International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
Mythological and Spiritual Review on Eloeocarpus Ganitrus and Assessment of Scientific Facts for its Medicinal Uses
Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Assistant Professor, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Syn: E. sphaericus) is the king of herbal medicines which belongs to family Elaeocarpaceae. It is commonly known as Rudraksha and is popularly used in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani system of medicine. It is a large evergreen tree which is found in himalyan region and also in area of gangetic plain. The plant reaches the height of 50-200 feet. The main trunk of tree is rough textured, cylindrical and grayish-white in colour. The leaves are shining, green, oblong, lanceolate, acute or acuminate, minutely crenate or serrate and almost glabrous in nature. The inflorescence is mainly racemes and mostly from the axils of fallen leaves. Fully ripe fruits are blue in color which bears seeds in it and so they are also known as blueberry beads. The seeds are hard and contain tubercles. Traditionally rudraksha is used in the treatment of hypertension, anxiety, epilepsy, migraine, depression, palpitation, nerve pain, asthma, arthritis and liver disease. In ayurvedic medicinal system, wearing of Rudraksha can have a positive effect on heart and nerves. Even the research has proved the powers of rudraksha scientifically with reproducible results which further proved the Rudraksha have dielectric, inductive, diamagnetic, para-magnetic, and dynamic polarity or the ability to change its polarity. The effective constituents are various alkaloids like elaeocarpidine, (+) - elaeocarpine, isoelaeocarpine, rudrakine, pseudo epiisoelaeocarpiline and flavonoids like quercetin. The present review is an effort to compile all the relevant information and to enlighten the need of research of this plant.
Key Words: Rudraksha, Elaeocrpus ganitrus, Elaeocarpus sphaericus, Magnetic property, Elaeocarpine.
Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 334
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
while opening them and they turned into rudraksha. [2] The seeds of rudraksha were INTRODUCTION traditionally worn by people for the cure of various disorders like the wearer gains Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Syn: E.sphaericus) health and peace, it also increases memory i.e. Rudraksha is also known as holy tree etc. Various researches have been done to as it is the beloved tree of Lord Shiva. It is prove its activities like hypertension, anti- described in various ancient literatures like inflammatory, analgesic, anti-microbial Shiv puran, Devi Bhagwat Puran, Padma etc. puran. [1] The mythology states about the However, the present review deals with the plant that the three demons, Tripurasuras uses of rudraksha, the advancement in were having innumerable powers. They pharmacological and phytochemical lived in Purams which was built in the sky evaluations which will be remarkable for and revolved around the space. The the exploitation for new components and Purams were protected by a boon from fully utilization of this plant. The possible Lord Ganesha that nobody can harm them, development and perspective for future unless they come into a single axis .That researches of the plant are also discussed. moment comes only once in every Rudraksha is a well known drug since thousand years. Prayed by all gods, Lord ancient times. Its different synonyms listed Shiva decided to kill those demons. Lord in Table 1 are mentioned in classical Shiva did tapasya (meditation) with half- books like Raj Nighantu, Bhavaprakash closed eye (Ardha nimeelita neetra). He Nighantu, Nighantu Adarsha, Shankar opened his eyes, concentrated on the axis Nighantu, Dravyaguna Vigyan etc. [3-9] and burnt Tripurams. Due to the stress caused by tapasya, tears came out his eyes
TABLE 1: SYNONYM OF RUDRAKSHA Language Synonyms Sanskrit Chattu sampangi, Rudraksha, Bhutnasan Hindi Rudraki, Rudraksha English Utrasum Bead Tree , Wooden Begger bead Gujarati Rudraksh Bengali Rudrakya Kannada Rudrakshi mara, Rudraksh Malayalam Rudraksha, Rudraksam Marathi Rudraksha Punjabi Rudraksha Tamil Rudraksha, Ruttiratcam Telgu Rudraksha, Rudraksi Assam Rudrai, Ludrok,Udrok Other Sivaksha, Sarwaksh, Paawan, Nilkanthaksha, Haraksha,Sivpriye
Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 335
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
1.1 Botanical classification of about 12 genera and 350 species of trees Elaeocarpus ganitrus belongs to genus and shrubs and are distributed in the Elaeocarpus, family Elaeocarpaceae. It is a tropical and subtropical regions but mainly plant from kingdom Plantae, division it has about 36 sister species including Magnoliophyta, Magnoliopsida class and rudraksha. [10] order Oxilidales. The Elaeocarpus consists
(a) (b) (c) FIGURE 1: PHOTOGRAPHS OF ELAEOCARPUS GANITRUS SHOWING (A) TREE, (B) SEEDS, (C) BARK
1.2 Descriptiozn
The morphological and microscopical characters of plant are listed in Table 2 [3, 8, 10] and Table 3 [6, 11] respectively. TABLE 2: MORPHOLOGY OF DIFFERENT PARTS Parts Morphological characters Leaves Simple, oblong-lanceolate, sub-entire or irregularly crenate, glabrous, acute or acuminate Flower White colored, in dense racemes and mostly from axils of fallen leaves, fringed petals, anthers are linear, appear in april-may. Fruits Small, round or oval, violet or blue colored and acidic in taste. Endocarp Stony endocarp is hard, globular, strongly tubercule, marked with 5 to longitudinal ridges, rarely 1 to 4, reddish brown in color.
