Pushkarmool: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode 

Introduction

For decades, plants have been used by people for their medicinal benefits from nature. Pushkarmool or pushkarmula is a medicinal plant. Pushkarmool is also known as Inula racemosa. Pushkarmula has found its references in many Ayurvedic works of literature. The plant blooms beautiful yellow flowers. It belongs to the Asteraceae family. Pushkarmool often grows in the Western Himalayas at elevations ranging from 1300 to 4500 metres.^1,2

Pushkarmool has many medicinal properties and health benefits that are derived from its seeds, roots, leaves, and stems. Let us learn more about this beautiful plant! 

Nutritional Value of Pushkarmool

Pushkarmool has a number of phytoconstituents that are obtained from different parts of the plant. A list of a few major chemical compounds is given below: 

• Sesquiterpene lactones such as alantolactone (ALT) and isoalantolactone (IALT) 
• Dihydro-alantolactone 
• Dihydro-isoalantolactone 
• Inunolide 
• Dihydroinunolide 
• Neo-alantolactone  
• Iso-allo-alantolactone 
• Allo-alantolactone 
• Inunal 
• Isoinunal  
• Alantodiene  
• Isoalantodiene 
• Isoalantolactone^2,3 

Properties of Pushkarmool

The properties of pushkarmool are as follows: 

• It may have anti-inflammatory properties. 
• It might possess anti-fungal properties. 
• It may have analgesic properties. 
• It may be anti-bacterial properties. 
• It may have anti-oxidant properties. 
• It might have anti-allergic properties. 
• It may possess anti-asthmatic properties. 

• It might have anti-diabetic properties. 
• It may have the property to prevent liver damage (hepato-protective). 
• It may have the property to reduce damage to the heart muscles (cardio-protective). 
• It may show anti-obesity activity.^2,3 

Potential Uses of Pushkarmool for Overall Health

There are several potential benefits of pushkarmool on our health. They are as follows: 

1. Potential Use of Pushkarmool as an Anti-inflammatory Agent

Firdous et al. in 2018 studied the anti-inflammatory effect of pushkarmool in rats. The study results showed that pushkarmool might be beneficial as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of pushkarmool in humans. You should consider talking to an Ayurvedic doctor before taking pushkarmool.² 

2. Potential Use of Pushkarmool as an Antifungal Agent

A study was done by Singh et al. in 2016 on the antifungal properties of pushkarmool. The essential oil of pushkarmool showed potential anti-fungal activity. Pushkarmool may be used for its antifungal properties. However, additional research is required to comprehend the pharmacological profile of pushkarmool completely. One must consult an Ayurvedic doctor before replacing any medication.⁴ 

3. Potential Use of Pushkarmool as a Painkiller

A study was carried out by Firdous et al. in 2018 on the analgesic activity of pushkarmool in rats. The study showed that ethanol extract from the roots of pushkarmool showed analgesic activity. Thus, pushkarmool may be used as a painkiller. However, further research and studies are required to prove the efficacy of pushkarmool as a painkiller. It is advised to consult an Ayurvedic doctor before taking pushkarmool.² 

4. Potential Use of Pushkarmool as an Anti-bacterial Agent

A study was done by Maurya et al. in 2020 on the antibacterial activity of pushkarmool. The study showed that isoalantolactone and sesquiterpene lactones showed potential antibacterial activity. However, the study was done on a small scale, and more research is needed to further prove the effectiveness of pushkarmool as an anti-bacterial agent.⁴ 

5. Potential Use of Pushkarmool as an Antioxidant

A study was conducted by Firdous et al. in 2018, on the anti-oxidant effect of pushkarmool in rats. The study showed that the ethanol extract of pushkarmool may be used as an antioxidant. However, further research and studies are required to prove the efficacy of pushkarmool as an antioxidant. It is advised to consult an Ayurvedic doctor before taking pushkarmool.² 

6. Potential Use of Pushkarmool in Allergy

Firdous et al. in 2018, conducted a study to check the anti-allergic activity of pushkarmool. The study showed that the hydro-alcoholic extract from the roots of pushkarmool might have potent antihistaminic activity. Pushkarmool has the potential to be used as an anti-allergic agent. Further studies are necessary to prove the pharmacological effect of pushkarmool on allergies. It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking pushkarmool for any allergies.² 

