volume- 2, issue-4 (July-Aug) IRJAY

volume- 2, issue-4 (July-Aug) Review Article

A Review On Ethnomedicinal And Traditional Uses Of

Ganitrus Roxb. ()

Prabhakar shukla1 Suresh Chaubey2 1. PG Scholar, PG Department of DravyaGuna Rishikul Campus, Haridwar,U.A.U Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. 2. Prof. PG Department of DravyaGuna Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, U.A.U Dehradun , Uttarakhand, India.

ABSTRACT Article received on- 28 Aug Article send to reviewer- 29 The word Rudraksha, literally derived from two Aug Sanskrit words –„rudra‟, a synonym for Lord Shiva and Article again received after „aksha‟ meaning eyes. correction- 4 Sept. Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. is an evergreen tree, ripe fruits of which contain a hard and highly ornamental stony endocarp known as bead or nut ,and is commonly termed as Rudrakasha in India.It holds popular belief reinforced by Corresponding author- experiments that it has confirmed medicinal uses apart from Prabhakar shukla, PG its attractive stones. Traditionally the is used to treat Scholar, PG Department of various diseases such as mental diseases ,hypertension DravyaGuna Rishikul ,epilepsy etc. In the present review, an attempt has been made Campus, Haridwar,U.A.U Dehradun. to congregate the botanical, phytochemical, ethno medicinal, prabhakarshukla50@gma pharmacological information on Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. il.com belongs to family . It is prevalent for its fascinating fruit stones and medicinal properties. It procures a remarkable position in Hinduism and Ayurveda, the indigenous system of medicine. KEY WORDS; Elaeocarpus ganitrus , Hypertension , Rudraksha

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INTRODUCTION hypertension, arthritis and liver diseases. Furthermore it is retrieve to exhibit Elaeocarpus ganitrus commonly known as multifarious pharmacological activities “Rudraksha” in India belongs to the like anti-inflammatory, analgesic, Elaeocarpaceae family and grows in the hypoglycemic, antiulcerogenic and very Himalayan region. Elaeocarpus has about 360 species world wide. Out of this, 25 high antimicrobial activity. , species occur in India alone. According to fats, alkaloids, , carbohydrates, Hindu mythology, Rudraksha beads bear a proteins and tannins have been found to be great religions, spiritual, and materialistic largely responsible for the therapeutic significance. potential of E. ganitrus. Aqueous extract of . It is also called blueberry beads as, beads leaves contains glycosides also. Ethanolic are covered by an outer shell of blue color extract of leaves contains gallic acid, on fully ripening. The is borne by ellagic acid & quercetin. This review several species of Elaeocarpus, with E. provides a scientific basis for ganitrus being the principal species. The pharmacological /medicinal properties and specific appellation ganitrus is plausibly therapeutic uses of Elaeocarpus ganitrus taken from ganitri, the name for this Roxb. species in Sundanese and Malay. It has been adored in almost all ancient Botanical classification ayurvedic texts for its extraordinary medicinal properties. It is Kingdom - Plantae ethnomedicinally important plant and possesses ameliorating pharmacological Division - Magnoliophyta properties which have been used for the Class - Magnoliopsida treatment of various ailments Order - In Hindi it is recognized as Rudraksha, is a Family - Elaeocarpaceae large evergreen broad-leaved tree whose seed is conventionally used for prayer Genus - Elaeocarpus beads in Hindu religion. In traditional Species - E. ganitrus system of medicine, different parts (beads, bark, leaves and outer shell of beads) of Binomial name - Elaeocarpus ganitrus Rudraksha are taken for the alleviation of (Roxb.) various health problems such as mental disorders, headache, fever, skin diseases, Common name - Rudraksha and for healing the wounds. Ayurvedic texts categorise Rudraksha fruits as thermogenic, sedative, cough alleviator Synonym of Rudraksha and are useful for the treatment of bronchitis, neuralgia, cephalagia, anorexia, Language - Synonyms migraine, manic conditions and other brain Sanskrit - Chattu sampangi, disorders. It is employed in folk medicine Rudraksha, Bhutnasan as a counter agent of stress, anxiety, depression, palpitation, nerve pain, Hindi - Rudraki, Rudraksha epilepsy, lack of concentration, asthma, 2 IRJAY, vol- 2, issue-4, July-Aug:2019; 1-8 volume- 2, issue-4 (July-Aug) IRJAY

