Critical review of Basella alba in Ayurveda and recent studies.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A critical review of potaki (basella alba) in ayurvedic texts with recent studies
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Sipika Swati
M.D, Scholar, Dept. of Stree avum prasuti tantra, Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
*Prateek Agarwal
M.D, Scholar, Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A critical review of potaki (basella alba) in ayurvedic texts with recent studies
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Potaki, scientifically known as Basella alba, is a perennial vine belonging to the Basellaceae family and is commonly referred to as Malabar spinach. This edible plant thrives in tropical regions of Asia and Africa and is recognized for its nutritional benefits, including high levels of vitamins A, C, and iron, along with being low in calories but rich in protein. In traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, it has been attributed various health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. The revival of interest in natural products has brought attention to the therapeutic potential of plants like Basella alba, which have been used since ancient times for their healing properties.
Nutritional Value and Medicinal Properties
Basella alba is nutritionally rich, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins, making it a valuable addition to diets. The plant's leaves and stems possess medicinal properties that include diuretic and laxative effects, making them beneficial for digestive health. The mucilage from the leaves is known for its demulcent properties, aiding in the treatment of dysentery and other gastrointestinal disorders. Moreover, it has been used ethnomedically for various ailments such as enhancing milk production in breastfeeding women and serving as a topical remedy for burns and skin irritations.
Chemical Composition and Health Benefits
The chemical composition of Basella alba includes a diverse range of compounds such as proteins, vitamins, and flavonoids, with kaempherol being one noteworthy flavonoid present in its leaves. The plant also contains advantageous amino acids and fatty acids, contributing to its overall health benefits, including its potential in reducing anemia and maintaining good health. Recent studies have highlighted its antioxidant properties, showcasing its ability to scavenge free radicals, as well as its hypoglycemic effects, particularly in diabetic models. This suggests a multifaceted role of Basella alba in both nutritional and medicinal contexts, supporting its use in traditional healing practices.
Conclusion
In summary, Basella alba, or Potaki, is a multifaceted plant with significant nutritional and medicinal value. Its historical usage in traditional medicine is complemented by modern research validating its health benefits and biological activities, enhancing its reputation as a natural therapeutic agent. As interest in herbal medicine continues to grow, Basella alba represents a valuable resource, embodying the integration of traditional wisdom and contemporary scientific inquiry, thus contributing to the broader understanding of natural products in health and wellness.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the medicinal properties of Potaki (Basella alba)?
Potaki (Basella alba) exhibits various medicinal properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and nephroprotective effects. It is used in traditional medicine for alleviating conditions like urine retention, dysentery, and even enhancing fertility in women.
What nutritional benefits does Basella alba provide?
Basella alba is rich in vitamins A, C, and several minerals including calcium and iron. Its consumption can positively impact overall health, particularly helping to reduce anemia and improve vitamin A levels in the body.
How is Basella alba used in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, Basella alba is mentioned in classical texts for its ability to alleviate conditions such as urinary retention and piles. It acts as a cooling, soothing plant and is recommended for various medicinal preparations.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Critical review of Basella alba in Ayurveda and recent studies.�. 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) Potaki:
Referred to as Potaki in Ayurvedic texts, Basella alba is also known as Malabar spinach. It belongs to the family Basellaceae and is used widely for its health benefits, including its androgenic, antioxidant, nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
2) India:
India is the native country for Basella alba, where it is used for various medicinal purposes as documented in classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
3) Medicine:
In traditional medicine, especially Ayurveda, Basella alba is used for its therapeutic properties including its effects as a diuretic, demulcent, and emollient.
4) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighantu refers to Ayurvedic lexicons or dictionaries which document various herbs and their properties. Basella alba is described in texts like Bhava Prakash Nighantu and Madan Pal Nighantu.
5) Madhura:
Madhura, meaning sweet, is one of the Rasas (tastes) attributed to Basella alba in Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
6) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical compendiums in Ayurveda. Basella alba is mentioned in Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita for its various medicinal properties.
7) Snigdha:
Snigdha, referring to unctuousness, is a Guna (quality) attributed to Basella alba in Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
8) Disease:
Basella alba is used to treat several diseases in Ayurveda, including ailments related to Vata-Pitta imbalances, inflammation, and antioxidant deficiencies.
9) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda. Basella alba is indicated to pacify Pitta Dosha while it may increase Kapha Dosha.
10) Sita (Shita):
Shita, meaning cold, is one of the properties (Virya) associated with Basella alba in Ayurvedic texts, indicating its cooling effects.
11) Drug:
Basella alba is considered an effective drug in Ayurveda with multiple benefits including being a demulcent, diuretic, and emollient, used to treat various conditions.
12) Vatapitta (Vata-pitta):
Basella alba is used in Ayurveda to balance Vata and Pitta doshas, thereby alleviating conditions caused by these imbalances.
13) Janaka (Janak):
[see source text or glossary: Janak]
14) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda. Basella alba may increase Kapha as noted in Ayurvedic texts, although it is used to balance other Doshas.
15) Vata:
Basella alba helps alleviate Vata imbalances in the body, making it useful in conditions caused by excess Vata according to Ayurvedic principles.
16) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that uses herbs like Basella alba for therapeutic purposes. Texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita document its uses.
17) Caraka:
Caraka refers to the sage who authored Charaka Samhita, where Basella alba is mentioned for its medicinal properties and various health benefits.
18) Family:
Basella alba belongs to the botanical family Basellaceae and is documented in various Ayurvedic texts for its health benefits.
19) Indian:
Basella alba is widely used in Indian traditional medicine, including Ayurveda, for its healing properties and nutritional value.
