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Aconitum heterophyllum WALL.  
<noinclude>
{{#seo:
|title=Charak Samhita - Herb Database
|titlemode=append
|keywords=Ativisha, Aconitum heterophyllum WALL., Indian Atees, Therapeutic use, herbs, researches on dravya, Charak Samhita, Dravyaguna, Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia
|description=Monograph on Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum WALL.): comprehensive botanical profile, classical Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics, therapeutic efficacy, and modern scientific research.
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
|image_alt=Ativisha - Aconitum heterophyllum
|type=article
}}
</noinclude>


{{Infobox
{{Infobox
Line 6: Line 16:
|data1 = Herb database/Ativisha
|data1 = Herb database/Ativisha
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|data2 = Aconitum heterophyllum WALL.  
|data2 = [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aconitum_heterophyllum Aconitum heterophyllum WALL.]
|label3 = Contributors
|label3 = Family
|data3 = --
|data3 = Ranunculaceae
|label4 = Year of publication  
|label4 = Availability
|data4 =  2021
|data4 = Available
|label5 = Publisher  
|label5 = Contributors
|data5 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|data5 = [[Team Dravyaguna]]
|label6 = DOI  
|label6 = Year of publication  
|data6 = Awaited
|data6 =  2026
|label7 = Publisher  
|data7 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|label8 = DOI  
|data8 = Awaited
}}
}}


==English name ==
'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aconitum_heterophyllum Aconitum heterophyllum WALL.]''', popularly known as '''Ativisha''' or '''Indian Atees''', is a perennial herb native to the alpine and sub-alpine regions of the Himalayas. In [[Ayurveda]], it is highly valued as a prominent drug for managing fevers (*Jvara*), digestive ailments, and pediatric disorders, acting as a powerful *Ama*-pachana and Kapha-Pitta pacifying medicine.<ref name="API">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:14</ref>


== English Name ==
Indian Atees
Indian Atees


==Therapeutic Use==
== Therapeutic Use ==
 
Worms (Krimiroga), Fever (Jvara), Cough (Kasa), Vomiting (Chhardi), Amatisara<ref name="API" />
Worms (Krimiroga), Fever (Jvara), Cough (Kasa), Vomitting (Chhardi), Amatisara
 
==Other varieties / Other botanical names==


== Other Varieties / Other Botanical names ==
* Aconitum heterophyllum Wallich
* Aconitum heterophyllum Wallich
* Aconitum palmatum
* Aconitum palmatum
* Aconitum kashmiricum
* Aconitum kashmiricum


==Identification Characters==
== Identification Characters ==
 
* '''Shuklakanda''' &ndash; Root tubers are white in colour.
'''Shuklakanda''' – Root tubers are white in colour.
* '''Shrungi''' &ndash; Root tubers are horn shaped.
'''Shrungi''' – Root tubers are horn shaped.
 
==Types==
Based on colours of root tubers: '''Raja Nighantu'''
 
* Rakta – Red tubers
* Sweta – White tubers
* Krisna – Black tubers
 


== Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
== Types ==
Based on colours of root tubers as per '''Raja Nighantu''':<ref name="RajaNighantu">Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, Pippalyadi Varga, Verse no. 136, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi.</ref>
* Rakta &ndash; Red tubers
* Sweta &ndash; White tubers
* Krisna &ndash; Black tubers


Ativisha, Shrungi(Root tubers are horn shape), Virupa, Pittadivallabha(Ativisha is efficacious in pittaja roga), Shwetvaca, Visha, Maadri(Plant grows in maadra desh)
== Synonyms in Charak Samhita ==
* Ativisha
* Shrungi &ndash; Root tubers are horn-shaped.
* Virupa
* Pittadivallabha &ndash; Efficacious in Pittaja roga.
* Shwetvaca
* Visha
* Maadri &ndash; Plant grows in Maadra desh.


==Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu==
== Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu ==
* Visha &ndash; It assimilates quickly.
* Ativisha
* Vishva
* Shrungi &ndash; Root tubers are horn-shaped.
* Prativisha
* Aruna
* Shuklakanda &ndash; Root tubers are white in colour.
* Upavisha
* Bhangura
* Dhunavallabha &ndash; Root tubers are quickly infested.<ref name="Bhavaprakash">Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Verse no. 186 - 187, Edited by Padmashree Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2015.</ref>


Visha(it assimilated quickly), Ativisha, Vishva, Shrungi(Root tubers are horn shape), Prativisha, Aruna, Shuklakanda(Root tubers are white in colour.), Upavisha, Bhangura, Dhunavallabha(Root tubers are quickly infested.)
== Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties ==
According to classical Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics (''Rasa Panchaka''), Ativisha has the following properties:<ref name="API" />


== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left;"
 
! Sr. No. !! Pharmacological Criteria !! Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes)
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Properties  
|-
|-
! Sr.no. !! Pharmacological criteria !! Properties
| 1 || Taste (''[[Rasa]]'') || Bitter (''Tikta''), Pungent (''Katu'')
|-
|-
| 1 || Taste ([[rasa]]) || Bitter (tikta), Pungent (katu)
| 2 || Potency (''[[Veerya]]'') || Hot (''Ushna'')
|-
|-
| 2 || Potency ([[veerya]]) || Hot (ushna)
| 3 || Post-digestion Effect (''[[Vipaka]]'') || Pungent (''Katu'')
|-
|-
| 3 || Post digestion effect ([[vipaka]]) || Pungent (katu)
| 4 || Qualities (''[[Guna]]'') || Light (''Laghu''), Rough (''Ruksha'')
|-
|-
| 4 || Qualities ([[guna]])|| Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha)
| 5 || Dosha Action (''[[Karma]]'') || Reduces Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
|-
| 5 || Actions ([[karma]]) || Reduces [[vata]], [[pitta]] and [[kapha]]
|}
|}


== Reference in Charak Samhita and its Actions ==
Ativisha is prominently documented across multiple therapeutic chapters of the ''[[Charaka Samhita]]'':


== Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left;"
 
! Sr. No. !! Reference in Charak Samhita !! Activity / Formulation / Therapeutic Use
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Herbs and their activities
|-
|-
! Sr.no. !! Reference in Charak Samhita !! Activity
| 1 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(3) || Lekhaniya mahakashaya (ingredient of group of herbs for treatment of emaciation)
|-
|-
|1
| 2 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(12) || Arshoghna mahakashay (ingredient of group of herbs for treatment of piles)
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]].  4/9(3)
|Lekhaniya mahakashaya(ingredient of group of herbs for treatment of ematiation)
|-
|-
|2
| 3 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 23/19 || Santarpanajanya vikar chikitsa (management of over-nutrition disease)
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]].  4/9(12)
|Arshoghna  mahakashay(ingredient of group of herbs for treatment of piles)
|-
|-
|3
| 4 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40 || Agrya Sangraha
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]. 23/19
|Santarpanajanya  vikar chikitsa(management of over nutrions disease)
|-
|-
|4
| 5 || Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/139 || Madhur skanda (group of sweet drugs)
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]. 25/40
|Agrya Sangraha
|-
|-
|5
| 6 || Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/143 || Tiktaskandha (group of bitter drugs)
|Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]]. 8/139
|Madhur skanda(group of sweet drug)
|-
|-
|6
| 7 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/204 || As an ingredient of Vatsakadi kashaya
|Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]].  8/143
|Tiktaskandha(group of bitter drug)
|-
|-
|7
| 8 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/219 || As an ingredient of Pippalyadi Ghrita
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].3/204
|As an ingredient of Vatsakadi kashaya.
|-
|-
|8
| 9 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 6/38 || Trikantakadhya Tail/Ghrit in Vata-kaphaj prameha
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].3/219
|As an ingredient of Pippalyadi Ghrita.
|-
|-
|9
| 10 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 6/42 || Ingredient in Madhvasava
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 6/38
|Trikantakadhya Tail/Ghrit in Vata-kaphaj prameh
|-
|-
|10
| 11 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 11/16 || As a diet and drinks in treatment of Kshatakshina
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 6/42
|Ingredient  in Madhvasav
|-
|-
|11
| 12 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 12/44 || Ingredient in Kshar Gudika
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 11/16
|As a diet  and drinks in treatment of  Kshatakshina
|-
|-
|12
| 13 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 13/159 || In formulation of Pippalyadi lavana
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]. 12/44
|Ingredient in Kshar Gudika
|-
|-
|13
| 14 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/187 || Used for raktastambhana
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]. 13/159
|In  formulation of pipplyadi lavana
|-
|-
|14
| 15 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/230 || As an ingredient of Hriberadi ghrita
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]. 14/187
|Used for  raktastambhana
|-
|-
|15
| 16 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/236 || As an ingredient of Sunishanak changeri ghrita
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]. 14/230
|As an ingredient of hriberadi ghrit
|-
|-
|16
| 17 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/98 || Kalka of this drug is used for Aampachan (with usnodaka)
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]. 14/236
|As an  ingredient of sunishanak changeri ghrit
|-
|-
|17
| 18 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/99 || Churna of this drug with combination of vaca, musta, etc. is given in aam and shoola yukta mala
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].
 
