Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa)
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa)
Introduction
Punarnawaa is
a perennial, spreading weed found growing wildly in poor soil and is native to
both India and Brazil. From Vedic period up to modern era, Punarnawaa is lauded
for its medicinal values.
Punarnawaa is
a folk medicine and super-food as well. In West Bengal and Assam Punarnawaa
leaves are eaten as a pot-herb (as a vegetable or as a flavoring agent) and are
understood to prevent renal calculi. In other areas, the entire plant,
including the root, is eaten in curries and soups, while the seeds and roots
are used in cereals and pancakes. Country folks plant Punarnawaa in their
gardens to repel poisonous snakes and scorpions.
Traditional
herbal healers apply Punarnawaa to the vagina and tie roots wrapped in red
cord, around the woman’s waist to hasten delivery. They also apply Punarnawaa
to the breast to treat breast abscess. They use Punarnawaa mixed in honey to
treat conjunctivitis. [1]
Literally,
Punarnawaa means the ‘Renewer’. (Punarnawaa= Punar+Nawaa; Punar means once
again and nawaa means becoming new). Quite a name to live up to for folk
observed that the dead, dry plant would spring again to new green life. On the
philosophy of the “Doctrine of
Signatures” or on the “Theory
of Signatures”, the herbalists and Ayurvedic physicians took this
to mean that the plant was rejuvenative, a fact now supported by a rigorous
scientific research. They also believe that by daily or routine use of
Punarnawaa, body rejuvenates and a fellow becomes ‘young’ again.
[Note: The
philosophy of the “Doctrine of
Signatures”, dating from the time of Dioscurides
and Galen, states that, herbs that resemble various parts of the body can be
used to treat ailments of that part of the body. A theological justification
offered by botanists like William Coles for this philosophy, was that God would
have wanted to show men what plants would be useful for treating ailments of
various parts of the body. “It was reasoned that the Almighty must have set his
sign or signature upon the various means of curing disease which he provided.”]
[2]
As this plant
grows low and its numerous,
long, slender, interlocking stems of the inflorescence resemble an immature
spider or a spider’s web it is known as spiderling.
Spider Spiderling
In 18th century a famous Dutch physician,
Hermann Boerhaave described its medicinal uses. The genus of this plant, Boerhaavia
is named after Hermann Boerhaave.
[3], [4], [5], [6]
Other Names
Botanical:
Boerhaavia diffusa
Sanskrit
: Kahtilla, Shophaghnee,
Shothaghnee, Varshabhu
English:
Horse Purslene, Hog Weed
Assamese
: Ranga Punarnabha
Bengali
: Rakta punarnava
Gujrati
: Dholisaturdi, Motosatodo
Hindi
: Gadapurna,
Lalpunarnava
Kannada
: Sanadika,
Kommeberu, Komma
Kashmiri
: Vanjula
Punarnava
Malayalam
: Chuvanna
Tazhutawa
Marathi
: Ghetuli,
Vasuchimuli, Satodimula, Punarnava, Khaparkhuti
Oriya:
Lalapuiruni,
Nalipuruni
Punjabi
: ltcit
(Ial), Khattan
Tamil
: Mukurattai
(Shihappu)
Telugu
: Atikamamidi,
Erra galijeru [7]
Taxonomic
classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids,
Core eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Family: Nyctaginaceae
[8]
Boerhaavia
(Punarnawaa), is a genus of about 40 species of annual herbaceous plants in the
four o’clock flower family, Nyctaginaceae. [9]
Geographical
distribution
Punarnawaa is a trailing herb found from the warmer
parts of India up to a height of 2000 meters in the Himalayan area. It is also
found grown in the wastelands, ditches, marshy places and fields during and
after the rainy season. It is found in many warm, tropical and subtropical
countries such as Sri Lanka, Sudan, Africa, China and Australia. Punarnawaa is
cultivated for medicinal purpose in West Bengal. [10], [11]
Plant Morphology
Macroscopic Characteristics
Plant: Punarnawaa is
a trailing herb found throughout India. For medicinal purpose it is collected
after rainy season. It is diffusedly branched with stout root stock and many
long slender, prostrate or ascending branches.
