Chandraki (Chandraki (Chandrika, Chandrabhagi, Chandralekha))
Chandraki, botanically known as Ipomoea alba or Moonflower, is a plant traditionally referenced in Ayurveda. Modern research identifies its potential therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, anticancer, and α-glucosidase inhibition activities.
Botanical name: Ipomoea alba. Also known as: Moonflower, White Morning Glory, Evening Glory, Giant Moon Flower, Moon Vine, Moonflower Vine, Tropical White Morning Glory, White Moonflower, White Morning Glory, Alanga, Kalu alanga, Naganamukkorai, Dudh kolmou, Flor de luna, Yue guang hua.
Properties
Antimicrobial activity, Anticancer properties, α-Glucosidase inhibition
Dosage
Leaf Decoction: Simmer 5–7 g of dried leaves in 250 ml water for 10–15 minutes, strain, and sip warm, once nightly. Flower Syrup: Boil 10 g fresh or 5 g dried flowers in 200 ml water, reduce by half, then mix with equal parts jaggery. Take 1–2 teaspoons up to twice daily for digestive spasms or cough. Powdered Extract Capsule: Standardized to 2% scopoletin. Children: Limit to 2 g decoction once daily, and monitor for upset stomach.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Not specified in classical texts
- Virya: ["Not specified in classical texts"]
- Vipaka: ["Not specified in classical texts"]
Benefits
- Cooling and calming properties
- Balances Vata and Pitta doshas
- Treat snakebites
- Laxative
- Reduce fever
- Used for abdominal pains
- Used for burns
- Used for tumors
- Used for irregular menses
- Purgative
- Treating filariasis
- Antiobesity properties
- Antibacterial properties
- Antifungal properties
- Anticancer properties
- α-glucosidase inhibitory properties
- Multidrug-resistance-modifying properties
- Insomnia relief
- Mild inflammation relief
- Postpartum care support
Traditional uses
- Abdominal pains
- Burns
- Tumors
- Irregular menses
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Leaf Decoction: Simmer 5–7 g of dried leaves in 250 ml water for 10–15 minutes, strain, and sip warm.
- Flower Syrup: Boil 10 g fresh or 5 g dried flowers in 200 ml water, reduce by half, then mix with equal parts jaggery.
- Powder or Distillate: The leaves and flowers can be dried into powders or distillates for traditional Ayurvedic use.
- Cooking: Young leaves and fleshy calyces can be cooked and used in curries, soups, and stews. They can also be dried for later use.
- Eating Seeds: The seeds can be eaten when young.
Contraindications
- Ayurvedic medicines should be taken under strict medical supervision. Self-medication can be dangerous.
- Choose medicines from reputable companies.
- Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern (allopathic) medicines. If taking both, it's generally advised to take the allopathic medicine first, wait 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine after a further gap of 15-30 minutes, or as directed by a physician.
- Drug interactions between Ayurvedic herbs and psychiatric drugs can occur, potentially leading to enhanced or diminished effects, which could be harmful.
- Physicians should be aware of all medications and herbal supplements a patient is taking to avoid potentially harmful interactions.
- Chandrakala Vati, which is an herbal tablet used in Ayurvedic treatment, is to be avoided in children and pregnant women.
- High doses of certain Ayurveda herbs or prolonged use can lead to side effects. These can include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loose motions, and allergic rashes. In some instances, long-term use of certain herbs can cause depression.
Side effects
- Gastrointestinal Upset: Overdosing on leaf decoctions may cause mild diarrhea or cramps.
- Excessive Sedation: Combining with benzodiazepines or alcohol might amplify drowsiness.
- Allergic Reactions: Rare contact dermatitis has been reported in some users.
- Pregnancy Risks: Large doses could theoretically stimulate uterine contractions; avoid unsupervised use.
Interactions
- Sedatives: Ipomoea bona nox may amplify the effects of sedative drugs.
- Antihypertensives: May lower blood pressure when combined with antihypertensives.
- Cardiac glycosides: Aloe vera juice and anthranoid laxatives may potentiate cardiac glycosides and antiarrhythmic agents.
- Herbs: Herbs that increase digestion and absorption may potentiate cardiac medicine.
Clinical evidence
Currently, there is a lack of robust clinical trials specifically investigating the therapeutic effects of Ipomoea alba. Much of the evidence is limited to in vitro studies and traditional uses.
Classical clinical indications
- Abdominal pains
- Burns
- Tumors
- Irregular menses