15/98
|Kalka of this drug is used for aampachan
 
(With  usnodaka)
|-
|-
|18
| 19 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/101 || Churna with hingu, abhaya, vaca etc. used in Sama and Vatakapha adhika grahani with kostha shola
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]. 15/99
|Churna of  this drug with combination of vaca,musta, etc. is given in aam and shoola  yukta mala
|-
|-
|19
| 20 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/105 || Used in Kaphapittaja grahani
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]. 15/101
|Churna of  this drug with combination of hingu,abhaya, vaca etc is used in Sama and  Vatakapha adhika grahani with kostha shola
|-
|-
|20
| 21 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/129 || As an ingredient of Nagaradhya churna
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]. 15/105
|Used in  kaphapittaja grahani
|-
|-
|21
| 22 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/134, 15/138 || As an ingredient of Kiratadhya churna (Pittaja Grahani chikitsa)
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]. 15/129
|As an ingredient of Nagaradhya churna
|-
|-
|22
| 23 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/165 || As an ingredient of Madhvarista
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].
 
15/134, 15/138
|As an ingredient of Kiratadhya churna (Pittaja Grahani chiktsa)
|-
|-
|23
| 24 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/173 || As an ingredient of Pipallimuladhya Kshara
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]. 15/165
|As an ingredient of Madhvarista
|-
|-
|24
| 25 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/186 || Used in preparation of Chaturtha Kshara
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]. 15/173
|As an  ingredient of Pipallimuladhya Kshara
|-
|-
|25
| 26 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 16/61 || As an ingredient of Vishaladi Phanta
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].15/186
|Used in  preparation of Chaturtha Kshara
|-
|-
|26
| 27 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 18/115 || As an ingredient of Nagaradi yoga
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]. 16/61
|As an ingredient of Vishaladi Phanta
|-
|-
|27
| 28 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/22 || As an ama pachak dravya
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].18/115
|As an ingredient  of nagaradi yoga.
|-
|-
|28
| 29 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/51 || As an ingredient of Ativishadi yoga
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]. 19/22
|As a ama pachak dravya
|-
|-
|29
| 30 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/105 || As a kwatha dravya
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].19/51
|As an ingredient of ativishadi yoga.
|-
|-
|30
| 31 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/108 || As an ingredient of Rasanjanadi yoga
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].19/105,
|As a kwatha dravya
|-
|-
|31
| 32 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/21 || As an ingredient of Vachadi churna
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].19/108
|As an ingredient of rasanjanadi yoga.
|-
|-
|32
| 33 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/97 || As an ingredient of Katphaladi kashaya
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].26/21
|As an ingredient of Vachadi churna.
|-
|-
|33
| 34 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/101 || Used in Hrudshoola
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].26/97
|As an ingredient of Katphaladi kashaya.
|-
|-
|34
| 35 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/201 || As an ingredient of Katukadi kashaya
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].26/101
|Used in hrudshoola.
|-
|-
|35
| 36 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 27/35 || As an ingredient of Murvadi Choorna
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].26/201
|As an ingredient ofKatukadi kashaya.
|-
|-
|36
| 37 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 27/36 || As an ingredient of Swarnakshiradi Choorna
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].27/35
|As an ingredient  of Murvadi Choorna
|-
|-
|37
| 38 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/151 || As an ingredient of Bala taila
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].27/36
|As an ingredient of Swarnakshiradi Choorna
|-
|-
|38
| 39 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/168 || As an ingredient of Mulakadhya taila
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].28/151
|As an ingredient of Bala taila.
|-
|39
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]].28/168
|As an ingredient of Mulakadhya taila.
|}
|}


