Herb's Introduction
Vanda tessellata (Roxb.) Hook. ex G. Don, commonly known as Rasna in many Indian languages and Ayurveda, is a perennial, monopodial, epiphytic orchid belonging to the family Orchidaceae. An epiphytic plant grows non-parasitically upon another plant (like a tree trunk or branch) and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and debris accumulated around it, rather than from the host plant itself. This beautiful orchid is valued not only for its ornamental flowers but, more significantly, for its diverse medicinal properties documented across various traditional healing practices, particularly in South Asia. Due to its popularity in both horticulture and medicine, the plant faces threats from over-exploitation in some areas, highlighting the need for conservation efforts, such as in-vitro propagation.
Name in Different Countries
Vanda tessellata is known by a variety of local names, reflecting its widespread use across different linguistic and geographical regions. Language / Region Name(s) English Vanda Sanskrit Rasna (रास्ना) Hindi Rasna (रस्ना) Bengali Raasna (রাস্না), Nai (নই) Malayalam Maravazha (മരവാഴ) Marathi Raasna (रास्ना) Kannada Bandanike (ಬಡನಿಕೇ) Oriya Raasna (ରାସ୍ନା) Telugu Badanika (బదనిక), Yerra tiga (ఎర్ర తీగ), Chettu aakada (చెట్టు ఆకడ) Nepali Gai teware (or similar local terms, also sometimes referred to by its Sanskrit name Rasna) Export to Sheets Note: The name 'Rasna' is sometimes also applied to other plants in Ayurveda, which can lead to confusion, but Vanda tessellata is one of the recognized sources, especially in some regions and formulations.
Terminology
Botanical Name: Vanda tessellata (Roxb.) Hook. ex G. Don Family: Orchidaceae (The Orchid family) Synonyms: Historically, it has been referred to by various names, including Epidendrum tessellatum Roxb. and Vanda roxburghii R.Br. The name Vanda roxburghii is often used interchangeably with Vanda tessellata in older literature and traditional medicine. Ayurvedic Terminology: It is considered to have Tikta Rasa (bitter taste), Ushna Virya (hot potency), and acts on conditions like Aamvat (Rheumatism), Shula (Pain), and Shotha (Inflammation). Phytochemicals: The plant contains several key compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties, including alkaloids, glucosides, tannins, β-sitosterol, γ-sitosterol, long-chain aliphatic compounds, fatty oils, and resins. New active compounds like 2,5-dimethoxy-6,8-dihydroxy-Isoflavone and 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid have also been identified in its leaf extract.
Availability
Vanda tessellata is native to a region spanning the Indian Subcontinent to China (Yunnan) and Indo-China. Its natural range includes countries such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Vietnam, growing primarily in the wet tropical biome. Habitat: As an epiphyte, it is typically found growing on the trunks and branches of various trees in tropical and sub-tropical forests. Status: While it is a common orchid species in some areas, in many parts, it is considered a vulnerable or endangered medicinal orchid due to habitat loss and unsustainable harvesting to meet the high demand for its medicinal and ornamental uses. It is found in Nepal as well, as part of the rich orchid flora of the country.
External Look
Vanda tessellata is a striking plant characterized by: Habit: It is a monopodial epiphytic subshrub, meaning it grows upwards from a single stem. Stem: The stem is stout, 30–60 cm long, and scandent (climbing). Roots: It has stout, simple or branching aerial roots. These roots are a distinctive feature of epiphytic orchids, and they are often long, white to brown, and possess a delicate absorptive tissue called velamen which aids in water and nutrient absorption from the air. The clinging roots help fix the plant to its support. Leaves: The leaves are succulent, fleshy, 15–20 cm long, linear, recurved (curving backward), and complicate (folded longitudinally). They have strong, parallel veins. Flowers: The flowers are borne on a 6–10 flowered raceme (a type of inflorescence), reaching 15–25 cm long. The flowers are typically 40–50 mm across and exhibit striking color variations. The sepals are generally yellow, tessellated (marked with a checkered pattern) with brown lines, and have white margins. The petals are similar but shorter. The lip (labellum) is usually bluish or purple and dotted with purple. The plant often blooms twice a year, in early summer (April–May) and early winter. Fruit: The capsules are 7.5–9 cm long, narrowly clavate-oblong (club-shaped), and ribbed.
