Abstract

THERAPEUTIC AND MEDICINAL USES OF SHATAPUSHPA: A REVIEW

Akhil Jain*, Nidhi Garg 

ABSTRACT

Acharya Charaka told that in Shushka Arsha/hemorrhoids should be fomented with lumps of Vacha and Shatapushpa mixed with unctuous substances.[1] Charaka also described that paste of linseed, castor seeds and Shatapushpa seeds pounded with milk should be used for local application to remove Shoola in Vata predominant Vata Rakta.[2] In Kashyapa Samhita described Shatapushpa as Rasayana, it promotes intellect with-in a month when given with honey and Ghee.[3] Kashyapa also described Shatapushpa to be used in disorders of female genital tract and it provides healthy progeny.[4] Bhela Samhia described paste of Shatpushpa mixed with rock salt and Ghee is used for local application to counteract bees poison .It was reported to have antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti hyperlipidemic, anti hypercholesterolaemic activities. Fruits of plant are reported to have antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles of GIT. The efficacy of high dose of Antheum sowa extracts was reported to be similar to sucralfate. The acidity and total acid content were reported to be reduced by orally or intra peritoneally administration of extracts. It was also found to be effective to treat mylasis. The oil obtained from the fruit is official in I.P. as Dill oil. The oil and its emulsion in water are considered stomachic,diuretic, anthelmintic and antiflatulant and are in important ingredient of gripe water preparations. It is found that the limonene fraction on the oil arrests general dehydrogenesis of paramoecia and helminths and is more effective than the carvone traction or the whole oil. Shatapushpa traditionally used in disorders wiz indigestion, excessive flatulence, anorexia In present days it is commonly used for Yoonishoola, Shukradosha, Raktagulma, Agnimandya Stanyakshaya, Aruchi, Atisara, Jwara, Netraamaya, Vrana, Samritinasha, Shoola, Daha, Trishnanashana, Vaman a, Arsha and Amaatisara etc[5] Leaves soaked in warm oil and applied locally to abscesses and boils to hasten suppuration. It is also used as carminative, anodyne, antipyretic, aphrodisiac, tonic, aromatic, stimulant, resolvent, abdominal pain, consumption, cough, emaciation, eye disorders, mental retardation, thirst and vomiting. Dill water prepared from fruit is regarded as stimulant, carminative, aromatic and like anise popularly supposed to promote secretion of milk. Seeds bruised, boiled in water and mixed with the roots applied externally in Rheumatic and other swellings of joints, among Indiandrugs, Dill seeds keep a prominent place among the stomachic medicine, especially in ailmentsof children and women. Oil from fruit is regarded as stimulant, carminative, aromatic and like anise popularly supposed to promote secretion of milk. It is also used to diminish griping of purgatives and tormina of dysentery and gives as a drink to women after confinement.

Keywords: Shatapushpa, anthelmentic, antheum sowa, yonishoola.