Abstract

PUNARNAVA (BOERHAAVIA DIFFUSA LINN.): A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

*Dr. Pratibha, Dr. Dipti and Dr. Sudipta Kumar Rath

ABSTRACT

Punarnava is identified as Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. It comes under the family Nyctaginaceae. It is commonly known as ‘Punarnava’ in the Indian system of medicines. It is also known as spreading hog weed in English and used extensively in the system of Ayurveda to cure many diseases like Sotha (Oedema), Hridrogas (Cardiac disorders), Pandu (anaemia) etc. Its synonyms, morphology, properties, actions and medicinal uses are described in Ayurvediya Samhitas as well as Nighantus. It is an established herbal drug used for the management of stress, inflammation, urinary tract disorders and cardiac disorders. It possesses many pharmacological activities like diuretic, hepatoprotecive, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, immuno-modulatory, adaptogenic, anti-convulsant, antistress and antiurolithic activity. The reviews summarize the literature review, synonyms, properties, actions and uses, phyto constituents and pharmacological activities of Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa Linn.).

Keywords: Punarnava, Boerhaavia diffusa, Ayurveda, hog weed.