Arkapushpi (Payasya, Jalakamuka)
Arkapushpi (Holostemma ada-kodien) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb known for its cognitive and nervine support. It is also traditionally used as an antidiabetic, rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, expectorant, galactagogue, stimulant, and in ophthalmic disorders.
Botanical name: Holostemma ada-kodien. Also known as: Arkapushpi, Jivanti, Holostemma creeper, Chirvel, Kanju, Arane beeru, Jeevahaale, Maruligana kasa, Adapathiyan, Atapatiyan, Palay kirai, Palagurugu, Mouron arak, Holostema.
Properties
Antioxidant activity, Neuroprotective effects, Monoamine oxidase B inhibition, ACE-inhibitory activity, Anti-inflammatory responses, Adaptogenic effects
Dosage
Leaf powder: 3–6 grams daily, mixed in warm water or honey. Standardized extract: 250–350 mg twice a day. Decoction: 5–10 grams of fresh leaves boiled in 300 ml water, reduced to 100 ml, taken once at bedtime. Tincture: 1:5 (w/v) alcohol extract, 20–30 drops twice daily. Chew-sticks: Dried tender twigs chewed for 5–10 minutes. General caution: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under 12 should limit intake to a maximum of 2 g powder or 150 mg extract daily, unless otherwise advised by a healthcare professional.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Madhura (Sweet)
- Virya: ["Sheeta (Cooling)"]
- Vipaka: ["Madhura (Sweet)"]
Benefits
- Vrishya (Aphrodisiac)
- Rasayana (Rejuvenative)
- Balya (Strengthening)
- Medhya (Nootropic)
- Galactagogue
Traditional uses
- Daurbalya (Weakness)
- Smriti-daurbalya (Memory impairment)
- Kshaya (Emaciation)
- Netra Roga (Eye disorders)
- Stanya alpata (Insufficient lactation)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Leaf powder: The leaves are dried and powdered for consumption.
- Standardized extract: This involves extracting specific compounds from the herb to ensure consistent dosing.
- Decoction: Fresh leaves are boiled in water to create a concentrated liquid.
- Tincture: The herb is soaked in alcohol to extract its medicinal properties.
- Chew-sticks: Tender twigs are dried and chewed.
- Traditional preparation: In Kerala, the root is boiled in milk, sun-dried, and powdered for daily consumption with milk (6 g doses).
Contraindications
- Gastrointestinal upset: High doses of the powder (above 10g per day) may cause mild nausea or diarrhea.
- Hypotension: Individuals on antihypertensive drugs should monitor their blood pressure, as Holostemma ada-kodien might enhance the effects of these drugs.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Due to limited data, it's best to avoid high doses during pregnancy and lactation, sticking to 2g per day or less of the powder, or consulting a healthcare practitioner.
- Allergy: Individuals allergic to the Apocynaceae family should exercise caution.
Side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Hypotension
- Pregnancy and Lactation
- Allergic reactions
Interactions
- Antihypertensive drugs
- ACE inhibitors and anxiolytics
- Sedatives
- Allopathic medicines
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence exists. Small RCTs suggest potential benefits for cognitive function and anxiety. More extensive research is needed to confirm these findings.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vrishya (Aphrodisiac)
- Rasayana (Rejuvenative)
- Balya (Strengthening)
- Medhya (Nootropic)
- Galactagogue
Classical clinical indications
- Daurbalya (Weakness)
- Smriti-daurbalya (Memory impairment)
- Kshaya (Emaciation)
- Netra Roga (Eye disorders)
- Stanya alpata (Insufficient lactation)
Frequently asked questions
What is Arkapushpi?
Arkapushpi (Holostemma ada-kodien) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb known for its cognitive and nervine support. It is also traditionally used as an antidiabetic, rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, expectorant, galactagogue, stimulant, and in ophthalmic disorders.
What are the benefits of Arkapushpi?
Vrishya (Aphrodisiac). Rasayana (Rejuvenative). Balya (Strengthening)
How is Arkapushpi used in Ayurveda?
Leaf powder: The leaves are dried and powdered for consumption.