Aavartaki (Avartaki)

About

A much-branched shrub, growing up to 1-5m high with smooth reddish-brown bark and pubescent branchlets. Leaves are alternate, stipulate, paripinnate c...

Properties

Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antihyperlipidemic

Dosage

Leaf Juice: 50 to 100 ml; Flower juice: 10 to 20 ml; Seed churna: 3 to 6 grams; Bark decoction: 40-80 ml

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
• Virya: Sheeta (Cooling)
• Vipaka: Katu (Pungent)

Benefits

• A meta-analysis of 199 RCTs (21,191 participants) evaluated the effectiveness and safety of Ayurvedic medicines for managing T2DM (PMID: 35754481)
• Stambhana (reduces excessive secretions)
• Pramehahara (anti-diabetic)
• Atisarahara (anti-diarrheal)
• Kusthaghna (treats skin diseases)

Traditional uses

• Prameha (Diabetes Mellitus)
• Skin disorders
• Abdominal disorders
• Constipation
• Liver diseases

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Talapotaka churna: Standard preparation as per API.
• Avarai panchang churna: Standard preparation as per API.
• Herbal teas: Standard preparation as per API.
• Powders: Standard preparation as per API.
• Capsules: Standard preparation as per API.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Cassia auriculata is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Side effects

• Surgery: Cassia auriculata might affect blood sugar levels. There is some concern that it might make blood sugar control difficult during and after surgery. Stop taking Cassia auriculata at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

• Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs): Cassia auriculata might decrease blood sugar. Taking Cassia auriculata along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol): Cassia auriculata might increase how much carbamazepine is in the body. Taking Cassia auriculata with carbamazepine might increase the effects and side effects of carbamazepine.

Active compounds

• Alkaloids
• Sugars
• Proteins
• Flavonoids
• Phenols
• Reducing sugars
• Steroids
• Tannins
• Glycosides
• Triterpenes
• Saponins
• Emodin
• Anthraquinone derivatives
• Vitamins A, C, and E
• Phenolic acids
• Palmitic acid
• Linoleic acid
• Benzoic acid 2-hydroxy methyl ester
• 1- methyl butyl ester

Clinical evidence

A meta-analysis of 199 RCTs (21,191 participants) evaluated the effectiveness and safety of Ayurvedic medicines for managing T2DM (PMID: 35754481). The review suggests potential benefits of various Ayurvedic medicines in improving glycemic control, with most adverse events being mild and related to the gastrointestinal tract. However, the authors noted that the methodology in the reviewed studies was often poorly reported, indicating a need for higher quality RCTs to strengthen the evidence base.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Stambhana (reduces excessive secretions)
• Pramehahara (anti-diabetic)
• Atisarahara (anti-diarrheal)
• Kusthaghna (treats skin diseases)
• Medohara (breaks down fat and improves metabolism of lipids and glucose)
• Raktashodhaka (Purifies blood)
• Kledahara (Absorbs excess moisture/fluid)
• Shothahara (Alleviates inflammation)
• Krimighna (Antimicrobial)

Classical clinical indications

• Prameha (Diabetes Mellitus)
• Skin disorders
• Abdominal disorders
• Constipation
• Liver diseases
• Premature ejaculation
• Eye infections (conjunctivitis)
• Joint and muscle pains or Rheumatism
• Urinary disorders
• Fever
• Ulcers
• Leprosy
• Diarrhea
• Digestive issues
• Worm infestation
• Arthritis

Frequently asked questions