Wednesday, 24 September 2025

AROGYAPACHA: A Medicinal Herb that Changed the Global Perspective on Traditional Knowledge and Intellectual Properties

(Photograph courtesy: Sh. Thilak Makkiseril, Kochi, Kerala) 

 

Indian Knowledge System (IKS) evolved over the centuries throughout the globe and was mostly passed down orally through generations. Most countries in the world have documented this precious gift from their ancestors. However, a significant portion of this knowledge remains largely unexplored in the tribal communities of all continents. Tribal communities are indeed custodians of profound and often undervalued traditional knowledge systems. The magical uses of Arogya Pacha (Malayalam name), earlier known only to the members of Kani tribe living in the Agasthya Koodam ranges in the Western Ghats of Kerala, were recorded by the Indian Scientists during the late 1980s and early1990s through the ethnobotanical surveys. Arogya Pacha, botanically known as Trichopus zeylanicus (member of monocot family Dioscoraceae), is a small herbaceous plant native to southwestern Ghats of Kerala in South India. It is also distributed in Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. It prefers to grow on sandy soil in shady places near the rivers and streams in lowlands. 

The common Malayalam name ‘Arogya Pacha’ literally means ‘which gives strength and health’. The members of the nomadic Kani tribal community of the Agasthya Koodam range in Kerala have been using this herb for centuries due to its medicinal properties. Leaves, rhizome and fruits, all parts are useful and eaten by the members of the Kani tribe. Fruits have a strong anti-fatigue property. Jawaharlal Nehru Topical Botanical Gardens Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) has developed a scientifically validated and standardised herbal drug based on the traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge of the Kanni tribe. This drug has adaptogenic and immunity-enhancing properties. A drug containing leaves has been patented by the JNTBGRI and marketed by the Arya Vaidya Pharmacy under the trade name ‘Jeevani’ (meaning giver of life).

 

(Photo source: Curtis's Botanical Magazine)

 

BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Arogya Pacha, a member of the monocot family Dioscoraceae, is a small, herbaceous plant. The roots are fibrous and arise from the rhizome. The stem is short, thin, rhizomatous and creeping inside the sandy beds. The leaves are generally heart-shaped (cordate), about 20 cm in length and grow from the rhizome. However, they can also be oval, triangular, and lanceolate.  The flowers are deep purple and develop throughout the year.  The seedpods are up to 10 cm in length and are grey-brown in colour. They are dispersed by water.

 

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

Detailed chemical and pharmacological investigations have identified the presence of saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, glycolipids, and other non-steroidal compounds in this herb.

 

TRADITIONAL USES

Arogyappacha is used by the Kanni tribe in Kerala for various health-related problems. It is an energy booster for the tribesmen. They use the decoction of leaves and fruits for tiredness. The juice of the fruit is administered to young children for tiredness. The application of leaf juice on the forehead decreases headaches. The herb is also considered to improve immunity. The health benefits of Arogya Pacha are comparable to those of Ginseng. 

Arogya Pacha plant with ripe fruits

(Photograph courtesy: Sh. Thilak Makkiseril, Kochi, Kerala)


MODERN MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE

Arogya Pacha is a curious plant to modern science whose properties were discovered in 1987 by a group of Ethnobotanists and Ayurvedic doctors led by Dr Palpu Pushpangadan from Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanical Gardens Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Thiruvananthapuram. They were working on an All India Coordinated Research Project on Ethnobiology (AICRPE). During their scientific expedition to the Agasthya Hills in the Western Ghats, they noticed that their guides from the Kani tribe, who were eating fruits of Arogya Pacha during the tour, were energetic as compared to them. Dr Pushpangadan and his team of scientists at JNTBGRI analysed Arogya Pacha thoroughly for over eight years and discovered that the fruit and leaves of this plant have anti-stress and immune-stimulating properties. In addition, Arogya Pacha also boosts stamina, relieves fatigue, helps control tumours and activates the body’s natural defences and cellular immune system. Further studies proved that this plant has adaptogenic, aphrodisiac, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant activities. JNTBGRI developed a standardised herbal formulation from Arogya Pacha’s leaves and patented it under the name ‘Jeevani’ (meaning giver of life). Jeevani is used to combat stress, improve stamina and boost immunity.

