Talk:Usheera
Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Usheera |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Usheera (Latin: Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash, accepted name: Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty; family: Poaceae) is a densely tufted, perennial C4 aromatic grass native to the Indian subcontinent. In Ayurveda, the fragrant, spongy roots of Usheera are revered as an archetype of cooling therapy (Sheeta Virya), widely indicated for relieving burning sensations (Dahanashana), hyperpyrexia (Jwarahara), persistent morbid thirst (Trishnanigrahana), and hemorrhagic diathesis (Raktapittasamana).[1]
Botanical & Vernacular Names
- Botanical Name: Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash (syn. Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty)
- Family: Poaceae (Gramineae)
- English Names: Cuscus grass, Vetiver, Khas-Khas grass
- Sanskrit / Classical Names: Usheera, Virana, Nalada, Amrunala, Samagandhika
- Hindi: Khas
- Gujarati: Valo
- Bengali: Khas-Khas, Bena
- Tamil: Vettiver, Vettiveru
- Telugu: Vettiveru, Kuruveeru
Synonyms in Classical Texts
- Synonyms in Bhavaprakash Nighantu:[2]
- Virana – Denotes the whole mother plant producing the fibrous root clump.
- Nalada – Endowed with an inherently soothing and delightful fragrance.
- Mrunala / Amrunala – Root fibers display structural morphological resemblance to fibrous lotus rootlets.
- Sevya – Worthy of regular therapeutic consumption and administration during fevers (Jwara).
- Samagandhik – Exhibits a persistent, balanced, and uniform earthy balsamic bouquet.
Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties
According to classical Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics (Rasa Panchaka), Usheera combines a cooling potency with digestive-promoting attributes without aggravating Agni:[1]
| Sr. No. | Pharmacological Criteria | Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (Rasa) | Bitter (Tikta), Sweet (Madhura) |
| 2 | Potency (Veerya) | Cold (Sita) |
| 3 | Post-digestion Effect (Vipaka) | Sweet (Madhura) |
| 4 | Qualities (Guna) | Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha) |
| 5 | Dosha Action (Karma) | Pacifies Pitta and Kapha (Pittakaphahara), balances Vata |
| 6 | Specific Actions (Karma) | Relieves burning sensation (Dahanashana), antipyretic (Jwaraghna), thirst-quenching (Trishnanigrahana), styptic/hemostatic (Stambhana), digestive/carminative (Pachana), complexion enhancer (Varnya), diaphoretic/deodorant (Svedapanayana) |
References in Charaka Samhita
Usheera is prominently documented across multiple therapeutic chapters of the Charaka Samhita:
| Sr. No. | Reference in Charaka Samhita | Activity / Formulation / Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/32 | Listed under the Thirst-Relieving Group (Trishnanigrahana Mahakashaya) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/34 | Listed under the Burning-Relieving Group (Dahaprashamana Mahakashaya) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/44 | Listed under the Diaphoretic-Pacifying Group (Angamardaprashamana Mahakashaya) |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/199 | Key ingredient of cooling decoctions in acute Pitta fever (Paittika Jwara) |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/205 | Compounded in medicated thirst-quenching decoctions for chronic fever |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/219 | Ingredient of cooling medicated ghee (Ghrita Yoga) |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/245 | Ingredient of therapeutic unctuous enema (Anuvasana Basti) |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/73 | Formulated for systemic internal bleeding disorders (Raktapitta) |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/102 | Prescribed for external immersion baths (Avagaha) and affusions (Parisheka) in burning syndrome |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/30 | Astringent decoction indicated in Pitta-dominant urinary disorders (Pittaja Prameha) |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/144 | Vital therapeutic component of Mahatikta Ghrita for chronic dermatosis |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/186 | Styptic hemostatic compound indicated in bleeding anorectal piles (Raktarsha) |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/76 | Indicated in cooling topical paste applications (Lepa) for acute erysipelas (Visarpa) |
Therapeutic Indications (Classical)
Usheera is indicated in the clinical management of:[1]
- Jwara (Pyrexia / Intermittent and infective fevers)
- Trushna (Excessive thirst / Polydipsia)
- Daha (Peripheral burning sensation / Neuropathy / Erythema)
- Raktapitta (Hemorrhagic diathesis / Epistaxis / Hematuria)
- Mutrakruccha (Dysuria / Urinary tract inflammation)
- Prameha (Metabolic syndrome / Glycosuria)
- Kushtha & Visarpa (Dermatological inflammatory eruptions / Erysipelas)
- Vrana (Infected cutaneous wounds and thermal ulcerations)
- Svedadhikya & Daurgandhya (Hyperhidrosis and foul body odor)
Dosage & Administration
- Root Powder (Churna): 3 – 6 g daily in divided doses.[1]
- Cold Infusion (Hima): 40 – 80 ml infused overnight with potable water.
- Decoction (Kwatha): 50 – 100 ml taken twice daily.
