Botanical Name: Centella asiatica

Family: Apiaceae

Description:
Mandookparni, commonly known as Gotu Kola, is a small, herbaceous perennial plant. It has slender, creeping stems that root at the nodes. The leaves are fan-shaped, green to reddish-green, with a smooth texture and scalloped edges. The plant produces small, white to pinkish flowers that grow in clusters near the leaf axils.

Occurrence:
Mandookparni is found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including India, Sri Lanka, China, and parts of Africa. It typically grows in damp, shady areas such as marshes, riverbanks, and rice fields.

Chemical Constituents:

• Asiaticoside
• Madecassoside
• Asiatic acid
• Madecassic acid
• Brahmoside
• Brahminoside
• Centelloside
• Flavonoids
• Triterpenoids
• Essential oils
  
  

Guna (Properties):

• Rasa (Taste): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
• Virya (Potency): Sheeta (cold)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (sweet)
  
  

Uses:

1. Cognitive Health: Enhances memory, concentration, and cognitive function.
2. Anxiety and Stress: Acts as an adaptogen, reducing anxiety and stress levels.
3. Skin Health: Promotes wound healing, reduces scars, and improves skin elasticity.
4. Digestive Health: Alleviates digestive issues such as indigestion and ulcers.
5. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and is useful in treating conditions like arthritis.
6. General Tonic: Improves overall vitality and strength.
   
   

Mode of Action:
Mandookparni’s neuroprotective properties stem from its ability to enhance the synthesis of neurotransmitters and improve cerebral blood circulation. The triterpenoids, such as asiaticoside and madecassoside, stimulate collagen synthesis, which aids in wound healing and skin regeneration. The herb’s adaptogenic qualities help modulate the body’s stress response, reducing anxiety and promoting mental clarity. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties help in managing conditions like arthritis.

Home Remedies:

1. For Improved Memory: Mix 1 teaspoon of Mandookparni powder in a glass of warm milk. Drink it daily in the morning.
2. For Stress Relief: Prepare a tea by boiling 1 teaspoon of dried Mandookparni leaves in 2 cups of water. Strain and drink it twice a day.
3. For Skin Health: Apply a paste made from fresh Mandookparni leaves directly to wounds or scars to promote healing.
4. For Digestive Health: Mix 1 teaspoon of Mandookparni juice with honey and consume it before meals to aid digestion.
   
   

Dosage:

• Powder: 1-3 grams, twice a day with warm water or as directed by an Ayurvedic practitioner.
• Juice (Swarasa): 10-20 ml, once or twice a day.
• Decoction: 50-100 ml, once or twice a day.
  
  

Diseases and Conditions Treated with Mandookparni

1. Mansik Rog (Mental Disorders)

   • Conditions: Anxiety (Chittodvega), Depression (Vishada), and Memory Loss (Smritibhransha).
   • Explanation: Mandookparni is a medhya herb that nourishes the brain tissue (majja dhatu), improves cognitive function, and reduces stress.

2. Kshaya (Debility and Fatigue)

   • Conditions: General weakness and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
   • Explanation: Its rejuvenative properties help restore strength by balancing vata and pitta doshas.

3. Vranaropana (Wound Healing)

   • Conditions: Chronic ulcers, burns, and surgical wounds.
   • Explanation: It promotes collagen synthesis, hastening wound healing and reducing scarring.

4. Tvak Rog (Skin Disorders)

   • Conditions: Eczema (Vicharchika), Psoriasis (Kitibha), and Acne (Yuvan Pidika).
   • Explanation: Mandookparni’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help in detoxifying the blood (rakta shodhana) and soothing skin inflammations.

5. Sirasnayu Rog (Nervous System Disorders)

   • Conditions: Insomnia (Anidra), Epilepsy (Apasmara), and Paralysis (Pakshaghata).
   • Explanation: Its nervine tonic properties strengthen the nervous system and calm aggravated vata dosha.

6. Aruchi (Loss of Appetite)

   • Explanation: Mandookparni stimulates digestive enzymes and balances pitta dosha, helping to restore appetite.

7. Mutra Vikara (Urinary Disorders)

   • Conditions: Dysuria (Mutrakruchra) and Burning Micturition.
   • Explanation: Mandookparni cools pitta, alleviating inflammation and discomfort in urinary pathways.

8. Jara (Anti-Aging)

   • Explanation: As a rasayana, Mandookparni combats cellular degeneration and preserves vitality.

Ayurvedic Formulations Containing Mandookparni

1. Brahmi Ghrita

   • Indications: Enhances memory, intelligence, and alleviates anxiety and insomnia.
   • Mandookparni’s Role: Acts as a medhya (brain tonic) and promotes mental clarity.

2. Mandookparni Churna

   • Indications: Used for cognitive enhancement, skin disorders, and to improve digestion.
   • Usage: Taken with honey or warm water for maximum absorption.

3. Manasamitra Vatakam

   • Indications: Used in mental disorders, insomnia, and epilepsy.
   • Mandookparni’s Role: Balances vata-pitta and acts as a neuroprotective agent.

4. Mahakalyanaka Ghrita

   • Indications: Beneficial in infertility, mental stress, and epilepsy.
   • Mandookparni’s Role: Provides cognitive nourishment and supports the nervous system.

5. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu

   • Indications: Effective in managing psoriasis, eczema, and other chronic skin conditions.
   • Mandookparni’s Role: Purifies the blood and heals the skin.

6. Gotu Kola Tablets (Modern Adaptation)

   • Indications: Stress relief, anti-aging, and general wellness.
   • Mandookparni’s Role: Works as the primary rejuvenating agent.

7. Saraswatarishta

   • Indications: Cognitive decline, speech disorders, and memory issues.
   • Mandookparni’s Role: Enhances medhya shakti (intellectual power).

8. Ashwagandhadi Ghrita

   • Indications: Nervous system rejuvenation and vata disorders.
   • Mandookparni’s Role: Augments mental and physical vitality.

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

Mandookparni is a versatile and valuable herb in Ayurveda, known for its wide range of therapeutic benefits, particularly for enhancing cognitive function and promoting overall well-being.