TABLE 3: MICROSCOPY OF DIFFERENT PARTS Parts Microscopical characters Leaves Single layered epidermis, compactly arranged parenchyma cells covered externally with a cuticle, palisade cells made up of two layers of elongated cells, compactly arranged chlorenchyma cells, prisms of calcium oxalates in midrib cells, conjoint, collateral and closed vascular bundles. Seeds Outer layers shows 2 to 3 compact rows of tangentially elongated testa filled with brown pigment, hypodermis composed of radially elongated 1 to 2 rows
Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 336
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
of cells, aleurone grains, and fixed oil and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate. Endocarp Several layers of characteristically arranged large islands of thick walled sclerenchyma.
1.2.1 Powder characteristics rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, Powders were reddish brown in color, scleroids of various sizes and shapes from shows polygonal lignified with narrow the endocarp, cells of endosperm is filled lumened stone cells, thin walled, with aleurone grains, transversally cut parenchymatous cells with reddish brown cotyledon cells loaded with aleurone contents, simple to compound starch grain, grains and oil drops. [5, 6]
1.3 Habitat Elaeocarpus ganitrus is a medium sized 1.6 Chemical composition evergreen tree with a spreading handsome Rudraksha is a plant product which crown, found in tropical and subtropical contains carbon (50.024), hydrogen areas at the attitude ranging from sea coast (17.798), oxygen (30.453), nitrogen to 2,000 meters above the sea level. In (0.9461) and different trace element in a India it is found in Bihar, Bengal, Assam, combined form. The major chemicals Maharashtra, Sikkim, and Madhya which are present in it are palmitic acid Pradesh. [3, 8] and stearic acid. The others chemicals are oleic, linoleic, myristic, isopalmitic, 1.4 Parts used isostearic, lauric, tetradecanoic, The medicinally important part of palmitoleic and 9-octadecanoic acids. The rudraksha are fruits and seeds kernel. [3, 7, 8] leaves have shown the presence of various alkaloid, tannin and flavanoid. Table 4 1.5 Therapeutic dose consists of the constituents with their The powder of the drug is given in the structures. [6, 10, 12, 13] dose of 1to 2 gm. [5, 6] TABLE 4: STRUCTURE OF CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS Alkaloid
Elaeocarpine (+)- (+)-Elaeocarpine (+)- Isoelaeocarpine Epielaeocarpiline CH3 O H
N H
O H (+)- (-)- (+)-Pseudo Rudrakine Epialloelaeocarpiline Alloelaeocarpiline epiisoelaeocarpiline
Tannins Flavonoids Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 337
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
Gallic acid Ellagic acid Quercetin
1.7 Identity, Purity and Strength Rudraksha is used since ancient time in the The Rudraksha should have foreign matter management of various diseases. It is used as nil, total ash should not be more than in vatapaittik disease, dahashaman 1.2%, acid-insoluble ash should not be (burning sensation) by rubbing it like more than 0.4 % , alcohol soluble sandalwood, swasroga (bronchial extractive value should not be more than antispasmodic), jwar (fever) cure irritation 2% and water soluble extractive value due to jwar, apasmar (epilepsy), should not be more than 1%. [5] matisudhikara (cure mental condition), manasroga (mental disorder). 1.8 Rasa-Panchak It is used to cure chicken pox, mental The rasa (taste) of Rudraksha is madhur disorder, insomnia, diseases related to (sweet). Its guna (properties) is snigdha head, to bring peace to the mind, increase (unctuous) and sthool (bulky). The veerya the secretion of pitta in case of jaundice (potency) is mentioned as ushna (hot) as and other liver oriented disorder. For well as sheeta (cold). The vipak (metabolic hypertension it is best medicine. [3, 5, 7-9] property) is madhur (sweet). The karma The astrological uses of Rudraksha and its (action) of the drug is raksoghna indication with reference to its mukhis are (disinfectant), medya (intelligence), mentioned in Table 5. [3, 10, 11, 15-18] hrdyam (cardio tonic). [3, 5, 7, 14]
1.9 Important Formulations 1.11 Types of Rudraksha with its Gorochanadi vati,Cukkumitppalyadi Astrological uses gutika, Dhanwantara gutika, The origin of Rudraksha is tear drops Svarnamukladi gutika, Mrtasanjivani fallen from the eyes of Rudra (Lord gutika. [5] Shiva). Three eyes of Rudra represent sun, moon and fire. Rudraksha seeds born out 1.10 Traditional Uses of Rudraksha of tears of solar eye of Rudra are brown in The uses are also described as follows: color and are of 12 types. Those seeds ‘’ Rudraksasya phalasthi syanmadhuram which are born of his lunar eye are fair and sitalam laghu are of 16 types. The furious eye tears gave Manovikarasamanam raktabharpaham origin to black Rudraksha which are of 10 saram types. In this way, ancient scriptures Dahajavaraprasmanam sasyate vatapaittike mention 38 types of Rudraksha. Apasmare tathonmade raktabhare dhike Traditionally, Rudraksha seeds are trsi categorized on the basis of clefts or faces Masurikayam visophote svase or mukhas the seeds bears. Two mukhi to yakridgadesu ca’’ fourteen mukhi Rudraksha are commonly available in the market. One mukhi and fifteen to twenty one mukhi Rudraksha are Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 338
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
