Jimutaka Kalpa Adhyaya
Section/Chapter Kalpa Sthana Chapter 2
Preceding Chapter Madanakalpa Adhyaya
Succeeding Chapter Ikshvaku Kalpa Adhyaya
Other Sections Sutra Sthana, Nidana Sthana, Vimana Sthana, Sharira Sthana, Indriya Sthana, Chikitsa Sthana, Siddhi Sthana

Kalpa Sthana Chapter 2, Chapter on formulations of Jimutaka

Abstract

Kalpa Sthana of Charaka Samhita deals with different dosage forms of vamana (emetics) and virechana (purgative) drugs along with their therapeutic application in various diseases. Six emetic drugs - Jimutaka, Ikshvaku, Dhamargava, Kutaja and Kritavedhana are described in separate chapters. Dridhabala who redacted Kalpa Sthana (section on pharmaceutics) has described individual drugs with synonyms. Chakrapani opines that Madanaphala is relatively safe in comparison to other emetic drugs and rest of the drugs produce more untoward side effects in the ascending order. Fruits and flowers of Jimutaka are used as emetics and other parts like leaves and branches of this plant are not useful in Vamanakarma (therapy of emesis).In this chapter, 39 recipes of Jimutaka processed in various media like milk, alcohol, water etc. are enumerated. In the context of vati (pill) preparation it is suggested to prepare them in the size of Kola (1/2 tala-6gm)in comparison to Madanaphala (in pill form) which can be administered in the quantity of Haritaki (2 tola), Vibhitaki (1 tola) and Amalaki (1/2 tola). It appears that Jimutaka produces emesis relatively in small doses. Jimutaka is bestowed with Tridoshaharakarma (curing vitiated conditions of Tridosha) and indicated in the treatment of Jwara (fever), Pittashleshma jwara, Vatapitta jwara, Swasa (breathlessness including asthma), Hikka (Hiccough), Arochaka (Anorexia), Kasa (Cough), Pandu (Anaemia), Rajayakshma (Wasting diseases) and such other diseases. Drugs like Guduchi, Yashti, Kovidara, Karbudara, Nipa, Vidula, Bimbi, Shanapushpi, Sadapushpi, Pratyakpushpi, Nimba, Kutaja, Aragwadha, Swadukantaka (Babbul or Gokshura), Patha, Gunja, Patala, Murva, Jivaka, Rishabhaka, Ikshu, Shatavari, Madanaphala etc. are also incorporated along with Jimutaka in various formulations.

Keywords: Jimutaka, Vamanakarma, Luffa echinata Roxb.

Introduction

Kalpa Sthana contains the descriptions of Vamaka and Rechaka drugs (Emetics and Purgatives). Six drugs i.e. Madanaphala, Jimutaka, Ikshvaku, Dhamargava, Kutaja and Kritavedhana are denoted for emesis while nine drugs namely Shyama, Trivrit, Chaturangula, Tilvaka, Mahavrikshaka, Saptala, Sankhini, Danti and Dravanti are described for purgation.

Atreya formulated 600 emetic and purgative recipes from 15 drugs. Emetic drugs predominantly constituted by agni and vayu mahabhutas. Rechana drugs constituted by prithvi and jala mahabhutas. It is also observed that drugs with these panchabhautika compositions may not exert either emetic or purgative action and the activity is attributed to general principle of drug action known as prabhava. Virya (a principle responsible for each and every drug action) is augmented by Deshasampat (quality of soil in which plant grows), Kalasampat (Ideal season for collecting the plant), Gunasampat (enrichment of principles of drug action) and Bhajanasampat (suitability of storage containers) contributing to maximum therapeutic effect.[1] Chakrapani comments that container to be used for storing drugs should have guna (attributes) similar to the stored drugs. Different adjuvants (anupana) are required to be used in accordance with doshas involved in the pathogenesis of disease during the administration of drugs. Recipes are prepared basing on the dravya (Nature of drug), deha (Physique), dosha (factor for causation of diseases), prakriti (Constitution), bala (Strength), satmya (Homologation), rogavastha (stage of the disease), vaya (age), agni (digestive and enzymatic complexes) etc[2]. Before the administration of emetic therapy snehana (oral oleation therapy) and svedana (fomentation) are mandatory. Administered drug first reaches the heart and circulated all over the body through dhamani (Blood vessels) and liquefy morbid matter (mala) and separate it from channels and bring them to koshtha. Emetic and purgative drugs facilitate the expulsion of malas brought into koshtha from rest of the body.

