Article: ADHATODA VASICA (VASAPATRA): A REVIEW BASED UPON ITS MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.120379

Pages: 79-87

Author: Shailja Choudhary, Hemlata Kaurav, Gitika Chaudhary *

Abstract: Adhatoda vasica (L.) Nees is also known as Justicia adhatoda L. belongs to the family Acanthaceae and is considered the most significant plant in the world. It is commonly known as Vasaka, Vasica, Adosa, Malbur nut and is distributed in various regions of India and throughout the world. It is a well-known plant in Ayurveda and Unani medicinal system. This plant has been used in the indigenous medicinal system of India for more than 2000 years. The plant has great medicinal importance and is used to treat various diseases and disorders mainly respiratory tract diseases like cough, symptoms of common cold, asthma, tuberculosis and chronic bronchitis. All the parts of the plant are used in medicines. Vasicine is the main chemical constituent present in this plant which possesses various medicinal properties and is used in different Ayurveda formulations. Also, it contains various reported pharmacological properties like antispasmodic, sedative, expectorant, antitussive, oxytocic, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, wound healing, abortifacient, antiasthma and anti-pyorrhea.

Keyword: Vasapatra, Ayurveda, Rasapanchak, Pharmacological properties