Bhadrayava (Kalinga, Indrayava)

About

Bhadrayava, scientifically known as *Wrightia antidysenterica*, is a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda for treating dysentery, diarrhea, and skin disorders. It possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, antioxidant, anti-amoebic, anthelmintic, and anti-microbial properties.

Properties

Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anti-diarrheal, Anti-amoebic, Anthelmintic

Dosage

A typical dose of a related Ayurvedic tonic, Bhringrajasava, is 15–30 ml once or twice daily, diluted with equal parts warm water. For mild digestive complaints, 10 ml before meals may be sufficient; hair indications often call for 20 ml after breakfast. Children should take half the adult dose (7–10 ml) mixed with water or honey, under guidance; avoid in children under 5 years of age.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
• Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
• Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]

Benefits

• Deepana (Appetizer)
• Pachana (Digestive)
• Krimighna (Anthelmintic)
• Vranaropana (Wound healing)

Traditional uses

• Atisara (Diarrhea)
• Grahani (Malabsorption syndrome)
• Krimi Roga (Worm infestation)
• Kushta (Skin diseases)

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Asava (liquid tonic): This is the most common form and is ready-to-use, ideal for systemic actions.
• Churna (powder): Powdered, dried asava can be mixed with honey or water, though it is less convenient.
• Decoction: Guava leaves are soaked in distilled water for 30 minutes, decocted for 30 minutes, and filtered. The dregs are mixed with distilled water and decocted for 30 minutes, filtered, and the filtrates combined.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy: It should be avoided during pregnancy without professional supervision.
• Constipation: It can worsen constipation due to its Grahi (binding) nature.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions are possible. Individuals allergic to the Apocynaceae family may experience hives or respiratory discomfort.
• Overdose: Overdosing may cause nausea or dryness. High internal doses may also trigger nausea or diarrhea.
• Peptic Ulcers or Severe Liver Dysfunction: Internal use should be avoided if you have peptic ulcers or severe liver dysfunction as active compounds could irritate the mucosa or be hepatotoxic at excessive levels.
• Drug Interactions: Use caution with blood thinners, as β-sitosterol may potentiate anticoagulant effects. Consult a physician if you're on blood thinners.
• Children: Children under 6 should avoid internal preparations. For children (6–12 years), halve the adult decoction dose, and use under professional guidance and after assessing tolerance.
• Lactating women and those on immunosuppressants: should avoid internal use without professional oversight.

Side effects

• Occasional gastric bloating has been reported in the elderly when Bhringrajasava is taken on an empty stomach.
• Diarrhea, rash, hair loss, high blood pressure, and nausea (based on Arava/Leflunomide)
• Rare side effects include serious skin reactions and infections (based on Arava/Leflunomide)

Interactions

• 710 drugs are known to interact with Arava (Leflunomide).
• The use of leflunomide with other immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infections.
• The consumption of alcohol during therapy with leflunomide may potentiate the risk of liver injury.

Active compounds

• Coumarins
• Ergosterol
• Flavonoids
• Phenolic acids
• Resins
• Saponins
• Steroidal alkaloids
• Tannins
• Triterpenoids
• 3β-acetyloxy-olean-12-en-28-ol
• Wrightiadione
• 22β-hydroxylupeol
• β-sitosterol
• Benzoxazinoid glycosides
• Megastigmane glycosides
• Flavonoid glycosides
• Wrightiaionosides A-B
• Simple aromatic glycosides
• Indole diglycoside
• Lignan

Clinical evidence

Clinical studies indicate that *Wrightia antidysenterica* shows promise in treating skin disorders like psoriasis. Animal studies support its antidiabetic activity.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Deepana (Appetizer)
• Pachana (Digestive)
• Krimighna (Anthelmintic)
• Vranaropana (Wound healing)

Classical clinical indications

• Atisara (Diarrhea)
• Grahani (Malabsorption syndrome)
• Krimi Roga (Worm infestation)
• Kushta (Skin diseases)

Frequently asked questions