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)
Frequently asked questions
What is Shatakumbha?
Shatakumbha, scientifically known as *Nerium odorum*, is a plant recognized in Ayurveda. However, it is also known for its toxicity and requires careful handling.
What are the benefits of Shatakumbha?
Vishaghna (detoxifying). Hridaya (cardiac stimulant in small doses). Kushtaghna (skin disease relieving)
How is Shatakumbha used in Ayurveda?
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.