Putrajiva (Putrajiva (Putranjivaka, Yashtipushpa))
Putrajiva is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for promoting fertility and reproductive health in both men and women. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties.
Botanical name: Putranjiva roxburghii. Also known as: Putranjiva Tree, Child-Life Tree, Lucky Bean Tree, Putranjeev, Putravanti, Indian Amulet Tree, Jiyopota.
Properties
Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, α-amylase inhibition, Improved blood flow in reproductive tissues
Dosage
Seed Oil: 2-5 ml once or twice daily, ideally with warm milk or honey. Powdered Seeds: 500 mg to 1 g capsules twice daily with water, or as a "churna" mixed in buttermilk. For male reproductive concerns, 500 mg of seed powder twice daily for 90 days has been used. 1-3g with milk has also been used to improve sperm count. Leaf Decoction: 10 g dried leaves boiled in 200 ml water until reduced to 50 ml, sipped warm. For immune support, 50 ml leaf decoction daily for 14–21 days each season is suggested. Standardized Extracts: 200 mg capsules (standardized to 10% putranjivain), 1–2 capsules daily.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Guru (Heavy)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Madhura (Sweet)"]
Benefits
- Vrishya (Aphrodisiac)
- Garbhaprada (Promotes conception)
- Balya (Tonic)
Traditional uses
- Infertility
- Threatened abortion
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Male infertility (low sperm count)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Seed Oil: Cold-pressed from the seeds.
- Powdered Seeds: Seeds are dried and ground into a fine powder.
- Leaf Decoction: Boil dried leaves in water.
- Cold Infusion: Prepare a cold infusion from the leaves.
- Paste: Seeds can be made into a paste.
- Extracts: Supercritical fluid extraction (SCFE) using liquid CO2 can be used to obtain oil extracts.
Contraindications
- Individuals with Kapha dosha should exercise caution.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Side effects
- Generally well-tolerated when used as directed.
- Gastrointestinal upset: Occasional nausea or diarrhea if taken on an empty stomach.
- Allergic reactions: Rare dermatitis reported in sensitive individuals handling seed oil.
- Kapha dosha: According to Ayurveda, people with Kapha dosha should avoid Putrajeevak as it may worsen related problems.
Interactions
- Hormonal interactions: Use caution if on hormone therapy (testosterone, estrogen modulators) due to β-sitosterol content.
- Anticoagulant therapy: β-sitosterol might affect platelet function, so consult your doctor.
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical trials and animal studies suggest potential benefits of Putranjiva roxburghii for improving sperm parameters, reversing impaired fertility, and exhibiting antidiabetic activity. Further large-scale human trials are needed to confirm these effects.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vrishya (Aphrodisiac)
- Garbhaprada (Promotes conception)
- Balya (Tonic)
Classical clinical indications
- Infertility
- Threatened abortion
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Male infertility (low sperm count)