Dodonaea viscosa(Sapindaceae)- Sanatha, Vilayati Mehendi

Dodonaea viscosa (Hop Bush)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Dodonaea viscosa

Family: Sapindaceae

Genus: Dodonaea

Related Herbs from the same family:

Sapindus trifoliatus (Reetha/Soapnut): A highly important Ayurvedic herb used primarily as a natural surfactant for washing hair and skin. It is considered cleansing, antipruritic (relieves itching), and expectorant.

Litchi chinensis (Litchi): The fruit is consumed for its taste and nutritive value. While not a major medicinal herb in Ayurveda, it is considered cooling and nourishing.

Cardiospermum halicacabum (Kanphuti, Balloon Vine): A significant Ayurvedic herb used for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and analgesic properties, especially for joint disorders (rheumatism), skin diseases, and nervous system issues.

The Sapindaceae family, known as the soapberry family, is characterized by plants that often contain saponins—soap-like compounds. Many members have cleansing, anti-inflammatory, and dermatological applications.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Dodonaea viscosa | English: Hop Bush, Sticky Hop Bush | Sanskrit: Sanatta, Aliar, Ural, Ghantakarna | Hindi: Sanatha, Vilayati Mehendi | Tamil: Viraali | Telugu: Bandera, Bandaru | Kannada: Bandarike, Bandar | Malayalam: Kattavanakku | Marathi: Sanatha, Tarwar | Bengali: Harin-hara | Arabic: Ghasoob | Southern Africa: Sand Olive | New Zealand: Akeake |

3. Medicinal Uses:Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (Pain-relieving), Astringent, Antipruritic (Relieves Itching), Antipyretic (Fever-reducing), Antirheumatic, Antimicrobial, Vulnerary (Wound-healing), Diuretic.

Medicinal Parts:The leaves are the most commonly used part. The bark and root are also used in various traditional medicine systems.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin, Sakuranetin): These are major bioactive compounds. Their actions are potent Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antimicrobial. Rutin specifically strengthens capillaries.

Tannins (Proanthocyanidins): Astringent compounds. Their primary actions are Antimicrobial, Astringent (tightens tissues, reduces secretions), and Vulnerary (promotes wound healing).

Saponins: Soap-like compounds. Their actions are Anti-inflammatory and may contribute to the plant's traditional use in reducing joint pain and swelling.

Diterpenes and Resins: The sticky, resinous coating on the leaves contains antimicrobial compounds. Their actions are Antimicrobial and may contribute to the Analgesic effect.

Alkaloids (e.g., Dodoneine): These compounds contribute to the plant's Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Shotha (Inflammation) & Sandhivata (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Formulation: Leaf poultice or decoction.

Preparation & Use: A poulticed made from fresh crushed leaves is applied topically to swollen joints, sprains, and inflamed areas. A decoction of the leaves is also used for washing wounds and inflamed skin.

Reasoning: The high concentration of flavonoids and saponins provides strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, reducing pain and swelling.

Jwara (Fever) & Daha (Burning Sensation)

Formulation: Leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction is prepared from the leaves and consumed in small quantities to reduce fever, especially those associated with inflammation and burning sensations.

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

Twak Roga (Skin Diseases) & Kandu (Itching)

Formulation: Leaf paste or medicated oil.

Preparation & Use: The fresh leaves are ground into a paste and applied to skin rashes, eczema, scabies, and itchy skin. The leaves are also boiled in oil (e.g., coconut oil) to create an antipruritic ointment.

Reasoning: The astringent (Kashaya) and antimicrobial properties help dry oozing lesions, fight infection, and relieve itching.

Vrana (Wounds) & Dusta Vrana (Chronic Ulcers)

Formulation: Leaf paste or decoction wash.

Preparation & Use: The leaves are known for their wound-healing properties. A paste is applied to fresh cuts to stop bleeding and promote healing. A decoction is used to clean chronic, non-healing ulcers.

Reasoning: The astringent tannins help contract blood vessels and tissues, stopping bleeding. The antimicrobial properties prevent infection, allowing the wound to heal.

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

Dodonaea viscosa is not typically used in culinary applications due to its strong, bitter taste and medicinal potency. Its use is primarily therapeutic.