Drugs for emesis which are ushna (hot), tikshna (sharp/penetrating),sukshma (subtle), vyavayi (pervading), and vikashi (loosening), by virtue of their own potency (swa viryena), reach the heart and circulate throughout the body through vessels. It liquefies the mass of impurities by its agneya nature (dominance of agni mahabhuta) and due to tikshna guna(penetrating property) separate the adhered doshas situated in gross and subtle channels of the entire body. Consequently the separated mass floating in the oleated body like honey kept in a fat smeared vessel reaches the stomach because of its nature to move through subtle channels (anumarga sancharitwat) and to flow towards gastrointestinal tract (koshta gamanonmukhatwam). Because of the predominance of agni and vayu mahabhutas in these drugs, their specific action (prabhava) to move upwards and udana vata, the morbid matter gets expelled through the upward tract (mouth)[3].

Vomiting is a complex process that consists of a pre-ejection phase (gastric relaxation and retro peristalsis), retching (rhythmic action of respiratory muscles preceding vomiting and consisting of contraction of abdominal and intercostals muscles and diaphragm against a closed glottis), and ejection (intense contraction of abdominal muscles and relaxation of the upper oesophageal sphincter). The process appeared to be coordinated by a central emesis centre in the lateral reticular formation of the mid brain-stem adjacent to both the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) in the area postrema at the bottom of the fourth ventricle and the solitary tract nucleus (STN). The lack of blood-brain barrier allows the CTZ to monitor blood and cerebrospinal fluid constantly for toxic substances and to relay information to the emesis centre to trigger nausea and vomiting. The emesis centre also receives information from the gut, principally by the vagus nerve (via the STN) but also by splanchnic afferents via the spinal cord. The CTZ has high concentrations of receptors for serotonin (5-HT3), dopamine (D2), and opioids; the STN is rich in receptors for enkephalin, histamine, and Ach, and also contains 5-HT3 receptors.In the emetic response fundus and body of stomach, eosophageal sphincter and esophagus relax, while duodenum and pyloric stomach contract in a retrograde manner. Rhythmic contractions of diaphragm and abdominal muscles then compress the stomach and evacuate its contents via mouth[4].

Administration of drugs in emetic or purgative therapies and rest of the Panchakarma procedures, complication arising out of their improper administration and their successful management dealt in Siddhi Sthana (section on successful administration of therapeutic measures) in detail. Indications and contraindications of emetic and purgative therapies are described by preceptor in Siddhi Sthana (Chap.2/8-13) [5]. Appearance of pitta at the end of emesis and kapha at the end of purgation though described under signs of proper elimination, Chakrapani opines that they may occur in inappropriate purification (asamyakshudhhi). Therefore additionally associated signs like emaciation (karshya), weakness (daurbalya) and lightness of the body (laghavata) only indicate appropriate purification.

In seminar held on the topic of “Determination of appropriateness of medicaments for enema” (Siddhi 11). Saunaka said “Amongst the fruits, Jimutaka is the foremost in efficacy for basti (medicated enema) because of its effect to eliminate kapha and pitta”. Atreya concluded that Jimutaka is useful for the treatment of kushtha (skin diseases including leprosy), while Madanaphala is not contraindicated in any disease. He further writes that there is no drug that is absolutely free from any side effects - good or bad. One has to think of a drug which possesses more of good attributes in the treatment of a particular ailment.[6] To make it more explicit the physician has to judiciously evaluate rogibala (strength of patient) and rogabala (severity of disease) to draft suitable therapeutic regimens.

