteemed in Ayurveda as a prominent medicinal plant, particularly valued for its role in respiratory health (*Kanthya*), pain relief, and pacifying Kapha and Vata doshas.
English name
Indian nightshade, Poison berry
Therapeutic uses
Sula (pain), Swasa (dyspnea), Hridroga (heart disease), Jwara (fever), Agnimandya (loss of appetite)[1]
Other varieties / Other botanical names
- Solanum aethiopicum subsp. anguivi (Lam.) Banfi, Galasso & Bartolucci
- Solanum hermannii Dunal
- Solanum indicum var. brevipedicellatum Bitter
- Solanum sodomeum L.
- (and numerous other taxonomic synonyms and regional variations)
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Vyaghri, Mahati, Kuli, Simhi (very efficacious in kasa), Rashtrika, Hinguli, Vartaki (common plant available in all regions), Sinhi, Mahoshtri, Dushpragarshini
Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
Kshudhrabhantaki[2]
Varieties Mentioned in Nighantus
Raja Nighantu
Mentioned 3 types[3]
- Bruhati
- Sarpatanu
- Swetabruhati
Botanical Profile & Traditional Context
In traditional Ayurvedic therapeutics, Bruhati is classified under prominent groups like *Kanthya* (beneficial for voice and throat) and *Jwarahara* (antipyretic). Possessing a pungent and bitter taste (*katu, tikta rasa*), hot potency (*ushna veerya*), and sharp qualities (*tikshna guna*), it is highly effective in counteracting respiratory distress, cough, and localized inflammation.
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Pungent (katu), Bitter (tikta) |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Hot (ushna) |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Pungent (katu) |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha), Sharp (tikshna) |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Pacify kapha and vata |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/12 | Asthapana (therapeutic enema) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(9) | Kanthya mahakashaya (beneficial for throat & voice) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(30) | Hikkanigrahana mahakashaya (reducing hiccups) |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(38) | Shwayathuhara mahakashaya (relieving respiratory distress/edema) |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(39) | Jwarahara mahakashaya (relieving fever) |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(44) | Angamarda prashamana mahakashaya (relieving body-ache) |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 5/65 | Anutaila dravya |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/139 | Madhura skandha (group of sweet drugs) |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 1/1/42 | In formulation of Brahma rasayana |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/210 | As an ingredient of Bruhatyadi kashaya used in sannipata jwara (fever) |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/213 | As an ingredient of Bruhatyadi gana used in sannipata jwara and kasadi upadrava |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/224 | As an ingredient of Baladi ghrita |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/234 | Used as Panchamuli shruta paya in kasa, svasa, sirashoola, parshvashoola, jwara |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/267 | As an ingredient of Agurvadi taila |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/67 | To increase effect of Trayushanaadi ghrita |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/97 | Mixed with Shilajatu prayoga |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/143 | Ingredient in Bhallatakadya ghrita for kaphaja gulma (abdominal lump) |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/149 | Ingredient of Mishraka sneha |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/167 | Panaka in kaphaja gulma |
| 20 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/46 | As Asthapana basti dravya |
| 21 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/65 | Ingredient in Mustadi churna |
| 22 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/81 | Ingredient in Triphalasava |
| 23 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/88 | Bahyaprayogartha lepa in mandala kushtha (skin disease) |
| 24 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/102 | Bahyaprayogartha taila in kushtha |
| 25 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/108 | Ingredient in Tiktekshvadi taila for abhyanga in Vata-Kaphaja kushtha |
| 26 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/112 | Ingredient in Kanakakshiri taila |
| 27 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/128 | Abhyantara and bahyaprayogartha pana, snana, lepa |
| 28 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/91 | As a nasya dravya |
| 29 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/93 | Ingredient in Uttarbhatika ghrita |
| 30 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/114 | Ingredient in Baladi kshirapaka |
| 31 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/133 | Diet and drinks for diarrhoea in rajayakshma |
| 32 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/168 | Ingredient in Rajayakshma nashaka ghrita |
| 33 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/36 | Ingredient in Kalyanak ghrita |
| 34 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/42 | Ingredient in Mahakalyanak ghrita |
| 35 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/52 | Ingredient in Apara lasunadya ghrita |
| 36 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/18 | Ingredient in Mahapanchagavya ghrita |
| 37 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/36 | Ingredient in Amrutprasha ghrita |
| 38 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/56 | Ingredient in Dvitiya sarpiguda |
| 39 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/62 | Ingredient in Tritiya sarpiguda |
| 40 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/29 | Ingredient in Gandiradhyarishta |
| 41 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/50 | Ingredient in Kansaharitaki avaleha |
| 42 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/73 | As an unmardana dravya in kaphaja shvayathu |
| 43 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/65 | In treatment of vatodara for anuvasana basti |
| 44 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/113 | As an ingredient of Panchakola ghrita |
| 45 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/50 | Dhupana yoga in arsha roga |
| 46 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/144 | As an ingredient of Dantyarishta |
| 47 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/82 | As an ingredient of Dashamuladya ghrita |
