Atiruha (Atiruha (Mamsarohini, Vrinta, Charmakari, Krusha))
Soymida febrifuga, known as Atiruha in Ayurveda, is traditionally used for its antimalarial, anti-diarrheal, and wound-healing properties. Modern research supports its use in fever reduction, inflammation, and as an antimicrobial agent.
Botanical name: Soymida febrifuga. Also known as: Atiruha, Vrunta, Charmakari, Krusha, Praharavalli, Vikasha, Veeravalli, Mamsaroha, Lata, Pishitarohini, Vrutta, Rohan, Raktarohan, Indian Redwood, Bastard Cedar, guhin-ruhina, potar, ruhin, Somida chettu, chevamanu, cheramaanu, kalgarige, kalkarige, kemmara, suam, chataputpilinapam, chataputpinai, Rohan.
Properties
Antimicrobial effects against enteric pathogens, Antisecretory action through modulation of ion transport, Antioxidant-mediated intestinal protection
Dosage
Powder (Churna): 1-3 g or 2-3 g thrice daily with warm water, often with honey to alleviate bitterness. Decoction: 25-50 ml. Traditionalists simmer 30–60 g of raw bark chips in 600 mL water until reduced by half. Strain and sip 100–150 mL twice daily, especially for fevers. A bark decoction can also be made using 50-75 g of bark boiled in 1 L of water. Alcoholic Extract (Arka/Tincture): 5–10 mL diluted in water, twice daily for systemic infections. A ratio of 1:5 w/v in 40% ethanol is suggested. Seed Oil: For topical use, apply 2–3 drops of seed oil (seeds macerated in sesame oil) to the affected area daily for insect bites and skin disorders. Children: Half the adult dose, with pediatrician supervision.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter)
- Virya: ["Ushna (heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (pungent)"]
Benefits
- Jwarahara (antipyretic)
- Krimihara (anthelmintic)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
Traditional uses
- Jwara (fever)
- Atisara (diarrhea)
- Kushta (skin diseases)
- Vranya (wounds)
- Agnimandya (low digestive fire)
- Ama (toxins)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Raw Bark Chips: Simmer in water, strain, and sip.
- Powder (Churna): Made from the coarse powder of dried bark.
- Decoction: Boil bark in water.
- Alcoholic Extract (Arka/Tincture): Use a 1:5 ratio (w/v) in 40% ethanol.
- Seed Oil: Macerate seeds in sesame oil.
- Paste: Fresh or dried bark is boiled in water to make a paste.
- Poultice: Powder of bark is applied on leucorrhoea and leukoderma in the form of poultice.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and lactation: Internal use should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women due to a lack of safety data regarding febrifuginine.
- Gastrointestinal upset: May cause nausea or mild diarrhea, particularly if bark powder is consumed on an empty stomach.
- Allergic contact dermatitis: Prolonged topical application of seed oil may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals; therefore, a patch test is recommended.
- Potential hepatotoxicity: Although human data is limited, very high doses (over 10g per day of powdered bark) may potentially cause liver damage.
- It's always best to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using any herbal remedy, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset: May cause nausea and mild diarrhea, especially if bark *churna* is consumed on an empty stomach.
- Allergic contact dermatitis: Prolonged topical application of seed oil may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Potential hepatotoxicity: Very high doses (over 10 g/day of powdered bark) may cause liver issues, based on rodent studies. Human data is scarce.
- High tannin content may cause gastrointestinal irritation or constipation if used for more than 30 days.
- Intense bitterness may necessitate a sweetener to prevent nausea.
- At higher doses, *S. febrifuga* may cause vertigo, unconsciousness, and syncope.
Interactions
- Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking *Soymida febrifuga* along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- It does not react with homeopathic medicine.
- This product generally goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
Clinical evidence
Clinical trials and in vitro assays suggest that Soymida febrifuga possesses antimalarial and anti-diarrheal properties. A clinical trial showed that Soymida febrifuga bark decoction, when used with standard antimalarials, shortened parasite clearance time. Febrifuginine, a compound found in Soymida febrifuga, showed antimalarial activity comparable to chloroquine in preliminary in vitro assays.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Jwarahara (antipyretic)
- Krimihara (anthelmintic)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
Classical clinical indications
- Jwara (fever)
- Atisara (diarrhea)
- Kushta (skin diseases)
- Vranya (wounds)
- Agnimandya (low digestive fire)
- Ama (toxins)