17
Madhooka (Madhuca indica J. F. Gmel): An Ayurvedic Review
Authors: Manjula and Mita Kotecha
Number of views: 550
Madhooka (Madhuca indica J. F. Gmel) commonly known as Mahua is widely utilized with
its bark, flower and leaves used for medicinal preparations, also having a variety of
ethnobotanical uses, used by tribals in Mahua production belt of India inclusive of both
medicinal and nutritional uses. Vast literature regarding it is available, but its morphology and
properties from Ayurveda perspective have not been compiled yet. Present paper incorporates
complete description in vedic literature, samhita and nighantu in a systemic and structured
manner. It was found that Madhooka has been given various names viz. Alpaphala, Dolaphala,
Lodhrapushpa, Vanaprastha, Sthiradruma, Koshapushpa, Gudapushpa, Teekshnasara,
Madhu, Madhupoorna, Madhupushpa, Mahadruma, Madhudruma, Madhava whereas Jala
Madhooka has been mentioned as Madhoola, Deerghapatraka, Hrasvapushpa, Svaduphala,
Gaudiko, Madhoolika, Jalakhyaka, Deerghaputra, Goranga, Patanga, Keereshta in
accordance with its morphology and properties. Most of the texts have quoted Madhura,
Kashaya, Tikta rasa and Sheeta veerya for Madhooka which may be taken as bark while
Madhura rasa and vipaka; Guru, Snigdha, Vikasi guna; Sheeta veerya have been assigned to
Madhooka pushpa. Also, pushpa has been ascribed as Teekshna guna and Ushna veerya by
Kaiyadev Nighantu. Priya Nighantu clarified that Ardra pushpa is sheeta veerya whereas
shushka pushpa is ushna veerya. Madhooka is Pushti- Veerya vardhaka whereas Madhooka
pushpa is Balya, Brimhana, Vrishya. Concerned drug is having Vata- pitta nashaka action.
Conclusively, it may be used as a nutritional product or may be used in male impotency,
Vatavyadhi, Krimidosha, Shvasa, Raktapitta or may be used for regaining strength in various
debilitating conditions.