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

Table of Content

1. Introduction

Talamkhana seeds also known as Astercantha longifolia, the seeds of the plant are used to enhance reproductive health, improve vitality, and boost the immune system. In Ayurveda and Unani systems, the herb has been used for its medicinal properties that promote overall wellness. The seeds are brown in color, and they are 4 to 8 supported by retinacula, orbicular, slimy on wetting. The seeds are cool in nature and have sweet taste.

The herb is used to support male and female fertility, enhance libido, treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones, it also helpful in reduce pain and inflammation in arthritis and joint disorders.

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2. Common Names

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

3. Morphology 

Leaves: Simple, sessile, in verticles of 6 at each node, oblong, hiped on both sides, 3.8cm long.

Spines: Straight, sharp, yellowish-red spine at the axil of the leaves, 2.5 to 3cm long.

Flowers: Bracteates, bracteolate, upper one longer, corolla purple, lips subequal.

Fruits: An oblong capsule, pointed at apex.

Seed: Seeds are 4 to 8 supported by retinacula, orbicular, slimy on wetting, brownish.

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4. 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. 

5. 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.

6. Health Benefits 

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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7. Therapeutic Uses

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.

8. Official Part Used

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

9. Dose

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

10. 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.