rare and costly varieties. Three more classify and tag the quality and importance varieties named Ganesh Rudraksha, Gauri to different mukhi seeds according to the Shankar Rudraksha and Garbh–Gauri number or type of mukha (faces) the seed Rudraksha are also available in the market has. [16, 18] scientifically. The ancient scriptures TABLE 5: TYPE OF RUDRAKSHA WITH ITS ASTROLOGICAL USES AND INDICATIONS Type of Planet/ Shape Beej Indications Astrological uses Mukhi/ Zodiac mantra Ruling sign God 1 Mukhi/ Sun/ Leo Half moon Om Chronic asthma Enlightens the super Shiva shape Namaha heart problems, consciousness, Shivaya mental anxiety, provides improved Om T.B, Paralysis, concentration and Hreem stroke, eye mental structure Namah problem bone changes specific to pain and renunciation form headache worldly affairs. The wearer enjoys all comforts at his command but still remains unattached 2 Mukhi/ Moon/ Two natural Om Impotency, Blesses the wearer Ardhnar- Cancer, lines or Shiva renal failure, with 'UNITY'. It eshwar Scorpio facets on its Shaktihi stress, anxiety, could be related to surface Namah lack of guru-shishya, concentration, parents-children, depression, husband-wife or negative friends. Maintaining thinking, eye oneness is its problems, peculiarity mental chaos, hysteria and intestinal disorder 3 Mukhi/ Mars/ Three Om Depression, The wearer gets free Agni Aries, natural lines Kleem schizophrenia, from sins or wrongs Cancer, or mukhas Namah weakness from his life and Leo, on its multifarious, returns to purity. Pisces surface directive of the Ideal for those who menstrual suffer from inferior cycle/menstrual complexes, stress, fixation subjective fear, guilt or guilt induced and depression
Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 339
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
complexes, blood pressure, mood swings, fever or weakness, jaundice and mental disability 4 Mukhi/ Mercury/ Four lines Om Blood The wearer gains Brahma Gemini, on its Hreem circulation, power of creativity Virgo surface Namah cough and brain when blessed. linked illness, Increases memory asthma, power and memory lapse intelligence and respiratory problems 5 Mukhi/ Jupiter/ Five natural Om Blood pressure, Wearer gains health Kalaagni Aries, lines Hreem heart problems, and peace. It Scorpio, (mukhas) Namah stress, mental increases memory Pisces on its disability, also surface fatness, anger management, diabetics, piles, neurotic and maladjustment problems 6 Mukhi/ Venus/ Six natural Om Epilepsy and Saves from the Kartikey Taurus, lines Hreem gynecological emotional trauma of Gemini, (mukhas) Hum problems worldly sorrows and Virgo, on its Namah gives learning, Libra, surface wisdom and Capricorn, knowledge. Affects Aquarius understanding and appreciation of love, sexual pleasure, music and personal relationships 7 Mukhi/ Saturn/ Seven Om Asthma, It should be worn by Maha- Taurus, natural lines Hum pharyngitis, those who are laxami Libra, (mukhas) Namah impotency, foot suffering from Capricorn, on its related disease, miseries pertaining Aquarius surface respiratory and to body, finance and confusion mental set-up. By wearing this man can progress in business and service Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 340
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
and spends his life happily 8 Mukhi/ Rahu/ - Eight Om Stomach ache, Removes all Ganesha natural lines Ganesha stress, skin obstacles and brings (mukhas) -ya diseases and success in all on its Namah anxiety undertakings. It surface gives the wearer all kinds of attainments - Riddhies and Siddhies. His opponents are finished i.e. the minds or intentions of his opponents are changed 9 Mukhi/ Ketu/ - 9 natural Om Work as Wearer is blessed Durga lines Hreem mysterious with lot of energy, (mukhas) Hum medicine for powers, Dynamism on its Namah treating strange and fearlessness, surface diseases which are useful to live a life of success 10 None/ - 10 natural Om Hormonal This contains the Mukhi/ lines Hreem inequality in the influence of ten Vishnu (mukhas) Namah body, mental incarnations and the on its insecurity and ten directions. It surface whooping works like a shield cough on one's body and drives evils away 11 None/ - 11 natural Om Body pain, Blesses wearer with Mukhi/ lines Hreem backache, wisdom, right Hanuman (mukhas) Hum chronic judgment, powerful on its Namah alcoholism and vocabulary, surface liver diseases adventurous life, fearlessness and success. Above all, it also protects from accidental death. It also helps in Meditation and removes the problems of yogic practices 12 Sun/ Leo, 12 natural Aum Bone diseases, Wearer gets the Mukhi/ Sagittarius lines Kraum rickets, quality of the sun - Sun (mukhas) Sraum osteoporosis, to rule and to move on its Raum mental continuously with Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 341
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