Root- well developed, thick, deep penetrating, long, tortuous, cylindrical,
tap root, 0.2 to 1.5 cm in diameter; yellowish brown to brown in color; surface
mostly soft but rough due to minute, longitudinal striations; root scars,
fracture, short; no distinct odor; taste slightly bitter.
Stem- greenish purple, stiff, slender, cylindrical, swollen at nodes, minutely
pubescent, glabrous, prostrate or ascending, 4-10 cm long, divaricately
branched; branches from common stalk.
Leaves- opposite,
in unequal pairs, larger ones 2.5-3.7 cm long and smaller ones1.2-1.8 cm long;
oblong; apex slightly pointed or rounded; base rounded; upper surface green , lower
surface white; margin undulate, dorsal side pinkish; thick in texture; petioles
nearly as long as the blade, slender.
Flowers- very small,
pink, sessile or having a small stalk; 10-25 cm, in small umbels, arranged on
slender, long stalks, 4-10 corymb, axillary, in terminal panicles; bracteoles,
small, acute, perianth tube constricted above the ovary, lower part greenish,
ovoid, ribbed, upper part pink, funnel shaped, 3mm long, tube 5 lobed; stamen
2-3
Fruit- one seeded
nut, 6 mm long, rounded, broadly and bluntly 5 ribbed, viscidly glandular
Microscopic
Characteristics
Root- Transverse Section (TS) of mature root shows
cork composed of thin-walled tangentially elongated cells with brown walls in
outer few layers, cork cambium of 1-2 layers of thin walled cells; secondary
cortex consists of consists of 2-3 layers of parenchymatous cells followed by
cortex composed of 5-12 layers of thin-walled, oval to polygonal cells; several
concentric bands of xylem tissue alternating with wide zone of parenchymatous
tissue present below cortical regions; number of bands vary according to
thickness of root and composed of vessels, tracheids and fibers; vessels mostly
found in groups of 2-8 in radial rows, having simple pits and reticulate
thickening; tracheids small, thick-walled with simple pits, fibers separate,
elongated, thick-walled, spindle-shaped with pointed ends; phloem occurs as
hemispherical or crescentic patches outside each group of xylem vessels and
composed of sieve elements and parenchyma, broad zone of parenchymatous tissue,
in between two successive rings of xylem elements composed of thin-walled more
or less rectangular cells arranged in radial rows; central region of root
occupied by primary vascular bundles, numerous raphides, of calcium oxalate, in
single or in group present in cortical region and parenchymatous tissue in
between xylem tissue; starch grains simple and compound having 2-4 components
found in abundance in most of cells of cortex, xylem elements in parenchymatous
tissue between xylem elements, simple
starch grains mostly rounded in shape, measuring 2.75-11 microns in diameter.
Stem- Transverse
Section (TS) of stem shows a single layer of epidermis consisting of cuboidal cells;
uniseriate glandular trichome consisting of 9-12 stalked cells and ellipsoidal
head, 150-220 micron long; cortex consists of 1-2 layers of parenchyma;
endodermis indistinct; pericycle 1-2 layered, thick-walled, often containing
scattered, isolated fibers; stele consisting of many small vascular bundles
often joined together in a ring and many big vascular bundles scattered in
ground tissue; intra fascicular cambium present.
Leaf- Transverse Section
(TS) of leaf shows anomocytic stomata on both sides; a few short hairs on the
surface, the epidermis and the hairs of the leaf are covered with a continuous
layer of cuticle. The epidermis at the upper side generally consists of
cuboidal and lower side of the tubular cells. The lamina is traversed by
several veins, each surrounded by permanent bundle sheath. The palisade one
layered; spongy parenchyma 2-4 layered with small air spaces; idioblasts
containing raphides; occasionally clustered crystals of calcium oxalate and
orange-red resinous matter present in mesophyll. [13], [14]
Parts Used
Whole
herb, roots and seeds
Phytochemistry
Punarnawaa contains Punarnavine (Alkaloids),
Beta-sitosterol (Phytosterol), Liriodendrin (Lignans), Punarnavoside (Rotenoids),
Boerhavin (Xanthones), Flavones, Steroids,
Triterpenoids, Hypoxanthine, L-arabinofuranoside, Ursolic acid, Punarnavoside
(Glycoside) an antifibrinolytic agent, Arachidic acid, Palmitic acid,
Tetracosanoic acid, Hexacosonoic acid, Stearic acid, Ursolic acid,
Hentriacontane, Beta-Ecdysone, Fifteen aminoacids including six essential amino
acids, glycoproteins and large quantities of potassium nitrate.
