INDIAN BORAGE: A Culinary Herb for Health & Healing

Culinary herbs are essential part of cooking traditions across the world for thousands of years. From modest home kitchens to professional restaurants, they play a vital role in transforming ordinary foods into delicious and memorable dishes. Beyond taste, these herbs also offer nutritional and medicinal benefits to humans. A substantial proportion of the world’s population depends on traditional medicine for primary healthcare even today. Among the many culinary medicinal plants used across different cultures, Indian borage holds a special place due to its aromatic nature and therapeutic properties. Botanically known as Coleus amboinicus (Syn. Plectranthus amboinicus), it belongs to the Mint family (Lamiaceae). Indian borage has a unique flavour profile, combining the sweetness of oregano and the sharpness of mint. This perennial aromatic herb is commonly grown in home gardens throughout the warmer parts of the world and is widely used in culinary practices and traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and folk medicine. 

NAMES IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

English: Indian borage, Cuban Oregano, Country borage, Indian mint, Mexican mint, Mexican oregano, Spanish thyme, French thyme, Broad leaf thyme, Soup mint Hindi: Patharchur, Patta ajwain, Ajwain patta Sanskrit: Karpuravalli, Sugandhavalakam, Parnayavani Bengali: Amalkuchi Gujrati:  Ovapan Marathi: Pathurchur Tamil: Karpuravalli Telugu: Sugandhavalkam, Karpoora valli, karuvaeru, vamu aaku Malayalam: Panikkurkka, Kannikkurkka, Chempalaka, Njavara, Panikoorka, Kanjikoorka Kannada: Karpuravalli, Dodda pathre, Dodda pathre soppu, Hittaleeka, Hittulike

 

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Indian borage is native to Angola, Burundi, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Yemen. Through cultivation and trade, it spread to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. In India, it is commonly cultivated in kitchen gardens for medicinal and culinary purposes in southern states.

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Indian borage is a perennial, succulent, aromatic herb that typically grows to a height of up to 50 cm (or sometimes more in most suitable conditions). The plant has thick, fleshy hairy, and branched stems. The leaves are thick, succulent, broad, and oval. They are strongly aromatic and are covered with delicate hairs. The flowers are small, tubular, and pale purple in colour. The flowers are arranged in clusters and usually appear during spring and summer. 

PROPAGATION & CULTIVATION

Indian borage grows well in tropical and subtropical climates and requires minimal care. It is propagated through stem cuttings, which root easily in moist soil. Due to its fast growth and minimal maintenance, it is an ideal herb for home gardens and pots. It requires well‑drained and fertile soil and partial sunlight to full sun for its optimal growth.

 

PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Indian borage owes its medicinal benefits to the abundance of phytochemicals it contains. Scientific studies have identified several bioactive compounds, including: thymol (antimicrobial, antiseptic), carvacrol (antifungal, antibacterial), α-humulene, undecanal, γ-terpinene, p-cymene, caryophyllene, 1,8-cineole, eugenol (anti‑inflammatory, analgesic), α-terpineol, α-pinene, β-pinene, β-selinene, flavonoids (antioxidant), tannins (astringent, wound healing), and phenolic compounds (antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory) in its leaves.

 

CULINARY USES

Indian borage or Ajwain patta is frequently used as a culinary herb across the world over due to its oregano‑like aroma that makes it a popular seasoning herb for various dishes. The leaves are used to enhance the flavour and aid digestion in soups, curries, pakoras, tea, chutneys, and other traditional dishes. 

MEDICINAL USES

1.       1. Useful in Respiratory Disorders

Leaf juice of Indian borage mixed with honey or warm water is commonly used to treat cough, cold, asthma and bronchitis.

2.      2.  Useful in Digestive Disorders

The leaves of Indian borage are used to relieve indigestion, abdominal pain, and constipation.

3.       3. A Remedy for Fever

A decoction of the leaves is considered useful in fever.

4.      4.  Helps in Fighting Infections

Leaf extract of Indian borage is helpful in fighting various infections as thymol carvacrol present in its leaves have strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, supporting its traditional use in treating infections.

5.       5. Anti‑inflammatory Activity

Indian borage reduces inflammations by inhibiting inflammatory mediators, making it useful in pain and swelling management.

