Talk:Sariva
Hemidesmus indicus (L.) SCHULT.
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Sariva |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Hemidesmus indicus (L.) SCHULT. |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Hemidesmus indicus (L.) SCHULT., popularly known as Sariva (Indian sarsaparilla), is a slender, laticiferous, twining shrub native to the Indian subcontinent. It is widely revered in Ayurveda as a premier blood purifier (*raktashodhaka*), coolant (*pittahara*), and rejuvenative (*rasayana*) drug of choice for managing chronic skin disorders, burning sensations, fever, and metabolic toxemia.
English name
Indian sarsaparilla
Therapeutic Uses
Agnimandhya (digestive impairment), Aruchi (anorexia), Swasa (dyspnea), Kasa (cough), Jwara (fever), Atisara (diarrhea), Kandu (itching), Kustha (skin diseases), Raktavikara (blood disorders).[1]
Other Varieties
- Periploca indica
Botanical Profile & Traditional Context
In traditional Indian medicine, Sariva is classified as possessing sweet (*madhura*) and bitter (*tikta*) tastes, with a cooling potency (*sheeta veerya*) that pacifies all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), though it is exceptionally renowned for subduing aggravated Pitta and blood impurities.
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Sariva, Ananta, Gopakanya, Sphota, Shyama, Krushodari, Asphota, Phanijihvaka, Anantamoola, Gopavalli.
Additional Synonyms in Bhavprakasha Nighantu
Gopi, Gopavadhu, Lata.[2]
Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Sweet (madhura), Bitter (tikta) |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Cold (sheeta) |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Sweet (madhura) |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Heavy (guru), Unctuous (snigdha) |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Pacify vata, pitta and kapha |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 2/24 | Pipasaghniyavagu (gruels for excess thirst and toxicity) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(9) | Kanthya mahakashaya (beneficial for throat & voice) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(18) | Stanyashodhana mahakashaya (galacto-purifiers) |
| 4 | Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(31) | Purishsangrahaniya mahakashaya (faecal astringents) |
| 5 | Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(39) | Jwarahara mahakashaya (relieving fever) |
| 6 | Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(41) | Dahaprashamana mahakashaya (pacifying burning sensation) |
| 7 | Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/64 | Anutailadravya |
| 8 | Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 25/40 | Agrya Sangraha |
| 9 | Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/139 | Madhurskandha (group of sweet drugs) |
| 10 | Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana 8/29 | Garbha Vyadhi chikitsa (treatment of constipation during third trimester) |
| 11 | Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana 8/56 | Kshira vishodhana dravya |
| 12 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/201 | Used as kwatha in Satat jwara |
| 13 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/219 | As an ingredient of Pippalyadi Ghrita |
| 14 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/258 | As an ingredient of Chandanadhya taila |
| 15 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 4/76 | As an ingredient of kiratatiktadi churna |
| 16 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 4/81 | As an ingredient of Priyangvadi peya |
| 17 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 7/128 | Abhyantara and Bahyaprayogartha (Pana, Snana, Lepa) |
| 18 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 7/145 | Ingredient in Mahatikta Ghrita |
| 19 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 8/109 | Ingredient in Duralabhadi Ghrita |
| 20 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 9/35 | Ingredient in Kalyanak Ghrita |
| 21 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 9/42 | Ingredient in Mahakalyanak Ghrita |
| 22 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 14/160 | As an ingredient of kanakasava |
| 23 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/106 | Agnivruddhiartha and alleviating kosthagata kapha in grahaniroga |
| 24 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/125 | As an ingredient of candanadhya ghrita |
| 25 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 17/110 | Used in treatment of hikka swasha (mentioned as Asphota) |
| 26 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 18/177 | As an ingredient of jivantyadi leha |
| 27 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 19/50 | As a pana dravya |
| 28 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 21/54 | For kashaya pana (decoction) |
| 29 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 21/76 | As an ingredient of Sarivadi pralepa |
| 30 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 21/88 | For pradeha prayoga in kaphaja visarpa |
| 31 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 23/102 | As an ingredient of ksharagada |
| 32 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 23/201 | Used in the treatment of Luta visha (spider poison) |
| 33 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 23/202 | As an ingredient of Madhukadi yoga |
| 34 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 23/243 | As an ingredient of Amruta ghrita |
| 35 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/153 | As an ingredient of Bhargyadi taila |
| 36 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/185 | Used in Kaphaja Siroroga for Pradhamana nasya |
| 37 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/264 | As an ingredient of Sahacharadi taila |
| 38 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/269 | As an ingredient of Mahaneela taila |
| 39 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/168 | As an ingredient of Mahamayura Ghrita |
| 40 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/179 | As an ingredient of Yashtyadi Ghrita |
| 41 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/234 | Used in Pittaja netraroga (eye disease) |
| 42 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/243 | As an ingredient of Amrutadi varti |
| 43 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/125 | As an ingredient of Dashamuladi majja sneha |
| 44 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/158 | As an ingredient of Amrutadi taila |
| 45 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 29/76 | As an ingredient of Sthiradi Ghrita/Taila |
| 46 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 29/94 | As an ingredient of Madhuparnyadi taila |
| 47 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 29/123 | As an ingredient of Pinda taila |
| 48 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 29/146 | Used in Kaphaja Vatarakta |
| 49 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 30/92 | As an ingredient of Pushyanuga churna |
| 50 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 30/263 | Used in the treatment of Stanya Vairasya |
| 51 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 30/275 | Used in treatment of Dorgandhya Stanya dosha, as an ingredient of Sarivadi lepa |
Dose
- Kwatha (Decoction): 20–30 g of the drug.[1]
Important Formulations
As per A.P.I.[1]
- Sarivadhyasava
Current Availability
Available
- In India: Karnataka, Kerala, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra.