The roots are rich in proteins and fats. They contain 14 amino acids including 7
essential ones. They are rich in alkaloids, rotenoids boeravinones A to F,
dihydroisofurenoxanthin, punarnavoside an antifibrinolytic agent, lignans,
liriodendrin and syringareseniol.
The seeds contain fatty acids and allantoin.
Phytochemical screening of the roots of Boerhaavia
diffusa of different ages revealed that the maximum alkaloid count (2%)
accumulated in the roots of 3 year old mature plant [15], [16]
Identity,
Purity and Strength
(1)
Foreign
matter:
Not more than 2 percent
Total
ash:
Not more than 15 percent
Acid-insoluble
ash:
Not more than 6 percent
Alcohol-soluble
extractive:
Not less than 1 percent
Water-soluble
extractive:
Not less than 4 percent [17]
(2)
Standardization values accepted by other researchers
Foreign
matter:
Not more than 2 percent
Total
ash:
Not more than 10 percent
Acid-insoluble
ash:
Not more than 3 percent
Heavy
metals:
1.0 g complies with the limit test for heavy metals
Loss
on drying:
Not more than 10.0 percent
Microbial
contamination:
should comply with microbial contamination tests. [18]
(3) Standards accepted by I. P. in 2010
Foreign
organic matter: Not
more than 2.0 per cent.
Ethanol-soluble
extractive: Not
less than 0.5 per cent.
Water-soluble
extractive: Not
less than 9.0 per cent by method I.
Total
Ash: Not more
than 10.0 per cent.
Acid-insoluble
ash: Not
more than 3.0 per cent.
Heavy
metals:
1.0 g complies with the limit test for heavy metals
Loss
on drying: Not
more than 10.0 per cent, determined on 5 g by drying in an oven at 105º.
Microbial
contamination: Complies
with the microbial contamination tests.
Assay-- Determine by
liquid chromatography [19]
Cytological
Identity
7
Chromosome counts in Boerhavia diffusa L. [20]
Genetic study
By
using RAPD marker method genetic identity of Boerhaavia diffusa has been
established accurately. [21]
Safety
Tests
No
safety data for each specific species of herb is available. Here are general
guidelines:
Heavy
Metals:
Arsenic: Not more than 5.0 mg/kg
Mercury: Not more than 0.5mg/kg
Lead: Not more than 10.0 mg/kg
Chromium: Not more than 0.3 mg/kg
Microbial
Limits:
Total
bacterial count: Not more than 105cfu/g
Total
yeast and mould count:
Not more
than 104cfu/g
Bile
tolerant gram negative bacteria:
Not more
than 104cfu/g
Specific
Pathogens:
Salmonella
spp: Absent in 25 g
Escherichia
coli: Absent in 1g
Staphylococcus
aureus: Absent in 1g
Pseudomonas
aeruginosa: Absent in 1g
[22]
Properties
and Pharmacology
Ayurvedic
properties
Ganas (Classical
Catagories)
Charaka+ Ganas- Warga: Swedopaga
(Adjunct to sweating)
Sushruta+Ganas- Warga: Vidhaarigandhaadi gana and Shaaka warga
Ashtaanga
Sangraha+ Ganas-Warga: Shaaka warga
Energetics
Rasa (Taste): Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter), Kashaaya
(astringent), Katu (Acrid, piquant)
Weerya/Virya (Energy State): Ushna (hot)
Wipaaka/
Vipak (End result, Post digestive effect): Madhura (sweet)
Note: Here I wish to clarify the meaning of these
technical words:
Virya (Weerya): Potency, power, vigor
Vipak (Wipaak): After digestion
change of taste. The food we take is acted upon by jatharagni (digestive
activity) and the taste of the food changes. The original rasa (taste) changes
to vipak (new or same taste.)
