Kantakari
Kantakari
Kantakari is also known as “Indian nightshade or “Yellow-berried nightshade”. It is an important medicinal herb and is also a member of Dashmul (ten roots) of the Ayurveda. The herb is pungent and bitter in taste.
Kantakari is beneficial for the management of respiratory problems like cough and asthma due to its expectorant property. It helps to release mucus from the respiratory passages and prevent asthmatic attacks.
According to Ayurveda, taking Kantakari powder along with water or honey aids in digestion by improving the Agni (digestive fire) due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Applying a paste of Kantakari powder with water on joints helps to reduce joint pain due to its vata balancing property. Massaging your scalp with Kantakari juice mixed with equal quantity of water might prevent hair fall and promote hair growth[2].
Kantakari is beneficial for the management of respiratory problems like cough and asthma due to its expectorant property. It helps to release mucus from the respiratory passages and prevent asthmatic attacks.
According to Ayurveda, taking Kantakari powder along with water or honey aids in digestion by improving the Agni (digestive fire) due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Applying a paste of Kantakari powder with water on joints helps to reduce joint pain due to its vata balancing property. Massaging your scalp with Kantakari juice mixed with equal quantity of water might prevent hair fall and promote hair growth[2].
What are the synonyms of Kantakari?
Solanum xanthocarpum, Vyaghri, Nidigdhika, Ksudra, Kantakarika, Dhavani, Nidigdha, Katvaedana, Kantakar, Febrifuge plant, Bharingani, Katai, Katali, Ringani, Bhatakataiya, Chhotikateri, Nelagulla, Kiragulla, Kantakari chunda, Bhauringani, Kataringani, Bhejibaugana, Ankarati, Chakada Bhoji, Kandiari, Kandangatri, Kandankatri, Kandanghathiri, Nelamulaka, Pinnamulaka, Mulaka, Chinnamulaka, Vakudu[1].
What is the source of Kantakari?
Plant Based
Benefits of Kantakari
1. Cough and Cold
Cough is commonly known as Kapha disorder and is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Kantakari acts by balancing Kapha in the body and helps to expel out mucus accumulated in the lungs.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food.
d. Continue this till you do not get relief from the symptoms of cough and cold.
2. Asthma
Kantakari helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Kantakari helps in balancing Vata and Kapha and removes excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to control the symptoms of asthma.
3. Indigestion
Kantakari helps to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Kantakari powder helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and digests the food easily. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties respectively.
Tips:
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage digestive problems.
Cough is commonly known as Kapha disorder and is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Kantakari acts by balancing Kapha in the body and helps to expel out mucus accumulated in the lungs.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food.
d. Continue this till you do not get relief from the symptoms of cough and cold.
2. Asthma
Kantakari helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Kantakari helps in balancing Vata and Kapha and removes excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to control the symptoms of asthma.
3. Indigestion
Kantakari helps to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Kantakari powder helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and digests the food easily. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties respectively.
Tips:
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage digestive problems.
Precautions when using Kantakari
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Kantakari during breastfeeding.
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Kantakari in case of diabetic patients.
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Kantakari in case of patients with heart diseases.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Kantakari during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Kantakari
- Kantakari Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon once or twice a day.
- Kantakari Juice - 4-5 teaspoons once or twice a day.
- Kantakari Tablet - 1-2 tablet once or twice a day.
How to use Kantakari
1. Kantakari Powder
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food.
2. Kantakari Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Kantakari.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water once or twice a day after taking light food.
3. Kantakari Juice
a. Take 4-5 teaspoons of Kantakari juice.
b. Add honey or water to it and drink once or twice a day before taking food.
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food.
2. Kantakari Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Kantakari.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water once or twice a day after taking light food.
3. Kantakari Juice
a. Take 4-5 teaspoons of Kantakari juice.
b. Add honey or water to it and drink once or twice a day before taking food.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
It is advisable not to take Kantakari on an empty stomach. It is better to take after meals as it aids in better absorption of the herb.
Modern Science View
Kantakari should be stored in a tightly packed container in a cool and dry place.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Parmar S, Gangwal A, Sheth N.Solanum xanthocarpum (Yellow Berried Night Shade): A review.Der Pharmacia Lettre, 2010, 2(4): 373-383.
- Reddy NM, Reddy R. Solanum xanthocarpum Chemical Constituents and Medicinal Properties: A Review.Scholars Academic Journal of Pharmacy.2014;3(2):146-149.
- Roshy JC, Ilanchezhian R, Patgiri BJ.THerapeutic Potentials of Kantakari.Ayurpharm Int J Ayur Alli Sci.2012;1(2): 46-53.
- Shah NB.Textbook of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry.Elsevier;2010.
- Gunaselvi G,Kulasekaren V, Gopal V. Anthelmintic Activity of the Extracts of Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad and Wendl fruits. International Journal of PharmTech Research.2010;2(3):1772-1774.
- Ramgopal KV, Kumar R.CRitical Review of Herbs acting on Pranavaha Srotovikar. INternational Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research.2013.1(3):19-26.
- S. Gaherwal, G. Shiv and Nageshwar Wast.Anti-Fungal Activity of Solanum xanthocarpum (Kantkari) Leaf Extract.World Journal of Zoology.2014;9(2):111-114.
- Gupta RK, Hussain T, Panigrahi G, et al.Hepatoprotective effect of Solanum xanthocarpum fruit extract against CCl4 induced acute liver toxicity in experimental animals.Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine.2011;964-968.
- Sampathkumar N. Evaluation of Pharmacological Potential of Fruits of Solanum Xanthocarpum Dr. Natarajan Sampathkumar. International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives.2012; 3(6):1467-1471.
- More SK, Lande AA, Jagdale PG, et al. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad and Wendl (Kaṇṭakāri) extract in laboratory animals. Anc Sci Life. 2013 Apr;32(4):222-226.
- Dalvi Y.V.The Comprehensive Review on Kantakari Plant.Asian J. Res. Pharm. Sci. 2018; 8(3):140-144.
- Zhao Y, Wang J, Ballevre O, Luo H, Zhang W. Antihypertensive effects and mechanisms of chlorogenic acids. Hypertens Res. 2012 ;35(4):370-374.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.