{"id":161435,"date":"2022-07-17T20:17:11","date_gmt":"2022-07-17T14:47:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/?p=161435"},"modified":"2026-03-02T06:36:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T06:36:33","slug":"ayurveda-uses-benefits-side-effects-of-reetha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/ayurveda-uses-benefits-side-effects-of-reetha\/","title":{"rendered":"Reetha (Soapberry): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<\/head>

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Table of Contents<\/p>\nToggle<\/span>

Introduction<\/a><\/li>
Nutritional Value of Reetha<\/a><\/li>
Potential Uses of Reetha<\/a><\/li>
How to Use Reetha?<\/a><\/li>
Side Effects of Reetha<\/a><\/li>
Precautions to Take with Reetha<\/a><\/li>
Interaction with Other Drugs<\/a><\/li>
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li>
References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n \n <\/span>\n $\"Join$ \n <\/a>\n
<\/span>Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nReetha, scientifically known as Sapindus mukorossi<\/em>, is a large deciduous tree of the Sapindaceae<\/em> family. It is commonly kReetha, scientifically known as Sapindus mukorossi<\/em>, is a large deciduous tree of the Sapindaceae<\/em> family. It is commonly known by many names like soapberry, soapnut, washnut, aritha, dodan, and dodani. In countries like Japan and China, Reetha has been used for centuries. In Japan, it has been used as a life-prolonging pericarp (the part of a fruit enclosing the seeds) and in China as a fruit for managing illnesses. The plant is well known for its folk traditional values1<\/a><\/sup>. Reetha is found in the hilly regions of the Himalayas in India. The fruit of Reetha has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for decades 2<\/a><\/sup>. Reetha is a popular ingredient of many Ayurvedic shampoos and cleansers 3<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Nutritional Value<\/strong> of Reetha<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe major constituents present in Reetha are saponins, sugars, and mucilage 1<\/a><\/sup>. The seed kernels of Reetha are a rich source of proteins and show a balanced amino acid composition as per the World Health Organization. In addition to proteins, sugars, and fibers are also present. Phytochemicals like polyphenols and saponins are also present 4<\/a><\/sup>. The seed oil contains vitamin E and beta-sitosterol 5<\/a><\/sup>. The nutritional value is mentioned in the table below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Oil (seed kernel oil):<\/strong> 3.9 g\/100 g (approx.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Protein:<\/strong> 33.4 g\/100 g (approx.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sugar:<\/strong> 10.8 g\/100 g (approx.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Soluble fibre:<\/strong> 3.8 g\/100 g (approx.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Insoluble fibre:<\/strong> 2.2 g\/100 g (approx.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Polysaccharides:<\/strong> 18.1 g\/100 g (approx.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nProperties of Reetha<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Reetha may have the following beneficial properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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It may have de-tanning properties<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may have antifungal activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may have antibacterial activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may act as an expectorant (may help remove sputum from air passages).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may have anti-protozoal activity (may kill head lice)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may have an anti-inflammatory effect<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may have a wound-healing action<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may help relieve joint pain 1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Potential Uses of Reetha<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. Potential Uses of Reetha for Cancer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"cancer\"$
_{Image Source: freepik.com<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n}
Reetha contains essential compounds such as saponins. These compounds may possess anticancer and antitumour activities. Various laboratory studies have found that Reetha effectively stopped the growth of cancer cells and tumour formation in cancer cell lines. Hence, Reetha may have the potential to induce the death of cancer cells 1<\/a><\/sup>. However, this study is insufficient because it is done in the laboratory and not on humans. Therefore, large-scale human trials are required to suggest the true potential of Reetha in fighting cancer in humans 1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>
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