20) Nidra:
[see source text or glossary: Nidra]
21) Blood:
Consumption of Basella alba has been shown to increase red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin, and platelet count, providing hematological benefits.
22) Food:
Basella alba is not only used as a medicine but also as a food source rich in vitamins A, C, and Iron, particularly in tropical regions of Asia and Africa.
23) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi is the location of the Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, BHU, where scholars like Sipika Swati and Prateek Agarwal conducted studies on Basella alba.
24) Vrishya (Vrsya):
Vrishya, meaning aphrodisiac, is one of the actions attributed to Basella alba in Ayurvedic texts, promoting sexual health and vitality.
25) Sthana:
[see source text or glossary: Sthana]
26) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
[see source text or glossary: Sharma]
27) Varga:
[see source text or glossary: Varga]
28) Kara:
[see source text or glossary: Kara]
29) Tai:
[see source text or glossary: Thai]
30) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Sushruta-samhita, a key text in Ayurveda, includes Basella alba for its health benefits including its ability to manage piles and aid digestion.
31) Caraka-samhita:
In Charaka-samhita, Basella alba is referred to for its medicinal properties and is recommended for conditions like retention of urine and faeces.
32) Phytochemical:
The leaves of Basella alba contain various phytochemicals including flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to its medicinal properties.
33) Shakavarga (Sakavarga, Shaka-varga):
[see source text or glossary: Shakavarga]
34) Flavonoid:
Basella alba contains kaempferol, a type of flavonoid that contributes to its antioxidant properties and is found in its leaves.
35) Alasya:
[see source text or glossary: Alasya]
36) Cancer:
Studies indicate that Basella alba possesses anticancer properties, being used in traditional medicine to treat melanoma, leukemia, and oral cancer.
37) Animal:
Basella alba has been traditionally used in veterinary medicine, such as in treating sterility in animals by applying ground leaves.
38) Labour (Labor):
A decoction of Basella alba has been used in traditional medicine to ease labor pains and is considered safe for pregnant women.
39) Sutra:
[see source text or glossary: Sutra]
40) Shaka (Saka):
[see source text or glossary: Shaka]
41) Bhava:
Bhava Prakash Nighantu is an Ayurvedic lexicon where Basella alba is documented for its various medicinal properties and uses.
42) Kumar:
[see source text or glossary: Kumar]
43) Balya:
[see source text or glossary: Balya]
44) Ulcer:
The pulped leaves of Basella alba are applied to ulcers to hasten healing and relieve symptoms.
45) Tamil:
In Tamil, Basella alba is known as Vaslakkirai and is utilized for its health benefits including cooling and digestive properties.
46) Bala:
[see source text or glossary: Bala]
47) Diet:
Incorporating Basella alba in the diet can have positive health effects, such as reducing anemia and promoting overall good health.
48) Soup:
According to Charaka Samhita, the soup of Basella alba is recommended for digestive issues, including retention of urine and faeces.
49) Pain:
Basella alba is used in traditional medicine to alleviate pain, particularly in conditions related to dysentery and pile management.
50) Lakshminarayana (Laksminarayana, Lakshmi-narayana):
[see source text or glossary: Lakshminarayana]
51) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
[see source text or glossary: Sutra-sthana]
52) Malnutrition:
Basella alba is used to treat malnutrition due to its high content of essential vitamins and minerals, promoting overall health.
53) Inflammation:
Basella alba possesses anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in various conditions as per traditional and recent studies.
54) Raktapitta (Rakta-pitta):
[see source text or glossary: Raktapitta]
55) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna Vijnana is an Ayurvedic text that describes the properties and actions of Basella alba including its benefits for digestive health.
56) Nidrakara (Nidra-kara):
[see source text or glossary: Nidra-kara]
57) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
In Tamil Nadu, Basella alba, known as Vaslakkirai, is used for its medicinal properties including digestive and anti-inflammatory effects.
58) Knowledge:
[see source text or glossary: Knowledge]
59) Kolhapur:
Kolhapur district is known for its ethnobotanical documentation, including the use of Basella alba for its medicinal properties.
60) Assamese:
The Assamese people use Basella alba to treat skin ailments and as part of their cosmetic practices according to ethnobotanical studies.
61) Hitahara (Hita-ahara):
[see source text or glossary: Hitahara]
62) Swelling:
The mucilaginous liquid from Basella alba is applied topically to reduce swelling and relieve headaches.
63) Pregnant:
Basella alba juice is considered a safe aperient for pregnant women and is used in traditional medicine to alleviate labor pains.
64) Sanskrit:
In Sanskrit, Basella alba is referred to by various names such as Upodika, Potaki, Maalvaa, and Amritvallari, and is widely documented in Ayurvedic texts.
65) Madhavi:
[see source text or glossary: Madhavi]
66) Vijnana:
[see source text or glossary: Vijnana]
67) Upodika:
[see source text or glossary: Upodika]
68) Kaphaja:
[see source text or glossary: Kaphaja]
69) Oshadhi (Osadhi):
[see source text or glossary: Oshadhi]
70) Prasuti:
Used in the department of Stree avum prasuti tantra, Basella alba is beneficial for various gynecological and obstetric conditions.
71) Krishna (Krsna):
[see source text or glossary: Krishna]
72) Marathi:
In Marathi, Basella alba is known as Mayalu, and is recognized for its medicinal and nutritional properties.
73) Lucknow:
Lucknow is home to India's Central Drug Research Institute, which conducts research on traditional herbs like Basella alba.
74) Bengali:
In Bengali, Basella alba is called Pui Shak, and is used for its health benefits and culinary purposes.
75) Kashaya (Kasaya):
[see source text or glossary: Kashaya]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 108]
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