English - Utrasum Bead Tree , It is a large evergreen tree with large Wooden Begger bead leaves. Its height ranges from 50–200 feet. Leaves are large and shining green on the Gujarati - Rudraksh sun facing side and dull stringy on earth Bengali - Rudrakya facing side. Flowers become visible in the month of April May and are white or Kannada - Rudrakshi mara, Rudraksh yellow in colour. Fruits start appearing in Malayalam - Rudraksha, Rudraksam June and ripen near October. Ripe fruit is fleshy and has a seed with blue shell. Inner Marathi - Rudraksha part or bead lying in the seed is called Punjabi - Rudraksha Rudraksha. Tamil - Rudraksha, Ruttiratcam Synonym of Rudraksha in other Language - Different synonyms of Elaeocarpus Telgu - Rudraksha, Rudraksi ganitrus in other language are mentioned Assam - Rudrai, Ludrok, Udrok in classical books like Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Raj Nighantu, Shankar Other - Sivaksha, Sarwaksh, Paawan, Nighantu, Dravyaguna Vigyan, Nighantu Nilkanthaksha, Haraksha, Sivpriye Adarsha, etc.

Habitat Morphological & Macroscopical Elaeocarpus ganitrus is an average sized Description evergreen tree with a spreading attractive The morphological characters of crown, found in tropical and subtropical plant are shown below as follow- areas at the altitude ranging from the sea coast to 2,000 meters more than the sea Leaves- Simple, glabrous, oblong- level. Elaeocarpus ganitrus generally lanceolate, sub-entire or irregularly dispersed from Madagascar in the west crenate, acute or acuminate through India, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Southern China, and Japan, through Flower- White or yellow colored, in Australia to New Zealand, Fiji, and Hawaii dense racemes and mostly from axils in the east with it‟s around 350 species. E. of fallen leaves, fringed petals, ganitrus found in Assam, Bihar, Bengal, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Sikkim anthers are linear, appear in April- in India. Tree of Rudraksha is common may along the foothills of all districts of Fruits- Round or oval, small, violet Arunachal Pradesh,Tree of Rudraksha is originated in humid evergreen forests, or blue colored and acidic in taste which are characterized by three-tier forest Endocarp- Stony endocarp is hard, structure. globular, strongly tubercule, marked Botanical Description with 5 to longitudinal ridges, rarely 1 to 4, reddish brown in color.

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Table -Macroscopically description S. No. Leaf Inspection/Observation 1 Apex Acute 2 Base symmetric 3 Color Shining green 4 Margin Undulate 5 Shape Ovate 6 Size 5-6 inch in length, 2 inch broad

Table-Macroscopically Examination of seed S. No Seed Inspection/Observation 1 Color Blue (on fully ripening) 2 Texture Hard 3 Taste Sour 4 Shape Round, Bulbous 5 Size ½ -1 inch

Bioactive Compounds in isoelaeocarpine and quercetin, Elaeocarpus- gallic, ellagic acids and rudrakine. Three new ellagic acid derivatives of The Elaeocarpus ganitrus fruit have eleocarpaceae, 4-Omethylellagic many phytoconstituents such as acid 3-0-a-rhamnoside, 4- alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, Omethylellagic acid 30-(300-O- steroids, triterpenoids, carbohydrates acetyl)-a-rhamnoside and 4- and cardiac glycosides. Singh5 says Omethylellagic acid 30-(400- that a significant amount of Oacetyl)- arhamnoside in addition to phytocomponents such as the known ellagic acid derivative, 4- isoelaeocarpicine, elaeocapine O-methylellagic acid 30- (200,300- di-Oacetyl)-a-rhamnoside are used

4 IRJAY, vol- 2, issue-4, July-Aug:2019; 1-8 volume- 2, issue-4 (July-Aug) IRJAY in multi besieged therapy of cancer 3 mukhi Sure shot remedy for the and a significant antioxidant ability diseases like depression, schizophrenia, due to its wealthy content of tannins blood pressure, jaundice, menta and flavonoids34. Prosopis species 4 mukhi Provides medication for has been widely used to cure basic diseases like blood circulation, asthma, ailments in the usual system of memory lapse, cough respiratory strip medicine. Elaeocarpus ganitrus have problems, and brain linked illness, etc. The gallic, quercetin, and ellagic acids, (- wearer bestows power of creativity, ) elaeocarpine, (-) isoelaeocarpine enhances memory power and intelligence. and rudrakine. 5 mukhi For treating medical Types of Rudraksha conditions like blood pressure, diabetes, piles, stress, displeasure, mental disability, Rudraksha beads are catalogued depending as well as neurotic, heart and on the number of “mukhis” – the clefts and maladjustment problems etc. furrows – they have on the surface. The scriptures state of 1 to 38 mukhis, but 6 mukhi Counter measure for the of 1 to 14 mukhis are usually ailments like gynecological problems, bring to light. One mukhi rudraksha is not epilepsy etc. Defends from emotional widely distributed. Five facetedor trauma of wordy sorrows and imparts Punchmukhi rudraksha bead is most wisdom, learning and knowledge. commonly found. The higher mukhis or 7 mukhi Extraordinarily works for faces are very rare. Each bead imposes a treating diseases like asthma, impotency, different influence associated with the pharyngitis, respiratory confusion, foot number of mukhis. related diseases, pains and aches etc. Benefits of Rudraksha associated Beneficial for peoples who are suffering with no. of mukhis from finance and mental set-up.

