Paneer Dodi: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Anuja Bodhare
Last updated: Sep 12, 2025 Published on: Apr 29, 2022
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By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
Table of Contents
Paneer dodi, scientifically called Withania coagulans, is a small bushy shrub from the Solanaceae family. It is commonly known as ‘paneer dodi’ or ‘Indian cheese maker’ because the fruits of this plant have milk-coagulating properties, and therefore, it is called paneer dodi. Traditionally, different parts of the plant, mainly the fruit, were used as a magic healer for some health conditions1.
Paneer dodi is found in the eastern Mediterranean region and spreads to Southern Asia. It is most commonly found in drier areas of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat in India. In folk (traditional) medicine, various parts of this plant, mainly fruits, are valued for their therapeutic potential1.
The local/regional names of paneer dodi are Panir, Khamjaria, Khamjira in Punjab; Asvagandha in Bengal; Kaknaj in Bombay; Asgandha in Gwalior; Punirband, Punirjafota in Sindhi; Panneru-gadda in Telugu; Hab kaknaj in Urdu; Punirbad, Kaknajehindi in Persian; Kaknajehindi, Javzulmizaja in Arabic; and Asvagandhi in Canares2.
In folk medicine, paneer dodi has been used for conditions such as chronic liver ailments, dyspepsia (indigestion), flatulent colic (severe stomach pain due to gas), asthma, intestinal infections, biliousness (poor digestion and excess gas), and strangury (slow, painful urination)2.
The plant is rich in carbohydrates, free amino acids, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, esterase, phenolic compounds, organic acids, essential oil, fatty oil, and free sugar1,2.
I recently read an article suggesting6 that Paneer dodi contains withanolides, which have been shown to have anticancer activity, and flavonoids, which may have antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties. This property may help with cancer.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
The flowers and fruits of paneer dodi are often used in folk medicine to manage diabetes5. In an animal model2 with type 2 diabetes, paneer dodi was discovered to improve signs and symptoms while achieving normal blood glucose levels during the trial. Therefore, you may use paneer dodi for managing blood glucose levels. However, you need to talk to your doctor before using paneer dodi or other herbs to manage your symptoms. Also, avoid using herbal supplements as an alternative to modern medicine.
Fruit extract of paneer dodi has been shown to exert liver-protective effects during laboratory trials. The protective effect of paneer dodi was determined by measuring the blood enzyme levels during the study4. if you are suffering from any liver condition, you need to consult with a doctor first before using paneer dodi for your liver. Using an herbal supplement without consulting your doctor may worsen the situation.
Fruit extract of paneer dodi was studied3 in an animal model for its diuretic effect. The results showed an increase in the urine volume and electrolyte excretion, indicating that the fruit extract has a diuretic effect. However, avoid using paneer dodi for its health effects without consulting your doctor. A doctor can give you a proper diagnosis and treatment.
In an animal study3, the fruit extract of paneer dodi was applied to the wound of an animal. In this study, the extract increased the rate of wound healing (wound contraction). This indicates that paneer dodi has wound-healing properties. If you are suffering from wounds, do not use paneer dodi without consulting your healthcare provider. Likewise, the wound might get infected if you use herbs without consulting your doctor.
Fruit extract of paneer dodi was evaluated in a study for its antibacterial activity. It was found to show antibacterial activity against Vibrio cholera and Staphylococcus aureus. It also showed anti-helminthic activity. Furthermore, the entire plant extract exhibited antifungal activity against several potentially pathogenic fungi3. These properties have been observed in lab trials. However, more research is needed to consolidate the use of paneer dodi on humans. Therefore, you are advised not to use paneer dodi for any infection without consulting a healthcare provider first.
The twigs may be chewed to clean teeth, while the plant’s smoke may be inhaled to relieve toothaches3. The seeds may be helpful in lumbago (muscle and joint pain in the lower back), eye inflammation, and piles. The fruits might be used for asthma, strangury, and biliousness and can be applied to wounds. In addition, the ripe fruits might possess sedative (induce sleep) or pain-killing properties2. However, if you are suffering from any of these health conditions, you need to reach out to a doctor or healthcare provider and get treated properly. Using any herbal remedy without consulting a doctor might worsen the situation.
Though some studies show the benefits of paneer dodi in various conditions, these are insufficient, and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of paneer dodi on human health.
In my experience, Paneer dodi may help in relieving menstrual problems. Research7 suggests that due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Paneer dodi stimulates normal menstrual flow and may therefore relieve any problems associated with periods.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Paneer dodi is used in the form of:
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking paneer dodi or herbal supplements. Further, do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
There are no side effects reported for paneer dodi. However, you should consult your doctor before taking panner dodi1.
Also, avoid using paneer dodi or any other herbal supplement without consulting your doctor first. It will help you avoid any unwanted side effects.
Also, you must talk to your healthcare provider before using any herb against disease conditions. They will be able to guide you better about the possible precautions of that herb.
No scientific data is available on the interaction of paneer dodi with other drugs.
However, if you are taking medication for any disease, make sure you talk to your healthcare provider about the possible interactions of the medicine with herbs and other drugs. Also, avoid using paneer dodi as medicine without consulting a doctor first.
You should talk to your doctor about the dosage and how long you can eat paneer dodi. Do not use any herbs or supplements without consulting your doctor first.
In some studies2, the berries have shown blood-purifying properties. However, more studies are required to justify its use in humans. You are advised not to use paneer dodi or any other herb for its health benefits without consulting your doctor.
You must consult your doctor before taking paneer dodi during pregnancy. Do not take any herb or supplement without consulting your doctor when you are pregnant.
Paneer Dodi can be used in the form of powder. Its twigs, leaves, and seeds can also be used. The fruit and flower can be used as a whole2,3,5. However, consult with a doctor first, as they will be able to guide you about the dosage and limitations of paneer dodi.
Paneer Dodi was found to have wound-healing qualities, according to animal research3. However, its study on humans for wound healing activity is yet to be documented. Therefore, you are advised not to use paneer dodi before consulting your healthcare provider.
The flowers and fruits of paneer dodi are commonly used to manage diabetes in folk medicine5. In an animal2 study, paneer dodi was tested for its activity on diabetes and was found beneficial for type 2 diabetes. However, the study in humans has not yet been reported. Therefore, if you have diabetes, do not use paneer dodi or any supplement without consulting your doctor.
No, there are no side effects reported for paneer dodi1. But you must consult your doctor before taking panner dodi.
The leaves and fruits of paneer dodi have unique natural coagulant properties for making curd.. A small piece is rubbed with a bit of milk or water and is added to the milk for curdling2.
An animal study4 found that the fruit extract of this plant possesses liver-protective properties. However, its liver protective property has not yet been reported in humans. If you are suffering from liver ailments, avoid using paneer dodi without a doctor’s consultation.
The wood of the plant is used to clean teeth. The smoke from the plant can be inhaled to relieve toothaches, and the twigs are chewed to clean teeth2. If you suffer from teeth problems, make sure to see your dentist. Using herbal remedies without talking to your doctor can worsen the situation.
The seeds of paneer dodi may aid in reducing the inflammation of piles2. However, do not use paneer dodi without talking to your doctor first.
There is no sufficient data available on the interaction of paneer dodi with other medicines. However, you must consult your doctor if you are taking any medication.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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