Elalu (Elalu (Elavaluka, Kapittha, Patra))

Properties

Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Vasomodulatory actions, Reduction of uric acid levels, Melatonin-mediated sleep improvement

Dosage

Fresh Fruit: 50–100 g daily, Powder (Churna): 1–2 tsp (3–6 g) mixed with warm water or honey, twice daily, Liquid Extract/Tincture: 1:5 ethanol extract, 10–20 ml once or twice per day before meals, Concentrate Juice: 240 ml morning and evening, Bark Powder: 1–3 grams, twice daily mixed in warm water or honey, Fruit Extract Capsules: Standardized to 20% anthocyanins, 500 mg twice a day with meals, Decoction: Simmer 5 g dried bark in 300 ml water for 15 minutes, strain, drink warm up to 2 cups daily

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Madhura (Sweet), Kashaya (Astringent)
• Virya: ["শীতল (Cooling)"]
• Vipaka: ["Madhura (Sweet)"]

Benefits

• Vatahara
• Shothahara
• Raktapittahara

Traditional uses

• Nephrolithiasis
• Muscle soreness
• Gout
• Insomnia
• Hypertension

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Fresh Fruit: Can be consumed directly as snacks or in smoothies.
• Powder (Churna): Mix with warm water or honey.
• Liquid Extract/Tincture: Consume directly before meals.
• Concentrated Juice: Drink directly, but avoid if you have sugar sensitivities due to its tart flavor.
• Bark Powder: Mix with warm water or honey.
• Fruit Extract Capsules: Take with meals.
• Decoction: Simmer dried bark in water, strain, and drink warm.

Contraindications

• Avoid in individuals with known allergies to cherries.
• Cherry pollen can cross-react with birch pollen.
• Anaphylaxis to cherries has been reported.
• Excessive consumption (over 500 ml juice/day) might cause mild cramps or diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
• High doses of anthocyanins might amplify the effects of warfarin; monitor INR closely.
• Small servings of fresh fruit are generally considered safe during pregnancy and lactation, but high-dose extracts or juices should be used with supervision due to potential uterine stimulant effects. Avoid dosages above those found in food because safety and efficacy are unproven.
• A case report described a decline in kidney function (which was reversible) attributed to daily ingestion of cherry juice concentrate.
• Hypersensitivity to cherry stalks is a contraindication.
• Amygdalin, found in trace amounts in seeds, historically linked to respiratory relief, though modern safety data urges caution due to cyanide potential if ingested in high amounts.

Side effects

• Generally safe in recommended doses.
• Seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, so avoid seed ingestion or high-dose bark extracts without guidance.
• Rare allergic contact dermatitis has been reported with topical products.
• May cause mild stomach upset or loose stools when starting bark decoctions abruptly.
• If you notice any unusual symptoms—rash, persistent nausea, dizziness—stop use and consult an Ayurvedic doctor promptly.

Interactions

• Anthocyanins may augment anticoagulant effects; monitor INR if you're on warfarin or similar drugs.
• Chlorogenic acid can enhance glucose-lowering; risk of hypoglycemia if combined with medications like metformin or insulin.
• Insufficient data on high-dose safety; keep to dietary amounts only during Pregnancy & Breastfeeding.
• It is always best to seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.

Clinical evidence

Clinical trials indicate that Prunus cerasus may effectively treat nephrolithiasis in children. Studies suggest that sour cherry juice can reduce muscle soreness after exercise and lower serum uric acid levels, potentially benefiting gout management. Furthermore, sour cherry concentrate has been found to improve sleep quality and may offer cardiovascular benefits.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Vatahara
• Shothahara
• Raktapittahara

Classical clinical indications

• Nephrolithiasis
• Muscle soreness
• Gout
• Insomnia
• Hypertension