Abstract

OVERVIEW ON AYURVEDIC AND MODERN ASPECT OF KOKILAKSHA (ASTERCANTHA LONGIFOLIA NEES.): A REVIEW ARTICLE

T. A. Pansare*, Diksha Bhirad and Gani Shaikh

ABSTRACT

Kokilaksha, known by latin name Astercantha longifolia Nees. belonging to the family Acanthaceae, is a promising medicinal plant with great economic potential. The medicinal value of this plant has been appreciated in the ancient medical literature.Kokilaksha is taken into account as a Rasayanic herb (rejuvenating agent). In Ayurveda, it‟s described as Ikshura, Ikshugandha, Culli and Kokilaksha, which suggests “having eyes just like the Indian Cuckoo”. Different parts of this plant are used (leaves, seeds, root) for medicinal purposes. The parts of this plant are widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various disorders, which include anasarca, diseases of the urinogenital tract, dropsy from chronic Bright‟s disease, hyperdipsia, vesical calculi, flatulence, diarrhea, dysentery, leukorrhea, gonorrhea, asthma, blood diseases, gastric diseases, inflammation, cancer, rheumatism, painful micturition, menorrhagea. Astercantha longifolia mainly contains lupeol, stigmasterol, an isoflavone glycoside, an alkaloid and little quantities of uncharacterized bases. Kokilaksha is useful for men in managing erectile dysfunction by increasing the testosterone levels. It also improves sexual stamina due to its aphrodisiac property. It is also scientifically proved to have a variety of pharmacologic activities like Antitumor activity, Antipyretic activity, Antidiabetic activity, Radical scavenging activity, Antihelminthic activity, Analgesic activity, Antifungal activity, Diuretic activity and others. This review article draws attention towards ayurvedic information, phytochemistry, therapeutic uses, pharmacological actions of kokilaksha.

Keywords: Kokilaksha, Astercantha longifolia Nees., Ayurvedic aspect, Pharmacology.