Prabhav
(Prabhaawa): Effect,
prominent, peculiar or special action of an herb. Innate and specific property
Gunas (Qualities): Rooksha (dry)
Effects
on Doshas: Waata, Pitta, Kapha
Actions
on Dhaatus (Tissues): Rasa (Lymph), Rakta (blood), Maansa
(Muscles), Meda (Adipose System), Majja (Bone marrow and nerves), Shukra (Semen
or reproductive fluids)
Actions
on Srotas (Systems): Rasawaha (Lymphatic system), Raktawaha
(Hemopoetic system), Maansa (Muscles)
Auyrvedic Actions (Karma)
Anulomana:
Prokinetic,
Carminative
Shothahara:
Anti-inflammatory,
Relieves edema
Mootrala:
Diuretic
Waatahara:
Carminative,
causes expulsion of gas
Shlemahara:
Expectorant,
causes expulsion of phlegm
Kaasaghna:
Antitussive
Jwarahara: Antipyretic
Rasaayana:
Rejuvenator,
Adaptogen [23], [24]
Important
References from Ayurvedic Texts
Charak Samhitaa:
Swedopaga:
Adjunct
to sweat therapy (diaphoresis)
Kaasaghna:
Antitussive
Wayasthaapaak:
Age-stabilizer,
Anti-aging
Kushthaghna: Anti-leprotic [25]
Sushruta Samhitaa:
Shothaghna:
Anti-inflammatory,
Relieves edema
Jwaraghna: Anti-pyretic
Ashtaanga Sangraha
Kaasaghna: Antitussive
Rasaayana:
Adaptogen,
Rejuvenator
Wayahsthaapak:
Antiaging
Bhaawaprakaasha Nighantu
Kaphaghna:
Allays
expectoration
Shothaghna:
Anti-inflammatory,
Relieves edema
Shaarngadhara Samhita
Mootrala:
Diuretic [26]
Ayurvedic Actions
Deepana: Enkindling appetite, Appetizer
Shothaghna: Anti-inflammatory, Relieves edema
Kasahara: Antitussive
Wayasthaapana: Age-stabilize, Promoter of youth and longevity
Rasayana: Rejuvenative, Adaptogen
Hridaya: Beneficial to the heart
Stambhana: Constipating, Styptic
Chakshushya: Beneficial to eyes
Arshaghna: Anti-hemorrhoidal
Shoola- prashamana: Anti-colic
Mootrala: Diuretic
Ashmarighna: Anti-uro-lithiasis, stone breaker
Mootrakricchaghna:
Relieves or
alleviates dysuria [27], [28]
Modern View
In Ayurveda
Punarnawaa is commonly used for jaundice, liver diseases, diabetes, edema,
oliguria, anemia, inflammatory edema, diseases of the eye. Enthralled by its
medicinal uses described in Ayurveda, recently pharmacologists and clinicians
investigated Punarnawaa for all these activities. Their studies validated the
claims mentioned in Ayurvedic scriptures. They concluded that Punarnawaa does
possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral,
insecticidal, anti-stress, hepatoprotective, diuretic and anti-fertility
activities. [29]
Recent pharmacological studies have demonstrated
that Punarnawaa possesses anticonvulsant, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-allergic, anthelmintic,
febrifuge, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, diuretic, anti-urolithiatic,
nephroprotective, anti-tumor and anti-metastatic activities. These activities
are attributed to the chemical ingredients alkaloids (punarnavine), rotenoids
(boeravinones A to J) and flavones. [30]
Punarnawaa is now officially included as diuretic in
IP. Its diuretic action is attributed to the presence of xanthone,
beta-ecdysone and flavonoid. Arabinofuranoside present in the herb was found to
lower serum uric acid in experimental animals and also in humans.
