AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF SHIGRU( MORINGA OLEIFERA)

 

SHIGRU (MORINGA OLEIFERA)

  

Shigru plant

  

Moringa oleifera is additionally referred to as horse radish tree and drumstick tree. This plant belonging to family Moringaceae and it is native to sub-Himalayan tracts of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Shigru is popular in developed countries because it’s obtained from natural source and shows less advrerse effects. It is small, fast growing evergreen or deciduous tree. It usually grows up to 10 to 12 m in height.

Different parts of the plants like bark leaves, seeds, flowers, roots, and immature pods contains large number of important phytoconstituents such as terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, steroidal aglycones and reducing sugars. 

According to Ayurveda Shigru has Katu Tikta Rasa, Katu Vipaka and Ushna Veerya. Due to this properties it is Vata-Kapha nashaka and Rakta-Pitta prakopaka. Various preparations of Moringa oleifera are used for their anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertentisive, diuretic, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-neoplastic, antipyretics, anti-ulcer, cardio-protectant and Hepato-protectant activities. 

Morphology of Shigru

Moringa oleifera tree is a small, fast-growing evergreen or deciduous tree that usually grows up to 10 or 12 m in height. It has a spreading, open crown of drooping, fragile branches, feathery foliage of tripinnate leaves, and thick, corky, whitish Bark.

Distribution:- Shigru is basically native from sub-Himalayan tracts of Northern India, distributed worldwide in the tropics and sub- tropic. Due to its nutritive and medicinal value is now cultivated in all over India and other countries. All Moringa species are native to India from where they have been introduced into many warm countries in Africa, Arabia, Southeast Asia, South America and the pacific and Caribbean Islands.

Habit:- Shigru is small to medium evergreen or deciduous tree that can grow to a height of 10-12m. It shows a spreading open crown, typically umbrella shaped.

Leaf:- The leaves are bipinnate or more commonly tripinnate, up to 45 cm long, and are alternate and spirally arranged on the twings. Pinnae and pinnules are opposite; leaflets are 1.2 to 2.0 cm long and 0.6 to 1.0 cm wide, the lateral leaflets elliptic, the terminal ones obovate; petioles of lateral leaflets are 1.5 to 2.5 mm long, those of terminal ones 3 to 6 mm long, The leaflets are finely hairy, green and almost hairless on the side, paler and hairless beneath, with red tinged midveins, with entire (not toothed) margins, and are rounded or blunt pointed at the apex and short pointed at the bottom. The twings are finely hairy and green, becoming brown.

Leaf of shigru

Leaf base:- Base acute, obtuse or rounded, often oblique, apex obtuse, rounded or emarginated, entire, dull green on both sides, lighter coloured beneath, pinnately nerved, at first shortly grey, pubescent.

Root:- Seedlings develop a swollen, tuberous, white taproot which features a characteristic pungent odor, and really sparse lateral roots. Trees grown from seeds develop a deep, stout taproot with a good spreading system of thick, tuberous lateral roots. Taproots do not develop on trees propagated from cuttings.

Stem:- The bark is whitish-gray, thick, soft, fissured and warty or corky, becoming rough. When wounded, the bark exudes a gum which is initially white in colour but changes to sepia or brown or brownish black on exposure.

Flower:- The flowers of Moringa oleifera are grouped in loose axillary panicle (at the upper axils of the leaves). Bisexual, usually more or less zygomorphic, with a saucer-shaped or shortly tubular, often oblique hypanthium, formed partly by an invaginated receptacle. flowers sweet smelling.

Fruits (Pods):- The fruits are initially light green in colour. Slim and tender, eventually turning dark green and firm. Depending on genotype, they’re up to 120 cm long. While most are straight a few are wavy and some curly.

Seed:- Seeds are surrounded by a lightly wooded shell with three papery wings. Looks creamson white in appearance.

 

             

                        

         

Taxonomy

Kingdom :-  Plantae 

Division :-  Magnoliophyta

Class:-       Magnoliopsida

Order :-     Capparales

Family :-    Moringaceae

Genus :-    Moringa

Species :-  oleifera

Flowering and fruiting time:- Plant flowers from January to March and fruiting in April- June.

