HERBS USED FOR WOMAN'S HEALTH

Dr Meena Shamrao DeogadeAssociate Professor

Department of DravyagunaMahatma Gandhi Ayurved College Hospital &Research Centre, Salod(H), Wardha (M.S.), INDIA

Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DU)

Introduction

• Women’s health is a topic of concern in themedical field, as women are an important factorin the reproduction of healthy progeny.

• The environmental factors, fast-changinglifestyles, and various addictions (drug abuse) aswell as excess use of drugs (like steroids) haveendangered their health.

• More than 4.5 million women (ages 18 to 50)report at least one chronic gynecologicalcondition each year.

• Menarche & menopause are the two majorstages of woman reproductive life.

• During these two biological traits, may shehave circulatory disturbances, mental andemotional difficulties, skin changes, aches,pains and Aging.

Introduction - ctd…

This presentation deals with the treatmentand management of major gynaecologicaldisorders such as-

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)• Amenorrhea• Dysmenorrhea• Menorrhagia• Menopausal Syndrome

Introduction - ctd…

• Currently available therapies, which advocategreater use of antibiotics, steroids, or surgery,may not be an ultimate answer for a woman’s illhealth.

• Ayurveda prescribed so many herbs for treatingwomen’s disorders, which are described asdiseases of female genitalia i.e. (Yonivyapad).

Introduction - ctd…

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a psycho-neuroendocrine disorder of unknown aetiology,often noticed just prior to menstruation. There iscyclic appearance of a large number of symptomsduring the last 7-10 days of the menstrual cycle.

• It is estimated that 30 to 40% of women havewith symptoms severe enough to impair theirpremenstrual syndrome (PMS) daily activities.

During the luteal phase, decreased synthesis ofserotonin, withdrawal of endorphins observedin women suffering from PMS. Because of thatthe Neuropsychiatric symptoms are observed

• Irritability • Depression • Mood swing• Forgetfulness• Restlessness

• Anxiety• Tension • Confusion• Headache• Tearfulness

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Bramhi • Bramhi is a glabrous,punctate, succulentherb.

• It belongs toScrophulariaceae familyand botanical Name isBacopa monnieri.

• Whole plant used for asmedicine.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

• Hersaponine showed a sedative effect in mice(malhotra 1960&1962)

• Alcoholic extract of whole plant exhibitedtranquillizing effect and smooth musclerelaxation on albino rats.(Aithal & sirsi 1961)

• Brahmoside & brahminoside, may be responsiblefor CNS and uterorelaxant actions.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Ashwagandha• Ashwagandha is a under

shrub with erect stem.

• Botanical name of it isWithania somnifera andbelongs to family–Solanaceae

• The part of it, used formedicinal is root.

• Ashwagandha has been advocated as a generalenergy-promoting tonic and aphrodisiac.

• The immunomodulatory and immunosuppressiveactivity are established (furmanowa 2001)

• Ashwagandha powder provided significant relieffrom symptoms of anxiety neurosis andBarbiturate hypnosis potentiation effect in rats(singh 1977,1979)

Bala• The name of this plant

itself shows, it gives thestrength.

• It is small downy erectherb.

• Botanical Name of it isSida cordifolia, andbelongs to familyMalvaceae.

• The root of this plantused for medicine.

• It gives strength to body, there fore it is usedin fatigue and tiredness.

• Due to its ephidrine content, it possessespsychostimulant properties, affecting thecentral nerves system. The ethanol extractswere found to be a good scavenger of DPPHradicals.

Jati• Jati is a parrennal shrub

with white scentedflowers.

• Botanical Name of it isJasminum grandiflorumand belongs to family–Oleaceae

• Leaves are used formedicinal purpose.

• Jasmine has moves blood in the uterus; it isbeneficial premenstrually for impending crampsand reducing clots.

• Nerves calms an irritated nervous system. Goodfor stress, 'burn out', insomnia , depression,tension or nervousness.

• Leaf juice showed antibacterial activity againststaphylococcus aureus (bhavasar 1965)

Mustaka• Mustaka is the perennial

slender herb. It belongs toCyperaceae family andbotanical name is Cypurusrotundus.

