Devadali (Devadali (Veni, Karkati, Garagari, Matsyadani, Matsyagandha, Langali))
Devadali, also known as Bristly Luffa or Bitter Sponge Gourd, is a medicinal plant used in Ayurveda, Unani, and traditional medicine systems. It is known for its bitter taste and is used to address kapha imbalances, hemorrhoids, swelling, and pallor. The fruit is used to eliminate worms and phlegm, and the plant is used for body cleansing and in treatments for liver disorders, jaundice, inflammation, and microbial infections.
Botanical name: Luffa echinata. Also known as: Devadali, Katuka, Jimuta, Bindal, Ghagharbel, Kakoda, Kadu Dodi, Bristly Luffa, Bitter Luffa, Rag Gourd, Wild Bitter Gourd, Echinata Luffa, Deyatada, Devatada, Kukurvel, Galki, Daivadali, Halagigida, Devadangari, Dhotra, Peypirkku, Thummattikai, Panibeera, Panibira, Potla-kai, Davara dangi.
Properties
Antimicrobial effects, Anti-inflammatory properties, Hepatoprotective action, Antioxidant activity, Anticancer potential, Anthelmintic effects, Diuretic activity, Antidiabetic potential
Dosage
General: The powder of the plant can be given in doses of 3-5 grams. Decoction: The decoction of the plant is given in a dose of 50-60 ml. The decoction of the fruit is given in a dose of 25-30 ml. Juice: 10-20 ml Dried Fruit Powder: 1–3 g, once or twice daily, blended into warm water or honey.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Bitter
- Virya: ["Heating"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Kapha-hara (reduces Kapha)
- Vamana (emetic)
- Virechana (purgative)
- Krimighna (antihelminthic)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Raktapittahara (treats bleeding disorders)
- Panduhara (treats pallor)
Traditional uses
- Kapha disorders
- Hemorrhoids
- Swelling
- Pallor
- Worms
- Phlegm
- Jaundice
- Rhinitis
- Skin diseases
- Cough
- Liver diseases
- Difficult labor
- Spleen disorders
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction (Kwath): Simmer 5–10 g of sliced fruit in 240 ml water until reduced by half. Strain and drink twice a day before meals.
- Cold Infusion: Seeds or fruit are soaked in a cup of water overnight, squeezed, and the infusion is used as nasal drops.
- Hot Infusion: Used for wound washing.
- Powder: The powder of the plant is used to treat liver and spleen diseases.
- Paste: Mix fruit powder with sesame oil and apply topically on skin lesions or insect bites for 15–20 minutes, then rinse.
- Liver Detox Tea: Boil Devadali fruit powder with turmeric and consume it.
- Purgative Decoction: Devadali seed powder with warm water can be used for constipation.
Contraindications
- Cardiac Issues: People suffering from cardiac diseases should avoid Devadali or its formulations as it can cause emesis and sometimes purgation, potentially exerting more pressure on the cardiac muscles.
- Children, Elderly, and Pregnant Women: These groups should generally avoid consuming Devadali. Avoid high doses in pregnancy due to possible uterine stimulation by cucurbitacins.
- Potential Interactions: It may have potential interactions with anticoagulants, antidiabetics, and strong GI irritants, so consult a doctor.
- Reported Toxicity: There is a case report of gastrointestinal bleeding, deranged liver function, and shock following consumption of dried fruits of Luffa echinata soaked overnight in water.
Side effects
- Overdose may lead to nausea, diarrhea, or cramps due to strong saponins.
- Rare cases of contact dermatitis have been reported when handling the fresh fruit.
- People suffering from cardiac diseases should avoid Devadali as it can cause emesis and purgation, potentially exerting pressure on cardiac muscles.
- Children, the elderly, and pregnant women should avoid consuming Devadali.
- A case report mentions gastrointestinal bleeding, deranged liver function, and shock following consumption of dried fruits of *Luffa echinata* soaked overnight in water.
Interactions
- May potentiate the effects of anticoagulants (via platelet modulation).
- May interact with antidiabetic drugs, leading to hypoglycemia.
- It is advisable to seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
Clinical evidence
Clinical investigations suggest potential in reducing serum bilirubin; however, clinical evidence is limited. Efficacy of Luffa echinata has not yet been proven in toxicology and clinical trials.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Kapha-hara (reduces Kapha)
- Vamana (emetic)
- Virechana (purgative)
- Krimighna (antihelminthic)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Raktapittahara (treats bleeding disorders)
- Panduhara (treats pallor)
Classical clinical indications
- Kapha disorders
- Hemorrhoids
- Swelling
- Pallor
- Worms
- Phlegm
- Jaundice
- Rhinitis
- Skin diseases
- Cough
- Liver diseases
- Difficult labor
- Spleen disorders