Clinical trials on patients suffering from nephritic
syndrome revealed that Punarnawaa reduces urinary protein excretion and increases
serum protein levels. This activity is attributed to the presence of rotenoids
in the plant. [31]
Punarnavine
(Alkaloids)
Molecular
formula: C17H22N2O
Structural formula:
Punarnavine is an alkaloid found in Boerhaavia
diffusa. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory,
anti-angiogenic, (via down regulation of VEGF), anti-metastatic activities. It
induces apoptosis in B16F-10 melanoma cells by inhibiting NF-kB signaling.
In experiments on cats, intravenous injection of punarnavine
produced persistent rise of blood pressure and marked diuresis. In a clinical
trial for treatment of nephrotic syndrome, the aqueous extract induced profuse
diuresis, relieved edema, decreased albuminuria, raised serum protein level,
normalized serum cholesterol level and caused an overall improvement in health.
According to some researchers the diuretic action of
punarnavine/punarnavoside or entire plant of Punarnawaa is due to inhibition of
kidney succinic dehydrogenase system. [32], [33]
Beta-sitosterol
(Phytosterol)
Sitosterol
Molecular
formula: C29H50O
Structural formula:
Beta-Sitosterol
Beta-Sitosterol is one of several phytosterols
(plant-sterols) with chemical structure similar to that of cholesterol.
Beta-Sitosterol is a white, waxy powder with a characteristic odor. It is
hydrophobic and soluble in alcohols.
Beta-Sitosterol is found in fruits, vegetables,
nuts, and seeds. It is found in pumpkin seeds, cashew, rice bran, wheat germ,
corn oil, soybeans and dandelion coffee.
It inhibits absorption of cholesterol from the
intestine and reduces total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. After absorption
from the intestine it is incorporated in the cellular membrane.
One small study shows a positive effect on male hair
loss in combination with Saw palmetto. In Europe Beta-Sitasterol is used in
herbal therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is also used for
boosting the immunity; prevent colonic cancer, gallstones, rheumatoid
arthritis, tuberculosis, psoriasis, allergies, bronchial asthma, bronchitis,
chronic fatigue syndrome and erectile dysfunction.
Beta-Sitosterol should be avoided during pregnancy
and breast-feeding.
Beta-Sitosterol should be avoided by individuals
with sitosterolemia, a rare inherited fat-storage disorder. This condition is
correlated with increased risk of heart disease (even heart attacks) and
worsening existing heart disease.
Beta-Sitosterol is a precursor of anabolic steroid
boldenone undecyclate that is used in veterinary medicine to induce growth in
cattle but commonly abused anabolic steroid in sports. [34], [35]
A study conducted in the Department of Urology,
Ruhr-University, Bochum, Germany showed significant improvement in symptoms of
the patients of benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with Beta-Sitosterol [36]
Liriodendrin
(Lignans)
Molecular
formula: C34H46O18
Structural
formula:
Liriodendrin is an antiarrhythmic lignin. [37]
Liriodendrin is anti-inflammatory and
anti-nociceptive. In an experimental study liriodendrin caused a reduction in
acute paw edema induced by carrageenan in rats. [38]
Liriodendrin may be a potent suppressor of Calcium
chloride-induced arrhythmias. The anti-arrhythmic effect of 5mg/kg of
liriodendrin was found to be similar to that of 1.05mg/kg of verapamil [39]
Liriodendrin is calcium channel blocker anti-hypertensive
agent. [40]
Punarnavoside
(Rotenoids)
Molecular
formula: C28H30O10
Structural
formula:
Punarnavoside is a phenolic glycoside. [41]
Rotenoids are anti-inflammatory agents. They have
anti-oxidant and genoprotective and anti-cancer activity. It is an
anti-fibrinolytic agent [42], [43]
Punarnavoside is a phenolic glycoside. [41]
Rotenoids are anti-inflammatory agents. They have
anti-oxidant and genoprotective and anti-cancer activity. It is an
anti-fibrinolytic agent [42], [43]
Boeravinone
(Xanthones)
Molecular
formula: C17H12O6
Structural
formula:
Boeravinone shows anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant,
genoprotective and anti-cancer activity. [45]
Hypoxanthine
Molecular
formula: C5H4N4O
Structural
formula:
Hypoxanthine is a naturally occurring
purine derivative. It is occasionally found as a constituent of nucleic acids. [46]
Hypoxanthine is calcium channel blocker anti-hypertensive
agent. [47]
L-arabinofuranoside
Molecular
formula: C11H13NO7
Structural
formula:
It has weak anti-malarial activity [49]
Ursolic acid
Molecular
formula: C30H48O3
Structural
formula:
Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpene
acid. It occurs in apples, basil, thyme, peppermint and cranberries. Apple
peels contain large quantities of ursolic acid.
