Potaki (Potaki (Upodika, Malava, Amritavallari))
Potaki, known botanically as Basella rubra, is a herb traditionally used in Ayurveda for various medicinal purposes, including the treatment of skin conditions and as a nutritional supplement. It is also recognized for its potential anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.
Botanical name: Basella rubra. Also known as: Potaki, Malabar spinach, Indian spinach, Ceylon spinach, Vine spinach, Climbing spinach, Buffalo spinach, Poi Saag, Puin sang, Alugbati, Libato, Red vine spinach, Malabar nightshade.
Properties
Antioxidant activity, Hypoglycemic effects, Inhibition of inflammatory pathways, Promotion of tissue regeneration, Gastric protection
Dosage
Always seek guidance from an Ayurvedic doctor for the appropriate dosage for your specific health condition. The fresh leaf juice can be taken in doses of 10-20 ml. All plant parts are used in various combinations as required. In studies, aqueous extracts of *Basella rubra* leaves were administered to rats at doses of 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg. Diabetic rats in another study were fed 400mg/100g of body weight orally.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Madhura (sweet), Lavana (salty)
- Virya: ["Sheeta (cooling)"]
- Vipaka: ["Madhura (sweet)"]
Benefits
- Balya (strengthening)
- Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
- Raktapittahara (blood purifier)
Traditional uses
- Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
- Daha (burning sensation)
- Kshaya (tissue depletion)
- Vrṇa (wounds)
- Pothaki (eye pustules)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Powder: The herb can be prepared as a powder and mixed with warm water or honey.
- Paste: It can be made into a paste and applied externally for skin conditions. Pulped leaves can be applied to boils and ulcers.
- Decoction (Kashayam): It can be boiled with water and then consumed. A decoction of the leaves is used as a mild laxative.
- Juice: The fresh leaves can be juiced. Sugared juice of leaves is used for catarrhal afflictions in children.
- Raw: The leaves can be eaten raw in salads. Chewing raw leaves may relieve mouth ulcers.
- Cooked: The leaves and stems can be cooked and used in various dishes like curries, stews, soups, and stir-fries. It can be used as a substitute for spinach or silverbeet. The mucilaginous leaves can be used to thicken soups and stews.
- Dye: The fruit can be used to color jellies or as a fabric dye.
Contraindications
- Allergic Reactions: Topical application may cause contact dermatitis. Perform a patch test before extensive use.
- Medication Interactions: High vitamin K content might interfere with anticoagulants like warfarin. If you are on anticoagulants, consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before use.
- Gastrointestinal Upset: Excessive consumption may cause bloating or mild diarrhea.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Limit intake to small food quantities, avoiding concentrated extracts.
- Children: Give lightly cooked Basella alba in soups to children under five, and monitor for allergic reactions.
- Hypersensitivity: Avoid if you have a known hypersensitivity to plants belonging to the Basellaceae family.
- Abdominal Issues: Discontinue use if you experience persistent abdominal cramps or unusual bleeding.
- Throat problems: As it has mucilaginous substance, it is not good for throat problems.
Side effects
- *Basella alba* contains oxalic acid, which may contribute to the formation of oxalate stones in the urinary tract in some individuals. People with known oxalate urinary tract stones should avoid consumption and maintain adequate water intake.
- Phytates and dietary fiber in the leaves may hinder the absorption of iron, calcium, and magnesium.
- The plant has mucilaginous properties, so it should not be used for throat problems.
- In a study, consumption of aqueous and ethanol extracts of *Basella rubra* leaf showed a considerable increase in bilirubin content.
Interactions
- Limited information is available on specific herb-drug interactions with Potaki (Basella rubra).
- As a general precaution, it's important to discuss the use of herbal supplements with your healthcare provider, especially if you are taking medications, to rule out any potential interactions.
- A study found that *Basella alba* extract dose-dependently decreased the activity of liver enzymes ALP, AST, and ALT.
Clinical evidence
Preclinical studies, primarily in animal models, suggest that Basella rubra exhibits anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and anti-ulcer properties. More well-designed clinical trials are needed to validate these findings in humans.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Balya (strengthening)
- Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
- Raktapittahara (blood purifier)
Classical clinical indications
- Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
- Daha (burning sensation)
- Kshaya (tissue depletion)
- Vrṇa (wounds)
- Pothaki (eye pustules)