surface Namah disability and brilliant radiance anxiety and strength. Good for ministers, politicians, administrators, businessmen and executives. Removes worry, suspicion and fear. Increases self image and motivation 13 Venus/ 13 natural Om Muscular Showers all possible Mukhi/ Taurus, lines Hreem dystrophies comforts of life one Indra Gemini, (mukhas) Namah can ever desire. It Capricom, on its gives riches and Aquarius surface honor and fulfills all the earthly desires and gives eight accomplishments (Siddhies), and the god cupid (Kamadeva) pleases with the man who wears it.. It is helpful for meditation and spiritual and materialistic attainments 14 None/ 14 natural Om Brain related Most precious divine Mukhi/ Taurus, lines Shivaya and many other gem - Deva Mani. It Hanuman Gemini, (mukhas) Namah types of disease awakens the sixth Capricorn, on its sense organ by Aquarius surface which the wearer foresees the future happenings. Its wearer never fails in his decisions. Its wearer gets rid of all the calamities, miseries, worries. It protects from ghosts, evil spirits and black magic. It provides the wearer safety, security and riches Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 342
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
and self power 15 Rahu/ - 15 natural Om Skin diseases, This represents Lord Mukhi/ lines Pashup- recurring Pashupati and is Pashupati (mukhas) ataya miscarriage and especially beneficial -nath on its Namah still birth. It is for economic surface measured as a progress. Its blessing for possesor is neither women who are bereft of wealth nor incapable to inflicted by any imagine and in kinds of skin such case both diseases the partner should wear it for fruitfulness 16 Ketu/ - 16 natural Om Leprosy, It represents victory Mukhi/ lines NamahS tuberculosis and and the possessor is Hari and (mukha) on hivaya lung diseases never affected by Shankar its surface heat or cold. It is especially useful for the saints living in jungles. The house in which it is kept is free from fire, theft or robbery 17 None/ - 17 natural Om Memory lapse It represents Mukhi/ lines Namah and body Vishvakarma the Lord (mukhas) Shivay functional builder of this world. Viswakar on its disorders It is very effective in ma surface gaining unexpected money. It is especially useful in attaining property, vehicles and all physical assets 18 None/ - 18 natural Om Mental It represents the Mukhi/ lines Namah harmonization mother earth. The Bhairav (mukhas) Shivay and loss or possessor remains on its power happy and healthy. It surface is especially beneficial for the pregnant women in protecting their child 19 Mercury/ - 19 natural Om Blood disorder It represents Lord Mukhi/ lines Namah and spinal Narayana. The Vishnu (mukhas) Shivay disorder possessor is narayan on its bestowed with all Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 343
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
surface worldly pleasures. There is no scarcity in their life Trijuti or None/ - Three Om Internal and Wearer becomes Tribhagi/ naturally Namah external body invincible Brahma, joined Shivay disorders Vishnu, Rudrakshas Shiva are a rare phenomeno n Gauri- None/ Two OmShri Sexual and Regarded the best sankar/ Cancer, naturally Gaurish behavioral for peace and Shiva & Scorpio joined ankarey disorders comfort in the Parvati Rudrakshas Namah family. If a man worships Gauri Shankar at his worshipping place, the pain and suffering and other earthly obstacles are destroyed and the peace and pleasure 1of family are increased Garbha – None/ - Two beads Om Gynecological For women wanting gauri/ joined garbha disorders to have children. Her Parvati & together Gauriya motherhood gains Ganesha naturally Namah perfection
present on the beads. If it is not then drawback will be that the beads get TEST METHODS FOR damaged. It is most reliable methods ANALYSIS OF REAL 2.2 Properties test: This test gives information that whether the beads show ELAEOCARPUS properties like inductance, capacitance, conduction of electric current etc. Elaeocarpus ganitrus is having various 2.3 Copper Coin test: Generally it is versions and the version of it increases the believed that when the bead is placed importance and price. It is made between two copper coins then it will synthetically and the artificial Elaeocarpus slightly rotate either clockwise or the ganitrus are also being sold in market. anticlockwise direction. This phenomenon There are many methods of testing a occurs due to physical and magnetic genuine (or fake) Elaeocarpus ganitrus properties of the beads. Only expert people 2.1 Cut test: When beads are cut are good for it. horizontally then the number of sections 2.4 Eye test: There is a natural partition on should be same as the number of lines beads which is just like the closed lips and Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 344
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
these deep linings (facets) can be seen with of all senses depends on the flow of bio the help of magnifying glass (lenses). The electric current .The smooth flow of bio artificial beads seem to be real but the electric current results in the normal facets cannot be made as real as those functioning of body parts. present on real one. Hence the real beads During the condition of stress or can easily be distinguished. maladjustment, this electronic circuit of 2.4 Water test: Some of the rare beads body and mind is disrupted. The person like GauriShankar or Trijuti can be made will feel uncomfortable and will not be by synthetically joining two or three beads able to do work effectively. Rudraksha with help of paste etc. If such beads are beads act as stabilizing anchor as it contain kept in boiling water for some time then a electric as well as magnetic field in it. sharp streak will take place at the joint and The electrical properties of rudraksha the synthetic beads can be identified. beads can be broadly categorized as – 2.5 Scientific technique