Anti-inflammatory Leaf Poultice for Joint Pain

Purpose: To reduce inflammation and pain in arthritis, sprains, and gout.

Preparation & Use:

• Take a handful of fresh Dodonaea viscosa leaves.

• Crush them into a fine paste, optionally adding a little warm water.

• Apply the paste directly to the affected joint and cover with a clean cloth. Leave on for 30-60 minutes.

Skin Wash for Rashes and Itching

Purpose: To relieve itchy skin conditions like eczema and allergic rashes.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil a large handful of leaves in 1 liter of water for 15-20 minutes.

• Allow the decoction to cool and strain it.

• Use the liquid to wash the affected skin area 2-3 times a day.

Leaf Decoction for Fever and Inflammation

Purpose: To reduce fever and internal inflammation.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil 5-10 fresh or dried leaves in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and allow it to cool.

• Take 1-2 tablespoons of this decoction 2-3 times a day. (Note: Due to potency, internal use should be cautious and preferably under guidance)

Medicated Oil for Skin Diseases

Purpose: To create a soothing oil for chronic skin issues.

Preparation & Use:

• Gently heat one cup of coconut oil in a pan.

• Add two cups of fresh Dodonaea leaves and fry on low heat until the leaves become crisp.

• Cool, strain, and store the oil. Apply to affected skin areas.

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7. In-Depth Phytochemical Profile and Clinical Significance of Dodonaea viscosa

Introduction

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as Hop Bush, Switch Sorrel, or Varnish Leaf, is a resilient, cosmopolitan shrub found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions worldwide. Its name "viscosa" refers to the sticky, resinous coating on its leaves, a key indicator of its rich secondary metabolite profile. This plant is a pharmacy in its own right, with a history of traditional use spanning continents for treating a vast array of conditions from fever and pain to skin infections and inflammation. Its phytochemical foundation is built on a powerful combination of diterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic resins.

1. Diterpenoids and Resins (The Signature Compounds)

Key Compounds:The sticky resin of D. viscosa is rich in a unique class of diterpenes, which are central to its biological activity.

• Clerodane Diterpenoids: Hautriwaic acid, 6α-acetoxy-15,16-epoxy-5α-hydroxycleroda-3,13(16),14-trien-18-oic acid (a key marker compound), Dodonic acid.

• Other Diterpenes: Hardwickiic acid, Azaleatic acid.

• Resin Acids: A complex mixture of diterpene acids contributing to the plant's stickiness and antimicrobial properties.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:These diterpenoids are the primary drivers of the plant's most potent effects.

• Potent Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic: Clerodane diterpenoids are known to inhibit key pro-inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6). This provides a strong scientific basis for its traditional use as a poultice for rheumatism, swollen joints, and general body pain. The analgesic (pain-relieving) effect is significant and well-documented in experimental models.

• Antimicrobial & Antifungal: The resinous coating and its diterpene constituents show broad-spectrum activity against bacteria (including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and fungi (like Candida species). This validates its use for wound dressing, treating skin infections, and eye ailments like conjunctivitis.

• Antipyretic (Fever Reducing): Traditional use for managing fever is supported by the anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds, which can help reset the body's thermostat in the hypothalamus.

2. Phenolic Compounds (Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids)

Key Compounds:

• Flavonoids: Vitexin, Isovitexin, Santin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, and their various glycosides.

• Phenolic Acids: Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid, p-Coumaric acid, Vanillic acid.

• Condensed Tannins (Proanthocyanidins): Present in significant quantities in the leaves and bark.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:The phenolic profile works in synergy with the diterpenoids to enhance and broaden the therapeutic scope.

• Antioxidant & Cytoprotective: The flavonoids and phenolic acids are powerful free radical scavengers. This activity helps protect tissues from oxidative damage, supporting the plant's use in preventing chronic disease and aiding in healing processes.

• Anti-inflammatory (Synergy): Flavonoids like vitexin and quercetin inhibit inflammatory enzymes (e.g., COX-2, LOX) and modulate signaling pathways, complementing the action of the diterpenoids for a more comprehensive anti-inflammatory effect.

