Bye Ibs
Aegle marmelos is one of traditional plant of Indian origin. It is a spiritual, religious and medicinal plant found in Asian countries. It has various therapeutic applications. Bael contains various phytochemicals like alkaloids, tannins, essential oils, gums, resins, coumarin, polysaccharide that makes it useful in many ailments. Its nutritional aspect is much more significant as compared to other fruit. It has numerous crucial therapeutic applications like antifungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, antilipidemic, immune-modulatory, antiproliferative, wound healing, anti-fertility and insecticidal. In case of chronic diarrhea & dysentery without fever, half ripe or unripe fruit acts as a remedy. After use of fruit, the amount of blood passed in the fecal matter reduces and the fecal matter gets a more solid form. Bael fruit has proven to show antioxidant activity. Ripe fruit has been considered as the best of all known laxatives. In case of constipation, administration of ripe fruit cleans and tones up the intestines. Its regular use has been effective in removal of old and accumulated fecal matter from bowels. It supports intestinal biological formulations and protects the digestive system from ulceration, reduces the frequency of irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal spasm thus beneficial in treating diarrhea, dysentery & other infections of elementary canal. (Research Journal of Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, 12(1), Jan-March 2010)
C. rotundus, commonly called as nagarmotha or nutgrass is a widely used plant in traditional systems of medicine, especially in ayurveda & folk system around the world, for its useful remedial properties in indigestion, constipation, dysentery, abdominal distention, cholera, skin diseases, diabetes, fever, stomach ache etc. It exhibits extraordinary properties like antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, antimalarial and anti-diarrheal, anti-allergic, antitumor, analgesic & hepatoprotective. C. rotundus is an important medicinal plant that holds a significant place in ayurveda due to its extraordinary therapeutic properties. It is kapha-pitta hara i.e. it balances kapha & pitta dosha of the body. In ayurveda, it is used as an astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, analgesic, antitussive, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and antibacterial agent. As per ayurveda, it has appetizer & digestive properties. It is useful in treating indigestion, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome & enhances metabolism. Clinical study revealed that methanolic extract of C. rotundus possesses potent anti-diarrheal activities. It also exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. (International Journal of Pharmacognosy, 2021)
Coriander, a herbal plant is valued for its culinary and medicinal use. All parts of this herb are in use as flavoring agent and as traditional remedies for the treatment of different disorders in the folk medicine systems. It possess anti-microbial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anxiolytic, anti-epileptic, antidepressant, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antidyslipidemic, antihypertensive, neuroprotective and diuretic properties. Traditionally, coriander has been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhea, pain & vomiting. In ayurvedic medicine, the seeds are combined with caraway and cardamom seeds to treat digestive complaints. A polyherbal formulation consisting of coriander as one of the constituents, showed inhibitory effect against inflammatory bowel disease. (Phytotherapy Research, 2013)
In the traditional system of medicine, coriander is used as astringent, aromatic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, stomachic, carminative, digestive, appetizer, constipating, diuretic, antipyretic, stimulant, refrigerant, tonic, dyspepsia etc. According to ayurveda, it has hot potency and sweet post digestive effect. It pacifies all three doshas. (Pharmacology Online 3: 561-573, 2009)
Jeera (Cuminum Cyminum)
C. cyminum is a popular spice that is used as a culinary spice for its special aromatic effect. Cumin has been used as anti-inflammatory, diuretic, carminative and antispasmodic and also as aid for treating dyspepsia, jaundice, diarrhea, flatulence and indigestion. Cumin is an aromatic herb and an astringent that benefits the digestive apparatus. Cumin is a stimulant as well as a great herb for digestive disorders, stimulate the secretion of enzymes from the pancreas which can help absorb nutrients into the system, boost the power of the liver’s ability to detoxify the human body, reduce the risk of stomach & liver tumors and also boost immune system. Cumin settles down upset stomach & eliminates gas. The cumin oils have high antioxidant activity due to presence of monoterpene alcohols, essential flavours, flavonoids and other polyphenolic molecules. (Pharmacognosy Journal, vol. 9, issue 3, May-Jun 2017)