Atreya enumerated three synonyms of Jimutaka i.e. garagari, veni and devatadaka. Bhavamishra described Jimutaka (Guduchyadivarga) with synonyms like Devadali, Karkati and Vrittakosha in addition to Charaka’s descriptions. He has also quoted another variety known as Peetadevadali with synonyms Kharasparsha, Vishaghni and Garanashini. Devadali is attributed with vamaka activity and its fruit is mentioned as Samsrana. Indications include Arsha, Pandu, Kshaya, Hikka, Jwara, Krimi, Gulma and Shoola. The recipe with Jimutaka as nasal drops in the management of Kamala is very popular and scientific validation has been produced for its claim. Botanical source of Jimutaka are Luffa echinata and Luffa graveolens (yellow variety).

Dalhana in his commentary identified Jimutaka with Musta (Sushruta) but most of the Ayurvedic classics and Nighantus quoted it for Devadali or Garagari or Veni.

Bhavamishra described two kinds of Devadali, one with white flowers (Luffa echinata), the other with yellow flowers (Luffa graveolens)[7].

  • Synonyms: Devadali,Garagari,Devatadaka
  • Properties:
    • Rasa – Katu, Tikta
    • Guna – Laghu, Ruksha
    • Veerya – Ushna
    • Vipaka - Katu
  • Pharmacological actions – Tridoshahara, Vamaka
  • Indications – Jwara, Shwasa, Kasa, Hikka, Shotha, Kamala, Pandu, Krimi
  • Therapeutic uses –
    • Kamala (Jaundice)-Root of Ankola or Arka or Jimuta pounded with rice water, if used as snuff alleviates jaundice[8].
    • Kushta (skin diseases) – devadali fruit is impregnated with Snuhi latex for seven times and taken in the dose of 125mg with milk keeping on salt-free diet[8]..
    • Visha(Poison) – Devadali fruit should be taken with curd and the poison is vomited. This is an excellent remedy for all types of rat bite[8]..
    • The fruits are used as a purgative and also given to patients suffering from colic and cholera.[9]
  • Part used – Fruit, Flowers
  • Preparations & Dosage( For therapeutic purposes other than emesis as mentioned in API) – Powder -1-3 g
  • Botanical description
    • (L) - Luffa echinata Roxb.
    • (F) - Cucurbitaceae
    • (S) - Jeemuta, Devadali
    • (H) – Bindal, Ghagharbel

Trailing and climbing, herb upto 3m long; tendrils bifid. Leaves alternate, simple; lamina 4.5-6 cm long, slightly broader, reniform-orbicular, in outline, broadly cordate at base, 5 angledor deeply 5- lobed with dentate margins; petioles2.5-4 cm long, puberulous, scabrid. Flowers dioecious and monoecious, male flowers in axillary racemes on 6-15 cm long peduncles, pedicles upto2 cm long, bracteates near the base; calyx tube short with 5 ovate – lanceolate lobes, hairy; corolla of 5 white, ovate spreading petals 1.2- 1.5 cm long; stamens 3, one with 1- celled anther and others two celled, anther cells sigma shaped. Female flowers solitary, axillary on a peduncle of 1.5- 5 cm long, calyx tube produced beyond the ovary, calyx lobes and corolla as in male flowers. Fruit 3-5* 1.5-3 cm in size, ellipsoid, ribless, clothed all over with needle- like out growths of 0.4-0.7 cm long, fibrous within at length, and 3- celled, terminated by a conical brisle-less operculum; seeds many, about 0.5*0.3 cm, slightly verrucose[10]. Distribution –In India Luffa echinata is found in Diu (Goa state), Gujarat and Rajastan states. The plant is also distributed in Pakistan and Tropical Africa[11].

