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Information about the herb Adhatoda Vasica
Adhatoda vasica, also known as malabar nut tree is part of the Acanthaceae plant family. It is a small evergreen, sub-herbacious bush which grows commonly in open plains, especially in the lower Himalayas (up to 1300 meters above sea level), India, Sri Lanka, Burma and Malaysia.
Botanical Name: Adhatoda vasica, Justicia adhatoda
Common Name: Adatodai, Arusa, Adulsa, Bakas, Malabar Nut Tree
Plant Family: Acanthaceae
History: Adhatoda leaves have been used extensively in Ayurvedic Medicine for over 2000 years primarily for respiratory disorders.
Plant constituents of Adhatoda vasica
Adhatoda contains:
Leaves
- Quinazoline Alkaloids
- vasicine - 45-95% (the mucolytic drug bromhexine was developed from this alkaloid)
- N-oxides of vasicine
- vasicinone
- deoxyvasicine
- oxyvasicinine
- maiontone
- essential oil
The leaf extract, is considered safe and the oil has low toxicity.
Flowers
- b-sitosterol-D-glucoside
- kaempferol
- glycosides of kaempferoland
- queretin
Roots
- vasicinolone
- vasicol
- peganine
- hydroxy oxychalcone
- glucosyl oxychalcone
Other
- odorous volatile principle
- organic adhatodic acid
Action:
- abortifacient [an agent that induces or causes premature expulsion of a fetus (abortion)]
- anti-asthmatic [an agent to relieve asthma]
- antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
- antitussive [an agent that relieves coughing]
- bronchodilator [an agent to dilate the bronchials]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
- febrifuge [an agent that reduces or eliminates fevers]
- mucolytic [an agent that thins and breaks down mucus]
- oxytocic [an agent that stimulates contraction of the uterine muscle, facilitating or speeding up childbirth]
- uterotonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates the uterus or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Adhatoda Vasica was traditionally used by midwives at the time of delivery because of its uterotnoic activity. Due to its anti-implantation activity, adhatoda should not be used while pregnant.
Medicinal Part used: Leaves, roots, flowers and stem bark
Adhatoda vasica is commonly used for:
- Blood Conditions
- bleeding due to idiopathic (unknown) thrombocytopenic (blood does not have enough platelets) purpura (excessive bruising)
Cardiovascular Conditions
- moderate hypotensive activity (lowers blood pressure)
- pulmonary diseases
Female Conditions
- assists uterine involution (rolling or turning inward)
- menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding)
- postpartum (after childbirth) hemorrhage
- uterine stimulant activity
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- dyspepsia
- local bleeding due to peptic ulcer and/or piles (hemorrhoids)
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- acute and chronic bronchitis often combined with the herbs Licorice and Marshmallow for soothing the respiratory tract
- allergic asthma, often combined with the herbs Albizia, Baical Skullcap, Eyebright and Tylophora
- antihistamine effects (the leaves may be dried and smoked to relieve asthma)
- broncho-dilation effects
- emphysema
- obstructive airway disease (chronic) often combined with the herbs Polygala, Grindelia, Euphorbia and Elecampane
- phthisis (wasting of the body as in tuberculosis)
- relieves cough and breathlessness
Other Conditions
- bleeding gums (applied locally)
- diphtheria
- gives relief in pyorrhoea, a gum disease (applied locally)
- intermittent fever
- Tuberculosis (all strains of inhibited by the essential oil)
- typhus fever
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
- 0.5-1.5g/day dried root
- 1-3mL/day 1:2 fluid extract
Higher doses may be needed for the oxytocic effect during childbirth [to stimulate contraction of the uterine muscle, facilitating or speeding up childbirth]
Caution:
- Contraindicated in pregnancy except at during the birthing process
- Adhatoda vsica is reported to have oxytocic (stimulates contractions of the uterus) and abortifacient (substance that induces abortion) effects.
Large doses cause
- diarrhea
- irritation of the alimentary canal
- vomiting
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Adhatoda without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:
- None indicated
Global Herbal Supplies has Adhatoda vasica available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