Cardamom, popularly known as the “queen of spices”, is used as a dietary constituent and also possesses immense pharmacological benefits. Seeds of E. cardamomum are rich in volatile oil that mainly includes phenolic & flavonoid components. According to ayurveda, seeds are aromatic, acrid, sweet, cooling, carminative, cardiac tonic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant & tonic. It is beneficial in asthma, bronchitis, haemorrhoids, renal calculi, halitosis, anorexia, dyspepsia, gastropathy & burning sensation. E. cardamomum possess gastroprotective effect. Studies reveal that E. cardamomum possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic activity. Cardamom oil is effective as an antioxidant and can increase levels of glutathione, a natural antioxidant in body. (IJDFR, VOL.2, ISSUE 6, Nov-Dec 2011)
Cinnamon is one of the most important spices used daily by people all over the world. The most important constituents of cinnamon are cinnamaldehyde and trans-cinnamaldehyde, which are present in the essential oil, thus contributing to the fragrance & to the various biological activities observed with cinnamon. Cinnamon can improve the health of the colon, therby reducing the risk of colon cancer. Various extracts of cinnamon have shown considerable antioxidant activities. Various studies reported the anti-inflammatory activity of cinnamon & its essential oil. (Evidence Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 2014)
Cinnamon barks have been used to treat diarrhea and other problems of digestive system in Indian ayurvedic medicine. The main properties of cinnamon are astringent, warming, stimulating, carminative, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, blood purifying & aiding digestion. Research studies conducted on aqueous extract of the bark of C. zeylanicum prove its anti-diarrheal effects & its use by the traditional practitioners in the treatment of diarrhea. (Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research 2012)
Nagakesar (Mesua Ferrea)
M. ferrea possess multifactorial pharmacological activities. Almost every part of the plant is reported to have beneficial medicinal properties that can help to fight against different ailments. Traditionally, various species of nagakesar are used by Asian countries for the treatment of a variety of ailments including asthma, cough, dyspepsia, fever, itchiness, nausea & renal diseases. Several pharmacological attributes of Mesua species such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor & immunomodulatory have already been proved. In India, it is used in a variety of ayurvedic formulations as an immunity booster agent. It is also used as a herbal supplement for the treatment of a variety of diseases including bleeding piles, cough, cardiovascular disorders, dysentery, excessive thirst, headache, hiccup, itching, sweating, skin problems, vomiting. Dried flowers have anti-inflammatory & stomachic properties. (Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 7(04); 2017: 242-251)
Shunthi (Zingiber Officinale)
Rhizome of Z. officinale is widely used in both medicinal and culinary purposes due to its ethnomedicinal and nutritious value. In ayurvdea, ginger is recommended for enhancement of appetite, alleviate constipation, appetizer, cardioprotective, enhance digestion, nutritious, alleviate cough, asthma, analgesic, anti-edematous, nerve stimulant etc. Ginger is extensively used in loss of appetite, bloated stomach, rheumatoid conditions, anemic conditions, vomiting, swollen joints, mal-digestion, flatulence, mal absorption syndrome, stomachache, heart disorders, cough, common cold, fever etc. Z. officinale is highly effective in inflammations associated with alimentary channel such as colitis. It is highly effective in inflammatory bowel disease. It also possess antioxidant activity. (International Journal of Health Sciences & Research, 2020)
Maricha (Piper Nigrum)
P. nigrum is one of the most widely used among spices, valued for its characteristic sharp & stinging qualities. While it is used primarily as a food adjunct, black pepper is also used as a food preservative and as an essential component in traditional medicines in India & China. Many physiological effects of black pepper, its extracts or its bioactive compound, piperine have been reported. By stimulating the digestive enzymes of the pancreas, piperine enhances digestive capacity & significantly reduces gastrointestinal food transit time. Pipeline has been documented to enhance the bioavailability of a number of therapeutic drugs as well as phytochemicals. Ayurvedic physicians have been prescribing long pepper & black pepper for thousands of years, a practice which may have enhanced the pharmacological actions of other compounds in traditional herbal medicines. Black pepper is used in ayurveda to treat fevers, gastric & abdominal disorders and urinary problems,. Significantly increased activity of pancreatic digestive enzymes & small intestinal digestive enzymes were observed as a result of dietary intake of piperine. It also shows antidiarrheal property. The gastrointestinal system is affected by black pepper & piperine in many ways. Both black pepper & piperine have been evidenced to have antidiarrheal properties & a definite effect on intestinal motility and on the ultrastructure of intestinal microvilli improving the absorbability of nutrients. Piperine also protect against oxidative damage. (Molecular Targets & Therapeutic Uses of Spices, 2009)
Pippali (Piper Longum)
