Abbi Charu et al. Int. Res. J. Pharm.

2013, 4 (3)
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PHARMACY
www.irjponline.com ISSN 2230 – 8407
Review Article

PUNARNAVA (BOERHAVIA DIFFUSA): A PROMISING INDIGENOUS HERBAL DRUG

Abbi Charu 1*, Kumar Vinod 2, Kumar Shameet 2, Kumar Dinesh 2
1
Lecturer, Lovely School of Pharmaceutical Science - Ayurvedic Pharmacy, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara,
Punjab, India
2
U.G. Scholar, Lovely School of Pharmaceutical Science - Ayurvedic Pharmacy, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara,
Punjab, India
Email: charu.abbi@lpu.co.in

Article Received on: 12/01/13 Revised on: 01/02/13 Approved for publication: 11/03/13

DOI: 10.7897/2230-8407.04314
IRJP is an official publication of Moksha Publishing House. Website: www.mokshaph.com
© All rights reserved.

ABSTRACT
Ayurveda is a sea of knowledge which is widespread not only on the surface but is indeed deep remarkably as well. It emphasises on the preventive aspect of
the health and discusses the analysis and management of various physical and mental disorders. While viewing this traditional knowledge, one comes across a
very important herb Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa). It is a trailing herb which is found throughout India. This herb has registered its importance in various
formulations as it has been significantly found to be effective in diseases like shotha (inflammation) and pandu (anaemia). The market analysis shows that
many different formulations are available in which the punarnava mandur and Punarnava ashtaka kwatha are being prescribed at large.
In this article, summarization of the various synonyms, morphological properties, pharmacological activities, uses, dose and formulations of the selected drug
from various classical texts up to modern era is attempted.
The review indicates that this indigenous medicinal drug has wholesome references in various ancient and modern texts. This plant has proved itself to be
beneficial in the past, is a drug of choice nowadays and seems to be effective in future. More research needs to be carried out in formulating new medicines
which can contribute to animal life and mankind.
Keywords: Punarnava, Boerhavia diffusa, Shotha, Pandu, Punarnava ashtaka kwatha

