Avartani (Helicteres isora) in Ayurvedic Medical Science: A Comprehensive Treatise

Introduction

Avartani, scientifically identified as Helicteres isora, is a revered medicinal plant in Ayurveda known for its profound therapeutic effects, particularly as a Stambhana Dravya—a category of herbs used to arrest abnormal flows and discharges from the body. Avartani’s botanical and Ayurvedic attributes make it particularly effective in managing Atisara (diarrhea), which forms the central focus of this treatise. This analysis explores Avartani’s pharmacological actions, Ayurvedic interpretation, dosha-dhatu interactions, home remedies, chemical profile, and more, culminating in a complete perspective on its place in Ayurvedic therapeutics.

Most Relevant Disease: Atisara (Diarrhea)

Ayurvedic Understanding of Atisara

Atisara refers to frequent and watery bowel movements. It is categorized as a Kriyakalpa Vyadhi, where immediate intervention is necessary to restore balance. Ayurveda defines Atisara as a condition where the digestive fire (Agni) becomes disturbed, leading to improper processing of food and accumulation of Ama (toxins).

Nidana (Etiological Factors):

• Excessive intake of heavy, unwholesome, or contaminated food

• Exposure to cold or water

• Suppression of natural urges

• Psychological disturbances

Dosha Involvement:

• Vataja Atisara: Thin, frequent stools, abdominal pain

• Pittaja Atisara: Yellowish stools, burning sensation

• Kaphaja Atisara: Mucous-laden stools, heaviness

• Sannipataja Atisara: Mixed symptoms, chronic and severe

Affected Dhatus:

• Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), and Mamsa (muscle tissues)

Medicinal Actions of Avartani in Atisara

Avartani exhibits the following effects that are crucial in managing diarrhea:

• Stambhana: Arrests abnormal bowel discharge

• Deepana & Pachana: Stimulates digestive fire, aiding in better digestion

• Krimighna: Antimicrobial and anti-parasitic action to combat infections

• Grahi: Absorbs excess moisture and reduces intestinal motility

• Shothahara: Anti-inflammatory action on the gut lining

• Aamapachana: Detoxifies and digests Ama

Together, these actions restore Agni, support Srotas (channels), and stabilize stool formation.

Pharmacognosy of Avartani (Helicteres isora)

• Family: Sterculiaceae

• Botanical Name: Helicteres isora

• Common Name: Indian Screw Tree

• Part Used: Fruits, bark, and roots

• Habitat: Found in tropical forests of India, particularly the Deccan plateau and Western Ghats

Macroscopic Features:

• Distinct twisted screw-like pods (5–7 cm)

• Rough bark

• Shrub or small tree with simple leaves

Microscopic Features:

• Presence of mucilage cells

• Sclerenchymatous tissue in bark

• Lignified xylem

Vernacular Names

• Sanskrit: Avartani, Mrigashinga

• Hindi: Marorphali, Murudsheng

• Tamil: Valavarttam

• Telugu: Valavarti

• Kannada: Hulaalu

• Malayalam: Valamkuruvetti

• Gujarati: Mudi-shingli

• Marathi: Murudshing

• Bengali: Bankakri

Chemical Constituents

Avartani is rich in a diverse range of phytochemicals, which contribute to its medicinal value:

• Tannins (gallic acid, ellagic acid)

• Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol)

• Saponins

• Alkaloids

• Phenolic compounds

• Mucilage

• Steroids

• Terpenoids

These compounds are responsible for its astringent, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiarrheal actions.

Ayurvedic Mode of Action in Atisara

• Rasa (Taste): Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter)

• Guna (Qualities): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Grahi (absorptive)

• Virya (Potency): Ushna (hot)

• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (pungent)

These pharmacodynamic properties help Avartani:

• Restore balance in Vata and Kapha dosha

• Dry up excess moisture in the intestines

• Stimulate Agni (digestive fire)

• Cleanse Ama (toxins) and reduce fermentation

• Heal the mucosal lining

Impact on Dhatus:

• Protects and rejuvenates Rasa and Rakta by reducing excess fluid loss

• Prevents Mamsa dhatu kshaya (muscle wasting) due to chronic diarrhea

10 Other Conditions Where Avartani Is Used

1. Prameha (Diabetes): Reduces sugar levels and insulin resistance through its astringent properties

2. Raktapitta (Bleeding Disorders): Controls bleeding due to high tannin content

3. Krimi Roga (Worm Infestation): Effective against intestinal parasites

4. Shvasa (Asthma): Alleviates Kapha and acts as a bronchodilator

5. Kasa (Cough): Soothes irritated respiratory mucosa

6. Arsha (Piles): Shrinks hemorrhoids due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory action

7. Atisara (Diarrhea): Arrests bowel discharge, restores Agni

8. Dysmenorrhea: Relieves menstrual pain due to antispasmodic action

9. Durnama Vrana (Chronic Ulcers): Promotes wound healing when applied topically

10. Jvara (Fever): Reduces inflammatory cytokines and supports immune response

Ayurvedic Formulations Containing Avartani

1. Kutajghan Vati

2. Dadimashtaka Churna (regional variation)

3. Shankha Vati

4. Avartani Churna

5. Panchamla Kvatha

6. Krimighna Vati

7. Chitrakadi Vati

8. Vyoshadi Vati

9. Phalatrikadi Kwath

10. Jatyadi Taila (for wound healing, with local substitution)

Home Remedies with Avartani

1. For Diarrhea: Boil dried fruits in water; consume twice daily

2. For Worm Infestation: Powdered fruit with honey on empty stomach

3. For Cough: Decoction with Tulsi and ginger

4. For Piles: Powder mixed with Triphala and taken with warm water

5. For Menstrual Cramps: Decoction taken with jaggery

6. For Skin Infections: Paste of bark and turmeric applied topically

7. For Mouth Ulcers: Gargle with Avartani bark decoction

8. For Diabetes: Powder with fenugreek taken before meals

Contraindications and Harmful Effects

• Pregnancy: May cause uterine contractions; avoid

• Constipation: Its astringency may worsen the condition

• Dehydration: Overuse can lead to fluid loss due to drying properties

• Low Pitta conditions: May aggravate cold conditions due to Ushna Virya

• Sensitive individuals: May cause mild irritation in large doses

Relevance as Stambhan Dravya

Avartani’s classification as a Stambhan Dravya is due to its potent ability to:

• Arrest Atisara and Raktapitta

• Prevent excessive discharges from the gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive systems

• Absorb excess Kleda (moisture) from tissues

• Act on Shleshma Srotas (mucous channels) to reduce secretions

Its Kashaya rasa, Laghu and Ruksha guna, and Ushna virya make it ideal for diseases of discharges and leakages, making it a core part of Stambhan therapy in Ayurveda.

Conclusion

Avartani (Helicteres isora) stands as a significant herb in Ayurveda, particularly in the management of Atisara through its comprehensive actions on Agni, Srotas, Dosha, and Dhatu. Its astringent, antimicrobial, and digestive-stimulating effects have positioned it as a frontline remedy in both classical and modern Ayurvedic practice. Further, its usage as a Stambhan Dravya demonstrates its utility in conditions marked by abnormal flow and discharge. With centuries of empirical validation, Avartani continues to be a beacon of Ayurvedic wisdom and healing.