Chemicalconstituents: The fruit contains chrysoeriol and its glycosides as principal flavonoids. Seeds contain cucurbitacin B, triterpenes alcohols, and a saponin with oleanolic acid as sapogenin[10]. Echinatin, Saponins, Hentriacontane, Gypsogenin , Amariin Cucurbitacin-B & -E, Sapogenin, -Sitosterol, Echinatol-A & -B, Oleanolic acid, Elaterin-2-O--D-Glucopyranoside, Isocucu&bitacin-B, Elaterin glucoside,Chrysoeriol-7-glucoside, Graviobioside-B, Sitosterol glucoside, Datiscacin, 2-O--D-glucopyranosylcucurbitacin-B & 2-O--D-glucopyranosylcucurbitacin-S.

Flowering & Fruiting – September - December

Research – 1) Aqueous extract of fruits significantly lowered the serum bilirubin level in chlorpromazine – induced jaundice in rats[12] 2) The alcoholic and thr ether extracts of the plant showed definite protection against CCl4- induced liver injury in rats[13] . 3) 50% ethanolic extract of whole plant (except roots) showed hypoglycaemic action in rats. The LD50 of the extract in mice was found to be 261 mg/kg i.p[14] (Aswal et al., 1984). 4) Methanolic extract of Luffa echinata exerts its antiproliferative effects by inducing apoptotic cell death, and causing G2/S arrest in HT-29 cells and it promotes ROS generation[15].

5) In a study on the therapeutic effect of Luffa echinata fruits in 6 patients of viral hepatitis the result reveals that a single administration of drops squeezed from water soaked dry fruits into the nostrils led to a reduction in bilirubin and SGPT levels significantly within 3 to 7 days and this response was accompanied by a substantial relief in clinical symptoms especially anorexia and malaise.The nasal secretions contained total bilirubin ranging from 1.62 to 5.5mg per cent, the levels not being higher than the serum levels. The observations thus could justify the simple explanation of the relief of jaundice by enhanced nasal excretion of bilirubin. The possibility of the absorption of the active principle of the plant through the nasal mucosa and then action on the liver has been proposed.[16] Pharmacological activity Anti-arthritic activity [17] Hepatoprotective activity[18] Anti-cancer activity [19]

Sanskrit Text, Transliteration with English Translation

अथातो जीमूतककल्पं व्याख्यास्यामः||१|| इति ह स्माह भगवानात्रेयः||२||

athātōjīmūtakakalpaṁvyākhyāsyāmaḥ||1||

iti ha smāhabhagavānātrēyaḥ||2||

athAtojImUtakakalpaMvyAkhyAsyAmaH||1||

iti ha smAhabhagavAnAtreyaH||2||


We shall now expound chapter on “The pharmaceutics of Jimutaka (Bristly luffa)”

Thus said Lord Atreya [1-2]

Synonyms and qualities

कल्पं जीमूतकस्येमं फलपुष्पाश्रयं शुणु| गरागरी च वेणी च तथा स्याद्देवताडकः||३||

kalpaṁjīmūtakasyēmaṁphalapuṣpāśrayaṁśuṇu| garāgarīcavēṇīcatathāsyāddēvatāḍakaḥ||3||

kalpaMjImUtakasyemaMphalapuShpAshrayaMshuNu| garAgarIcaveNIcatathAsyAddevatADakaH||3||

Listen about of pharmaceutics of Jimutaka relating to its phala (fruit) and pushpa (flower).Garagari,Veni and Devatadaka are its synonyms. [3]

जीमूतकं त्रिदोषघ्नं यथास्वौषधकल्पितम्| प्रयोक्तव्यं ज्वरश्वासहिक्काद्येष्वामयेषु च||४||

jīmūtakaṁtridōṣaghnaṁyathāsvauṣadhakalpitam| prayōktavyaṁjvaraśvāsahikkādyēṣvāmayēṣuca||4||

jImUtakaMtridoShaghnaMyathAsvauShadhakalpitam| prayoktavyaMjvarashvAsahikkAdyeShvAmayeShuca||4||