Kinds and variety

There are two kinds of Shigru in the classical text of medicine on the bases of flower colour viz. white (Sweta) and red (Rakta) which are bitter and sweet in taste and they are specifically known as Katu Shigru (Moringa oleifera) and Madhu Shigru (moringa concanensis).

Ayurvedic properties 

Rasa - Katu, Tikta

Guna - Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna

Virya - Ushna

Vipaka - Katu

Dosha - Kapha Vata Shamak

Karma - Svedopaga, Nadyuttejaka, Deepan, Pachana, Rechana, Vidahi, Ghrahi, Shool Prashamana, Hridya Uttejaka, Krimighna, Artavajanana, Vishghna, Swadajanana, Kusthaghna, Jvaraghna, Lekhana, Chakshushy.

Vernacular names 

Latin name - Moringa oleifera

English name - Drumstick, moringa

Hindi name - shigru, shijan, munaga

Tamil name - Munagi

Kannada name- Nugge mara, nugge kayi

Marathi name- Shevga

Malayalam name- Muringa

Gujarati name- saragyo

Punjabi name- surjana

Sanskrit Synonyms

Shobhanjana – Very auspicious tree

Shigru – has strong, piercing qualities

Teekshnagandha – Strong and pungent odor

Aksheeva – relieves intoxication

Mochaka – helps to cure diseases

Classical categorization (in Ayurveda)

Aacharya charak:- 

krimighna, swedopaga, shirovirechanopaga mahakashaya.

Aacharya Sushruta:- varunadi, shirovirechanopaga.

Aacharya vagbhatta :- varunadi kwath

Bhavaprakash nighantu :- guduchyadi varga

Charaka Samhita –

Krimighna – group of herbs that are used to treat worm infestation.

Svedopaga – Ayurvedic plants that are used in Svedana (preparatory procedure for Panchakarma)

Shirovirechanopaga – group of herbs that are used as nasal snuff in Nasya treatment

Katuka Skandha – group of herbs that have pungent taste.

Sushruta and Vagbhata 

 It is categorized in Varunadi Group of herbs which are effective in urinary system. In India, around 20, 000 medicinal plants have been recorded. Moringa oleifera is also one of the plant in human health management. 

Phytochemical constituents 

Different part of the Moringa oleifera tree have been established as being good sources of unique glucosinolates, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, highly bio-available minerals and folate. Among Glucosinolates, 4-0-(a-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy)-benzylglucosinolate (glucomoringin) is the most predominant in the stem, leaves, flowers, pods and seeds of M.oleifera. Although within the roots, benzyl glucosinolate is that the most prominent.

External uses:- A paste of bark and leaves produces burning sensation, is anti-inflammatory and acts on abscesses. It is applied topically on inflammation and abscess. Seed powder is the best shirovirechan nasya, seed powder is administered nasally in headache and heaviness of the head produced by kapha. Seed oil is analgesic hence utilized in rheumatoid arthritis and painful diseases.

Internal uses:-

Nervous system 

 Because it is tikshna and ushna, it is a nerve stimulant. The non crystalline part of the bark is very strong and it acts through afferent nerves of the body. Because of this, it cause hypertention, increases heart rate and contracts the blood vessels. It towers the function of muscles in respiratory as well as gastrointestinal system. Dilatation of pupil occurs similar to the action of adrenaline and ephedrine. 

Tender plant root is beneficial in epilepsy.

Digestive system:- As it is pungent and tikshna, it improves appetite, is digestive, vidahi, grahi, analgesic, antibacterial and deworming agent. Madhu Shigru is viscous and sweet and so it’s purgative. It is useful in 

loss of appetite, tastelessness, pain in abdomen, ascities, gulma and worms.

Circulatory system:-

Due to ushna guna it acts as a stimulant to heart, creates hypertention and is anti-inflammatory. It is useful in weakness of heart and inflammation.

Respiratory system: 

Kaphaghna Useful in kaphaj kasa. Seed powder is useful for shodhan nasya.

