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=== Pharmacological profile of ''Aragvadha'' ===

=== Pharmacological profile of ''Aragvadha'' ===

There are many Cassia species worldwide, which is used in herbal medicine systems. This particular family of plants is used widely for their laxative actions. Cassia fistula Linn. is no exception. It is often used as a highly effective moderate laxative that is safe even for children. However, in large doses, the leaves and bark can cause vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and cramps. Cassia fistula Linn. is also employed as a remedy for tumors of the abdomen, glands, liver, stomach, and throat, for burns, cancer, constipation, convulsions, delirium, diarrhea, dysuria, epilepsy, gravel, hematuria, pimples, and glandular tumors. The seeds are attributed with antibilious, carminative, and laxative properties while the root is used for adenopathy, burning sensations, leprosy, skin diseases, syphilis, and tubercular glands. The leaves are used in erysipelas, malaria, rheumatism, and ulcers. In Brazilian herbal medicine, the seeds are used as a laxative and the leaves and/or bark is used for pain and inflammation. Various laboratory studies report that ''aragwadha'' has evidenced antioxidant, hypoglycemic, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, antibacterial, antifungal, anticandidal activity, antiviral, laxative, liver protective, mild estrogenic, antitumorous, cholesterol lowering, pain relieving, and fever reducing actions. [3]

There are many Cassia species worldwide, which is used in herbal medicine systems. This particular family of plants is used widely for their laxative actions. Cassia fistula Linn. is no exception. It is often used as a highly effective moderate laxative that is safe even for children. However, in large doses, the leaves and bark can cause vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and cramps. Cassia fistula Linn. is also employed as a remedy for tumors of the abdomen, glands, liver, stomach, and throat, for burns, cancer, constipation, convulsions, delirium, diarrhea, dysuria, epilepsy, gravel, hematuria, pimples, and glandular tumors. The seeds are attributed with antibilious, carminative, and laxative properties while the root is used for adenopathy, burning sensations, leprosy, skin diseases, syphilis, and tubercular glands. The leaves are used in erysipelas, malaria, rheumatism, and ulcers. In Brazilian herbal medicine, the seeds are used as a laxative and the leaves and/or bark is used for pain and inflammation. Various laboratory studies report that ''aragwadha'' has evidenced antioxidant, hypoglycemic, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, antibacterial, antifungal, anticandidal activity, antiviral, laxative, liver protective, mild estrogenic, antitumorous, cholesterol lowering, pain relieving, and fever reducing actions.<ref>http://www.rain-tree.com/canafistula.htm#.UvgGHWKSxOI</ref>

Pulp of pod contains anthraquinone glycosides, sennosides A & B rhein and its glucoside, barbloin, aloin, formic acid, butyric acid, their ethylesters and oxalic acid. Presence of pectin and tannin are also reported. Seed gave galactomannan free sugard and free aminoacids, extract laxative, carminative, cooling and antipyretic. Flowers give free rein to its glycosides Sennosides A & B.[4]

Pulp of pod contains anthraquinone glycosides, sennosides A & B rhein and its glucoside, barbloin, aloin, formic acid, butyric acid, their ethylesters and oxalic acid. Presence of pectin and tannin are also reported. Seed gave galactomannan free sugard and free aminoacids, extract laxative, carminative, cooling and antipyretic. Flowers give free rein to its glycosides Sennosides A & B.<ref>C P Khare, Indian Medicinal Plants an Illustrated Dictionary, First Edition,Springer(India) Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, P.No 128</ref>

=== Synonyms ===

=== Synonyms ===

The synonyms play an important role in correct identification of the plant. Apart from the above mentioned synonymns, nighantus (lexicons) suggests names like ''suvarnaka'' (beautiful tree), ''dirghaphala'' (one which has long fruits), ''naradipa, apaghataka, swarnahu'' are the few names of the plant. [5] In Rajanighantu under ''prabhadradi varga'' mentions few more synonymns such as ''nripadhruma, rajataru, aruna, karnabharanaka'' and ''maharajadhruma''.[6]

The synonyms play an important role in correct identification of the plant. Apart from the above mentioned synonymns, nighantus (lexicons) suggests names like ''suvarnaka'' (beautiful tree), ''dirghaphala'' (one which has long fruits), ''naradipa, apaghataka, swarnahu'' are the few names of the plant.<ref>P V Sharma, Guruprasad Sharma, Kaiyadeva Nighantu,Chaukhmbha Orientalia, II Edition, 2006,p.no 174</ref> In Rajanighantu under ''prabhadradi varga'' mentions few more synonymns such as ''nripadhruma, rajataru, aruna, karnabharanaka'' and ''maharajadhruma''.<ref>Indradev Tripathi, Rajanighantu of Pt Narahari, Chaukhmbha Orientalia 4th Edition,2006,p.no 272</ref>[6]

''Karnikara'' has been considered as synonym by Charaka but in Dhanwantari Nighantu it is considered as separate drug. [3]

