Palindi (Palindi (Pindara))
Palindi, known botanically as Ichnocarpus frutescens, is a creeper used in Ayurveda for various therapeutic purposes. Classical texts mention its use in formulations for detoxification, skin ailments, and as a general tonic. Modern research is exploring its potential antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
Botanical name: Ichnocarpus frutescens. Also known as: Black creeper, श्यामলতা (Syamlata), Sariva, Krishna Sariva, Kali-dudhi, কৃষ্ণসারিব (Krishna sariva), Kalidudhi, Palvalli, Parvalli, പാൽവള്ളി, Udargodi, Paravalli, Karehambu, Kappunamaadaberu, Syamolota, Madhodi, Lamkandol, Paharukibandan, Dudhi, Syamalota, শ্যামা লতা (Shyama Lata), શ્યામલતા, Krishnasarwa, Kantebhouri.
Properties
Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Hypoglycemic activity
Dosage
Powdered root: 3–6 g/day in warm water or as a ghee-based paste. It can be mixed with honey or jaggery to counter its bitter taste. Leaf decoction: Simmer 10–15 g fresh or 5 g dried leaves in 200 ml water until reduced by half. The dose is 50–100 ml twice daily after meals for 7–14 days to relieve dyspepsia. Hydroalcoholic extract: Standardized to 2% flavonoids, the typical dose is 300–500 mg capsule, twice daily with meals. For antidiabetic activity, an active fraction of the methanolic extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight has been used in studies.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Bitter, astringent
- Virya: ["Cooling"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Detoxifying
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Antipyretic
Traditional uses
- Fever
- Skin diseases
- Wounds
- Diabetes
- Inflammation
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction: Decoctions are prepared using leaves, stems, or roots. For instance, a decoction of the leaves is prepared by boiling a handful of *I. frutescens* leaves and is used for fever. A decoction of the root is made by boiling about 100 gm of fresh root in 1 liter of water for half an hour and is used as an antidote for snakebite.
- Powder: The leaves, stems, and flowers can be dried, powdered, and stored for further use.
- Extracts: Methanolic extracts can be prepared from the dry powder using a rotary flash evaporator.
- Other: Leaves can be boiled in oil for application in headaches, wounds, and fever. The root paste is also directly applied to treat rat bites and skin diseases.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Gastrointestinal Issues (Overuse of bitter decoctions)
- Hypotension (Caution with high doses)
- Infertility
Side effects
- Generally considered safe at recommended doses.
- Gastrointestinal upset: Overuse of bitter decoctions can cause nausea or mild diarrhea, especially in individuals with a Vata constitution.
- Hypotension: Rare reports suggest a possible drop in blood pressure if daily root powder exceeds 10 g. Individuals on antihypertensives should monitor their vitals.
Interactions
- Plant sterols may interfere with certain medications.
- It is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using *Ichnocarpus frutescens*, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking medications.
Clinical evidence
While limited, research indicates potential antipyretic, wound healing, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic and analgesic activity. Further rigorous, controlled trials are needed to establish efficacy in humans.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Detoxifying
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Antipyretic
Classical clinical indications
- Fever
- Skin diseases
- Wounds
- Diabetes
- Inflammation