Urinary system:

 As it is Ushna, tikshna, it stimulates the kidneys and increases the quantity of urine. It is useful in dysuria. In calculi its decoction is useful. It is not used in hydronephrosis, as it irritates the kidneys and 

increases inflammation.

Reproductive system

It stimulates menstruation and because it is ushna and anti-inflammatory, it’s useful in dysmenorrhoea and obstructed menstruation.

Skin:- Tikshna and ushna, induces sweating. Therefore its hot infusion is employed in skin diseases. If there are maggots in the wound, fresh bark paste is applied and bandaged on the wound. Due to its smell, all maggots begin.

Excess Intake:- As it is ushna, tikshna, it produces raktpitta and burning sensation if taken in excess dose. It is contra-indicated in pitta prakriti and raktpitta. To counteract the effects of excessive intake of shigru, it should always be taken along with milk and ghee. Cow’s milk and ghee are more useful for this purpose.

Aamayika  prayoga

•According to Aacharya Charaka decoction of Shigru useful inShushkarsha(Haemorrhoids) for tub bath. Also in Granthivisarpa, paste of Shigru bark is useful. In Hikka and Shwasa vyadhi (Respiratory disorders) decoction of Shigru leaves give for internal use.

•Acharya Sushruta mentioned application of Shigru oil in Kustha kshata (Leprosy). In Apachi moringa seed powder is used for Nasya.

• Madhu Shigru is very useful in meal, drink and also for external application by Aacharya Vagbhata.

• According to Aacharya Harita Moringa root juice with jaggaery is useful in headache for Nasya.

• If decoction of Shigru given along with Madhu then Krimiroga (Microbial diseases) will be disappear as early.

•In Dadru vyadhi (Skin disoreder) Shigru Mool twak apply a externally.

Pharmacological actions

Pharmacological actions and uses of useful parts

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, stimulant, expectorant, diuretic, emmanagogue.

Root bark – aphrodisiac, alexeteric, anthelmintic, analgesic, biliousness; improves appetite; useful in heart complaints, eye diseases, fever, inflammation,enlargement of spleen, tuberculous gland in neck, tumours and ulcers. The bark removes all kind of pains.

Leaves- removes all kind of excessive pains, fattening, aphrodisiac, anthelmintic, useful in eye diseases, biliousness; 

cure hallucinations, dry tumours, hiccough, asthama.

Flower- anthelmintic, cure inflammations, muscle diseases, tumour, enlargement of spleen.

Fruits- cure kapha, biliousness, pain, leucoderma and tumours.

Seed – alexipharmac; cure eye diseases, head complaints. Oil is useful in leprous ulcers.

AYURVEDIC FORMULATION OF SHIGRU PLANT IN MARKET.

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ASWHAGANDHA IN AYURVEDA

 ASHWAGANDHA

   

ASHWAGANDHA

Withania somnifera (WS), also known as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, and winter cherry, it has been an important herb in the Ayurvedic and indigenous medical systems for over 3000 years. The roots of the plant are categorized as rasayanas, which are reputed to promote health and longevity by augmenting defense against disease, arresting the aging process, revitalizing the body in debilitated conditions, 

increasing the capability of the individual to resist adverse environmental factors and by creating a sense of mental wellbeing 

•  It is in use for a very long time for all age groups and both sexes and even during pregnancy without any side effects

•  Historically, the plant has been used as an antioxidant,adaptogen, aphrodisiac, liver tonic, antiinflammatory agent, astringent and more recently to treat ulcers, bacterial infection, venom toxins and senile dementia. 

       

                  

FRUIT OF ASWHAGANDHA

Clinical trials and animal research support the use of WS for anxiety, cognitive and neurological disorders, inflammation, hyperlipidemia and Parkinson’s disease. 

WS chemopreventive properties make it a potentially useful adjunct for patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. 

Recently WS is also used to inhibit the development of tolerance and dependence on chronic use of various psychotropic drugs. 

