Colocynth is an important Ayurveda herb. It is also known as bitter apple. Its botanical name is Citrullus colocynthis and it belongs to Cucurbitacae family.
Table of Contents
Vernacular names, Sanskrit synonyms
Hindi name: Indrayan, Indrayan ki jad (root)
Telugu name: Chedu Puccha, Cinna Papara, Kuturu budama
Malayalam and Tamil name: Pikkumutti.
Kannada name: Tamate Kayi, Tamte Kai
Bengali name: Rakhale Shasa
Punjabi name: kaudatumma
Telugu name: paparabudam
English name: Colocynth, bitter apple, bitter cucumber, desert gourd, vine of Sodom.
Gavakshi – fruit is spherical in shape, similar to eye of cow
Chitra – fruit contains lines
Pita pushpa – Flowers are yellow in colour
Vishaghni – Alleviate poison
Varuni – It has purgative action
Indravaruni – Classical categorization
Moolini Dravya – Group of herbs, where root is the part used.
Virechana Dravya – group of herbs used for the purpose of purgation Panchakarma therapy.
Sushruta Samhita: Shyamadi Gana, Adhobhagahara
Vagbhata: Shyamadi Gana
Bh. Pr – Guduchyadi varga
Dha. Ni – 2 types
1. Indravaruni – Citrullus colocynthis
2. Visala – Tricosanthes palmata
Medicinal qualities, Effect on Doshas
Rasa (taste): Tikta (bitter)
Guna (qualities): Laghu (light to digest), Rooksha (dry), Teekshna (piercing, enters deep tissues)
Vipaka (taste conversion after digestion): Katu (pungent)
Veerya (potency): Ushna (hot)
Effect on Tridosha: Balances Kapha and Pitta.
Colocynth is very hot in nature and is a potent purgative.
It was used to initiate abortion.
In therapeutic doses, it is used in the treatment of
Kamala – jaundice
Pleeha – splenomegaly
Udara – ascites
Shwasa – Asthma, COPD, wheezing, breathing difficulty
Kasa – cough, cold
Kushta – skin diseases
Gulma – Abdominal tumor, bloating
Granthi – boils, nodules
Vrana – wounds
Prameha – diabetes, urinary tract disorders
Moodagarbha – malformed fetus
Part used, Dosage
Part used: Fruit, root, Leaf
Dose: Fruit powder – 125 – 500 mg
Root Powder – 1 – 2 grams per day.
In people with sensitive stomach, it may produce severe purgation.
It is contra indicated during pregnancy, lactation and in children.
It should only be used under medical supervision.
Take this herb only up till the prescribed time period in the prescribed dosage.
Interaction with medicines, supplements
Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets,
Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most of the dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
Ayurveda medicine with Colocynth as ingredient:
Maha Manjishtadi kashayam – Used as blood purifier in skin diseases.
Abhayarishta – used in hemorrhoids, constipation etc.
Maha Vishagarbha Taila – used in sciatica and joint disorders with stiffness as a symptom.
Mrita Sanjeevani Sura – An alcoholic Ayurveda preparation.
Perennial twinning herb or climber, usually spreads on ground
Stem – Slender with hairy tendrils
Root – Deep, branched, Cylindrical, and yellow coloured
Flowers – Pale yellow, axillary and solitary
Fruits – Globose, glabrous, pulp is very bitter, white or brown coloured seeds