ejbps, 2019, Volume 6, Issue 10, 135-138. Review Article SJIF Impact Factor 4.918

Shukla et al. European Journal European of Journal Biomedical of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical SciencesISSN 2349 -8870 Volume: 6 AND Pharmaceutical sciences Issue: 10 135-138 http://www.ejbps.com Year: 2019

A REVIEW ARTICLE ON ETHNOMEDICINAL AND TRADITIONAL USES OF ROXB. (RUDRAKSHA)

Prabhakar Shukla*, Suresh Chaubey and Swati Bala

1PG Scholar, PG Department of DravyaGuna Rishikul Campus, , U.A.U Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. 2Prof. PG Department of DravyaGuna Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, U.A.U Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. 3PG Scholar, PG Department of Prasuti Evam Stree Rog Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, U.A.U Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

*Corresponding Author: Dr. Prabhakar Shukla

PG Scholar, PG Department of DravyaGuna Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, U.A.U Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

Article Received on 11/07/2019 Article Revised on 31/07/2019 Article Accepted on 21/08/2019

ABSTRACT

The word Rudraksha, literally derived from two words –„‟, a synonym for Lord and „aksha‟ meaning eyes.Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. is an evergreen tree, ripe fruits of which contain a hard and highly ornamental stony endocarp known as or nut,and is commonly termed as Rudrakasha in India.It holds popular belief reinforced by experiments that it has confirmed medicinal uses apart from its attractive stones. Traditionally the plant is used to treat various diseases such as mental diseases,hypertension ,epilepsy etc. In the present review, an attempt has been made to congregate the botanical, phytochemical, ethno medicinal, pharmacological information on Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. belongs to family Elaeocarpaceae. It is prevalent for its fascinating

fruit stones and medicinal properties. It procures a remarkable position in and Ayurveda, the indigenous system of medicine.

KEYWORDS: Elaeocarpus ganitrus, Hypertension, Rudraksha .

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

www.ejbps.com 135 Shukla et al. European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Family - Elaeocarpaceae Flower- White or yellow colored, in dense racemes and Genus - Elaeocarpus mostly from axils of fallen leaves, fringed petals, anthers Species - E. ganitrus are linear, appear in April-may. Binomial name - Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Roxb.) Common name - Rudraksha Fruits- Round or oval, small, violet or blue colored and acidic in taste. Synonym of Rudraksha Language - Synonyms Endocarp- Stony endocarp is hard, globular, strongly Sanskrit - Chattu sampangi, Rudraksha, Bhutnasan tubercule, marked with 5 to longitudinal ridges, rarely 1 Hindi - Rudraki, Rudraksha to 4, reddish brown in color. English - Utrasum Bead Tree, Wooden Begger bead Gujarati - Rudraksh Table: Macroscopically description. Bengali - Rudrakya S. No. Leaf Inspection/Observation Kannada - Rudrakshi mara, Rudraksh 1 Apex Acute Malayalam - Rudraksha, Rudraksam 2 Base symmetric Marathi - Rudraksha 3 Color Shining green Punjabi - Rudraksha 4 Margin Undulate Tamil - Rudraksha, Ruttiratcam 5 Shape Ovate Telgu - Rudraksha, Rudraksi 6 Size 5-6 inch in length, 2 inch broad Assam - Rudrai, Ludrok, Udrok Other - Sivaksha, Sarwaksh, Paawan, Nilkanthaksha, Table: Macroscopically Examination of seed. Haraksha, Sivpriye S. No Seed Inspection/Observation

