Talk:Edagaja
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Edagaja |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Cassia tora L. |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | -- |
Cassia tora L. (commonly known as Edagaja, Chakramarda, or the ring-worm plant) is an annual herbaceous plant widely distributed throughout tropical regions. In Ayurveda, it is highly valued for its potent scraping (lekhan), skin-cleansing, and antipruritic properties, playing a central role in the management of skin disorders (Kushtha) and fungal infections (Dadru).
English name
Ring-worm plant
Therapeutic uses
Kaphavata janya vikara, kustha (skin disease), vrana (wound), dadru (tinea), pakshaghata (paralysis), vibandha (constipation), gulma (abdominal lump), krumi (worm), pama (scabies), kandu (itching), swasa (breathlessness), kasa (cough)[1]
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Edagaja, Chakramarda
Synonyms in bhavprakasa nighantu
Prapunnata, dadrudhna, meshalochana, punnata[2]
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Pungent (katu) |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Hot (ushna) |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Pungent (katu) |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha) |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Reduces kapha and vata |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 3/3 | Siddhatama churna pradeha (external application) |
Dose
- 1-3 gm of powder[1]
Important formulation
As per A.P.I.[1]
- Nimbadi churna
- Kasisadi ghruta
- Maha vishagarbha taila
- Bruhata marichyadi taila
Current availability
Available
- India – throughout India in waste places and roadsides.
Current researches
Phytochemical Composition
The therapeutic utility of Cassia tora is attributed to its rich active phytoconstituents found across seeds, leaves, and roots:
- Anthraquinones: Emodin, physcion, chrysophanol, rhein, and aloe-emodin derivatives.
- Flavonoids and Glycosides: Cassiaside, torachrysone glucosides, and quercetin variants providing strong antioxidant potential.
- Polysaccharides and Fatty Acids: Galactomannans present in seeds, alongside essential plant sterols and fixed oils.
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Antifungal and Antidermatophytic Action
Aligning with its classical designation as *Dadhrudhna* and its traditional indication for ringworm (Dadru) and skin lesions (Kushtha), modern pharmacological tests confirm strong antimicrobial performance.
- Mechanism: Active anthraquinone derivatives disrupt fungal cell membranes, inhibit spore germination, and suppress dermatophyte colonization.
- Scientific Evidence: In vitro evaluations demonstrate significant inhibitory zones against common dermatophytes and skin-pathogenic fungi, validating its traditional topical application as a paste (Pradeha).[3]
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Properties
Supporting its application in managing Vata-Kapha disorders, joint stiffness, and localized swelling, plant extracts display marked anti-nociceptive actions.
- Mechanism: Extracts suppress the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins and inhibit lipoxygenase pathways.
- Scientific Evidence: Animal models of acute inflammation exhibited notable reductions in edema and pain responses following the administration of root and seed extracts.[4]
Laxative and Hepatoprotective Effects
Traditional utilization for constipation (Vibandha) and internal cleansing is supported by the presence of natural stimulant anthraquinones.
- Mechanism: Gentle stimulation of colon myenteric plexuses promotes peristalsis, while concurrent antioxidant components reduce hepatocellular oxidative stress.
- Scientific Evidence: Pharmacological assays indicate favorable bowel motility regulation and significant protection against chemical-induced liver injury models.[5]
Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage
- Acute Toxicity: Toxicological profiling demonstrates a broad safety margin at standard therapeutic doses, though excessive systemic consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation due to active anthraquinones.
- Precautions: Use under clinical guidance, especially during pregnancy or in cases of chronic hypersensitive skin states.
- Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
- Churna (Powder): 1–3 g daily as directed by pharmacopoeial guidelines.[1]
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dermatophytosis & Ringworm (Dadru) | Anthraquinones (Emodin, Rhein) | Antifungal disruption, Spore inhibition |
| Inflammation & Pain (Vata-Kapha) | Flavonoids, Chrysophanol | Prostaglandin inhibition, Anti-inflammatory response |
| Constipation (Vibandha) | Glycosides, Anthraquinones | Prokinetic stimulation, Mild laxative action |
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 3 :69
- ↑ Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, haritakyadi varga, verse no.-210
- ↑ Jain, S. C.; Singh, R. (2005). "Antifungal evaluation of Cassia tora extracts against dermatophytes". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 96 (1): 75–78.
- ↑ Wong, S. M.; Ng, T. B.; Wang, H. X. (2004). "Antiglycative, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Cassia tora extracts". Life Sciences. 76 (2): 143–152.
- ↑ Ma, Y.; Chen, H.; Zhu, Y. (2011). "Hepatoprotective and laxative effects of anthraquinones from Cassia tora L.". Food and Chemical Toxicology. 49 (8): 1803–1808.