Macroscopic identification
It is a trailing herb with stout rootstock and many diffused, slender, prostrate or ascending branches
Parts used
Root, seed and whole plant
Pharmacological action
Stomachic, laxative, diuretic, expectorant, diaphoretic and emetic.
Root is purgative, anti helminthic and febrifuge.
The active principle-punarnavine is a diuretic chiefly acting on the glomeruli of the kidney through the heart, increasing the beats and strength and raising the peripheral blood pressure. On the cells of the tubules it exerts little or no action. On liver the action is secondary.
Action and uses in Ayurveda
Sopha, pandu, hrdroga, kasa, arsa, vrana, urahksatsula, sotha
Indications
(Chronic) alcoholism, asthma, edema, eye diseases, heart disease, hemorrhoids insomnia, jaundice, kidney stones, nervous system, disorders rat and snake bites, rheumatism, skin diseases, urethritis, wasting diseases
Photochemical
The air-dried plant was found to contain unusually large quantity of potassium nitrate. This accounts for the diuretic property of the plant. Besides potassium nitrate there lies an active principle, an alkaloid (0.01%). the alkaloid or punarnavine contains sulphate, chlorides, nitrates and chlorates.
Properties and action
Rasa: tikta, kasaya, katu, madhura
Guna: laghu, ruksha, sita, sara
Virya: usna
Vipaka: madhura
Karma: mutrvirechney
Preparations
Decoction, powder, paste, oil and extract
Therapeutic classification index
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Blood and haemopoeitic tissue:
It is used in anemia, edema, and hemorrhage
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Skin: it is used locally in the form of paste in leprosy and other skin diseases
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Genito-urinary system: it is used in edema, urethritis, strangury, colitis, gonorrhea and renal calculi
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Musculoskeletal system: it is used both externally and internally in rheumatic and gouty swellings
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Eye: juice of the plant is used in chronic opthalmia
Dose: powder-1-3 g
Fresh juice 5-10 ml
Capsule Punarnava contains pure and concentrated Punarnava
Dosage: one capsule twice a day
Package size: 60 capsules.
References
- Dr.KM Nadkarni, The Indian Materia Medica, Vol.I, pg 202
- Prof P.V Sharma, Dravya Guna Vigyana, Vol II, pg 630
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India, Part I, Vol.III, pg 157
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