1 Color Blue (on fully ripening) Habitat 2 Texture Hard Elaeocarpus ganitrus is an average sized evergreen tree 3 Taste Sour with a spreading attractive crown, found in tropical and subtropical areas at the altitude ranging from the sea 4 Shape Round, Bulbous coast to 2,000 meters more than the sea level. 5 Size ½ -1 inch Elaeocarpus ganitrus generally dispersed from Madagascar in the west through India, Malaysia, Bioactive Compounds in Elaeocarpus- Southeast Asia, Southern China, and Japan, through The Elaeocarpus ganitrus fruit have many Australia to New Zealand, Fiji, and Hawaii in the east phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, , triterpenoids, carbohydrates and cardiac with it‟s around 350 species. E. ganitrus found in Assam, [5] Bihar, Bengal, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and glycosides. Singh says that a significant amount of Sikkim in India. Tree of Rudraksha is common along the phytocomponents such as isoelaeocarpicine, elaeocapine foothills of all districts of Arunachal Pradesh,Tree of isoelaeocarpine and quercetin, gallic, ellagic acids and Rudraksha is originated in humid evergreen forests, rudrakine. Three new ellagic acid derivatives of which are characterized by three-tier forest structure. eleocarpaceae, 4-Omethylellagic acid 3-0-a-rhamnoside, 4-Omethylellagic acid 30-(300-O-acetyl)-a-rhamnoside Botanical Description and 4-Omethylellagic acid 30-(400-Oacetyl)- It is a large evergreen tree with large leaves. Its height arhamnoside in addition to the known ellagic acid ranges from 50–200 feet. Leaves are large and shining derivative, 4-O-methylellagic acid 30- (200,300-di- green on the sun facing side and dull stringy on earth Oacetyl)-a-rhamnoside are used in multi besieged facing side. Flowers become visible in the month of therapy of cancer and a significant antioxidant ability April May and are white or yellow in colour. Fruits start due to its wealthy content of tannins and flavonoids34. appearing in June and ripen near October. Ripe fruit is Prosopis species has been widely used to cure basic fleshy and has a seed with blue shell. Inner part or bead ailments in the usual system of medicine. Elaeocarpus lying in the seed is called Rudraksha. ganitrus have gallic, quercetin, and ellagic acids, (-) elaeocarpine, (-) isoelaeocarpine and rudrakine. Synonym of Rudraksha in other Language - Different synonyms of Elaeocarpus ganitrus in other language are Types of Rudraksha mentioned in classical books like Bhavaprakash Rudraksha beads are catalogued depending on the Nighantu, Raj Nighantu, Shankar Nighantu, Dravyaguna number of “mukhis” – the clefts and furrows – they have Vigyan, Nighantu Adarsha, etc. on the surface. The scriptures state of 1 to 38 mukhis, but Rudrakshas of 1 to 14 mukhis are usually bring to light. Morphological & Macroscopical Description One mukhi rudraksha is not widely distributed. Five The morphological characters of plant are shown facetedor Punchmukhi rudraksha bead is most commonly below as follow. found. The higher mukhis or faces are very rare. Each Leaves- Simple, glabrous, oblong-lanceolate, sub-entire bead imposes a different influence associated with the or irregularly crenate, acute or acuminate number of mukhis.

