Macroscopic identification
A sub herbaceous bush with lanceolate leaves that are brown in color.
Parts used
Leaves, root, flowers and bark
Pharmacological action
Expectorant, diuretic, antispasmodic and alterative.
Actions and uses in ayurveda: kasa, svasa, ksaya, raktpitta, prameha, kamla, kustha
Indications
Leaves are used in cough, chronic bronchitis, asthma, phthisis, and rheumatism.
Photochemical
An odorus volatile principle probably of the nature of an essential oil, fat, resin, a bitter non volatile alkaloid called vasicine, an organic acid "Adhatodic acid", sugar, gum, coloring matter and salts.
The leaves of the plant contain two major alkaloids called vasicine, and vasicinone. The active alkaloid vasicine and its autooxidation product vasicinone have shown bronchodilator and antihistaminic effects3,4. Uterine stimulant activity and moderate hypotensive activity of the alkaloids were reported. Thrombopoeitic activity of vasicine has been observed5. Intraamniotic injection of vasicine hydrochloride was effective in inducing mid-trimester abortions at dose of 60mg6.
Properties and action
Rasa: tikta, kashaya
Guna: ruksha, laghu
Virya: sita
Vipaka: katu
Karma: kaphapitta hara, rakt sangrahi, kas-aghna, hridya.
Preparations
Decoction, paste, juice
Therapeutic classification index
Central nervous system: it is used in epilepsy, hysteria and insanity
Respiratory system
The leaf extract has been used for treatment of bronchitis and asthma for many centuries. It relieves cough and breathlessness. The leaves of the plant contain the alkaloid vasicine (C11H12N2O), which is responsible for the small but persistent
bronchodilatation, and an essential oil which is chiefly responsible for the expectorant action. The leaves and roots contain other alkaloids, vasicinone, vasicinolone and vasicol, which may contribute to the bronchodilatory effect through anticholinergic action on the vagal innervation of the bronchii. The bronchodilation effect is considerably increased after atropine
Reproductive system
It assists uterine involution (rolling or turning inward) and Postpartum (after childbirth) hemorrhage
Dose: Dried herb: 5-10 gms
Capsule Vasa contains pure and concentrated Vasa.
Dosage: one capsule twice a day.
Package 60 capsules
References
- Prof P.V Sharma, Dravya Guna Vigyana, Vol II, pg 242
- Dr.KM Nadkarni, The Indian Materia Medica, Vol.I, pg 40-4
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India, Part I, Vol.I, pg 122
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