Jimutaka when administered with appropriate drugs cures diseases caused by all the three doshas. It is useful in fever, dyspnea, hiccup and similar other disorders. [4]

Various Preparations

यथोक्तगुणयुक्तानां देशजानां यथाविधि| पयः पुष्पेऽस्य, निर्वृत्ते फले पेया पयस्कृता||५||

लोमशे क्षीरसन्तानं, दध्युत्तरमलोमशे| शृते पयसि दध्यम्लं जातं हरितपाण्डुके||६||

जीर्णानां च सुशुष्काणां न्यस्तानां भाजने शुचौ| चूर्णस्य पयसा शुक्तिं वातपित्तार्दितः पिबेत्||७||

yathōktaguṇayuktānāṁdēśajānāṁyathāvidhi| payaḥpuṣpē'sya, nirvr̥ttēphalēpēyāpayaskr̥tā||5||

lōmaśēkṣīrasantānaṁ, dadhyuttaramalōmaśē| śr̥tēpayasidadhyamlaṁjātaṁharitapāṇḍukē||6||

jīrṇānāṁcasuśuṣkāṇāṁnyastānāṁbhājanēśucau| cūrṇasyapayasāśuktiṁvātapittārditaḥpibēt||7||

yathoktaguNayuktAnAMdeshajAnAMyathAvidhi| payaHpuShpe~asya, nirvRuttephalepeyApayaskRutA||5||

lomashekShIrasantAnaM, dadhyuttaramalomashe| shRutepayasidadhyamlaMjAtaMharitapANDuke||6||

jIrNAnAMcasushuShkANAMnyastAnAMbhAjaneshucau| cUrNasyapayasAshuktiMvAtapittArditaHpibet||7||

Jimutaka endowed with all attributes, growing in appropriate land should be collected according to the prescribed procedures as described in earlier chapter(Madanaphala kalpa 1:9,10,14).

Milk should be prepared with its flowers, milky gruel with freshly appeared fruits, milk cream with hairy fruits, curd with non hairy one and sour curd from milk boiled with the pale green fruit. Fully matured fruit is dried, powdered well and kept in a clean container. One suffering from ailments caused by vata and pitta should take one shukti (20 gm) of this preparation.[5-7]

आसुत्य च सुरामण्डे मृदित्वा प्रस्रुतं पिबेत्| कफजेऽरोचके कासे पाण्डुरोगे सयक्ष्मणि||८||

द्वे चापोथ्याथवा त्रीणि गुडूच्या मधुकस्य वा| कोविदारादिकानां वा निम्बस्य कुटजस्य वा||९||

कषायेष्वासुतं पूत्वा तेनैव विधिना पिबेत्| अथवाऽऽरग्वधादीनां सप्तानां पूर्ववत् पिबेत्||१०||

एकैकस्य कषायेण पित्तश्लेष्मज्वरार्दितः|११|

āsutyacasurāmaṇḍēmr̥ditvāprasrutaṁpibēt| kaphajē'rōcakēkāsēpāṇḍurōgēsayakṣmaṇi||8||

dvēcāpōthyāthavātrīṇiguḍūcyāmadhukasyavā| kōvidārādikānāṁvānimbasyakuṭajasyavā||9||

kaṣāyēṣvāsutaṁpūtvātēnaivavidhināpibēt| athavāragvadhādīnāṁsaptānāṁpūrvavatpibēt||10||