• Tubers of it is used formedicine.

• mustaka also contains aphyto-oestrogen substance.

• For a very clear discussion of phyto-oestrogen activity, and so is relevant in all signs of high oestrogen-

• swollen breasts, pain, family history of breast cancer, short cycle.

• It has an affinity for the smooth muscle in the uterus and is a specific for PMS with bloating, pain, irritability, depression and a delayed onset.

• Abdominal bloating symptoms • Breast heaviness related to water• Swelling of extremities retention• Weight gain

• Fatigue these are• Dyspareunia behavioral symptoms • Tiredness

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

• Gokshura is smallprostrate, silky hairy herb.

• Botanical Name of it isTribulus terrestris andbelongs to familyZygophyllaceae. The Rootand Fruit are used formedicinal purpose.

• It is a superb diuretic thatclears excess fluids fromthe system.

GokshuraPremenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

• The diuretic properties of Gokshura are due tolarge quantities of nitrates and essential oilpresent in its fruits and seeds. The diureticactivity can also be attributed to the presence ofpotassium salts in high concentration.

• The hormone balancing effects of Gokshura forwomen makes this herb suitable for premenstrualsyndrome.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Varuna • Varuna is a small treewith much branchedhead.

• It belongs to familyCapparidaceae andbotanical name isCrataeva nurvala. Itsbark used asmedicine.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

• It is a diuretic & antiinflammatory.

• The diuretic action of this drug attributes themetabolic correction of the serum and urinaryelectrolyte levels.

• Lupeol, Kaempferol are Diuretic &antiinflammatory action of it is due to present init.

• There fore it is useful in PMS to alleviate the bloating, edema, heaviness & tenderness of breast.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Punarnava• It is a perennial creeping

herb.

• Boerhaavia diffusa is abotanical name andbelongs toNyctaginaceae family.

• Root of punarnava usedfor medicine and It is adiuretic & anti-inflammatory.

• A superb herb for reducing excess fluids, swelling,oedema and congestion.

• Helping to treat flatulence, bloating andtenderness of breast.

• All these herbs are useful in the symptomsrelated to retention of water in PMS.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Dhattura • Dhattura is a pubescent herb.

• Botanical name of it isDatura metal and belongs tofamily Solanaceae.

• Seed, leaves, flowers of thisplant’s are used for medicine.

• To treat the tenderness of breast, seed paste used for external application. It is acts as a anticholenergic.

Sunthi • Sunthi is an erect perennialherb with aromatic rhizome.

• Botanical name of it isZingiber officinale andbelongs to familyZingiberaceae.

• Rhizome of it is useful intenderness of breast,swelling and bloating ofabdomen.

• Sunthi has a long history of use as an anti-inflammatory and many of its constituentshave been identified as having anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger has beenfound to inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesisand interfere with the inflammatory cascadeand the vanilloid nociceptor.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

• Sunthi is a medicinal herb used for thetreatment of bloating, nausea, tenderness,inflammation.

• Due to it's antispasmodic characteristic it tohelp ease menstrual cramps.

• Sunthi actually suppressed cancer cellssuggesting that the herb was able to fuelapoptosis or the death of the cancer cells.Ginger has been shown to work against skin,ovarian, colon and breast cancer.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

• The major active ingredients in ginger areterpenes (quite similar to the chemical actionof turpentine) and an oleo-resin called gingeroil. These two, and other active ingredients inginger, provide antiseptic, lymph-cleansing,circulation-stimulating, and mild constipationrelief qualities along with a potentperspiration-inducing action that is quiteeffective in cleansing the system of toxins."

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Amenorrhea • Amenorrhea is due to a wide range of causes that

include anatomic or structural and physiological or functional defects.

• It can be congenital or develop at a certain age because of a particular change.

• There can be a defect from the ovarian or uterine level to hypothalamus and pituitary level.

StructuralAnatomically there are four major congenital

anomalies:• Absence of uterus or some part of the vagina,• Undeveloped vagina• Imperforate hymen• Intrauterine synechiae.