Current Researches
Phytochemical Composition
The therapeutic versatility of Hemidesmus indicus stems from its diverse secondary metabolites present primarily in its roots:
- Coumarins and Lignans: Hemidesmin-1, hemidesmin-2, and hemidesmin-3.
- Essential Oils: Rich in 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, which gives the root its characteristic sarsaparilla-like aroma.
- Triterpenoids and Sterols: Alpha-lupeol, beta-sitosterol, and stigmasterol.
- Flavonoids and Saponins: Hyperoside, rutin, and various glycosides.
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Anti-inflammatory and Anti-arthritic Activity
Sariva is extensively utilized in traditional medicine to mitigate inflammatory conditions and joint disorders.
- Mechanism: Active principles suppress the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways.
- Scientific Evidence: Experimental studies demonstrate that root and leaf extracts significantly reduce acute and chronic paw edema in rat models, corroborating its traditional efficacy in inflammatory joint ailments.[3]
Immunomodulatory and Hepatoprotective Effects
The plant exhibits strong potential in protecting liver tissues from toxins and boosting immune responses.
- Mechanism: It enhances endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, neutralizing free radicals and mitigating lipid peroxidation in hepatic cells.
- Scientific Evidence: In vivo evaluations show that administration of H. indicus extract markedly restores altered serum marker enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and total bilirubin toward normal levels during hepatotoxin-induced liver injury.[4]
Antimicrobial and Antifungal Efficacy
Sariva roots demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against various pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
- Mechanism: Essential oil components like 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde disrupt microbial cell membrane permeability, leading to intracellular component leakage and cell death.
- Scientific Evidence: In vitro assays indicate substantial inhibitory zones against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains and dermatophytic fungi, supporting its use in skin disorders (*kustha*).[5]
Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Potential
Sariva contributes significantly to glycemic control and oxidative stress reduction.
- Mechanism: It improves peripheral glucose utilization and protects pancreatic beta-cells from oxidative damage through its high phenolic and flavonoid content.
- Scientific Evidence: Research on diabetic rat models confirms that oral treatment with root extract leads to significant reduction in blood glucose levels and improvement in lipid profiles.[6]
Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage
- Acute Toxicity: Hemidesmus indicus is generally safe at recommended therapeutic doses. Acute toxicity trials indicate no major adverse effects or mortality at doses up to 2000 mg/kg body weight in animals.
- Precautions: Due to its cold (*sheeta*) potency, individuals with chronic respiratory weakness or severe cold hypersensitivity should consume it under professional guidance.
- Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
- Root Decoction (Kwatha): 20–30 g daily.
- Root Powder (Churna): 3–6 g daily.
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory Disorders & Arthritis | Coumarins, Flavonoids | COX/LOX inhibition, Anti-inflammatory |
| Hepatotoxicity & Oxidative Stress | Triterpenoids, Phenolics | Antioxidant enzyme enhancement, Hepatoprotection |
| Dermatological Infections | Essential oils (2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde) | Cell membrane disruption, Antimicrobial |
| Hyperglycemia | Polyphenols, Glycosides | Pancreatic beta-cell protection, Antidiabetic |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 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:68
- ↑ Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, Verse no. 237, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020;
- ↑ D’Souza, Shalet (2022). "Hemidesmus indicus: Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of leaves". NeuroQuantology. 20 (12): 1422–1437. doi:10.14704/NQ.2022.20.12.NQ77122.
- ↑ Sultana, S.; Khan, N.; Sharma, S. (2003). "Modulatory effect of Hemidesmus indicus on cadmium-induced oxidative stress and hepatic injury in rats". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 85 (2–3): 207–213.
- ↑ Shome, S.; Talukdar, A.; Choudhury, M. D. (2007). "Antimicrobial activity of Hemidesmus indicus root extracts". Research Journal of Microbiology. 2 (10): 779–783.
- ↑ Tariq, M.; Alam, M.; Jafri, M. A. (2010). "Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activity of Hemidesmus indicus root extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats". Pharmacognosy Magazine. 6 (22): 121–125.