What is Asteracantha longifolia? Benefits, Uses & Side Effects of Talmakhana - An Informative Guide

Table of Content

1. Introduction

Hygrophila Auriculata botanical name is Asteracantha longifolia, other common names are talmakhana, kokilaksha, gokulakanta, and iksura. It is mainly found throughout the Indian sub-continent, commonly in moist places on the banks of ditches, and paddy fields. The plant's extracts have been investigated for their potential use in treating various health issues, including urinary tract infections, sexual disorders, cancer, and diabetes. Studies have also shown that the plant possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities. Overall, Asteracantha longifolia has a long and rich history of use in traditional medicine and continues to be studied for its potential therapeutic applications.

Asteracantha longifolia is native to tropical regions of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. It grows in a variety of habitats, including marshy areas, swamps, and wetlands. The plant prefers to grow in areas with high moisture content and can tolerate waterlogged conditions. It is commonly found along the banks of ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water, and is often seen growing in association with other wetland plants. In addition to its natural habitat, Asteracantha longifolia is also cultivated as a medicinal plant in various parts of India.

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2. Common Names

• Family - Acanthaceae.
• Hindi Name - Talmakhana.
• English Name - Long-leaved Barleria.
• Synonyms - Kshuraka, Bhikshu, Kandekshu.

3. Morphology 

The Asteracantha longifolia is a stout, rough, thorny, slightly tall annual herb. The stem of the plant is thin and small, round, hairy, and red. It grows vertically up to one meter with no branches on the sides. The leaves, roots, and seeds of the plant are mainly used in Ayurveda for various health ailments. The flowers are bright blue, and the root of the plant contains essential oils.

Asteracantha Longifolia Leaf – The leaves have wave or curling margins, subsessile, oblong-lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, spines yellowish-brown, 2-3 cm long.

Asteracantha longifolia Seeds – The seeds are ovate, flat, or compressed, 0.2-0.25 cm long. They contain a yellow semi-drying oil- the oil which possesses diastase, lipase, and protease. An alkaloid is present in the seeds in addition to this chemical substance. The color is light brown and taste is slightly bitter and the odor is not distinct.

4. Chemical Constituent

Asteracantha longifolia contains various chemical constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids. Some of the specific compounds identified in the plant include:

Lupeol: A triterpene compound shown to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities.

β-sitosterol: A plant sterol that has been found to have cholesterol-lowering effects and to be useful for treating prostate disorders.

Rutin: A flavonoid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and has been shown to have potential benefits for cardiovascular health.

Asteracanthine: An alkaloid that has been shown to have antifungal and antimicrobial activities.

Oleanolic acid: A triterpenoid shown to have hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities.

These and other compounds found in Asteracantha longifolia are thought to contribute to the plant's therapeutic properties and health benefits.

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5. Ayurvedic and Pharmacological Actions

Ayurvedic Actions

Its Ayurvedic actions are gout, rheumatoid arthritis, edema, thirst, urinary calculus, thirst and eye disease.

Pharmacological Actions

Its Pharmacological actions are digestive, aphrodisiac, induce vomiting. 

6. Ayurvedic Properties 

Rasa (Taste): It Madhura, Amla, Tikta (sweet, sour and astringent) taste.

Virya (Potency): It has cooling potency (Sheeta).

Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): It has Madhura (sweet) taste.

Guna - Picchila, Snigdha.

Doshakarma - Vatapittahara.

7. What are the health benefits of Hygrophila Auriculata / Asteracantha longifolia?

Asteracantha longifolia contains antitumor, hypoglycemic, aphrodisiac, antibacterial, free radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation, hepatoprotective and hematopoietic properties. The herb is a tonic and stimulant, it also increases the discharge of urine and promotes libido.

The ash of the plant serves as an excellent diuretic, and it has a soothing effect on the skin and the mucous membranes. It contains lupeol, stigmasterol, butelin, fatty acids, and alkaloids. The seeds are acrid, bitter, aphrodisiac, tonic, sedative, and used for diseases of the blood.

Hygrophila auriculata is a good source of vitamin C, which helps maintain healthy skin. It has antioxidant properties that may help protect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals and other toxins in our environment.

It can also help with digestion and weight loss because it contains a compound called betaine that helps break down fats in the body. This makes hygrophila auriculata an excellent supplement for people who are trying to lose weight or those who have digestive problems like bloating or constipation.

One of the most well-known uses of Asteracantha Longifolia is as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections. It is said to help flush out harmful bacteria from the urinary tract, reducing inflammation and discomfort. The herb is also used to treat digestive problems, such as dyspepsia and bloating.