P. longum is used both as a spice and medicine. In ayurveda, this plant is used as the main ingredient in various formulations and is used to treat mainly respiratory and digestive disorders. The main active constituent present in the pippali plant is piperine which is reported to have CNS depressant, analgesic, antipyretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory & hepatoprotective properties. In ayurveda, it is considered a great remedy for deepana (stomachic) & pachna (digestive). It is used as a bio enhancer that helps in removing endotoxins from the body. It helps in balancing vitiated kapha & vata. Pippali is used as a significant drug to treat agnimandya (low digestive fire). It is also effective against abdominal tumors, piles, colic, indigestion, anemia, spleen disorders, flatulence, gout, rheumatic pain & helps in improvinf digestive fire and immune system. It is also used in rasayana therapy. It is used to cure stomachache, constipation, dysentery, diarrhea, pacify thirst, stimulate the spleen & also act as a mild laxative. (WJPMR, vol. 7, issue 8, 2021)
A clinical study conducted on pippali powder showed that it is effective to improve the classical sign & symptoms of Grahani roga (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Pippali have significant ability to alleviate the symptoms of Grahani roga by its deepana (stimulation of digestion), pachana (digestive), rochana (craving), lekhana (scraping), vrimhana (nourishing) & sodhana (purifying) actions. (Journal of Ayurveda Medical Sciences, 2017: 2(2) ; 197-203)
Vrikshamla (Garcinia Indica)
G. indica is well known as fruit tree of culinary, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical & industrial significance in South India. The fruit juice is much appreciated as a health drink while the dried fruit rind is used as a spice and condiment. Traditionally, it used in herbal medicines to treat diarrhea, imflammatory ailments, dermatitis, bowel problems, rheumatic pains and to prevent hyper perspiration. Kokum juice from the rind is used against piles, colic problems, dysentery & diarrhea. The pharmacological studies validated the traditional uses of the plant in various ailments. Various extract of G. indica exhibited excellent antioxidant activities. (www.jntbgri.res.in)
Amalvetasa (Garcinia Pedunculata)
G. pedunculata, also known as amalvetasa is an indigenous medicinal plant. Traditionally, the fruit has been utilized to treat several gastrointestinal disorders, as a cardiotonic & as an emollient. It is also utilized in the treatment of asthma, cough, bronchitis, diarrhea & fever. It possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antiparasitic & anticancer properties. A recent study on an aqueous extract of G. pedunculata demonstrated its therapeutic potential for the treatment of colitis. A significant reduction in damage caused by colitis was observed & several parameters of inflammation generated in the colon showed improvement. (Molecules 2020, 25, 4513)
Dadima (Punica Granatum)
Pomegranate has great nutritional values & numerous health benefits. It has been used to treat sore throats, cough, urinary infections, digestive disorders, skin disorders & arthritis. In the ancient ayurveda system of medicine, the pomegranate has extensively been used as a source of traditional remedies for thousands of years. The rind of the fruit and the bark of the pomegranate is used as a traditional remedy against diarrhea, dysentery & intestinal parasites. Pomegranate peel, bark & leaves are used to calm the stomach disorder or diarrhea triggered due to any kind of digestive problems. Pomegranate juice is also used for handling problems of dysentery & cholera. (Journal of Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, vol. 1, no. 5, 2013)
Ber (Ziziphus Jujuba)
Z. jujuba, an indigenous plant possesses terrific medicinal properties, attributed by a diverse group of secondary metabolites. Z. jujube fruits are very rich in vitamins C, B1 & B2. Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant are some medicinal properties. It is also known to stimulate bile production, promote circulation and prevent allergies. Presence of pectin-A in Z. jujube fruit is also reported. Pectin has a number of pharmaceutical properties such as binding bile acid, lowering plasma cholesterol and anti-diarrheal properties. The seeds of leaves of Z. jujube have been found to have anxiolytic and hypnotic-sedative effects. They are known to depress activity of the central nervous system which reduces anxiety & induces sleep. The fruit of Z. jujube showed marked anti-inflammatory and significant antispasmodic effect. It also possesses immunostimulant and antioxidant effects. (Phcog Rev. vol.3, issue 6, 2009)
Panchamrit Parpati
Parpati is a thin flake like preparation consisting of Mercury & Sulphur. It is prepared by following various specialized processing techniques. Panchamrit parpati have five constituents i.e. mercury, sulphur, mica, iron & copper. It is indicated in dyspepsia, mal absorption syndrome, chronic cough, haemoptysis, tuberculosis, arthritis and skin disorders. Panchamrit parpati is one of the formulations used in Grahani (mal absorption syndrome/irritable bowel syndrome). Parpati corrects the mandagni (low digestive fire) in grahani roga and increases the appetite due to its hot potency. By the deepana, pachna & usna properties of the drugs, the intestinal ducts are opened & properly digested nutrients gets absorbed. Deepana and grahi proprety of parpati improves absorption of nutritive materials and supplementation of iron, copper etc. gradually relieves the associated symptoms. (International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 2010, 1(3), 118-128)
