Vasaka (Malabar Nut): Uses, Benefits and Side Effects by Dr. Rajeev Singh 

Introduction

Vasaka is also known as Malabar nut, a crucial plant drug in ancient Ayurveda and Unani medicine. Vasaka has its references in the Atharvaveda. Vasaka leaves, bark, roots, and flowers have been used in the preparations of herbal medications for the past 2000 years. The Vasaka plant is a small, evergreen shrub with green leaves and white flowers with an unpleasant smell and bitter taste. It is native to India’s dry climates and dry soils. It happily grows at the foothills of the Himalayas, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Malaysia. In Vasaka, ‘vasa’ translates to ‘perfumes’ from its flowers. Vasaka in Sanskrit botany is known as “lion’s muzzle” and “stallion’s tooth” both names honour the plant’s strength. The scientific name of Vasaka is Justicia adhatoda (Adhatoda vasica). The other terms of Vasaka are Arusa, Adulsa, Vasika, and Vajidanta^1,4.​ Let us discuss Vasaka’s benefits, nutritional composition, and potential uses. 

Nutritional Value of Vasaka

The nutrients of Vasaka may include: 

• Carbohydrate: 16.4%
• Fats: 1.6%
• Fibre: 6.4%
• Protein: 6.5%
• Energy: 106 calories
• Potassium: 31.15 g
• Calcium: 67.99 g
• Iron: 0.70 g
• Copper: 0.06 g
• Zinc: 0.06 g
• Chromium: 0.04 g

Further, the bioactive compounds may include alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and saponins^2,4. 

Properties of Vasaka

Vasaka may consist of the following properties: 

• It may act as a bronchodilator (open the airway of the lungs) 
• It may act as an anti-asthmatic 
• It may reduce inflammation 
• It may have analgesic properties (painkiller) 
• It may have diuretic activity (increase urine production) 
• It may act as an antioxidant 
• It may have antiulcer activity. 
• It may have antimicrobial activity 
• It may have anticancer activity 
• It may have a wound-healing activity 
• It may have anti-diabetic activity^3,4​.​ 

Potential Uses of Vasaka

The following may be some of the potential uses of vasaka: 

1. Potential Uses of Vasaka for Cough and Cold

Persistent cough and congested lungs may cause discomfort. Vasaka may be considered herbal aid for the common cold and flu. Vasaka may use as a base ingredient in various cough syrups. Vasaka juice with little honey produces a soothing action on the throat. Its expectorant properties help loosen the phlegm deposits in the lung airways². If you have a bad cough or cold, get appropriate medical treatment and do not use it to self-medicate. 

Vasaka is commonly used in Ayurveda and has many medicinal properties. It may a potent medicine against various diseases like cough, bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, mental health diseases, acid reflux, and alcoholism.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

2. Potential Uses of Vasaka for Asthma and Bronchitis

Vasaka leaves decoction may contain two major alkaloids, vasicinone and vasicine. Animal studies by Shivendra Pratap Singh and Das in 2021 found that Vasaka might have activity against respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. It may have broncho-dilatory properties, which might open the airway passage of the lung. It may liquify the thick and sticky sputum, help expel it quickly and release congestion. In asthma, the dried leaf may be smoked for instant relief^1,4. However, human research is needed to suggest the benefits of Vasaka for asthma and bronchitis. Consult a qualified physician and take appropriate medical treatment. 

3. Potential Uses of Vasaka for Wound Healing

Research suggests that Vasaka may have wound-healing activity. In an animal study, Vasaka plant extracts were applied to the wound. It was found that the rate of wound healing was increased. The tensile strength of the skin and the production of skin collagen and elastin may also be increased. Vasaka leaves poultice (bandage) may be applied on the fresh wound or inflammatory swelling might help reduce microbial infections and may heal the wounds^1,3. Still, more human research is needed to develop its uses for wound healing.  

4. Potential Uses of Vasaka for Ulcers

Vasaka may have antiulcer activity. An animal study by Shrivastava et al. 2006 found that Vasaka leaf powder may reduce animal peptic ulcers. Vasaka may be used to regulate both internal and external bleeding, such as peptic ulcers². However, no such results are seen in humans more clinical research is required to suggest the true significance of Vasaka in healing peptic ulcers. If you have peptic ulcers, consult your doctors. 

4. Potential Uses of Vasaka for Tuberculosis

Vasaka plant may have anti-tubercule activity. Therefore, it may help inhibit the activity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In addition, a study by Grange and Snell in 1996 found that Vasaka may contain Vasicine alkaloid and its semi-synthetic derivatives (bromhexine and ambroxol) with other essential oils. These bioactive compounds may possess the highest activity against tubercle bacilli. Hence, it might be a useful adjuvant in the therapy against tuberculosis³. Tuberculosis is a serious disease; it requires appropriate diagnosis and medical treatment. If you suffer from tuberculosis, take medical help. 

