Shami (Saktuphala, Tunga, Keshahantri, Phala, Shiva)

About

Shami (Prosopis cineraria) is a plant traditionally used in Ayurveda for various ailments. Modern research is exploring its potential anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties.

Properties

Anti-inflammatory activity, Antihyperglycemic activity, Antimicrobial activity, Antitumor activity, Bronchodilator activity

Dosage

Leaf juice: 10-15 ml; Powder: 2-4 g; Decoction: 50-100 ml; For joint pain and diarrhea, a coarse powder of the bark can be added to 4 parts hot water, kept for a while until lukewarm, filtered, and administered in a dose of 20-30 ml once or twice a day before food.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Bitter, Pungent, Astringent
• Virya: ["Cooling","Heating"]
• Vipaka: ["Pungent"]

Benefits

• Purgative
• Hair removal

Traditional uses

• Boils
• Skin disorders
• Hemorrhoids

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Decoction: Boil 10-15 g of bark in 200 ml water down to ~50 ml, strain and drink twice daily.
• Joint Pain Relief: Paste of Shami leaves with mustard oil applied to joints.
• Cough and Cold: Decoction of Shami bark with Tulsi and ginger.
• Wound Healing: Powdered bark mixed with honey applied topically.
• Digestive Aid: Churna made from bark used with warm water.
• Fever: Decoction of leaves acts as antipyretic.
• Toothache: Chewing tender twigs strengthens gums and relieves pain.
• Skin Allergy: Paste of leaves applied to affected area.
• Asthma: Shami leaf juice with honey.
• Menstrual Issues: Bark decoction given for excessive bleeding.
• General Immunity: Powder of bark with Amla juice in the morning.
• Mouth ulcers: Use bark decoction.
• Bleeding disorders: Use cold infusion.
• Other Preparations: Flour and syrup can be made from Prosopis pods and used in food and dietary supplements.

Contraindications

• The bark should not be used in people with constipation.
• People undergoing hair growth treatment should avoid the fruits.
• The fruit is contraindicated in high Pitta disorders and in people with Pitta body type, especially those with excess burning sensation, proneness to gastritis, or migraine.
• Seek medical guidance for its use during pregnancy.
• Contraindicated in acute inflammation of the kidneys according to some Ayurvedic texts.

Side effects

• Possible side effects include nausea, mild diarrhea, or headache. If these occur, reduce the dose.

Interactions

• May enhance the effects of antidiabetic drugs, so blood sugar should be monitored, and medications adjusted under supervision.

Active compounds

• Alkaloids
• Flavonoids
• Steroids
• Tannins
• Phenolic Compounds
• Glycosides
• Triterpenoids

Clinical evidence

While clinical trials are limited, some studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antimicrobial, and antitumor benefits. More robust clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in humans and determine optimal dosages and safety profiles.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Purgative
• Hair removal

Classical clinical indications

• Boils
• Skin disorders
• Hemorrhoids

Frequently asked questions