Ayurveda

1. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 8 (3), July 2009, pp. 364-368
Tāmalakī — An analytical review
Binay Sen* & SD Dubey
Department of Dravyaguna, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 5, Uttar Pradesh
E-mail: senbinay@yahoo.com
Received 1 May 2007 revised 22 April 2008
Āyurvedic Materia Medica consists of crude drugs mainly of plant origin and there is considerable variation in the
identity of the genuine species of the source plant. Vernacular names of plant signify habitat, morphological characters,
useful parts, properties, actions, etc. are the keys of plant identification in Āyurveda. In many cases, one synonym is found
for different plants. It is because of similar habitat, gross morphological characters, broad spectrum of therapeutic indices
and so on. Hence, by single name/synonym, it is natural to consider more than one plant. Tāmalakī may be considered as an
example of this phenomenon. In this study an attempt has been made to designate plant species of Tāmalakī by analyzing
different views of some Āyurvedic and modern scholars.
Keywords: Āyurveda, Tāmalakī, Śvāsa, Gunakarma, Bhūmyāmalakī
IPC Int. Cl.8: A61K36/00, A61P1/04, A61P1/06, A61P1/08, A61P9/00, A61P11/00, A61P11/06, A61P11/10, A61P13/00,
A61P13/02
The word Tāmalakī and its commonly accepted Cūrna (AS), are prescribed in Śvāsa, Kāsa, Yaksmā
synonyms Bhūmyāmalakī are not found in Vedas and etc.7,8 In Hārīta Samhitā, though the word Tāmalakī is
works of Kālidāsa. Except Tāmalakī, no other not mentioned but in few preparations like
synonyms are found in Caraka Samhitā (CS), Suśruta Cyavanaprāśa and Balādi Ghrta, the word Cāmalakī
Samhitā (SS), Astāńga Hrdaya (AH) and Astāńga and Tamālakī appeared, respectively9. It seems to be
Samgraha (AS). In these texts, it is used both externally printing mistake and not the new synonyms, as neither
and internally in different formulations for multi- the earlier nor the later authors have mentioned them
therapeutic purposes. In CS, it appeared in group of in any of the context. In Cikitsāgranthas, Cakrapāni
Kāsahara and Śvāsahara Mahākasāya and in Madhura- was the first physician, who has mentioned its single
skandha1,2. The drugs, which are Madhura (sweet), external application (as Lepa) in eye pain with the
predominantly Madhura, Madhura in Vipāka name Bhūmyāmalakī10. The synonym Bhūdhātrī and
(metabolism) or Madhura in Prabhāva (effect) are Bhūmyāmalakī are first appeared in Astāńga Nighantu
included in this group3. It is also included in Rasāyana, (18th Century AD) and Paryāyaratnamālā (19th Century
Balya and Brmhanīya preparations like Cyavanaprāśa, AD), respectively11,12. Successive Nighantukāras also
Amrtaprāśa Ghrta, Madhuparnādi Taila and Baladī include some more synonyms. These synonyms are
Basti4. A single drug remedy (Tāmalakī Śrta/decoction) found in different formulations in Cikitsāgranthas like
is found in the treatment of Rājayaksmā associated with Kūdhātrī, Bhūmyāmalaka, Bhūmyāmalī, Jatā, etc.13-16
6 symptomatology5. From this description it is clear that The actions and indications are more or less similar. The
Caraka has described Gunakarmas (properties and word Tāmalakyau has been mentioned by Bañgasena,
actions) of Tāmalakī. In Suśruta Samhitā, the plant is perhaps indicating its two varieties17.
