Tanduleraka (Tanduleraka (Tanduliya, Meghanada, Kandera, Kutheraka, Kantalaka, Nandivriksha, Nandaka))
Tanduleraka (Amaranthus spinosus) is an herb used in Ayurveda for its cooling and sweet properties. It is traditionally used to balance the doshas and eliminate toxins. Modern research suggests potential benefits in managing diabetes, inflammation, and as an antioxidant.
Botanical name: Amaranthus spinosus. Also known as: Spiny amaranth, Spiny pigweed, Prickly amaranth, Thorny amaranth, Tandulja, Tanduliyaka, Katanote, Chengkrook, Brède malbar, Kulitis, Massaagu, Quelite quintonil, Pti banlar, Dền, Phak khom, Mullik keerai, Hin-nu-new-subauk, Amarante épineuse, Amaranto, Mchicha, Ci xian, Dorniger Fuchsschwanz, Bledo Espinoso, Bayam duri, Uray, Orai, Gandiraka, Raktakanda, Vishahari, Alpa marisha, Samuddista, Pathya, Tnaduliyakah, Vishapaha, Bhandiya, Mandiya, Ghnanamaka, Kandira, Vishaghna, Kavara, Marisha, Marshika, Granthili, Bahu veerya, Sushaka, Pathya shaka, Sphrujathu, Svaneetahvaya, Veera, Chandala, Chatala, Tandalee, Kandara, Beejipara, Varshika, Varshikau, Kandera, Bhandeeraka, Raktapushpa, Vishaha.
Properties
Blood glucose reduction, Insulin sensitivity improvement, Anthelmintic activity, Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory action, Anti-epileptic activity, Anticancer activity
Dosage
Specific dosages are not readily available and may vary based on the individual and the condition being treated. It's crucial to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for appropriate dosage. In studies, the following dosages have been used: For diabetes in rats: doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of methanol extracts were administered for 15 days. For liver protection in rats: doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of a 50% ethanolic extract were administered orally once daily for fourteen days.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Sweet
- Virya: ["Cooling"]
- Vipaka: ["Sweet"]
Benefits
- Detoxifying
- Cooling
- Diuretic
- Laxative
Traditional uses
- Diabetes
- Inflammation
- Skin diseases
- Ulcers
- Intestinal worms
- Fever
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction: Boiling the leaves or root in water.
- Poultice: Paste of leaves and roots applied externally.
- Paste: Fresh leaf paste applied to wounds.
- Extract: Prepared using ethanol.
- Ash: Fruit ash is used to treat jaundice.
- Vegetable: Young leaves and stems are cooked as a vegetable.
Contraindications
- General Safety: Amaranthus spinosus is likely safe when consumed in food amounts. When taken as a medicine, it is possibly safe for up to 3 weeks. However, long-term safety is not well-established.
- Overuse of the leaf juice may cause abdominal cramps, especially in those with sensitive digestive systems.
- Due to its cooling properties, excessive use may aggravate Kapha related issues such as sluggish digestion or chronic sinusitis.
- It should be used with caution in children under 5, pregnant women or people with kidney disease. Consult an Ayurvedic expert before use in these populations.
- Improper dosage may lead to excessive cooling, delayed digestion, or loose stools in sensitive individuals.
- If you are taking allopathic/modern medicine, it is best to take that first, wait 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
Side effects
- Generally considered safe when consumed in food amounts.
- Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions.
- Bloating and gas: High fiber content may lead to bloating and gas, especially for those not used to a high-fiber diet.
- Nitrate concentration: When grown on nitrogen-rich soils, it can concentrate nitrates, which can be harmful.
- Spines: The spines on the plant can cause injury.
- Cases of poisoning in cattle have been reported.
Interactions
- Specific interactions with drugs are not well-documented.
- Due to its diuretic properties, it might interact with diuretic medications.
- It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using *Amaranthus spinosus* with other medications or supplements.
- Because of its potential anti-diabetic effects, it may interact with diabetes medications.
Clinical evidence
Multiple pre-clinical studies (in-vitro and animal models) indicate that Amaranthus spinosus possesses anti-diabetic, anthelmintic, anti-epileptic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. More high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and determine the safety and efficacy of *Amaranthus spinosus* for various therapeutic uses in humans.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Detoxifying
- Cooling
- Diuretic
- Laxative
Classical clinical indications
- Diabetes
- Inflammation
- Skin diseases
- Ulcers
- Intestinal worms
- Fever