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Anantamul
Anantamul
Generally found near seashores and in Himalayan territories, has high medicinal and cosmetic values and recognized as a potent blood purifier. Its common name is Anantamul (Hemidesmus indicus) also known as Indian Sarsaparilla belongs to the family of Asclepiadaceae. This twining plant is native to South Asia and is commonly seen in South and East India. The leaves and roots of the herb are known to contain the active ingredients. Anantmul means ‘Eternal Root’ in Sanskrit. The name is derived from the fact that the root of the herb grows deep into the ground. It is also known as Karpuri as the roots exert a sweet smell similar to camphor (Karpoor in Hindi). It contains flavonoids, phytosterols, minerals and alkaloids, which help to fight asthma, bronchitis, dermatitis, dysentery and other stomach problems[1-2].
What are the synonyms of Anantamul?
Hemidesmus indicus, Indian sarsaparilla, Nannari, Tylophora, False sarsaparilla, Pseudosarsa, Nunnari asclepias, Periploca indica, Magarbu, Sariva, Karpoori, Sugandhi
What is the source of Anantamul?
Plant Based
Benefits of Anantamul
Precautions when using Anantamul
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Due to lack of scientific evidence, medicinal use of Anantamul should be avoided during breastfeeding[5].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
1. Digoxin:
This drug increases the heartbeat and Anantamul (Sarsaparilla) might increase the intake of the drug by the body. So taking Anantamul along with digoxin can increase the heartbeat to a greater extent, which can lead to trouble. Hence, it is advised to avoid taking these two together.
This drug increases the heartbeat and Anantamul (Sarsaparilla) might increase the intake of the drug by the body. So taking Anantamul along with digoxin can increase the heartbeat to a greater extent, which can lead to trouble. Hence, it is advised to avoid taking these two together.
Modern Science View
2. Lithium:
It is known that Anantamul acts as a diuretic. However, when you take this herb along with lithium, it might increase the concentration of lithium in the body. In such a case, you need to ask your doctor as the dose of lithium supplements needs to be changed so that no side-effects are reported due to excess of this element.
It is known that Anantamul acts as a diuretic. However, when you take this herb along with lithium, it might increase the concentration of lithium in the body. In such a case, you need to ask your doctor as the dose of lithium supplements needs to be changed so that no side-effects are reported due to excess of this element.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, you can take Ananatmul with prescription and non-prescription medicines by keeping a gap of 1-2 hours between your pre-existing medicines and Anantamul (Sariva). Monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar level regularly if you are already on antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications and taking Anantamul on a daily basis.
Patients with diabetes
Ayurvedic View
Also if you have diabetes, avoid Anantamul in the form of Sarivadyasava as it is made of jaggery.
Patients with kidney disease
Modern Science View
Anantamul should be avoided in patients with kidney disease as it can worsen the condition[5].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Due to lack of scientific evidence, medicinal use of Anantamul should be avoided during pregnancy[5].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
The consumption of Anantamul is associated with side effects like:
1. Stomach irritation
2. Runny nose
3. Symptoms of asthma
1. Stomach irritation
2. Runny nose
3. Symptoms of asthma
FAQs about Anantamul precautions
Recommended Dosage of Anantamul
- Anantamul Churna - ¼ to ½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Anantamul Juice - 3-4 teaspoon twice a day.
How to use Anantamul
1. Anantamul Powder
a. Take ¼ to ½ teaspoon of anantamul Powder.
b. Mix it with honey or water.
c. Take it 45 min before meals, twice a day.
2. Anantamul Kwath (decoction)
a. Take 3-4 teaspoon of anantamul kwath.
b. Add same quantity of water to it.
c. Take it after two hours of meal, twice a day.
3. Anantamul (Nannari) syrup/ sharbat
a. Take 3 teaspoon of Anantamul (Nannari) syrup /sharbat.
b. Add it to one glass of cold water.
c. Squeeze ½ lemon to it.
d. Also, add 3-4 ice cubes.
e. Mix all the ingredients and drink before taking food once a day.
a. Take ¼ to ½ teaspoon of anantamul Powder.
b. Mix it with honey or water.
c. Take it 45 min before meals, twice a day.
2. Anantamul Kwath (decoction)
a. Take 3-4 teaspoon of anantamul kwath.
b. Add same quantity of water to it.
c. Take it after two hours of meal, twice a day.
