Bhadra (Bhadra (Anadvan, Saurabheya, Gau, Uksha))
Aerva lanata, known as Bhadra in Ayurveda, is traditionally used for its diuretic and anti-urolithiasis properties. Modern research explores its potential in diabetes management, antimicrobial activity, and hepatoprotection.
Botanical name: Aerva lanata. Also known as: Pashanabeda, Gorakshaganjaa, Aadaanpaaki, Shatkabhedi, Mountain Knotgrass, Polpala, Chaya, Gandhilovaj, Vekhand, Bach, Gorbach, Vach, Bajai, Baje, Vashambu, Vadaja, Vasa, Vasa Vadaja, Vekhand, Verkhand.
Properties
Diuretic, Anti-urolithiatic, Anti-diabetic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Hepatoprotective
Dosage
Decoction of the root: 50-60 ml to treat renal calculi and urine retention. Cold infusion of the whole plant: 30-40 ml for cough and sore throat. A common dosage used by Ayurvedic physicians for infusion is 25g of dried plant in 200 ml of hot water. In studies with rats, dosages of dried Aerva lanata infusions used were 25g/200ml (low dose) and 100g/200ml (high dose). For anti-diabetic action in rats, an alcoholic extract was used at 375 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight. In a study of ethylene glycol-induced nephrolithiasis in rats, a low dose of hydro-alcoholic extract of Aerva lanata (HAEAL) was 400 mg/kg, and a high dose was 800 mg/kg.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Mutrala (Diuretic)
- Ashmarihara (Lithotriptic)
- Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
- Raktashodhaka (Blood purifier)
Traditional uses
- Ashmari (Urolithiasis)
- Mutrakrichra (Dysuria)
- Shotha (Inflammation)
- Raktavikara (Blood disorders)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction: Boiling the root in water.
- Cold Infusion: Soaking the plant in cold water.
- Infusion/Herbal Tea: Steeping the dried herb in hot water for 15 minutes, then straining.
- Smoking: Burning dried leaves and flowers, inhaling the smoke for asthma and cough.
- Paste: Grinding the plant or root to apply topically for headaches or gonorrhea, respectively.
- Extraction: Powdered herb can undergo solvent extraction using hydro-alcoholic mixtures (water-ethanol), Soxhlet extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) or supercritical CO2 extraction.
- Extraction: For the extraction of Aerva lanata roots, a maceration process with ethanol and distilled water can be used.
- Extraction: Extracts using solvents like ethanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, acetone, water, and methanol have been used for phytochemical analysis.
- Leaf Extract Preparation: Collect Aerva lanata leaves and subject them to phytochemical screening.
Contraindications
- Long-term use is not generally recommended.
- Some believe it can cause structural changes in the urinary tract, potentially leading to renal failure (belief not scientifically proven).
- A study showed a marked reduction in creatinine clearance in rats fed with a high dose of dried *Aerva lanata*.
- A toxicity study indicated potential toxic effects with prolonged exposure, such as cellular damage to organs and reduction in male reproductive capacity. Significant changes in biochemical and hematological parameters were also noted.
- It is recommended to consult with a doctor before using *Aerva lanata*, even though it is considered favorable for pregnant women.
Side effects
- Long-term ingestion of Aerva lanata may have adverse effects on the urinary tract.
- One study showed that administration of dried Aerva lanata for one month caused ultrastructural changes in the proximal convoluted tubular epithelial cells of rats.
- A study in Nigeria reported that prolonged infusion of Aerva lanata extract in rats led to increased weight of organs like lungs, brain, and pancreas in female rats, along with alterations in hematological parameters.
- Self-medication with Aerva lanata should be done cautiously due to potential adverse effects.
Interactions
- Limited information is available on specific interactions.
- One study suggests Aerva lanata may have anti-diuretic properties, which could interact with diuretic medications.
- It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using Aerva lanata, especially if you are taking other medications or have existing health conditions.
Clinical evidence
Animal studies suggest that Aerva lanata possesses diuretic and anti-diabetic properties. More human clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Mutrala (Diuretic)
- Ashmarihara (Lithotriptic)
- Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
- Raktashodhaka (Blood purifier)
Classical clinical indications
- Ashmari (Urolithiasis)
- Mutrakrichra (Dysuria)
- Shotha (Inflammation)
- Raktavikara (Blood disorders)