Adhaki (Adhaki (Tuvari, Shanapushpika, Mritsna, Sura-mrittika))

Properties

Inhibition of key enzymes involved in glucose metabolism (DPP4 and PTP1B), Antimicrobial activity against various microbial strains, Induction of apoptosis in cancer cells

Dosage

Whole dried seeds: 20–50 g/day, soaked overnight and boiled into a dal. Combine with digestive herbs like cumin or coriander. Powdered seed (bhavana churna): 3–6 g, taken with warm water or honey. Seed extract (standardized): 200–400 mg capsule, twice daily. Seed Decoction: 10–20 g of dried seeds boiled in 250–300 mL water for 10–15 minutes; strain and drink 1 cup, 2–3 times daily, ideally before meals.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Sweet
• Virya: ["Cooling"]
• Vipaka: ["Sweet"]

Benefits

• Kapha-alleviating
• Pitta-alleviating

Traditional uses

• Balances Kapha and Pitta doshas, while enhancing Vata
• Digestive support, carminative, and mild laxative effects, especially for Vata-induced bloating
• Anti-inflammatory (leaf poultices for joint pains)
• May help in metabolic regulation
• Treatment of cough, bronchitis, and abdominal pain
• Treatment for mouth ulcers and gingivitis
• Treatment for liver ailments
• Stops bleeding, relieves pain, and treats intestinal worm infestations
• Treatments for anemia, blood pressure, hemorrhoids, lung and chest disorders, and to eliminate internal parasitic worms
• Antioxidant effects
• Antimicrobial effects
• Antidiabetic effects
• Neuroprotective effects
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Hepatoprotective action
• Immunomodulatory effects

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Dal: The whole dried seeds are soaked overnight and then boiled to prepare a simple dal.
• Powder (churna): Seeds are ground into a powder.
• Leaf paste: Fresh leaves are ground with water or ghee for topical application.
• Topical Poultice: Crushed leaves are applied to the skin.
• Decoction: Dried seeds are boiled in water.
• Tea: Pigeon pea leaves can be processed into tea using methods involving spreading, shaking, stir-frying, kneading, and baking the leaves.

Contraindications

• General Safety: While generally well-tolerated, caution is advised.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid raw seed powders; mild-cooked dal is generally considered safe in moderate amounts.
• Kidney Disorders: Use with caution in kidney disorders due to its diuretic action, which may strain renal function.
• Medications: Those on hypoglycemic or anticoagulant medications should consult an Ayurvedic doctor before use, as interactions are possible.
• Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines.
• Vata Imbalance: Red gram as unwholesome diet in Vata dosha aggravated diseases.
• Raw Seed Powders: Pregnant women should avoid raw seed powders.
• Indigestion: Can cause indigestion if not properly prepared or if the digestive system is weak. Indigestion caused by consuming red gram can be treated by taking sour fermented drinks.

Side effects

• Gastrointestinal upset (bloating, gas, or mild diarrhea)
• Allergic reactions (skin rash or itching)
• Excess diuresis
• High consumption may not be ideal for people prone to oxalate stones

Interactions

• Thyroid medications (reduced absorption of levothyroxine)
• Blood sugar interactions (can potentiate hypoglycemic medications)

Clinical evidence

Meta-analyses of up to 5 RCTs and databases tracking 10+ RCTs show promising evidence for the antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties of Cajanus cajan. Further research is warranted to validate these findings.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Kapha-alleviating
• Pitta-alleviating