 

Arogya Pacha fruits and seeds

(Photograph courtesy: Sh. Thilak Makkiseril, Kochi, Kerala)

 

TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

 The indigenous or ethnic societies are full of traditional knowledge relevant to their daily lives, especially in the field of food and the health care system. They have the right to their traditional knowledge, which they have acquired over the centuries.  The access to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge of ethnic groups was freely available for all before the commencement of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992. The genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge were acquired from ethnic communities by food, pharmaceutical and other industries and individuals, who did not share the benefits with the communities from where such knowledge was taken and benefits were derived.

A particular traditional knowledge is acquired by a particular community after observing plants for hundreds of years and through practice. The European colonial explorers travelled to different parts of the world and took back many medicinal herbs, ornamental flowers and new foods to their countries without compensating the ethnic communities for providing their long-acquired traditional knowledge. Many voluntary agreements were signed between transnational corporations and ethnic communities in the pre-CBD era, but they did not lead to an equitable sharing of benefits and to mutually beneficial technical cooperation with ethnic communities. Although the knowledge accumulated by ethnic communities for centuries is increasingly being used for commercial purposes in the fields of pharmacy and agriculture, the share of profits from the commercialisation of the skills and knowledge of ethnic communities does not go back to these communities. This knowledge and further technological developments have resulted in remarkable improvements in the supply of food crops and pharmaceutical products. Large-scale ethnobotanical research during the twentieth century led to the documentation of traditional knowledge of various ethnic groups and societies. The various ethnobotanical explorations, research and documentation of the collected knowledge laid the foundation for the protection of the interests of ethnic groups.

Access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from their utilisation is one of the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). There are provisions in Article 15 of the CBD for access to genetic resources and sharing of benefits arising from associated traditional knowledge of the ethnic/indigenous communities.  It also stressed the sustainable use of the species. It is considered that genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge have their potential monetary value. The ownership of genetic resources is determined at the national level in accordance with national legislation or practices. There is a provision in the CBD that benefit-sharing should extend not only to the government of the country of origin but also to the indigenous communities responsible for the conservation and sustainable use of the genetic resources responsible for economic gains.

The Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilisation on 29th October 2010, which came into force on 12th October 2014. This agreement created a framework that balances access to genetic resources, including those related to traditional knowledge (TK) of indigenous communities or groups, based on prior informed consent and mutually agreed terms. The Biological Diversity Act, ratified by the Parliament of India, has incorporated many provisions for Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) related to genetic resources and traditional knowledge (TK). Article 21 of the said Act provides for the approval by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) for the use of genetic resources and traditional knowledge.

JNTBGRI developed a standardised herbal formulation from Arogya Pacha’s leaves and patented it under the name ‘Jeevani’. Arya Vaidya Pharmacy was given the rights for production of the drug at a licence fee of $50,000 and a royalty of 2% on the sale value of Jeevani. These fees and royalties are shared between JNTBGRI and the Kerala Kani Samudaya Kshema Trust (KKSKT) of the Kani tribe. The financial assistance to the community has improved the lifestyle of this nomadic tribe, leading to their settling thereafter. This has a positive impact on the economic and social development of the Kani tribe. This benefit sharing agreement between JNTBGRI and the Kani people (known as ‘JNTBGRI Model’, ‘Pushpangadan Model’ or ‘Kani Model.) has become a global model for similar agreements worldwide and for recognizing the traditional knowledge and intellectual property of indigenous people in accordance with the guidelines of the United Nations’ Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) and Nagoya Protocol (2010).

CONCLUSION

Arogya Pacha, also known as "which gives strength and health," is a medicinal herb traditionally used by the Kani tribal community in Kerala, India, for its anti-fatigue and immunity-enhancing properties. The plant gained scientific recognition after researchers from JNTBGRI validated its adaptogenic and medicinal benefits, eventually leading to the development and patenting of the herbal drug "Jeevani." The discovery of Arogya Pacha has highlighted the significance of traditional knowledge in modern medicine and the importance of protecting indigenous intellectual property.


REFERENCE

Thakur, A.K.; Bassi, S.K. and Sood, S.K. (2021). Medicinal Botany & Ethnobotony. S. Vinesh & Co., Jalandhar.

Sunday, 31 August 2025

BIBHITAK: A Fearless Healer of Digestive System

Bibhitak (meaning "fearless"), a revered plant in ancient scriptures and woven into local folklore, holds a special place in many rituals and ceremonies in India. Its wood, leaves, and fruits are used in religious offerings, and the tree is often planted near temples as a mark of auspiciousness. It is used extensively for its medicinal properties, valued for supporting digestive and respiratory health. Its fruit is widely used in Ayurvedic remedies for overall health and balance.  It constitutes a pivotal component of Triphala (a synergistic blend of three fruits: Haritaki, Bibhitak, and Amalaki), one of the most used Ayurvedic preparations. Botanically known as Terminalia bellirica, it belongs to the Indian almond family (Combretaceae). Native to the Indian subcontinent, Bibhitak is widely distributed in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Indo-China, Malaysia and other countries up to 1400 m. 

