Brihati (Solanum indicum) in Ayurveda

Botanical Name: Solanum indicum
Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family)
Common Names:

• Sanskrit: Brihati, Duhsparsha, Vahni, Kantaki Brihati
• Hindi: Bari Kateri, Brihati
• English: Indian Nightshade
• Tamil: Thoothuvalai
• Telugu: Peddakandekari

Description

Brihati is a thorny shrub of medium size, reaching up to 1-2 meters in height. It is known for its purple or violet flowers and small, round, yellowish berries. The plant is covered in spines, especially on its branches, leaves, and stems, which is why it is sometimes referred to as “Duhsparsha,” meaning “difficult to touch.”

The plant is recognized in Ayurveda as one of the ten herbs in the Dashamoola group, a collection of roots used for various systemic diseases. It is considered highly beneficial for respiratory, digestive, and urinary ailments.

Occurrence

Brihati is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, especially India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. It thrives in:

• Forests, grasslands, and riverbanks.
• Wastelands, roadsides, and cultivated areas in warm climates.
• Found across India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and southern states.

Chemical Constituents

Brihati’s pharmacological properties stem from a range of bioactive compounds, including:

1. Alkaloids: Solanine, solamargine, and solasodine.
2. Flavonoids: Apigenin and luteolin derivatives.
3. Glycosides: Steroidal glycosides that contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
4. Steroids: Beta-sitosterol and its derivatives.
5. Other Components: Essential oils, tannins, carbohydrates, and proteins.

Guna (Properties)

• Rasa (Taste): Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter).
• Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry).
• Virya (Potency): Ushna (Hot).
• Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect): Katu (Pungent).
• Dosha Karma: Balances Kapha and Vata doshas.

Uses in Ayurveda

1. Respiratory Disorders:

   • Brihati is widely used for conditions like asthma, bronchitis, cough, and colds. Its expectorant and bronchodilator properties help in clearing mucus and relieving respiratory congestion.

2. Digestive Health:

   • It acts as a carminative and stimulant for digestion. It helps treat flatulence, bloating, and abdominal pain.

3. Urinary Disorders:

   • The diuretic properties of Brihati make it effective in treating conditions like urinary tract infections and painful urination.

4. Fever and Infections:

   • Its antipyretic and antimicrobial actions make it valuable in reducing fever and combating infections.

5. Anti-inflammatory Action:

   • Brihati is used to alleviate inflammation, especially in conditions like arthritis and gout.

6. Wound Healing:

   • The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects aid in faster healing of wounds.

7. Women’s Health:

   • It is used in gynecological conditions such as menstrual irregularities and postpartum disorders.

Mode of Action

• Expectorant Action: Helps in liquefying and expelling phlegm from the respiratory tract, making it useful in asthma and bronchitis.
• Anti-inflammatory Effect: Reduces swelling and inflammation by modulating inflammatory mediators.
• Diuretic Action: Promotes urine flow, assisting in detoxification and treating urinary tract infections.
• Antimicrobial Activity: Inhibits bacterial and fungal growth, protecting against infections.
• Digestive Stimulant: Enhances enzymatic activity, improving digestion and relieving abdominal discomfort.

Home Remedies

1. For Cough and Cold:

   • Prepare a decoction using Brihati roots. Add honey and consume twice daily for relief from cough and respiratory congestion.

2. For Asthma:

   • Mix powdered Brihati root with ginger juice and honey. Consume a teaspoon daily to ease breathing difficulties.

3. For Indigestion:

   • A decoction of Brihati roots, combined with rock salt, can alleviate bloating and flatulence.

4. For Urinary Disorders:

   • Boil Brihati leaves in water and drink the strained liquid to relieve painful urination and cleanse the urinary tract.

5. For Fever:

   • Brihati root decoction with tulsi (holy basil) leaves and ginger is effective in reducing fever.

6. For Wounds:

   • Crush fresh Brihati leaves and apply as a poultice to wounds to promote healing and reduce infection.

Dosage

• Powder (Churna): 1-3 grams, mixed with honey or warm water.
• Decoction (Kwath): 50-100 ml, taken twice daily.
• Juice (Swarasa): 10-20 ml of freshly extracted juice from the leaves or roots.
• Tablets/Capsules: 250-500 mg, as per physician’s recommendation.

Note: Dosage may vary depending on age, condition, and overall health. It is essential to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized advice.

Cautions and Precautions

1. Pregnancy and Lactation:

   • Should be used with caution during pregnancy and lactation. Consult a doctor before use.

2. Dosha Sensitivity:

   • Excessive use may aggravate Pitta dosha due to its Ushna (hot) potency.

3. Allergic Reactions:

   • Rare cases of allergic reactions have been reported. Discontinue use if symptoms like itching or rashes occur.

4. Interaction with Medications:

   • May interact with diuretics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Consult a healthcare provider if you are on medication.

5. Avoid Overdose:

   • High doses can lead to gastric irritation, nausea, and vomiting.

Cultivation and Harvesting

• Soil and Climate:

  • Brihati thrives in well-drained, sandy-loam soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.0.
  • It requires a warm climate and grows best in tropical and subtropical regions.

• Propagation:

  • Propagated through seeds. Seeds are soaked in water overnight before sowing.

• Harvesting:

  • Roots, leaves, and fruits are harvested in the second year for maximum medicinal potency.

Conclusion

Brihati (Solanum indicum) is a cornerstone herb in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly for respiratory, digestive, and urinary health. Its inclusion in the Dashamoola group highlights its systemic importance in balancing Vata and Kapha doshas. From alleviating respiratory ailments to promoting wound healing, Brihati’s diverse therapeutic properties make it a vital component of holistic health care. However, like all potent herbs, it must be used judiciously, keeping in mind individual health conditions and Ayurvedic principles.