Salam Panja (Dactylorhiza hatagirea): Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More

Introduction

Salam panja (Dactylorhiza hatagirea) is a medicinal herb that has long been used in different traditional medicine systems because of its potential health benefits. Also known as Salep, Hatta Haddi, or Panja, this herb is native to the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tibet and Bhutan^1,2. This blog highlights the nutritional value, potential health benefits, possible side effects and precautions, and medicinal applications of salam panja. 

What is Salam Panja?

Salam panja (Dactylorhiza hatagirea) is a rare orchid species mainly found in the Himalayan mountains. Its tubers are cream-coloured and finger-shaped, resembling the shape of a hand, which is why the herb is called salam panja. Traditionally, it has been used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and folk medicine as an overall health supplement, but more specifically as a potential immunity booster¹.

Nutritional Value of Salam Panja

Salam panja contains various nutritional and bioactive ingredients that are thought to contribute to the medicinal properties of the herb.  

• Carbohydrate/Starch: The tubers have the highest amounts of starch², which is a rich source of energy. 
• Mucilage: This soluble fibre present in the tubers may help support digestion^2,3. 
• Bioactive Ingredients: Saponins, phylloquinones, alkaloids, glucosides and antioxidants, such as flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, etc., may help reduce ​​oxidative stress and associated cell and tissue damage¹.

Benefits of Salam Panja

Some of the potential health benefits of Salam panja are as follows:  

• The herb is believed to make an individual feel more energetic by reducing weakness and tiredness. 
• The herb is known to support normal immune function, which may help the body defend against infections. 
• The herb is known to have certain compounds that may help reduce inflammation and protect the body’s cells¹. 
• Some studies suggest that salam panja may help support male reproductive health by improving sperm count and increasing testosterone levels^1,4 
• The herb is known to help manage blood glucose levels by improving the body’s ability to use glucose and slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates⁵. 
• The herb is known to reduce total cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels. 
• The herb is known to support digestive, respiratory, nervous system and skeletal health¹.

Note: Most of the potential benefits of salam panja are based mainly on traditional use and findings from laboratory and animal studies. More well-designed human studies may be needed to confirm these effects in humans. 

Side Effects of Salam Panja

Like any herbal medicine, salam panja may also cause some side effects, ranging from digestive discomfort to allergic reaction to some components of the herb. However, available reports are based on anecdotal evidence and findings from animal studies¹. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using salam panja unless advised by a healthcare professional, as some components from this herb can pass into breast milk and may cause unwanted side effects in the baby⁶. 

How to Use Salam Panja?

Salam panja is available in different forms. The common ways by which they can be taken include: 

• Tonic/Herbal Drink: The tubers of the plant are used to prepare a decoction¹. According to ayurveda, a decoction can be prepared by boiling the herb in water until the amount of liquid is reduced to one-fourth of its original volume⁷. This decoction is then mixed with water to consume it as a herbal drink or tonic. This is usually recommended to be taken after a meal¹.
• Powder: Salam panja roots can be powdered and used alone or mixed with other ingredients. Traditional preparations include salam panja mixed with almond kernels, salam panja mixed with equal amounts (100 g each) of Safed Musli (Chlorophytum) and Kali Musli (Curculigo), and salam panja mixed with equal amounts (50 g each) of herbs such as shatavari (Asparagus). These powders are traditionally said to have for various potential health benefits⁸. 

Note: More research is needed to confirm the benefits of herbs like salam panja. It is best to use salam panja under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional or a trained traditional medicine practitioner to avoid potential side effects. 

Precautions to Take with Salam Panja

Despite its potential health benefits, the use of salam panja is also known to cause several side effects, as mentioned earlier. Some precautions to avoid such side effects include: 

• Purchase it from a trusted and reputable source to ensure its quality and purity, as poor-quality or contaminated products may cause unwanted effects and could be harmful to health. 
• Follow the recommended dosage guidelines as advised by a qualified healthcare professional. 
• Avoid using it during pregnancy and breastfeeding⁶. 
• Inform your healthcare practitioner about all ongoing medications before using salam panja, given the possibility of herb-drug interactions⁹. 
• Avoid giving it to children unless recommended by the healthcare provider. 
• Stop using it in case of any allergic reactions or side effects. 

Interaction with Other Drugs

As salam panja is known to have blood sugar-lowering, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, immune-supporting, and hormone-related effects in animal studies and traditional use, it may have effects similar to some medications, including diabetes medicines, anti-inflammatory medicines, cholesterol-lowering medicines, etc^1,4.  Since taking two products with similar effects together may increase the risk of side effects¹⁰, it is best to consult a doctor before using salam panja along with any ongoing medications. 

