Dhataki

See also: Woodfordia (genus)

At Risk

Constituents

Listing on Duke's Database

It's immunostimulant action may protect bone marrow

Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz of the family Lythraceae is a plant of tropical and subtropical region with a long history of medicinal use. A wide range of chemical compounds including tannins (especially those of macrocyclic hydrolysable class), flavonoids, anthraquinone glycosides, and polyphenols have been isolated from this species in recent times. Extracts and metabolites of this plant, particularly those from flowers and leaves, possess useful pharmacological activities. A comprehensive account of the chemical constituents and the biological activities is presented and a critical appraisal of the ethnopharmacological issues is included in view of the many recent findings of importance on this plant.

Dhataki is the backbone herb of almost all Asava and Arishta preparations. (Alcoholic liquid Ayurvedic medicines). It is used as ingredient in many products for its medicinal values. At the same time, it is also used as a fermenting agent in Asava and Arishta (such as Dashamoolarishta).

Botanical name: Woodfordia fruiticosa Kurz / Woodfordia floribunda.

Family: Lytheraceae

Hindi name: Dhaaya / Dhaay ke Phool

English name: Fire Flame Bush

Telugu Name: Are Puvvu, Sireenji,

Tamil Name: Dhatari Jargi

Gujarati Name: Dhaavadi

Bengali Name: Dhai

Marathi Name: Dhalas

Punjabi name: Dhavi

Farsi name: Dhaava

Woodfordia fruiticosa medicinal uses:

Rasa (Taste): Kashaya (Astringent)

Guna (qualities): Laghu (light to digest), Rooksha (dry)

Veerya (potency): Sheeta (cold)

Vipaka (taste conversion after digestion): Katu (pungent)

Effect on Tridosha: It balances Kapha and Pitta.

Prabhava (special effect): Madakari causes Mada – delirium.

Articles/Studies

Anti-Inflammatory / Antimicrobial

Assessment of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential of ethanolic extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers

Antifungal

Comparison of antifungal efficacy of ethanolic extracts of Woodfordia fruticosa leaf and Punica granatum peel in uncontrolled diabetic patients wearing removable dentures.

Asthma

Pharmacological evaluation for anti-asthmatic and anti-inflammatory potential of Woodfordia fruticosa flower extracts.

Diabetes

• Extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers ameliorates hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and improves β-cell function.
• Antioxidant-rich Woodfordia fruticosa leaf extract alleviates depressive-like behaviors and impede hyperglycemia.
• Antihyperglycemic activity of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers extracts in glucose metabolism and lipid peroxidation in streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Gastroprotective

• Woodfordia fruticose extract showed anti-ulcer potential.
• Chromatographic profiling of ellagic acid in Woodfordia fruticosa flowers and their gastroprotective potential in ethanol-induced ulcers.

Hepatoprotective

• Methanolic extract of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz flowers ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced chronic hepatic fibrosis.
• Hepatoprotective effect of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers on diclofenac sodium induced liver toxicity.
• Protective effect of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers against acetaminophen-induced hepatic toxicity in rats.
• Hepatoprotective activity of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz flowers against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity.

Immune System Effects

In vitro and in vivo immunostimulatory activity of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers on non-specific immunity.

Psoriasis

Woodfordia fruticosa gold nanoparticles could be an effective alternative treatment for psoriasis in near future.

Wounds

Wound healing potential of flowers extracts of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz.