Saptala (Saptala (Shatala, Vasanti, Nepali, Navamalika, Sehunda-bheda, Sara, Vimala, Vidula))
Saptala, scientifically known as Acacia concinna, is a climbing shrub native to Asia, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for hair and skin care. It's known for its cleansing, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Botanical name: Acacia concinna. Also known as: Soap nut acacia, Soap pod, Fruit for the hair, Shikakai, Kochi, Satala, Saptala, Shitalaa, Kantvalli, Bahuphenarasa, Bhuriphena, Charmakasa, Vimala, Sege, Shige Kayi, Sigeballi, Shikaakaai, Cikkay, Shikai, Sigaikaai, Shikaya, Chikaya, Gogu, Shiikaya, Siikaya, Shikaakaai, Kharunb Nabti, Rou guo jin he huan, Som poy, Sohm bpaawy.
Properties
Antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria and Candida species, Free radical scavenging activity, Anticancer activity against colon cancer cells (in vitro), Potential anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-urease (antiulcer) properties (in vitro)
Dosage
Powder (External use): 3–5 grams; Decoction: 50–100 ml; Infusion: 20-30 ml
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Keshya (Hair tonic)
- Kushtaghna (Alleviates skin diseases)
- Vranaropana (Wound healing)
- Rechana (Purgative)
Traditional uses
- Dandruff
- Hair fall
- Skin diseases
- Constipation
- Jaundice
- Gum infections
- Poor digestion
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Powder: Fruit pods, leaves, and bark are dried and ground into a powder.
- Paste: The powder is mixed with water to form a paste. For deep cleansing, the paste can be made with Reetha and Amla powder.
- Decoction: The pods are boiled in water to create a decoction.
- Infusion: Soak shikakai powder in hot water (1:6 ratio) for a few hours.
- Shampoo: Combine Shikakai powder with green gram and fenugreek powder; Mix Reetha nuts, Shikakai powder, and Amla powder. Soak reetha nuts overnight, mash and filter the solution, then add Shikakai powder; Combine Shikakai powder with Amla powder, dried curry leaves powder, dried orange peel powder, and fenugreek powder.
- Oils: It's now popular in Ayurvedic hair oils and herbal shampoos, especially when combined with Amla, Reetha, or Neem.
Contraindications
- Eye Contact: Direct contact with the eyes should be avoided as it can cause irritation.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Internal use should be avoided during pregnancy. While there are no documented risks from topical use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it's best to consult an Ayurvedic doctor before internal use.
- Infertility Treatment: Oral usage is best to avoid in patients taking treatment for infertility due to its spermicidal effect of saponin content.
- Vata Predominance: Overuse may cause over-drying of hair or skin, especially in individuals with Vata dominance.
- Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals. Watch for itching, redness, or rash.
- Internal Use: Internal use, especially in high doses or for prolonged periods, may cause stomach irritation, nausea, or loose stools. Internal cleansing with Saptala should only be done under supervision due to the astringent tannins.
Side effects
- Eye irritation if paste or foam enters the eyes.
- Over-drying of hair or skin, especially in Vata-predominant individuals, if overused.
- Rare allergic reactions (itching, redness, or rash).
- Potential gastrointestinal irritation due to high tannin content.
- May aggravate Vata if used excessively.
- High internal dosage and prolonged usage can cause stomach irritation, nausea, loose stools.
- Excess consumption may lead to asthma, loose stools, dry skin, gastric problems, restlessness or oily scalp.
Interactions
- No specifically documented drug interactions, but it may interfere with the absorption of oral medications due to its high fiber and astringent profile if consumed.
- If taking both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines, it is best to take allopathic medicine first, wait 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- Due to its spermicidal effect, avoid oral usage if undergoing infertility treatment.
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical trials are available. One in vitro study shows that Acacia concinna extract inhibits common dandruff-causing fungi more effectively than some synthetic formulations. More rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for various therapeutic applications.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Keshya (Hair tonic)
- Kushtaghna (Alleviates skin diseases)
- Vranaropana (Wound healing)
- Rechana (Purgative)
Classical clinical indications
- Dandruff
- Hair fall
- Skin diseases
- Constipation
- Jaundice
- Gum infections
- Poor digestion