INTRODUCTION the most efficient drug of present and promises itself for the
The universe is considered to be panchbhautik in nature1 and future. An attempt has been made to focus the light on the
so is the human body. With the upcoming of dvapar, treta and stand of the herbal drug, Punarnava, in some of the
kal yug, the diseases also made their way in the lives of Ayurvedic texts from Vedic period up to the modern day era.
plants, animals and humans as well. In order to treat them in
humans, the science which reflects one of the most ancient Classical Review
knowledge is Ayurveda. This science lays stress on the Charaka Samhita: Acharya Charaka have categorised
maintenance of equilibrium of Dosha (the body humours), Punarnava as swedopaga4 (an adjunct to sweating therapy),
Dhatu (the body tissues) and Mala (the body wastes) for a anuvasanupaga4 (an adjunct to oleating therapy), kaashara 4
proper healthy body and mind.2For achieving the health, it (anti-tussive) and vayasthapana4 (rejuvenator). Its mool (root)
emphasises on the preventive aspect mentioned as the daily has been written to be used with dahi maanda in kushtha
regimen and the seasonal regimen. Not only the regimens but (skin disorder).
it also focuses on proper ahaar (diet), nidra (sleep) and
brahmcharya (celibacy) for the maintenance of health.3 In the Sushruta Samhita: Acharya Sushruta has categorised this
state of disease, various dietary and medicinal managements plant in vidharigandhadi gana5 and shaak varga.6 In this
have been discussed by the great vaidyas like Acharya Vedic text, punarnava mool has been told to be used in pittaj
Charaka and Acharya Sushruta in their Samhitas. So, this is a ashmari (renal stones) 7; milk boiled with root, Shotha (anti-
science of indigenous origin which has valued on the holistic inflammatory) 8; mool kwatha with shunthi, Mooshaka vish
approach towards overall health of an individual. While (rat bite) 9; mool (root) of shveta variety with honey), Alarka
focussing on treatment, it lays stress on the various visha (bite of a rabied dog)9; mool (root) of shveta variety
preparations which are either herbal or herbal-mineral in with dhatura seed powder and water and in jvara (all types of
origin. One of the drugs which is well known and is long fever)10; ksheerpaka of mool of shveta (white) variety. It is
established plant in the scientific system of ancient Indian one of the components of Ek rasa sangyaka agad11 to be used
medicine is Punarnava. This plant is found as a perennial as antitoxin.
spreading herb and as weed in the various parts of Indian
states. In Ayurveda, this drug is known to be used as Ashtanga Sangraha: In this Ayurvedic text Punarnava is
mutravirechniya (diuretic), shothahara (anti-inflammatory), included in Kaashara mahakshaya (as antitussive) 12 and
kaashara (antitussive), jvarhara (antipyretic), rasayana Vayasthapana mahakshaya (decoction effective as
(rejuvenator) and what not. Not only the roots as therapeutic rejuvenator).13 Punarnava mool (root) is quoted to be
agent but the whole plant of this herb is also being taken as effective in Madatya (alcoholism)10; Ghee to be prepared
diet by some tribal groups for which mainly the leaves are with decoction of punarnava, milk and madhuyashti kalka, as
used. This drug has been cited as bitter, coolant and Rasayana (rejuvenator)10; Punarnava powder is to be used.
astringent in nature. The main part used it whole plant The plant has also been included as Shaak (as vegetable diet).
14
specifically the mool (the root). The dose has been expressed
as 20-30 g for decoction. Known with different local names,
the herbal drug has been extensively used in past, is one of
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 Abbi Charu et al. Int. Res. J. Pharm. 2013, 4 (3)
Bhavprakash Nighantu: This is one of the most authentic Sharangdhar Samhita: This is an Ayurvedic text written in