ēkaikasyakaṣāyēṇa pittaślēṣmajvarārditaḥ|11|

AsutyacasurAmaNDemRuditvAprasrutaMpibet| kaphaje~arocakekAsepANDurogesayakShmaNi||8||

dvecApothyAthavAtrINiguDUcyAmadhukasyavA| kovidArAdikAnAMvAnimbasyakuTajasyavA||9||

kaShAyeShvAsutaMpUtvAtenaivavidhinApibet| athavA~a~aragvadhAdInAMsaptAnAMpUrvavatpibet||10||

ekaikasyakaShAyeNa pittashleShmajvarArditaH|11|

The fruits of Jimutaka should be macerated in sura -manda (the supernatant part of alcohol) overnight. Thereafter it is stirred and the juice is strained. It can be taken in anorexia due to kapha, cough, anemia and wasting diseases. [8] Two or three fruits of bristly luffa should be squeezed and put into the decoction of either Guduchi, Yashti , Kovidara, Karbudara, Nipa, Vidula, Bimbi, Shanpushpi,Sadapushpi, Apamarga ,Nimba or Kutaja and should be kept overnight. It should then be strained and taken as potion in the manner already described in madanaphala kalpa.[9]

Or the powder of Jimutaka may be taken with any one of the decoction of the Aragvadhadi seven drugs mentioned in Madanaphala kalpa i.e Aragwadha, Vrukshaka, Swadukantaka (Babbul or Gokshura), Patha, Patala, Gunja and Murva according to the procedure described in the previous chapter, by a person suffering from fever of Pitta and Kapha origin. [10]

जीवकर्षभकेक्षूणां शतावर्या रसेन वा| पित्तश्लेष्मज्वरे दद्याद्वातपित्तज्वरेऽथवा||१२||

jīvakarṣabhakēkṣūṇāṁśatāvaryārasēnavā| pittaślēṣmajvarēdadyādvātapittajvarē'thavā||12||

jIvakarShabhakekShUNAMshatAvaryArasenavA| pittashleShmajvaredadyAdvAtapittajvare~athavA||12||

In fever due to Pitta –and-kapha or Vata-and-Pitta, the powder of Jimutaka should be administered with the juice of one of the four drugs viz. Jivaka, Rushabhaka, Ikshu or Shatavari. [12]

तथा जीमूतकक्षीरात् समुत्पन्नं पचेद्घृतम्| फलादीनां कषायेण श्रेष्ठं तद्वमनं मतम्||१३||

tathājīmūtakakṣīrātsamutpannaṁpacēdghr̥tam| phalādīnāṁkaṣāyēṇaśrēṣṭhaṁtadvamanaṁmatam||13||

tathAjImUtakakShIrAtsamutpannaMpacedghRutam| phalAdInAMkaShAyeNashreShThaMtadvamanaMmatam||13||

The ghee prepared (extracted directly or processed according to the procedure of snehakalpana) from the milk boiled with Jimutaka should be cooked with decoction of madanaphala etc. It is regarded as an excellent recipe for emesis. [13]

Summary

तत्र श्लोकौ-

षट् क्षीरे मदिरामण्डे एको द्वादश चापरे| सप्त चारग्वधादीनां कषायेऽष्टौ च वर्तिषु||१४||

जीवकादिषु चत्वारो घृतं चैकं प्रकीर्तितम्| कल्पे जीमूतकानां च योगास्त्रिंशन्नवाधिकाः||१५||

tatraślōkau-

ṣaṭkṣīrēmadirāmaṇḍēēkōdvādaśacāparē| saptacāragvadhādīnāṁkaṣāyē'ṣṭaucavartiṣu||14||

jīvakādiṣucatvārōghr̥taṁcaikaṁprakīrtitam| kalpējīmūtakānāṁcayōgāstriṁśannavādhikāḥ||15||

tatrashlokau-

ShaTkShIremadirAmaNDeekodvAdashacApare| saptacAragvadhAdInAMkaShAye~aShTaucavartiShu||14||

jIvakAdiShucatvAroghRutaMcaikaMprakIrtitam| kalpejImUtakAnAMcayogAstriMshannavAdhikAH||15||

In summary,

There are the thirty nine preparations described in the Jimutaka Kalpa.

