Pushpaphala (Pushpaphala (Dadhittha))
Pushpaphala, known botanically as Limonia acidissima, is a herb used in Ayurveda for its various medicinal properties. Different parts of the plant, including the fruit, leaves, bark, and roots, have been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments.
Botanical name: Limonia acidissima. Also known as: Wood Apple, Elephant Apple, Monkey Fruit, Curd Fruit, Pushpaphala, Dadhiphala, Kapittha, Dadhittha, Danthashatha, Kapitya, Kapityama, Kaitha, Kauthh, Kabeet, Katbel, Kavath, Kavit, Belad, Mara, Kothu, Kaitha, Kothbel, Koyito, Volaga.
Properties
Antioxidant activity due to polyphenols and flavonoids, Hypoglycemic effects via modulation of glucose metabolism, Antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens, Anti-inflammatory effects
Dosage
Fruit Powder: 2–5 g daily with honey or warm water, often before meals as a digestive tonic. For children, half the adult dose (1–2.5 g) mixed with honey is typical. Bark Decoction: 5–10 g coarsely crushed bark simmered in 200 mL water for 15–20 mins; strained; 50 mL twice daily for anti-inflammatory uses. Avoid bark decoctions in young kids. Seed Extract: Alcohol-based tincture, 1:5 ratio; 10–20 drops in water, twice daily, used as anthelmintic adjunct. Fresh juice of unripe fruit: 15-20 ml to improve taste, treat anorexia and improve appetite. Juice: 40 to 50 ml. Flower powder: 5 to 10 g. Methanolic extract (in animal studies): 1.75g/kg body weight. Wood apple bark (in animal studies): 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Astringent, Sweet
- Virya: ["Cooling"]
- Vipaka: ["Sweet"]
Benefits
- Grahi (astringent)
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
Traditional uses
- Atisara (diarrhea)
- Grahani (malabsorption syndrome)
- Agnimandya (digestive impairment)
- Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
- Kasa (cough)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Fruit Powder: Dried pulp ground to a fine powder. Store in an airtight, light-proof container in cool, dry conditions, away from direct sunlight or humidity.
- Bark Decoction: Simmer coarsely crushed bark in water, then strain.
- Seed Extract: Alcohol-based tincture.
- Essential Oil: Dilute 1–2% essential oil in a carrier oil for topical application.
- Poultice: Used topically for arthritic joints or minor wounds.
- Juice: Pulp mixed with water in a 1:2 ratio and boiled at 60 °C for 40 minutes. Once the mixture cooled, the juice was obtained by filtering the boiled pulp through a clean muslin cloth.
Contraindications
- Excessive intake should be avoided.
- Overconsumption of the fruit powder (above 10 g/day) may cause gastrointestinal upset.
- Rare cases of contact dermatitis have been reported in individuals handling the bark.
- Caution is advised during pregnancy due to mild uterine contractions shown in animal studies with high doses of bark decoctions.
- High-dose extracts might irritate ulcers, so use cautiously.
- Exceeding classical dosages increases the risk of GI upset.
- Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines.
Side effects
- Excessive use may cause mild diarrhea or cramps.
- May interfere with iron absorption.
- Rare dermatitis may occur with topical bark handling.
Interactions
- Consult a healthcare professional or Ayurvedic expert before using Pushpaphala with other medications to avoid potential interactions.
- Use with caution during pregnancy and lactation due to the uterotonic effects of the bark.
Clinical evidence
Several preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) suggest potential antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Further well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Grahi (astringent)
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
Classical clinical indications
- Atisara (diarrhea)
- Grahani (malabsorption syndrome)
- Agnimandya (digestive impairment)
- Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
- Kasa (cough)