NAMES IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

English: Belliric myrobalan, Bastard myrobalan, Beach almond,

Hindi: Bahera, Behera, Bahuvirya, Bhutvaas, Kalk, Karshphal, Bhaira

Sanskrit: Akshah, Bahuvirya, Bibhitak, Bibhitaki, Vibhitak, Bibhita, Karshah

Assamese: Bauri

Bengali: Baheda

Gujarati: Baheda

Kannada: Taari, Taare, Taarekaayi

Konkani: Goting

Malayalam: Thaanni

Marathi: Behada, Bibhitaka, Kalidruma, Vehala

Oriya: Bahada

Nepali: Barro

Punjabi: Beheda

Tamil: Tanri

Telugu: Bhutavasamu, Karshaphalamu, Tadi, Tandrachettu, Vibhitakamu

Urdu: Bahera

(Source: Flowers of India)

 


MORPHOLOGY

Bibhitak is a large deciduous tree growing up to 35 m tall and has buttresses. The bark is grey and longitudinally ridged. The branchlets have conspicuous, spirally ascending leaf scars. The leaves are spirally arranged and crowded into pseudowhorls at the apices of branchlets. They are simple, petiolate, obovate, 18-26 × 6-12 cm in size, tomentose when young but glabrous at maturity. Leaf base is obtuse-rounded, apex obtuse or mucronate and leaf blade has 5-8 pairs of lateral veins. Inflorescence is axillary, simple spike up to 18 cm long, spikes mostly grouped into panicles at the apices of branchlets. Flowers are minute and pale in colour. The calyx tube is shallowly cupular, 4-5 mm in size and has five lobes. Stamens are 4-5 mm long, ten in number and exserted. Fruit is subglobose to broadly ellipsoid, 2-3 × 1.8-2.5 cm in size, shortly stipitate, weakly 5-ridged and covered with fine soft hairs. 


CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

Chebulagic acid, Chebulinic acid, Gallotannins, Ellagic acid, Anthroquinone glycosides, Tri-terpenoids, Bellericoside, Bellericanin, Termilignan, Thannilignan, etc.

MEDICINAL USES

1. Good for Digestive Health

Bibhitak enhances digestion, stimulates digestive juices, and aids in nutrient absorption. Triphala is one of the most used Ayurvedic remedies for digestive health and overall well-being. It acts as a natural laxative, easing constipation, and helps reduce gas, bloating, and stomach cramps.

2. Useful in Diabetes

Bibhitaki, a component of Triphala, helps regulate blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, benefiting people with diabetes. 

Photograph source: Wikipedia: Salil Kumar Mukherjee

3. Useful in Cough, Cold and Asthma

Bibhitak is valued for its effectiveness in addressing respiratory conditions, especially cough, cold, asthma, and related ailments. Its multifaceted properties make it a significant botanical remedy in traditional systems of medicine.

4. Antimicrobial Potential

Bibhitak exhibits a potential antimicrobial activity. It is reported to be effective even against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus saprophyticus.

5. Care for Acne

Antimicrobial activity of Bibhitak is helpful in treating various skin disorders such as acne. 

6. Enhances Hair Growth

Bibhitak is reported to strengthen the hair roots and reduce hair fall when applied topically. Its astringent properties also help in controlling dandruff.

7. Detoxification

Bibhitak is reported to detoxify the liver, kidney and blood through various mechanisms.

8. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Bibhitak exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in scientific experiments.

Photograph source: SIRE Ayurved

TOXICITY

Bibhitak fruit is generally safe when used in moderate quantities (3-5 g). Some individuals may experience temporary digestive discomfort and diarrhoea after consuming Bibhitak Churan. Consuming it in high doses might cause uneasiness and bleeding. As it might lower blood sugar levels, consuming it along with diabetes medications may cause the blood sugar to drop too low. The raw kernels/seeds of Bibhitak are toxic and can cause adverse effects like nausea and vomiting.