TAXONOMICAL CLASSIFICATION 

Kingdom :- Plantae, Plants; 

Subkingdom-:Tracheobionta, Vascular plants; 

Superdivision:-Spermatophyta, Seeds plants; 

Division :- Angiosperma 

Class :- Dicotyledons 

Order :- Tubiflorae 

Family :- Solanaceae 

Genus :- Withania 

Species :- somnifera Dunal 

Botanical description:- WS is a small, woody shrub in the Solanaceae family that grows about two feet in height.

It can be found growing in Africa, the Mediterranean, and India. An erect, evergreen, tomentose shrub, 30-150 cm high, found throughout the drier parts of India in waste places and on bunds. Roots are stout fleshy, whitish brown; leaves simple ovate, glabrous, those in the floral region smaller and opposite; flowers inconspicuous, greenish or lubrid-yellow, in axillary, umbellate cymes; berries small, globose, orange-red when mature, enclosed in the persistent calyx; seeds yellow, reniform. The roots are the main portions of the plant used 

therapeutically. The bright red fruit is harvested in the late fall and seeds are dried for planting in the following spring. 

Parts used:- Whole plant, roots, leaves, stem, green berries, fruits, seeds, bark are used. 

Synonyms:- 

Sanskrit:- Ashwagandha, Turangi-gandha; 

English:- Winter Cherry; 

Hindi:- Punir, asgandh; 

Bengali:- Ashwagandha; 

Gujarati:- Ghodakun, Ghoda, Asoda, Asan; 

Telgu:- Pulivendram, 

Panneru-gadda, panneru; 

Tamil:- Amukkura, amkulang,

amukkuram-kilangu, aswagandhi, 

Karnataka:-

Viremaddlinagadde, Pannaeru, aswagandhi, Kiremallinagida; 

Goa:- Fatarfoda; 

Punjabi:- Asgand, isgand; Bombay: Asgund, ashwagandha; 

Rajasthani:- Chirpotan 

PHYTOCHEMISTRY 

Chemical constituents of WS are always of an interest for the researchers. The biologically active chemical constituents are alkaloids (ashwagandhine, cuscohygrine, anahygrine, tropine etc), steroidal compounds, including ergostane type steroidal lactones, withaferin A, withasomniferin-A, withasomidienone,withasomniferols A-C, withanone etc. 

Apart from these contents plant also contain chemical constituents like withaniol, acyl steryl glucosides, starch, reducing sugar, hantreacotane, ducitol, a variety of amino acids including aspartic acid, proline, tyrosine, alanine, glycine, glutamic acid, cystine, tryptophan, and high amount of iron. 

Chemical ingredients- 

Steroidal alkaloids and lactones known as withanolides specifically Withaferin A and Withanolide D are two main withanolides contribute to the most of the biological actions of withania. Withanine, Withaniol, Anaferin, Tropine and many other Alkaloids andSteroids are present.

Ayurvedic properties:-

Rasa- Tikta, Kasaya, Madhura, 

Guna- Snigdha, Laghu,

Virya- Usna, 

Vipaka-Madhura, 

Dashakarma- Kapha

Vata Samaka

Medicinal uses in Ayurveda:-

Useful part of Ashwagandha is mainly the root. Seeds,leaves and fruits are also used as medicine.

External Uses:- 

 Ashwagandha leaves and root paste is applied on enlarged cervical glands or swelling of other glands as it reduces oedema and pain, oil massage isdone in vata diseases and weakness. In ear discharge the juice of Ashwagandha leaves is used as eardrops. For healing of blisters, black ashes of the roots are applied.

The dried leaves are ground to a powder from which paste is made and used in the treatment of burns and wounds and also for a sunscreen upon women's faces.

Internal uses:

Nervous system:- 

Ashwagandha root is sedative,tranquilizing and nervine tonic, hence helps in tonic nerves and useful in fainting, giddiness and insomnia(The species name somnifera means "sleep-inducing" in Latin).

 It is also used as an “adaptogen” to help the body cope with daily stress, as a general tonic and for improving thinking ability. It also improves the brain’s memory functions like attention and concentration,hence helping with the symptoms of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other neuro-degenerative diseases. 

It enables the body to reserve and sustain vital energy throughout the day while promoting sound, peaceful sleep at night. Ashwagandha benefits, strengthens and tones all muscle tissues including the heart and lungs.