Six preparation in milk, one in the suramanda (supernatant part of wine), twelve recipes prepared by boiling with decoctions of Guduchi etc., seven in the decoction of the Aragvadha etc., eight recipes in the form of pills, four preparation in the juice of Jivaka etc. and one recipe of ghee – Thus ends the second chapter of kalpa sthana dealing with the “pharmaceutics of Jimutaka” compiled by Agnivesa, redacted by Charaka, and reconstructed by Dridhabala, as it was unavailable. [14-15]

Tattva Vimarsha

Vidhi Vimarsha

Emetics should be administered with vehicles depending on dosha. For example in pitta dominant conditions drugs are administered with milk, draksha, amalaka, parushaka, etc., honey and gomutra are employed in kapha dosha and with sura (wine) and other fermented drinks, curd etc. in vata dosha. Gangadhara described the use of jimutaka in kotha (urticaria) and he also commented that Hikkadi includes Kasa. Chakrapani specifically indicates that diseases which are due to urogatadosha should be considered under hikkadi.

Chakrapani mentions the use of freshly appeared fruit in the preparation of milk gruel. Arunadatta comments there are two varieties of Jimutaka fruits viz Mridu and Kathina , based on their hairy and non hairy texture. (A.Hr..Ka.1/21 Arunadatta commentary). Fruits described as Haritapandu should be of moderate growth and of texture that lies between hairy and non hairy ones.

The recipe with Jimutaka as nasal drops in the management of Kamala is very popular and has scientific validation. Its Emetic activity has also been revalidated. Being tiskanavamaka it can be used in Nanatmaja Kapha Vikara. Though it sometimes may create hematemesis.

Researches

1) Aqueous extract of fruits significantly lowered the serum bilirubin level in chlorpromazine – induced jaundice in rats.[12] 2) The alcoholic and thr ether extracts of the plant showed definite protection against CCl4- induced liver injury in rats[13] . 3) 50% ethanolic extract of whole plant (except roots) showed hypoglycaemic action in rats. The LD50 of the extract in mice was found to be 261 mg/kg i.p.[14] (Aswal et al., 1984). 4) Methanolic extract of Luffa echinata exerts its antiproliferative effects by inducing apoptotic cell death, and causing G2/S arrest in HT-29 cells and it promotes ROS generation[15]. 5) In a study on the therapeutic effect of Luffa echinata fruits in 6 patients of viral hepatitis the result reveals that a single administration of drops squeezed from water soaked dry fruits into the nostrils led to a reduction in bilirubin and SGPT levels significantly within 3 to 7 days and this response was accompanied by a substantial relief in clinical symptoms especially anorexia and malaise.The nasal secretions contained total bilirubin ranging from 1.62 to 5.5mg per cent, the levels not being higher than the serum levels. The observations thus could justify the simple explanation of the relief of jaundice by enhanced nasal excretion of bilirubin. The possibility of the absorption of the active principle of the plant through the nasal mucosa and then action on the liver has been proposed.[16]

Pharmacological activity profile: Anti-arthritic activity [17] Hepatoprotective activity[18] Anti-cancer activity [19]

Thirst area: Thyroid disorders became common especially in female. Thyroid disorders especially hypothyroidism should be treated by given Vamana by Jimutaka. It can be used as emetic in de-addiction due to alcohol withdrawl syndrome due to its hepato protective activity.