CULTURAL IMPORTANCE

Bibhitak, recognised for both its medicinal properties and its role in sacred traditions, proudly stands at the intersection of healing and cultural practice. The fruit, known as Aksha, holds a deep cultural significance, particularly as an adornment of Goddess Durga.

BIBHITAKI IN TANTRA

Bibhitak has a special place in tantra as well. It is suggested to bring a root and one leaf of Bibhitak during the Pushya nakshatra after prior invitation to the plant and keep it in a red cloth after worshipping. This red cloth is placed at the place of worship and in the money chest for prosperity. It is also suggested that all parts of Bibhitak should be brought during an auspicious time after a prior invitation and put in a yellow cloth. This cloth should be kept at home for protection against disasters and for positive energy. 

CONCLUSION

Bibhitak is a culturally and medicinally significant tree native to the Indian subcontinent and several Southeast Asian countries. Revered in ancient texts and rituals, its fruit is a key component of Ayurvedic medicine, especially in the formulation Triphala. The plant is valued for its digestive and respiratory health benefits, among others.

(NOTE: RED TEXT CONTAINS HYPERLINKS FOR REFERENCES)

Thursday, 26 June 2025

APRAJITA: From Mystical Lore to Modern Medicine

 

Many medicinal plants were associated with mysticism and magic in ancient and medieval times and were venerated. Aprajita, one such plant, is a wonderful, magical and medicinal plant with blue-purple flowers that appears during the summer and rainy season. The common Hindi and Sanskrit name ‘Aparajita’, which means ‘one who cannot be defeated’, is derived from the name of one of the most powerful Hindu Goddesses, Aparajita, a form of Devi Durga. In Buddhism, Aprajita is one of the various emanations of Ratnasambhava, one of the five meditating Buddhas in tantric Buddhism. Aparajita, botanically known as Clitoria ternatea, is a climbing herbaceous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family (Pea family). Native to Africa and some parts of Asia, it is widely cultivated in the tropical Southern hemisphere for its beautiful flowers, fodder and medicinal uses. As it has frequent references in our ancient literature, it might have been introduced in India quite early, thousands of years ago.

 

COMMON NAMES

English: Butterfly pea, Asian pigeonwings, Bluebell vine, Conch shell flower

Hindi: Aparajita, Koyal

Sanskrit: Girikarnika, Girikarni (leaves resemble Ear of rat), Krishankanta (blue flowering), Vishnukranta (white flowering), Vishnupriya, Yonipushpa, Kokilaa, Shankhapushp, Asphota (from dehiscent fruit), Ashvakhura

Gujrati: Garnee, Garani

Kannada: Sattaga, Shankhapuhpa, Shankhapuhpi, Girikanne, Girikarnike, Kaṇṭhi, Karnika

Malayalam: Sangupushpam, Shankhapushpam, Aral, Malayamukki

Marathi: Gokurna Shankhapushpa, Gokarni

Nepali: Aparaajitaa, Shankhapushpee, Gokarna

Tamil: Kannikkodi, Kannikotti, Girikarnika, Gilarnika, Kakkanam, Neelgantuna

Telugu: Sakhapushpam, Sankupushpam, Dintena

Tantrik: Bhagpushpi, Yonipushpa, Katthali

Unnani: Mezereon

 


MORPHOLOGY

Aprajita is a slender, herbaceous twining plant. Leaves are pinnately 5- to 7-foliolate with small, linear stipules. Leaflets are broadly elliptic or ovate with 4 or 5 pairs of lateral veins. The leaf base is obtuse and the apex is slightly emarginate or mucronate. Flowers are large, showy, solitary, arising from the leaf axil and mostly blue, purple or white (or red, pink and mauve in ornamental cultivars) in colour. Calyx is membranous, 5-lobed and lobes lanceolate with an acuminate apex. Corolla is blue, purple, pink, or white and variable in shape. The standard of the corolla is broadly obovate and faintly white or orange in the middle. Wings and keels of the corolla are much shorter than standard; wings are obovate-oblong, and keels are elliptic. Fruit is a linear-oblong pod up to 11 cm long, 6-10 seeded, compressed and has a long beak. The seeds are black. 


CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

Major phytochemical constituents in Aprajita are phenolic compounds (ternatin anthocyanins and various flavanol glycosides of kaempferol, rutin, quercetin, and myricetin), alkaloids, tannins, fatty acids (palmitic acid, stearic acids, petroselinic acid, linoleic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, phytanic acid), phytosterols (campestrerol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol), glycosides, resins, steroids and saponins.