3. Anantamul (Nannari) syrup/ sharbat
a. Take 3 teaspoon of Anantamul (Nannari) syrup /sharbat.
b. Add it to one glass of cold water.
c. Squeeze ½ lemon to it.
d. Also, add 3-4 ice cubes.
e. Mix all the ingredients and drink before taking food once a day.
Benefits of Anantamul
FAQs about Anantamul benefits
Precautions when using Anantamul
Allergy
Modern Science View
Apply Anantamul to a small area first to test for possible allergic reaction.
Modern Science View
People who are allergic to Anantamul or its constituents should use ita only under doctor’s supervision.
Recommended Dosage of Anantamul
- Anantamul Powder - ½ to 1 teaspoon, or as per your requirement.
- Anantamul Paste - ½ to 1 teaspoon, or as per your requirement.
How to use Anantamul
1. Anantamul Powder
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of Anantamul powder.
b. Mix it with water or coconut oil to form a paste.
c. Apply on scalp and hair roots to get rid of hair fall.
2. Anantamul Root paste
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of Anantamul Paste.
b. Mix it with sesame oil to form a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area to get rid of arthritis and gout pain[7].
3. Anantmool Leaves decoction
a. Boil the Anantamul leaves in 1 glass of water for 5-8 mins on low flame.
b. Wash the wounds with this decoction.
c. Use it 1-2 times a day to inhibit the infection and effective cleaning of wounds[6].
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of Anantamul powder.
b. Mix it with water or coconut oil to form a paste.
c. Apply on scalp and hair roots to get rid of hair fall.
2. Anantamul Root paste
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of Anantamul Paste.
b. Mix it with sesame oil to form a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area to get rid of arthritis and gout pain[7].
3. Anantmool Leaves decoction
a. Boil the Anantamul leaves in 1 glass of water for 5-8 mins on low flame.
b. Wash the wounds with this decoction.
c. Use it 1-2 times a day to inhibit the infection and effective cleaning of wounds[6].
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Anantamul (Nannari) syrup or juice is prepared from the roots of Anantamul. The solution that is available in market is in the concentrated form, which needs to be diluted with water or milk to enjoy the drink.
Modern Science View
A 10gm sachet of Nannari juice can cost you around Rs 10. These are ready-to-use juices, which can be instantly mixed with water and consumed.
Modern Science View
You can either buy Nannari sharbat from a local Ayurvedic store. If you can’t find in any local stores, you can place an order online.
Modern Science View
The recipe of Nannari sharbat or juice is simple. All you need is Nannari Syrup, which is available commercially, few ice cubes, water and lemon juice. In 150 ml water, add 3-4 ice cubes, 3 tablespoons of Nannari syrup and lemon juice (squeezed from half a lemon). Mix all the ingredients and drink.
Modern Science View
Anantamul is said to treat arthritis. There are research evidence on the anti-arthritic activity of Indian Sarsaparilla in reducing inflammation and relieving pain in the joints in rats[7]. However, there are no key studies on humans that prove the benefits of Anantamul for arthritis.
Anantamul(Indian Sarsaparilla) is an excellent herb for all type of arthritis.
Anantamul(Indian Sarsaparilla) is an excellent herb for all type of arthritis.
Ayurvedic View
Ayurveda says that Anantamul helps in reducing Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the body because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) property. It also helps in balancing Vata dosha. Use Anantamul (Sariva) in form of Asava (Sarivadyasava) 15-20ml by adding same quantity of warm water. Take it twice a day after taking foods for getting good results in all types of arthritis.
Modern Science View
Most people believe that Nannari (Anantamul) is good for weight and hence, make it a part of their daily diet. However, there is no scientific evidence for the same. So better consult your doctor to know if works. Also, follow diet control along with exercise to shed pounds.
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, sometimes increase in weight can be due to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the body. Ama is also responsible for accumulation of fat in the body. Nannari (Anantamul) works to reduce ama in the body due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties, thus maintaining weight of the body. Take 150 ml water, add 3-4 ice cubes, 3 tablespoons of Nannari syrup and lemon juice (squeezed from half a lemon). Mix all the ingredients and drink once a day.
