Artagala (Artagala (Bana, Dasi))
Artagala, known botanically as Acanthus ilicifolius, is a spiny shrub found in coastal areas. It is used in traditional medicine for respiratory issues, joint inflammation, and liver support.
Botanical name: Acanthus ilicifolius. Also known as: Holly-leaved Acanthus, Sea Holly, Holy Mangrove, Harikusa, Hargoza, Harkata, Harkuchkanta, Kataki, Nil tenrakanta, Marandi, Nivagur, Vagati, Chulli, Chullikkantal, Payingngaachchulli, Kaludaimulli, Attumulli, Alasyakampa, Tudechulli, Katu Ikiliya, Ikili, Harandosa, Moramdo, Harkamcli, Mulluchulli, Akansasu irikiforiusu, Lao shu le, Feuille Saintes dAcanthe, Stechpalmenblättrige Bärenklau, Kaya, Khayat, Kayoro.
Properties
Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective, Anti-diabetic, Antinociceptive, Anti-leishmanial
Dosage
General Decoction: 30-60g of dried material. For anti-tumor activity in mice: Alcoholic extract at 250 or 500 mg/kg body weight. For analgesic activity in mice: Methanolic extract at 1 to 100 mg/kg (i.p.). For anti-inflammatory activity in rats: Methanolic extract at 5 mg/kg (i.p.). Aqueous leaf extract for tumor treatment in mice: 2.5 mg/kg body weight (i.p.).
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Not Available
- Virya: ["Not Available"]
- Vipaka: ["Not Available"]
Benefits
- Expectorant
- Bronchodilator
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Hepatoprotective
- Antioxidant
Traditional uses
- Respiratory issues
- Joint inflammation
- Liver support
- Asthma
- Dyspepsia
- Paralysis
- Headache
- Rheumatism
- Skin diseases
- Fever
- Liver disorders
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction: The roots, leaves, or whole plant can be used to prepare decoctions.
- Paste: Leaves can be made into a paste for external applications.
- Extraction: Various methods are employed to extract chemical constituents, including maceration, cold percolation, Soxhlet extraction, distillation, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction. Solvents include organic, aqueous, and non-aqueous types.
- Extraction for Flavonoids: A process involves crushing the plant, extracting with a solvent, filtering to separate liquid and residue, extracting the residue again, combining the extracts, and then using reduced pressure distillation.
- Soxhlet Extraction: Shade-dried plant parts are coarsely powdered and extracted with a solvent like ethyl acetate in a Soxhlet apparatus for 48 hours.
- Refluxing and Ultrasonic Re-extraction: This involves alcohol refluxing, followed by ultrasonic extraction of the residue, then decolorization and concentration.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is insufficient safety data regarding its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Hypoglycemia or diabetes: *Acanthus ilicifolius* may have blood sugar-lowering effects that could interact with diabetes medications.
- Severe liver disease: Despite its potential hepatoprotective effects, it should not be used without professional guidance in cases of severe liver disease.
Side effects
- Mild nausea if taken on an empty stomach.
- Skin irritation from direct contact with the leaf paste in sensitive individuals.
- Loose stools or digestive upset from high doses of the decoction.
- Potential toxic effects if consumed or used improperly.
- May accumulate heavy metals from polluted environments.
Interactions
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Insufficient safety data.
- Diabetes: May interact with blood sugar medications due to potential blood sugar-lowering effects. Diabetics should use cautiously.
- Severe Liver Disease: Use with caution despite its hepatoprotective reputation.
- Synergistic Herbs: Often combined with other herbs like ginger for respiratory issues or castor leaves for pain.
Clinical evidence
Limited human trials are available; however, several in-vitro and animal studies suggest potential therapeutic benefits. Further well-designed clinical trials are necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of Acanthus ilicifolius for various therapeutic uses.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Expectorant
- Bronchodilator
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Hepatoprotective
- Antioxidant
Classical clinical indications
- Respiratory issues
- Joint inflammation
- Liver support
- Asthma
- Dyspepsia
- Paralysis
- Headache
- Rheumatism
- Skin diseases
- Fever
- Liver disorders