Medicinal Plant: Lanka (Capsicum frutescens)

Botanical Name:

Capsicum frutescens

Different Names in Different Languages:

• Sanskrit: Lanka, Maricha, Katuka
• Hindi: Lal Mirch, Mirchi
• Bengali: Lanka
• Tamil: Milagai
• Telugu: Mirapakaya
• Malayalam: Mulaku
• Kannada: Mensinakayi
• English: Chili pepper
• Marathi: Mirchi

Cultivation:

• Climate: Capsicum frutescens thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with a warm, humid environment. It requires full sunlight and well-drained soil.
• Soil: Prefers loamy or sandy soil enriched with organic matter. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 is optimal.
• Propagation: Generally propagated through seeds.
• Harvesting: The fruit is harvested when fully matured and bright red.

Availability:

Lanka is widely cultivated in India, Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and parts of Africa. It is commonly available in both fresh and dried forms in markets globally.

Description:

Lanka is a small shrub-like plant that grows up to 1-2 feet tall. It has oval-shaped leaves, small white flowers, and produces elongated, slender fruits that turn red upon ripening. The fruits are pungent and are a rich source of capsaicin.

Occurrence:

Native to Central and South America, Capsicum frutescens has spread globally. In India, it is cultivated extensively in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Chemical Constituents:

• Capsaicin: The primary compound responsible for the pungency.
• Capsanthin and Capsorubin: Natural pigments giving red color.
• Carotenoids: Beta-carotene and lutein.
• Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.
• Minerals: Potassium, Magnesium, and Iron.
• Essential Oils: Contains volatile oils contributing to aroma and medicinal properties.

Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipak:

• Rasa (Taste): Katu (Pungent)
• Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Tikshna (Sharp)
• Virya (Potency): Ushna (Hot)
• Vipak (Post-digestive effect): Katu (Pungent)

Diseases and Conditions Where Lanka is Used in Ayurveda:

1. Digestive Disorders: Stimulates appetite, enhances digestion, and alleviates indigestion.
2. Respiratory Conditions: Helps in clearing phlegm and relieving congestion in cough and asthma.
3. Circulatory System: Improves blood circulation by acting as a vasodilator.
4. Joint Pain: Used externally in formulations to reduce inflammation and pain.
5. Weight Management: Boosts metabolism and aids in fat burning.
6. Infections: Possesses antimicrobial properties to fight bacterial and fungal infections.
7. Cardiovascular Health: Reduces cholesterol levels and supports heart health.

Names of Ayurvedic Medications Where Lanka is Used:

1. Trikatu Churna: A combination of Lanka, Pippali, and Shunthi used for digestive and respiratory disorders.
   • Indication: Indigestion, cough, and obesity.
   • Dosage: 1-3 grams with warm water or honey.
2. Lankadi Taila: Medicinal oil for joint pain and inflammation.
   • Indication: Arthritis and musculoskeletal pain.
   • Dosage: External application.
3. Chitrakadi Vati: Contains Lanka as one of the ingredients.
   • Indication: Digestive disorders and anorexia.
   • Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice daily with water.

Relevance in Ayurveda Towards Normalizing Dosha Physiology:

• Vata: Reduces Vata disorders by its Ushna (hot) potency, which balances cold and dry qualities of Vata.
• Kapha: Effectively pacifies Kapha by stimulating digestion, reducing mucus, and improving metabolism.
• Pitta: Excessive use may aggravate Pitta due to its hot nature.

Relevance in Ayurveda Towards Normalizing Dhatu Physiology:

• Rasa Dhatu: Enhances appetite and assimilation of nutrients.
• Rakta Dhatu: Improves circulation and purifies the blood.
• Mamsa and Meda Dhatus: Promotes fat metabolism, reducing excess fat deposits.

Pharmacological Significance in Ayurveda:

1. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces swelling and inflammation.
2. Analgesic: Provides relief in pain when applied externally.
3. Metabolic Enhancer: Boosts metabolic rate, aiding in weight loss.
4. Antimicrobial: Prevents microbial infections.
5. Carminative: Relieves bloating and gas.
6. Expectorant: Clears mucus in respiratory pathways.

Home Remedies Associated with Lanka:

1. For Indigestion: A pinch of Lanka powder with honey can stimulate digestion.
2. For Cough: Lanka powder boiled with milk and a pinch of turmeric helps in relieving chest congestion.
3. For Joint Pain: A paste made with Lanka powder and mustard oil can be applied externally to alleviate pain.
4. For Weight Loss: Adding a small amount of Lanka to meals can boost metabolism.

Harmful Effects Associated and Contra-indications:

1. Excessive Use: May cause heartburn, gastritis, and ulcers due to its Ushna (hot) property.
2. Aggravation of Pitta: Can worsen conditions like acidity, hyperacidity, and skin rashes in Pitta-prone individuals.
3. Pregnancy and Lactation: Should be consumed with caution as it may cause discomfort.
4. Sensitive Individuals: People with irritable bowel syndrome or chronic gastrointestinal issues should avoid it.

Conclusion:

Lanka (Capsicum frutescens) is a potent medicinal plant in Ayurveda with numerous therapeutic applications. Its benefits in digestion, circulation, metabolism, and respiratory health make it an invaluable herb. However, its hot potency necessitates cautious use, especially in Pitta conditions. As part of formulations like Trikatu Churna and Chitrakadi Vati, Lanka demonstrates its pharmaceutical significance in Ayurveda, contributing to holistic health and disease management. With its broad spectrum of uses and minimal side effects when used appropriately, Lanka stands out as a cornerstone of Ayurvedic therapeutics.