Talk:Dadima
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Dadima |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Punica granatum L. |
| Family | Lythraceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| DOI | -- |
Punica granatum L., popularly known as Dadima (Pomegranate), is a large deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the family Lythraceae. It is highly revered in Ayurveda for its versatile culinary and therapeutic properties, acting as a profound heart-healthy tonic (*hridya*) and digestive aid.
English name
Pomegranate
Therapeutic uses
- Sweet fruit (swadu): Beneficial in burning sensations (*daha*), excessive thirst (*trishna*), fever (*jwara*), enhancing reproductive constituents (*shukrala*), light to digest (*laghu*), and reduces bad mouth odour (*mukhagandhaghna*).
- Sweet and sour fruit (swaduamla): Beneficial for stimulating digestion (*dipana*), improving taste (*ruchya*), and slightly elevates pitta dosha.
- Sour fruit (amla): Aggravates pitta dosha and alleviates vata and kapha dosha.
Identification characters
It is a large deciduous shrub or small tree with shining, oblanceolate glabrous leaves, red-colored flowers with 5–7 petals, and a globose fruit.[1]
Botanical Profile & Traditional Context
In traditional Ayurvedic texts, Dadima is classified into three types based on taste: sweet (*swadu*), sweet-sour (*swaduamla*), and sour (*amla*). It plays a crucial role in dietary prescriptions (*Pathya*) and complex formulations due to its ability to pacify Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas depending on its specific variety.[2]
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Dadima, Karaka, Dantabija, Lohitapushpaka
Additional Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
Types (Bheda)
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Sweet (madhura), Astringent (kashaya), Sour (amla)[2] |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Not too hot (anushna)[2] |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Sweet (madhura)[2] |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Light (laghu), Unctuous (snigdha)[2] |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Reduces vata, pitta and kapha[2] |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/19 | Pachani-Grahi yavagu |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(10) | Hridya mahakashaya (group of heart-healthy herbs) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(28) | Chhardinigrahana mahakashaya (group of herbs for anti-emetic therapy) |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(40) | Shramahara mahakashaya (group of herbs for fatigue) |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 13/84 | Alternative recipes for persons averse to lipids |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 23/38 | Madyavikatnut Mantha |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 27/4 | Natural qualities |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 27/150 | Phala Varga (group of all fruits) |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 27/256 | Krutanna Varga (group of edibles) |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 26/84 | Viruddha ahara (incompatible food articles) |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/136 | Virechana dravyani (group of laxatives) |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/140 | Amla Skandha (group of sour substances) |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/30 | Preparations of Trivrut Avaleha |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/54 | Trivrritadi Modaka |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/75 | Virechana Prayoga (used for therapeutic purgation) |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 11/07 | Saptala Shankhini Yoga |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/4/12 | Ingredient in Vrushya mamsa gutika |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/4/15 | Ingredient in Vrushya mahish rasa |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/36 | As pathya ahara (group of wholesome food articles) |
| 20 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/180 | Given as peya for those desiring sour items |
| 21 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/35 | For Tarpana (instant nourishment) |
| 22 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/95 | As an ingredient of Satavaryadi ghrita |
| 23 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/100 | Used in Nasagata raktapitta |
| 24 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/68 | To increase effect of Trayushanaadi ghrita |
| 25 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/69 | Ingredient of Hingusauvarchaladya ghrita |
| 26 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/72 | Ingredient of Hapushadya ghrita |
| 27 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/74 | Ingredient of Pippalyadya ghrita |
| 28 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/77 | As an anupana in Gulma (abdominal lump) |
| 29 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/80 | Ingredient of Hingvadi churna |
| 30 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/85 | Used to reduce pain in Vataja gulma |
| 31 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/87 | Ingredient of Shatyadi churna |
| 32 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/133 | As a diet in Pittaja gulma |
| 33 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/142 | Ingredient of Dashamuli ghrita |
| 34 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/166 | Pathya diet in gulma |
| 35 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/36 | Ingredient in Kalyanak ghrita |
| 36 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/42 | Ingredient in Mahakalyanak ghrita |
| 37 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/54 | Ingredient in Apara lasunadya ghrita |
| 38 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/85 | Ingredient in Saindhavadi churna |
| 39 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/88 | Ingredient in Shadav (preparations made of sweet, sour, and salty substances) |
| 40 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/55 | Ingredient in Chitrakadi ghrita |
| 41 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/130 | Used as anupana in arsha roga with narayan churna |
| 42 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/135 | As an anupana of hapushadya churna |
| 43 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/99 | Used for Anulomana (proper elimination of flatus and feces) |
| 44 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/106 | Removes vata and vibandha (constipation) |
| 45 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/125 | Dadima swarasa is mixed with shaka |
| 46 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/186 | Kwath is used for raktastambhana (cessation of bleeding) |
| 47 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/197 | Used in rakta arsha (bleeding piles) |
| 48 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/200 | Sadhita laajapeya used in rakta arsha |
| 49 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/89 | As an ingredient of pancamuladhya ghrit evum churna |
