Adhatoda Vasica-Justicia Adhatoda: An Overview
Introduction
Adhatoda vasica, commonly known as Malabar nut or Vasaka, is a medicinal plant native to South Asia, particularly India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. It belongs to the Acantharean family and has been extensively used in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for centuries. Adhatoda vasica is a perennial shrub that typically grows up to 2 meters in height.The leaves are simple, lanceolate (lance-shaped), and arranged oppositely on the stem. They have a rough texture and a slightly bitter taste.The plant produces clusters of small, white or purple flowers with a tubular shape. The fruit is a capsule containing tiny seeds.
Botanical Name:
Adhatoda vasica Nees
Syn.:
Justicia Adhatoda Linn.
Family:
Acantharean
Urdu Name:
Adusa, Bansa, Basonta, Arosa
English Name:
Vasaka
Parts Used:
Leaf, flowers (Gulqand).
Temperament:
Hot + dry
Order:
1st order.
Geographical Source:
Nepal, Burma, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka
Organoleptic Evaluation:
Appearance:
Leaves: Green , lance shaped
Stem: Green, hairy and ridged
Roots: Brown, fibrous and tapering.
Taste:
Bitter and slightly sweet Astringent and pungent
Smell:
Pungent and aromatic.
Pharmacological Actions / Functions:
Expectorant, antispasmodic, alterative, diuretic, germicide,
antiparalytic, concoctive (for phlegm).
Specific Action:
Expectorant and antispasmodic.
Mode of Action:
1-Anti-tussive activity:
Effective against coughing, similar to codeine.
VASICINE or VASICINONE ( chemical constituent of Adhatoda vasica) act on lungs to reduce inflammation and relax the bronchial muscles, decreasing coughing. VASICINE inhibits the AChE, leads to increased acetylcholine levels, which relax bronchial muscles and reduce coughing.
2-Anti-ulcer activity:
Adhatoda vasica compounds inhibit the proton pump , reducing acid secretion in the stomach and duodenum.It also enhance the activity of Glutathione- S-transferase (GST),which detoxifies ROS and protects the gastric mucosa. Adhatoda vasica compounds reduce acid secretions, inflammation and oxidative stress inhibit , thereby preventing and healing ulcers.
Medicinal Uses:
- Chiefly used as expectorant and bronchial antiseptic in chest diseases, efficacious in cough and asthma. Also regarded as of much benefit in tuberculosis.
- Juice of the leaves is recommended in fever and rheumatism. Fresh juice of the leaves is given in dose of about 12 g with the addition of honey and long pepper in cough and phthisis.
- Flowers, leaves and roots are frequently regarded as antiseptic (internally).
Compound Preparations:
Sherbet Aijaz and in antitussive and blood purifier syrups.
Dosage:
Powder 3 g., decoction 3 to 9 ml.
Corrigent:
Black pepper (Piper nigrum Linn.) and honey.
Tenedium:
Hyssopus officinalisLinn. (Zufa), and the roots and stem bark
of the plant.
Side effects:
In large quantities (large doses) it is irritant and may cause
vomiting and diarrhoea.
Prescription:
1- For Respiratory Diseases:
(Wet and Dry Cough, Phenomena, Common Cold etc)
Adhatoda Vasica (Malabar Nut) 20g
Licorice (Mulethi) 20g
Fennel (Sanoof) 10g
Jujube (Unab) 20g
Violet (Benafsha) 20g
Ephedra (Soma kalpa) 20g
Hyssopus (zofa) 10g
Mix all ingredients and make a syrup
Usage:
Adults and over 12 years of age 1 teaspoon (BD)
Children 6 to 12 years of age ½ teaspoon (BD)
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Adhatoda vasica, commonly known as Malabar nut or Vasaka, is a valuable medicinal plant with a long history of use in traditional systems like Ayurveda and Unani medicine. Its effectiveness in treating respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis is well-documented, supported by its bronchodilator, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Scientific research continues to explore its therapeutic potential, validating its traditional uses and uncovering new applications. As interest in natural remedies grows, Adhatoda vasica remains a potent example of the synergy between traditional knowledge and modern scientific inquiry, offering promising avenues for respiratory health and beyond.