www.ejbps.com 136 Shukla et al. European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Benefits of Rudraksha associated with no. of mukhis 18 mukhi Prevent ailments like loss of power, mental 1 mukhi Medicament for diseases like mental anxiety, inharmonization etc. heart problems, eye problems, TB, paralysis, bone pain, 19 mukhi Exterminate the disorders of blood, spinal etc. Enlightens the super-consciousness and provides cord etc. improved concentration. 20 mukhi Taken as nullifier for problem of eyesight and 2 mukhi Implausible treatment of ailments like chronic snake bites. asthma, renal failure, impotency, stress, anxiety, 21 mukhi Possesses built-in medical healing and it depression, eye problems, negative thinking, mental eradicates every form of diseases. chaos, lack of concentration, hysteria, intestinal disorder etc. Blesses the wearer with „UNITY‟. Trijuti Trijuti Rudraksha is supreme for keeping 3 mukhi Sure shot remedy for the diseases like internal as well as external body disorders at bark. depression, schizophrenia, blood pressure, jaundice, menta. Gauri shankar Works for the medication of problems 4 mukhi Provides medication for diseases like blood related to sex and behaviour. circulation, asthma, memory lapse, cough respiratory strip problems, and brain linked illness, etc. The wearer ETHNOMEDICINAL AND TRADITIONAL USES bestows power of creativity, enhances memory power OF RUDRAKSHA and intelligence. Rudraksha have many Ayurvedic properties that refer to 5 mukhi For treating medical conditions like blood this wonderful bead and gives details of rudraksha for pressure, diabetes, piles, stress, displeasure, mental increase body constitutions. The beads, bark and leaves disability, as well as neurotic, heart and maladjustment of Rudraksha all are used to cure various ailments like problems etc. mental disorders, headache, fever, skin diseases etc. 6 mukhi Counter measure for the ailments like Rudraksha may be worn either on arm, wrist or other gynecological problems, epilepsy etc. Defends from parts of the body. emotional trauma of wordy sorrows and imparts wisdom, learning and knowledge. Different parts (beads, bark and leaves) of rudraksha are 7 mukhi Extraordinarily works for treating diseases like used for the treatment of diverse ailments as well as may asthma, impotency, pharyngitis, respiratory confusion, be worn either on arm, wrist or other parts of the body. foot related diseases, pains and aches etc. Beneficial for Rudraksha can be taken as a medicament for blood peoples who are suffering from finance and mental set- purification and powers the body substance. Regular up. consumption as a quath in conjunction with honey 8 mukhi Provides cures for medical conditions like purifies blood and works as general tonic. A quath made stomach ache, skin diseases, stress, anxiety etc. Get rid by mixing beads of rudraksha, bark of adusa and harad, of all obstacles and affords success in all undertakings. in equal amount can be consumed with honey. The 9 mukhi Works as a mystical therapeutic agent for concoction of ten- faced rudraksha with mitigates treating strange diseases. Wearer is harbored with lot of recurrent cough. Rudraksha shall be keep under pillow energy, powers, dynamism and fearlessness. and preparation of its bead in the milk shall be applied on 10 mukhi Alleviates discomforts like mental insecurity, the eye lid for getting better sleep. It can be used as a hormonal inequality in the body, whooping cough etc. It panacea for skin diseases, ringworms, sores, pimples and does a job like a shield on one‟s body and kicks evils boil also. away. 11 mukhi Provides relief from body pain, backache and Epilepsy management: Pulverized bark of rudraksha recovers from chronic alcoholism and liver diseases. tree and pulp of fruit or the bead can be used. Blesses wearer with wisdom, right judgement, fearlessness and success. For curing Piles: Rudraksha bead in combination with 12 mukhi Medically it is more valuable for ameliorating triphala churna and guggul or with root of kaneer is discomforts of bone diseases, osteoporosis, rickets, beneficial for treating piles. mental disability, anxiety etc. Wearer gains the strength of sun to rule and to move continuously with brilliant Counter measure for jaundice, liver related problems radiance. Boosts self image and motivation. or stomach ache: Rudraksha, chitrak, harad, devdaru, 13 mukhi Used for treating muscle dystrophies. It gives giloy, daruhaldi, dharangi and punarnava shall be taken honor and fulfills all the earthly desires. in equal proportion and regular consumption of it as a 14 mukhi It provokes the sixth sense organ by which the quath is an important medicine. Nullifying poisonous wearer foresees the forthcoming happenings. effects caused by bites of insects: Panchamukhi 15 mukhi Skin diseases, recurring miscarriage, still birth rudraksha can be grinded with lemon juice on a stone etc can be cured. and the application of this paste on the affected spot will 16 mukhi Taken as a curative agent for the diseases like subside pain. leprosy, cor-pulmonale, tuberculosis, lung diseases etc. 17 mukhi Excellent for handling conditions like memory lapse, body functional disorders etc.

www.ejbps.com 137 Shukla et al. European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