Brahmi (Bacopa Monneiri)
Brahmi is a potent Indian medicinal herb used for multiple ailments, but is significantly known as nootropic or brain tonic and memory enhancer. It is a renowned Indian medicinal plant that has been used as a memory booster in the ayurvedic medicinal system for more than 3000 years. It is used in traditional medicine to treat various nervous disorders, digestive aid, improve learning, memory & concentration and to provide relief to patients with anxiety. The plant possesses memory enhancing, tranquillizing, sedative, antidepressant, antioxidant, antianxiety, gastrointestinal, endocrine, smooth muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective activities. (Biomolecules, 2020)
B. monnieri is classified as Medhya Rasayana in ayurvedic text of Charaka. Charaka described the efficacy of bacopa in treating old age and age related diseases, promoting memory and intellect, increasing the life span, providing nourishment and improving clarity of voice, complexion and luster. The active compounds in B. monnieri, known as bacosides, are shown to positively influence brain cells that prompt the regeneration of brain tissue. This herb also helps to improve mood. Bacopa is a very good natural antioxidant which shows neuroprotective properties. It has been found to be very beneficial in treatment of anxiety neurosis and mental fatigue. Bacopa also increases level of serotonin, a brain chemical known to promote relaxation. It also induces a sense of calm and peace. It helps soothe the restlessness and distraction that nervousness causes. (Indian Journal of Agriculture & Allied Sciences, vol.2, no. 3, 2016)
Kutajghan Vati
Kutajghan vati is a classical ayurvedic anti-dysentery preparation which calms aggravated kapha & pitta specifically located in digestive system. It helps retrieve normal tone of intestine by reducing inflammation of small & large intestines, promotes healing in colonic ulcers & restores proper digestion thus prevents nutritional deficiency and keep body’s strength intact. It is a drug of choice for IBS and ulcerative colitis. Kurchicin is an active principle of kutaj, which is highly effective against causative micro-organisms of diarrhea, dysentery especially amoebic type. Kutajghan vati stimulates the digestive fire, relieves diarrhea, dysentery, effectively clears causative parasitic infection of intestine, reduces inflammation of intestinal wall and promotes healing of ulcers, restores digestion by normalizing digestive functions. (Journal of Advanced Scientific Research, 2010)
Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata)
B. aristata is commonly known as daruharidra, daruhaldi, Indian barberry, tree turmeric. It is considered the most important plant in ayurveda, siddha & unani medicinal system due to its medicinal importance. In ayurveda, it is used to treat dysentery, wound healing, skin disease, inflammation, diarrhea, jaundice, menorrhagai & eye diseases. The most important ayurvedic formulation of this plant is rasaut which is used to cure eye diseases, ulcers & act as a laxative, tonic & blood purifier. It acts as appetizer and maintains metabolism. It is used to treat liver diseases, jaundice, digestive & pancreatic disorders. It possess hepatoprotective & anti-inflammatory properties. Research studies conducted on berberine constituent extracted from roots & barks of B. aristata showed its anti-diarrheal activity. (IJRASB, vol.8, issue 2, March 2021)
Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia)
T. cordifolia is a widely used plant in folk & ayurvedic systems of medicine. Various properties of giloy described in ayurveda are Rasayana (rejuvenative), sangrahi, balya (strengthening), agnideepana (promotes digestion), tridosha-shamaka (pacifies all 3 doshas), kasa-swashara (treats cough & asthma), jwarahara (antipyretic), krimihara (antimicrobial) etc. In the classical texts of ayurveda, T. cordifolia is claimed to be useful in treating leprosy, fever, asthma, anorexia, jaundice, gout, skin infections, diabetes, chronic diarrhea, dysentery etc. It exerts significant anti-inflammatory activity. T. cordifolia is used as a rasayana to improve the immune system and body resistance against infections. (International Journal of Ayurveda Research, April-June 2010, Vol. 1, issue 2)
Ativisha (Aconitum Heterophyllum)
Aconitum heterophyllum have potent antipyretic & anti-diarrheal activity. It is one of the best remedy for gastroenteric fevers and diarrhea. It is used for the management of diseases of nervous system, digestive system, fever & rheumatism. One of the prominent actions of ativisha is its anti-diarrheal activity when taken with fine powder of jaiphal, shunthi and bael. It is also known to have hepatoprotective, antioxidant and carminative properties. In a clinical study, ativisha is reported with antisecretory and antimotility effect of which mediates through nitric oxide pathway and thus proves its use in ayurveda as anti-diarrheal drug. It also exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. (Journal of Ayurvedic & Herbal Medicine, 2021; 7(1) : 46-48)