Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) in Ayurveda: A Comprehensive Study

Introduction

Dhataki, botanically known as Woodfordia fruticosa, is a highly valued medicinal shrub in Ayurvedic science. Revered for its Stambhana (astringent) and Raktasthambhak (hemostatic) properties, Dhataki plays a central role in various classical formulations and therapeutic applications. Among the many conditions it helps manage, Rakta Pradara (Abnormal Uterine Bleeding or Menorrhagia) is one of the most prominent diseases where Dhataki proves highly effective, thanks to its powerful astringent, anti-inflammatory, and tonifying actions.

Primary Disease Focus: Rakta Pradara (Abnormal Uterine Bleeding)

Ayurvedic Pathology of Rakta Pradara

Rakta Pradara, often equated with menorrhagia or metrorrhagia, is a condition defined in Ayurveda as excessive or irregular uterine bleeding. It predominantly arises due to the vitiation of Pitta and Vata doshas and involves the Rasa and Rakta dhatus.

Nidana (Etiology):

• Excessive consumption of ushna (hot), tikshna (sharp), and katu (pungent) foods

• Emotional stress and overexertion

• Hormonal imbalances

• Irregular eating and sleeping patterns

Samprapti (Pathogenesis):

• Aggravated Pitta affects Rasa and Rakta dhatus, increasing their fluidity

• Vata facilitates movement, hence the excessive flow

• Depletion of dhatus (especially Rasa and Rakta) over time leads to fatigue, pallor, and debility

Medicinal Actions of Dhataki in Rakta Pradara

1. Stambhana (Astringent): Arrests excessive uterine bleeding by contracting uterine tissues

2. Raktasthambhak: Stops the outflow of Rakta dhatu by improving vascular integrity

3. Pittahara: Reduces Pitta-induced inflammation and heat in the reproductive organs

4. Rasayana: Nourishes Rasa and Rakta dhatus, restoring balance and strength

5. Balya: Provides strength and supports overall uterine health

6. Shothahara: Anti-inflammatory action helps soothe irritated endometrial lining

Dosha and Dhatu Involvement

• Dosha: Pitta (primary), Vata (secondary)

• Dhatu: Rasa (plasma/lymph), Rakta (blood), Artava (menstrual tissue)

Mode of Action in Ayurvedic Science

• Tikta and Kashaya rasa counter the heat and flow induced by Pitta

• Laghu (light) and Ruksha (dry) qualities absorb excessive moisture and discharge

• Sheeta virya (cool potency) calms Pitta and reduces vascular dilation

• The cumulative action leads to tissue contraction, improved endometrial health, and balanced bleeding patterns

Pharmacognosy of Dhataki

• Botanical Name: Woodfordia fruticosa

• Family: Lythraceae

• Common English Name: Fire Flame Bush

• Parts Used: Flowers

Macroscopic Characteristics:

• Bright reddish-orange tubular flowers

• Astringent taste

• Soft, hairy calyx

Microscopic Characteristics:

• Presence of glandular trichomes, calcium oxalate crystals

• Pollen grains with reticulate exine

Vernacular Names

• Sanskrit: Dhataki, Dhatupushpi, Bahupushpi

• Hindi: Dhawai, Dhataki

• Marathi: Dhai

• Bengali: Dhay

• Gujarati: Dhavadi

• Tamil: Atattam

• Kannada: Dhavi

• Malayalam: Chuvanna kachappu

Chemical Constituents

• Tannins

• Flavonoids

• Ellagic acid

• Quercetin

• Anthocyanins

• Saponins

• Glycosides

• β-sitosterol

• Essential oils

These constituents account for its hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and uterine tonic actions.

Diseases and Conditions Where Dhataki Is Useful

1. Rakta Pradara (Menorrhagia): Arrests excessive bleeding.

2. Atisara (Diarrhea): Astringent action controls loose stools.

3. Grahani (IBS or Malabsorption): Regulates bowel tone and supports digestion.

4. Shwetapradara (Leucorrhea): Anti-inflammatory and drying action relieves discharge.

5. Jwara (Fever): Reduces fever by pacifying Pitta.

6. Vrana (Wounds): Promotes wound healing and prevents infection.

7. Daha (Burning Sensation): Soothes due to its Sheeta Virya.

8. Kasa (Cough): Its antimicrobial properties help in respiratory infections.

9. Raktapitta (Epistaxis/Hemorrhagic conditions): Controls spontaneous bleeding.

10. Garbhashaya Shotha (Uterine inflammation): Anti-inflammatory and toning effects benefit uterine health.

Ayurvedic Medicines Containing Dhataki

1. Ashokarishta

2. Kumaryasava

3. Dashmoolarishta

4. Lohasava

5. Arjunarishta

6. Mustakarista

7. Chandanasava

8. Drakshasava

9. Abhayarishta

10. Dhatakyadi Ghrita

Dhataki is often used in Asava-Arishta preparations as a natural fermenting agent due to its yeast content.

Home Remedies Involving Dhataki

1. Menorrhagia: Powdered flowers with honey once or twice daily.

2. Diarrhea: Decoction of dried flowers (10 g boiled in 200 ml water reduced to 50 ml) taken twice daily.

3. Leucorrhea: Powder of Dhataki with rice water or pomegranate rind.

4. Wound Care: Paste of dried flowers applied externally.

5. Fever: Infusion of Dhataki flowers with tulsi and ginger.

Harmful Effects and Contraindications

• Pregnancy: Avoid high doses as it may have uterine contracting properties

• Constipation: Due to drying and binding nature

• Anemia: Overuse may hinder iron absorption due to tannins

• Allergies: Possible in sensitive individuals

Always use under guidance of an Ayurvedic physician, especially in reproductive and digestive disorders.

Relevance as a Stambhana Dravya

In Ayurveda, Stambhana Dravyas are substances that arrest or stop abnormal discharges or flows from the body, whether it’s Rakta (blood), Mutra (urine), Purisha (stool), or Artava (menstrual blood). Dhataki, with its strong astringent and Rakta-stambhaka properties, is a prime example of a Stambhana Dravya.

It is extensively used in bleeding disorders, diarrhea, and leucorrhea. Its Kashaya rasa, Sheeta virya, and Ruksha guna make it an ideal agent to stop flow, balance Pitta and Kapha, and support tissue stability.

Conclusion

Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) stands out in Ayurveda not just for its therapeutic efficacy but also for its pivotal role in formulations. Its effectiveness in Rakta Pradara, through its Pitta-pacifying, astringent, and dhatu-nourishing actions, exemplifies its multidimensional healing potential. From acting as a natural fermenting agent in Asava-Arishta to addressing digestive, reproductive, and bleeding disorders, Dhataki maintains a foundational role in classical and modern Ayurveda. Its properties as a Stambhan Dravya reinforce its reputation as one of the essential herbs in managing pathological flow conditions and restoring dhatu equilibrium.