Talk:Mandukaparni
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Mandukaparni |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Hydrocotyle asiatica L. |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Hydrocotyle asiatica L. (syn. *Centella asiatica* (L.) Urb.), popularly known as Mandukaparni (Gotu Kola), is a small, herbaceous, creeping plant belonging to the family Apiaceae. It is highly revered in Ayurveda as a potent *Medhya* (intellect-promoting) drug and *Rasayana* (rejuvenative), traditionally utilized for enhancing cognitive functions, supporting neurological health, and purifying the blood.
English name
Gotu kola, Indian pennywort
Therapeutic uses
Sotha (oedema), Aruchi (anorexia), Jwara (fever), Kasa (cough), Kandu (itching), Kustha (skin disease), Raktapitta (bleeding disorder), Meha (urinary disorders), Swasa (dyspnea), Pandu (anemia), Raktadosha (blood vitiation)[1]
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Somavalli, Divya (Mandukaparni is appreciated by all owing to its extraordinary qualities), Mahoushadhi (it is one among the best medicinal plants)
Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
Manduki (Mandukaparni has a runner and growth pattern resembling how a frog jumps), Tvaastri (Mandukaparni is believed to be an abode of Goddess Lakshmi)[2]
Other varieties
- Centella asiatica
- Trisanthus cochinchinensis
Botanical Profile & Traditional Context
In traditional Ayurvedic texts, Mandukaparni is classified under *Vayasthapana* (anti-ageing) and *Tikta Skandha* (group of bitter drugs). It possesses a bitter taste (*tikta rasa*), cold potency (*sheeta veerya*), sweet post-digestion effect (*madhura vipaka*), and light qualities (*laghu guna*). It acts primarily as a brain tonic (*medhya*) and pacifies Kapha and Pitta doshas.
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Bitter (tikta)[2] |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Cold (sheeta)[2] |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Sweet (madhura)[2] |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Light (laghu)[2] |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Pacify Kapha and Pitta, Brain tonic (medhya)[2] |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(50) | Vayasthapana mahakashaya (anti-ageing group of herbs) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 27/95 | In Shaka varga (class of vegetables) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/143 | Tikta skandha (group of bitter drugs) |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/41 | As an ingredient for procedure to remove placenta post-delivery |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 1/1/58 | In formulation of Dwitiya brahma rasayana |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 1/3/30 | Ekala rasayana dravya (single rejuvenative drug) |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/92 | As a Vardhamana rasayana prayoga |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/181 | In treatment of Sannipatodara (after visha prayoga) |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/225 | As a pathya ahara (wholesome diet) |
Dose
- Powder form: 3–6 g[1]
Important formulation
As per A.P.I.[1]
- Brahma rasayana
Current availability
Available
- India – Distributed throughout India, mostly found growing wild in moist and damp marshy areas.
Phytochemical Composition
The therapeutic efficacy of Hydrocotyle asiatica (*Centella asiatica*) is attributed to a rich profile of bioactive secondary metabolites:
- Triterpenoid Saponins (Centelloids): Asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, responsible for most neuroprotective and wound-healing actions.
- Flavonoids & Phenols: Quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin acting as powerful antioxidants.
- Volatile Oils & Amino Acids: Essential oils, vallerine, and various free amino acids.
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Pro-Cognitive and Neuroprotective Effects
Mandukaparni is globally recognized as a premier *Medhya* (nootropic) herb that enhances memory, learning, and neurological functions.
- Mechanism: Triterpenoids stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, protect neurons against amyloid-beta induced toxicity, and modulate central neurotransmitter pathways.
- Scientific Evidence: Experimental and clinical studies confirm that standardized extracts significantly improve cognitive performance, spatial memory retention, and mitigate neurodegenerative oxidative stress.[3]
Wound Healing and Dermatological Efficacy
Its traditional application in chronic skin conditions (*kustha*) and tissue regeneration is strongly validated by modern science.
- Mechanism: Asiaticoside promotes collagen synthesis, stimulates fibroblast proliferation, and enhances angiogenesis at wound sites.
- Scientific Evidence: Research demonstrates that topical and systemic administration accelerates epithelialization, enhances tensile strength in scars, and improves microcirculation in venous insufficiency models.[4]
Anti-Inflammatory and Anxiolytic Actions
Mandukaparni exhibits profound systemic anti-inflammatory and stress-relieving properties.
- Mechanism: Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulates GABAergic systems to reduce anxiety and stress responses.
- Scientific Evidence: Preclinical trials indicate marked reductions in anxiety indices and notable systemic anti-inflammatory responses comparable to standard reference compounds.[5]
Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage
- Acute Toxicity: Mandukaparni is safe for long-term therapeutic and dietary consumption within standard dosages.
- Precautions: High doses may occasionally cause mild headache or skin sensitivity in hyper-sensitive individuals.
- Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
- Whole Plant Powder (Churna): 3–6 g daily or as directed by an Ayurveda physician[1].
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Decline / Medhya | Asiaticoside, Madecassoside | Neuroprotective, Nootropic, NGF stimulator |
| Wounds & Skin Diseases / Kustha | Asiatic acid, Madecassic acid | Pro-collagen stimulator, Wound healing |
| Inflammation & Stress | Flavonoids, Triterpenes | Anti-inflammatory, Anxiolytic |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 4: 29.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, verse no. 160, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020.
- ↑ Gohil, K. J.; Patel, J. A.; A. K. (2010). "Pharmacological review on Centella asiatica: a potential herbal cure-all". Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 72 (5): 546–556.
- ↑ Shukla, A.; Rasik, A. M.; G. K. (1999). "In vitro and in vivo wound healing activity of asiaticoside isolated from Centella asiatica". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 65 (1): 1–11.
- ↑ Bylka, W.; Znajdek-Awizen, P.; Stelich, E. (2013). "Centella asiatica in cosmetology". Postepy Dermatologii i Alergologii. 30 (1): 46–49.