Kakajangha (Nadikanta, Kakatikta, Sulomasha, Kakadani, Kaknasa, Kakangi, Kakatundaphala)

Properties

Anti-inflammatory activity, Analgesic activity, Antimicrobial activity, Anticancer activity, Neuroprotective activity

Dosage

Decoction (root): 50-100 ml, Powder: 1-5 grams, Decoction (aerial parts): 10-15 g dried herb in 160 mL water, reduced to 50 mL, three times daily, Powder (aerial parts): 3-6 g mixed with water or honey after meals, Fresh Juice: 5-10 ml twice daily. The correct dosage depends on the patient's age, gender, and medical history.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
• Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
• Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]

Benefits

• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
• Antimicrobial
• Wound healing

Traditional uses

• Skin diseases
• Wounds
• Infections
• Nervous disorders

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Decoction (Kashaya): Boil 10-15 g of shade-dried aerial parts in 160 mL water, and reduce to 50 mL. Take it three times daily before meals for respiratory or digestive issues.
• Powder (Churna): Take 3-6 g orally, mixed with warm water or honey, suitable for daily joint pain relief and postpartum recovery.
• Fresh Juice (Svarasa): 5 mL to 10 mL twice daily, best in the early morning on an empty stomach, particularly for fever or mild infections.
• Paste: The plant is blended into a paste and applied externally, sometimes mixed with salt, for bone fractures and sprains.
• Infusion: The plant macerated in rice water is used as an antidote for snake poison.
• Poultice: Used for skin diseases.
• Other uses: It can be added as an ingredient while preparing tea & soup. It can be used as salad garnisher and dough mixer.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Due to insufficient safety data, concentrated extracts should be avoided during pregnancy and nursing.
• Severe kidney or liver impairment: Triterpenoids in the herb undergo hepatic metabolism, and impaired function could increase the risk of accumulation.
• Concurrent anticoagulant therapy: It might enhance bleeding risk; regular INR checks are advised.
• Allopathic 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.
• Bleeding disorders: Andrographis (although the source refers to *Andrographis paniculata*, caution is advised as *Peristrophe paniculata* might have similar effects) might slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding or bruising.
• Surgery: Stop using at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery due to potential effects on blood clotting and blood pressure.

Side effects

• Generally well-tolerated, but can cause mild adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
• Gastrointestinal upset: Occasional nausea or loose stools when high-dose powders are taken without proper dilution.
• Contact dermatitis: Rare cases of skin rash reported after topical application of leaf poultices. Patch testing is recommended.
• Hypotension: Flavonoid-induced vasodilation might lower blood pressure; individuals on antihypertensives should monitor vitals.
• No side effects have been reported in medical literature for *Peristrophe Bicalyculata* Whole Plant Powder.

Interactions

• Anticoagulant Medications: Might enhance bleeding risk; regular INR checks are advised.
• Antihypertensive medications: Flavonoid-induced vasodilation might lower blood pressure.
• It is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
• Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
• Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you take to prevent unintended interactions.
• Use caution in patients with diabetes, autoimmune diseases, liver damage, and for patients using antiarrhythmic agents, antilipemics and anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents.

Clinical evidence

Limited clinical trials are available. However, traditional uses are supported by in vitro and animal studies showing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
• Antimicrobial
• Wound healing

Classical clinical indications

• Skin diseases
• Wounds
• Infections
• Nervous disorders

Frequently asked questions