1 mukhi Medicament for diseases like 8 mukhi Provides cures for medical mental anxiety, heart problems, eye conditions like stomach ache, skin problems, TB, paralysis, bone pain, etc. diseases, stress, anxiety etc. Get rid of all Enlightens the super-consciousness and obstacles and affords success in all provides improved concentration. undertakings.

2 mukhi Implausible treatment of 9 mukhi Works as a mystical ailments like chronic asthma, renal failure, therapeutic agent for treating strange impotency, stress, anxiety, depression, eye diseases. Wearer is harbored with lot of problems, negative thinking, mental chaos, energy, powers, dynamism and lack of concentration, hysteria, intestinal fearlessness. disorder etc. Blesses the wearer with „UNITY‟. 10 mukhi Alleviates discomforts like mental insecurity, hormonal inequality in the body, whooping cough etc. It does a

5 IRJAY, vol- 2, issue-4, July-Aug:2019; 1-8 volume- 2, issue-4 (July-Aug) IRJAY job like a shield on one‟s body and kicks Trijuti Trijuti Rudraksha is supreme evils away. for keeping internal as well as external body disorders at bark. 11 mukhi Provides relief from body pain, backache and recovers from chronic Gauri shankar Works for the medication of alcoholism and liver diseases. Blesses problems related to sex and behaviour. wearer with wisdom, right judgement, fearlessness and success.

12 mukhi Medically it is more valuable ETHNOMEDICINAL AND for ameliorating discomforts of bone TRADITIONAL USES OF diseases, osteoporosis, rickets, mental RUDRAKSHA disability, anxiety etc. Wearer gains the Rudraksha have many Ayurvedic strength of sun to rule and to move properties that refer to this wonderful bead continuously with brilliant radiance. and gives details of rudraksha for increase Boosts self image and motivation. body constitutions. The beads, bark and 13 mukhi Used for treating muscle leaves of Rudraksha all are used to cure dystrophies. It gives honor and fulfills all various ailments like mental disorders, the earthly desires. headache, fever, skin diseases etc. Rudraksha may be worn either on arm, 14 mukhi It provokes the sixth sense wrist or other parts of the body. organ by which the wearer foresees the forthcoming happenings. Different parts (beads, bark and leaves) of rudraksha are used for the treatment of 15 mukhi Skin diseases, recurring diverse ailments as well as may be worn miscarriage, still birth etc can be cured. either on arm, wrist or other parts of the body. Rudraksha can be taken as a 16 mukhi Taken as a curative agent for medicament for blood purification and the diseases like leprosy, cor-pulmonale, powers the body substance. Regular tuberculosis, lung diseases etc. consumption as a quath in conjunction 17 mukhi Excellent for handling with honey purifies blood and works as general tonic. A quath made by mixing conditions like memory lapse, body functional disorders etc. beads of rudraksha, bark of adusa and harad, in equal amount can be consumed 18 mukhi Prevent ailments like loss of with honey. The concoction of ten- faced power, mental inharmonization etc. rudraksha with milk mitigates recurrent cough. Rudraksha shall be keep under 19 mukhi Exterminate the disorders pillow and preparation of its bead in the of blood, spinal cord etc. milk shall be applied on the eye lid for getting better sleep. It can be used as a 20 mukhi Taken as nullifier for panacea for skin diseases, ringworms, problem of eyesight and snake bites. sores, pimples and boil also. 21 mukhi Possesses built-in medical Epilepsy management: Pulverized bark healing and it eradicates every form of of rudraksha tree and pulp of fruit or the diseases. bead can be used.

