Patala (Amogha, Madhuduta, Phaleruha)

About

Patala, botanically known as *Stereospermum suaveolens*, is a significant herb in Ayurveda, recognized for its diverse therapeutic applications. It is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and cardiac tonic properties, and modern research is exploring its potential in managing diabetes, obesity, and neurological disorders.

Properties

Anti-inflammatory activity, Anti-diabetic activity, Anti-obesity efficacy, Neuroprotective activity, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant

Dosage

The general recommended dosage is 2-3 grams of Patala powder, once or twice a day.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Astringent, Bitter
• Virya: ["Slightly Hot"]
• Vipaka: ["Pungent"]

Benefits

• Balances Doshas: It balances all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).
• Anti-inflammatory: Used to treat inflammation and edema.
• Analgesic: Helps to reduce pain, including joint pain.
• Digestive Health: It has Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties, useful in treating indigestion, constipation and bloating. It can also stimulate the liver.
• Respiratory Health: It helps to pacify Kapha dosha, remove excess mucus from the lungs, and manage respiratory conditions like asthma, cough, and bronchitis.
• Cardiac Tonic: It strengthens cardiac muscles and arteries, helping to augment heart functions.
• Blood Disorders: It is used in treating blood disorders like anemia. The flowers are beneficial in regulating blood-related problems.
• Diuretic: It promotes easy urination and maintains proper urine flow, providing relief from burning sensations or difficulty in urination.
• Liver Health: Patala is known for its hepatoprotective properties and is effective against jaundice, liver enlargement, and other liver disorders.
• Other: It can be used in snake bites, scorpion bites and vomiting. The leaf paste can be applied to wounds.

Traditional uses

• Indigestion
• Hiccups
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pain
• Fever
• Diabetes
• Liver disorders
• Asthma
• Wound healing
• Anorexia
• Inflammation
• Edema
• Blood disorders
• Excessive thirst

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Powder: Patala is available in powder form for internal and external use.
• Decoction: A decoction of the root is used to treat various ailments.
• Paste: For external application, a paste can be made by mixing the powder with coconut oil or water and applying it to the affected area.
• Other Formulations: It is a key ingredient in the Ayurvedic medicine Dashmula and Dasamoolarishtam, which are used for various conditions like inflammation, pain, fever, asthma, and postpartum care.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information to determine the safety of Patala during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is best to avoid use. To be used only under medical supervision during pregnancy.
• Diabetes: Patala may affect blood sugar levels and could cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels carefully if using Patala, and their diabetes medication dosage may need to be adjusted.
• Surgery: Because Patala might lower blood sugar levels, there is a concern that it could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. It is generally recommended to stop using Patala at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
• Acute Peptic Ulcers and Severe Pitta Imbalances: Patala should be avoided by individuals with acute peptic ulcers or severe Pitta imbalances.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions are possible.
• Interaction with other medications: It is best to seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines, as 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.
• Dosage: The correct therapeutic dosage of Patala can vary from person to person depending on age, the severity of the health condition, and the effects on the dosha. Consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner who can evaluate your health status and recommend an accurate dosage for a specific time.
• General side effects: Some people might experience mild side effects like dryness of the mouth, possible upset stomach, or dizziness.

Side effects

• Patala is generally well-tolerated and does not have any known side effects when taken in the recommended dose.

Interactions

• No significant interactions have been reported. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking Patala with other medications or supplements.

Active compounds

• Naphthoquinones
• Flavonoids
• Sterols

Clinical evidence

While *Stereospermum suaveolens* has been used traditionally for various ailments, there is limited high-quality clinical evidence from human trials to support these uses. Most research is preclinical, involving *in vitro* studies or animal models. Animal studies suggest anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and neuroprotective activity. More robust clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety.

Classical clinical indications

• Indigestion
• Hiccups
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pain
• Fever
• Diabetes
• Liver disorders
• Asthma
• Wound healing
• Anorexia
• Inflammation
• Edema
• Blood disorders
• Excessive thirst

Frequently asked questions