of identification 3.1 Resistance: X-Ray: This is a technique by which the Due to the potential difference in the body internal structure is observed without parts, there is a continuous flow of bio damaging the beads. This digital X-ray test electric signals throughout the body. A is done without complication for rudraksha particular mukhi rudraksha beads have a beads up to nine mukhi but higher mukhi definite factor of resistance which is beads may not give 100% accurate results measured in ohms. When these beads due to overlapping of the internal seeds. resist the flow of bioelectric impulse in the CT scanning: This is another method for body specific ampere of current flow is identification of beads but it is more generated. These impulses stimulate expensive than X-ray. It gives much clear certain positive brain chemicals which results for any beads than X-ray. CT give positivity. The person feels more scanning and X-ray are expensive methods confident, self controlled and more to identify the beads but gives clear and energetic. accurate results. [10, 13, 19] 3.2 Capacitance or the dielectric property: Due to the storage of electrical energy in rudraksha beads, they act as dielectric. So MEDICINAL & SCIENTIFIC they become capable in stabilizing and VALUE OF RUDRAKASHA anchoring the bioelectric current. Its value is measured in units of Farad. It is very helpful in controlling hyperactivity, Rudraksha beads empower to cure the palpitation of heart etc. In the case of human body medicinally as well as stress where physical activity is increased, spiritually due to its electromagnetic the heart beats faster i.e. increasing in property. overall hormones & nervous system which The complete human body (nervous causes increase in bioelectric current. system) can be considered as a complex Rudraksha beads have the dielectric Bio electronic circuit. Different reflex property i.e. storage of electrical energy, actions takes place in body like pumping so it can make overall activity to of the heart etc. and due to them number of normalcy. electric impulses are generated. This is 3.3 Inductance: termed as Bioelectricity and the working
Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 345
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
Rudraksha beads are having the permanent Due to the dynamic property, it exerts a magnetic properties so they can send out powerful anti-ageing property. [13, 19, 20] inductive vibrations with frequencies which are measured in units of Henry (Volt seconds/Ampere). Because of this property, people can feel better by seeing CONSERVATION STATUS IN it only. INDIA 3.4 Magnetic property: The popular process of magnetic healing is About 120 species of Elaeocarpus mainly due to the paramagnetic & reported from different parts of Asia, diamagnetic properties of rudraksha beads. including Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, Tibet, It also has one of the most important Java, Indonesia, and the foothill of the properties of dynamic polarity. The basic Himalayas, twenty five are found in way of healing generally includes the different parts of India such as Uttar reduction of the blockage of the arteries & Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Madhya vein which carries blood towards & from Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and the heart to all parts of the body due to Meghalaya. The Rudraksha tree occurs various reasons. The waste materials are sporadically in all districts of Assam, but being cleansed off by blood & carries is more frequent in Arunachal Pradesh. In oxygen and energy to various parts of Assam Rudraksha is found in places like body. The disruption in circulation of Charaideu, Digboi, Margherita, Dibrugarh, blood will lead to illness. Due to improper Jorhat and Golaghat. In Arunachal blood circulation pain is being experienced Pradesh, it is common along the foothills & hence the blood cells, arteries & veins of all districts, except Tawang and upper are positively or negatively charged as Subansiri. In recent years, the population magnets. When magnets (rudraksha beads) of Rudraksha in Arunachal Pradesh is are being moved through various parts of dwindling at an alarming rate. Presently, body, the poles of magnets & body act the species is nowhere common as concurrently. Hence the passage expands. reported by Kanjilal. Causes of decrease in Due to the streaming of blood circulation, population of the species are directly or suddenly the rejuvenated feeling occur indirectly related to excessive extraction of along with healing & illness vanishes. forest resources and often large-scale 3.5 Dynamic polarity: disturbances to forest ecosystems. Rudraksha beads have the property of Expanding urbanization, construction Diamagnetism. Blood circulation and heart activities such as hydroelectric dams, beat automatically induces a magnetic buildings and roads, encroachment on vast field around the body and particularly the areas of forest lands for extension of arable heart region. Bioelectricity automatically lands, logging, mining operations and gives raise to bio magnetism depending on shifting cultivation are some of the factors the polarity of the induced magnetic field. causing extensive damage to forests and Rudraksha bead acquires a polarity that is depletion of biodiversity. In Arunachal opposite of the inducing field. As a result Pradesh alone, prior to the Supreme Court of this, the opening up the passages of ban on felling, there were 17 plywood arteries and veins are far better than that of mills, 14 veneer units +and nearly 40 magnets. Much better healing and sawmills of various sizes and capacities. rejuvenation is experienced. Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 346
