Vasaka (Malabar nut)

Justicia adhatoda

Ayurveda

Photo credit: ShineB

Safety information

Toxicity: Leaf at therapeutic doses generally tolerated; vasicine is uterotonic/abortifacient at higher doses and can cause GI upset.

Contraindications: Pregnancy — avoid (uterotonic/abortifacient); caution in those with bleeding-control needs and in early pregnancy especially.

Interactions: Oxytocics (additive uterine effect); theoretical additive with bronchodilators; caution with anticoagulants.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid in pregnancy — uterotonic/abortifacient (vasicine).

Evidence level

Traditional (systematized)

Documented in systematic traditional medicine literature.

Preparations

decoction · leaf

Part used: leaf

Evidence:Preclinical

syrup (Vasavaleha) · leaf

Part used: leaf

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

powder · leaf

Part used: leaf

Evidence:Preclinical

fresh juice (swarasa) · leaf

Part used: leaf

Traditional use: cough, bronchitis, asthma, bleeding disorders

Proposed mechanism: quinazoline alkaloids vasicine and vasicinone — bronchodilator, expectorant, respiratory stimulants; vasicine uterotonic (oxytocic)

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

Bronchitis Asthma bleeding disorders Cough

Nutritional notes

Not a food source.

Healing traditions

Ayurveda

Sources (2)

Shoaib 2022, Cell Mol Biol (PMID 35809281)
Claeson 2000, J Ethnopharmacol (PMID 10967448)

All sources →