Sahachara

Description

Sahachara (Barleria prionitis Linn.) is a stout, much-branched, prickly shrub of the family Acanthaceae, widely distributed in tropical India. It grows up to 1–1.5 m in height with quadrangular stems bearing yellow flowers. Leaves are simple, opposite, ovate-lanceolate, about 5–10 cm long, with spiny margins. Roots are woody and cylindrical, used mainly in medicine. The plant flowers in winter with conspicuous bright yellow corollas. In Ayurveda, Sahachara is considered Vātahara, beneficial in neuromuscular and joint disorders such as sciatica, paralysis, and arthritis. Pharmacologically, it shows anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective actions, making it useful in musculoskeletal conditions.

Useful Parts

Root, leaves

Benefits

1. Oral Health: The plant, particularly the leaves, is used to strengthen teeth and gums and relieve toothache. 2. Inflammation & Pain: It is used to reduce general pain, swelling, and inflammation in joint disorders. 3. Respiratory Ailments: The dried stem bark acts as an expectorant for whooping cough, and its leaves are used for catarrhal affections (colds). 4. Digestive Issues: The juice is traditionally used for stomach disorders, including constipation and frequent belching. 5. Skin Conditions: It is applied externally to treat pimples, fungal eruptions, and to help in wound healing. 6. Urinary Problems: Extracts and juices are used for urinary affections and to reduce burning urination. 7. Fever & Jaundice: Both whole plants and their parts are used in traditional medicine to reduce fever and treat jaundice. 8. Pakṣāghāta (Paralysis) – supports nerve and muscle strength. 9. Amavāta (Rheumatoid arthritis) – reduces pain, swelling, and stiffness. 10. Sandhigata Vāta (Osteoarthritis) – alleviates joint pain and improves mobility. 11. Kāṭiśūla (Low back pain) – effective in chronic backache. 12. Śotha (Inflammatory swelling) – useful internally and externally. 13. Śūla (Pain disorders) – general analgesic property. 14. Snāyu-Māmsa vikāra – strengthens ligaments, tendons, and muscles. 15. Sveda karma (Fomentation) – leaves used in external sudation for vāta disorders. 16. Rasāyana prayoga – rejuvenates neuromuscular system.

Pharmacological Action

Anti-inflammatory Analgesic Muscle relaxant Antioxidant Antimicrobial Hepatoprotective Anti-arthritic Neuroprotective

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Tikta, Katu

Guna: Laghu, Ruksha

Virya: Usna

Vipaka: Katu

Dosha Karma: Vatakapha hara