Chirabilwaka (Chirabilwaka (Karanja, Naktamala, Karaja, Chirabilva))
Chirabilwaka, known scientifically as Holoptelea integrifolia, is a medicinal plant widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and wound-healing properties.
Botanical name: Holoptelea integrifolia. Also known as: Indian Elm, entire-leaved elm tree, jungle cork tree, south Indian elm tree, Chilbil, Chudail papdi, Chirabilva, Putika, Udakirya, Karabhanjika, Prakirya, Shadgranthika, Karanji, Markati, Aaval, Njettaval, Bavali, Waval, Aapa, Ayil pattai, Thappichan maram, Nemalinara chettu, Nemali nara.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory, Antidiabetic, Anticancer, Wound Healing, Antimicrobial
Dosage
Dosage varies depending on the form and intended use: Bark Decoction: 5–10 g dried bark simmered in 200 mL water for 15 minutes, 2–3 times daily. 50-60 ml of decoction can be used to help control diabetes. Leaf Paste: Fresh leaves ground with water, applied topically to ulcers or skin lesions 1–2 times daily. Powder Form: Dried bark powder 500 mg capsules, 1–2 capsules twice daily with warm water. Bark powder can be taken in doses of 3 to 5g. Extracts/Tinctures: 1:5 hydroalcoholic extract, 2–3 mL in water, 2 times daily. Juice: 10-20 ml. Avoid high doses (>15 g/day bark) to reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Hot)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antidiabetic
- Wound Healing
Traditional uses
- Leprosy
- Inflammation
- Eczema
- Wounds
- Diabetes
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Bark Decoction: Simmer dried bark in water.
- Leaf Paste: Grind fresh leaves with water. Warm leaf paste can be applied externally.
- Powder: Dried bark is powdered.
- Extracts/Tinctures: Hydroalcoholic extraction. Aqueous extracts can also be prepared using the hot extraction method.
- Cold Infusion: Bark can be used to prepare a cold infusion.
- Oil: Leaves can be boiled in coconut oil.
- Seed Preparation: Seeds can be crushed with water.
Contraindications
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Concentrated bark decoctions might cause gastrointestinal upset or mild nausea.
- Allergic Reactions: Sensitive individuals may experience allergic contact dermatitis. Performing a patch test is recommended before use.
- Anticoagulant Interactions: Due to the presence of phytosterols, it may interact with anticoagulant medications like warfarin. If you are on warfarin, monitor your INR (International Normalized Ratio).
- Diuretic Effects: It possesses a diuretic effect that may lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, especially when used with other diuretics.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Its use is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without professional medical supervision.
- Children: Children under 12 years old should only use topical preparations and under guidance.
- Elderly: Elderly individuals on diuretics or anticoagulants should consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before use.
Side effects
- Generally safe when used appropriately.
- Gastrointestinal upset or mild nausea if bark decoction is too concentrated.
- Allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals (perform a patch test first).
- Diuretic effect may potentiate dehydration or electrolyte imbalance if used with other diuretics.
Interactions
- Potential interaction with anticoagulants due to phytosterols—monitor INR if on warfarin.
- Elderly persons on diuretics or anticoagulants should consult an Ayurvedic practitioner.
- It's recommended to seek a doctor's advice when taking Chirabilva with other Western medicines, allowing a 30-minute gap between Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines.
Clinical evidence
Studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities in in-vivo models. Further clinical trials are required to validate these findings in humans.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antidiabetic
- Wound Healing
Classical clinical indications
- Leprosy
- Inflammation
- Eczema
- Wounds
- Diabetes