Arkaparni (Arkaparni (Tylophora indica))
Arkaparni, known as Tylophora indica in modern science, is a perennial climbing plant traditionally used in Ayurveda, especially for respiratory ailments. Research explores its potential in asthma, allergies, and inflammation.
Botanical name: Tylophora indica. Also known as: Arkaparni, Antrapachaka, Swasaghni, Ananthamul, Lataksiri, Moolini, Indian Ipecac, Emetic Swallow Wort, Antamul, Aadu muttada balli, Vallippala, Gandhana, Nay Palai, Nangilaippiratti.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory, Immunomodulatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antitumor
Dosage
Leaf Powder: 250–500 mg, once or twice daily with warm water, typically before meals. Some clinical trials have used 350 mg of Tylophora leaf in capsule form once daily. Doses of 250 mg 1-3 times daily, standardized to 0.1% of tylophorine, have also been used. Standardized Extract (2% tylophorine): 20–40 mg twice a day, after food. Decoction: 5–10 g of fresh or dried leaves simmered in 200 ml water until halved; strained and drunk warm. Leaf Juice: 5–10 ml of juice mixed with honey, twice daily for allergies or skin issues.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Kaphahara (Reduces Kapha)
- Vatahara (Reduces Vata)
- Shwasahara (Relieves asthma)
- Kasahara (Relieves cough)
Traditional uses
- Shwasa (Asthma)
- Kasa (Cough)
- Allergic rhinitis
- Skin conditions (Eczema, Psoriasis)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Leaf Powder: Dried leaves are ground into a fine powder.
- Decoction: Fresh or dried leaves are simmered in water, then strained.
- Leaf Juice: Fresh leaves are crushed to extract the juice.
- Topical Paste: Fresh leaves are ground with turmeric and coconut oil.
- Extract: Extraction using solvents like methanol, ethanol, petroleum ether, or water.
Contraindications
- Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.
- Children under 12 should only use it under a doctor's supervision.
- Use with caution if you have low blood pressure or are taking antihypertensive medications, as it may lower blood pressure further.
- May cause nausea or mild gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals. It can irritate the digestive tract.
- Dizziness, headache, mouth soreness, and rare skin irritation when applied topically to broken skin have been reported. It can also cause alterations in taste sensation.
Side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Soreness of the mouth
- Loss of taste for salt
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Possible drop in blood pressure
- Rare skin irritation
- Drowsiness
- Giddiness
Interactions
- Antihypertensives
- Immunosuppressants
Clinical evidence
Small trials have investigated Tylophora indica for asthma and allergic rhinitis, with some showing reduced symptoms. Studies on skin health suggest benefits in reducing itching and lesion size in eczema and psoriasis. However, the quality of early asthma trials has been questioned, indicating more research is needed to validate these effects.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Kaphahara (Reduces Kapha)
- Vatahara (Reduces Vata)
- Shwasahara (Relieves asthma)
- Kasahara (Relieves cough)
Classical clinical indications
- Shwasa (Asthma)
- Kasa (Cough)
- Allergic rhinitis
- Skin conditions (Eczema, Psoriasis)