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
These industries consumed over 9.8 aqueous extract at dose 200 mg/kg of million cubic feet of timber annually. The Elaeocarpus ganitrus leaves on illegal logging operations, though confined carrageenan induced inflammation may be to more inaccessible areas in Arunachal due to inhibition of the enzyme Pradesh, are destroying and fragmenting cyclooxygenase leading to inhibition of the habitat of Rudraksha. So, the tree is prostaglandin synthesis. being pushed to the threatened category In an another study sequential petroleum (currently not listed in the Red data book) ether (PE), benzene (BE), chloroform(CE), and may even become extinct in the future acetone (AE) and ethanol (EE) extracts if immediate conservation measures are (50-200 or 200 mg/kg, ip, or 200 mg/kg, not taken up. [21] po ) of dried Elaeocarpus ganitrus fruits, pretreatment time 30-45 min, showed significant anti-inflammatory action against both acute and sub-acute models, PHARMACOLOGICAL analgesic, barbiturate-hypnosis ACTIVITIES OF potentiating an antiulcer genic activities in rats. All the extracts, except PE and EE ELAEOCARPUS GANITRUS decreased swim stress immobility in mice indicating some degree of antidepressant 5.1 Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. All the extracts protected guinea- effect pigs against bronchospasm induced by Analgesic and anti-inflammatory study has histamine and acetylcholine aerosols. been done by taking petroleum ether, Chemically, the extracts showed the chloroform, methanol and aqueous extract presence of glycosides, steroids, alkaloids of Elaeocarpus ganitrus leaves for and flavonoids. [22, 23] analgesic and anti-inflammatory potentials 5.2 Antioxidant using carrageenan-induced paw edema Oxygen is essential for the survival of all (inflammation) in rats and tail flick tests in living creatures on this earth. During the mice. The methanol and aqueous extract of process of oxygen utilization in normal Elaeocarpus ganitrus leaves at all doses physiological and metabolic processes (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) showed significant approximately 5% of oxygen gets (p<0.05) percentage inhibition of edema at univalently reduced to oxygen derived free 3rd hr of treatment when compared with radicals like superoxide, hydrogen control group but maximum percentage peroxide, hydroxyl and nitric oxide inhibition of edema at dose 200mg/kg (i.e. radicals. All these radicals known as 46.21% and 41.66%) for both extracts. reactive oxygen species (ROS) exert While the standard drug Diclofenac oxidative stress towards the cells of human sodium (5mg/kg) showed significant body rendering each cell to face about inhibition of edema at 3rd hr of treatment 10000 oxidative hits per second. When is 49.40%. For analgesic activity it is also generation of ROS overtakes the concluded that the methanol and aqueous antioxidant defense of the cells, the free extract of Elaeocarpus ganitrus leaves at radicals start attacking the cell proteins, dose 100 mg/kg showed significant lipids and carbohydrates (4-6) and this (p<0.05) increase in tail flick response. leads to a number of physiological Therefore, it can be inferred that the disorders. inhibitory effect of methanolic and
Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 347
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
Ethanolic extract of leaves of Elaeocarpus rats (180-200g) were pretreated with ganitrus was analyzed for their total aqueous extract of E. ganitrus for six antioxidant capacity, reducing power, weeks. Hypertension was induced in metal chelating, ABTS+ (2, 2-azinobis-(3- animals by clamping the renal artery with ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) radical renal bulldog clamp for 4 hr. Ischemia of scavenging and hydroxyl radical the kidneys causes elevation of blood scavenging activities. The extract at 500 pressure by activation of the renin- μg/ml showed maximum Iron chelating angiotensin system. Elevated blood activity (76.70%) followed by the pressure of the animals was significantly scavenging of the ABTS+ radical (55.77%) (p<0.05) decreased by the aqueous extract at the same concentration. However, the of E. ganitrus at the dose levels of 25, 50 extract showed only moderate hydroxyl and 100mg/kg, i.v. Captopril, angiotensin radical scavenging activity (13.43%). converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) at Total antioxidant capacity was found to be the dose of 1 mg/kg, i.v. showed 24.18 mg ascorbic acid equivalents at significantly (p<0.05) reduced in the 500?g/ml extract concentration. There was elevated blood pressure. The a positive correlation between the total antihypertensive activity of aqueous phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, extract of E. ganitrus may be due to the R2 = 0.8547, whereas the correlation action on rennin-angiotensin system. between the total flavonoids and Another study highlights the effect of antioxidant capacity was determined to be Elaeocarpus ganitrus in experimentally R2=0.8413. The results suggest that induced acute hypertension by adrenaline