Classical Formulations
- Usirasava
- Shadanga Paniya (Shadanga Kwatha)
- Yogaraja Guggulu
- Mahatikta Ghrita
- Chandanadi Churna
- Ushiradi Taila
Current Researches
Phytochemical Composition
The root matrix of Vetiveria zizanioides yields a heavy, viscous, amber-brown essential oil (0.3%–1.5%) comprising uniquely functionalized sesquiterpene derivatives:
- Sesquiterpene Alcohols: Khusimol, vetiverols (α- and β-vetiverol), isovalencenol, and epizizanal.
- Sesquiterpene Hydrocarbons: Vetivene, α-vetivone, β-vetivone, zizanol, and khusimene.
- Phenolic Acids & Flavonoids: Caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, and luteolin derivatives.
- Secondary Biomolecules: Zizanoic acid, isovalencic acid, and β-sitosterol.
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Antipyretic & Thermoregulatory Activity
Usheera's classical reputation as a potent febrifuge (Jwaraghna) is well documented pharmacologically.
- Mechanism: Bioactive fractions down-regulate pyrogenic cytokine release, reducing interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and hypothalamic prostaglandin E2 ($PGE_2$) synthesis.
- Scientific Evidence: In yeast-induced hyperpyrexia experimental models, root extracts (250–500 mg/kg p.o.) produced significant, sustained reductions in rectal temperatures comparable to standard paracetamol, validating its classical role in acute fevers.[3]
Free Radical Scavenging & Cytoprotective Actions
- Mechanism: Sesquiterpenes and polyphenols donate electrons to quench free radicals, replenish endogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and reduce microsomal lipid peroxidation.
- Scientific Evidence: Ethanolic root extracts demonstrated remarkable in vitro ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH free-radical scavenging indices ($IC_{50}$ values below 40 μg/ml), effectively protecting cell membranes against oxidative injury.[4]
Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic & Styptic Efficacy
- Mechanism: Vetivone isomers and khusimol competitively attenuate cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) catalytic sites, suppressing leukotriene and prostaglandin production.
- Scientific Evidence: In carrageenan- and formalin-induced edema assays, oral root extracts demonstrated up to 61.4% inhibition of paw swelling. Its astringent tannin content also accelerates in vitro and ex vivo thromboplastin-mediated blood coagulation, corroborating its traditional styptic (Stambhana) use in hemorrhagic conditions.[5]
Antimicrobial & Topical Wound-Healing Actions
- Mechanism: Khusimol and related sesquiterpenic fractions alter microbial cell membrane permeability, triggering ion leakage and cell lysis while stimulating microvascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) synthesis in fibroblasts.
- Scientific Evidence: Standardized vetiver root essential oil exhibited robust minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against common wound pathogens, notably Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and dermatophytes like Trichophyton mentagrophytes, showing marked re-epithelialization and collagen deposition in excision wound models.[6]
Neuroprotective & Anxiolytic Properties
- Mechanism: Volatile sesquiterpenes cross the blood-brain barrier to modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid type A ($GABA_A$) receptors and reduce central monoaminergic turnover in limbic regions.
- Scientific Evidence: In elevated plus-maze (EPM) and open-field assessments, inhaled or parenterally administered vetiver oil elicited potent anxiolytic, central-calming, and neuroprotective responses comparable to diazepam without motor coordination impairment or drug-induced dependency.[7]
Safety & Toxicity Profile
- Acute & Subacute Safety: Preclinical safety studies report that ethanolic and aqueous root extracts show no signs of behavioral toxicity, hematological disturbance, or mortality in rodents at single oral doses up to 2,000–3,000 mg/kg body weight.
- Precautions: Due to its pronounced cooling (Sheeta Virya) and Kapha-stabilizing characteristics, prolonged administration in very large quantities during cold seasons or in patients with severe, chronic Kapha-Vata respiratory congestion should be balanced with warming bio-enhancers (e.g., Sunthi or Maricha).
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. 3 (Part I ed.). Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India. 1986. pp. 99–100.
- ↑ Chunekar, K. C. (2020). Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Reprint ed.). Chaukhambha Bharati Academy. pp. Karpuradi varga, verse 86.
- ↑ Rehmani, R.; Ahmad, S.; Khan, M. (2014). "Antipyretic and analgesic activities of ethanolic extract of Vetiveria zizanioides root". Journal of Pharmacy Research. 8 (6): 789–793.
- ↑ Luqman, S.; Srivastava, R.; Kumar, R.; Maurya, A. K.; Chanda, D. (2009). "Experimental assessment of Carissa carandas and Vetiveria zizanioides essential oils for antioxidant and antibacterial activities". Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012: 1–9. doi:10.1155/2012/263852.
- ↑ Kumar, A.; Tripathi, M.; Puri, S. (2012). "Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Vetiveria zizanioides root extract in animal models". Pharmaceutical Biology. 50 (9): 1121–1126. doi:10.3109/13880209.2012.658477.
- ↑ Devi, P. R.; Rao, K. V. (2010). "Antimicrobial and wound healing potential of Vetiveria zizanioides in diabetic rats". International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Research. 1 (4): 146–151.
- ↑ Saiyudthong, S.; Marsden, C. A. (2015). "Acute effects of vetiver essential oil on anxiety-like behavior and c-Fos expression in the central nucleus of the amygdala in rats". Natural Product Communications. 10 (6): 1107–1110.