Gardenia gummifera: Nadi Hingu in Ayurveda
Gardenia gummifera, also known as Nadi hingu, is a herb that has been used in Ayurveda for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. It is a native plant of India and Sri Lanka, and it is commonly found in forests and thickets.
PLANT
Scientific Name: Gardenia gummifera Linn.
Family: Rubiaceae
Physical Description
Size: Small tree, up to 3 meters tall
Leaves: Dark green, glossy, leathery texture
Flowers: White or pale yellow, tubular-based
Fruit: Berry, ellipsoid or oblong
Common names of Gardenia gummifera in various languages:
Gujarati: Dikamalli
Hindi: Dekamali
Kannada: Bizhke, Bilke, Bikke, Kadu Bikke
Malayalam: Kambimaram
Marathi: Dikemali
Sanskrit: Nadihingu
Tamil: Sirukkambil
Telugu: Chittamali
Gummy gardenia is a small tree which grows up to 3 meters. Gardenia is a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants. They are evergreen shrubs and small trees growing to 1-15 m tall. The leaves are opposite or in whorls of three or four, 5-50 cm long and 3-25 cm broad, dark green and glossy with a leathery texture. Leaf blade is 4-8 x 1.5-4 cm, ovate, obovate or obovate-oblong, base blunt, round or somewhat heart-shaped, tip pointed or blunt, margin entire, finely velvet-hairy when young, hairless when mature, shiny, leathery; lateral nerves 8-20 pairs, parallel, prominent. The flowers are solitary or in small clusters, white or pale yellow, with a tubular-based flower with 5-12 petals, form 5-12 cm diameter. Fruit is a berry, 4 x 3 cm, ellipsoid or oblong; seeds wrinkled. Gummy Gardenia is native to Peninsular India.
नाडीहिङ्गुः पलाशाख्या जन्तुका रामठी च सा ।
वंशपत्री च पिण्डाह्वा सुवीर्यां हिङ्गुनाडिका ||
नाडीहिङ्गुः कटूष्णा च कफवातार्तिशान्तिकृत् ।
विष्ठाविबन्धदोषघ्नमानाहामयहारि च || रा.नि.
वंशपत्री वेणुपत्री पिण्डाहिङ्गुशिवाटिका ||
नाडीहिङ्गु कटूष्णं च कफवातार्तिशान्तिकृत् ।
विष्टम्भनविबन्धामदोषघ्नं दीपनं परम् || ध.नि.
these verses describe the medicinal properties of a substance called "Nadi-hingu," emphasizing its pungent and hot nature, and its efficacy in treating ailments related to Kapha and Vata doshas, stool obstructions, and indigestion.
Constitution (Rasa Panchaka):
This herb's taste profile includes the pungent and bitter flavors, while its qualities encompass being light for digestion, dry in nature, and strong (Teekshna). Its potency, known as Veerya, manifests as hot. It balances the Kapha and Vata doshas.
Chemical Constituents of Gardenia gummifera
1. Iridoid Glycosides: (Geniposide, Gardenoside) are a type of naturally occurring organic compounds found in many plants, especially in the families Rubiaceae, Plantaginaceae, and Scrophulariaceae. They are derived from the iridoid structure, which is a cyclopentane ring fused to a six-membered oxygen-containing heterocycle. These compounds are typically found in the form of glycosides, meaning they are bound to a sugar molecule.
2. Triterpenoids: (Oleanolic acid, Ursolic acid) are a class of chemical compounds composed of three terpene units, resulting in a structure that contains 30 carbon atoms (C30). They are derived from the acyclic C30 hydrocarbon squalene, which serves as a precursor to various triterpenoid structures. Triterpenoids are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and are known for their diverse range of biological activities.
These compounds are responsible for the plant's anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects, making it valuable in the treatment of various health conditions, particularly those related to inflammation, infections, and liver health.
3. Oleanolic acid and ursolic acid: are pentacyclic triterpenoids found in various plants such as olives, apples, and herbs like rosemary. Known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties, these compounds play significant roles in traditional and modern medicine. They help reduce inflammation, fight infections, protect the liver, and combat oxidative stress, making them valuable for various therapeutic applications.
4. Flavonoids:
Gardenia gummifera contains flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative damage, reduce inflammation, combat infections, and may aid in cancer prevention, enhancing the plant's medicinal value.
5. Sterols: These are plant-derived steroids that have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects.
β-Sitosterol
Stigmasterol
6. Essential Oils: Volatile compounds that contribute to the antimicrobial and aromatic properties of the plant.
Gardenin
Jasmone
7. Resins: Sticky substances that can have antimicrobial and wound-healing properties.
Gardenia resin
Gum resin
Properties of Nadi Hingu
Kaphavata shamaka (reduces vitiated Kapha and Vata dosha)
It acts as Deepana (improves digestion strength) bolstering digestion addresses issues like constipation and bloating.
Anthelmintic (expels worms)
Analgesic (relieves pain)
Promotes wound healing
Heart stimulant
Helps to eliminate vitiated Kapha dosha from the respiratory passage
It is indicated in skin disorders
Has scraping action on body tissues
Indicated in fever and reduces cold and shivering associated with fever
Therapeutic Actions:
The therapeutic reach of Nadi Hingu extends across various bodily systems. From benefiting the digestive system by improving taste, aiding in movement of doshas, to its role in respiratory health by eliminating vitiated Kapha dosha, this herb is a versatile panacea for numerous conditions.
Ayurvedic Benefits of Gardenia gummifera
Gardenia gummifera has a wide range of Ayurvedic benefits, including
Improves digestion: Gardenia gummifera is a digestive stimulant and carminative. It helps to improve appetite, reduce bloating, and relieve constipation.
Treats fever: Gardenia gummifera is a Kaphavata shamaka, which means that it reduces the vitiated Kapha and Vata doshas. This makes it an effective treatment for fever, especially when it is accompanied by cold and shivering.
Relieves pain: Gardenia gummifera has analgesic properties. It can be used to relieve pain from a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, headache, and toothache.
Heals wounds: Gardenia gummifera has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It can be used to treat both internal and external wounds.
Eliminates parasites: Gardenia gummifera has anthelmintic properties. It can be used to eliminate intestinal worms and other parasites.
Research on Gardenia gummifera
Research has shown that Gardenia gummifera has a number of pharmacological properties:
Antioxidant activity: Gardenia gummifera contains flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals.
Hepato protective action: Gardenia gummifera has been shown to protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and drugs.
Antibacterial activity: Gardenia gummifera has been shown to be effective against a variety of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
How to use Gardenia gummifera
Gardenia gummifera can be used in a variety of ways, including:
Internally: Gardenia gummifera can be taken in the form of a powder, capsule, or tablet. It can also be made into a tea or decoction.
Externally: Gardenia gummifera can be applied to the skin in the form of a paste or ointment.
Dosage of Gardenia gummifera
The dosage of Gardenia gummifera will vary depending on the condition being treated and the method of administration.
Note: Prior consultation with a qualified healthcare practitioner or Ayurvedic expert is advisable before incorporating Nadi Hingu or any herbal remedy into your healthcare routine.