phenolics and flavonoids in the leaves and nicotine. Study was done in six provide substantial antioxidant activity. [24] anaesthetized cats having similar body 5.3 Anti hypertensive weight and age. 90 % Ethanol extracts of Hypertension is the leading cause of Elaeocarpus ganitrus was given cardiovascular disease worldwide. Despite intravenously to cats. Blood pressure was a diversity of pharmacological agents to measured by using Pressure transducer and treat high blood pressure, suboptimal Polyrite (INCO). Elaeocarpus ganitrus control remains a significant problem in as reduces adrenaline induced hypertension many as 43% of patients and this rate has and also normal blood pressure; but it is not significantly improved over the past not effective in nicotine induced two decades. There are a variety of factors hypertension. The effect of the drug was contributing to this including patient’s found when the water soluble portion of non-adherence due to complex drug the extract was given to cats in a dose of regimens and medications side effects, 15mg / kg body weight. [25-27] under-treatment and treatment resistance. 5.4 Antimicrobial activity There, thus, remains a need to find herbal Elaeocarpus ganitrus is an evergreen tree treatment to antihypertensive therapy that found worldwide. Antimicrobial activity of facilitate attainment of optimal blood the aqueous extract of leaves of E. pressure levels. Elaeocarpus ganitrus ganitrus was tested against clinical isolates reported for its anti hypertensive activity, of bacteria and fungi. In vitro Aqueous extract of Elaeocarpus ganitrus antimicrobial activity was performed by seed powder was evaluated for its agar well diffusion method on Mueller antihypertensive activity in renal artery Hinton agar and Sabouraud Dextrose agar occluded hypertensive rats. Male wistar for bacterial and fungal cultures Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 348
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
respectively. The extract exhibited a broad of the ethanol extractive of C. behen and spectrum of antimicrobial activity as it chloroform and ethanol extractives of E. inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus ganitrus may be related to their alkaloid aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and flavonoid content. The results indicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella that both the plants can be considered as pneumoniae, Penicillium sp, Aspergillus potential candidate for bioactivity guided flavus, Candida albicans and C. tropicalis. isolation of natural antianxiety agents. [30] The extract showed maximum relative 5.6 Antidiabetic percentage inhibition against B. cereus The anti diabetic effect of Elaeocarpus (124.16%). Minimum inhibitory ganitrus was evaluated in rats by single concentration test was performed by dose at three graded dose levels, modified agar well diffusion method. 250,500,1000mg/kg body weight. Anti Minimum inhibitory concentration values hyperglycemic activity of the extract was of the extract varied from 125-2000 μg/ml; also evaluated at the same dose level in however minimum value was reported streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, ip) induced against B. cereus and A. flavus diabetic rats during a 30-days treatment (125μg/ml). The results indicate the period. Metformin (500mg/ kg) was used potential use of E. ganitrus leaves for the as the reference drug. Fasting blood development of antimicrobial compounds. glucose and lipid parameters, viz. [28, 29] triglycerides, total cholesterol, high- 5.5 Antianxiety density lipoprotein and low density Anxiety is a mental disorder it is lipoprotein levels were measured. Acute characterized by excessive, uncontrollable oral toxicity of the extract was carried out and often irrational worry about everyday in Swiss albino mice. The investigation things that is disproportionate to the actual shows that Elaeocarpus ganitrus seeds source of worry, it is diagnosed as have potential anti diabetic effects. In generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).The another study water extract of leaves, fruits petroleum ether (PE), chloroform (CE), and twigs of Elaeocarpus grandiflorus ethanol (EE) and water extractives (WE) shows alloxan induced anti diabetic of Centaurea behen and Elaeocarpus activity. [31, 32] ganitrus were prepared and evaluated for 5.7 Antifungal antianxiety activity in mice using elevated Elaeocarpus ganitrus have antifungal plus maize model. The results were activity the chloroform and ethanol compared with standard drug, diazepam. extracts of Elaeocarpus ganitrus have high The ethanol extractive of C. behen ( 200 antifungal activity against Candida mg/kg) and chloroform and ethanol albicans. Whereas, chloroform, ethanol extractives of E. ganitrus ( 200 and 400 and water extract showed moderate mg/kg) significantly increased the time inhibition against Aspergillus niger. [33] spent and percentage of the open arm 5.8 Antidepressant effect entries in the elevated plus maize model The water portion of 90% ethanol extract and hence exhibited antianxiety activity, of the fruits of Elaeocarpus ganitrus which was comparable to diazepam. showed the presence of a prominent Chemically the extracts of both the plants central nervous system depressant effect, showed the presence of phytosterols, fats, characterized by typical behavioral alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, actions, potentiating of hexobarbitone proteins and tannins. The anxiolytic effects hypnosis and morphine analgesia, Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 349
