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Sanskrit |
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Bhumi amalaki
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Common name
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Bahupatra, Bhuiamla,
Jaramla, Jangli Amala, Bhuianvalah |
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Latin name |
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Phyllanthus niruri |
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Family |
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Euphorbiacea |
Morphology and Description:
It originated in
India as a Winter weed through out the hotter parts of India .
Phyllanthus means
"leaf and flower" because the flower and the fruit seem to be
united with the leaf.
The plant grows abundantly
throughout India up to 700 m altitude during rainy
season, however, with less
frequency in southern part of the country. Small erect
annual herb 10-60 cm tall. Leaves
small elliptic-oblong; flowers, whitish-green &
minute.
Ayurvedic
Pharmacodynamic properties:
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Rasa |
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Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Madhur (Sweet)
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Guna |
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Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
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Virya |
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Shita (Cold) |
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Vipaka |
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Madhur (Sweet) |
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Doshakarma |
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Kapha-pittashamak
(alleviates Pitta and Kapha Dosha) |
Useful parts :
Entire plant
Chemical composition:
Bhumi amalaki mainly contains
lignans (e.g., phyllanthine and hypophyllanthine), alkaloids,
and bioflavonoids (e.g., quercetin).
Medicinal properties:
Analgesic, antibacterial,
antihepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antilithic, antimalarial,
antimutagenic, antinociceptive, antispasmodic, antiviral, aperitif,
carminative, choleretic, deobstruent, digestive, diuretic,
febrifuge, hepatotonic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypotensive,
laxative, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge.
Medicinal uses:
1.
Hepatitis: Phyllanthus blocks DNA polymerase, the
enzyme needed for the hepatitis B virus to reproduce.
2. It has been shown that Bhumi
amalaki has inhibitory effect on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
3. It has Lipid lowering activity-
It lowers the elevated level of low-density lipoprotein lipids.
4.
Jaundice-
Herb acts primarily on the liver.
This action in the liver confirms its historical use as a remedy for
jaundice.
5.It was found to reduce the blood sugar level. Hence, used as
Anti-Diabetic .
6.Leaves and stem of Bhumi amalaki contains Alkaloid-phyllanthoside-with
strong antispasmodic activity hence it helps in spasms.
7.
Whole plant is useful for the treatment of Dropsy,
Gonorrhea, Menorrhagia and other Genito- urinary affections.
8.
The other applications of the Bhumi amalaki include
treatments for Dyspepsia, Ulcers, Sores, Swellings, Ophthalmia, and
Chronic dysentery.
Dose
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Swarasa (juice) 10-20 ml; Churna (powder) 3-6 gms.
Important formulations : Chyavanaprasha, Jivantyadi Ghrita
Drug Interactions:
• May potentiate
insulin and antidiabetic drugs.
• May potentiate
antihypertensive drugs.
• May potentiate
prescription diuretic drugs.
Home Remedies:
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In hepatomegaly and spleenomegaly its decoction should be used. It is
very effective in treating liver and spleen
disorders.
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In jaundice its root powder should be taken
along with milk.
Summary:
It is a safe lipotropic drug and its primary action is on the liver.
Blumberg showed an inhibition of DNA polymerase of Hepatitis B virus and
a viral-agglutinating activity. The fresh root is used for the treatment
of viral hepatitis. The plant is also used as a diuretic in odema. It
is also used to increase appetite and locally to relieve inflammations.
With the formulations and dosage used no adverse reactions have been
reported.
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