Dravanti (Chlorophytum tuberosum) in Ayurveda: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Dravanti, known botanically as Chlorophytum tuberosum, is a herb of immense medicinal value in Ayurvedic literature. Classified among the group of strong purgatives (Tikshna Virechana Dravyas), Dravanti has traditionally been used for its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating properties. Though often overshadowed by other well-known herbs, Dravanti holds a unique position in Ayurvedic therapy, especially in the management of skin diseases, inflammatory disorders, and purification treatments within Panchakarma. It is closely related to Shwet Musali and is part of the Liliaceae family.

Primary Disease of Focus: Kushtha (Skin Disorders)

Pathology of Kushtha in Ayurveda

Kushtha is a term used to describe a wide range of skin disorders in Ayurveda. It can range from minor rashes to chronic and severe skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, and leukoderma. Kushtha is classified into Mahakushtha (major) and Kshudra Kushtha (minor) types.

Samprapti (Pathogenesis):

1. Dosha Involvement: All three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—get vitiated, but skin diseases primarily stem from the imbalance of Pitta and Kapha.

2. Dhatu Affected: The main dhatus affected are Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, and Lasika.

3. Ama Accumulation: Improper digestion causes Ama to circulate and accumulate in twak (skin), rakta (blood), and mamsa (muscle tissue), leading to toxin buildup.

Medicinal Actions of Dravanti in Kushtha

1. Tikshna Virechaka (Strong Purgative): Removes deep-seated toxins and clears Pitta-Kapha doshas.

2. Raktashodhaka (Blood Purifier): Eliminates impurities from blood and reduces inflammation.

3. Kandughna (Anti-pruritic): Helps reduce itching associated with skin diseases.

4. Kushtaghna (Anti-dermatotic): Acts specifically on chronic skin ailments.

5. Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory): Reduces skin swelling and lesions.

6. Tvachya (Skin Nourisher): Promotes skin healing and rejuvenation.

Mode of Action in Ayurvedic Terms

Dravanti acts primarily through Tikshna Virechana—eliminating aggravated Pitta and Kapha doshas via the bowel. This purification helps clear the Rakta and Mamsa dhatus, allowing proper circulation and metabolism. Dravanti’s Ushna veerya (hot potency) helps digest Ama and break chronic pathogenesis.

Dosha and Dhatu Impact

• Doshas: Reduces Pitta and Kapha, pacifies Vata indirectly through Ama digestion

• Dhatus: Purifies Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Lasika

Pharmacognosy of Dravanti

• Botanical Name: Chlorophytum tuberosum

• Family: Liliaceae

• Common Parts Used: Tuber, Root

• Rasa (Taste): Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent)

• Guna (Quality): Laghu (light), Tikshna (penetrating)

• Veerya (Potency): Ushna (hot)

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

• Karma (Actions): Virechana, Shothahara, Raktashodhaka

Names in Different Languages

• Sanskrit: Dravanti, Shweta Musali, Drahvanti

• Hindi: Safed Musli

• English: White Musli

• Gujarati: Dholi Musli

• Kannada: Tella Musali

• Tamil: Vellai Musli

• Telugu: Tella Musali

• Malayalam: Vella Mulakku

Chemical Constituents

1. Steroidal Saponins: Primary active constituents, exhibit anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects

2. Flavonoids: Antioxidant and detoxifying actions

3. Alkaloids: Aid in nervous system function and detoxification

4. Polysaccharides: Strengthen immunity

5. Resins: Assist in purgative activity

6. Phenolic compounds: Aid in skin healing

10 Diseases Where Dravanti Can Be Used

1. Kushtha (Skin Disorders): Treats chronic, inflammatory, and autoimmune skin conditions.

2. Shwasa (Asthma): Clears Kapha, reducing bronchial congestion.

3. Udara (Abdominal Diseases): Acts as a purgative to treat ascites and bloating.

4. Arsha (Piles): Helps in expelling toxins and reduces pile mass.

5. Shotha (Inflammation/Edema): Clears fluid retention.

6. Jvara (Fever): Especially in cases of Ama Jvara (toxic fever).

7. Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis): Breaks Ama and pacifies inflammation.

8. Krimi (Parasitic Infestation): Destroys intestinal parasites.

9. Grahani (IBS/Chronic Diarrhea): Resets digestive fire after detox.

10. Yakritpleeha Vriddhi (Liver & Spleen Enlargement): Reduces organ swelling.

10 Ayurvedic Formulations with Dravanti

1. Dravantyadi Churna: Used in Virechana Karma for skin and liver diseases.

2. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu: For chronic skin conditions.

3. Avipattikar Churna: Combines with other herbs for purgation and digestion.

4. Trivritadi Churna: Effective purgative blend.

5. Arogyavardhini Vati: Liver detox and skin health.

6. Gandhak Rasayan: Skin rejuvenation and blood purification.

7. Sarivadyasava: Cools and purifies blood.

8. Manjisthadi Kwatha: Anti-inflammatory and skin healing.

9. Panchasakar Churna: Constipation and detoxification.

10. Mahatikta Ghrita: Skin and autoimmune disease support.

Home Remedies with Dravanti

1. Skin Detox Decoction: Boil Dravanti root with Neem and Manjistha; consume under supervision.

2. Anti-pruritic Paste: Mix powdered Dravanti root with turmeric and aloe vera gel, apply to affected skin.

3. Liver Detox Mix: Combine Dravanti powder with ginger juice and honey.

4. Constipation Relief: Low-dose root powder at bedtime with warm water.

5. Joint Pain Remedy: Mix Dravanti root paste with castor oil and apply topically.

Caution: Home remedies with Dravanti should be used only with expert guidance due to its potent action.

Harmful Effects and Contraindications

• Toxic in Overdose: Can lead to diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal pain.

• Pregnancy: Contraindicated due to purgative nature.

• Children & Elderly: Should be avoided unless strictly supervised.

• Debilitated Patients: May cause weakness due to aggressive purgation.

Relevance as Tikshna Virechan Dravya

Dravanti is a potent Tikshna Virechaka—a sharp purgative herb used in Ayurvedic purification therapy (Shodhana). In Virechana Karma, it helps in eliminating excess Pitta and Kapha from the Pakvashaya (large intestine), thereby treating the root cause of many chronic and inflammatory diseases. Its sharp action, deep tissue penetration, and blood-purifying properties make it a unique choice for cleansing therapies within Panchakarma.

Conclusion

Dravanti (Chlorophytum tuberosum) is a remarkable Ayurvedic herb whose primary strength lies in its purgative and blood-purifying properties. Most impactful in the management of skin diseases, it helps correct doshic imbalance, eliminate toxins, and support tissue rejuvenation. Although powerful, it must be used cautiously due to its Tikshna nature. As Ayurveda continues to be explored in contemporary medicine, the therapeutic potential of herbs like Dravanti stands as a testament to the wisdom of traditional healing sciences.