texts of Dravyaguna written in 16th century A.D. In this text modern period around 13th century A.D. In this text
the two varieties of Punarnava have been illustrated Punarnava rasanjana has been described. The mool has been
separately. These are shveta (white) and rakta (red) said to be rubbed and used with different substances and is
punarnava. Shveta punarnava has its synonyms as effective in various disorders such as with milk in netra
shvetmoola, shothaghni, and dirghapatrika. It is said to have kandu (itching of eyes), with honey in netrasrava (watery
katu (pungent) and kashaya (astringent) taste and is used in eye), with taila in timir roga (pre-glaucomatic condition and
pandu (anaemia), shotha (inflammation), decreased digestive glaucoma) and with kanji in rataundhi (night blindness).19
fire, udarroga (abdominal disorders) and for the elimination
of vayu (flatus), vish (toxins), kapha (phlegm).15 Rakta Ras Tantra Sar V Sidh Prayog Sangrah: This text is a
Punarnava has its synonyms as raktpushpa, shilatika, reputed ayurvedic text for various formulations written in 19th
shothaghni, ksudra varshabhu, varshketu and kathillaka. It is century AD. In this literature various aspects of a herbo-
constituted by tikta (bitter) rasa, has katu vipaka and is mineral formulation Punarnava mandur has been discussed.
sheetal (coolant), light and increases vata in the body.15 It is The technique of the formulation has been referred from
malasangrahaka (astringents) in action and is beneficial in Bhavprakash). The dose is cited as 2-4 tabs twice a day with
kapha, pitta and rakta disorders. Karvellaka (bitter gourd) and gud (jaggery) and water as anupana. In a constipated person
rakta punarnava (red variety) have both been named as with indigestion, haritaki powder is to be mixed and given.
kathillaka in Anekartha naam varga. 16 It has been told to be For immediate effect, yograj guggul may also be added. This
used in Sanhdivaata (Osteoarthritis); Punarnava kwatha with formulation is beneficial in disorders like shotha
kalka of kapur and shunthi to be given for seven days, and in (inflammations), pandu (anaemia), kamala (jaundice),
various eye disorders.17 udarroga (abdominal disorders), shoola (painful conditions),
shwasa (difficulty in breathing), kaasa (cough), jvara (fever),
Adarsha Nighantu: This is an Ayurvedic text in which the arsha (piles), sangrahini (irritable bowel syndrome), krimi
content of Dravyaguna has been discussed at large. In this (worm infestation), vaatrakta (gout) and kushtha (skin
Punarnavadi varg has been discussed with Punarnava as its disorders). It has been specially highlighted to be used in
first plant. The different synonyms and regional names have pandu (anaemia) and kamala (jaundice).20
been told. The etymology of the synonyms of the plant has
been written like Punarnava (this plant grows green every The same reference of Punarnava mandur has also been
year and is effective in diseases like pandu (anaemia) due found in Rasa Tarangini21.
which it is appreciated), Varshabhu (this plant grows green
every year by itself), Vishakha (due to widely spreading Ayurveda Sara Sangrah: In this text various formulations of
stems). Mool (root), patra (leaves) and panchanga (whole Punarnava are mentioned like Punarnava arka,22 Punarnava
plant) has been told to be used. The dose evaluated is 1-2 tola kshaar,23 Punarnava arishta,24 Punarnavadi taila,25
(1tola = 12g) in jalodara (ascites) and shotha (inflammation), Punarnavashtaka kwatha,26 Punarnavadi kwatha.27 Of these
0.25-0.5 tola (1tola = 12g) in other ailments. The rasa (taste) formulations Punarnava ashtaka is one of the most commonly
in the plant is katu (pungent), tikta (bitter), kashaya used formulations. The composition is as follows (Figure 1):
(astringent), virya (potency) is ushna (hot), vipaka as Katu
(pungent) and doshakarma is kaphavata shamaka.18

