Lepidagathis cristata (Acanthaceae)

Lepidagathis cristata

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Lepidagathis cristata

Family: Acanthaceae

Genus: Lepidagathis

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Justicia adhatoda (Vasa): A premier Ayurvedic herb for respiratory conditions like cough, asthma, and bronchitis.

• Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh/Bhunimba): A famous bitter tonic for liver disorders, fevers, and infections.

• Hemidesmus indicus (Anantmool/Sariva): A cooling, blood-purifying, and demulcent herb.

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The Acanthaceae family is rich in herbs with significant therapeutic value, particularly for respiratory, hepatic, and inflammatory conditions.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Lepidagathis cristata | English: Crested Lepidagathis | Sanskrit: Parpataka (often grouped with other febrifuge herbs) | Hindi: Dantar, Patkasa | Tamil: Parpadagam, Parpadakam | Telugu: Nallaneeli | Kannada: Karisidda Soppu | Malayalam: Karinkurinni | Marathi: Ranful, Pitkasa | Bengali: Bhuikalam | Gujarati: Kariyat |

3. Medicinal Uses:Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Hepatoprotective (liver protective), Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Diuretic, Antimalarial (traditional use), Blood Purifier.

Medicinal Parts:The whole plant is used in traditional medicine.

• Whole Plant: Used for decoctions, juices, and extracts.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Alkaloids (Lepidine): Specific alkaloids identified in the Lepidagathis genus, contributing to its Antipyretic and potential Antimalarial actions.

Flavonoids (Apigenin, Luteolin derivatives): These compounds provide strong Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory effects, supporting the plant's role in tissue protection and fever reduction.

Phenolic Acids & Triterpenoids: Contribute to the overall Antioxidant capacity and Hepatoprotective action, aiding in liver cell regeneration.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Vishama Jwara (Intermittent Fever/Malaria)

Formulation: Whole plant decoction (Svarasa or Kashayam).

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the fresh or dried whole plant is a classic folk remedy for all types of fevers, including those with chills and rigors suggestive of malaria. It is often given in small doses throughout the day.

Reasoning: The plant's potent antipyretic properties are attributed to its alkaloids and flavonoids, which help reset the body's thermostat and induce sweating to break fever.

Yakrit Vikara (Liver Disorders) & Kamala (Jaundice)

Formulation: Plant juice or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The fresh juice of the plant or a decoction is administered to treat jaundice, liver congestion, and general liver weakness. It is considered a strong blood purifier in this context.

Reasoning: The hepatoprotective and antioxidant compounds help shield liver cells from toxins, reduce inflammation, and promote bile flow, aiding in recovery from jaundice.

Kandu (Itching) & Twak Vikara (Skin Diseases)

Formulation: Plant paste or medicated oil.

Preparation & Use: A paste made from the fresh plant is applied topically to relieve itching, eczema, and allergic rashes. The plant is also processed in oils for topical application in skin conditions.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and blood-purifying (Raktashodhaka) properties help address the systemic and local factors behind inflammatory skin disorders.

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

It is not a culinary herb. Its use is strictly medicinal.

Classic Fever Decoction (Kashayam)

Purpose: To reduce high fever and associated body aches.

Preparation & Use:

• Take a handful (approx. 10-15 grams) of the fresh or dried whole plant.

• Boil in 2 cups (400 ml) of water until it reduces to ½ cup (100 ml).

• Strain and drink 1-2 tablespoons of this decoction 3-4 times a day until the fever subsides.

Liver Tonic Juice

Purpose: To support liver function and recovery from jaundice.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush a handful of fresh Lepidagathis cristata plant to extract the juice.

• Mix 5-10 ml of this juice with an equal amount of water or honey.

• Consume twice daily before meals for a limited period under guidance.

7. Disclaimer:Lepidagathis cristata is a well-regarded folk medicine, but its pharmacological profile is still being scientifically validated. Its use for conditions like malaria should not replace standard antimalarial therapy. Due to its potent action, it should be used under the guidance of a practitioner knowledgeable in ethnobotany or Ayurveda. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid its use. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni (look for references to Lepidagathis spp.)

• Ethnobotany of India Series (Volumes on Western Ghats and Central India)

• Wealth of India (Raw Materials) by CSIR

• Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu (for classical references to Parpataka)

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

1. Lepidagathis decumbens

• Species: Lepidagathis decumbens | Family: Acanthaceae | Genus: Lepidagathis

• Similarities: A very close botanical relative often used interchangeably in folk medicine for the same spectrum of conditions—fever, liver disorders, and inflammation. Studying both highlights the medicinal potential of this genus.

2. Swertia chirayita (Chirayata)

• Species: Swertia chirayita | Family: Gentianaceae | Genus: Swertia

• Similarities: Both are bitter-tonic herbs with powerful antipyretic and hepatoprotective properties. They are primary herbs in traditional fever management and are considered excellent blood purifiers and digestives.

3. Eclipta alba (Bhringraj)

• Species: Eclipta alba | Family: Asteraceae | Genus: Eclipta

• Similarities: Both are renowned for their hepatoprotective effects and are used in the treatment of jaundice and general liver detoxification. They also share applications in promoting skin and hair health.

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