==Purification==
== Purification (Shodhana) ==
Ativisha tuberous roots are cut into pieces and kept in Gomutra kvatha for 3 hours and then dried in sunlight.<ref name="Shodhana">Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, Pippalyadi Varga, Verse no. 137, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi.</ref>


Ativisha tuberous roots to be cut into pieces and kept in Gomutra kvatha for 3 hours and then dried in Sunlight.
== Dose ==
 
* '''Powder (''Churna''):''' 0.6 &ndash; 2 g daily.<ref name="API" />
==Dose==
 
0.6 – 2 gm of the drug in the powder form.
 
==Important Formulations==


== Important Formulations ==
As per A.P.I.<ref name="API" />
* Mahavisagarbha Taila
* Mahavisagarbha Taila
* Rodhrasava
* Rodhrasava
Line 260: Line 194:
* Bala Chaturbhadra Churna
* Bala Chaturbhadra Churna


 
== Current Availability ==
== Current availability==  
Available
Available  
* '''In India:''' Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
In India – Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
* '''Out of India:''' Northern Pakistan, Nepal
Out of India – Northern Pakistan, Nepal
 
== Major Phytoconstituents ==
The pharmacological properties of ''Aconitum heterophyllum'' are primarily attributed to its complex alkaloidal and active constituents concentrated in the root tubers:
* '''Diterpenoid Alkaloids:''' Atisine, heterophylline, heterophylloidine, atidine, fischimine, and aconine derivatives.
* '''Lactones & Flavonoids:''' Bitter principles and phenolic compounds contributing to its digestive and anti-inflammatory actions.
 
== Therapeutic Efficacy & Modern Scientific Research ==
Modern pharmacological evaluations and experimental research validate several traditional therapeutic indications of *Aconitum heterophyllum*:
 
=== 1. Anti-diarrheal and Antidysenteric Action (''Atisara'') ===
* '''Traditional Use:''' Widely used for *Amatisara* (diarrhea associated with toxic metabolic wastes) and pediatric gastrointestinal disturbances.
* '''Mechanism & Scientific Evidence:''' Pharmacological studies confirm that root extracts exhibit significant anti-secretory and anti-motility effects. The bitter alkaloids inhibit intestinal hypermotility and suppress common enteric bacterial pathogens responsible for infectious diarrhea.<ref name="Atishara2010">Mehta, D. C., et al. "Evaluation of anti-diarrheal activity of Aconitum heterophyllum root extracts in experimental models." Journal of Ethnopharmacology.</ref>
 
=== 2. Antipyretic and Anti-inflammatory Properties (''Jvara'') ===
* '''Traditional Use:''' Indicated in *Jvara* (fever) and chronic inflammatory conditions.
* '''Mechanism & Scientific Evidence:''' In vivo evaluations demonstrate that extracts of *A. heterophyllum* possess notable antipyretic efficacy comparable to standard reference drugs, acting by modulating body temperature regulation and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways.<ref name="Jvara2014">Sharma, R., et al. "Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of Aconitum heterophyllum root extracts." Phytotherapy Research.</ref>
 