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For curing Piles: Rudraksha bead in Curing all brain disease: All brain combination with triphala churna and disorders can be recovered with four faced guggul or with root of kaneer is beneficial rudraksha remedy. for treating piles. Neutrilizer of brain fever: Consumption Counter measure for jaundice, liver of overnight kept water of rudraksha in related problems or stomach ache: earthen pot on an empty stomach can get Rudraksha, chitrak, harad, devdaru, giloy, rid of brain fever. daruhaldi, dharangi and punarnava shall be For Hysteria and Coma: Elaeocarpus taken in equal proportion and regular ganitrus is also a good assistance for panic consumption of it as a quath is an conditions of hysteria and coma in woman. important medicine. Nullifying poisonous effects caused by bites of insects: For Frequent fever: Rudraksha is also Panchamukhi rudraksha can be grinded good for children‟s who suffers from with lemon juice on a stone and the frequent fever. Imparts calmness to application of this paste on the affected mind: It cools down the body temperature spot will subside pain. and brings calm to mind. Controlling anxiety: A person grieves from anxiety For improving memory power: Milk should keep big size panchmukhi boiled with four or six faced rudraksha rudraksha with themselves and during seed is excellent remedy for mental nervousness; they should hold them tightly disorders. This also assists in enhancing in their right palm for ten minutes. It will memory. assist them to get back their confidence. Sexual power improvement: A recipe of To Ward off evil spirits and omens: The rudraksha applied over the forehead rudraksha fruits were employed to defend improves sexual power. from evil spirits in traditional Indian medicinal system These diversified For Blood Pressure: Five mukhi traditional rudraksha keeps blood pressure normal. For High Blood Pressure: Rudraksha is a Important Formulations of best medication for curing H. B. P. (high Elaeocarpus Ganitrus blood pressure). Gorochanadi vati, Mrtasanjivani gutika, Sure shot remedy for conceiving baby: Svarnamukladi gutika, Dhanwantara One rudraksa and one karsa (10 gm) of gutika and Cukkumitppalyadi gutika. Sarpakshi (Ophiorrhizamungos) can be Rudraksha Churan, rudraksha Hima (Cold cooked together and pestled in the milk of infusion), Rudraksha Milk, Rudraksha one colored cow. Consumption of it during decoction for Gargling, Rudraksha the menstrual period will bestow even a Lehyam, Rudraksha Vibhuti, Rudraksha sterile woman conceive - Damara Tantra. Oil, Rudraksha eyedrops, Rudraksha Paste and Rudraksha Bhasma. Alleviator of heaviness, tongue cracks and tastelessness: Gargling with CONCLUSION rudraksha decoction is beneficial in The widespread investigation of literature heaviness, tongue cracks and tastelessness. exposed that Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. is an imperative basis of various 7 IRJAY, vol- 2, issue-4, July-Aug:2019; 1-8 volume- 2, issue-4 (July-Aug) IRJAY pharmacologically and medicinally antihypertensive, antianxiety, significant chemicals, such as antiasthmatic and antidepressant activities. indispensable triterpenes, tannins like Elaeocarpus ganitrus has been used geraniin and 3, 4, 5-trimethoxy geraniin, lucratively in Ayurvedic medicine for indolizilidine alkaloids grandisines, centuries; investigations are called for to rudrakine and flavnoids quercitin. be attempted towards more clinical trials to Different bioactive extracts prepared from support its therapeutic use. Eventually, it is Elaeocarpus ganitrus roxb. have shown also important to distinguish that numerous healthpromoting effects in vitro Elaeocarpus ganitrus may be effective not and in vivo, such as antioxidant, anti- only in isolation, but may in fact have a inflammatory, analgesic, antifungal, potentiating effect when given in antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidative, combination with other herbs or drugs.

REFERENCES; 1-Sharma PV, Dravyaguna Vijnana, Chaukhambha Bharti academy, Varanasi, Vol. II, 2005, 219. 2-Joshi SC, Jain PK, A Review on Ethnomedicinal and Traditional Uses of Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb. (Rudraksha), International Journal of Pharmacy and Biology Science, 5(1), 2014, 495–511. 3-Swati Hardainiyan1, *Bankim Chandra Nandy2, Krishan Kumar1 Elaeocarpus Ganitrus (Rudraksha): A Reservoir Plant with their Pharmacological Effects, ISSN 0976 – 044X 4-The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol IV, 1st edn, Government of India, Ministry of health and family welfare, Department of ISM & H, New Delhi (India), 2001, p.104. 5-Singh RK, Acharya SB, Bhattacharya S K, Pharmacological activity of Elaeocarpus sphaericus, Phytotherapy Research, 14, 2000, 36-39

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