Article: PUSHKARAMOOLA: A REVIEW-BASED APPROACH TO RESOLVING DIVERGENT VIEWS

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.17129

Pages: 168-173

Author: Angel Grace Chacko, Arun Pratap *, Sandhu G. Joseph, Aparna Chandran

Abstract: Pushkaramoola, a controversial herb, that has been widely mentioned in the classics for respiratory disorders such as Swasa, Kasa and Parshvashula. The botanical identity of Pushkaramoola has been a subject of debate largely due to its name being used as a synonym for multiple plants species in classical texts and unavailability of the raw material. This article explores the historical context and therapeutic properties of Pushkaramoola and critically reviews several plants proposed as its botanical source, including Nelumbo nucifera, Iris germanica, Costus speciosus, Coffea travencorensis and Inula racemosa. This article also discusses commonly used the substitutes such as Saussurea lappa and Ricinus communis. Based on the comparative morphological and phytochemical properties, Inula racemosa emerges as most widely accepted botanical identification.

Keyword: Inula racemosa, Pushkaramoola, Sandhigdha Dravya