6.      6.  Antioxidant Activity

Indian borage contains polyphenols that help protect cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals.

7.       7. Useful in Skin Diseases and Wound Healing

Leaf paste of Indian borage is commonly applied externally to treat skin infections and insect bites and to heal the wounds and burns. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of its phytoconstituents are responsible for this activity. 

CONCLUSION

Indian borage stands out as a true “kitchen garden pharmacy”- a fragrant, easy-to-grow culinary herb that enriches food with an oregano-like aroma while also supporting health. Its broad cultural presence, and simple propagation make it accessible for home cultivation, especially in warm climates. Rich in bioactive phytochemicals such as thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolics, Indian borage offers a scientific basis for its use as remedy for respiratory complaints, digestive discomfort, fever, infections, inflammation, skin problems and as an antimicrobial, anti‑inflammatory, and antioxidant plant. With growing interest in food-as-medicine, Indian borage deserves continued awareness and responsible use, alongside further research to validate and standardize its therapeutic potential.

 

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Karkata: A Saviour of Life

 

Life on Earth is intricately connected with plants, our selfless green companions in this world. They are the silent guardians of life of humans and thousands of other species. Every breath we take in, the foods we eat and the traditional medicines we need to stay healthy are a reminder of our dependence on green life, that produces oxygen for the survival of all life in this world, accumulate biomass to feed humans and other animals and synthesise secondary metabolites to heal. One such saviour plant is Karkatshringi, an important traditional medicine for cough, asthma, diarrhoea and fever. Botanically known as Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima (J.L. Stewart) Rech.f. (synonym: Pistacia integerrima J.L. Stewart ex Brandis), it belongs to the Cashew family (Anacardiaceae). Leaves of this plant are frequently infested by some aphid species and gets transformed into horn-like galls known as Karkatshringi. These galls find their use in traditional herbal medicine in India and China. 

 

NAMES IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

English: Zebrawood plant, Crab’s claw tree Ayurvedic:  Karkata, Karkatashringi, Karkatashringikaa, Karkataakhya, Kulirashringaaya, Kuliravishaanikaa, Vishaani Bengali: Kankihasringi, Kakrashingi, Kandashringi, and Kakra Hindi: Kakkar, Kakra, Kakadshingi, Kakra-singi, Kareran, Kakare, Kakarongi Sanskrit: Karkata, Chakra, Chakrangi, Chandraspada, Ghosha, Karkataka, Karkataki, Kakah shringah, Karhatahvaya Punjabi: Kakar, Tanbari, Kakala, Karkarshingi, Shne, Gurgu, Kakkeran, Tungu, Kakkrangehe Pahari: Kakkar, Kakkad, Kakkre, Kakkde, Kakdaya, Kakru Assam: Kakiasrngi Gujarati: Kakadasingi, Kakarshingi, Kakra Kannada: Chakrangi, Kaakada shringi, Karkaataka shringi Kashmiri: Kamaladina Malayalam: Kaarakkaadusharam, Naattinuruv, Karkktakasingi, Karkatasringi Marathi: Kakarsingi, Kaakad shingee, Kakra, Kaakada, Karkadasringi Oriya: Kakadashringi, Kakadashrungi Siddha:   Karkatagasingi Tamil: Kakkatashingi, Karkata, Karukkāṭcirangi Telugu: Kakara shingi, Kakarasimga, Kakatakashrungi Unani   Kaakraasingi, Kakar Urdu: Kakra, Kakrasinghi, Mastagi desi

 

 DISTRBUTION

India (Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Uttrakhand), Afghanistan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan up to 2400m.

 

MORPHOLOGY

Karkata is a medium-sized dioecious and deciduous tree growing up to 17 m tall. Bark is rough and grey. Leaves are imparipinnately compound, 15-25 cm long. Leaflets are opposite or subopposite, subsessile, 7-9 in number, 9-12 x 2-3 cm, lanceolate, acuminate and glabrous. Unisexual flowers, which appear during March-May, are arranged in panicles in both male and female plants. Male panicles are shorter and drooping, while the females are longer and erect. Flowers are bracteate, bracts lanceolate with pubescent apex. Each male flower has 4 sepals and 5 reddish stamens. Female flowers have 4 sepals and 3-parted styles having recurved stigmas. Fruit is a drupe; 5-6 mm broad, smooth and greyish brown in colour. Galls, which develop from leafstalks after infestation by aphids, are variously shaped and horn-like and give it its name ‘shringi’ which translates into horn.  

PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

Karkata contains a large number of phytochemicals in its different parts. Galls are the main part used as medicine. It is reported to contain triterpenes (Pistagremic acid), essential oils (α-pinene, terpinene-4-ol, β-pinene, Δ3-carene, limonene, γ-terpinene, α-terpineol), flavonoids (naringenin), flavonoid glycosides (Pistacides A and B), alkaloids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, phytosterols, saponins, tannins and oligosaccharides (acylated oligosaccharides integrisides A and B). Pistagremic acid is a major bioactive biomolecule attributed to most of the medicinal properties of Karkatashringi.

 

MEDICINAL USES

1.     Remedy for Respiratory Problems

Karkatashringi is considered one of the best remedies for curing respiratory problems such as cough, dyspnea and asthma. It is reported to be an excellent expectorant that helps in clearance of mucus from the lungs. Some reports also consider Karkatashringi effective in the treatment of tuberculosis.

 2.     Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Karkatashringi is valued for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is quite beneficial in managing inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and joint pain.

 3.     Antioxidant activity

Karkata leaf galls are reported to have antioxidant activity and thus stabilise the cell membrane low-density lipoprotein (LDL).  Its antioxidant activity can be attributed to the presence of higher total phenolics and flavonoid content in leaf galls.

 4.     Anti-Bacterial Activity

Anti-bacterial activity of Karkatashringi has been reported against many strains of pathogenic bacteria in many experimental studies.

 5.     Antifungal Activity

Karkatashringi extract has exhibited effective antifungal activity in many experimental studies against Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Fusarium solani, Microsporum canis and Trichoderma longibrachiatum. This activity is attributed to the presence of flavonoids in this plant.

 6.     Hepatoprotective Activity

The fruit extract of Karkata has been reported to possess hepatoprotective activity in experimental animals by decreasing the levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids is reported for the hepatoprotective activity of Karkata fruits.

 7.     Antiproliferative Activity

Cancer is a second leading cause of deaths globally after Ischaemic Heart Disease accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths (1 in 6 deaths in 2018). Karkatashringi extracts have been reported to exhibit anticancer effect against many human cell lines (Hep G2 (liver), A-498 (kidney), NCI−H226 (lung), and 2780AD (ovary)). In most of the experimental studies, Pistagremic acid has been found to be the major bioactive phytochemical. Computational studies on molecular mechanisms of control of cancers are also partially in line with experimental data.

 8.     Anti- Alzheimer’s Activity

The most common cause of dementia in human beings is Alzheimer's disease. The molecular mechanism of this disease is the accumulation of specific amyloid proteins in the brain, followed by plaques and shrinkage and death of brain cells. Pistagremic acid present in Karkatashringi is reported to have anti-Alzheimer’s activity based on a hitherto unknown mechanism through interference with the amyloidogenic pathway.

 9.     Anti-Diarrhoea Activity

Flavonoids (such as quercetin and kaempferol) and phenolic acids (such as gallic acid and ellagic acid) are useful in maintaining gastrointestinal health.  Karkatashringi is reported to have anti-diarrhoeal activity due to presence of these phytochemicals in its various parts.

 10.  Analgesic Properties

Karkatashringi is valued for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it beneficial in managing conditions such as arthritis, joint pain, and inflammation-related disorders.

 11. Anti-Diabetic Activity

Karkatashringi has been traditionally used in the management of diabetes. Flavonoids possess antihyperglycemic action through inhibition of α-glucosidase. Pistagremic acid bind to α-amylase and inhibits the breakdown of starch into simple sugars, thus reducing the carbohydrate assimilation in the body.

 12. Anticonvulsant

Experimental studies have shown that Karkatashringi has anticonvulsant activity against pentylenetetrazole induced epilepsy in zebrafish and mice animal models. 

