Latin: Justicia adhatoda Linn. (Syn. Adhatoda vasica Nees) Family: Acanthaceae Vernacular names: Sanskrit - Vasa; Hindi - Arusha - Adulasa; English - Malabar nut; Unani - Arusa; Tamil - Adathodai; Bengali - Bakash Part Used: leaves, root, flowers, stem bark
Ayurvedic Energetics: Doshas: KP- ; V+ Pharmacological Action: expectorant, antispasmodic, bronchodilatation, diuretic Clinical Research: The leaves of the plant contain the alkaloid vasicine (C11H12N2O), which is responsible for the small but persistent bronchodilatation, and an essential oil which is chiefly responsible for the expectorant action. The leaves and roots contain other alkaloids, vasicinone, vasicinolone and vasicol, which may contribute to the bronchodilatory effect through anticholinergic action on the vagal innervation of the bronchii. The bronchodilation effect is considerably increased after atropine administration. Studies have also shown vasa to be effective in the treatment of amlapitta (dyspepsia) and pyorrhea . The in vitro growth of several strains of Mycoplasma tuberculosis was inhibited by the essential oil at concentrations in the range of 2-20 ug/ml. . There has also been a report of thrombopoetic (platelet-increasing) activity with vasicine.
Traditional Uses: The juice expressed from the
leaves and the decoction of the leaves and roots are useful in asthma,
bronchitis, and other chronic coughs. Dried leaves are used in
dhoomapana (smoking) in the treatment of bronchial asthma. The leaf
decoction is an excellent expectorant when decocted with punarnava
(Boerhaavia diffusa) and then combined with ginger juice and black
pepper. Another effective preparation for the treatment of asthma is
the decoction of vasa, guduci (Tinospora cordifolia), and kantakari
(Solanum surratense) mixed with honey. Indications: asthma, brochitits, cough, local bleeding, thrombocytopenia, pyorrhea
Formulations and Dosage:
Nadkarni, KM Indian Materia Med, vol. 1, 41, 1993.
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