Dosage

Salam panja does not have a universally accepted dosage due to a lack of high-quality clinical trials or studies¹. However, some traditional dosage recommendations are available in Ayurveda, and an Ayurvedic practitioner may suggest an appropriate dose based on an individual’s needs: 

• As a Nutritional Drink: 1 teaspoon of salam panja powder mixed with a cup of milk. 
• For Reproductive Health: 10 g of the herbal preparation (salam panja and almond powder mix) twice daily (morning and before bedtime). 
• For Diabetes Support: Twice a day consumption of half teaspoon of salam panja powder mixed with other herbs like Safed Musli and Kali Musli. 
• For General Weakness and Body Aches: 5 g of the herbal powder (salam panja powder with long pepper) twice daily, traditionally taken with milk⁸. 

Note: Salam panja should be used only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional or Ayurvedic practitioner, especially by individuals also taking other medications. 

Also Read: Medohar Guggulu: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More

When to Consult a Doctor?

Because there is a possibility of untoward interactions when using salam panja, seek medical advice: 

• If pregnant or feeding, and wishing to use salam panja⁶
• Taking prescription medications with similar effects (such as antidiabetic, hormonal, anti-inflammatory, etc.) regularly and wanting to take salam panja^1,4 
• Experiencing persistent stomach discomfort, allergic reactions, or other unusual symptoms after using the herb, as some herbs can cause such side effects⁹. 

Conclusion

The traditional medicinal herb salam panja has long been valued for its potential health benefits, including boosting energy levels and immunity, as well as supporting overall well-being. However, clinical evidence is limited, making it necessary to use the herb with caution, in the recommended amounts, and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Wani IA, Kumar V, Verma S, Tasleem Jan A, Rather IA. Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo: A Critically Endangered Perennial Orchid from the North-West Himalayas. Plants. 2020;9(12):1644. doi:10.3390/plants9121644 Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33255646/

2. Shreekar Pant. Dactylorhiza hatagirea: A high value medicinal orchid. J Med Plants Res. 2012;6(19). doi:10.5897/JMPR12.097 Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272073245_Dactylorhiza_hatagirea_A_high_value_medicinal_orchid

3. Kassem IAA, Joshua Ashaolu T, Kamel R, Elkasabgy NA, Afifi SM, Farag MA. Mucilage as a functional food hydrocolloid: ongoing and potential applications in prebiotics and nutraceuticals. Food Funct. 2021;12(11):4738-4748. doi:10.1039/D1FO00438G Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34100507/

4. Jodh R, Tawar M, Burange P, Malviya V. A Pharmacological Review on Orchid Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Doon) Soo. AJPT. Published online May 25, 2022:141-145. doi:10.52711/2231-5713.2022.00024 Available from: https://ajptonline.com/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Asian%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacy%20and%20Technology;PID=2022-12-2-10

5. Alsawalha M, Al-Subaei A, Al-Jindan R, et al. Anti-diabetic activities of Dactylorhiza hatagirea leaf extract in 3T3-L1 cell line model. Phcog Mag. 2019;15(64):212. doi:10.4103/pm.pm_8_19 Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335305759_Anti-diabetic_activities_of_Dactylorhiza_hatagirea_leaf_extract_in_3T3-L1_cell_line_model

6. Goyal M. Use of ethnomedicinal plants for prophylaxis and management of postpartum complications among the Marwari community of Jodhpur District of Rajasthan. Food Quality and Safety. 2017;1(3):203-210. doi:10.1093/fqsafe/fyx013  Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317114633_Use_of_ethnomedicinal_plants_for_prophylaxis_and_management_of_postpartum_complications_among_the_Marwari_community_of_Jodhpur_District_of_Rajasthan

7. Daswani PG, Ghadge AA, Birdi TJ. Preparation of Decoction of Medicinal Plants: A Self-Help Measure? The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2011;17(12):1099-1100. doi:10.1089/acm.2011.0217 Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3241206/

8. H.S Puri. Rasayana Ayurvedic Herbs for Longevity and Rejuvenation. Vol 2. 2003. Available from: https://truthbrary.mpaq.org/BOOKS/Health%20and%20Healing%20%28Books%29/Ayurveda/Ayurvedic%20Herbs%20and%20Remedies/Rasayana_-_HS_Puri.pdf 

9. Posadzki P, Watson LK, Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews. Clinical Medicine. 2013;13(1):7-12. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.13-1-7  Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23472485/

10. Are you taking too many medications? 2025. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/are-you-taking-too-many-medications-K12HYGUS 

11. Sharma S, Kumar V, Seth CA, Sourirajan A, El-Shazly M, Dev K. A comprehensive review on the phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and in vitro propagation of an endemic medicinal orchid, Dactylorhiza hatagirea. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol. 2024;397(5):2621-2635. doi:10.1007/s00210-023-02827-5 Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37950770/

12. Dhiman N, Sharma NK, Thapa P, et al. De novo transcriptome provides insights into the growth behaviour and resveratrol and trans-stilbenes biosynthesis in Dactylorhiza hatagirea – An endangered alpine terrestrial orchid of western Himalaya. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):13133. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-49446-w  Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31511556/

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