Talk:Rasna
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Rasna |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Pluchea lanceolata Oliv. |
| Family | Asteraceae (Composite) |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Pluchea lanceolata Oliv., popularly known as Rasna, is a xerophytic perennial herb native to dry and semi-arid regions of India and South Asia. It is highly revered in Ayurveda as a primary drug of choice for managing painful inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions, particularly Vata disorders and rheumatoid arthritis.
English name
Indian camphor weed
Therapeutic Uses
Sotha (edema), Vatavyadhi (neurological and Vata disorders), Swasa (dyspnea/asthma), Kasa (cough), Jvara (fever), Udararoga (generalized abdominal distension), Sidhma (skin disease), Adhyavata, Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis), Vatarakta (gout).[1]
Other Varieties / Other Botanical names
- Berthelotia lanceolata DC.
- Berthelotia lanceolata var. senegalensis DC.
- Conyza proteiformis Perr. ex DC.
- Conyza rubra Buch.-Ham. ex DC.
- Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) Oliv. & Hiern
- Saussurea mucronata Spreng. ex DC.
Botanical Profile & Traditional Context
In traditional Indian medicine, Rasna is classified as a vital anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, heavily utilized in formulations for joint stiffness, sciatica, swelling, and respiratory distress.
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Shreyasi (Rasna is regarded as the best drug for vataroga), Elaparni, Yuktarasa (plant is full of juices), Rasa, Suvaha, Surasa (the juice has good qualities), Sugandha, Surabhi, Nakuli (it is liked by mongoose).
Additional Synonyms in Bhavprakasha Nighantu
Rasya (the taste of rasna is very pleasant), Rasana[2]
Varieties
Raja Nighantu
Mentioned 3 types[3]
- Mula rasna – Rauwolfia serpentina
- Patra rasna – Lochnera rosea
- Trina rasna – Vanda tessellata
Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Bitter (tikta) |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Hot (ushna) |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Pungent (katu) |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Heavy (guru) |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Pacify Kapha and Vata |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(26) | Anuvasanopag mahakashay (unctuous enema) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 25/40 | Agrya Sangraha |
| 3 | Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 27/107 | Shaka Varga (Class of vegetables, mentioned as Sheyasi) |
| 4 | Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/135 | Vamana dravyani (List of medicines used in therapeutic emesis) |
| 5 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/250 | As an ingredient of Jeevantyadi anuvasana basti |
| 6 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/267 | As an ingredient of Agurvadi taila |
| 7 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 12/72 | As an Unmardan dravya in Kaphaj Shvayathu |
| 8 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/110 | In treatment of Udara roga (for parisheka) |
| 9 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 14/43 | Used in swedana kriya (fomentation) |
| 10 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 14/63 | As an ingredient of traushnadi churna |
| 11 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 17/96 | Used in yusha preparation for hikka svasa |
| 12 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 18/58 | As an ingredient of agastya haritaki leha |
| 13 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/82 | As an ingredient of Punarnavadi taila for vataja hrudroga |
| 14 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/165 | As an ingredient of Rasna taila |
| 15 | Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 30/60 | As an ingredient of Guduchyadi taila for Vataja yoni roga |
Dose
- 25–50 g (Decoction)[1]
Useful Part
Leaf[1]
Important Formulations
As per A.P.I.[1]
- Dashamularishta
- Devadarvarishta
- Rasnadi kwath churna
- Rasanaerandadi kwath churna
Current Availability
Available in India: Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab.
Phytochemical Composition
The therapeutic versatility of *Pluchea lanceolata* arises from its complex secondary metabolite profile:
- Triterpenoids and Phytosterols: Alpha-amyrin, lupeol, beta-sitosterol, and taraxasterols.
- Flavonoids: Quercetin, isorhamnetin, and daidzein derivatives.
- Other Constituents: Pluchine, tannins, phenolic compounds, and glycosides.
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Arthritic Actions
- Mechanism: Ethanolic and fractionated extracts exhibit significant suppression of acute and chronic inflammation, strongly supporting its indication in rheumatoid arthritis and joint conditions. Active phytoconstituents downregulate inflammatory cytokines and pathways.
- Scientific Evidence: Experimental models validate that administration of plant extracts reduces paw edema and joint swelling, aligning with its traditional use for *Amavata*.[4]
Analgesic and Antipyretic Properties
- Mechanism: Peripheral and central pain pathways are modulated by the triterpenoid and flavonoid fractions, reducing discomfort associated with musculoskeletal disorders.
- Scientific Evidence: Studies demonstrate meaningful analgesic responses in animal models, corroborating its application in painful inflammatory states and fever-like conditions.[5]
Immunomodulatory and Immunosuppressive Effects
- Mechanism: Research on leaf extracts indicates modulation of both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, particularly suppressing certain T-cell populations and Th1-associated cytokines (such as IL-2 and IFN-γ).
- Scientific Evidence: Controlled laboratory findings show that specific fractions can successfully curb overactive immune responses relevant to autoimmune joint diseases.[6]
Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage
- Acute Toxicity: *Pluchea lanceolata* exhibits a favorable safety margin under standard experimental evaluation parameters.
- Precautions: Due to limited clinical data regarding safety during pregnancy, nursing, or small children, internal use should be approached cautiously. Individuals with known hypersensitivity to the Asteraceae (composite) family should monitor for potential allergic reactions.
Standard Therapeutic Dosage
- Decoction (Kwath): 25–50 g of drug material for decoction preparation.[1]
- Topical Application: Rasna-infused oils applied warm over painful joints and muscles.
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Rheumatoid Arthritis / Joint Swelling | Triterpenoids, Flavonoids (Quercetin) | Anti-inflammatory, Anti-arthritic |
| Musculoskeletal Pain | Sterols, Sesquiterpene fractions | Analgesic, Smoothing muscle relaxant |
| Pyrexia (Fever) & Respiratory Distress | Phenolic compounds, Glycosides | Antipyretic, Bronchodilatory support |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 3:73
- ↑ Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Verse no. 162, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020;
- ↑ Dr. Indradev Tripathi , Raja Nighantu of pandit Narhari, ed.2006, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, pippalyadi varga 81
- ↑ Patel, M. B.; Mishra, S. H. (2011). "Anti-inflammatory activity of Pluchea lanceolata root extract in rats". Phytotherapy Research. 25 (5): 748–753.
- ↑ Singh, V.; Gupta, V. B. (2012). "Analgesic and antipyretic effects of Pluchea lanceolata leaves extracts". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 140 (2): 318–323.
- ↑ Sharma, A.; Kumar, S. (2015). "Immunomodulatory activity of Pluchea lanceolata leaf extract on immunological parameters in rodents". Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 6 (3): 175–181.