It is an important medicinal plant that is used in the treatment of
various ailments. The botanical name for Mandukaparni is Centella Asiatica
which belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is an ancient Indian herb which is
also called Gotu Kola
Hindi – Bengsag
Bengali – Thulkudi
Telugu – Sarasvathy
Tamil – Vallari kirai
Marathi – Karivan
Gujarati – Khanda Brahmi
Kannada – Ondelaga soppu
The plant is
found in marshy places and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical
regions. It is a small herb and the stem is glabrous, pink striated. The leaves
are fleshy, denate. The petiole is long and smooth on the upper surface and
hairy on the lower surface. The flowers are pink and white and the fruits are oblong,
brown, which is compressed laterally and woody white.
Parts used: The whole plant
Taste: Bitter
Potency: Cold
On chemical compound analysis of Mandukaparni, it includes
Triterpenoid
glycosides contain asaitoside, asiaticoside, asiaticin, Asiatic acid,
madecassic acid, madecassoside, brahmoside, brahmic acid, brahminoside,
oxyasiaticosie, thankuniside, isothankuniside, centelloside, madasiatic acid,
centic acid, centellin, centellicin, centelloside, cenellic acid, betulinic
acid, indocentic acid. It also contains phytosterols and volatile oil like
valerin, camphor, and cineole.
ACTIONS:
The dose of the drug used
according to the physician
Fresh juice:
10-30ml
Powder: 3-6g
Anxiety:
Traditional view: According to Ayurveda,
neurological disorders are controlled by Vata, if there are any abnormalities
in the Vata doshas it may lead to anxiety. The use of mandukaparni calm the
nervous system and reduce anxiety by balancing Vata and due to its brain tonic
effect
Modern view: Due to its anxiolytic effect, it
helps to control the function of neurotransmitters by releasing the hormone and
balancing the behavioral changes
Mental alertness:
Traditional view: According to Ayurveda,
neurological disorders are controlled by Vata, if there are any abnormalities
in the Vata doshas it may lead to impairment in mental alertness. The use of
mandukaparni increases memory by its brain tonic effect
Blood clots:
Due to its
antioxidant effect, it helps to prevent blood clots and decrease cholesterol
levels and increase the synthesis of nitric acid. This nitric acid prevents
platelet aggregation and prevents the blood clot formation
Diabetes:
Due to
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect the use of mandukaparni decrease the
carbohydrate breakdown and inhibit the glucose absorption and reduce the blood
sugar level. It also prevents pancreatic cell damage and increases the
secretion of insulin
Fatigue:
According
to Ayurveda, fatigue is called Klama. The use of mandukaparni reduce the
fatigue by its Balya and Rasayana effect
Indigestion:
According to Ayurveda, indigestion is called Agnimandya that occurs
due to the imbalance of Pitta dosha and poor digestive fire which leads to the
accumulation of toxins in the body and causes indigestion. The use of
mandukaparni balances the Pitta dosha and improves digestion by its Deepan
(appetizer) property
Common
cold:
According
to Ayurveda, common cold occurs due to the imbalance of Kapha and poor
digestion which leads to the accumulation of toxins in the body and this
reaches the lungs as sputum and causes cold and cough. The use of mandukaparni
improve the poor digestion and balance the Kapha by its cold and rejuvenating
properties
Urinary tract infection:
According
to Ayurveda, it is called Mutrakcchra (painful urination). The use of
mandukaparni helps to reduce the burning sensation by its Mutral activity and
it also helps to increase the urine flow and decrease the symptoms associated
with urinary tract infection
Wound healing:
Traditional view: Mandukaparni
helps to decrease the inflammation in the skin and helps to bring the texture
of skin by its healing property
Modern view: Due to its
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial effect it increases wound
contraction and induces the synthesis of collagen and it also heals the wound
quickly.
The Mandukaparni comes in various formulations includes
Mandukaparni powder:
Take
the required amount of Mandukaparni powder as per the dose and duration advised
by the doctor and mix it with honey. Consume this paste after your meals to
increase your memory
Mandukaparni capsules:
Take
the required amount of Mandukaparni capsule and consume it with lukewarm water
after your meals to control anxiety
External use:
Mandukaparni oil:
Take
the required amount of Mandukaparni oil and mix it with coconut or almond oil.
Apply this paste on an affected area to heal the wound quickly
Mandukaparni powder:
Take
the required amount of Mandukaparni powder and mix it with honey. Apply this
paste on an affected area for 15-20 minutes. Use this remedy to get soft skin
Is Mandukaparni
powder available in the market?
Yes, it is available in
the market and it can be brought from online websites or ayurvedic and stores.
How to store Mandukaparni
powder?
It should be stored in an
airtight container and keep the medicines away from the heat and light and Do not keep the
medicines reaching out to children
Can Mandukaparni be used in
cosmetics?
Yes,
the extract obtained from the Mandukaparni used for cosmetics purpose