All these consequently result in primaryamenorrhea.

Amenorrhea

Functional• Physiologically, after menarche, women have a

menstrual flow every month because of ovulationsecondary to certain hormonal changes.

• The leutinizing hormone (LH) –releasing hormoneis the main hormone produced in hypothalamusthat further releases the LH and the follicularstimulating hormone (FSH).

Amenorrhea

• These hormones are responsible for theprocess of ovulation and endometrialchanges. There are also gonadotropins andestradiol that stimulate ovarian functions.

• A defect of any of these glands at any level ofhormone production and at any age frompuberty to menopause can causeamenorrhea.

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea

• According to Ayurveda, aggravated vata andpitta affect blood by drying-up menstrualblood (raja), which ceases the regular flow ofmenses (nashtartava or ksheenartava).

• The Ayurveda recommended the treatmentfor it is alleviation of vata.

Pishcha karpasa • It is also known asUlatakambala. It iscultivated as anornamental treethroughout the hotterpart of India.

• Botanical name of it isAbroma augusta andbelongs toSterculiaceae family.

• Root bark used formedicine.

Amenorrhea

• Root bark of ulatakambala is emmenagogue usedfor amenorrhoea, abortifacient, andgalactotrophic.

• Oxytocic action observed on isolated uteri ofguinea pig, rat and dog uterus in situ (mishra1966)

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea

Kumari • It is a perennial herb.

• Botanical name of it isAloe vera and belongsto Liliaceae family.

• Leaves used formedicine.

• Amenorrhea is mainly related with hormonalimbalance. The in vitro production ofoestrogen and progesterone by ovarian cells issignificantly increased by aloe vera.

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea

Tila • It is a annual herb.

• Botanical name of it isSesamum indicum andbelongs to Pedaliaceaefamily.

• Seeds used for medicine.

• The levels of enterolignans (i.e. enterolactoneand enterodiole, which are the endmetabolites of lignans in mammals andexpress strong phytoestrogenic activity) wereincreased dramatically in the plasma of Wistarrats receiving sesame for 8 weeks. (Papadakiset al. )

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea

Vansha • It is a perennial shrub.

• Botanical name of it isBambusa bambos andbelongs to Poaceae family.

• Root, nodes leaves,vamshalochana used formedicine.

• Fresh juice of leaves exhibited weak ecbolicaction on rat uterus in doses of 1-10 mg/ml,the maximum activity being found at 3mg/ml.the uterine stimulation appeared to be due toits action on cholinergic receptors (Tewari1956)

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea

Rasona • It is a herb.

• Botanical name of it isAllium sativum andbelongs to Liliaceaefamily.

• Bulb used for medicine.

• Extract of leaves, bulb and stem produced astimulating followed by inhibitory , effect onthe uterus of non pregnant guinea pigs;conversely , it produced stimulating effect onuterus of guinea pigs (Jpn. J.pharmacol 1969)

Amenorrhea

• Dysmenorrhea is a painful period or menstrualcramps. It is the most common complaint amongall gynecological disorders. Because most womenhave some discomfort during the period, it isconsidered natural. It is named dysmenorrheaonly when the pain is too severe and disturbs awoman’s routine, and it is relieved only withmedication.

• Endometriosis or adhesions can also causedysmenorrhea. It is believed that women withdysmenorrhea have much higher concentrationsof prostaglandin.

Dysmenorrhea

• Ayurvedic literature attributes dysmenorrhea tothe suppression of natural urges (sneezing,coughing, micturition, defecation, etc).

• These factors provoke Apana vata and disturb itsnatural route of a downward direction and startmoving it in reverse or an upward direction.

• The change in direction of the vata dosa altersthe menstrual blood flow. This results in painfuland scanty menstruation. When the flow isproper without any obstruction, pain is relieved.

Dysmenorrhea

• Ushna dravya relieves the obstructions in thepassage, relieve any spasms, facilitate freemovement of vata in the proper direction, andenhance a proper menstrual flow.

