Introduction: 

The Indian system of medicine, i.e. Ayurveda, teaches us how to cherish mother nature. Ayurvedic herbs and spices play an important part in promoting health and wellness. One such herb which has gained limelight during these years is talmakhana, a special category of drugs classified under Rasayana. Talmakhana finds mention in ancient books like “Charak Samhita” and “Sushruta Samhita.” Talmakhana is the bitter seed obtained from the Asteracantha longifolia (L.) Nees. In the Unani system of medicine, these seeds are called talmakhana, whereas in Ayurvedic medicine, they are called kokilaksha (having eyes like kokila or Indian cuckoo). The other vernacular names of Talmakhana include Iksura (Sanskrit), Golmidi (Tamil), Ekharo (Gujarati) and Nirmuli (Malayalam). This plant is widely cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Nepal. Let’s read more about the health benefits of talmakhana and some common considerations which you need to keep in mind before adding talmakhana to your diet.¹ 

Nutritional Value of Talmakhana: 

Talmakhana is packed with the goodness of minerals like sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, chromium, copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium, etc. The nutritional chart of talmakhana is given in the table below.  

Table 1: Nutritional value of Talmakhana² 

Studies have revealed that Talmakhana may be used to tackle symptoms of gout. In my experience, Talmakhana is known for its caustic, bitter, aphrodisiac, tonic, sedative and anti-inflammatory nature that is used to manage blood disorders.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Properties of Talmakhana: 

Talmakhana show numerous scientifically proven properties; some of which are mentioned below: ¹ 

• It may have hepato-protective properties. 
• It may have properties to inhibit the abnormal multiplication of cells. 
• It may have antibacterial activity. 
• It may have the potential to get rid of excess salt and water in the body (diuresis). 
• It may have the potential to manage blood glucose levels. 

Potential Uses of Talmakhana for Overall Health 

Some of the potential benefits of talmakhana are described below: 

Potential uses of talmakhana for the liver 

Ever wondered what happens to the medicines like paracetamol once we eat it or what our body does with medicines? The liver is the organ responsible for converting these medicines into a non-toxic form that can be removed from the body. If the liver fails in its function, these drugs, like paracetamol, may accumulate in the body and can result in toxicity. Handa et al. conducted a study in 1999 to assess the effect of talmakhana on the liver. The findings of this study showed that talmakhana seeds had a hepato-protective effect against paracetamol poisoning in rats. The results of this study indicate that talmakhana may protect the liver against paracetamol poisoning. However, we need more scientific evidence to support these claims in humans.¹ 

Potential uses of talmakhana in liver cancer 

Carcinogenesis is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells, resulting in the formation of cancer. Over the past few years, the Indian system of medicine has been formulating different extracts from herbs and seeds like talmakhana for managing cancers. Ahmed et al. conducted an animal study in 2010 which showed that talmakhana seeds helped inhibit liver carcinogenesis in rats. This shows that talmakhana may have the potential to manage liver cancer. However, further research is needed to ascertain these claims as the scientific evidence available is insufficient to claim these results in human beings.¹ 

Potential uses of talmakhana for blood glucose level   

Blood glucose is the main sugar that is found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat and is the main energy source for the body. Fernando et al. conducted an animal study in 1991, showing that talmakhana stimulates the liver and muscles to take up glucose from the blood and store it as glycogen. These astonishing results show the importance of talmakhana in lowering blood glucose levels and thus, its potential to manage diabetes. However, we need human trials to support these claims.¹ 

Potential uses of talmakhana as an antibacterial agent 

Burkholderia pseudomallei are bacteria known to cause melioidosis or Whitmore’s disease. It is known to affect both humans and animals. This bacterium is found in contaminated food and water. The symptoms of melioidosis include fever, stomach, chest and joint pain, headache and weight loss. A review by Samy et al. in 2005 stated that talmakhana might help inhibit the growth of Burkholderia pseudomallei and reduce the infections caused by them. Thus, talmakhana is a potential antibacterial agent against Burkholderia pseudomallei. Traditionally, it has been used as a potent antibacterial agent against urinary tract infections. However, we need more scientific evidence to support these claims in humans.¹ 

Potential uses of talmakhana for the heart and kidney 

Excessive fluid accumulation in the body or oedema can result in high blood pressure and heart problems like heart failure. A review carried out by Nagendra et al. in 2010 suggested that talmakhana can exert a diuretic effect. This effect causes the kidneys to increase urine formation by removing excess fluid and salt from the body. This helps in reducing blood pressure and fluid overload leading to heart failure. Thus, talmakhana may help in managing high blood pressure and heart failure. Additionally, talmakhana may also help treat urinary stones. However, to support these claims in humans, more studies are required.^{1, 2} 

Other potential uses of Talmakhana: ^{1, 2} 

• Traditionally, talmakhana seeds have been used for the treatment of inflammation, jaundice, oedema, pain and rheumatism (referring to arthritis and other conditions affecting joints, muscles, tendons, bones, etc). 
• Talmakhana is also used to manage dysentery (inflammation of the intestines that causes diarrhoea).  
• It is potentially known to increase sperm count and sexual behaviour. 
• Talmakhana is also used to treat anaemia. 
• It may be used to treat general weakness. 

