Malkangani: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

Introduction

Malkangani or Celastrus paniculatus Willd., belonging to the family Celastraceae, is a large, woody climber. It has a wide medicinal usage. It is also known as Jyotishmati, intellect tree, staff tree, or black oil plant. Malkangani is widely distributed across various parts of India, mainly in subtropical and tropical forests^1,2. 

Nutritional Value of Malkangani

The cold-pressed oil obtained from the seeds of Malkangani is rich in nutrients like: 

• Carbohydrates, sterols, and polyhydric alcohols^2,3 
• Monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fats 
• Vitamin C 
• Minerals like sodium, calcium, potassium, and iron 
• Triterpenoids, tri-terpenoid phenolic compounds, sesquiterpenes polyol esters, tannins, and saponins² 

Uses of Malkangani

Malkangani is used to treat conditions such as fistula, cold diseases (like hemiplegia, facial palsy, etc.), urine retention, lethargy, stomach problems, sexual problems, spasm, arthritis, facial paralysis, chest pain, asthma, hip pain, pneumonia, gout, amnesia (memory loss), leprosy, and eye problems¹. 

• The oil obtained from Malkangani seeds is mixed with clarified butter made from cow’s milk for boosting mental performance. 
• The powder obtained from the fruits, seeds, and flowers of Malkangani may be used for improving intelligence and curing mental problems. 
• The powder obtained from the seeds of Malkangani can be used for treating nervous problems^. 
• Seed oil can be used as an anti-anxiety, anti-convulsant, sleep-inducing, and antioxidant agent. 
• Seed essence can be used for managing headache, severe depression, and excessive sleepiness². 

In Ayurveda, there are several important medicinal plants. Malkangani or Celastrus paniculatus is one of them. Several studies⁴ show that Malkangani may possess anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities and may be effective in reducing inflammation in various diseases.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Benefits of Malkangani

1. Benefits of Malkangani for Managing Digestive Disorders

• Oral consumption of Malkangani helps to strengthen the stomach. 
• Malkangani also helps with your digestion process and increases appetite¹. 

2. Benefits of Malkangani for Treating Hair Problems

Malkangani can be used orally to treat premature greying of hair. For this, boil milk containg Malkangani seeds and use it for preparing ghee. The ghee obtained can be used for preparing a mixture of rice and milk (kheer)¹. 

3. Benefits of Malkangani for Treating Sexual Problems

• Malkangani oil with betel leaves can be beneficial in treating impotence. 
• Malkangani seeds fried with ghee help increase sexual performance¹. 

4. Benefits of Malkangani for Managing Cold Diseases

Local application of Malkangani oil can be beneficial in managing cold diseases like: 

• Spasm 
• Facial palsy (weakness of the facial muscles) 
• Hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body)¹

Other Benefits of Malkangan

• Managing mental problems: Malkangani oil can be effective in improving memory¹. 
• Treating leprosy: Malkangani oil can be used orally or applied locally to treat leprosy¹. 
• Eye problems: Seeds of Malkangani are effective in improving vision¹.
• Treating fistula: You might be able to cure your fistula by applying Malkangani oil over it¹.
• Treating lethargy: A snuff of Malkangani herb can be effective in treating lethargy or inactiveness¹. 
• Treating urinary problems: If you have urinary retention, Malkangani oil can be beneficial in treating it¹.

The oil extracted from the seed of Celastrus paniculatus which is commonly known as Malkangani might be useful for managing brain-related diseases. This is because Malkangani seed oil is believed to have anti-depressant-like effects⁵.

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

How to Use Malkangani?

You can include Malkangani in your diet in the following ways: 

• Oil obtained from cold pressing Malkangani seeds can be used^1,2. 
• The powder obtained by mixing flowers, fruits, and seeds of Malkangani can be used². 
• The juice obtained from Malkangani leaves can be utilised¹. 
• Malkangani seed essense can be used. 
• Malkangani seeds can be used¹. 

Also Read: Green Peas (Matar): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Side Effects of Malkangani

Malkangani can cause side effects such as headaches. To correct the side effects that occur due to Malkangani, cow milk or cold regimens can be used¹. 

Also Read: Peaches (Aadoo): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Precautions to Take with Malkangani

You should keep the following points in mind: 

• It is suggested that you should avoid Malkangani if you are a young person with a hot temperament, during the hot season, or in hot places. 
• You should also avoid Malkangani if you are pregnant as it can cause abortion¹. 

Also Read: Multani Mitti – Uses, Benefits & Precautions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Malkangani (Celastrus Paniculatus Willd) | National Health Portal of India [Internet]. [cited 2022 Feb 15]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354427158_Pharmacological_Activities_of_Celastrus_paniculatus_Willd_A_Review

2. Mishra B, John E. A systematic review on neuro-psychopharmacological effects of celastrus paniculatus (Malkangani) oil. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2022 Feb 15];13(5):2452–8. Available from: https://www.rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2020-13-5-69 

3. Arif PT. Pharmacological profile of jyotishmati (celastrus paniculatus willd): a review. International Journal of AYUSH [Internet]. 2018 Sep 30 [cited 2022 Feb 17];7(3):901–23. Available from: http://internationaljournal.org.in/journal/index.php/ijayush/article/view/137 

4. Kulkarni YA, Agarwal S, Garud MS. Effect of Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus) seeds in animal models of pain and inflammation. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2015 Apr-Jun;6(2):82-8. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.146540. PMID: 26166997; PMCID: PMC4484053. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4484053/

5. Valecha R, Dhingra D. Behavioral and Biochemical Evidences for Antidepressant-Like Activity of Celastrus Paniculatus Seed Oil in Mice. Basic Clin Neurosci. 2016 Jan;7(1):49-56. PMID: 27303599; PMCID: PMC4892330. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4892330/

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