botanical name: Adhatoda vasica, Adhatoda zeylanica, Justicia adhatoda
Other common names of Adhatoda: Adathodai, Adusoge, Vasaka, Adalodakam, Malabar Nut, Arusa Adulsa, Bakash, Addasaramu.
Habitat: India.
Description: Called Simha Mukhi in Sanskrit because the shape of its flowers resembles a lion’s head, Adhatoda vasica is found growing in abundance in flat areas. The bitter taste of this herb is the source of its name, a goat (Adu) will not eat it (Thoda/do not touch). There are clear differences in the male (Nar) and female (Mada) varieties of this plant, it can be found as a tree with thorns (male) or as a small shrub with thornless leaves (female). At maturity this herb has dark green leaves with yellow undersides 10 to 16 cm long. The fruit that contains the highest potency of the herb is a small capsule that usually has four seeds. The pendulum flowers of this herb are found in white, red, and black, with the white-flowered variety being the most common. Normally found throughout India, and particularly in the Himalayan mountainous area, it flourishes at altitudes of up to 1,000 meters above sea level.
Plant parts used: Leaves, roots, fruits, stem bark and flowers.
Therapeutic Uses, Benefits, and Claims of Adhatoda
In Ayurveda, this herb is called Vasa and traditionally only the female variety (Mada) of Adhatoda vasica was used, with a preference for the potency of the red-flowered Mada plants, which are almost as rare as the black-flowered ones. It is the white-flowered Mada variety of Adhatoda vasica that is most commonly used in medicinal preparations.
Adhatoda vasica is an herb that has unique properties that support the entire respiratory system and its bronchial function. The leaves, flowers and root of this herb have been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of chest congestion and inflammation. In addition to their mucolytic action, benzylamines, a potent alkaline derived from Adhatoda vasica, inhibit the effects of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
In addition, the expectorant properties of the fruit of Adhatoda vasica are valued to treat asthma, fever, cough, vomiting and chronic bronchitis. The leaves are dried and smoked to relieve asthma.
In pharmacology, this herb provides two valuable alkaloids, vasicin and vasicinone, produced by the oxidation process of vasicin, which has been found to be a more potent bronchodilator, as well as decreasing sensitivity to airborne irritants.
Rich in vitamin C, carotene, and the leaves also produce an essential oil and adhatodic acid, an organic acid. The juice of the leaves and root are used to relieve the symptoms of pyorrhea and bleeding gums, and to cure glandular tumors, diarrhea, and dysentery. The leaves are also pulverized and used as a poultice to heal wounds, relieve rheumatism and as an alternative in cases of neuralgia, epilepsy, hysteria and mental imbalance.
The expectorant action is due to the volatile oil content, and the bronchodilator activity of vasicin is used in conjunction with atropine. Vasicine is also the reason for its use to stimulate contraction of the uterine muscles to hasten or induce labor.
The leaves are boiled and combined with honey, ginger and black pepper (piper nigrum) to treat coughs and respiratory diseases. A decoction of the herb is used to expel intestinal parasites and emaciation of the body (consumption).
The fresh flowers of this plant are used to treat eye conditions such as ophthalmia. The leaf has also shown important protective qualities in conditions that lead to liver damage.
Possible Side Effects of Adhatoda Vasica
The use of the leaf extract is considered safe. However, uterine tonic and abortifacient activity precludes its use during pregnancy, except during delivery. Due to the potency of this herb, it must be taken under medical supervision.
Adhatoda Vasica Therapeutic Dosage
As a decoction, 1-3 grams of dried leaves. liquid extract; 20 to 60 minimum. The freshly squeezed juice; 1 to 4 fluid drachmas. Tincture; 1/2 to 1 liquid dram.