Modern Science View
Yes,It is reported that Anantamul is rich in antioxidants and hence play a key role in flushing toxins and free radicals from the body. It also increases the absorption of water and electrolytes lowering the pressure on the intestine. The antimicrobial activity of this herb clears the bacterial load from the stomach, which is responsible for diarrhea and dysentery, providing relief[3].
Ayurvedic View
Anantamul (Sariva) shows a good result in diarrhea and dysentery due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. Moreover, Anantamul (Sariva) is also known to work as a Grahi (absorbing the fluid) according to Ayurveda. Take Anantamul powder (1-3gm) with normal water after taking light food twice a day.
Modern Science View
Yes, Anantmul exerts renoprotective effect (protection of the kidneys). Due to the presence of antioxidants in the herb, the amount of toxic compounds in the liver is lowered. Moreover, it also lowers creatinine levels in the blood, a compound, which indicates how healthy the kidneys are. High levels of creatine is a sign that the kidneys are in danger[8].
Ayurvedic View
Anantamul is very useful to treat kidney-related problems as it has a property of Shodan (purification). It also helps in removing toxin from the body and gives a cooling effect because of its Sita virya quality (cold in potency). Start taking Sarivadyasava (15-20 ml) by adding same quantity of water twice a day, after taking foods. If you have diabetes, avoid Sarivadyasava as it is made of jaggery.
Modern Science View
Anantamul is preferably safe for most people when taken as a medicine, advised by your doctor. However, in some cases, it might lead to irritation of the stomach, especially when taken in large doses[5].
Modern Science View
There is no clear evidence that indicates Anantamul (Sarsaparilla) is not safe for pregnant women and lactating mothers. However, it is wise to be on a safer side and consult your doctor before you take this herb for any health benefits[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Indian Sarsaparilla does accelerate the process of wound healing when used externally. It improves the cellular growth and promotes the formation of tissues. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects of Anantamul eliminate free radicals and lower the inflammation rate at the site of injury[6].
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, Anantamul has a quality of Ropan (healing) and Sita virya (cold in potency), so it works a healing agent. The paste of Anantamul root can be applied to a wound twice a day for fast healing.
Modern Science View
Yes, Anantamul is used as a traditional medicine to treat various skin conditions. It is commonly used to treat ringworm, oral thrush (yeast infections in the mouth) and bacterial infections of the skin. It is due to antioxidants, that clear toxins from the body and antimicrobial activity, which kills the microbes[3].
Ayurvedic View
Anantamul is the main ingredient in most of the Ayurvedic skin medicines because it shows excellent result in all type of skin problems due to its Ropan (healing) and Raktashodhak (blood purifying) properties. Anantamul can be used externally and internally in all types of skin problems like ringworm, thrush, psoriasis, eczema and bacterial-related skin disease. Apply the paste of Anantamul root on the affected area twice a day. For better result use for at least 2-3 months.
Modern Science View
There is no research that states that Anantamul powder should not be used for cuts and burns. However, it is wise to consult your doctor about use of Anantamul for burns to be on a safer side.
References
- H.S. Puri.\"Anantmul\".Rasayana: Ayurvedic Herbs for Longevity and Rejuvenation (1st ed).CRC Press; 2003.
- Shah B.Textbook of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry (1st ed).Elsevier India; 2009.
- Gayathri M, Kannabiran K.Antimicrobial activity of Hemidesmus indicus, Ficus bengalensis and Pterocarpus marsupium roxb.Indian J Pharm Sci.2009;71(5):578-81.
- Samy RP, Thwin MM, Gopalakrishnakone P, et al.Ethnobotanical survey of folk plants for the treatment of snakebites in Southern part of Tamilnadu.India.J Ethnopharmacol.2008;17;115(2):302-12.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-379-sarsaparilla.
- Ganesan S, Parasuraman S, Maheswaran SU, et al.Wound healing activity of Hemidesmus indicus formulation.J Pharmacol Pharmacother.2012,3(1):66-7.
- Mehta A, Sethiya NK, Mehta C, et al.Anti-arthritis activity of roots of Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. (Anantmul) in rats.Asian Pac J Trop Med.2012;5(2):130-5.
- Kotnis MS, Patel P, Menon SN, et al. Renoprotective effect of Hemidesmus indicus, a herbal drug used in gentamicin-induced renal toxicity.Nephrology (Carlton).2004;9(3):142-52.
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.