Damanaka (Damanaka (Daanta, Muniputra, Tapodhana, Shataponaka))

Properties

Antimalarial activity, Anticancer activity, Anti-inflammatory properties, Antimicrobial properties

Dosage

Fresh Leaf Decoction: 5-10 g fresh leaves in 250 ml water, boiled for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 cups/day. Dried Leaf Powder: 1-3 g powder with honey or warm water, once daily after meals; do not exceed 5 g/day. Artemisia annua extract: 150–300 mg twice daily has been used for arthritis symptoms in research settings. Cold infusion: 25-30 ml dose to treat cough and asthma. Bark powder: 1 gram with Amalaki powder and Loha bhasma for anemia. Decoction of bark: 25-30 ml for fever due to indigestion and dysmenorrhea.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Astringent, Bitter
• Virya: ["Cooling ( আনুমানিক)"]
• Vipaka: ["Pungent (আনুমানিক)"]

Benefits

• Aphrodisiac
• Anthelmintic

Traditional uses

• Malaria
• Fever

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Tea/Decoction: Boil fresh or dried leaves in water, strain, and drink warm. Honey or ginger can be added.
• Powder: Dried leaves can be powdered and taken with honey or water.
• Essential Oil: Use diluted in a carrier oil for topical application.
• Paste: Leaves can be made into a paste for topical application on skin conditions.
• Steam Inhalation: Damanaka inhalation therapy is practiced in some Ayurveda clinics for respiratory conditions.
• Infusion: Prepared from the plant to treat nervous and spasmodic conditions, asthma and some brain diseases.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to Artemisia or wormwood.
• Due to the thujone content, it can be neurotoxic, potentially causing dizziness or seizures.
• Allergic reactions and gastrointestinal upset are possible.
• Internal use is generally not advised during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. Artemisia is potentially unsafe during pregnancy as it might cause uterine contractions.
• May interact with anti-seizure medicines, reducing their effect.
• Use cautiously with anticoagulants.
• Artemisinin-based therapies can have pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug interactions with HIV antiviral treatment and some cardiovascular, antibiotic, and antiparasitic drugs.
• It may interact with other western (allopathic/modern) medicines.
• Not recommended for people with stomach or intestinal ulcers.
• People with an iron deficiency should stop using antioxidant supplements during the week of artemisinin use.
• Artemisinin use is contraindicated among people who use tobacco; it's recommended to stop tobacco use 6 months before starting artemisinin treatment.
• Prolonged use of forms high in essential oils should be avoided.
• Excessive doses may lead to neurotoxicity.
• Use with caution in children, as their systems are more sensitive.
• Liver toxicity has been reported with Artemisia annua extract.
• Artemisinin should not be used alone in malaria treatment due to the potential for developing drug resistance.

Side effects

• Neurotoxicity: High thujone levels (especially in essential oil) may cause seizures or dizziness.
• Allergic Reactions: Possible for people sensitive to the Asteraceae family.
• Gastrointestinal Upset: Overconsumption of leaf powder (exceeding 5 g/day) can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Pregnancy & Lactation: Insufficient data; avoid use.
• Other potential side effects from Artemisia annua supplements: Dizziness, hearing problems.
• Case reports: Acute cholestatic hepatitis from artemisia tea, delayed hemolytic anemia, ototoxicity and vertigo (with artesunate), dermatitis (with topical use).

Interactions

• Specific interactions with medications and supplements are not detailed in the provided context.
• It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using Damanaka, especially if taking other medications, to avoid potential herb-drug interactions.
• Patients with ulcers or GI disorders should avoid Artemisia.

Clinical evidence

Artemisia annua and its extracts are proven to be effective against all forms of malaria. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the first-line treatment for malaria. Meta-analyses and databases do not currently provide extensive clinical evidence for other conditions, though studies are ongoing for COVID-19, cancer, liver function, and SIBO.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Aphrodisiac
• Anthelmintic

Classical clinical indications

• Malaria
• Fever