Ambashta (Ambashta (Patha, Changeri, Mochika))
Ambashta, known botanically as Cissampelos pareira, is a significant herb in Ayurveda, traditionally utilized for its diverse therapeutic properties. It is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, and antimicrobial activities.
Botanical name: Cissampelos pareira. Also known as: Ambashta, Laghu patha, Abuta, Ice vine, False pareira, Velvet leaf, Pareira Brava, Pahadmul, Akanadi, Pada, Barbasco, Midwife's herb, Ponmusutai (in Tamil Nadu), Xi sheng teng / 锡生藤 (Chinese), Ya hu nu / 亞乎奴 (Chinese), Padhi, Padha (Hindi), Padavali (Kannada), Chiruboddi (Telugu), Patathali, Kattuvalli (Malayalam), Venivel (Gujarati), Akanadi (Bengali), Padavela (Marathi).
Properties
Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Spasmolytic, Antioxidant, Immunomodulatory
Dosage
General dosage: The appropriate therapeutic dosage of Patha varies from person to person based on age, health condition, and effects on doshas, so it is best to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner. Powder: 1-3 grams per day. 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon of Patha powder can be taken. Decoction: 15-60 ml. 10-15 g of dried root boiled in 200 ml water until reduced by half, consumed 50 – 100 ml two to three times daily. Capsules/Tablets: Standardized extracts (BER ≥ 0.5%) at 300–500 mg twice daily. Tincture/Extract: 1:5 w/v hydroalcoholic extract, 20–30 drops in water or juice, 2–3 times daily. For stomach pain: 25 g of root ground into a paste, consumed in the morning and evening for 7 days.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Hot)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Grahi (Absorbent)
- Deepana (Appetizer)
- Pachana (Digestive)
- Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
- Raktapittahara (Balances bleeding disorders)
Traditional uses
- Atisara (Diarrhea)
- Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders)
- Shotha (Inflammation)
- Krimi (Worms)
- Vrana (Wounds)
- Jwara (Fever)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Powder (Churna): Can be taken with warm water or honey.
- Decoction (Kashayam): Boil dried root in water until reduced by half.
- Tincture/Extract: Hydroalcoholic extract.
- Poultice: Leaves can be used to prepare a poultice.
- Paste: The root can be ground into a paste.
- Medicinal tea: The plant can be used to prepare a medicinal tea.
- Hot infusion: Patha is widely available as a hot infusion.
Contraindications
- Gastrointestinal Upset: High doses may cause mild nausea or diarrhea.
- Hypotension Risk: Berberine, a constituent of Ambashta, has vasodilatory effects and may lower blood pressure. Caution is advised for individuals on antihypertensive medications.
- Drug Interactions: It may inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes, potentially altering the metabolism of certain antiarrhythmics or statins.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Due to a lack of reliable safety data, it is best avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
- Allergic Reactions: Rare urticarial reactions have been reported. Discontinue use if a rash appears.
Side effects
- High doses may cause mild nausea or diarrhea.
- May lower blood pressure due to berberine's vasodilatory effect; caution is advised for those on antihypertensive medications.
- Because Cissampelos pareira is used as a female contraceptive in rural areas, it is not suitable for long-term usage in women seeking infertility treatment.
- It can be administered in lower doses during lactation and in children.
- No reliable safety data is available regarding pregnancy, so it is best avoided.
- Rare allergic reactions (urticarial reactions) have been reported; discontinue use if a rash appears.
Interactions
- Drug interactions: May inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes, potentially altering the metabolism of certain antiarrhythmics or statins.
- With western medicines: Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicines. It is recommended to take allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
Clinical evidence
Clinical evidence is still emerging for Cissampelos pareira. Studies include in-vitro and murine models indicating anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal properties. Clinical trials are currently evaluating its role in conditions like NAFLD. More rigorous clinical trials are needed to validate therapeutic efficacy.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Grahi (Absorbent)
- Deepana (Appetizer)
- Pachana (Digestive)
- Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
- Raktapittahara (Balances bleeding disorders)
Classical clinical indications
- Atisara (Diarrhea)
- Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders)
- Shotha (Inflammation)
- Krimi (Worms)
- Vrana (Wounds)
- Jwara (Fever)