• Fomentation (Swedana) of herbs remove thetoxins and also relieve muscular spasms andtenderness.

Dysmenorrhea

• Snigdha and ushna dravya pacifies vata andreduces flatulence, removes obstruction offaecal matter, and relieves the tension in thepelvic cavity.

• These therapies together help relieve pain anddiscomfort in the pelvic region.

Dysmenorrhea

DysmenorrheaHingu

• Botanical name of it isFerula narthex andbelongs to Umbelliferaefamily.

• Hingu is obtained as anexudate of the decapitedrhizome or root of a plantabout four years old.

• Hingu immediately enters artava srotas viarasa dhatu and has a powerful influence onmenstruation. It has a beneficial effect onovulation and menstruation as it warms theuterus and prevents spasms.

• As a hot and stimulating herb it can be usedfor cold and sluggish conditions such as lowlibido and impotence. It can also benefitinfertility when there is a congested uterusfrom excess

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea

Krishna Jiraka

• It is biennial herb.

• Botanical name of it is Carum carvi and belongs to Umbelliferae family.

• Its fruits are used for medicine.

• Krushna jeeraka clears kapha accumulationsfrom the uterus, effectively treatsdysmenorrhoea and an irregular menstrualcycle. It has a tonic effect on artava dhatu. Itnourishes stanyavahasrotas and increasesbreast milk.

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea

Kushtha • It is perennial herb.

• Botanical name of it is Saussuria lappaand belongs to Asteraceae family.

• Its Roots are used for medicine.

• It helps to reduce pain in the body by reducinginflammation and stopping spasms in painfulmenses and for lack of or scanty periods dueto stagnation in artavavahasrotas. It stimulatesovulation and promotes a regular cycle.

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea

Trivruta• It is creeper.

• Botanical name of it is Operculina terpethumand belongs to Convolvulaceaefamily.

• Its Root bark used for medicine.

• Ushna guna pacifies the vata and it is sukharechaka ( laxative) reduces flatulence, removesobstruction of faecal matter, and relieves thetension in the pelvic cavity.

Dysmenorrhea

• Excessively heavy bleeding or prolongedperiods are considered as menorrhagia.

• It is categorized under abnormal uterinebleeding.

• In modern medicine, submucous myomas,complications of pregnancy, adenomyosis,endometrial hyperplasias, or malignanttumors are some of the causes. It is verydifficult to determine the exact cause.

Menorrhagia

• According to Ayurveda, the aggravated pittavitiates blood (rakta) and causes overflowthrough yoni. This is named asruja yoni.

• Tikta , Kashaya dravya alleviates pitta andregulates the rakta and acts as a stambhaka (stop the bleeding)

Menorrhagea

Menorrhagea

Ashoka• It is a small evergreen

Tree called Strimitra.

• Botanical name of it is Saraka asoca and belongs to Caesalpinoidea family.

• Its Stem bark used for medicine.

• Ashoka stimulates the uterus making thecontractions more frequent and prolongedwithout producing tonic contractions likeergot or pitutory. It should be therefore proveuseful in all cases of uterine haemorrhage,where ergot is indicated i.e. menorrhagea,metrorrhagia, post partum haemorrhage (B.N.Ghosh, PMMT)

Menorrhagea

Menorrhagea

Sariva• It is a perennial ,

prostrate.

• Botanical name of it is Hemedismus indicusand belongs to Asclepidaceae family.

• Its Root used for medicine.

• Sariva use for maintaining pregnancy andpreventing habitual miscarriages. Also may beof benefit for menorrhagia caused by pittaoverflowing from its channel in artavahasrotas(uterine system). Its nourishing effect on rasadhatu helps to increase the quantity andquality of breast milk.

Menorrhagea

Menorrhagea

Lodhra• It is a medium tree

• Botanical name of it is Symplocosracemosa and belongs to Styraceaefamily.

• Its Bark used for medicine.

• Symplocos racemosa is used in various femaledisorders. Aqueous extract on oral administrationsignificantly stimulated serum FSH level (P <0.016) along with the rise in serum LH level (P <0.001).

