A Review on the Ayurvedic Herb Prosopis cineraria (L) Druce.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: A Review on the Ayurvedic Herb Prosopis cineraria (L) Druce.
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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M.D. Ukani, N.B Limbani, N.K Mehta
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: A Review on the Ayurvedic Herb Prosopis cineraria (L) Druce.
Year: 2000
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Prosopis cineraria (L) Druce, commonly known as shami or khijda, is an indigenous plant belonging to the Mimosaceae family that has been recognized in Ayurveda for its numerous clinical properties. The herb is utilized in various Ayurvedic preparations, and this review aims to explore the studies related to its chemistry and pharmacological effects. Ancient texts attribute several medicinal benefits to shami, describing its effects on conditions such as deranged kapha, cough, vertigo, dyspnea, piles, and helminthic infections.
Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Importance
The phytochemistry of Prosopis cineraria highlights a range of compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties. Notable findings include the identification of patulitrin, sitosterol, and various flavones such as prosogerin A, B, D, and E from different parts of the plant. These compounds are shown to possess distinct biological activities, underlining the importance of chemical analysis in understanding the herb's effectiveness. Furthermore, pharmacological investigations reveal that an alkaloid mixture derived from the plant has negatively impacted blood pressure in animal studies and caused severe organ damage. Despite these concerns, traditional practices utilize the powdered form of the herb mixed with sugar to prevent miscarriages, while other parts of the plant, including the bark and root, are employed for their astringent and antidysenteric properties.
Conclusion
The comprehensive review of Prosopis cineraria emphasizes its significance in both traditional Ayurvedic medicine and modern pharmacological research. Its diverse chemical composition not only underscores the need for thorough identification and analysis of Ayurvedic herbs but also denotes its potential therapeutic applications. While further studies are needed to clarify specific effects and safety profiles, the historical usage of shami in treating various ailments suggests a promising avenue for continued exploration in both ancient and contemporary medicinal practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Prosopis cineraria and its significance in Ayurveda?
Prosopis cineraria, known as shami or khijda, is an indigenous Ayurvedic herb mentioned for its various clinical properties and uses in many preparations. Its benefits include aiding in deranged kapha, cough, vertigo, and digestive issues.
What are the primary pharmacological effects of Prosopis cineraria?
Pharmacological studies show that an alkaloid mixture from Prosopis cineraria can reduce blood pressure and lead to immediate mortality in high doses. The plant parts have also been used for their astringent, demulcent, and pectoral properties.
What are some active compounds found in Prosopis cineraria?
Active compounds include patulitrin, sitosterol, and several flavones like prosogerin A, B, D, and E. These compounds contribute to the plant's medicinal properties, as identified through various phytochemical studies.
How is Prosopis cineraria identified in Ayurvedic preparations?
Identification involves pharmacognostic techniques, including TLC (thin-layer chromatography) tests to ensure the authenticity and chemistry of the herb when acquired from markets or utilized in Ayurvedic practices.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淎 Review on the Ayurvedic Herb Prosopis cineraria (L) Druce.鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Sharman (艢arma, Sarm膩, Sarma, Sharma, 艢arman):
Sharma refers to a researcher collaborating on various studies related to the medicinal properties of Prosopis cineraria. The name is associated with significant contributions to the field of Ayurvedic pharmacology, focusing on the chemistry of flavonoids and other compounds extracted from the plant, and their biological activities.
2) Shami (Sami, S膩m墨, S膩mi, 艢am墨, 艢ami, Sam墨):
Sami is another name used for Prosopis cineraria. It conveys both the cultural heritage and botanical identity of the plant in Ayurvedic medicine. Understanding the regional nomenclature aids in recognizing the plant's significance and promoting its use across different contexts and treatments in traditional herbal systems.
3) Ayurveda (膧yurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine in India, emphasizing a holistic approach to health and wellness. It utilizes natural ingredients, including plants like Prosopis cineraria, in therapies aimed at restoring balance in the body. Research in Ayurveda is essential for understanding the therapeutic potential and chemical properties of herbs.
4) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the study of the effects and mechanisms of drugs. The relevance of pharmacology to Prosopis cineraria lies in understanding how its chemical compounds interact within biological systems. This knowledge is crucial for developing ayurvedic treatments and ensuring safety and effectiveness in human health applications.
5) Tikta (Tikt膩):
Tikta refers to one of the tastes (rasa) in Ayurveda, which denotes bitterness. It is significant in characterizing the properties of Prosopis cineraria, indicating its potential therapeutic effects for conditions like digestive disorders and respiratory issues. Understanding taste profiles is essential in Ayurvedic pharmacotherapy for treatment strategies.
6) Katu (Ka峁璾, K膩tu):
Katu is another Ayurvedic taste, translating to pungent or spicy. The inclusion of Katu in describing Prosopis cineraria emphasizes its therapeutic characteristics, particularly in stimulating digestion and alleviating respiratory ailments. The understanding of such tastes is fundamental when prescribing herbal medicines for various conditions in Ayurveda.
7) Dravyaguna (Dravyagu峁嘺, Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna is the branch of Ayurveda that focuses on the properties of drugs (herbs) and their effects on the body. Investigating Dravyaguna provides insight into how compounds in Prosopis cineraria contribute to its therapeutic uses, thus establishing a scientific basis for its application in health practices.
8) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a group of plant secondary metabolites known for their antioxidant properties. The identification of flavonoids such as prosogerin in Prosopis cineraria highlights the species' pharmacological potential. Understanding these compounds aids in evaluating their role in health benefits and possible uses in medicinal formulations.
9) Krimijit (K峁沵ijit, Krimi-jit):
Krimijit is an Ayurvedic term referring to anthelmintic properties, or the ability to expel worms. It indicates the use of Prosopis cineraria in treating parasitic infections, suggesting a historical context of the herb's application in traditional medicine. The effectiveness in this area is an important aspect of its medicinal profile.
10) Kashaya (K膩峁Ｄ亂a, K膩艣aya, K膩s膩ya, Ka峁Ｄ亂a, Ka艣膩ya, K膩saya, Ka峁Ｄ亂膩, Kas膩ya, Kasaya):
Kasaya signifies the astringent taste found in Ayurveda, akin to Kashaya. It points to the applications of Prosopis cineraria, especially in managing conditions requiring astringent effects, such as internal bleeding or diarrhea, supporting its use in ayurvedic formulations for specific therapeutic goals.
11) Habitat:
Habitat refers to the natural environment where Prosopis cineraria grows, primarily in dry and arid regions of India. Understanding its habitat is crucial for sustainable harvesting and conservation, as well as appreciating its adaptability, which also provides insights into the plant's chemical composition and uses in traditional medicine.
12) Vertigo:
Vertigo describes a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often treated in Ayurveda by herbs like Prosopis cineraria. The mention of vertigo in its medicinal properties highlights the herb's broader application in addressing challenging health conditions related to balance and spatial orientation, reflecting its relevance in holistic health practices.
13) Science (Scientific):
Science plays a critical role in validating traditional practices, such as Ayurveda. The studies involving Prosopis cineraria investigate its chemistry and pharmacological properties, bridging traditional knowledge and modern scientific inquiry, thus contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of herbal medicine's efficacy and safety.
14) Recani (Recan墨):
Recani refers to the property of being beneficial for digestion, linked to the effects of certain compounds within herbs like Prosopis cineraria. Recognizing such properties is vital within Ayurveda, as it assists in formulating treatments that enhance digestive health, thereby fostering overall well-being.
15) Famine:
Famine refers to extreme scarcity of food, highlighting the historical importance of Prosopis cineraria during a famine in Rajputana. The mention of its bark as a food source emphasizes the plant's value in survival situations, underlining its role not only as a medicinal herb but also as a nutritional resource.
16) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing earth and water qualities. Managing Kapha-related disorders is one of the roles of Prosopis cineraria, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with excess kapha, such as congestion and obesity, reinforcing the plant's importance in holistic medicine.
17) Laghu:
Laghu is an Ayurvedic term meaning light, which refers to a property of some herbs, including Prosopis cineraria, that aids in digestion. This property is essential for prescribing herbal remedies to enhance digestive function and balance bodily humors, aiding practitioners in formulating suitable treatments.
18) Water:
Water serves as a universal solvent and is crucial in extracting biomolecules from herbs. In the context of Prosopis cineraria, analyzing its solubility in water provides insight into its medicinal components' availability and efficacy, which is essential for traditional and modern studies of herbal formulas.
19) Sugar:
Sugar is mentioned in the context of an alkaloid mixture given to pregnant women to prevent miscarriage. The relationship between sugar as a carrier and the efficacy of Prosopis cineraria underscores the importance of formulation in traditional practices, linking it to dietary habits and health outcomes.
20) Blood:
Blood relates to the physiological impact of herbal components, such as those found in Prosopis cineraria. Its reported effects on blood pressure indicate the herb's influence on circulatory health, highlighting the significance of understanding its pharmacological properties for developing effective treatments in Ayurveda.
21) Sita (S墨t膩, 艢墨ta, S墨ta, Shita, S墨t膩, Sit膩, 艢ita, 艢墨t膩, Si峁璦, Si峁�):
Sita describes a coolness property related to the herb, indicating its use in treating heat-related disorders in Ayurveda. The cooling effect of Prosopis cineraria contributes to its therapeutic repertoire, helping in conditions like inflammation or excessive heat in the body, making it relevant in Ayurvedic treatments.
22) Worm:
Worm signifies parasitic infections addressed in Ayurveda. Prosopis cineraria possesses 'Krimijit' properties, suggesting it can remedy such conditions. Understanding this aspect emphasizes the importance of considering specific ailments when applying traditional herbal treatments, thus promoting a more targeted therapeutic approach in Ayurveda.
23) Drug:
Drug refers to a substance used for medicinal purposes. In the context of Prosopis cineraria, its various chemical compounds can be considered drugs in traditional and modern medicine. Research on these compounds supports their medicinal applications, demonstrating the integration of herbal remedies into contemporary pharmacotherapy.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�A Review on the Ayurvedic Herb Prosopis cineraria (L) Druce.鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Prosopis cineraria, Pregnant women, Medicinal properties, Rheumatism, Blood-pressure, Demulcent, Astringent, Phytochemistry, Hepatotoxicity, Ayurvedic Herb, Ayurvedic preparation, Crude drug identification, Ancient Science of life, Indigenous plant, Clinical properties, Pharmacognostic techniques.