By inhibiting the STAT3 activation
pathway ursolic acid inhibits various cancer cell types, one of which includes
human fibrosarcoma. It may also induce apoptosis in certain cancer cells. It is
used in cosmetics. It has potential use as cardioprotective compound. [50]
Ursolic acid stimulates muscle growth and increases
skeletal muscle mass. It increases brown fat, increases energy expenditure
leading to reduce obesity. It is improve glucose tolerance and decreases
hepatic steatosis. Ursolic acid is therefore used to treat obesity, glucose
intolerance and fatty liver disease. [51]
Beta-Ecdysone
Molecular
formula: C27H44O6
Structural
formula:
Beta-ecdysones
are steroidal prohormones. Ecdysteroids appear in many plants. They offer
protection to plants against herbivorous insects. They have been reputed to
have medicinal value and are part of herbal adaptogenic remedies, yet an
ecdysteroid precursor in plants has been shown to have cytotoxic properties. [52]
In
animals ecdysones control molting (moulting aka sloughing = shedding feathers,
hair, skin, exoskeleton). In higher animals they are known as inducers for
gene-switch systems. In mammals and humans they have actions like estrogens
without untoward effects of estrogens. [53]
Some
testimonials from modern research
Anti-Inflammatory Activity
In
one study Punarnawaasawa, a fermented decoction of Punarnawa (Boerhaavia diffusa) significantly
inhibited carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, cotton pellet-induced granuloma,
formalin-induced paw licking and yeast-induced hyperpyrexia. Punarnawaasawaa
also healed pyloric ulcers in rats. [54]
Anti-oxidant
activity
Chloroform,
ethanol and water extracts of dried roots of Punarnawaa were screened to
evaluate the anti-oxidant activity of the herb. Among these three extracts,
ethanol extract showed the best anti-oxidant activity than the other two.
This
study validates that Punarnawaasawa containing self- generated alcohol
is the best preparation for medicinal use. [55]
Immunomodulatory
activity
Punarnavine is an alkaloid present in Punarnawaa.
The effect of Punarnavine on the immune system was studied by some researchers
using Balb/c mice. Intraperitoneal administration of Punarnavine (40 mg/kg body
weight) increased WBC count, bone marrow cellularity number of alpha-esterase
positive cells. Administration of Punarnavine along with sheep RBCs produced an
enhancement in circulating antibody titer and the number of plaque forming
cells in the spleen. Punarnavine also showed enhanced proliferation of
spleenocytes, thymocytes and bone marrow cells both in the presence and absence
of specific mitogens in vitro and in vivo. Administration of
Punarnavine significantly reduced the LPS (Lipopolysaccharide) induced elevated
levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 in
mice. These results indicate the immunomodulatory activity of Punarnavine. [56]
Punarnavine was studied for its effect on cellular
and humoral functions in mice. Oral administration of the alkaloid (25-100
mg/kg body weight) significantly inhibited sheep RBC-induced delayed
hypersensitive reactions in mice. The inhibition was observed only during
post-immunization drug treatment, while no effect during pre-immunization drug
treatment was observed. A significant dose-related increase in antibody titer
was observed during pre- and post-immunization treatment. Punarnavine failed to
show any blastogenic responsiveness of murine splenocytes to Concanvalin A (Con
A) and Lipopolysachharide (LPS). Similarly, Punarnavine did not display any
mitogenic activity. [57]
Antimicrobial
Activity
The ethanolic extract of the whole plant of Boerhaavia
diffusa (Punarnawaa) shows significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus
aureus strains, Bacillus subtilis UC564, Salmonella typhi DI
and Escherichia coli. Needless to say, that the activity was dose
dependant. [58]
Antiviral Activity
Recently Punarnawaa was found to be a potent
antiviral agent. It showed antiviral activity against many viruses. The
antiviral agent isolated was a glycoprotein with molecular weight of 16-20 kDa.
