Cadaba fruticosa (Capparaceae) Indian Cadaba

Cadaba fruticosa (Indian Cadaba)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Cadaba fruticosa

Family: Capparaceae

Genus: Cadaba

Related Herbs from the same family:

Capparis spinosa (Caper/ Himsra/Habra): The root bark is used in Ayurveda for its potent anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, particularly in managing gout, rheumatism, and kidney disorders.

Capparis zeylanica (Indian Caper/ Ardanda): The root and leaves are used traditionally for treating boils, swelling, and as an anthelmintic (expels worms).

Crataeva nurvala (Varuna): A highly esteemed Ayurvedic herb specifically for urinary tract and kidney stones (Ashmari). It is a prime diuretic and lithontriptic (stone-breaking) plant.

The Capparaceae family, known as the caper family, consists of often xerophytic (drought-tolerant) plants. Many members contain pungent glucosinolates and are known for their anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and anthelmintic properties.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Cadaba fruticosa | English: Indian Cadaba, Worm Killer Shrub | Sanskrit: Dhanvi, Karira | Hindi: Dabi, Dhela | Tamil: Vizhuthi, Vadamalli | Telugu: Adonda | Kannada: Kadsuli | Malayalam: Vellakadambu | Marathi: Davi | Bengali: Kurei | Sinhala: Heen-katu-keena |

3. Medicinal Uses:Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Anthelmintic (expels worms), Antidiarrheal, Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), Diuretic, Blood Purifier.

Medicinal Parts:The root, bark, and leaves are the primary parts used in traditional medicine.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Alkaloids (Cadabine, Cadabicine): These are primary bioactive compounds. Their actions are Anthelmintic and Antimicrobial.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin): Plant-based antioxidants. Their actions are Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and they contribute to Capillary strengthening.

Glucosinolates: Sulfur-containing compounds common in the Capparaceae family. Upon breakdown, they produce isothiocyanates, which have Antimicrobial and Anti-cancer potential.

Triterpenoids and Steroids: These compounds contribute to the Anti-inflammatory and Hepatoprotective activities of the plant.

Tannins: Astringent compounds responsible for the Antidiarrheal effect.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Krimi (Worm Infestation) & Krimiroga

Formulation: Decoction of the root or leaves.

Preparation & Use: A decoction is prepared from the root bark and administered orally to expel intestinal worms.

Reasoning: The anthelmintic alkaloids present in the plant are toxic to parasites, helping to eliminate them from the digestive tract.

Jwara (Fever) & Daha (Burning Sensation)

Formulation: Leaf juice or root decoction.

Preparation & Use: The juice of the leaves or a decoction of the root is given to reduce fevers, especially those associated with Pitta imbalance and burning sensations.

Reasoning: Its Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) tastes, along with its Sheeta (cooling) potency, help pacify Pitta and reduce fever.

Yakrit Vikara (Liver Disorders) & Kamala (Jaundice)

Formulation: Decoction of the root.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the root is consumed to support liver function and treat jaundice.

Reasoning: The antioxidants and hepatoprotective compounds in the plant help protect liver cells from damage and promote detoxification.

Vrana (Wounds) & Kushtha (Skin Disorders)

Formulation: Paste of the leaves.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are made into a paste and applied topically on wounds, ulcers, and skin diseases.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help cleanse the wound, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

This plant is primarily used as a medicine and is not common in cuisine.

Anthelmintic Decoction

Purpose: To expel intestinal worms.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 10-15 grams of dried root bark.

• Boil in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and consume once a day on an empty stomach for 3-5 days.

Anti-inflammatory Poultice for Skin

Purpose: To treat boils, wounds, and inflammatory skin conditions.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush a handful of fresh leaves into a fine paste.

• Apply directly to the affected area and leave for 30 minutes before washing.

Liver Tonic Decoction

Purpose: To support liver health in jaundice.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil a mixture of Cadaba fruticosa root, Phyllanthus niruri (Bhumi Amalaki), and Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) stems.

• Consume 15-20 ml of the strained decoction twice a day after meals.

7. Disclaimer:Cadaba fruticosa is a potent medicinal plant and should not be used without the guidance of a qualified practitioner. The safety profile during pregnancy and lactation is not established, and it should be avoided. Overdose may cause gastrointestinal irritation due to its strong anthelmintic and bioactive properties. This information is for academic and educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Compendium of Indian Medicinal Plants by R.P. Rastogi & B.N. Mehrotra

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Crataeva nurvala (Varuna)* Species: Crataeva nurvala | Family: Capparaceae | Genus: Crataeva* Similarities: Both belong to the Capparaceae family and share diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. While Varuna is specifically targeted for the urinary system, Cadaba fruticosa shares a broader antipyretic and anthelmintic profile.

2. Butea monosperma (Palash/Dhak)* Species: Butea monosperma | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Butea* Similarities: Both plants are renowned for their potent anthelmintic properties. The seeds of Palash are a classical Ayurvedic remedy for worms, much like the root of Cadaba fruticosa.

3. Ventilago denticulata (Ventilago/ Pittadoshahara)* Species: Ventilago denticulata | Family: Rhamnaceae | Genus: Ventilago* Similarities: Both are used in traditional medicine for skin diseases and as blood purifiers. They share cooling and anti-inflammatory properties used to pacify Pitta-related disorders.

-x-x-x-End-x-x-x-