• Astringent & Antidiarrheal: The condensed tannins precipitate proteins, making them effective astringents. This explains the traditional use of D. viscosa decoctions for treating diarrhea, dysentery, and toning the mucous membranes of the gut.

3. Saponins and Other Compounds

Key Compounds:

• Saponins: These glycosides are present throughout the plant and contribute to the foaming characteristic of its extracts.

• Lignans: Such as pinoresinol.

• Essential Oil: The leaves contain a small amount of volatile oil, with compounds like β-caryophyllene, contributing to the overall aroma and bioactivity.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

• Antimicrobial & Expectorant: Saponins have membrane-permeabilizing properties, which can enhance the activity of other antimicrobial compounds and may contribute to an expectorant effect in respiratory conditions.

• Adjunctive Bioactivities: Lignans like pinoresinol possess their own antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, while the essential oil component β-caryophyllene adds its known cannabinoid-receptor-mediated anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

An Integrated View of Healing in Dodonaea viscosa

The therapeutic efficacy of Dodonaea viscosa arises from the powerful synergy between its resinous diterpenoids and its supportive phenolic compounds.

• For Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammation (Rheumatism, Sprains): The plant acts as a comprehensive natural remedy. The Clerodane Diterpenoids provide direct and potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic action at the site of pain by blocking inflammatory pathways. Simultaneously, the Flavonoids (e.g., Vitexin) and Tannins contribute additional anti-inflammatory and astringent effects, reducing swelling and stabilizing the tissue. Applied as a poultice, the resinous compounds ensure prolonged contact and absorption.

  
  

• For Wound Care and Skin Infections: The synergy is multi-layered. The resinous Diterpenoids and Saponins provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial action to prevent and treat infection. The Tannins act as a powerful astringent, drying the wound and forming a protective barrier. Meanwhile, the Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids provide antioxidant support, protecting the regenerating tissue from free radical damage and reducing inflammation, which promotes clean and efficient healing.

  
  

• For Gastrointestinal Disorders (Diarrhea, Dysentery): Here, the Tannins take the lead with their astringent properties, tightening the gut mucosa and reducing fluid secretion. The antimicrobial diterpenoids and saponins help address any underlying bacterial or parasitic infection, while the anti-inflammatory flavonoids soothe the irritated intestinal lining.

  
  

• As a Systemic Anti-inflammatory and Febrifuge Agent: When taken as a decoction, the combined effect of the diterpenoids and flavonoids provides a systemic anti-inflammatory and antipyretic action. This makes it a valuable traditional remedy for fevers, common colds, and systemic inflammatory conditions, working by modulating the body's immune and inflammatory response.

Disclaimer:

Dodonaea viscosa is a potent medicinal plant. While external use is generally considered safe, internal use must be approached with extreme caution. The plant has been reported to have toxic effects in high doses, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. Self-medication for internal use is strongly discouraged. It is essential to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional before using this plant for therapeutic purposes. This information is for educational and academic purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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

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

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Database on Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda by Prof. P.V. Sharma

• Medicinal Plants of the World by Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink

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

1. Azadirachta indica (Neem)* Species: Azadirachta indica | Family: Meliaceae | Genus: Azadirachta* Similarities: Both Neem and Dodonaea are bitter, cooling, and have profound anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and blood-purifying (Raktashodhaka) properties. They are both first-line herbs in Ayurveda for treating stubborn skin diseases, fevers, and inflammatory conditions. Neem is typically more systemic and potent.

2. Calotropis procera (Aak, Madar)* Species: Calotropis procera | Family: Apocynaceae | Genus: Calotropis* Similarities: Both plants are used extensively in traditional medicine for their strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, particularly in topical poultices for rheumatic pain and swelling. Both require caution in use due to their potency. Calotropis is hotter in potency, while Dodonaea is cooler.

3. Semecarpus anacardium (Bhallataka, Marking Nut)* Species: Semecarpus anacardium | Family: Anacardiaceae | Genus: Semecarpus* Similarities: Both are potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents used for joint disorders and skin conditions. Like Dodonaea, Bhallataka is also used as a medicated oil for external application in rheumatism. Both herbs are considered strong and must be used with expert guidance.