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

I read an article that suggests that Talmakhana may be used to relieve gallstones and kidney stones. The ‘ashmari’ property of Talmakhana is well known and makes Talmakhana a potential aid for managing gallstones.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Talmakhana?  

• Talmakhana seeds are powdered and mixed with water and consumed. 
• Talmakhana powder along with other ayurvedic ingredients like atmagupta, masha, vidari and sarkara are mixed and added to milk and ghee and made into a dough and consumed in amounts as prescribed by your physician.³ 

You must consult 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.   

Side Effects of Talmakhana: 

The side effects of talmakhana are minimal. Ajana et al. conducted a review in 2013 which stated that depending on the prakriti (human constitution), few individuals can be allergic to talmakhana and can show allergic reactions characterised by a runny nose, wheezing, rashes, etc. 

However, if you experience any adverse reactions to talmakhana, it is advised to discontinue its intake and immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms.⁴ 

Also Read: Worst Foods for Oedema: A Research-Backed Guide for Dietary Awareness

Precautions to take with Talmakhana:⁵ 

Consuming talmakhana is okay if taken in moderate amounts. However, general precautions must be followed in the following conditions: 

• It is advised to always purchase ayurvedic medicines which are assessed for their quality and efficacy by FDA, FSSAI and FTC regulations. Check for the labels of these products and do not buy talmakhana seeds in loose as these are adulterated with seeds of R.tuberosa (snapdragon, sheep potato, fever root) which is poisonous.  

• The safety of talmakhana in elderly, children, pregnant and lactating women is not well-established. Therefore, necessary precautions must be taken. It is always advised to consult a physician if you plan to consume talmakhana. 

Interactions with Other Drugs: 

• Talmakhana has properties to reduce blood pressure; if consumed along with blood pressure-reducing medicines it may cause blood pressure to drop too low. 
• Talmakhana may interact with your diabetic medicines and cause blood glucose to drop too low. Avoid taking both of them together.  

However, you must always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic physician about the possible interaction of talmakhana with other drugs and follow the prescription thoroughly, as they will know your health condition and other medications you are taking. 

Also Read: Psyllium Husk (Isabgol): Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Frequently Asked Questions: 

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References: 

1. Nagendra et al. Asteracantha longifolia (L.) Nees, Acanthaceae: chemistry, traditional, medicinal uses and its pharmacological activities – a review, Rev. Bras. Farmacogn. Braz. J. Pharmacogn. 20(5): Out./ Nov. 2010. Available at: https://www.readcube.com/articles/10.1590/s0102-695×2010005000022 

2. Kumar, A., Singh, R. and Singh, N. (2012) Analysis of nutritional elements in Indian medicinal herbs used to cure general weakness. Natural Science, 4, 211-215. Available at: https://www.scirp.org/html/3-8301600_18622.htm 

3. Divya PS, Paraddi KS. A comprehensive review on bhakshya (eatables). Ayurpub [Internet]. 2020 Sep [cited 2022 Feb 10]; V(5):1585–95. Available from: https://www.ayurpub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/1586-1595.pdf 

4. Ajanal, Manjunath et al. “Adverse drug reaction and concepts of drug safety in Ayurveda: An overview.” Journal of young pharmacists: JYP vol. 5,4 (2013): 116-20. doi:10.1016/j.jyp.2013.10.001. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3930110/%23!po=28.9474 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3930110/ 

5. Kannan R, Babu UV, Prasannakumar CN, Sumanth MV, Sandeep O. Seeds of Ruellia tuberosa L. as a new adulterant for the seeds of Hygrophila auriculata (Schumach.) Heine. Ornamental and Medicinal Plants [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2022 Feb 9]; 4(1-2):1–3. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kannan-R/publication/341286563_Seeds_of_Ruellia_tuberosa_L_as_a_new_adulterant_for_the_seeds_of_Hygrophila_auriculata_Schumach_Heine/links/5eb91ad092851cd50da8b465/Seeds-of-Ruellia-tuberosa-L-as-a-new-adulterant-for-the-seeds-of-Hygrophila-auriculata-Schumach-Heine.pdf https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kannan-R/publication/341286563_Seeds_of_Ruellia_tuberosa_L_as_a_new_adulterant_for_the_seeds_of_Hygrophila_auriculata_Schumach_Heine/links/5eb91ad092851cd50da8b465/Seeds-of-Ruellia-tuberosa-L-as-a-new-adulterant-for-the-seeds-of-Hygrophila-auriculata-Schumach-Heine.pdf https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341286563_Seeds_of_Ruellia_tuberosa_L_as_a_new_adulterant_for_the_seeds_of_Hygrophila_auriculata_Schumach_Heine