Rasa (Taste)
Tikta
The primary taste perceived on the tongue.
Arkaparni (Dambel) (Emetic swallow-wort,)
It is a perennial, twining herb with long hairy stem that climbs with the help of tendrils.
Medicinal Plant
Arkaparni (Dambel) (Emetic swallow-wort,)
Tylophora indica · Asclepiadaceae
It is a perennial, twining herb with long hairy stem that climbs with the help of tendrils.
Scientific Name
Tylophora indica
Family
Asclepiadaceae
Hindi Name
Anantamool, Dambel
Used Part
Root, Leave
Botanical Description
About the Arkaparni (Dambel) Plant
Morphology and field-identification notes as documented in our Dravyaguna library.
It is a perennial, twining herb with long hairy stem that climbs with the help of tendrils. Leaves are oblong, ovate to elliptical, arranged in opposite decussate pattern with 12mm long petioles. Flowers are small, greenish-yellow to the greenish-purple in color and arranged into umbellate cymes at the end of hairy peduncles of leaf axils.Fruits a glabrous fusiform follicle, 5-8.5 cm long,
Ayurvedic Properties
Rasa Panchaka — Classical Properties
The five-fold framework Ayurveda uses to describe a drug — Rasa, Guna, Vipaka, Veerya and its effect on the doshas.
Guna (Qualities)
Ushna
Physical and energetic attributes of the dravya.
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect)
Katu
Taste that emerges after complete digestion.
Dosha Karma (Action on Doshas)
Kaphashamaka
Effect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.
Veerya (Potency)
Ushna
Heating (ushna) or cooling (sheeta) energy.
Ayurvedic Actions (Karma)
Vamaka , Swedajanana , Pachaka , Sthambaka, Rakthashodaka
Modern Phytochemistry
Chemistry & Pharmacology
How modern science maps onto the classical understanding of this dravya.
Pharmacological Action
What the Science Says
Anti-asthmatic, Antibacterial, Anti-psoriasis, Antimicrobial, Antiallergic, Hypolipidemic, Antidiabetic, Anti-tumor, Antioxidant, and Diuretic activities.
Phytoconstituents
Active Compounds
Tylophorine, Tylophorinine, Tylophorinidine, Septicine, Isotylocrebrine, Tylophoricine, sterols, flavanoids, wax, resins and tannins , alkaloids tylophorine, tylophorinine and tylophrinidine
Therapeutic Usage
Clinical Applications of Arkaparni (Dambel)
Classical Ayurvedic indications drawn directly from the Dravyaguna tradition — paired with the preparations recommended in shastra.
01
Fine paste of the leaves and roots in gouty arthritis
02
Hot infusion of the roots for syphilis and blood borne disorders.
03
Fine powder of the leaf for inducing vomiting in food poisoning and in asthma.
04
Fine powder of roots of Arkaparni and liquorice for phlegm, cough, asthma.
05
Leaf powder with the decoction of Guduchi for gouty arthritis
Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician before using any herb therapeutically. Dose, anupana and Prakriti-specific suitability matter.
Yoga / Kalpana
Classical Formulations
Common Ayurvedic preparations where Arkaparni (Dambel) is a key ingredient.
- Arka Tail, Arka Vati, Kalyanaka Lavana, Kshara Agada
Shastra Pramana
Classical Reference
अर्को वसुकस्तूलफलः सदापुष्पो विकीरणः । अलर्कः प्रतापश्च श्वेतार्को रक्त एव च ॥(Bha. P. Ni. guduchyadi varga 181-182)