7. Potential Use of Pushkarmool for Asthma

Khurana et al. in 2015, evaluated the role of pushkarmool on asthma. Their study showed that the root of pushkarmool might be beneficial in the management of asthma. Although pushkarmool may have potential in the management of asthma, further research is needed to evaluate the complete effect of pushkarmool. It is advised to consult a doctor before taking pushkarmool for asthma.⁵ 

8. Potential Use of Pushkarmool for Diabetes

Maurya et al. 2020 studied the anti-diabetic activity of pushkarmool in their review. The study result concluded that pushkarmool when administered for diabetes mellitus showed positive effects on decreasing the blood glucose levels of the patients. Pushkarmool may have anti-diabetic properties. However, this study was done in a small population, and further studies are necessary to completely understand the activity of pushkarmool on diabetes. It is necessary to talk to a doctor before taking pushkarmool for diabetes.³ 

9. Potential Use of Pushkarmool for the Liver

The hepato-protective activity entails the ability to manage liver issues. A study was done by Firdous et al. in 2018 to evaluate the activity of pushkarmool in rats. The study showed that pushkarmool might be beneficial in preventing liver damage, meaning it shows potential hepato-protective activity. However, this study was done in animals, and human studies are needed to prove the effect of pushkarmool. It is recommended to consult a physician before taking pushkarmool for any liver issues.² 

10. Potential Use of Pushkarmool for Heart Disorders

Cardio-protective property is the property of a compound to help in reducing the occurrence of heart and heart-related disorders. A study was done by Maurya et al. in 2020 on the cardio-protective effect of pushkarmool. The study showed the potential of pushkarmool in different combinations with other medicines in managing various cardiac disorders like ischemic heart disease. It also may improve the function of the heart. However, more research is required to prove the efficacy of pushkarmool in managing heart disorders. One should consult an ayurvedic doctor before consuming pushkarmool for any heart disorders.³ 

11. Potential Use of Pushkarmool for Obesity

Singh et al. in 2016 conducted a study on the effects of pushkarmool on obesity and dyslipidemia. Dyslipidaemia is a condition caused by a poor diet that results in high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. The study showed the positive effects of pushkarmool in reducing body weight and decreasing levels of triglycerides. However, further information is required to check the efficacy of pushkarmool. It is essential to consult a doctor before replacing pushkarmool with any type of medication.⁴ 

Although there are studies that show the benefits of Pushkarmool in several conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of Pushkarmool on human health. 

I have an exciting secret to share with you about the roots of the pushkarmool plant. The root oil of this plant contains alantolactone. This compound may act as an expectorant, which might help with cough and mucus.

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

How to Use Pushkarmool?

Pushkarmool is available in the form of oil, ointment, syrup, powder and tablets. It should be taken twice or thrice a day before meals or as prescribed by your Ayurvedic doctor.^1,8 

You should talk to a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor. 

From what I have observed, the pushkarmool plant might also have certain commercial uses. The paste made from its roots may be effective for dressing wounds and ulcers because of its antiseptic properties. Additionally, it might also help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Side Effects of Pushkarmool

Pushkarmool is quite safe to consume in small doses. Consuming any drug in excess quantity is not recommended.  

• The alcoholic extract of Pushkarmool may have a mild sedative effect when administered in therapeutic doses.  
• It might cause interactions with other cardiac drugs that may lead to side effects. ^6,9 

It is necessary to consult your ayurvedic doctor or healthcare provider before taking pushkarmool. If any reaction is observed while taking pushkarmool alone or in combination with other drugs, immediately seek medical help. 

I might tell you something fascinating about pushkarmool root powder. In some places, it is potentially used as a toothpowder to manage different dental problems!