It increases muscle tone while concurrently soothing muscular inflammation. It is an ideal remedy for muscular aches, pains, and stiffness,weakness and low body weight.

Digestive system:- The bark powder of Ashwagandha is appetizer, carminative and anthelmintic and hence is used in abdominal pain, constipation and worms.

Circulatory system:- Ashwagandha has an effect on the heart, purifies the blood and reduces oedema. So it is used in weakness of heart, blood disorders and oedema. The decoction is used in rheumatoid arthritis.

Respiratory system:- Ashwagandha is an expectorant and has anti asthmatic properties, due to which it is useful in cough. Ashwagandha ash along with ghee and honey is effective in asthma. If phlegm is thin, it is used in the form of ash or its alkaline extract is used. Decoction of bark should be given in low dose for cough and asthma. It is also used as a tonic in the above conditions.

Reproductive system:- 

Ashwagandha is considered as sukrala i.e. semenogogue which increases semen. It iswell known for its aphrodisiac property and is used in semen disorders. A mixture of 5 gms of Ashwagandha powder, 10 gms of ghee and sugar along with 250 ml milk is a good tonic, nutritious and aphrodisiac. It completely cures puerperal backache and leucorrhoea caused due to endometritis.

Urinary system:- It is a diuretic and used in oliguria or anurea.

Skin:- Ashwagandhadi churna is indicated in wrinkle skin and premature ageing and premature graying of hair. It is used in vitiligo and other skin diseases.

Satmilkaran:- It increases weight, improves immunity and is an aphrodisiac. Used in debilitation diseases and marasmus in children.

Medicines in market:- 

Ashwagandhadi Churna,

Balarista, Ashwagandha Rasayana, Ashwagandha Ghrit,Ashwagandharishta, Dhatupoustika Churna, PhalaKalyan Ghrita, Rasaraj Rasa etc.

Side effects and contraindications: 

Ashwagandha is not recommended in case of hyperthyroidism or pregnancy and can in high doses provoke certain intestinal problems. In strong doses, Ashwagandha can have a hypnotic effect. Hence should be started with small doses then increased gradually. 

Ashwagandha is best taken in the evening, because in strong doses the plant can act as a sedative.

Pharmacological evidences:-

•  Anti inflammatory property:- The alcoholic extract has significant anti-inflammatory property in both acute and chronic types of inflammation. The decoction of rooton oral administration against carrageenin induced inflammation, produced marked anti-inflammatory property. 

The extract of leaves on experimental models sub acute models of inflammation and CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats exhibited anti-inflammatory effect. Ashwagandha possessed marked anti-inflammatory effect against denaturation of protein in vitro. The effect was plausibly due to the alkaloid and withanolide contents of Ashwagandha

• Hepatoprotective activity:- Alcoholic extract of the leaves of the plant was found to significantly inhibit CCl4 induced alterations in transaminase activity and pentobarbitone sleeping time indicating presence of hepatoprotective activity. This was confirmed through histopathological studies.

• Infertility activity:- Roots have infertility activity in mice and did not completely abolish oestrus or mating but it delayed the processes. Roots also have the effect to produce infertility mating and cause a decrease in litter size, tuber roots have no uterine stimulant activity on isolated guinea pig uterus.

• Antibacterial activity:- The leaves exhibited anti- bacterial and anti fungal property. It was effective against gram positive bacteria and Helminthosporium sativum (fungus).

• Psychotropic/Anti 

anxiety activity:- Total alcoholic extract on oral administration in albino rats caused decreased locomotor activity and learning behavior,potentiated barbiturate hypnosis, increase in the whole brain tissue level of serotonin and histamine. It induced depletion of catecholamines and Ach in the brain. The Aqueous suspensions of roots of Ashwagandha and the Korean drug Ginseng were tested comparatively for 2 pharmacological activities, namely Anti-stress activity by the ‘mice swimming endurance test’ and anabolic activity by noting gain in body weights and levator ani muscle in rats showed a significant increase in mice swimming time by Ginseng and Ashwagandha as compared to the control group. Significant increase in body weights in the Ashwagandha treated group was better than Ginseng. Gain in wet weights of the levator ani muscle were also significant in Ginseng and Ashwagandha treated groups, however, the weight gain of dried levator ani muscles showed comparable results for both these drugs.