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
anticonvulsant and anti-amphetamine have sweet taste with sweet metabolic effects. In addition the extract showed a property due to its property of cardio stimulant, depressor, smooth uncutousness & bulkiness it is having cold muscle relaxant and hydrocholeretic potency. Few have mentioned hot potency activities, part of these being mediated also. through beta adrenoreceptor stimulation Various researches have been done and and in part through a direct musculotropic medicinally important constituent are effect. The pharmacological profile of isolated. Chemical constituents which are activity of the extract substantiates the use present in it are linoleic, myristic, of the plant fruits in the treatment of isopalmitic, isostearic, lauric, mental diseases, epilepsy, hypertension, tetradecanoic, elaeocarpidine, (+) – asthma and liver diseases in the ancient epielaeocarpiline, (+) –elaeocarpine, Indian systems of medicines. [10] rudrakine etc. It can be used internally as 5.9 Anti-asthmatic well as externally. Researchers have The E. sphaericus fruits showed effect on proved its antibacterial, antioxidant, autocoid release during study conducted antidiabetic antihypertensive, antianxiety on rat mesenteric mast cell. The petroleum etc. It also has astrological uses according ether, benzene, chloroform, acetone and to the types of beads e.g. 1 mukhi for ethanol extracts of E. sphaericus fruits enlightens the super consciousness, were found to have mast-cell stabilizing provides improved concentration and activity, substantiating the efficacy of E. mental structure changes specific to sphaericus against bronchial asthma. [10, 34] renunciation from worldly affairs. The 5.10 Safety factors wearer enjoys all comforts at his command Rudraksha used traditionally in prescribed but still remains unattached, 2 mukhi dosage may be considered safe. Blesses the wearer with 'UNITY'. It could LD50 values of petroleum ether, benzene be related to guru-shishya, parents- and chloroform, acetone and ethanol children, husband-wife or friends. extract of fruit are 620,560,670,575 and Maintaining oneness is its peculiarity, 3 780 mg/kg p o, respectively in mice. LD mukhi the wearer gets free from sins or 50of the 90% ethanolic extract is 792mg/kg wrongs from his life and returns to purity. ip in rats. [6] Ideal for those who suffer from inferior complexes, subjective fear, guilt and depression etc. various scientific methods like cut test, water test etc. are adopted to RESULTS AND DISCUSSION check the genuanicity of rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) which is beneficial Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) is very in various disorder. popular plant since historic times. The Classical formulations e.g. Gorochanadi written evidences are found in various vati , Mrtasanjivani gutica etc. are classical text as well as modern text e.g. mentioned and more extensive work can Raj Nighantu, Bhavprakash Nighantu, be carried out for more formulations in the Dravyaguna vijnana, Indian materia market which can serve the mankind for its medica, Indian medicinal plant etc. betterment. This plant has number of synonyms e.g. chattusampangi, bhutnasan, rudraki, rudrakya, rudraksam etc. It is reported to Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 350
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
CONCLUSION market. Rudraksha contain electric as well as magnetic field. Nowadays, extremely Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) is a low frequency magnetic field is considered beneficial plant. It is used astrologically as as therapeutic agent and so used in well as medicinally. It can cure various medicines. Extremely low frequency disorders like dahasaman (burning magnetic field can initiate a number of sensation), jwar (fever), prameha biochemical & physiological alteration in (diabetes), raktabharsamak (hypertension) biological system which can be used to etc. from future prospect research can be overcome the conditions of stress & done to bring its formulations in the maladjustment. REFERENCES
1.
Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 351
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
14. Sharma PV (2004) Priya nighantu, Chaukhambha Survarti prakashan Varanasi, ed., p.35. 15.
Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 352
International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-5, June 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
32. Hule Amolkumar K, Shah Abhishek S, Gambhire Manoj N and Juvekar Archana R (2011), An Evaluation of the antidiabetic effects of Elaeocarpus ganitrus in experimental animals, Indian Journal of Pharmacognosy, Vol 43, p. 56-59. 33. Singh B, Chopra A, Ishar MPS, Sharma A and Raj T (2013), Parmacognostic and Antifungal investgtions of Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Rudraksha). Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 34. Singh RK, Bhattacharya SK and Acharya SB (2000), Studies on extracts of Elaeocarpus sphaericus fruits on in vitro rat mast cells, Phytomedicine.
Mythological and Spiritual review on Elaeocarpus ganitrus and assessment of scientific facts for its medicinal uses - Prabha Rashmi, Kaur Amrinder Page 353