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Precautions to Take with Pushkarmool

Taking pushkarmool in small doses may be safe. However, certain precautions, as described below, should be taken: 

• You should be very careful while taking pushkarmool for any cardiac diseases, and it should be taken only when prescribed by your physician. 
• Pregnant women should avoid taking pushkarmool. 
• Lactating women should take special care and should consult a doctor before taking pushkarmool. 
• Children and the elderly should be given pushkarmool only when it is prescribed.⁶ 

According to certain studies, I have seen that using pushkarmool root powder with lukewarm water may have multiple benefits. It may act as a diuretic, helping with urine flow, and also has rejuvenating and anti-ageing properties.

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Interactions with Other Drugs

Pushkarmool is known to have reactions with cardiovascular drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. Some commonly used cardiovascular drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 are clarithromycin/erythromycin, simvastatin, diltiazem/verapamil and prednisone. 

• Taking clarithromycin/ erythromycin, simvastatin, along with pushkarmool may lead to skeletal muscle disorder (myopathy) or the breakdown of muscle tissues, which results in the release of damaging proteins in the blood (rhabdomyolysis). 
• Taking diltiazem/verapamil and prednisone with pushkarmool may result in immunosuppression which is caused by high levels of prednisone.^6,7 

Further studies on how pushkarmool acts, along with other drugs, need to be carried out. Always consult your doctor before taking pushkarmool along with other prescription or non-prescription drugs. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Kapoor S. Inula racemosa: An insight into callus induction, secondary metabolites and its therapeutic potential. Pharm. Innov. J. 2018;7:27-32. https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2018/vol7issue6/PartA/7-5-98-735.pdf 

2. Firdous Q, Bhat MF, Hussain MM. Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and biological activity of Inula racemosa Hook. F: a review. Int J Res Ayurveda Pharm. 2018;9(1):95-102. https://ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/2005_pdf.pdf  

3. Maurya SK, Verma DK, Sansthan CS, Pradesh U. PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW OF INULA RACEMOSA HOOK. F. https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/1609405529.pdf  

4. Singh J, Pandey AK. A review: an impact of Inula racemosa (puskarmula) on dyslipidemia and obesity. World journal of scientific research. 2016;5:528-38. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ajay-Pandey-33/publication/305815777_A_REVIEW_AN_IMPACT_OF_INULA_RACEMOSA_PUSKARMULA_ON_DYSLIPIDEMIA_AND_OBESITY/links/57a469ef08aee07544b2dcb8/A-REVIEW-AN-IMPACT-OF-INULA-RACEMOSA-PUSKARMULA-ON-DYSLIPIDEMIA-AND-OBESITY.pdf 

5. Khurana P, Singh A, Saroch V. Role of Pushkarmool in the asthma management: a conceptual study. J. Tradit. Nat. Med. 2015;1(1):10-2. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Vikas-Saroch/publication/281366533_ROLE_OF_PUSHKARMOOL_IN_THE_ASTHMA_MANAGEMENT_A_CONCEPTUAL_STUDY_PG_scholar_2_HOD_Kayachikitsa_department/links/55e3f2c408ae6abe6e8e8437/ROLE-OF-PUSHKARMOOL-IN-THE-ASTHMA-MANAGEMENT-A-CONCEPTUAL-STUDY-PG-scholar-2-HOD-Kayachikitsa-department.pdf  

6. Shaikh AS, Thomas AB, Chitlange SS. Herb–drug interaction studies of herbs used in treatment of cardiovascular disorders—A narrative review of preclinical and clinical studies. Phytotherapy research. 2020 May;34(5):1008-26. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ptr.6585  

7. Drug Metabolism – The Importance of Cytochrome P450 3A4. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/puarticles/march2014drugmetabolismcytochromep4503a4.htm  

8. Singh TN, Upadhyay BN, Tewari CM, Tripathi SN. Management of diabetes mellitus (prameha) with inula racemosa and cinnamomum tamala. Ancient science of life. 1985 Jul;5(1):9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3331436/  

9. Srivastava S, Meherunisa. [pdf] behavioural effects of alcoholic extract of different doses of Inula racemosa on mice-an experimental evaluation: Indian journal of applied research. 1970 https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Behavioural-Effects-of-Alcoholic-Extract-of-Doses-Srivastava-Meherunisa/aa553a8fd5c0ac21dfe452008492b8b6ac965a0c  

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