Bhuriphena (Charmakasha, Phenaka, Phenika)
Bhuriphena, scientifically known as Sapindus mukorossi, is a deciduous tree native to tropical and subtropical Asia. It is valued in Ayurveda and traditional medicine for its cleansing properties derived from saponins in its fruit, known as soapnuts or reetha.
Botanical name: Sapindus mukorossi. Also known as: Bhuriphena, Charmakansa, Charmakasa, Phenila, Reetha, Aritha, Ritha, Antuvala kayi, Pannimaram, Ritha, Pannai kottai, Kunkum chettu, Kunkuduchettu, Phenilamu, Soapkaayi, Norekaayi, Aritho, Soapnut, Soapberry, Washnut, Chinese Soapberry.
Properties
Antimicrobial activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Anticancer properties, Wound healing
Dosage
Dosage depends on the specific condition and the individual. It is best to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional for appropriate dosage recommendations. For external application, use as directed by a physician.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Hot)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Kaphahara (reduces Kapha)
- Vatahara (reduces Vata)
- Krimighna (antimicrobial)
- Vishaghna (detoxifying)
- Varnya (improves complexion)
Traditional uses
- Charmaroga (skin diseases)
- Kandu (itching)
- Dadru (ringworm)
- Arsha (hemorrhoids)
- Visha (toxicity)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Aqueous Solution: Soak commercially available, well-dried reetha fruits overnight in double-distilled water. Separate the pericarp from the hard seed. Use 20 grams of pericarp soaked in 200 ml of double distilled water at 23°C. Vortex the mixture using a magnetic stirrer.
- Powder: Dry the fruit at 50°C for 24 hours. Separate the pericarps from the seeds and grind into a fine powder. Sieve the powder to get a uniform particle size of 300 μm.
- Decoction: Boil the fruits in water and strain the liquid.
- Water Extraction: Crush dried Sapindus fruit peel, add 2-10 times the amount of water, stir at a constant temperature and normal pressure of 20-80°C, extract 1-5 times, each extraction for 1-24 hours, perform solid-liquid separation, and combine the extracts.
- Solvent Extraction: Use solvents like methanol or ethanol for higher extraction rates of total saponins compared to water.
- Shampoo: Prepare using pericarp extract.
- Creams: Aqueous extract of soapnut can replace SLS as an emulsifier in creams.
- Transdermal Patches: Seed oil can be used as a drug excipient in transdermal patches.
Contraindications
- Internal Use During Pregnancy: Internal use of Sapindus mukorossi is not recommended during pregnancy due to its potential uterine stimulant properties.
- General Caution: It's advisable to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using Sapindus mukorossi internally.
- Avoid Raw Seeds
- Possible Uterine Stimulant: Internal use is not recommended during pregnancy as it might act as a uterine stimulant.
Side effects
- Generally considered safe for topical application.
- May cause side effects in certain individuals.
- It is recommended to perform a patch test before widespread usage to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
- It is advisable for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a healthcare professional before using products containing this ingredient due to a lack of data. Internal use is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant effects.
Interactions
- Data on specific interactions with other drugs or herbs are limited.
- It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are taking other medications.
- Traditionally, Sapindus mukorossi has been used in combination with other herbs like Amla and Shikakai in hair preparations.
- Synergistic potentiation interaction exists between nematostatic constituents from Azadirachta indica, Madhuca indica and Sapindus mukorossi.
Clinical evidence
Clinical trials indicate potential benefits of Sapindus mukorossi (Bhuriphena) in managing seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, acne, and ulcers. Trials demonstrate the efficacy of soapnut extracts in reducing itchiness, flaking, and bacterial activity. Further research is needed to solidify these findings.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Kaphahara (reduces Kapha)
- Vatahara (reduces Vata)
- Krimighna (antimicrobial)
- Vishaghna (detoxifying)
- Varnya (improves complexion)
Classical clinical indications
- Charmaroga (skin diseases)
- Kandu (itching)
- Dadru (ringworm)
- Arsha (hemorrhoids)
- Visha (toxicity)
Frequently asked questions
What is Bhuriphena?
Bhuriphena, scientifically known as Sapindus mukorossi, is a deciduous tree native to tropical and subtropical Asia. It is valued in Ayurveda and traditional medicine for its cleansing properties derived from saponins in its fruit, known as soapnuts or reetha.
What are the benefits of Bhuriphena?
Kaphahara (reduces Kapha). Vatahara (reduces Vata). Krimighna (antimicrobial)
How is Bhuriphena used in Ayurveda?
Aqueous Solution: Soak commercially available, well-dried reetha fruits overnight in double-distilled water. Separate the pericarp from the hard seed. Use 20 grams of pericarp soaked in 200 ml of double distilled water at 23°C. Vortex the mixture using a magnetic stirrer.