(Awasthi and Verma, 2006) [59]
The antiviral action glycoprotein is said to be
mediated via RNA of viruses. We did not find any reference or research paper
stating clearly that Punarnawaa has anti-hepatitis virus (virus A to E)
activity. Punarnawaa is used in polyherbal Ayurvedic formulations for the
treatment of jaundice (viral hepatitis) because of its hepatoprotective
activity and the synergism with other herbs having antiviral activity. (For
details read below: Hepatoprotective Acivity)
Hepatoprotective
Activity
Punarnawaa roots normalize the elevated levels of
SGOT, SGPT, serum acid phosphatase and serum alphafetoprotein. The experimental
work done by researchers validates the use of Punarnawaa roots in hepatic
ailments by several tribes in India. The alcoholic extract of whole plant
produced increase in bile flow in rats. This shows Punarnawaa has choleretic
activity.
Punarnawaa
reduces elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and reduces or
prevents the accumulation of fat in the liver. [60]
Mechanism
of Hepatoprotection:
Does
Punarnawaa regenerate hepatocytes? May be may be not! If administered
internally as medicine, does it repair hepatocyte damage? It certainly does! If
administered internally as adaptogen (Known as Rasaayana in Ayurveda); does it
arrest further liver damage? It certainly does!!
By
virtue of its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, anti-viral,
immunomodulatory, laxative, choleretic, detoxificating and diuretic activities
Punarnawaa acts as a hepatoprotective agent. I would say Punarnawaa is a
hepatoprotective agent par excellence! [61]
Culinary uses
Used as vegetable in some states in India.
Medicinal
Actions and Uses
Traditional Uses
In India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Tibet Punarnawaa is
used for gastritis, amlapitta (hyperacidity), intestinal colic, diarrhea,
jaundice, liver-gallbladder disorders, fatigue, anemia, muscular pain, urinary
disorders, ophthalmic problems, blindness, menstrual disorders, increasing virility
and treatment of edema. People in tribal area use it to hasten child birth. [62]
Usages in
Ayurveda
In Ayurveda it is used as stomachic in dyspepsia, to
treat intestinal colic, jaundice and anemia. As diuretic it is used to treat
ascites, dropsy (CCF); to treat enlargement of the spleen. It is used for
obesity and alopecia [63]
Usages
in Modern Medicine
It
should be considered for the treatment of viral hepatitis, non alcoholic fatty
liver disease, in precirrhotic stage of liver disease and as diuretic in portal
hypertension to treat ascites.
Toxicity,
Contraindications
Punarnawaa in moderate doses is laxative but in
large doses can be a drastic purgative; hence should be used with caution in
children and must not be used during pregnancy and lactation. [64]
Preparations and
dosages
Punarnawaadi
Kwaath: (Punarnawaashtak)
A
dose of 30ml of decoction is prepared from 1.56 gm each of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa), Bakan ninb (Melia azadirachta), Kutakee (Picrorrhiza
kurroa), Guduchee (Tinospora cordifolia), Hareetakee (Terminalia
chebula), Daaru haridraa (Berberis aristata), Patola (Trichosanthes
dioica), Aardraka or Shunthee (Zingiber officinalis/ Zingiber officinale).
Dose:
20
to 30 ml
Punarnawaasawa:
Dose:
20
t0 30 ml
Punarnawaadi
Choorna:
Root
powder
Punarnawaadi
Mandoor:
For
anemia
Punarnawaa
Guggula:
Punarnawaambu:
Sukumaar
ghrita:
Shothaghna
Lepa: [65], [66]
References
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