Sivitika (Shitivara, Shitivaraha, Swastika, Sunishannaka)

About

Leucas zeylanica, known as Sivitika in Ayurveda, is a plant traditionally used for its medicinal properties. It is found to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities, making it useful in treating coughs, colds, skin diseases, and abdominal pain.

Properties

Anti-inflammatory action through inhibition of key enzymes., Antioxidant activity against free radicals., Antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi., Sedative-hypnotic potential.

Dosage

In one study, fifty patients were given 120 ml of decoction of *Leucas zeylanica* twice a day for 7 days for worm infections.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Astringent, Tasty
• Virya: ["Cooling"]
• Vipaka: ["Unknown"]

Benefits

• Astringent
• Cooling
• Constipating

Traditional uses

• Coughs
• Colds
• Skin diseases
• Headaches
• Abdominal Pain
• Fever

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Decoction: Leaves and stems are often used as decoctions.
• Topical Application: Leaves are applied topically to heal wounds. The leaves are used as a poultice to treat itch, headache, vertigo, and scabies. Sap of the leaves is used for sores of eyes and nostrils.
• Extracts: Acetone and ethanolic extracts of the leaves are prepared using the Soxhlation method.
• Powder: The plant is usually taken in the form of a powder. The powder is usually made from the leaves of the plant, although the roots and stems can also be used. The powder is usually mixed with water or honey and taken orally.
• Herbal Tea: It can also be taken in the form of herbal tea.

Contraindications

• High doses (above 10g per day for Leucas indica, a related species) may cause gastrointestinal discomfort like nausea or loose stools.
• Potential for allergic dermatitis from essential oils. Performing a patch test before topical application is advisable.
• Use with caution or avoid in cases of severe liver or kidney impairment due to limited metabolism data.
• Leucas indica may potentiate anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen.
• Use only under professional supervision during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data.

Side effects

• Excessive internal use of a related species (*Leucas indica*) above 10 g/day has been linked to mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or loose stools.
• Potential allergic dermatitis from essential oils is possible and a patch test is recommended before topical application.

Interactions

• There is limited information available regarding specific interactions of *Leucas zeylanica* with other drugs.
• As a general precaution, it's recommended to seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
• Always disclose *Leucas indica* (a related species) usage to your healthcare provider, especially if you're on antidiabetic, anticoagulant, or immunosuppressive medications.

Active compounds

• Alkaloids
• Flavonoids (including apigenin)
• Phenols
• Tannins
• Terpenoids
• Steroids
• Glycosides
• Tricin
• Fatty acids
• Essential oils (humulene, germacrene D, β-caryophyllene)

Clinical evidence

While Leucas zeylanica has traditional uses, current clinical evidence is limited to in vitro and in vivo studies. More rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Astringent
• Cooling
• Constipating

Classical clinical indications

• Coughs
• Colds
• Skin diseases
• Headaches
• Abdominal Pain
• Fever

Frequently asked questions