Shanapushpi (Shanapushpi (Ghanta, Shanapushpika, Adhaki))
Shanapushpi, botanically known as Crotalaria juncea, is an herb traditionally used in Ayurveda. It is recognized for its potential therapeutic properties, though modern research emphasizes the need for cautious use due to the presence of toxic alkaloids.
Botanical name: Crotalaria juncea. Also known as: Shanapushpi, Bṛhatpuṣpī, Śaṇikā, Śaṇaghaṇṭikā, Pītapuṣpī, Sthūlaphalā, Lomaśā, Mālyapuṣpikā, Dhanahari, Dirghapallava, Dirghashakla, Sunn hemp, Brown hemp, Indian hemp, Madras hemp, Sunn crotalaria, Sann-hemp, Vansan, Sanāi, Jhunjhuniā, San, Sunn, Jhanjhanā, Khulkhul, Jhagari, Sanapuṣpī, Ghugharī, Vallāī-vikālū, Kiluppaī, Sanal, Sannappu, Kiluli-luppā, Chanam, Chanak, Hana, Kaachchhi.
Properties
Antimicrobial activity, Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory effects
Dosage
Root powder: 3-6 grams. Leaf juice: 5-10 ml. Powder (Churna): 3–5 g/day, mixed with warm water or honey. Decoction (Kashaya): 10–15 g of dried leaves or stem in 240 ml water, boiled down to 60–80 ml, taken once daily before meals.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Pungent, Bitter
- Virya: ["Heating"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Emetic
- Antimicrobial
- Antioxidant
Traditional uses
- Traditionally used as an emetic.
- Used in the treatment of indigestion, fever, vomiting and blood disorders.
- Useful in treating throat disorders and laryngitis.
- May be beneficial in cardiac and oral disorders.
- Leaf decoction is used for gargling in oral ulcers.
- The plant is also used to treat skin and mucosal diseases.
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: decreasing
Preparation methods
- Leaf paste: For external application to pacify Pitta dosha and in skin disorders.
- Seed paste: Applied on wounds.
- Leaf decoction: Used for gargling in throat and mouth diseases.
- Powder (Churna): Mixed with warm water or honey.
- Decoction (Kashaya): Dried leaves or stem boiled in water.
- Topical Paste: Leaves or seeds ground and mixed with water or oil.
- Oil Infusion: Leaves or seeds infused in oils.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: contraindicated due to the risk of alkaloids and potential teratogenicity.
- Children: Internal use should be avoided in children under 12 years old due to a lack of well-established pediatric dosing.
- Liver disease: It should be avoided in individuals with pre-existing liver disease.
- General contraindications: As it can be emetic, it is not suitable for use during pregnancy, lactation and in children.
- Drug interactions: Use with caution when combined with other drugs that may cause liver stress, such as acetaminophen and methotrexate.
- Other Precautions: Use with extreme caution in the elderly or in cases of hepatic impairment and baseline liver panels are recommended if long-term use is anticipated.
Side effects
- Because it is an emetic, it is not suitable to use this herb during pregnancy, lactation, and in children.
- The seeds contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic if ingested in sufficient amounts.
- May cause livestock toxicity if overgrazed.
Interactions
- Generally, it does not react with homeopathic medicine.
- Generally goes well with most dietary supplements. However, consult a doctor if taking more than one product per day.
- Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- Black mustard might lower blood sugar levels, and taking it along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low.
Clinical evidence
While Crotalaria juncea has been the subject of various in vitro and in vivo studies, there is a lack of robust clinical trials on humans to support its traditional uses. Most research focuses on its phytochemistry and pharmacological effects in laboratory settings or animal models.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Emetic
- Antimicrobial
- Antioxidant