Shatakumbha (Shatakumbha (Chamikara, Kartasvara, Karavira))
Shatakumbha, scientifically known as *Nerium odorum*, is a plant recognized in Ayurveda. However, it is also known for its toxicity and requires careful handling.
Botanical name: Nerium odorum. Also known as: Oleander, Rosebay, Rose Laurel, Indian Oleander, White Oleander, Karavira, Viraka, Ashvamaaraka, Hayamaaraka, Gauripushpa, Divyapushpa, Kaner (Hindi), Kaner Safed (Unani), Diflaa (Unani), Samm-ul-maar (Unani), Khar-zaharah (Unani), Arali, Alan, Aatrulari, Karaviram (Siddha/Tamil), Nwei thargi (Myanmar), Śatakumbha, Śātakumbha.
Properties
Inhibition of Na+-K+ ATPase pump, Cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects, Cardiotonic properties
Dosage
Detoxified leaves: 30-125 mg (API, Vol. I). Root: 30 mg - 125 mg. Important Note: Nerium odorum is a poisonous plant, and any medicinal use should only be considered under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Self-medication can be extremely dangerous.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter)
- Virya: ["Ushna (heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (pungent)"]
Benefits
- Vishaghna (detoxifying)
- Hridaya (cardiac stimulant in small doses)
- Kushtaghna (skin disease relieving)
Traditional uses
- Kushta (skin diseases)
- Visha (toxicity)
- Hridroga (heart diseases - use with extreme caution)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: increasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Extracts: Extracts can be prepared using water or plant oil as a solvent. The leaves, stems, and/or branches are intermixed with the extractant liquid. The mixture may be conditioned to extract the plant's compounds.
- Decoction: Boil sliced pieces of leaves, branches, and flowers in distilled water for 3 hours, maintaining a constant water level.
- Powder: Leaves can be dried, crushed, and sieved to create a powder.
- Poultice: Leaves fried in oil can be used as a poultice.
- Ointment: Root powder mixed with water can be applied as an ointment.
Contraindications
- Oral consumption without proper detoxification
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Children
- Electrolyte imbalance (too little potassium or too much calcium)
- Heart disease without medical supervision
- Taking Digoxin (Lanoxin) without consulting a healthcare provider
- Taking Quinine
- Use with stimulant laxatives
- Taking calcium supplements
- Calcium chloride is contraindicated during hyperkalemia
- Phytodermatitis can occur from contact
Side effects
- Difficulty in swallowing, profuse frothy salivation.
- Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea (sometimes bloody).
- Irregular heart rhythm, slow or rapid and weak pulse, arrhythmias, heart blocks.
- Low blood pressure.
- Increased respiration.
- Muscle twitching, tetanic spasm, lockjaw, drowsiness, and coma.
- Prolonged contact with sap may cause skin irritation, eye inflammation, and dermatitis.
Interactions
- Due to the presence of cardiac glycosides, Nerium odorum can have significant interactions with heart medications like digitalis.
- It's crucial to avoid using Nerium odorum with any other medication that affects heart function unless under strict medical supervision.
- Because Nerium odorum can cause increased levels of extracellular K+ ions, it can lead to lethal hyperkalemia.
Clinical evidence
Clinical evidence is limited, with one exploratory study (NCT04486144) assessing the impact of a proprietary *Nerium oleander* extract on immune function in COVID-19 patients. More rigorous studies are needed to confirm potential therapeutic benefits. Oleander has been investigated for anticancer properties, with some *in vitro* studies showing cytotoxic and anti-proliferative activity. However, clinical trials have not demonstrated any benefit and have caused adverse side effects.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vishaghna (detoxifying)
- Hridaya (cardiac stimulant in small doses)
- Kushtaghna (skin disease relieving)
Classical clinical indications
- Kushta (skin diseases)
- Visha (toxicity)
- Hridroga (heart diseases - use with extreme caution)