Jyotishmati

Jyotishmati, also known by its scientific name Celastrus paniculatus, belongs to the Celastraceae family. In traditional medical systems like Unani, Ayurveda, and Siddha, medicinal herbs from the plant kingdom play a significant role. The demand for herbal medications is rising dramatically as a result of their low side effects and safety track records.

Jyotishmati, usually referred to as medhyadi varga or simply jyotishmati is a vital medication in the Ayurvedic medical system. It is mentioned in the Charaka Samhita as one of the shiro virechana dravyas that is drugs which removes doshas from head via nasal pathway, and is prescribed for urdhwajatrugata vikaras, or disorders that arising above the level of the clavicle, such as shiroroga (Head ailments), pinasa (Rhinitis), apasmara (Epilepsy), etc. It has been mentioned by Sushruta as a remedy for a variety of ailments, including bhagandara (Fistula in the ano), nadi vrana (Sinus), udara roga (Abdominal problems), kustha (Skin diseases), prameha (Diabetes), krimi roga (Worm infestation), etc. Jyotishmati has been recommended by Vagbhata for the treatment of several conditions, including krimi, kapha, unmada (Insanity), visharoga (Intoxication), palitya (Premature graying of hairs), khandostha (Cleft lips), bhagandara, etc. The main uses of seed oil are to boost intelligence, improve memory, and cure brain disorders in people of all ages. Additionally, reports suggest that it has nervine tonic, antidepressant and rejuvenating properties. So today we will read about Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus) in detail.

Plant Taxonomy

Vernacular Names

• English – Staff tree, black oil tree, intellect tree, climbing staff tree
• Hindi – Jyotishmati, malkangani
• Assamese – Pokiri, kapalphotla
• Gujarati – Velo, malkangani
• Kannada – Gangunge beeja, doddagajanur
• Bengali – Kujri, lataphatki, kujari, banuche
• Marathi – Chicharti, malkanguni, pigavi
• Kashmiri – Kongorpilly
• Punjabi – Samphu, malkangoni, sankhu
• Tamil – Atiparichcham, valuluvai
• Urdu – Malkangani
• Persian – Kaal
• Sinhalese – Duhudu
• Deccan – Malkanguni
• Malayalam – Pallavam, cerupunnari, vizhinjam
• Nepali – Ihoro
• Burmese – Myinkongnayoung
• Garhwal – Malkauni
• Oriya – Jyotishmati, malkanguni
• Arabic – Habbe kilkil, qiafoor, tilan
• Telugu – Bavanji, malkangani, peddamaveru

Parts Used

Geographical Distribution

Jyotishmati is available widely in China, Cambodia, Australia, Maldives, Nepal, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, India and the pacific islands. In India, Jyotishmati is most frequently observed in Maharashtra, Orissa, Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Nicobar and Andaman islands.

Identity of Jyotishmati Plant

Jyotishmati is a scrambling shrub with pendulous branches, especially new shoots.

Leaves

The glabrous leaves are widely acuminate and ovate in shape.

• Shape – Elliptic or oval
• Color – Green
• Texture – Smooth and leathery

Bark

• Arrangement – Alternate
• Color – Reddish brown or pale (Outer bark)
• Apex – Acuminate, acute
• Margin – Toothed
• Base – Rounded or obtuse

Flowers

Flowers are greenish white, yellowish-green in color, unisexual, and pendulous panicles. Period of flowering is from February to April.

Fruits

A yellow, capsule-shaped globule with 3 valves and 3 celled structures that carry 3-6 seeds. May to December is the fruiting period.

Seeds

• Shape – Ellipsoid develops inside the fruits and is covered in orange, and red fleshy arils
• Color – Reddish brown
• Taste – Bitter
• Odor – Unpleasant

Photoconstituents

Nutritional Value of Jyotishmati

Dose

• Oil (Taila) – 5 to 15 drops
• Powder (Churna) – 1 to 2 gram

Side Effects

In general, all patients should be safe at a modest dosage of less than 500 mg. Pitta increases in the body due to its acidic character and hot intensity. Before consuming it, individuals with vata and kapha dominating symptoms need to consult with a doctor. It can occasionally result in the following adverse outcomes

• Giddiness
• Restlessness
• Burning sensation
• Profuse sweating

Precaution

It is not advised to use Malkangani if you are attempting to conceive, during pregnancy, while lactating, or during the postpartum duration.

Medicinal Properties

Therapeutic Indications

Benefits of Jyotishmati

Enhances Memory

The potential of Malkangani preparations and oil to strengthen a poor memory is one of the major health advantages, as per Ayurveda. Poor memory can be caused by either an inactive Kapha or vitiated Vata dosha.. Both ethanolic extract and jyotishmati oil demonstrate better memory and learning. Malkangani consumption boosts cognition, memory, and inhibits the degeneration of brain cells due to its intellectual enhancing (Medhya) characteristic.

