Palindi (Pindara)

About

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.

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.

Active compounds

• Phenylpropanoids
• Phenolic acids
• Flavonoids
• Sterols
• Triterpenoids
• Tannins
• Glycosides
• Polyphenols
• Atrovirinone
• 23-Acetoxysoladulcidine
• Bismurrayaquinone A
• Gambiriin A3
• Zygadenine
• Lamprolobine
• α-amyrin
• lupeol
• quercetin

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

Frequently asked questions