Punarnava Powder (Boerhaavia diffusa) – The Ayurvedic Rejuvenator

🌿 Punarnavā (Boerhavia diffusa Linn.)

Family: Nyctaginaceae
English Name: Spreading Hogweed
Sanskrit Synonyms: Punarnavā, Śvetamūlā, Raktapunarnavā, Sothaghni, Dirghapatrikā

1. Synonyms (पर्यायनामानि)

2. Regional Names

3. Botanical Description

• Botanical Name: Boerhavia diffusa Linn.
• Family: Nyctaginaceae
• Habitat: Found throughout India in wastelands and cultivated regions.
• Nature: Perennial, diffusely branched herb.
• Stem: Prostrate, 30–60 cm long, slender, often purplish.
• Leaves: Opposite, unequal in pairs at each node; thick, ovate to oblong, 1.2–3 cm long; upper surface green, underside white, with undulate pinkish margins.
• Flowers: Minute, pink or white, short-stalked, arranged in small clusters.
• Fruit: Small (3 mm), clavate, glandular, ribbed, one-seeded, sticky when ripe.
• Flowering/Fruiting: Common during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.

Varieties Identified:

• Śveta Punarnavā – Boerhavia diffusa Linn. (White flowers)
• Rakta Punarnavā – Boerhavia repanda Willd. (Red flowers)
• Nīla Punarnavā – (Dark green leaves; rare variety)

(Other regional substitutes include Trianthema portulacastrum and Boerhavia erecta in South India.)

4. Chemical Constituents

• Alkaloids: Punarnavine-1, Punarnavine-2
• Glycosides: Punarnavoside (antifibrinolytic agent)
• Sterols: β-sitosterol
• Flavonoids: Boeravinones A, B, C; 5,7-dihydroxy-3’,4’-dimethoxy-6,8-dimethyl flavone
• Acids: Ursolic acid, Myristic acid, Oxalic acid
• Other Compounds: Hentriacontane, Myricyl alcohol, D-glucose, Triacontanol, Hypoxanthin-9-L-arabinofuranoside
• Proteins and Carbohydrates: Present in roots and leaves

Pharmacological Findings:

• Diuretic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial (effective against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli)
• Cardiotonic
• Hepatoprotective
• Anti-fibrinolytic

5. Properties and Therapeutic Uses (गुण, कर्म, उपयोग)

Therapeutic Uses:

• Diuretic & Anti-inflammatory: Used in dropsy, oedema, ascites, and nephritis.
• Hepatoprotective: Helpful in jaundice, ascites, and hepatic disorders.
• Cardiotonic: Supports heart function, used in cardiac swelling and dyspnoea.
• Rasāyana: Promotes rejuvenation and tissue regeneration.
• Respiratory Disorders: Useful in bronchitis, cough, and asthma (with Vaca and Zingiber).
• Skin Disorders: Beneficial in chronic ulcers, skin eruptions, and bites (scorpion/snake).
• Eye Diseases: Root paste with honey used in conjunctivitis.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Improves appetite, digestion, and relieves constipation.
• Renal Disorders: Increases urine output; beneficial in nephrotic syndrome and proteinuria.
• Arthritis: Fruit decoction helps relieve joint pain.

6. Dosage (मात्रा)

   Powder (Churn)
       3–10 g
 With warm water or milk

7. Classical References

• Caraka Samhita: Mentioned in Svedopaga, Anuvasanopaga, Kasahara, and Vayaḥsthapana Mahākāṣāyas.
• Suśruta Samhita: Listed in Vidārigandhādi Gana.
• Rāja Nighaṇṭu: Three types described – Śveta, Rakta, and Nīla Punarnavā.

8. Summary

Punarnavā is a powerful rejuvenative (Rasāyana) and diuretic herb with proven benefits in renal, hepatic, and inflammatory disorders.
Its dual action—removing excess fluid (Mutrala) while revitalizing body tissues (Rasāyana)—makes it one of the most versatile herbs in Ayurveda.

Ref: Bhavaprakash Nighantu