 AYURVEDIC PREPARATIONS

Karkatashringi  is one of the ingredients in some Ayurvedic medicines such as Dasamoolarist, Guduchyadi tailam, Kantakari avaleha, Rheumallin tablet, Ashtangavaleha, Devdarvadi Kashaya, Balchaturbhadra churna, etc.

 

 TOXICITY

Some toxicological studies in animal models have suggested a toxic dose of above 1,500 mg kg−1 body weight.

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UNDERSTANDING BOTANICAL NAMES OF PLANTS

 Kerria, Japanese rose or Kerria rose (Kerria japonica)

Names are essential for the identity of things. We recognize each other through our names. All the plants have their botanical (scientific) names, but only a few of them have their common names. Common names are easy to memorize as they are in our own languages and are mostly related to their uses or peculiarities. However, the common names are not universal and vary from person to person, region to region, and country to country. Any one of us can give common names to plants for our convenience. Each plant can have several different common names. For example, Datura stramonium (dhatura or devil's apple) has over 25 common names in Sanskrit only, besides thousands of other names in other languages. The same common name may refer to several distinct species. On the other hand, the scientific names are unique, based on nomenclatural rules, and are accepted worldwide. No second plant in the world can have the same scientific name according to the rules of nomenclature. The rules for the botanical nomenclature of the plants are laid down in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants [ICN; previously International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN)].

Donkey tail or Burro tail (Sedum morganianum)

The scientific name of each plant is made up of two parts, a generic (or genus) epithet or name and a specific (or species) epithet. Together, these two parts of a name are referred to as a binomial. Two parts of a binomial are descriptive in nature and tell many things about that plant in the name itself. A generic name is a 'collective name' for a group of plants with similar characters. The generic as well as specific name usually specifies certain characteristics of the plant, the place where the plant is native to, or the name of a person. The botanical names are always written with the generic name first, starting with a capital letter. The specific epithet always follows the generic name, starting with a lower-case letter even when derived from a proper noun such as the name of a person or place. The scientific name is always followed by the name of a person, who discovered and named that plant (known as authority). The botanical names are italicized when typed or underlined when written with hand (they were underlined when typed with a typewriter machine earlier). Generic and specific names are in Latin or are Latinized words from other languages (mostly from Greek). The adoption of Latin has some advantages as well as it is a dead language and not prone to changes like English. Secondly, Latin is specific and exact in meaning and the grammatical sense of the words is easily perceivable.

Red powder-puff (Calliandra haematocephala)

Let's take an example of a very beautiful plant Calliandra haematocephala Hassk. for understanding botanical names. Literally, Calliandra is made up of two Greek words, Kallos (=beautiful) and andra (= male part of a flower or stamen), meaning a plant with beautiful stamens. Similarly, the specific epithet haematocephala is also a combination of two Greek words, haima (= blood red) and kephale (= head or front), meaning thereby, plant with blood-red head or front. In this name, Hassk. is an abbreviated form of the name of Justus Carl Hasskarl (1811-1894). Authority is generally ignored in non-scientific writings. This plant is known by many common names in different parts of the world, such as red powder-puff, powder-puff bush, blood-red tassel flower, calliandra, pompon, bellota, zhu ying hua, etc.

Putrjia (Putranjiva roxburghii)

Botanical names such as Putranjiva roxburghii (Putrjia or children's life tree; derived from the Indian name of a plant Putrjiva and father of Indian botany Roxburgh), Shivparvatia ciliolata (derived from the names of Hindu God Shiva and the Goddess Parvati), Mangifera indica (Mango; derived from mango bearing plant and India), Abutilon indicum (Indian mallow; derived from the Arabic word for a mallow-like plant and India), Indigofera himachalensis (derived from blue and Himachal), Festuca simlensis (specific name derived from Shimla), Nepeta hindostana (named after Latin word for catnip and Hindustan), Canna indica (derived from a Greek name for a type of reed and India) and many other plants have Indianness in their names.

Indian mallow (Abutilon indicum)

Burans or tree rhododendron (Rhododendron arboretum), a common tree in the Himalayan hills, has acquired its scientific name from its rose-coloured flowers and tree-like habit. 

Burans or tree rhododendron (Rhododendron arboretum)

The scientific names of plants look complicated, ugly, and boring to all including the students of botany. However, when we start going into the meanings of those names (can be checked in dictionaries of plant names or in Botanary at Dave's Garden), they become easy and interesting. The meanings of some common botanical names (compiled from Dictionaries of Plant Names) are given below.

