KANTAKARI

Description

A prickly, diffuse perennial undersherb, woody at base, with zig zag branches. Leaves— ovate or elliptic sinuate or subpinnatified glabrescent, with straight spines, armed on midrib and the nerves with long yellow sharp prickles. Flowers— in few flowered lateral cymes.
Chemical constituents:
Solasodine, solamargine, beta-solamargine, solasonine, solasodineo-L-rhamnosyl –B- D- glucoside (solasurine), solanocarpine (slanine-S), tomatidienol etc. Parts Used: Whole plant, root& fruit.

Properties:
Rasa- katu(pungent),tikta(bitter)
Guna-laghu(light),Rooksha(dry),Teekshna(piercing)
Vipaka-katu-undergo pungent taste conversion after digestion
Veerya –ushna –hot potency
Effect on tridoshas –balances kapha and vata doshas.it increases pitta dosha.
Pharmacological action- It is used in managing diabetes, liver damage, inflammation, cancer, asthma, and brain disorders. It also possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties. .

Benefits:

1-Uses of Kantakari for asthma
Asthma is an airway inflammatory (swelling) condition. The whole plant of Kantakari may be utilised to manage asthma. Histamine is a chemical present in our body that acts as a mediator for asthma. Kantakari extract could show potent antihistaminic activity and prevent airway contraction caused by histamine during a lab trial. Therefore, Kantakari may be used to manage asthma.6 However, if you are suffering from asthma, you need to talk to your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy to manage your symptoms.
2-Uses of Kantakari for the liver
Kantakari or nelagulla extract shows a liver protective effect .. In addition, Kantakari extract could help avoid liver toxicity.

3-Uses of Kantakari for inflammation
Certain components present in Kantakari show inflammation reducing activity. Kantakari showed good anti-inflammatory benefits by targeting the key factors responsible for inflammation.
4-Uses of Kantakari for the brain
Alzheimer’s, depression, and anxiety are the most common brain conditions that affect individuals. Kantakari extract, when given to animals, showed anti-anxiety (relaxing), antidepressant (depression relieving) and memory enhancing benefits.