Lonika (Lona, Brihatloni, Ghotika)

About

Loni, known botanically as Portulaca oleracea, is an herb used in Ayurveda. It is recognized for its potential health benefits and is mentioned in classical texts.

Properties

Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Hepatoprotective activity, Immunomodulatory activity

Dosage

The dried aerial part of the plant is used in a dose of 9–15 grams to treat fever, dysentery, diarrhea, carbuncle, and eczema. 3 to 6 grams of the dried whole plant powder is the recommended dosage. Aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea (400mg/kg BW/day) has been used in studies.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Pungent
• Virya: ["Not Available"]
• Vipaka: ["Not Available"]

Benefits

• Rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (A, C, and E), and minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron)
• Contains antioxidants like beta-carotene, glutathione, melatonin, and betalains
• Exhibits anti-inflammatory activity
• Beneficial in treating inflammatory conditions
• Helps prevent heart problems by reducing inflammation
• Helps manage normal heart function
• Helps in preventing heart attacks
• Improves blood circulation
• Prevents clotting in the arteries
• Helps manage blood sugar levels
• Improves insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes
• Protects against cancer-causing and degenerative free radical damage
• Slows some effects of aging
• Possesses wound-healing properties
• Treating bleeding diseases
• Treating fever
• Treating piles
• Treating herpes
• Treating swelling
• Treating wounds

Traditional uses

• Yoni Kanda (diagnosis of)
• Skin diseases

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Fresh: The entire plant (leaves, stems, flower buds, and seeds) can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach.
• Juice: The juice of the plant can be extracted and used.
• Poultice: A paste of the plant can be applied to herpes, swelling, wounds, and burns.
• Infusion: Fresh purslane can be chopped and steeped in just-boiled water to create an infusion.
• Extracts: Purslane extracts can be made using water, vodka, or vegetable glycerine.
• Oil Infusion: Purslane can be infused in olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil for two weeks.
• Cooking: It can be stir-fried, boiled, or added to soups and stews.
• Fine Powder: Purslane fine powder can be prepared by washing, drying, sterilizing, crushing, and screening the plant. The powder can be added to nutritional drinks or food.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and lactation: While generally safe in culinary amounts, high-dose extracts should be avoided unless under medical supervision due to the presence of oxalates.
• Autoimmune disorders: Due to immunomodulatory polysaccharides, caution is advised for individuals with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis; consultation with a doctor is recommended.
• Diabetes medications: Purslane may enhance the effects of hypoglycemic drugs; therefore, blood sugar levels should be closely monitored if taken concurrently.
• It's essential to inform your healthcare provider and an Ayurvedic specialist before incorporating purslane into your health plan.
• Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking Loni along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines.

Side effects

• Oxalate Content
• May contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals.
• Diuretic Effect
• Purslane has diuretic properties and may increase diuresis.
• Laxative Effect
• It can have a slightly laxative effect due to its fiber and malic acid content.
• Contact Dermatitis
• Some individuals may experience contact dermatitis with the fresh plant.
• Salt Retention
• Due to its high sodium content, it could be harmful to people on salt-restricted diets.
• Toxicity
• Wild-harvested purslane could contain environmental contaminants or be confused with similar-looking toxic plants.
• It may cause skin irritation or etching in some individuals.
• It may cause irritation of the digestive tract if consumed in very high quantities.

Interactions

• Diuretic Medications and Blood Thinners: Purslane may enhance the effects of diuretic medications or blood thinners.
• Other Medications & Supplements: Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking purslane along with other western (allopathic/ modern) medicines.
• Ayurvedic and Allopathic 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.
• Homeopathic Medicine & Supplements: Purslane generally does not react with homeopathic medicine or dietary supplements like multivitamin tablets or Omega 3 fatty acids.

Active compounds

• Flavonoids
• Alkaloids
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamins (Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E)
• Minerals
• Polysaccharides
• Terpenoids
• Sterols
• Proteins
• Betalains
• Saponins
• Melatonin

Clinical evidence

Clinical trials indicate that Portulaca oleracea (Loni) may offer benefits in managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic hand eczema (CHE), and oral lichen planus. Furthermore, it shows promise in immune modulation. These findings are based on multiple randomized controlled trials.

Classical clinical indications

• Yoni Kanda (diagnosis of)
• Skin diseases

Frequently asked questions