Colors of Flowers/Foliage

Gagea lutea

• alba, albus - white
• aurantiaca - orange
• aureus - golden
• caerulea - blue
• candidus - pure white, shiny
• citrinus - yellow
• coccineus - scarlet
• discolor - two or separate colors
• flava, flavum - yellow
• glaucus - covered with gray bloom
• incana - gray, hoary
• lutea, luteus - reddish yellow
• nigra - black
• purpurea, purpureus - purple
• rosea - rose-colored
• rubra, rubrum - red
• sanguinea - blood-red
• viridis – green

Passiflora caerulea

Basella alba

Caltha alba

Eclipta prostrata 

Ixora coccinea

Lamium album

Plumeria rubra

Primula rosea 

Salvia coccinea

Solanum nigrum

Tabebuia aurea

Plant Shape

• arborescens - treelike
• elegans - elegant,
• slender, willowy
• erecta - upright, erect
• fruticosa - shrublike
• globosa - globe like
• grandi - big
• humilis - low-growing
• pendula -drooping, pendulous
• prostrata, procumbens - prostrate
• pumilia - low-growing, dwarf

Eclipta prostrata

Euphorbia prostrata

Gomphrena globosa

Magnolia grandiflora

Stephania elegans

Plant Smell, Taste

• amara, amarus - bitter
• dulce - sweet
• foetida - foul smelling
• fragrans - fragrant
• moschata - musk odor
• odorata - scented

Amberboa moschata

Rondeletia odorata

Sterculia foetida

Leaf Form

• acerifolius - maplelike leaves
• lanceolata - lance-shaped
• longifolia - long-leaved
• macrophylla - largeleaved
• microphylla - smallleaved
• parvifolia, parvifolius - small-leaved
• palmatum - hand-shaped leaves
• rotundifolia - roundleaved
• salicifolius - willowlike leaves

Buxus microphylla

Coreopsis lanceolata

Cornus macrophylla

Cotoneaster microphyllus

Hydrangea macrophylla

Origin of Species

• alpina - alpine regions
• americana- from America
• australis - southern
• borealis - northern
• campestris - of the field or plains
• canadensis - from Canada
• chinensis - from China
• indica, indicus - from India
• insularis - of the island
• japonica, japonicum - from Japan
• maritima - from near the sea
• mexicana- from Mexico
• montana - from the mountains
• palustris - from marshes or wetlands
• saxatilis - inhabiting rocks
• 
  

Argemone mexicana

Campsis grandiflora

Celtis australis

Combretum indicum

Eschscholzia californica

Lonicera japonica

Portulaca grandiflora

Spiraea japonica

Plant Peculiarities

• acaulis - stemless
• communis - common
• cordata - heart-shaped
• crispa - finely waved, curled
• florida, floridus -flowering
• gracilis - graceful
• grandiflora - largeflowered
• hybridus - hybrid
• incana - gray-haired
• lactea - milky
• laevis - smooth
• maculata - spotted
• majus - larger
• maxima - largest
• minor, minus - smaller
• mollis - soft and/or hairy
• multiflora - manyflowered
• nitida, nitidum - shining
• officinalis - with a long history of medicinal, culinary, or herbal use
• perenne, perennis - perennial
• pictum - painted
• pulchella - pretty
• punctata - spotted
• repens, reptans - creeping
• scandens - climbing
• semperflorens - everblooming
• sempervirens - evergreen
• speciosa - showy
• spectabilis - spectacular
• spinarum - spiniest
• spinosus - spiny
• tomentosa, tomentosum - hairy
• umbellata - having flowers in umbels
• variegata - variegated
• villosa, villosum - softly hairy
• vulgaris - common

Bauhinia tomentosa

Bauhinia variegata

Buddleja crispa

Calendula officinalis

Callianthe picta (Painted Mallow)

Carissa spinarum

Emblica officinalis

Galphimia gracilis

Leucanthemum vulgare

Prunella vulgaris

Pyrus communis

Rubia cordifolia

Solandra maxima

Swertia cordata

Telosma cordata

Trifolium repens