Scientific Name: Centella asiatica
Family Name: Apiaceae (formerly classified as Umbellifera)
“Mandukaparni” is the Sanskrit name for a medicinal herb known as Centella asiatica, commonly referred to as Gotu Kola or Indian Pennywort in English. It’s a small, herbaceous plant that grows in moist, tropical regions of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. Here is some information about Mandukaparni (Gotu Kola)
Mandukaparni is a creeping perennial plant with kidney-shaped or round leaves that float on the water’s surface.
It produces small, inconspicuous pink or white flowers.
The plant typically grows in wetlands, marshes, and other damp areas.
Chemical Constituents:
Mandukaparni contains various bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids, asiaticoside, madecassoside, flavonoids, and volatile oils.
Properties:
Rasa (Taste): Mandukaparni is described as having a bitter and slightly sweet taste in Ayurveda.
Virya (Potency): It is considered to have a cooling potency (sheeta virya), which means it has a calming and cooling effect on the body and mind.
Vipaka (Post-Digestive Taste): The post-digestive taste of Mandukaparni is sweet (madhura).
Dosha (Balancing Effects): Mandukaparni is considered a tridoshic herb, meaning it can help balance all three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Its cooling nature makes it particularly beneficial for balancing Pitta dosha.
Benefits:
Memory and Cognitive Function: Mandukaparni has a long history of use as a brain tonic in traditional systems of medicine. It is believed to improve memory, enhance cognitive function, and promote mental clarity. Some studies suggest that it may have a positive impact on brain health and cognitive disorders.
Wound Healing: The triterpenoid compounds in Mandukaparni, such as asiaticoside and madecassoside, have been found to promote wound healing by stimulating the production of collagen and other factors involved in tissue repair. It may be applied topically to wounds, burns, and skin ulcers.
Anti-inflammatory: Mandukaparni is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for conditions associated with inflammation, such as arthritis.
Antioxidant: The flavonoids present in Mandukaparni have antioxidant properties that help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Stress and Anxiety: Some people use Mandukaparni as an adaptogen to help combat stress and anxiety. It is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system.