Menorrhagea

• Moreover, histopathological studies revealedenhanced folliculogenesis, presence of maturefollicles and detached oocytes, which are result ofincreased FSH and LH levels. Further, an increasein the ovary weight of treated animals was founddue to observed FSH surge. These results are inacordance with the traditional use of the drug forfemale disorders.

Menorrhagea

Menorrhagea

Vasa• It is a dense shrub.

• Botanical name of it is Adhathoda vasicaand belongs to Acanthaceae family.

• Its leaves used for medicine.

• Its astringency causes contraction of theuterus. This can be useful in bleeding andprolapse.

• Vasicine produced marked potentiation ofcontractile response of isolated uterus tooxytocin. (Gautam 1982)

Menorrhagea

• Modern medicine defines menopausal age asbetween 47 and 52. Menopause is exactly alast or final menstruation. Postmenopauserefers to the phase that comes aftermenopause.

• Menopause occurs when oocytes responsiveto gonadotropins disappear from the ovary, orthe oocytes remaining do not respond togonadotropins.

Menopausal Syndrome

• When this phenomenon occurs at certain agedue to hormonal imbalance (i.e., change inlevels of concentration of FSH, estradiol, LH,etc.), it is called physiological menopause.

• If menopause is due to cessation of ovarianfunction because of surgery (e.g.,hysterectomy, oophorectomy), then it is calledas artificial menopause.

Menopausal Syndrome

• In Ayurveda, menopause is called rajonivrutti.It means that the menstrual flow stopsforever.

• As this is a natural phenomenon, it is notconsidered a disorder in Ayurveda.

• However, a common understanding is that thethree dosas are imbalanced duringmenopause.

• Symptoms of menopause can be correlated tochange in dosa dynamics.

Menopausal Syndrome

• Among the three dosas, vata is of primeimportance. It is said that there is not a singledisorder of the reproductive system withoutaggravated vata.

• Women generally reach menopause after theage of 45, which is when vata is dominant inthe body. Pelvic region is a seat of vata. Itusually becomes vitiated when monthly flowceases.

Menopausal Syndrome

• All pains, roughness of skin, etc. duringmenopausal age can be attributed toaggravated vata.

• Finally, vata can also provoke kapha and pitta.Symptoms such as heaviness of body, fluidretention, and hot flashes are some of thesymptoms attributed to an imbalance in kaphaand pitta during menopause.

Menopausal Syndrome

Menopausal Syndrome

Shatavari• It is a climbing

undershrub.

• Botanical name of it is Asparagus racemosusand belongs to Liliaceae family.

• Its Roots used for medicine.

• Shatavari is the foremost uterine tonic. And isvery useful in menopausal symptoms with hotflushes, irritability, irregular memory anddryness.

• Anabolic Shatavari's rasayana propertiesincrease mamsa dhatu building body mass,muscle tissue and nourishing the blood.

• It nourishes ojas and can enhance immunity. Itspecifically nourishes the brain and reducesvata disorders; spasms, pain and insomnia.

Menopausal Syndrome

Menopausal Syndrome

Yashtimadhu• It is a herb.

• Botanical name of it isGlycerrhiza glabra

• Family – Fabaceae

• Medicinal part - Rootstem

• Glycyrrhyzin, a constituent of Glycerrhizaglabra, inhibits inflammation andprostaglandin synthesis.

• It blocks estrogen effects binding to estrogenreceptors. In other studies for treatingmenopausal syndrome, licorice was found aneffective source of estrogen.

Menopausal Syndrome

Menopausal Syndrome

Mandukaparni• It is a herb.

• Botanical name of it isCentella asiatica

• Family – Umbelliferae

• Medicinal part -Whole plant

• It is also recommended for nervousbreakdown and premature ageing.

• Nervous-system soothing and general mindenhancing properties. It relaxes the centralnervous system.

• There fore it is used in mood swings,irritability, depression, anxiety, and dysphoriaare common psychological changes duringmenopause.

Menopausal Syndrome