Achari (Achari (Brahmi, Shankhadhara, Kabari, Barbari, Hingupatri, Akhukarni, Akhukarnaparnika, Bhudaribhava))
Enydra fluctuans, commonly known as Achari, is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for its medicinal properties. It is recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits in managing various health conditions.
Botanical name: Enydra fluctuans. Also known as: Enhydra, Buffalo Spinach, Marsh Herb, Water Cress, Hingcha, Helencha, Hinche, Harkuch, Haruch, Matsayaakshi, Kankong-kalabau, Zhao ju, Godobos, Phak bung ruem, Achari, Bramhi, Chakrangi, Helanchi, Hilamochika, Himamocika, Jalabramhi, Mambi, Matsyakshi, Matsyangi, Mochi, Rochi, Sasasrutih, Shankhadhara, Trinittaparni, Vishaghni.
Properties
Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antimicrobial activity, Antidiabetic activity
Dosage
Fresh Leaf Juice: 50–70 ml twice daily, after meals. It can be mixed with water or honey to mask the bitter taste. Decoction: Simmer 10–15 g of dried herb in 200 ml water until reduced to 100 ml; strain and drink warm, once or twice daily. Powder: 3–5 g of leaf powder in warm water/tea, up to twice daily. It is best with a warming spice like cinnamon to improve absorption. Topical Paste: Crush fresh leaves with a little water; apply for 20–30 minutes on minor skin irritations.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Pungent, Bitter, Astringent
- Virya: ["Cooling"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Digestive stimulant
- Palatable
Traditional uses
- Liver disorders
- Skin diseases
- Diabetes
- Digestive issues
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Fresh Consumption: The plant is consumed as a leafy vegetable in South and Southeast Asia. It can be added to soups or salads for a subtle tang and cooling effect.
- Decoction: Fresh or dried aerial parts (leaves and stems) are boiled in water to extract bioactive compounds for oral consumption.
- Topical Application: Leaves are ground into a fine paste and applied topically to treat skin ailments.
- Extraction: Different solvents are employed based on polarity to extract a broad spectrum of phytochemicals: Petroleum Ether Extract (PEEF): Extracts non-polar compounds like fats, oils, and waxes. Chloroform Extract (CEF): Targets moderately polar compounds. Ethanol Extract (EEF): Effective for polar compounds like phenolics and flavonoids, and often shows the highest antioxidant activity.
- Powdering: Aerial parts are cleaned, shade-dried, and ground into a coarse powder.
- Extract Preparation: Dried and pulverized aerial parts of *E. fluctuans* can be drenched with distilled water containing chloroform (1%) for 2 days with continuous stirring. The extract is then sieved, and the filtrate is lyophilized to obtain the dried crude extract.
Contraindications
- Digestive Upset: Overconsumption might cause loose stools or mild cramps due to the presence of saponins.
- Allergic Reactions: Rare cases of contact dermatitis have been reported in individuals sensitive to members of the Asteraceae family.
- Potassium-sparing drugs: Documented contraindication for individuals on potassium-sparing drugs.
Side effects
- Excessive Diuresis: Can lead to mild dehydration or electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia) if water intake isn't adequate.
- Digestive Upset: Overconsumption may cause loose stools or mild cramps due to saponins.
Interactions
- No major drug-herb interactions have been recorded, but caution is advised if combining with other diuretics or blood pressure medications. It's always best to seek professional guidance, especially if you have chronic conditions or are on prescription drugs.
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical trials are available. Animal studies and in vitro assays suggest potential therapeutic effects, including diuretic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities. More high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety in humans.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Digestive stimulant
- Palatable
Classical clinical indications
- Liver disorders
- Skin diseases
- Diabetes
- Digestive issues