Malabar nut tree
Adhatoda is a tall shrubs, up to 2.5 mtr. high; younger parts tomentose. Leaves are opposite, elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate, accuminate, obtuse or acute at base, entire, up to 18 cm long; petiole 1.5 – 2.5 cm. long; secondary veins 10 – 13 pairs; tomentose when young, glabrous afterwards.
It is an expectorant and in asthma is antispasmodic.
Latine name:
Adhatoda vasica
Tibet name:
Bashaka
Parts used:
Twig, leaf, flower and seed
Found in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan from 400 to 1500 meters altitude.
Antispasmodic activity
Expectorant activity – causes phlegm to loosen in respiratory passages; exhibits anti-tussive activity.
Anti-asthmatic and bronchodilator activity
Wound healing activity
Anti-ulcer activity
Anti-inflammatory activity
Cholagogue activity – increases bile activity; shows increase in bilirubin excretion.
Uterotonic activity – stimulates uterine contractions.
Hypoglycaemic effect – mildly reduces blood sugar levels.
Digestive effect – shows to activate trypsin enzyme and thus stimulates digestive process.
Hepatoprotective effect
Thrombolytic activity
Anti-allergy activity
Anti-tubercular activity – inhibit M.tuberculosis; increases effect of rifampicin; have ability to concentrate in macrophages and enhance the level of lysozyme in bronchial secretions.
Antimicrobial activity – against wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria; Candida albicans, Vibrio cholorae; have strong anti-influenza virus activity; anti-helmintic and anti-cestodal activity.
Antioxidant activity – have free radical scavenging activity; inhibits lipid peroxidation.
Rejuvenation action:
Balances blood and Bile disorders
Balances blood pressure
Gastrointestinal system:
Heals ulcers
Stops vomiting with blood
Genitourinary system:
Balances menstrual flow
Immune system and detoxification:
Purifies blood
Clears fever
Treats hepatitis and other inflammatory liver disorders
Treats gall bladder inflammation
Clears skin infections
Heals infectious sores
Relieves lung inflammation
Treats pharyngitis and laryngitis
Clears respiratory tract infection and expels phlegm
Stops haemorrhages
Heals wounds
Improves blood circulation