Introduction
Hemidesmus indicus, commonly known as Indian Sarsaparilla or Nannari, is a slender, twining, semi-erect perennial climber native to South Asia. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family (formerly Asclepiadaceae). The plant is highly valued in traditional Indian medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani for its diverse therapeutic properties. The name "Hemidesmus" comes from the Greek words "hemi" (half) and "desmos" (bond), alluding to its partly joined filaments. "Indicus" signifies its origin in India. Its most notable feature is its aromatic roots, which have a sweet and slightly bitter taste, resembling vanilla or cinnamon.
Names in Different Countries and Terminology
H. indicus is known by a variety of names across India and other parts of the world, reflecting its widespread use and cultural significance. The user has provided a list, which is comprehensive. A few key names include:
English: Indian Sarsaparilla
Sanskrit: Kshirini, Anantamula (meaning "endless root")
Hindi: Anantmul, Sugandi pala
Tamil: Nannari
Telugu: Sugandhipala
Malayalam: Naruneendi
Bengali: Anantamul
Marathi: Anantavel
Oriya: Onontomulo
Persian: 'ushba
Urdu: Salsa
The terminology "Anantamul" is particularly significant as it refers to the root's ability to penetrate deep into the soil, symbolizing its profound healing potential.
Availability and External Look
Availability: H. indicus is found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It thrives in moist deciduous forests, semi-dry environments, and uncultivated lands. While it grows wild, overexploitation has led to its conservation status being a concern in some areas, prompting efforts for its cultivation. It is commonly cultivated in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
External Look:
Plant: It is a slender, perennial climber with numerous stems that can be prostrate or semi-erect.
Roots: The most medicinally valued part. The roots are woody, long, and cylindrical, with a dark brown or purplish-gray outer bark and a yellowish core. They are highly aromatic with a distinct fragrance.
Leaves: The leaves are opposite, varying in shape from elliptic-oblong to linear-lanceolate. They are dark green above and paler below, sometimes with a characteristic white streak along the midrib.
Flowers: Small and crowded in axillary clusters. They are greenish on the outside and purplish on the inside.
Fruits: The plant produces cylindrical, paired follicles (fruit pods) that are long and slender.
Healing Properties and Advantages H. indicus possesses a wide range of healing properties due to its rich phytochemical composition, which includes coumarins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. The main bioactive compound, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, is responsible for its characteristic aroma and many of its medicinal effects.
Healing Properties:
Blood Purifier: It is a well-known blood detoxifier, used to treat various skin diseases, including eczema and chronic dermatitis.
Diuretic: It helps in treating urinary tract infections and kidney-related issues by promoting urine flow.
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: It reduces inflammation and pain, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis and rheumatism.
Antioxidant: It helps in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body, protecting cells from damage.
Hepatoprotective: It has been shown to protect the liver from toxicity.
Antimicrobial: It exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties, useful for treating skin infections and wounds.
Demulcent: Its soothing properties help in treating digestive issues like gastritis and ulcers.
Advantages:
The key advantages of H. indicus lie in its multi-faceted therapeutic actions and its safety profile as a traditional herbal remedy. It acts as a cooling agent for the body, making it a popular choice for preparing refreshing beverages, especially in hot climates. Its ability to purify the blood and detoxify the body contributes to overall health and vitality.
Uses and Using Way
Uses:
Medicinal: The root is the primary part used. It is consumed as a decoction, powder, or syrup to treat fever, respiratory issues like asthma and cough, skin diseases, urinary infections, and indigestion. It is also used as a tonic to improve overall health.
Beverages: The most popular use of H. indicus is in making Nannari syrup or "Nannari Sharbat." This syrup is mixed with water, sugar, and a squeeze of lime to create a refreshing, cooling drink, especially popular in South India.
Culinary: In some parts of India, the pickled roots are served as a side dish with rice.
Using Way:
Powder (Churna): The dried root is ground into a fine powder. A typical dosage is 3-6 grams per day, mixed with lukewarm water or honey.
Decoction (Kwath): A decoction is prepared by boiling the roots in water. This is used for internal consumption or for external application to clean wounds and skin infections.
Syrup: Commercial Nannari syrup is widely available. It is a concentrated extract of the root, used to make the popular summer drink.
Root Paste: A paste of the root can be made with water or coconut oil and applied externally to reduce pain and inflammation from conditions like arthritis or to treat skin rashes.
Conclusion
Hemidesmus indicus is a versatile and valuable medicinal plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine. From its deep-penetrating roots to its multifaceted healing properties, it lives up to its name, Anantamul ("endless root"). Its ability to purify the blood, cool the body, and address a wide range of ailments makes it a cornerstone of Ayurvedic and folk medicine. The refreshing Nannari Sharbat, derived from its roots, is a testament to its dual role as both a health tonic and a delightful beverage.