''Karnikara'' has been considered as synonym by Charaka but in Dhanwantari Nighantu it is considered as separate drug.<ref>http://www.rain-tree.com/canafistula.htm#.UvgGHWKSxOI</ref>

=== Properties and formulations ===

=== Properties and formulations ===

''Aragwadha'' is ''mridu'' (soft) in ''guna'' (heavy), bitter and sweet in taste and ''madhura'' (sweet) in ''vipaka'' due to which it is very safe to be used in ''bala'' (children), ''vriddha'' (aged), ''sukumara'' (delicate constitution) and ''urakshata'' (injuries to chest) as well as in ''kshina'' (debilitated) too. [7][4-5]

''Aragwadha'' is ''mridu'' (soft) in ''guna'' (heavy), bitter and sweet in taste and ''madhura'' (sweet) in ''vipaka'' due to which it is very safe to be used in ''bala'' (children), ''vriddha'' (aged), ''sukumara'' (delicate constitution) and ''urakshata'' (injuries to chest) as well as in ''kshina'' (debilitated) too. <ref>Vd Bapalal, Nighantu Adarsha, Vol 1, Chaukhabha Bharati Academy, Varanasi,II Edition,1999, p.no 474</ref>[4-5]

Charaka has mentioned its uses in following conditions:

Charaka has mentioned its uses in following conditions:

*''Jwara'' - ''Aragwadha'' given with grape juice(Ch Ch 3-232) [8]

*''Jwara'' - ''Aragwadha'' given with grape juice(Ch Ch 3-232)[Cha. Sa. [[Chiktsa Sthana]] 3/232]

*''Kushta'' (skin Ailments) – Decoction for bath and internal intake (Ch Ch 7-97) [9]

*''Kushta'' (skin Ailments) – Decoction for bath and internal intake [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/97]

*''Visarpa''(Herpes) – Leaf decoction or anointment with paste of leaves (Ch Ch 21-88) [10]

*''Visarpa''(Herpes) – Leaf decoction or anointment with paste of leaves[Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana 21/88]  

*''Kamala''(Jaundice) – ''Phalamajja'' (fruit pulp) is taken with sugarcane juice (As. Hr. 16/41) [11]

*''Kamala''(Jaundice) – ''Phalamajja'' (fruit pulp) is taken with sugarcane juice <ref>Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam. Edited by HK R Shrikantha Murthy, 1st ed. Varanasi:haukhambha Krishnadas Academy;2009, p.no 453.</ref>

*''Urusthambha''- Leaves are boiled and eaten without adding salt is useful in ''urusthambha''(Ca. Ch. 27/25) [12]  

*''Urusthambha''- Leaves are boiled and eaten without adding salt is useful in ''urusthambha''[ Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 27/25]  

*''Pittodara'' – ''Phalamajja'' decoction (Ca. Ch. 18/69-70) [13]

*''Pittodara'' – ''Phalamajja'' decoction. [ Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 18/69-70]  

*''Twakroga'' – Leaves processed with buttermilk is applied as paste (Ca Su. 3/17)

*''Twakroga'' – Leaves processed with buttermilk is applied as paste [ Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 3/17]

*''Haridrameha'' – ''Phalamajja'' is given in ''kashaya'' form (Su. Chi. 11/07)

*''Haridrameha'' – ''Phalamajja'' is given in ''kashaya'' form.<ref>Sushruta. Chikitsa Sthana, Cha.11 Pramehachikitsitam Adhyaya verse 7. In: Jadavaji Trikamji Aacharya, Editors. Sushruta Samhita. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia;2005. p.1. </ref>

 

For ''vrinaprakshalana aragwadha patra'' and ''jati patra kwatha'' (leaves of Jasmine plant) are used for washing wound.

For ''vrinaprakshalana aragwadha patra'' and ''jati patra kwatha'' (leaves of Jasmine plant) are used for washing wound.

''Aragwadha'' leaves, root, bark and flowers are used for medicinal purpose. More specifically, fruit pulp is used for purgation where as flowers are used for urinary strangury. Fruit pulp is sweet in taste, if not processed it gets worm infested. Thus fruit pulp should be used only after proper processing.

''Aragwadha'' leaves, root, bark and flowers are used for medicinal purpose. More specifically, fruit pulp is used for purgation where as flowers are used for urinary strangury. Fruit pulp is sweet in taste, if not processed it gets worm infested. Thus fruit pulp should be used only after proper processing.