| 50 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/97 | Bhavana dravya of citrakadhya gutika |
| 51 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/44 | As an ingredient of Dadimadi ghrita |
| 52 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/90 | As an anupana of Shilajatu vataka |
| 53 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/63 | As an ingredient of saindhavadi yoga |
| 54 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/126 | As an ingredient of kantakari ghrita |
| 55 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/28 | As an ingredient of dipaniya and sangrahi gana |
| 56 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/33 | Used as a siddhi dravya |
| 57 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/40 | As a yoga dravya in treatment of purishakshaya |
| 58 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/44 | As an ingredient of chavyadi ghrita |
| 59 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/54 | As a yoga dravya in treatment of pittaja atisara |
| 60 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/74 | As a prakshepa dravya |
| 61 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 20/24 | Ghritapana in Vataja chhardi |
| 62 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 20/35 | As a pathya ahara in kaphaja chhardi |
| 63 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/109 | As a pathya ahara |
| 64 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/111 | As a pathya ahara |
| 65 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/112 | Dadima rasa siddha mamsarasa is used |
| 66 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/126 | As an ingredient of mulakadi lepa |
| 67 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 22/36 | For lepa prayoga (local application) |
| 68 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 22/49 | Used in treatment of kaphanubandha trushna (thirst) |
| 69 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/226 | As a pathya ahara (palatable food) |
| 70 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/121 | Used as swarasa mixed with lavana and sneha in Vataja madatyaya |
| 71 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/127 | Used as swarasa in Vataja madatyaya (alcohol intoxication) |
| 72 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/128 | Used as anupana in Vataja madatyaya |
| 73 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/136 | Used as swarasa in pittaja madatyaya |
| 74 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/139 | Used as yoosha in pittaja madatyaya |
| 75 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/151 | Used in mukha-lepa in pittaja madatyaya |
| 76 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/180 | Used as raga in kaphaja madatyaya |
| 77 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/217 | Used in Kavala in arochaka (tastelessness) |
| 78 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/219 | As an ingredient of Arochakanashaka vati |
| 79 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/132 | As an ingredient of Triphaladi maha sneha |
| 80 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/79 | As an ingredient of Dhatakyadi taila |
Dose
- 5 to 10 g of the drug in powder form or fresh juice as required.[1]
Important Formulations
- Dadimastaka Churna
- Dadima Ghrita
- Dadhika Ghrita
- Bhaskara Lavana
- Shukramatruka Vati
Current availability
Available
Phytochemical Composition
Pomegranate plant parts (including fruit, seeds, peel, and leaves) contain a rich profile of bioactive secondary metabolites:
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Protection
Dadima is universally praised for its cardiotonic (*hridya*) properties, matching its extensive use in modern clinical studies.
- Mechanism: High concentrations of punicalagins and ellagic acid act as potent antioxidants that inhibit low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, improve endothelial function, and support healthy blood pressure levels.[4]
- Scientific Evidence: Clinical trials indicate that regular pomegranate supplementation significantly reduces systolic blood pressure, ameliorates hyperlipidemia, and provides protective benefits against metabolic syndrome and coronary heart disease.[4]
Gastrointestinal and Anti-Diarrheal Efficacy
Traditional references emphasize its wide application in *Atisara* (diarrhoea) and digestive dysfunctions.
- Mechanism: The astringent tannins precipitate proteins in the intestinal mucosa, reducing excessive fluid secretion and tightening intestinal walls.[5]
- Scientific Evidence: Literature notes over 100 traditional formulations utilizing Dadima for diarrheal conditions, supported by its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties within the gut.[5]
Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Actions
Modern phytochemical evaluations highlight the extensive healing properties of pomegranate extracts.
- Mechanism: Bioactive polyphenols downregulate pro-inflammatory transcription factors (such as NF-$\kappa$B) and suppress oxidative stress pathways.[6]
- Scientific Evidence: Research reports inhibitory effects of pomegranate extracts on various cancer cell proliferation lines, alongside strong multi-organ protective responses against oxidative damage.[6]
Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage
- Acute Toxicity: Dadima is exceptionally safe for daily nutritional and therapeutic use.[3]
- Precautions: The only classical contraindication noted in Ayurvedic literature is its avoidance during specific treatments like Khandakadya Lauha administration in *raktapitta* conditions.
- Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Health / Hridroga | Punicalagin, Ellagic acid | Antioxidant, Anti-atherogenic, Vasoprotective |
| Diarrhoea / Atisara | Tannins, Polyphenols | Astringent, Antimicrobial, Intestinal binder |
| Metabolic Syndrome & Obesity | Anthocyanins, Flavonoids | Lipid-lowering, Anti-inflammatory |
References
- ↑ 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. 2001; Volume III: 45-46.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Verse no. 35-38, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2015.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Jurenka, J. S. (2008). "Therapeutic applications of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.): a review". Alternative Medicine Review. 13 (2): 128–144.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Aviram, M.; Dornfeld, L.; Rosenblat, M. (2000). "Pomegranate juice consumption reduces oxidative stress, atherogenic modifications to LDL, and platelet aggregation: studies in humans and in atherosclerotic mice". The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 71 (5): 1062–1076.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Qnais, E. S.; Elhaj, H. A.; Abu-Dieyeh, Z. H.; Abdalla, S. S. (2007). "Antidiarrheal activity of the aqueous extract of Punica granatum (pomegranate) peels". Pharmaceutical Biology. 45 (9): 715–720.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Lansky, E. P.; Newman, R. A. (2007). "Punica granatum (pomegranate) and its potential for prevention and treatment of inflammation and cancer". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 109 (2): 177–206.