I. AESTHETIC USES

Aprajita is a beautiful climber with blue, purple, red, or pink-coloured flowers. It is extensively grown in home and public gardens as an ornamental plant. It also improves the soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen in its root nodules.

Photograph courtesy: Dr. Om Prakash Sharma 'Vidyarthi'

II. CULINARY USES

Aprajita is used not only as an ornamental and medicinal plant but also has many culinary uses. The flowers are edible and are brewed in tea. The herbal tea made from its dried flowers is caffeine-free and can be enjoyed for its health benefits and aesthetic appeal.

Photograph source: Amazon India


III. MEDICINAL USES

 1. Useful in Cognitive Impairment and Brain Development

Ayurveda recognises Aprajita as a medhya herb and is useful for treating cognitive impairment and brain development in children.

 2. Balances Tridosha

Aprajita helps in balancing the three doshas in Ayurveda, i.e., Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, contributing to overall well-being.

3. Hepatoprotective Effect

Experimental studies with healthy male Wistar albino rats have shown that Aparajita lowers the enzyme levels of AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), and bilirubin and has a hepatoprotective effect. It was reported that seeds of the white flowing variety are more effective than blue ones. The hepatoprotective effect of butterfly pea flower is displayed through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and associated lowering of AST and ALT.

Different shades of Aprajita tea (Without and with lemon) 
(Photo courtesy: Jaydip D. Gadhiya, MS University of Baroda)

Aprajita is known for its adaptogenic properties. Its flowers are considered to help in alleviating stress and improving memory, focus, and overall brain function. It is often consumed as a tea for its calming effects.

 5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Aprajita is rich in bioactive phytochemicals, which can combat oxidative stress and alleviate inflammation that can cause many chronic diseases.

 6. Antioxidant Potential

Aprajita is rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids and polyphenols that have antioxidant properties.

 7. Anti Diabetic Properties

Aprajita, or butterfly pea flower tea, is amazing for diabetic patients as it helps regulate blood sugar levels. Experimental studies on Aprajita have proved that it has potent antidiabetic properties. This activity is expressed through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and lower hepatic GSK-3b.

Photograph courtesy: Dr. Om Prakash Sharma 'Vidyarthi'

 8. For Skin and Hair Care

Aprajita has anti-ageing properties, which make it an ingredient in skin and hair care products. Its bioactive phytochemicals help in reducing fine skin lines and improving skin elasticity. It strengthens hair roots and prevents premature greying. Many scientific studies have proved that Aprajita/ butterfly pea flower tea prevents glycation of proteins and premature ageing of our skin.

 TOXICITY

Aprajita is generally safe for human beings if taken in moderate doses.

 

SACRED USES

The Aprajita plant has cultural and spiritual significance in various traditions around the world. In Hinduism, it is associated with Lord Vishnu and considered an incarnation of Maa Durga and used in numerous rituals and offerings. The Aprajita vine is worshipped during Sharad Navratri and Dussehra for well-being.

Mata Tara Devi, the second of the ten Mahavidyas and a form of Adishakti (the tantric manifestation of Parvati) adorned with Aprajita garland in Tara Mata Temple Kangra (H.P.)
(Photo courtesy: Dr. Vivek Dogra, RARI, Mandi, Ministry of AYUSH, GoI)

APRAJITA IN TANTRA

Aprajita is often used in tantra, a complex spiritual tradition focused on harnessing inner power through rituals. White flowering Aprajita roots are recommended to be brought home on Saturday, kept in a blue cloth, and hung at the main gate to ward off negative energies. It is suggested to harvest the roots of this plant during an auspicious time, keep the roots in a silver box near places of worship and worship daily before placing them with money to tackle financial problems. Flowers should be offered to Maa Lakshmi on Friday and Hanuman Ji on Saturday for wealth and career progression. Offer eleven flowers to Maa Durga on Wednesday for career-related problems. To counteract Shani Dev's malefic effects, worship Peepal with Aprajita flowers, then offer them to Shani Dev and throw some in flowing water. Observing Mokshada Ekadashi fast and offering blue Aparajita flowers to Shree Krishna can alleviate poverty. For marriage-related obstacles, bury 11 blue Aparajita flowers in a secluded place during Siddha Yoga on Saturday. Vaidya Mahabir Singh recommends wearing its root around the ear for migraine relief in his book Ped Paudhon Ke Tantrik Prayog.



(NOTE: RED TEXT CONTAINS HYPERLINKS FOR REFERENCES)