Botanical Name: Celastrus paniculatus

Family: Celastraceae

Description: Jyotishmati, also known as Malkangni, is a large, woody climbing shrub with a corky bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate with a serrated margin. The plant produces small, yellowish-green flowers in clusters, followed by round, yellow-orange fruits that contain numerous seeds.

Occurrence: Jyotishmati is found in India, particularly in the sub-Himalayan region, Central India, and the Western Ghats. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests and hilly areas.

Chemical Constituents:

• Alkaloids (celastrine, paniculatin)
• Sesquiterpenes
• Triterpenoids
• Polyphenols
• Fatty acids (oleic acid, linoleic acid)
• Glycosides
  
  
  

Guna (Properties):

• Rasa (Taste): Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent)
• Virya (Potency): Ushna (hot)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (pungent)
  
  
  

Uses:

1. Cognitive Health: Enhances memory, learning, and intellectual abilities.
2. Nervous System: Acts as a nervine tonic, improving overall nervous system function.
3. Mental Health: Alleviates anxiety, stress, and depression.
4. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and pain, useful in treating arthritis and rheumatism.
5. Digestive Health: Improves digestion and alleviates gastrointestinal disorders.
6. General Tonic: Boosts overall vitality and strength.
   
   
   

Mode of Action: Jyotishmati’s cognitive-enhancing properties are attributed to its ability to enhance cholinergic function and promote the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine. The alkaloids and sesquiterpenes in Jyotishmati improve synaptic plasticity and protect against neurodegeneration. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation and pain, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis. The herb also acts as a digestive aid by stimulating digestive enzymes and improving gastrointestinal health.

Home Remedies:

1. For Enhanced Memory: Take 5-10 drops of Jyotishmati seed oil with warm milk daily in the morning.
2. For Stress Relief: Mix 1 teaspoon of Jyotishmati powder with honey and consume it twice a day.
3. For Joint Pain: Apply Jyotishmati seed oil externally on the affected joints and massage gently.
4. For Digestive Health: Mix Jyotishmati powder with a little warm water and take 1 teaspoon after meals to aid digestion.
   
   
   

Dosage:

• Powder: 1-3 grams, twice a day with warm water or as directed by an Ayurvedic practitioner.
• Oil: 5-10 drops, once or twice a day mixed with warm milk or as directed.
• Decoction: 50-100 ml, once or twice a day.
  
  
  

Diseases and Conditions Treated with Jyotishmati

1. Smritibhransha (Memory Loss)

   • Conditions: Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and learning difficulties.
   • Explanation: Jyotishmati enhances memory, intellect, and learning ability by stimulating the brain and nourishing the nervous system.

2. Mansik Rog (Mental Disorders)

   • Conditions: Stress (Chittodvega), Depression (Vishada), and Anxiety (Bhaya).
   • Explanation: Its adaptogenic properties calm the mind, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity.

3. Apasmara (Epilepsy)

   • Explanation: Jyotishmati stabilizes neural activity and reduces episodes of seizures by balancing aggravated vata.

4. Unmada (Psychosis)

   • Explanation: It helps manage severe mental disturbances by grounding the mind and supporting emotional stability.

5. Nidranasha (Insomnia)

   • Explanation: Jyotishmati induces restful sleep by calming the nervous system and alleviating mental fatigue.

6. Vata Vyadhi (Nervous System Disorders)

   • Conditions: Paralysis (Pakshaghata), Neuralgia, and Neuropathy.
   • Explanation: It acts as a nervine tonic, improving neural conductivity and alleviating vata-related disorders.

7. Kampa Vata (Tremors)

   • Conditions: Parkinson’s disease and other tremor-related conditions.
   • Explanation: Jyotishmati strengthens the motor functions and balances vata dosha.

8. Agni Mandya (Digestive Disorders)

   • Conditions: Indigestion (Agnimandya) and Flatulence (Adhmana).
   • Explanation: Jyotishmati stimulates digestive fire and supports proper digestion.

9. Hridya Rog (Cardiac Disorders)

   • Conditions: Stress-induced palpitations and hypertension.
   • Explanation: It supports heart health by reducing stress and improving blood circulation.

10. Jara (Anti-Aging)

• Explanation: As a rasayana, it rejuvenates the body, prevents cellular degeneration, and promotes longevity.

Ayurvedic Formulations Containing Jyotishmati

1. Medhya Rasayana

   • Indications: Memory enhancement, cognitive decline, and learning disabilities.
   • Jyotishmati’s Role: Acts as a primary medhya herb to boost intellect and memory.

2. Saraswatarishta

   • Indications: Mental fatigue, speech disorders, and anxiety.
   • Jyotishmati’s Role: Enhances its medhya and calming properties.

3. Manasamitra Vatakam

   • Indications: Insomnia, epilepsy, and psychosis.
   • Jyotishmati’s Role: Provides neuroprotection and stabilizes mental health.

4. Brahmi Ghrita

   • Indications: Epilepsy, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
   • Jyotishmati’s Role: Complements Brahmi to enhance medhya properties.

5. Mahakalyanaka Ghrita

   • Indications: Infertility, epilepsy, and mental health issues.
   • Jyotishmati’s Role: Strengthens cognitive and nervous system health.

6. Ashwagandhadi Ghrita

   • Indications: Nervous system disorders, vata imbalance, and fatigue.
   • Jyotishmati’s Role: Augments the formulation’s rejuvenative and neuroprotective effects.

7. Chyawanprash

   • Indications: General debility, mental fatigue, and stress-induced disorders.
   • Jyotishmati’s Role: Acts as a rasayana, enhancing vitality and intellect.

8. Jyotishmati Taila

   • Indications: Paralysis, neuralgia, and arthritis.
   • Jyotishmati’s Role: Used in external applications to alleviate pain and improve nerve function.

9. Balaswagandhadi Thailam

   • Indications: Muscle weakness, neuralgia, and tremors.
   • Jyotishmati’s Role: Enhances the nervine and anti-inflammatory properties of the formulation.

Note: Dosage may vary based on individual health conditions and should be taken under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.

Jyotishmati is a highly valued herb in Ayurveda, known for its significant therapeutic benefits, particularly in enhancing cognitive functions, improving mental health, and promoting overall well-being.