Rohitaka (Rohi, Dadimpushpaka)

About

Rohi (Tecomella undulata) is a deciduous tree traditionally used in Ayurveda for liver disorders, inflammation, and pain relief. Modern research supports its hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.

Properties

Hepatoprotection, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant

Dosage

Powder (bark): 1 to 3 grams, or 3-5 g per day, mixed with warm water, honey, or milk. Some sources suggest 2-3 grams of powdered bark once or twice daily. Decoction: 50 to 100 ml. Alternatively, boil 10-15 g bark in 200-300 ml water until reduced to half, and sip twice daily. Another preparation suggests boiling 1 tsp of bark powder in 2 cups of water until reduced to half. Standardized Extract Capsules: 250-500 mg twice daily.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
• Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
• Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]

Benefits

• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Yakritvikara (liver tonic)
• Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)

Traditional uses

• Yakrit Roga (liver disorders)
• Pliha Vriddhi (splenomegaly)
• Shotha (inflammation)
• Krimi Roga (worm infestation)
• Raktavikara (blood disorders)

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Powder (Churna): The bark is dried and powdered.
• Decoction (Kwath or Kadha): The bark or powder is boiled in water and reduced to the desired concentration.
• Paste/Poultice: Powdered bark can be mixed with water or sesame oil for topical application.
• Arishta: It is also used in the preparation of Rohitakarishta, a fermented formulation.
• Lauha: It is also used in the preparation of Rohitaka Lauha in tablet or powder form.

Contraindications

• High Doses: May cause nausea, stomach cramps, or mild diarrhea if taken internally in high doses (over 10 g/day of bark powder).
• Topical Overuse: May lead to skin dryness or mild dermatitis, especially in individuals prone to Pitta imbalances.
• Anticoagulant Therapy: Rohitukine, a constituent of *Tecomella undulata*, might affect platelet aggregation, so caution is advised for those on anticoagulant medications.
• It is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using *Tecomella undulata*, especially for pregnant women or those on blood thinners.

Side effects

• High doses may cause nausea, stomach cramps, or mild diarrhea. Overuse may cause digestive discomfort.
• Topical Use may lead to skin dryness or mild dermatitis in individuals with pitta constitution.

Interactions

• Rohitukine may affect platelet aggregation, so caution is advised for those on anticoagulant medications.
• It is advisable to seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines.

Active compounds

• Rohitukine
• Tecomine
• Quercetin derivatives
• Lapachol

Clinical evidence

A 2021 randomized, double-blind pilot trial suggests that Rohida extract may modestly reduce liver-fat scores in patients with mild NAFLD. More clinical trials are needed to validate the traditional uses and therapeutic potential of Tecomella undulata.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Yakritvikara (liver tonic)
• Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)

Classical clinical indications

• Yakrit Roga (liver disorders)
• Pliha Vriddhi (splenomegaly)
• Shotha (inflammation)
• Krimi Roga (worm infestation)
• Raktavikara (blood disorders)

Frequently asked questions