Patla in Ayurveda

Botanical Name: Stereospermum suaveolens

Family: Bignoniaceae

Description: Patla, commonly known as Padri or Trumpet flower, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that grows up to 18-20 meters in height. Its bark is thin, gray, and peels off in patches. The leaves are opposite, large, and pinnately compound, and the flowers are tubular, light purple or yellow, with a pleasant fragrance. It is a popular medicinal tree in Ayurveda, where nearly every part of the plant is utilized.

Occurrence: This tree is native to tropical and subtropical regions in India, particularly in forests and along riversides. It is also found in parts of Southeast Asia.

Chemical Constituents: Patla contains several bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, sterols, and alkaloids. Key compounds include lapachol, stereolensin, and iridoid glycosides, which contribute to its therapeutic properties.

Guna (Qualities):

• Rasa (Taste): Bitter (Tikta) and Astringent (Kashaya)
• Guna (Properties): Light (Laghu) and Dry (Ruksha)
• Virya (Potency): Cooling (Shita)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Pungent (Katu)

Uses:

1. Respiratory Health: Patla is traditionally used to manage respiratory conditions like asthma, cough, and bronchitis due to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Digestive Health: It aids in treating indigestion, constipation, and bloating.
3. Fever and Inflammation: Its cooling nature helps in managing fevers and inflammatory conditions.
4. Skin Health: The bark is known for its antimicrobial properties, beneficial in treating skin disorders.
5. Pain Relief: Its analgesic properties are beneficial in managing joint pain and muscle stiffness.

Mode of Action: Patla is anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and analgesic. The cooling properties reduce heat and inflammation in the body, while its dry quality aids in balancing excessive Kapha dosha, thus alleviating respiratory issues. Its bitter taste stimulates appetite and improves digestion, while the astringent property tones and heals tissues.

Home Remedies:

• For Cough and Cold: A decoction of Patla bark with honey can help alleviate symptoms of cough and cold.
• For Joint Pain: Applying a paste made from the bark on painful joints can relieve stiffness and inflammation.
• For Skin Issues: A paste made from Patla leaves can be applied to the skin for treating infections and promoting healing.

Dosage:

• Bark Decoction: 50-100 ml, twice daily.
• Powder: 3-5 grams, mixed with water or honey, once or twice a day.

Patla, also known as Parul or Padri, is a medicinal herb recognized in Ayurveda for its versatile therapeutic properties. The bark, leaves, roots, and flowers of the plant are used in formulations aimed at treating a variety of health conditions. It is particularly valued as an ingredient in Ayurvedic preparations for its anti-inflammatory, rejuvenative, and wound-healing properties.

1. Diseases and Conditions Where Patla (Stereospermum suaveolens) Can Be Used in Ayurveda

a. Respiratory Disorders

• Conditions: Asthma (Shwasa), chronic cough (Kasa), and bronchitis.
• Role: Patla helps in clearing the respiratory tract by acting as an expectorant and reducing inflammation in the airways.
• Scientific Validation: Studies have shown that Stereospermum suaveolens possesses bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in alleviating symptoms of respiratory ailments.

b. Digestive Disorders

• Conditions: Indigestion (Agnimandya), flatulence (Adhmana), and loss of appetite.
• Role: The herb stimulates digestion, balances Agni (digestive fire), and helps in the elimination of toxins (Ama).
• Scientific Validation: Research highlights the plant’s role in enhancing digestive enzymes and reducing gastrointestinal discomfort.

c. Joint and Muscular Disorders

• Conditions: Arthritis, muscle pain, and gout.
• Role: Patla’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it effective in managing joint and muscular pain.
• Scientific Validation: Bioactive compounds like flavonoids and sterols in Patla have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects.

d. Skin Disorders

• Conditions: Wounds, burns, and skin irritation.
• Role: The bark and leaves of Patla promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and provide cooling effects.
• Scientific Validation: Stereospermum suaveolens contains tannins and flavonoids that accelerate wound healing and protect against infections.

e. Urinary Disorders

• Conditions: Dysuria (Mutrakricchra), UTIs, and kidney stones.
• Role: Patla acts as a mild diuretic, reducing inflammation in the urinary tract and promoting the smooth flow of urine.
• Scientific Validation: Studies have validated its anti-inflammatory and diuretic activities, making it effective for urinary complaints.

f. General Weakness and Fatigue

• Role: Patla is a rejuvenative (Rasayana), helping to restore energy and vitality.
• Scientific Validation: It is rich in antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress and improve general well-being.

2. Names of Ayurvedic Medications Where Patla (Stereospermum suaveolens) Is Used as an Ingredient

a. Dashamoola

• Role of Patla: As one of the ten roots in Dashamoola, it contributes anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Other Indications: Treats fever, respiratory conditions, and joint disorders.

b. Chyawanprash

• Role of Patla: Acts as a rejuvenative and immune booster.
• Other Indications: Supports respiratory health, skin health, and general immunity.

c. Brihat Vata Chintamani Rasa

• Role of Patla: Alleviates Vata-related disorders such as arthritis and neurological conditions.
• Other Indications: Treats paralysis, neuralgia, and chronic pain.

d. Panchatikta Ghrita

• Role of Patla: Reduces skin inflammation and purifies blood.
• Other Indications: Beneficial in eczema, psoriasis, and other chronic skin conditions.

3. Relevance of Patla (Stereospermum suaveolens) in Ayurveda Towards Normalizing Dosha Behavior

a. Balances Vata Dosha

• Patla’s grounding and nourishing properties help pacify aggravated Vata, reducing symptoms such as dryness, restlessness, and joint pain.

b. Balances Pitta Dosha

• The cooling effect of Patla soothes Pitta aggravation, alleviating conditions like inflammation, burning sensations, and hyperacidity.

c. Mild Effect on Kapha Dosha

• While primarily balancing Vata and Pitta, Patla also has a mild reducing effect on Kapha, aiding in the management of mucus-related disorders like asthma and congestion.

4. Harmful Effects Associated with Patla (Stereospermum suaveolens) Intake

While Patla is considered safe when used appropriately, certain precautions are necessary:

a. Digestive Discomfort

• Excessive use may lead to mild gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or bloating.

b. Pregnancy and Lactation

• Due to insufficient safety data, pregnant and lactating women should avoid Patla unless advised by an Ayurvedic practitioner.

c. Overdose Risks

• Overconsumption of Patla may result in hypotension or dizziness, particularly in individuals with low blood pressure.

d. Allergic Reactions

• Some individuals may experience allergic reactions such as rashes or itching upon topical application.

Conclusion

Patla (Stereospermum suaveolens) is a valuable herb in Ayurveda, offering a wide range of therapeutic applications, particularly for respiratory, digestive, urinary, and inflammatory conditions. It is an integral part of classic Ayurvedic formulations like Dashamoola and Chyawanprash, underlining its importance in traditional medicine. Its ability to balance Vata and Pitta doshas, combined with its rejuvenative properties, makes it an indispensable herb. However, as with any potent herbal remedy, its use should be moderated and guided by an Ayurvedic expert to avoid adverse effects.