Healing Properties
The plant, particularly its root and leaves, has been extensively studied for its powerful pharmacological activities: Anti-inflammatory and Antinociceptive (Pain-Relieving): The roots and leaf extracts show significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which is one of the bases for its traditional use in rheumatism and arthritis. Antipyretic (Fever-Reducing): Both the root and leaf paste are traditionally used to bring down fever. Antioxidant: The presence of various bioactive compounds gives it strong antioxidant properties, helping to combat oxidative stress. Antimicrobial and Anti-tubercular: Extracts from the roots and other parts are reported to possess antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-tubercular properties. Aphrodisiac: Extracts from the flower and root have been shown to stimulate sexual behavior in animal studies, supporting its use as a sexual stimulant in traditional medicine. Hepatoprotective: The plant exhibits properties that help protect the liver. Wound Healing: It is traditionally used and scientifically investigated for its wound-healing potential. Neuroprotective: It is traditionally prescribed for diseases of the nervous system and has been studied for potential neuroprotective effects against conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Advantages
The use of Vanda tessellata offers several advantages in traditional and modern medicine: Multifaceted Therapeutic Agent: It addresses a wide spectrum of ailments, from common inflammations and fevers to more complex conditions like nervous system disorders, rheumatism, and digestive issues. Traditional Validation: Its long history of use in established systems like Ayurveda and Unani, where it is a recognized ingredient in formulations such as Rasna Panchaka Quatha (used for arthritis and rheumatism), suggests proven efficacy over centuries. Source of Bioactive Compounds: The plant is rich in diverse phytochemicals (alkaloids, β-sitosterol, flavonoids, etc.) that can serve as lead compounds for the development of new, effective pharmaceutical drugs. Low Toxicity: Experimental studies suggest that the leaf extract, while having potent antinociceptive activity, shows relatively low cytotoxicity, indicating a favorable safety profile at therapeutic doses.
Uses
Different parts of Vanda tessellata are used for various traditional applications: Plant Part Primary Uses Roots Rheumatism and allied disorders (arthritis, lumbago), nervous system disorders (paralysis, hemiplegia), digestive issues (dyspepsia, hiccup), bronchitis, piles, fever, as an alexiteric (antidote), and remedy for secondary syphilis and scorpion stings. Leaves Otitis media (ear infections/earache - applied as juice), fever (applied as paste), wounds, rheumatoid arthritis (paste with other oils), cough, edema, and respiratory difficulties. Flower/Whole Plant As an aphrodisiac, sexual stimulant, and tonic for the liver and brain (in Unani medicine). Export to Sheets
Using Way
The traditional methods of using Vanda tessellata vary depending on the ailment and the traditional system: For Rheumatism and Nervous Disorders: The root is pounded into a paste and applied externally, or it is used in the composition of medicated oils for external application. A compound decoction (a liquid extract made by boiling the root in water) of the root is administered orally in cases of hemiplegia. For Fever: The paste of the leaves is applied topically to the body to bring down the temperature (febrifuge). For Earache (Otitis): The juice of the leaves is extracted and dropped into the ear. For Internal Ailments (Dyspepsia, Bronchitis, Piles): The root is used in the form of a decoction or powder for oral consumption. In Ayurvedic Formulations: It is a key ingredient in complex polyherbal mixtures, such as the famous Rasna Panchaka Quatha, where it is boiled with other ingredients to treat inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Modern Research Extracts: For scientific studies, extracts using solvents like methanol or water are prepared to evaluate specific activities (e.g., antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity).
Conclusion
Vanda tessellata, known widely as Rasna, is a medicinally significant epiphytic orchid deeply integrated into the traditional medicine systems of South Asia, including the rich ethnobotanical heritage of Nepal. Its potent healing capabilities are attributed to a diverse phytochemical profile, which provides scientifically supported anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, and antimicrobial activities. Used traditionally for a broad range of ailments, from rheumatism and nervous system disorders to common fevers and digestive issues, the herb stands as a vital resource. However, its increasing demand for both medicinal and ornamental purposes, coupled with habitat degradation, places it under conservation threat. Therefore, sustainable harvesting practices and effective ex-situ conservation methods, like tissue culture propagation (as studied in Nepal), are crucial to ensure the continued availability and utilization of this valuable medicinal plant for future generations.