In addition to its health benefits, Asteracantha Longifolia is also used in cooking. The seeds and roots of the plant are used to add flavor and texture to dishes in some traditional cuisines. It is also used as a spice in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is believed to have a cooling effect on the body.

Here are some health benefits of Asteracantha longifolia

For Anemia

Asteracantha longifolia is not only helpful in the treatment of anemia but also acts as a blood purifier. It helps to treat the liver disorder.

For Dropsy

The ash of the plant is useful in treating dropsy, a disease marked by an excessive collection of watery fluids in the tissues or cavities of the body.

For Genito-Urinary Disorder

The Asteracantha longifolia root is beneficial in treating gonorrhea and urinary disorders, including inflammation of the urinary tract and stones in the kidneys. The mucilage obtained by infusing seeds in water is not only prescribed in gonorrhea but also in urinary diseases as well as a tonic.

For Liver Disorder

The root of the Asteracantha longifolia is beneficial in the treatment of liver disorders like jaundice and hepatitis. It is especially useful in hepatic derangement.

For Rheumatism

The leaves of the Asteracantha longifolia are rich in cellulose which is beneficial in rheumatic afflictions such as rheumatism, arthritis, and gout.

For Stamina

It has an antioxidant property that helps to boost immunity and reduces anxiety and stressful conditions.

For Digestion

It has mild carminative, anti-flatulent, and digestive properties reducing the formation of gas in the alimentary canal and improving digestion.

For Male Reproductive System

Asteracantha longifolia seeds are useful in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. They help to improve the production of male hormones like testosterone and luteinizing hormones.

Some other talmakhana benefits for a male. 

Sexual health: Talmakhana seeds have been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and to boost sexual health in men. They are believed to help improve libido and increase sexual stamina.

Urinary problems: The seeds are used to treat various urinary problems such as urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, and urinary stone formation.

Infertility: Talmakhana seeds have been used to treat infertility in men by increasing sperm count and motility.

Prostate health: Regular consumption of Talmakhana seeds is believed to help maintain a healthy prostate gland and prevent prostate-related problems.

For Heart Health

It has antioxidant and cardioprotective properties that help to improve the blood supply and reduce the size of the myocardial infarct.

For Diabetes

It has hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties that help to lower blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of diabetic complications.

For Male Infertility

It helps to treat male infertility; it helps to increase the stickiness of semen which improves semen quality and quantity.

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8. How to use Asteracantha longifolia?

The whole plant, roots, seeds, and ashes of the plant are extensively used in the traditional system of medicine for various ailments like rheumatism, inflammation, jaundice, hepatic obstruction, pain, urinary infections, edema, and gout.

Dosage and uses depend upon the health problems and conditions or as an Ayurvedic doctor recommends. The general recommended dosage is 3-6 grams of Asteracantha longifolia daily once a day.

Here are some home remedies for Asteracantha longifolia / Talmakhana

• A decoction of Asteracantha longifolia root is beneficial in the treatment of liver disorder.
• Taking 30-60 grams of root decoction twice or thrice a day is beneficial for urinary disorders and inflammation.
• Take 60 grams of root powder of Asteracantha longifolia boiled in half a liter of water for 20-30 minutes in a closed-lid vessel, take 30-60ml of this preparation twice a day, which helps to treat the liver disorder.
• Take Asteracantha longifolia leaves powder and mix with Holy Basil leaves powder, take this mixture, which helps to treat rheumatism and arthritis.
• Take 2 tbsp. powder of Asteracantha longifolia leaves and mixed with one glass of buttermilk, helps to treat rheumatism and arthritis.
• Take 1 tsp powder of each Asteracantha longifolia seed and mucuna purines seeds, helps to treat male reproductive problems like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, and it helps to improve stamina and energy.

9. Official Part Used

Root, seed, panchang (whole part), alkali.

10. Dose

• Decoction - 50 to 100ml.
• Powder - 3 to6g.
• Alkali - 1 to 2g.

11. Side Effects of Talmakhana

All Ayurveda herbs are plant-based, and they don’t have any side effects, but they may react with some allopathy or homeopathy medicine. It is better to consult the doctor if you are on any medications or have special health issues.

Some side effects of Asteracantha longifolia are mentioned below

• Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Do not take Asteracantha longifolia without a doctor’s prescription if you are pregnant.
• Do not take Asteracantha longifolia seeds without a doctor’s prescription if you are on any kind of hormonal or sexual-related medication.
• If you are on any health supplements, advise the doctor before starting Asteracantha longifolia.
• If you are on diabetes or on hypertension medication. Consult first the doctor before consuming Asteracantha longifolia.
• Avoid using the Asteracantha longifolia if you have a history of liver problems.