Indravaruni (Aindri, Indrani, Chitra, Shvetapushpa)

Properties

Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory

Dosage

General Dosage: It is crucial to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using Indravaruni. High doses can cause severe adverse effects. Dry Powder (Churna): 125–250 mg with honey or ghee, once daily after a light meal for mild constipation. However, some sources suggest a slightly higher dosage of fruit powder, 125-500 mg. Decoction (Kasaya): 3–6 g of raw fruit rind boiled in 200 ml of water, strained, and taken as 50 ml twice daily under supervision. Tincture/Liquid Extract: 2–5 ml of a 1:5 hydroalcoholic extract, diluted in water, once or twice daily. Root powder: 1-3 g

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Tikta (Bitter)
• Virya: ["Ushna (Hot)"]
• Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]

Benefits

• Virechana (Purgative)
• Deepana (Appetizer)
• Pachana (Digestive)
• Krimihara (Anti-helminthic)

Traditional uses

• Diabetes
• Constipation
• Abdominal distension
• Skin diseases
• Worm infestations

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Home Preparation: Seed and dry the fruit. Grind the dried rind and pulp into a powder. Mix a small amount of the powder with warm water or honey. Start with a very small amount, like a pinch, due to its potency.
• Decoction: Boil raw fruit rind to prepare a decoction.
• Poultice: Seeds can be roasted, ground, and mixed into poultices for skin issues.
• Pills: Piper longum and *Citrullus colocynthis* roots can be ground in equal quantities, dried in the sun, and taken as a pill with water.
• Oil: Ripe fruits can be boiled in mustard oil, and a few drops of this oil can be dropped in the ear to treat deafness.
• Extraction: Alcoholic extracts can be prepared by refluxing the pulp powder in 70% alcohol.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Children and the elderly
• People with sensitive stomachs
• Long-term use
• High doses
• Combining with other Tikshna Dravyas
• Not for self-prescription

Side effects

• High doses can cause severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and electrolyte loss.
• It can irritate the digestive system due to its bitter and astringent properties.
• The fruit contains toxic compounds that can cause serious side effects if ingested improperly.
• Consumption of large quantities or prolonged use can cause liver damage. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
• Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to its strong emetic and laxative potential and potential abortifacient properties.
• Can cause stomach problems like vomiting, acidity, hiccups and belching.
• In people with sensitive stomachs, it may produce severe purgation.

Interactions

• 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.
• 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

Meta-analyses and databases tracking RCTs indicate Citrullus colocynthis can lead to a significant decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBS) levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and toxicity.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Virechana (Purgative)
• Deepana (Appetizer)
• Pachana (Digestive)
• Krimihara (Anti-helminthic)

Classical clinical indications

• Diabetes
• Constipation
• Abdominal distension
• Skin diseases
• Worm infestations

Frequently asked questions