5. Other Potential Uses of Vasaka

• Vasaka leaf juice might help relieve the unpleasant effects of diarrhoea and dysentery. It may help reduce bloody stool and mucus in stool². 
• Vasaka may be dried, rolled into a cigar and smoked to deal with wheezing². 
• Vasaka flowers may be slightly burnt in and applied on eyelids. Such regular application may help with sore eyes and eye irritation². 
• Vasaka leaves decoction may have an antibacterial effect. Vaska leaf bandages may be applied on fresh wounds, swellings, scabies and other skin diseases².  
• Vasaka decoction may have anthelmintic activity and may remove intestinal parasites (worms)^2,4. 
• Vasaka leaf may have diuretic activity. It may reduce the bulge/swelling in the kidney, which might clear out the passage and increase urination⁴. 

Though studies show the potential uses of Vasaka in various health conditions, more is needed and there is a need for further studies to develop the scope of the benefits of Vasaka on human health.  

Vasaka, commonly known as Justicia adhatoda may have anticancer properties. Some studies show that Vasaka possesses flavonoids and phytochemicals when extracted from its leaves⁶.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Vasaka?

You may use Vasaka in the following ways: 

• Vasaka may be used to make juice and cough syrups. 
• Dried leaves of Vasaka may be smoked. 
• Vasaka leaves juice may be boiled with sugar, pepper, ghee, and honey to make jellies. 
• Vasaka may be used to make decoctions and taken with sugar, pepper, and dried ginger². 

You should consult a qualified Ayurvedic doctor before having Vasaka in large quantities. Also, do not discontinue or replace an ongoing medical treatment with an Ayurvedic/herbal preparation of Vasaka without consulting an Ayurvedic physician. They will guide you with its form and dosage as per your health condition. 

Side Effects of Vasaka

No significant studies reported the side effects of Vasaka in humans. More human studies are needed to suggest the Vasaka side effects. Vasaka might be considered safe when used in the recommended dosage. However its safety in children has yet to be tested therefore, it should not be given to children². You must consult your doctors to get the proper treatment if you encounter any side effects. 

Precautions to Take with Vasaka

One must have Vasaka only if recommended by doctors. Taking it in small quantities might be safe. However, general precautions are necessary:  

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women are not suggested to take Vasaka supplements as they might affect the baby. It may be taken only under the direction of a medical practitioner². 
• The safety of Vasaka supplements has yet to be tested; therefore, parents should avoid giving them to children². People with frequent lowering of blood sugar levels should avoid having Vasaka supplement as it might lead to hypoglycaemia (very low blood sugar level). 

Also Read: Red Sandalwood: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More By Dr. Smita Barode

Interactions with Other Drugs

Vasaka herb preparations should not be taken with other drugs that may act similarly to an expectorant or have antispasmodic effects. It may produce drug-drug interactions, leading to harmful effects². Therefore, you should avoid having Vasaka herbal preparations with any medicine, and if any complications arise, consult with Ayurvedic doctors.  

Also Read: Guggul: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Singh R, Singh M. Adhatoda vasica (Vasaka): A Medicinal Boon for Mankind. J of Environ Sci and Techno. 2018;6(2):5–7. Available from: https://gjestenv.com/index.php/gjest/article/view/97 
2. Sampath K, Bhowmik D, Tiwari P, Kharel R. Indian traditional herbs Adhatoda vasica and its Medicinal application. J of Chem and Pharma Res. 2010;2(1):240–5. Available from: https://www.jocpr.com/articles/indian-traditional-herbs-adhatoda-vasica-and-its-medicinal-application.pdf
3. Kimothi G. Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica L. Nees) A drug with potential Brochodilatory properties. Dabur Research and Development Centre. 2008. p. 1–4. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305767774_Vasaka_Adhatoda_vasica_L_Nees_A_drug_with_potential_Brochodilatory_properties 
4. Singh S, Das A. Vasaka-A Boon to The Indian Traditional System of Medicine. J of Med Pharma & Allied Sci. 2021;3(10):2877–80. Available from: https://jmpas.com/admin/assets/article_issue/1638815930JMPAS_MAY-JUNE_2021.pdf 
5. Kumar M, Dandapat S, Kumar A, Sinha MP. Determination of Nutritive Value and Mineral Elements of Five-Leaf Chaste Tree (Vitex negundo L.) And Malabar Nut (Adhatoda vasica Nees). Acade J of Plant Sci. 2013;6(3):103–8. Available from: http://idosi.org/ajps/6(3)13/1.pdf 
6. Kumar S, Singh R, Dutta D, Chandel S, Bhattacharya A, Ravichandiran V, Sukla S. In vitro anticancer activity of methanolic extract of Justicia adhatoda leaves with special emphasis on human breast cancer cell line. Molecules. 2022;27(23):8222. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/23/8222

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