For improving memory power: Milk boiled with four MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY or six faced rudraksha seed is excellent remedy for Available literature regarding reference of Rudraksha mental disorders. This also assists in enhancing memory. from different ayurvedic books of dravyaguna and different research papers available on net. Sexual power improvement: A recipe of rudraksha applied over the forehead improves sexual power. CONCLUSION The widespread investigation of literature exposed that For Blood Pressure: Five mukhi rudraksha keeps blood Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. is an imperative basis of pressure normal. various pharmacologically and medicinally significant chemicals, such as indispensable triterpenes, tannins like For High Blood Pressure: Rudraksha is a best geraniin and 3, 4, 5-trimethoxy geraniin, indolizilidine medication for curing H. B. P. (high blood pressure). alkaloids grandisines, rudrakine and flavnoids quercitin. Different bioactive extracts prepared from Elaeocarpus Sure shot remedy for conceiving baby: One rudraksa ganitrus roxb. have shown numerous healthpromoting and one karsa (10 gm) of Sarpakshi effects in vitro and in vivo, such as antioxidant, anti- (Ophiorrhizamungos) can be cooked together and pestled inflammatory, analgesic, antifungal, antimicrobial, in the milk of one colored cow. Consumption of it during antidiabetic, antioxidative, antihypertensive, antianxiety, the menstrual period will bestow even a sterile woman antiasthmatic and antidepressant activities. Elaeocarpus conceive - Damara Tantra. ganitrus has been used lucratively in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries; investigations are called for to be Alleviator of heaviness, tongue cracks and attempted towards more clinical trials to support its tastelessness: Gargling with rudraksha decoction is therapeutic use. Eventually, it is also important to beneficial in heaviness, tongue cracks and tastelessness. distinguish that Elaeocarpus ganitrus may be effective not only in isolation, but may in fact have a potentiating Curing all brain disease: All brain disorders can be effect when given in combination with other herbs or recovered with four faced rudraksha remedy. drugs.

Neutrilizer of brain fever: Consumption of overnight REFERENCES kept water of rudraksha in earthen pot on an empty 1. Sharma PV, Dravyaguna Vijnana, Chaukhambha stomach can get rid of brain fever. Bharti academy, , 2005; II: 219. 2. Joshi SC, Jain PK, A Review on Ethnomedicinal and For Hysteria and Coma: Elaeocarpus ganitrus is also a Traditional Uses of Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb. good assistance for panic conditions of hysteria and (Rudraksha), International Journal of Pharmacy and coma in woman. Biology Science, 2014; 5(1): 495–511. 3. Swati Hardainiyan1, *Bankim Chandra Nandy2, For Frequent fever: Rudraksha is also good for Krishan Kumar1 Elaeocarpus Ganitrus (Rudraksha): children‟s who suffers from frequent fever. A Reservoir Plant with their Pharmacological Effects, ISSN 0976 – 044X. Imparts calmness to mind: It cools down the body 4. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol temperature and brings calm to mind. IV, 1st edn, Government of India, Ministry of health and family welfare, Department of ISM & H, New Controlling anxiety: A person grieves from anxiety Delhi (India), 2001; 104. should keep big size panchmukhi rudraksha with 5. Singh RK, Acharya SB, Bhattacharya S K, themselves and during nervousness; they should hold Pharmacological activity of Elaeocarpus sphaericus, them tightly in their right palm for ten minutes. It will Phytotherapy Research, 2000; 14: 36-39. assist them to get back their confidence. To Ward off evil 6. www.rudrakshanepal.com. spirits and omens: The rudraksha fruits were employed to defend from evil spirits in traditional Indian medicinal system These diversified traditional.

Important Formulations of Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Gorochanadi vati, Mrtasanjivani gutika, Svarnamukladi gutika, Dhanwantara gutika and Cukkumitppalyadi gutika. Rudraksha Churan, rudraksha Hima (Cold infusion), Rudraksha Milk, Rudraksha decoction for Gargling, Rudraksha Lehyam, Rudraksha , Rudraksha Oil, Rudraksha eyedrops, Rudraksha Paste and Rudraksha Bhasma.

www.ejbps.com 138