Audumbara (Udumbara (Jantiphala, Tamra))
Audumbara (Ficus racemosa) is a significant medicinal plant in Ayurveda, known for its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It is used to balance Pitta and Kapha doshas and is traditionally employed in treating blood disorders, digestive issues, and skin conditions.
Botanical name: Ficus racemosa. Also known as: Cluster fig, Country fig, Crattock, Gular fig, Redwood fig, Udumbara, Sadaphala, Hemadugdhaka, Jantuphala, Yagyaanga, Gular, Dumar, Atti mara, Atti, Udumbara, Attimaram, Atti, Udumbaramu, Udumbar, Umbar, Udumbara, Dumur, Goolar, Umbaro, Dumrii, Athi.
Properties
Inhibition of COX-2 pathways, Increased collagen deposition, Improved insulin sensitivity, Antimicrobial activity
Dosage
Bark Powder: 3–6 g daily with warm water or as a decoction. Some sources suggest this can be taken twice a day. Leaf Extract: 200–400 mg standardized extract, twice daily. Latex: 2–5 drops mixed with coconut oil for topical application. Tea: 1–2 tsp dried bark boiled for 10 minutes, sipped twice a day. Decoction (Kashaya): 50-100 ml in divided doses per day. Fruit Powder: 1-2 grams twice daily, preferably with water or honey.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Kashaya (Astringent)
- Virya: ["Sheeta (Cooling)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Rakta-pittahara (reduces bleeding disorders)
- Vranaropana (wound healing)
- Dahahara (reduces burning sensation)
Traditional uses
- Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
- Vrna (wounds)
- Daha (burning sensation)
- Prameha (diabetes)
- Atisara (diarrhea)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Bark Decoction (Kashayam): Take a tablespoon of bark powder, add to 2 cups of water, boil and reduce to half a cup, then filter. Administer in 50 ml doses once or twice per day.
- Latex Application: Mix 2-5 drops of latex with coconut oil for wound care. Apply fresh latex directly on wounds to promote healing.
- Tea: Boil dried bark in water for 10 minutes.
- Powder: Dried plant material is ground into a coarse powder.
- Extraction: Solvents like water, ethanol, methanol, and chloroform can be used in soxhlet extraction or cold maceration.
Contraindications
- People with known fig allergies should avoid Udumbara preparations.
- Contact with the latex of Ficus racemosa can cause allergic dermatitis.
- The psoralen in the latex may cause photosensitivity if it comes into contact with skin exposed to sunlight.
- Overdosing may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as mild nausea or constipation.
- Pregnant women should avoid latex and high doses of the bark, as they might stimulate uterine contractions. Consult a doctor regarding its safety during pregnancy.
- It may interact with anti-diabetic drugs by enhancing hypoglycemic effects. Monitor blood sugar closely.
- β-sitosterol in Ficus racemosa could theoretically influence platelet aggregation, so use with caution in patients on anticoagulants.
- Because it has cooling properties, exercise caution when using it in individuals with Kapha dominance who experience recurrent allergic rhinitis, cough, and cold.
- Ripe fruits are usually avoided for culinary use because they may cause or worsen intestinal worm infestations.
Side effects
- Generally safe at recommended doses.
- Allergic Dermatitis: Contact with latex can cause allergic dermatitis.
- Photosensitivity: Psoralen-rich latex in contact with skin under sunlight may cause photosensitivity.
- Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Overdose may cause mild nausea or constipation.
- May worsen intestinal worm infestation if ripe fruit is consumed in excess.
- Because it is a coolant, use cautiously in Kapha dominant individuals with recurrent allergic rhinitis, cough, and cold.
- Pregnant women should avoid latex and high doses of bark, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
Interactions
- May interact with antidiabetic drugs by potentiating hypoglycemic effects; monitor blood sugar closely.
- β-sitosterol could theoretically influence platelet function in patients on anticoagulants.
- It may interact with antidiabetic or anticoagulant drugs; consult a professional before combining therapies.
- If taking with allopathic medicines, it is best to take the allopathic medicine first, wait 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
Clinical evidence
Meta-analyses of up to 2 RCTs and databases tracking 5+ RCTs show promising antidiabetic and wound-healing effects. Clinical trials also suggest benefits for digestive support and anti-inflammatory action.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Rakta-pittahara (reduces bleeding disorders)
- Vranaropana (wound healing)
- Dahahara (reduces burning sensation)
Classical clinical indications
- Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
- Vrna (wounds)
- Daha (burning sensation)
- Prameha (diabetes)
- Atisara (diarrhea)