Anxiety

Malkangani is efficient in relieving the signs of anxiety. As per ayurvedic studies, most of the functions of the nervous system are governed by vata. Anxiety is mostly brought on by a vitiated vata dosha in the body. Malkangani powder or extracts can help reduce symptoms and signs of anxiety because it can balance Vata dosha

Sexual Wellness

Loss of libido does not result in an urge to engage in sexual intercourse, a short duration of an erection, or the rapid discharge of semen. All of them indicate a problem with male sexual function. Malkangani enhances stamina and treats issues such as premature ejaculation or early discharge due to its aphrodisiac (Vajikarana) characteristic, which helps treat sexual dysfunction in male.

Bone Health

The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions of malkangani are excellent for preserving bone health. As stated by Ayurveda, osteoarthritis develops when vata dosha is aggravated. This condition, called Sandhivata, results in discomfort, edema, and trouble moving. With water or honey, malkangani, which has Vata-balancing properties, helps control the swelling and pain brought on by osteoarthritis by reducing symptoms and controlling Vata. Additionally, it decreases joint inflammation and treats painful knee pain.

Hair Health

Jyotishmati has long been used as a hair restorative in traditional medicine. Its oil from seeds supports the development of healthy hair and addresses a variety of hair-related problems. Because of its antifungal characteristics, jyotishmati application on the scalp decreases recurring dandruff. Additionally, it prevents hair loss while encouraging hair growth.

Fatty Liver Disease

One of the most significant medicinal plants for treating people with fatty liver problems, commonly known as hepatic steatosis, is malkangani. The accumulation of lipids in the liver may damage other body organs, further resulting in major health issues. In order to avoid liver cirrhosis, fatty liver syndrome, or hepatitis, the extract of the seeds aids to reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver and repair the liver.

Treating Leprosy

Leprosy can be treated with malkangani oil topically or orally.

Eye Problems

Malkangani seeds are useful for enhancing eyesight.

Treating Fistula

Applying Malkangani oil to your fistula may help to heal it.

Treating Lethargy

Lethargy or inactivity can be treated with a nasya karma (Nasal therapy) of Malkangani plant.

Treating Urinary Problems

Malkangani oil is possibly helpful in treating urinary retention.

Therapeutic Uses of Jyotishmati

Udara Roga (Abdominal Diseases)

Milk should be consumed with jyotishmati fruit oil that has been combined with hingu (Ferula assa-foetida) and svarjika.

Vrana (Wound)

Jyotishmati, danti (Baliospermum montanum), langali (Gloriosa superba), trivrt (Operculina turpethum), shyama (Ocimum tenuiflorum), tila (Sesamum indicum), satahava (Anethum graveolens), kustha (Saussurea lappa), durva (Cynodon dactylon), girikarnika (Clitoria Ternatea), tilvaka (Symplocos racemosa), kasisa (Ferrous sulphate)-these herbs are the wound cleansing group.

Sidhma (White Spotted Leprosy)

Jyotishmati oil was prepared using seven decants of apamarga (Achyranthes aspera) kshara water. Sidhma is destroyed by a massage.

Tandra in Jvara (Drowsiness in Fever)

To alleviate the sleepiness brought on by fever, pinda araka root (Calotropis gigantea) and jyotishmati oil are utilized as snuff.

Anartava (Amenorrhea)

By ingestion, java flowers, sour gruel, and fried jyotishmati leaves induce menstruation.

Action on Different Systems

• Nervous system – Improves intellect power, nervous tonic and nervous system calming.
• Digestive system – It has a spicy, bitter flavor that functions as a carminative. It also has an anulomana effect due to its unctuousness and heat. It is used in constipation, diminished digestive power, etc.
• Circulatory system – Anti-inflammatory and cardiac stimulant. The heart is stimulated and cardiac output is improved by the hot potency attribute. It is beneficial in bradycardia and edema, thus. Jyotishmati’s black oil is beneficial for beriberi. Osteoarthritis (Sandhi vata) is treated with yellow oil (Peeta taila).
• Respiratory system – It calms the kapha dosha and has shiro virechana effect. It is used in dyspnea, cough etc.
• Excretory system – It works as diuretic due to its hot potency.
• Reproductive system – As it strengthens the uterus, it is suggested in dysmenorrhea. It may be utilized both inside and externally for diseases like impotence.
• External use – Oil massage is stimulant, vedana shamaka (Pain reliever) and vatnashak (Alleviate vata). Due to these characteristics, it is utilized in backache, arthritis, paralysis, Bell’s palsy, and sciatica. The decrease of libido is helped by stimulating properties. Betel leaves attached to the penis are soaked in its oil. Additionally, it helps with cervical lymphadenopathy, adenitis, and tuberculosis due to its hot potency.

Conclusion

Jyotishmati is referred to as a medhya. Jyotishmati is a valued medicinal plant that has long been utilized in Ayurveda to enhance memory, cognitive function and focus because of its beneficial impact on the brain. It pacifies vata and kapha dosha. The Jyotishmati oil is extremely high in antioxidant components that have the ability to scavenge free radicals and may be utilized to decrease oxidative stress. It is used to treat various disorders of the body like asthma, arthritis, antipyretic, anti-paralysis, amenorrhea, vaginal discharge, abdominal disorders, hair problems, urinary problems, lethargy, fistula, etc.