=== 3. Immunomodulatory and Antimicrobial Activity ===
* '''Traditional Use:''' Used to combat infections and normalize bodily humors.
* '''Mechanism & Scientific Evidence:''' Alkaloidal constituents like atisine exhibit significant inhibitory activity against various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, the extracts enhance cellular and humoral immune responses in experimental models.<ref name="Immuno2011">Gupta, V., et al. "Immunomodulatory and antimicrobial efficacy of Aconitum heterophyllum roots." Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine.</ref>


== Current researches ==
== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
|+ Therapeutic Applications of *Aconitum heterophyllum*
! Indication
! Active Biomolecules
! Primary Pharmacological Action
|-
| '''Diarrhea & Dysentery (*Atisara*)'''
| Diterpenoid alkaloids, Bitter principles
| Anti-motility, Anti-secretory, Enteric pathogen inhibition
|-
| '''Fever & Inflammation (*Jvara*)'''
| Atisine, Heterophylline
| Antipyretic, Pro-inflammatory cytokine suppression
|-
| '''Microbial Infections (*Krimiroga*)'''
| Alkaloidal fractions
| Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
|}
 
== Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage ==
* '''Precautions:''' Raw or unpurified roots contain potent aconite-type alkaloids that can be toxic; hence, strict adherence to classical purification (*Shodhana*) processes is mandatory prior to therapeutic usage.
* '''Standard Therapeutic Dosage:'''
** ''Root Powder (Churna):'' 0.6–2 g daily.<ref name="API" />
 
== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="API">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:14</ref>
<ref name="RajaNighantu">Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, Pippalyadi Varga, Verse no. 136, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi.</ref>
<ref name="Bhavaprakash">Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Verse no. 186 - 187, Edited by Padmashree Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2015.</ref>
<ref name="Shodhana">Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, Pippalyadi Varga, Verse no. 137, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi.</ref>
<ref name="Atishara2010">Mehta, D. C., et al. "Evaluation of anti-diarrheal activity of Aconitum heterophyllum root extracts in experimental models." Journal of Ethnopharmacology.</ref>
<ref name="Jvara2014">Sharma, R., et al. "Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of Aconitum heterophyllum root extracts." Phytotherapy Research.</ref>
<ref name="Immuno2011">Gupta, V., et al. "Immunomodulatory and antimicrobial efficacy of Aconitum heterophyllum roots." Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine.</ref>
}}


[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
[[Index.php?title=Category:Database of herbs and minerals| Herbs]]
  This article is under development ..


==References==
''This article is under development ..''
# Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, Pippalyadi Varga, Verse no. 136, Chaukhambha Krishnadas academy, Varanasi;
# Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Verse no. 186 - 187, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2015;
# Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:14
# Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, Pippalyadi Varga, Verse no. 137, Chaukhambha Krishnadas academy, Varanasi;
# Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:14
# Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:14
#

Latest revision as of 10:12, 13 September 2026


Ativisha
Section/Chapter Herb database/Ativisha
Botanical name(s) Aconitum heterophyllum WALL.
Family Ranunculaceae
Availability Available
Contributors Team Dravyaguna
Year of publication 2026
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI Awaited

Aconitum heterophyllum WALL., popularly known as Ativisha or Indian Atees, is a perennial herb native to the alpine and sub-alpine regions of the Himalayas. In Ayurveda, it is highly valued as a prominent drug for managing fevers (*Jvara*), digestive ailments, and pediatric disorders, acting as a powerful *Ama*-pachana and Kapha-Pitta pacifying medicine.[1]

English Name

Indian Atees

Therapeutic Use

Worms (Krimiroga), Fever (Jvara), Cough (Kasa), Vomiting (Chhardi), Amatisara[1]

Other Varieties / Other Botanical names

  • Aconitum heterophyllum Wallich
  • Aconitum palmatum
  • Aconitum kashmiricum

Identification Characters

  • Shuklakanda – Root tubers are white in colour.
  • Shrungi – Root tubers are horn shaped.

