Akash Bail (Akashvalli)

About

Macroscopic: A leafless, perennial, parasitic twining herb with slender, yellowish-green or golden-yellow stems, 1-2 mm thick, lacking chlorophyll. It...

Properties

Anti-inflammatory (Inhibition of COX-2, TNF-alpha, and Prostaglandin synthesis), Antioxidant (Free radical scavenging and reduction of oxidative stress), Antiviral (Inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase), Hepatoprotective (Reduction of liver enzyme markers and cytoprotection), Anticonvulsant (Protection against chemo-convulsive agents)

Dosage

Swarasa (Fresh Juice): 10-20 ml; Churna (Powder): 3-6 g

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
• Virya: Sheeta (Cold) [Note: Bhavaprakasha mentions Ushna, but clinical use is Sheeta]
• Vipaka: Katu (Pungent)

Benefits

• Clinical evidence for Akash Bail (Cuscuta reflexa) in human health is currently limited but emerging
• While other species of Cuscuta (such as C
• chinensis and C
• campestris) have been studied for dermatological conditions like melasma and atopic dermatitis, specific high-quality clinical trials for C
• reflexa in general health are sparse, with most research remaining at the preclinical stage

Traditional uses

• Kamala (Jaundice/Liver disorders)
• Kushtha (Skin diseases/Eczema)
• Khalitya (Alopecia/Hair fall)
• Netra-roga (Eye diseases/Conjunctivitis)
• Vibandha (Chronic constipation)

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Akashvalli Taila (Hair oil): Standard preparation as per API.
• Akashvalli Churna: Standard preparation as per API.
• Akashvalli Kwatha (Decoction): Standard preparation as per API.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy (documented abortifacient and uterotonic effects)
• Breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
• Active Peptic Ulcer Disease (potential for gastric irritation)
• Pre-existing Bleeding Disorders

Side effects

• Strictly avoid during pregnancy as it may induce uterine contractions or abortion. Use with caution in patients on blood thinners. No significant adverse event signals found in VigiBase or FAERS, but rare cases of anticholinergic-like symptoms and gastrointestinal distress have been reported in clinical literature.

Interactions

• Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin): May potentiate bleeding risk due to coumarin derivatives
• NSAIDs (e.g., Aspirin, Ibuprofen): Increased risk of gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding
• Diuretics: Potential for additive effects on electrolyte balance

Active compounds

• Bergenin
• Cuscutalin
• Dulcitol
• Kaempferol
• Quercetin
• Luteolin
• Lupeol

Clinical evidence

Clinical evidence for Akash Bail (Cuscuta reflexa) in human health is currently limited but emerging. A recent randomized triple-blind clinical trial (PMID: 39742327) demonstrated that a formulation containing Cuscuta reflexa significantly improved glycemic control in patients with Type 2 Diabetes, reducing both fasting blood sugar and HbA1c over an 8-week period. While other species of Cuscuta (such as C. chinensis and C. campestris) have been studied for dermatological conditions like melasma and atopic dermatitis, specific high-quality clinical trials for C. reflexa in general health are sparse, with most research remaining at the preclinical stage.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Yakrit-uttejaka (Liver stimulant)
• Rakta-shodhaka (Blood purifier)
• Keshya (Hair growth promoter)
• Krimighna (Anthelmintic)
• Vishaghna (Antitoxic)
• Balya (Strength-giving)
• Vrushya (Aphrodisiac)

Classical clinical indications

• Kamala (Jaundice/Liver disorders)
• Kushtha (Skin diseases/Eczema)
• Khalitya (Alopecia/Hair fall)
• Netra-roga (Eye diseases/Conjunctivitis)
• Vibandha (Chronic constipation)
• Krimi (Intestinal worms)

Frequently asked questions