| 48 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/106 | Agnivruddhiartha and for alleviating kosthagata kayagni in grahaniroga |
| 49 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/156 | As an ingredient of Mulasava |
| 50 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/96 | Used in yusha preparation for hikka svasa |
| 51 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/102 | Used in yavagu preparation for hikka svasa |
| 52 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/105 | Dashamula kwatha is used in condition of trishna in patients of hikka svasa |
| 53 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/140 | As an ingredient of Dashamuladhya ghrita |
| 54 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/75 | As an ingredient of dhumapana yoga |
| 55 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/88 | As an ingredient of leha yoga in pittaja kasa |
| 56 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/99 | As a yoga dravya |
| 57 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/101 | As a yoga dravya in sthiradi kshira |
| 58 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/126 | As an ingredient of Kantakari ghrita |
| 59 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/176 | As an ingredient of Jivantyadi leha |
| 60 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/26 | As an ingredient of dipaniya and sangrahi gana |
| 61 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/50 | As a yavagu dravya |
| 62 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 25/78 | Used for parishecana in daha & shoola |
| 63 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/61 | As an ingredient of Pashanbhedadi churna |
| 64 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/62 | Used in ashmari with dadhi |
| 65 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/169 | As an ingredient of Mahamayura ghrita |
| 66 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/237 | Used for aaschotana in Vataja netraroga |
| 67 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/240 | As an ingredient of Bruhatyadi varti |
| 68 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/56 | As an ingredient of Shyonakadi parisheka and pralepa |
| 69 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/65 | As an ingredient of Jeevaniya ghrita |
| 70 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/76 | As an ingredient of Sthiradi ghrita/taila |
| 71 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/58 | As an ingredient of Saindhavadi taila, used in treatment of yoni shula |
Dose
- Decoction: 10–20 g of the drug for preparation[1]
Important Formulations
As per A.P.I.[1]
- Dashamularishta
- Dashamula ghrita
Current availability
Available
- In India – Widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of India as a wild weed or shrub.
Phytochemical Composition
The fruits of Solanum anguivi (African eggplant) are the best-studied part of the plant. Fourteen fruit accessions were analysed for their bioactive compounds, and all were rich in the following classes:[4]
- Phenolic compounds: Total phenolics 8.0–12.4 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight; chlorogenic acid was the most abundant phenolic compound quantified by HPLC.
- Flavonoids: 0.9–2.1 mg quercetin equivalent/g dry weight.
- Saponins: 51.1–124.8 mg diosgenin equivalent/g dry weight.
- Alkaloids: 81.4–127.7 mg/g dry weight.
- Vitamin C: 3.6–6.4 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g dry weight.
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Most experimental work on S. anguivi has been done on the fruit. Studies specific to the traditional indications of Bruhati (respiratory disorders, pain and fever) are limited, and the activities below should be read as supportive evidence rather than direct validation of these uses.
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity
- Antioxidant: All fruit extracts showed free radical scavenging (DPPH) and ferric reducing (FRAP) activity.
- Antibacterial: All fruit extracts were active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (zones of inhibition 12.5–16.75 mm), with a stronger effect on gram-positive bacteria.[5]
Anti-Inflammatory and Antidiabetic Activity
Fruit extracts were studied for inhibition of the inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 and 5-lipoxygenase, and of the carbohydrate-digesting enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In diabetic-like fruit flies, a diet containing the extract increased antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione transferase) and lowered blood glucose, reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde. Ripe and unripe fruit extracts did not differ significantly in their anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic enzyme activities.[6]
Safety and Dosage
- Precautions: Due to its hot potency (*ushna veerya*) and sharp qualities, individuals with high Pitta constitutions or severe gastric ulceration should use it under clinical supervision.
- Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
- Decoction (Kwatha): 10–20 g of drug for preparation[1].
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Area | Preparation Studied | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Infection / Krimi, Vrana | Fruit extracts | Antibacterial |
| Oxidative stress | Fruit extracts | Antioxidant |
| Inflammation / Sopha | Fruit extracts | Anti-inflammatory (enzyme inhibition, in vitro) |
| Metabolic disorders | Fruit extracts | Antidiabetic (enzyme inhibition, fruit-fly model) |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2: 12.
- ↑ Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, Verse no. 36, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020;
- ↑ Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, ed. 2006, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, Shatavhadi Varga, verse no. 25, 27, 29.
- ↑ Nakitto AMS, Byaruhanga YB, Wagner AE, Muyonga JH. Morphological characteristics, bioactive compounds content, and antioxidant activity of different accessions of African eggplant (Solanum anguivi Lam.). J Appl Bot Food Qual. 2021;94:220–228.
- ↑ Tegegne M, Abiyu E, Libesu S, Bedemo B, Lewoyehu M. Phytochemical investigation, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the fruit extracts of Solanum anguivi. Biotechnol Biotechnol Equip. 2021;35(1):1480–1491.
- ↑ Nwanna E, Ojo R, Shafiq N, Ali A, Okello E, Oboh G. An in silico, in vitro and in vivo study on the influence of an eggplant fruit (Solanum anguivi Lam) diet on metabolic dysfunction in the sucrose-induced diabetic-like fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). Foods. 2024;13(4):559.