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MUNAKKA


WHAT IS MUNAKKA

It is an important medicinal plant that is used in the treatment of various ailments. The botanical name for Munakka is Vitis vinifera Linn which belongs to the Vitaceae family. Traditionally in India, it is called Kishmish and it is eaten after soaking the munakka the whole night. It is also called as Tree of life. 


What are the other names of MUNAKKA in various languages

English – Raisins, Grape

Hindi – Angur, Munakka

Bengali – Maneka

Gujarati – Drakh

Kannada – Draksha

Malayalam – Munthringya

Punjabi – Munaca

Tamil – Drakshai

Telangana – Draksha

Arabian – Mewis

Assam – Dakh

Oriya – Drakya

Sindhi – Drakh

Urdu – Munaqqa


ORIGIN AND SOURCE OF MUNAKKA

Munnaka is mostly found in western parts of India, Germany, Portugal, Morocco, Southwestern Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean region, but now it is cultivated all over the world. In India, it is mainly cultivated in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

It is a woody, perennial climber plant that grows at a height of 35m long and it has thin leaves circular to ovate and it has a width of 5-23 cm which is deep green. Flowers are found in clusters and it has 5 lobed sepals and the length of the petals are about 5mm which is pale green. Fruits contain 2-3 small seeds. The color of the fruit is green, yellow, red, purple, and black and it has a shiny and glabrous surface.

Part used: Seeds and Fruits

Taste: Sweet, Astringent

Potency: Cold


CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN MUNAKKA

On chemical compound analysis of the munakka, it includes

Fruits contain Catechin, epicatechin, beta-sitosterol, ergosterol, jasmonic acid, glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, arabinose, rhamnose, tannin acid, malic acids, malic, tartaric, oxalic acid, carbohydrates, and tannins

Seeds contain Proanthocyanidins, Procyanidin B5-3-gallate procyanidins, procyanidin C1, procyanidins dimmers, epicatechin-3-O-gallate, epicatechin, catechins, polyphenols, myricetin, kaempferol-3-O-glucosides, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucosides, flavonoids, vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C and Potassium.

ACTIONS:

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antimicrobial
  • Laxative
  • Anti-diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Anti-oxidant
  • Anti-tumour
  • Cardioprotective
  • Neuroprotective
  • Anti-aging


TRADITIONAL AND MODERN VIEW OF MUNAKKA

  • Juice of unripe fruit act as an astringent to get relief from throat infections
  • Dried fruit is useful in the treatment of hoarseness, cough, body heat, and thirst by its sweet, stomachic, and laxative effect
  • After the process of fruit, the use of this fruit is considered an effective treatment in tumors and it also treats liver hardness
  • The leaves have astringent property which helps to treat diarrhea
  • The use of this herb used to treat premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction


DOSAGE OF MUNAKKA

The dose of the drug used according to physicians

Dried fruit: 5-10g

Fresh juice: 20-50ml


PRECAUTIONS WHILE USING MUNAKKA

  • Before initiating the treatment with this herb consult with your doctor if you are taking any anticoagulant
  • Munnaka helps to reduce the blood sugar level, monitor the blood glucose level if you are taking any other anti-diabetic drug along with Munnaka
  • Munnaka helps to reduce the blood pressure, monitor the blood pressure if you are taking any other antihypertensive drug along with Munnaka
  • It is best to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • Use of high dose may cause diarrhea


CONTRAINDICATIONS WHEN USING MUNAKKA

Do not use this herb if you are allergic to the constituents of the Munnaka


BENEFITS OF MUNAKKA

Bad breath:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, it is considered that constipation leads to bad breath. The use of munakka helps to treat bad breath by treating constipation by its Virechana (purgative) property

Modern view: Munaka helps to treat bad breath by inhibiting the growth of bacteria which is responsible for bad breath

Constipation:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, taking munakka with warm milk at bedtime before going to bed improve our bowel movement and treat constipation by its purgative property

Modern view: Due to its laxative  property the use of munaka helps to loosen the stool and improves bowel movement and treat constipation

Acidity:

Traditional view: Due to Pitta balancing property it helps to control the production of acid which reduces the symptoms of acidity

Modern view: Munakka treat acidity by producing a cooling effect on the stomach which helps to get relief from acidity

Diabetes:

The use of munakka helps to prevent the damage of pancreatic cells and increase the secretion of insulin which leads to a decrease in blood sugar level by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

Hypertension:

It helps to reduce blood pressure by increasing the availability of nitric oxide in the blood which helps to improve the flow of blood by its anti-oxidant property.

Weight gain:

Adding munakka in your life helps to reduce your weight because of its Balya (strength) activity

Teeth and gums:

Traditional view: Due to its Sita(cold) and Ropan (healing) property it helps to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process in mouth ulcers.

Modern view: Munakka contain organic acid which has antiseptic activity produces its action by preventing the growth of bacteria which develops between the teeth and gums and treat mouth ulcers

Skin diseases:

Traditional view: Applying the munakka on the wound improves the healing process and also reduces the wrinkles and fine lines on the face due to its Singdha (oily) activity.

Modern view: Munakka contain antioxidant which helps to fight against the free radicals and prevent the skin from cell damage by its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial property.

Cough:

Traditional view: Due to its Snigdha (oily) property it helps to regulate the dry cough which reduces the throat dryness

Modern view: It has cough suppressant and soothing property which helps to reduce the irritation in the throat


HOW CAN YOU ADD MUNAKKA IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?

The Munakka comes in various formulations includes

Munakka capsule:

Take the required amount of munakka and consume it with water after your meals

Munakka kwath:

Take the required amount of munakka decoction as per the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor along with it add the same quantity of water and consume it after your meals

Munakka paste face mask:

Take the required amount of munakka paste and add honey into it and apply this paste on your face and neck and leave it for 5-10 minutes wash it with tap water and use this remedy to get rid of uneven skin tone


SIDE EFFECTS OF MUNAKKA

  • High blood pressure
  • Nausea
  •  Indigestion
  • Dizziness

  • Anaphylaxis


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON MUNAKKA

Is Raw Munakka available in the market?

Yes, it is available in the market and it can be brought from online websites or ayurvedic medical and departmental stores.

How to store raw munakka?

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 we eat Munakka seeds?

Yes, it is safe to eat munakka seeds but in some cases, the use of munakka may cause choking and in that case, it should be avoided