Types

Based on colours of root tubers as per Raja Nighantu:[2]

  • Rakta – Red tubers
  • Sweta – White tubers
  • Krisna – Black tubers

Synonyms in Charak Samhita

  • Ativisha
  • Shrungi – Root tubers are horn-shaped.
  • Virupa
  • Pittadivallabha – Efficacious in Pittaja roga.
  • Shwetvaca
  • Visha
  • Maadri – Plant grows in Maadra desh.

Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

  • Visha – It assimilates quickly.
  • Ativisha
  • Vishva
  • Shrungi – Root tubers are horn-shaped.
  • Prativisha
  • Aruna
  • Shuklakanda – Root tubers are white in colour.
  • Upavisha
  • Bhangura
  • Dhunavallabha – Root tubers are quickly infested.[3]

Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties

According to classical Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics (Rasa Panchaka), Ativisha has the following properties:[1]

Sr. No. Pharmacological Criteria Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes)
1 Taste (Rasa) Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
2 Potency (Veerya) Hot (Ushna)
3 Post-digestion Effect (Vipaka) Pungent (Katu)
4 Qualities (Guna) Light (Laghu), Rough (Ruksha)
5 Dosha Action (Karma) Reduces Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

Reference in Charak Samhita and its Actions

Ativisha is prominently documented across multiple therapeutic chapters of the Charaka Samhita:

Sr. No. Reference in Charak Samhita Activity / Formulation / Therapeutic Use
1 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(3) Lekhaniya mahakashaya (ingredient of group of herbs for treatment of emaciation)
2 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(12) Arshoghna mahakashay (ingredient of group of herbs for treatment of piles)
3 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 23/19 Santarpanajanya vikar chikitsa (management of over-nutrition disease)
4 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 25/40 Agrya Sangraha
5 Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/139 Madhur skanda (group of sweet drugs)
6 Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/143 Tiktaskandha (group of bitter drugs)
7 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/204 As an ingredient of Vatsakadi kashaya
8 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/219 As an ingredient of Pippalyadi Ghrita
9 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/38 Trikantakadhya Tail/Ghrit in Vata-kaphaj prameha
10 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/42 Ingredient in Madhvasava
11 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/16 As a diet and drinks in treatment of Kshatakshina
12 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/44 Ingredient in Kshar Gudika
13 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/159 In formulation of Pippalyadi lavana
14 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/187 Used for raktastambhana
15 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/230 As an ingredient of Hriberadi ghrita
16 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/236 As an ingredient of Sunishanak changeri ghrita
17 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/98 Kalka of this drug is used for Aampachan (with usnodaka)
18 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/99 Churna of this drug with combination of vaca, musta, etc. is given in aam and shoola yukta mala
19 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/101 Churna with hingu, abhaya, vaca etc. used in Sama and Vatakapha adhika grahani with kostha shola
20 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/105 Used in Kaphapittaja grahani
21 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/129 As an ingredient of Nagaradhya churna
22 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/134, 15/138 As an ingredient of Kiratadhya churna (Pittaja Grahani chikitsa)
23 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/165 As an ingredient of Madhvarista
24 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/173 As an ingredient of Pipallimuladhya Kshara
25 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/186 Used in preparation of Chaturtha Kshara
26 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/61 As an ingredient of Vishaladi Phanta
27 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/115 As an ingredient of Nagaradi yoga
28 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/22 As an ama pachak dravya
29 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/51 As an ingredient of Ativishadi yoga
30 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/105 As a kwatha dravya
31 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/108 As an ingredient of Rasanjanadi yoga
32 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/21 As an ingredient of Vachadi churna
33 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/97 As an ingredient of Katphaladi kashaya
34 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/101 Used in Hrudshoola
35 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/201 As an ingredient of Katukadi kashaya
36 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/35 As an ingredient of Murvadi Choorna
37 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/36 As an ingredient of Swarnakshiradi Choorna
38 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/151 As an ingredient of Bala taila
39 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/168 As an ingredient of Mulakadhya taila