Figure 1: The ratio of enlisted ingredients in Punarnava Ashtaka kwatha26 as per Ayurveda Sara Sangraha.

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Method: The drugs are powdered. 1 tola (1tola = 12g) of the described in terms of its morphology. The three varieties
powder is taken, 16 times quantity of water added and heated have been told to be found throughout India. Chemically this
until ¼ is left behind. It is filtered and to the decoction 1-2 plant contains the main alkaloid Punarnavine (0.04%) with
tola (1tola = 12g) cow milk is added and given to the patient potassium nitrate. Bhasma contains sulphates, chlorides,
2-3 times a day. This formulation is useful in hepato - nitrates and chlorates. Naturally provided with madhur
splenomegaly, inflammation, joint pains etc. This (sweet), tikta (bitter) and kashaya (astringent) rasa, this herb
formulation can also be used as anupana. has laghu (light) and ruksha (dry) properties, shows madhur
vipaka and has ushna virya. It is tridoshahara in nature. The
Chakradatta Samhita: In Adarsha Nighantu the reference of various actions and uses have been discussed. The mool
Chakradatta is also available. Acharya Chakrapani has quoted (root), seeds, and panchanga (whole plant) are the main parts
the drug to be used in Shotha (inflammation); ghee prepared to be used. The dosage form found to be written is Swarasa
with punarnava kwatha and kalka), vidradhi (abcess); water (juice): 5-10 ml, seed powder: 1-3 g. The formulations
boiled with shveta punarnava mool and in vishdosha like enlisted are Punarnava ashtaka, Punarnava asava, Punarnava
snakebite; shveta punarnava mool powder with tandulodaka ambu and Punarnava mandur.29
in pushya nakshatra. In this text the uses discussed in other
texts has also been mentioned. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India: In this official text,
In Haarit Samhita kwatha of punarnava mool has been told to Rakta Punarnava has been discussed. The plant have been
be effective in nidranasha (insomnia). 10 introduced with its botanical source (Latin name: Boerhavia
In Sodhal Nighantu, Acharya Sodhal has described its uses in diffusa, Family: Nyctaginaceae and whole plant to be used)
yonishool (vaginal pain), 17 delayed parturition and and said to be collected after rainy season. The various
vishvikara.17 synonyms and regional names have been compiled. External
In Vaidyamanorama, Punarnava has been told to be used in morphological characters of all the parts of the plant have
pain due to Gulma (glandular enlargement) 17 and for easy been elaborated. The microscopic characters of root stem and
parturition. leaves are found. The identity, purity and strength (Foreign
matter: Not more than 2%; Total ash: Not more than 15%,
Modern Review Acid insoluble ash: Not more than 6 %; Alcohol soluble ash:
Scientific Classification: In modern period, the crude drugs Not less than 1%; Water soluble ash: Not less than 4%) have
have extensively been classified and studied according to been elucidated which helps in the standardisation of various
their taxonomy. In view of this classification, the Punarnava samples of the crude drug. The chemical present is an
is categorised as under; alkaloid (Punarnavine), ras panchaka discussed and various
Kingdom: Plantaeae formulations written are Punarnavasava, Punarnavashtaka
Order: Caryophyllales kwatha, Punarnavadi mandur, Sukumara Ghrita and
Family: Nyctaginaceae Shothaghna lepa. 20-30 g of the drug is to be used for
Genus: Boerhavia decoction therapeutically in Shotha (inflammation) and
Species: Boerhavia diffusa Pandu (anaemia).30
The other synonyms of this drug are Boerhavia adscendens,
Boerhavia caribaea, Boerhavia coccinea, Boerhavia Recent Researches on Punarnava: The scientists have been
paniculata and Boerhavia viscosa. carrying an extensive research on Punarnava (Boerhavia
Reference is also found that there are six species which are diffusa). The recent researches have proved the actions of this
found in India: Boerhavia diffusa, Boerhavia chinensis, drug in various disorders as mentioned in the classical texts.
Boerhavia rependa, Boerhavia repens, Boerhavia erecta and This plant has shown hepatoprotective activity31, anti-diabetic
Boerhavia rubicunda. This plant is found throughout the activity32 and has anti-oxidant effect in rats.33 The leaves
warmer parts of the country up to the height of 2000 m in the have various nutritive components like Vitamin C, sodium
Himalayan area. It is also found grown in the wastelands and and calcium.28 The roots of Boerhavia diffusa contains
fields after the rainy season.28 various chemical constituents like alkaloids (punarnavine),
rotenoids (boeravinones), flavonoids, amino acids, lignans
Dravya Guna Vijnana: Prof. P. V. Sharma has categorised (liriodendrons), ß sitosterols and tetracosanoic, esacosanoic,
this plant as mutravirechniya (diuretic). The drug has been stearic and ursolic acids34 due to which various
introduced with the classification that has been mentioned in pharmacological activities are reported .The main rotenoids
Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. The botanical source also known as boeravinones are the metabolites responsible
(Latin name- Boerhavia diffusa and family- Nyctaginaceae) for various activities.34 The studies have revealed their
is defined and different synonyms with regional names structure as below (Figure 2):
enlisted. This perennial spreading herb has been completely

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 Abbi Charu et al. Int. Res. J. Pharm. 2013, 4 (3)
OCH 3 H OH
H3 CO O
HO O O HO O
O OH O
H 3C
OH
H 3C OH O H 3C
OH O OH O
OH
Boeravinone C
Boeravinone A Boeravinone E

OH OC H 3 O
HO O HO O HO O
O O O

H 3C H 3C H 3C
OH O OH O
OH O OH
OH

Boeravinone B Boeravinone D Boeravinone F

Figure 2: Structures of Boeravinones (A-F) 28

The plant is also effective in the treatment of abdominal REFERENCES

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Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared

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