Reference

  1. Ram Karan Sharma and Vaidya Bhagwan Dash, Caraka Samhita, Vol VI, Kalpasthana, Chap 1, shlok no.7, edition 2nd 2005,Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi, pp. 6.
  2. Ram karan Sharma and Vaidya Bhagwan Dash, Caraka Samhita, Vol VI, Kalpasthana, Chap 1, shlok no.12, edition 2nd 2005,Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi, pp. 10.
  3. Ram karan Sharma and Vaidya Bhagwan Dash, Caraka Samhita, Vol VI, Kalpasthana, Chap 1, shlok no.5, edition 2nd 2005,Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi, pp. 8,9
  4. K D Tripathi, Essentials of Clinical Pharmacology, 6th edition, Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers, 639.
  5. Ram karan Sharma and Vaidya Bhagwan Dash, Caraka Samhita, Vol VI, Sidhhisthana, Chap 2, shlok no.8-13, edition 2nd 2005,Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi, pp. 177-188.
  6. Ram karan Sharma and Vaidya Bhagwan Dash, Caraka Samhita, Vol VI, Sidhhisthana, Chap 11, shlok no.5, 6, 10-14, edition 2nd 2005,Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi, pp. 382-84.
  7. Prof. K.C. Chunekar, Commentator, Late Dr. G.S. Pandey, editor, Bhavamishra, BhavaprakashNighantu, Revised and enlarged edition 2010, Guduchyadivarga, Chaukhamba BharatiAcadamy, Varanasi, pp 469
  8. P.V Sharma, Classical uses of medicinal plants, Chaukhambha Viswabharati,Varanasi,2004pp-549-550
  9. Anonymous,Wealth of India- Raw materials Vol 6 L-M, CSIR, NewDelhi, pp-181
  10. Prof K Nishteswar & Dr.KoppulaHemadri, Dravyaguna Vidyana, first edition 2010, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratisthan, Delhi, pp 422.
  11. Thakur Balwant Singh and Dr K C Chunekar, Glossary of Vegetable drugs in Brihattrayi, second edition 1999, Chaukhamba Amarabharati Prakashan, Varanasi, pp 207
  12. SK Bapat, V Chandra, The effect of Luffa echinata (Roxb) on experimental jaundice in rats,Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology 08/1968; 12(3):119-20.
  13. Lauria P etal, The effect of Luffa ecchinata in liver injury and its other pharmacological actions. Indian J Pharmacology 1972 ,4(2),152
  14. Anonymous,Wealth of India- Raw materials Vol 6 L-M, CSIR, NewDelhi, pp-181
  15. Li-Hua Shang , Chun-Mei Li , Zhao-Yang Yang , De-Hai Che , Jing-Yan Cao and Yan Yu, Luffa echinata Roxb. Induces Human Colon Cancer Cell (HT-29) Death by Triggering the Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway, Molecules 2012, 17, 5780-5794
  16. K Nishteswar, Ayurvedic herbal remedies, Choukhambha Surabharati Prakashan , Varanasi,2009, pp-95
  17. H S Chandel et al, Evaluation of antiarthritic activity on LuffaechinataRoxb. fruits on rats, Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, 3(21) 2013, 36-41.
  18. Bahar Ahmed et al, Hepatoprotective activity of Luffaechinata fruits, Journal of Ethnopharmacology 76 (2001) 187–189
  19. Li-Hua Shang et al, LuffaechinataRoxb. Induces Human Colon Cancer Cell (HT-29) Death by Triggering the Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway, Molecules 2012, 17, 5780-5794; doi:10.3390/molecules17055780.

Glossary

  1. फलं (Phalam)– Fruit
  2. पुष्पं( Pushpam) – Flower
  3. कल्पं (Kalpam )– Pharmaceutics
  4. त्रिदोषघ्नं ( Tridoshaghnam)– Alleviates three doshas ( Vayu, Pitta and Kapha)
  5. आमयं (Amaya)– Disease
  6. चूर्णं ( Churnam) – Powder
  7. आसु (Asu) – Distill
  8. सुरामण्डं( Suramanda) – Supernatant part of alcohol
  9. अरोचक( Arochaka) –Anorexia
  10. पाण्डु (Pandu) – Anemia
  11. कषाय (Kashaya)– Decoction
  12. यक्ष्मा (Yakshma)– Wasting diseases
  13. कोल ( Kola)– 6gm. approximately
  14. घ्रुत ( Ghrita)– Ghee