Purification (Shodhana)

Ativisha tuberous roots are cut into pieces and kept in Gomutra kvatha for 3 hours and then dried in sunlight.[4]

Dose

  • Powder (Churna): 0.6 – 2 g daily.[1]

Important Formulations

As per A.P.I.[1]

  • Mahavisagarbha Taila
  • Rodhrasava
  • Siva gulika
  • Laksmi narayana rasa
  • Rasnaerandadi kvatha Churna
  • Sudarshana Churna
  • Panchatikta Guggulu Ghrita
  • Bala Chaturbhadra Churna

Current Availability

Available

  • In India: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
  • Out of India: Northern Pakistan, Nepal

Major Phytoconstituents

The pharmacological properties of Aconitum heterophyllum are primarily attributed to its complex alkaloidal and active constituents concentrated in the root tubers:

  • Diterpenoid Alkaloids: Atisine, heterophylline, heterophylloidine, atidine, fischimine, and aconine derivatives.
  • Lactones & Flavonoids: Bitter principles and phenolic compounds contributing to its digestive and anti-inflammatory actions.

Therapeutic Efficacy & Modern Scientific Research

Modern pharmacological evaluations and experimental research validate several traditional therapeutic indications of *Aconitum heterophyllum*:

1. Anti-diarrheal and Antidysenteric Action (Atisara)

  • Traditional Use: Widely used for *Amatisara* (diarrhea associated with toxic metabolic wastes) and pediatric gastrointestinal disturbances.
  • Mechanism & Scientific Evidence: Pharmacological studies confirm that root extracts exhibit significant anti-secretory and anti-motility effects. The bitter alkaloids inhibit intestinal hypermotility and suppress common enteric bacterial pathogens responsible for infectious diarrhea.[5]

2. Antipyretic and Anti-inflammatory Properties (Jvara)

  • Traditional Use: Indicated in *Jvara* (fever) and chronic inflammatory conditions.
  • Mechanism & Scientific Evidence: In vivo evaluations demonstrate that extracts of *A. heterophyllum* possess notable antipyretic efficacy comparable to standard reference drugs, acting by modulating body temperature regulation and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways.[6]

3. Immunomodulatory and Antimicrobial Activity

  • Traditional Use: Used to combat infections and normalize bodily humors.
  • Mechanism & Scientific Evidence: Alkaloidal constituents like atisine exhibit significant inhibitory activity against various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, the extracts enhance cellular and humoral immune responses in experimental models.[7]

Summary of Therapeutic Profile

Therapeutic Applications of *Aconitum heterophyllum*
Indication Active Biomolecules Primary Pharmacological Action
Diarrhea & Dysentery (*Atisara*) Diterpenoid alkaloids, Bitter principles Anti-motility, Anti-secretory, Enteric pathogen inhibition
Fever & Inflammation (*Jvara*) Atisine, Heterophylline Antipyretic, Pro-inflammatory cytokine suppression
Microbial Infections (*Krimiroga*) Alkaloidal fractions Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity

Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage

  • Precautions: Raw or unpurified roots contain potent aconite-type alkaloids that can be toxic; hence, strict adherence to classical purification (*Shodhana*) processes is mandatory prior to therapeutic usage.
  • Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
    • Root Powder (Churna): 0.6–2 g daily.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:14
  2. ↑ Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, Pippalyadi Varga, Verse no. 136, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi.
  3. ↑ Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Verse no. 186 - 187, Edited by Padmashree Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2015.
  4. ↑ Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, Pippalyadi Varga, Verse no. 137, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi.
  5. ↑ Mehta, D. C., et al. "Evaluation of anti-diarrheal activity of Aconitum heterophyllum root extracts in experimental models." Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
  6. ↑ Sharma, R., et al. "Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of Aconitum heterophyllum root extracts." Phytotherapy Research.
  7. ↑ Gupta, V., et al. "Immunomodulatory and antimicrobial efficacy of Aconitum heterophyllum roots." Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine.

Herbs

This article is under development ..

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