• Anticonvulsant activity: Dried powder, decoction and alcoholic extract showed anti convulsant property against electro shock and phenobarbitone, the alcoholic extract being much more potent.

• Skin care:- Its potent antioxidant properties help protect the skin against free radical damage and slow down the ageing process by firming up the skin for a more youthful look. Ashwagandha stimulates DHEA,which is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen and stimulates the production of natural skin oils. It also promotes the production of vital compounds and proteins for healthy skin such as hyaluronan for skin hydration, elastin to keep the skin supple and collagen for skin strength. For glowing skin Ashwagandha can be used asa toner with dried ginger and lemon.

• Healthy Hair: Used in shampoos, Ashwagandha is believed to help improve scalp circulation and strengthen the hair, as well as help get rid of dandruff. It also appears to stimulate production of melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of hair. So, it may actually reverse graying of hair and it also helps deal with hairloss. 

• Immuno-modulator activity:- Ashwagandha has shown a significant modulation of immune reactivity in animal models. Administration of Ashwagandha was found activity like immunosuppressive drugs, viz, cyclophosphamide, azathioprin and prednosolone. Treatment with Ashwagandha was found to significantly increase Hb concentration, RBC count, platelet count, and body weight in mice. 

•  Anti peroxidative action: The importance of Withania somnifera root extract in the regulation of lead toxicity with special reference to lipid peroxidative process has been investigated in liver and kidney tissues. While lead treatment (0.5 mg/kg body wt. / day for 20 days) enhanced hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation (LPO), administration of plant extract in the doses of 0.7 g/kg and 1.4 g/kg body wt. / day along with equivalent doses of lead acetate for 20 days significantly decreased LPO and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), thus retaining normal peroxidative status of the tissues. It was suggested that the ameliorating role of root extract of W. somnifera in the lead intoxicated mice could be the result of its antiperoxidative action.

• Anti ageing effect:

 Double blind clinical trial carried out to study the effect of plant on prevention of ageing in 101 normal healthy males in 50-59 years age group. Root powder (0.5gm) was given orally three times a day for 1 year. Results showed statistically significant increase in Hb%, RBC, hair melanin, and seated stature in treated group in comparison to placebo group. Decrease in serum cholesterol was more in treated group than in placebo group.

• Macrophage activating effect: The chemotactic activity of macrophages and production of Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were significantly reduced in mice treated with the carcinogen achratoxin A (OTA). Administration of Ashwagandha with other drugs was found to significantly inhibit OTA-induced suppression of macrophage chemotaxis and

production of IL-1 and TNF-α by macrophages 21

 

• Haemopoitic effect:- The combination of Ashwagandha and ginseng (Panax ginseng) was orally

administered in rats for 90 days using three doses. There was significant increase in body weight, food consumption and liver weight and improved haemopoisis was observed.

•  Antibiotic Activity: The antibiotic activity of the Ashwagandha roots as well as leaves experimentally

shown that Withaferin A in concentration of 10µg/ml inhibited the growth of various Gram-positive bacteria, acid-fast and aerobic bacilli, and pathogenic fungi. It was active against Micrococcus pyogenes var aureus and partially inhibited the activity of Bacillus subtilis glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase. Withaferin A inhibited Ranikhet virus. The shrub’s extract is active

against Vaccinia virus and Entamoeba histolytica. Asgand showed the protective action against systemic Aspergillus infection. This protective activity was probably related to the activation of the macrophage function revealed by the observed increases in phagocytosis and intracellular killing of peritoneal macrophages induced by Ashwagandha treatment in mice. Antibiotic activity of Withaferin A is due to the presence of the unsaturated lactone-ring. The lactone showed strong therapeutic activity in experimentally induced abscesses in rabbits, being somewhat stronger than that of Penicillin. It substantiates the reputation of the leaves as a cure for ulcers and carbuncles in the indigenous system of medicine.

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