Charaka mentions ''aragwadha'' in the context of ''vamana'' and ''asthapana''(Ca. Su. 1/82). Apart from this it also finds mention in Charaka [[Sutra Sthana]] 4th Chapter under ''kushtaghna, vamanopaga'' and ''kandughna dashemani''. In Charaka [[Vimana Sthana]] ''aragwadha'' has been considered under ''tiktaskandha'' (Ca. Vi. 8/164). Sushruta mentions usage of ''aragwadha'' in ''ksharakalpa''. ''Aragwadha'' has been mentioned in ''aragwadhadi gana'' and ''shyamadi gana'' (Su 39-9). Even though Charaka mentions ''khadira'' as best drug in ''kushta'' (Ch Su 25) it may be seen that in Charaka [[Sutra Sthana]] 2nd chapter ''aragwadha'' has been preferred over ''khadira''. For external usage it may be considered that ''aragwadha'' is best, whereas for internal usage ''khadira'' is choice of drug in ''kushta''. [6-7]

Charaka mentions ''aragwadha'' in the context of ''vamana'' and ''asthapana''(Ca. Su. 1/82). Apart from this it also finds mention in Charaka [[Sutra Sthana]] 4th Chapter under ''kushtaghna, vamanopaga'' and ''kandughna dashemani''. In Charaka [[Vimana Sthana]] ''aragwadha'' has been considered under ''tiktaskandha'' [ Cha. Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/164]. Sushruta mentions usage of ''aragwadha'' in ''ksharakalpa''. ''Aragwadha'' has been mentioned in ''aragwadhadi gana'' and ''shyamadi gana'' <ref>Sushruta. Sutra Sthana, Cha.39 Samshodhanasamshamaneeym Adhyaya verse 9. In: Jadavaji Trikamji Aacharya, Editors. Sushruta Samhita. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia;2005. p.1. </ref>. Even though Charaka mentions ''khadira'' as best drug in ''kushta'' [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 25] It may be seen that in Charaka [[Sutra Sthana]] 2nd chapter ''aragwadha'' has been preferred over ''khadira''. For external usage it may be considered that ''aragwadha'' is best, whereas for internal usage ''khadira'' is choice of drug in ''kushta''. [6-7]

Below age four years the drug is not advised, because of possible complications and in children above 12 years, drug may not give the desired benefit. As both ''aragwadha'' and ''draksha''(grapes) are mild purgative in nature may not induce the desired purgation if given to children above 12 years. Chakradutta mentions the usage of ''aragwadha'' with ''drasksha'' in ''pittajajwara''. ''Aragwadha'' is purgative but when administered alone may bring about untoward side effects like colicky pain so is usually administered with any suitable adjuvants. [8-9½]

Below age four years the drug is not advised, because of possible complications and in children above 12 years, drug may not give the desired benefit. As both ''aragwadha'' and ''draksha''(grapes) are mild purgative in nature may not induce the desired purgation if given to children above 12 years. Chakradutta mentions the usage of ''aragwadha'' with ''drasksha'' in ''pittajajwara''. ''Aragwadha'' is purgative but when administered alone may bring about untoward side effects like colicky pain so is usually administered with any suitable adjuvants. [8-9½]

The ''avaleha'' should be given to the patient according to his ''koshtha'' for inducing ''virechana''. [12]

The ''avaleha'' should be given to the patient according to his ''koshtha'' for inducing ''virechana''. [12]

Milk is mixed with ''aragwadha'' fruit pulp, it is boiled and cooled. Cream is extracted from it, by which ghee is prepared. This can be used for purgation. Other than above said method, ghee (unprocessed) can also be processed with ''aragwadha'' fruit pulp and ''amalaki'' fruit juice which may also be used to induce purgation. ''Ghrita'' prepared from the decoction of the root of ''aragwadha'' is very much useful in ''kushtha'' (As. Hr. Ch. 19/13). ''Ghrita'' like ''avaleha'' can be preserved for longer duration and can be used accordingly. Apart from this ''ghrita'' can be used as remedy in ''pitta dosha'' dominance as well ''vata dosha'' dominance where decoction may not be that much suitable.[13]

Milk is mixed with ''aragwadha'' fruit pulp, it is boiled and cooled. Cream is extracted from it, by which ghee is prepared. This can be used for purgation. Other than above said method, ghee (unprocessed) can also be processed with ''aragwadha'' fruit pulp and ''amalaki'' fruit juice which may also be used to induce purgation. ''Ghrita'' prepared from the decoction of the root of ''aragwadha'' is very much useful in ''kushtha''<ref>Vagbhata. Chikitsa Sthana, Cha.19 Kushta Chikitsitam Adhyaya verse 13. In: Harishastri Paradkar Vaidya, Editors. Ashtanga Hridayam. 1st ed. Varanasi: Krishnadas Academy;2000.p.4.</ref>. ''Ghrita'' like ''avaleha'' can be preserved for longer duration and can be used accordingly. Apart from this ''ghrita'' can be used as remedy in ''pitta dosha'' dominance as well ''vata dosha'' dominance where decoction may not be that much suitable.[13]

Three ''ghrita'' preparations are told here to suit the need and constitution of the individual. One with simple ''aragwadha phala majja'', other preparation to which ''amalaki'' juice is added and third being added with ''dashamoola'' and other ''virechaka dravyas''. Thus prepared ghee can be used to induce purgation. [14]

Three ''ghrita'' preparations are told here to suit the need and constitution of the individual. One with simple ''aragwadha phala majja'', other preparation to which ''amalaki'' juice is added and third being added with ''dashamoola'' and other ''virechaka dravyas''. Thus prepared ghee can be used to induce purgation. [14]