neither found in any Gana nor in Varga. Few While going through the different views of
preparations of Ghrta have been used in the treatment of Nighantukāras and Kosakāras, it is observed more
Jīrnajvara, Śvāsa, etc.6 Both Vāgbhatas have the than hundred synonyms for Tāmalakī or
similar views to that of Caraka. In addition, some Bhūmyāmalakī. Tāmalakī has appeared in Siddhasāra
new formulations like Jīvantyādi Cūrna (AH), Nighantu (7th Century AD) with two synonyms Ajhatā
Nidigdhikādi Ghrta, Kāsmaryādi Ghrta and Pāthādi and Bahu-pattrā18. Almost all the authors have
____________
accepted Tāmalakī, Bhūmyāmalakī and Bhūdhātrī as
*Corresponding author synonymous. Botanical identification of genuine

2. SEN & DUBEY: TĀMALAKĪ - AN ANALYTICAL REVIEW 365
sources of Tāmalakī on the basis of synonyms is quite of Tāmalakī. But, there are different views observed
a difficult task because it has been made complicated in relation to its vernacular names and botanical
in these texts by giving similar synonym to more than sources. For example, it has not used the word
one plant; For example Vitunnaka, Śivā, Uttamā, Vīrā, Tāmalakī for any species referred, but the synonyms
Vrsyā, Visaghnī, Āmalakī, Amrtā, Uccatā are used for mentioned by previous authors are included for P.
it, are well known different plants19-22. Apart from urinaria Linn. and P. niruri Hook. f. On the other
this, few synonyms like Sūksmaphalā, Phalamālā and hand different regional names are mentioned for P.
Bahuphalā given to it are indicative of general maderaspatensis Linn. and P. simplex Retz.29. It
characters of a group (Genus-Phyllanthus) of plant presumes that though the authors have not used the
taken as Tāmalakī in practice11,23. Therefore, it is word Tāmalakī for any of above 4 species but
necessary to study the Gunakarma in available accepted all in regards to their vernacular names. The
Nighantus and Kosas to identify the possible sources word Tamravalli (Tamra means coppery and Valli
of it. Among the Nighantus it is surprisingly noticed means climber) has been used for P. urinaria Linn.,
that the source plant described in Rāja Nighantu (RN) which is not rationale with its morphological
is Kasāya and Amla22 whereas in Bhāva Prakāśa characters, because it is erect in nature, not a
Nighantu (BN) is Tikta, Kasāya and Madhura in climber29.
Rasa24. The actions and indications are also found It has been reported that P. niruri Hook. f. (Fl Br
somewhat different in them. The plant mentioned in Ind.) non Linn. has been renamed as P. fraternus
RN is having predominant action in urinary system Webster in 195730. But most of the later authors have
whereas in BN, the same is in respiratory system. ignored it and taken P. niruri and P. fraternus as
Moreover, the synonyms like Bhūmyāmalī, different species or subspecies. P. amarus Schum. &
Drdhapādī, Jatā, Visaghni (RN) and Bhūmyāmalakī, Thonn., P. fraternus Webster and P. niruri auct. non
Ajatā (BN) strongly suggest that both the plants are L. are considered synonymous, the source of
different species of Tāmalakī. Further, it is supported Bhūmyāmalakī or Tāmalakī. But in a clinical trial, the
by the description found in Sanskrit lexicon authors have quoted P. amarus (gathered from India)
Śabdakalpadruma in context of two plants namely and P. niruri (gathered from Hainan Province in
Bhūmyāmalī and Bhūmyāmalakī. Though the word China), which contradicts the previous statement and
Bhūmyāmalī has been equated with Bhūmyāmalakī, supports both as different species31. The Botanical
but some more synonyms are given to it, which are Survey of India has identified that the commonly
not mentioned for the latter one. In respect of known P. niruri Linn. has 3 sub-species namely, P.
properties and actions, the author has quoted RN and amarus Schum. & Thonn., P. debilis Klein. ex. Willd
BN, respectively25. In Kaiyadeva Nighantu (KN), and P. fraternus Webster. A reputed US taxonomist
synonyms Drdhapādā, Drdhā, etc. have appeared and identified P. amarus Schum. & Thonn. as a sub
is considered as appetizer, useful in Kustha, Śvāsa, species of P. niruri Linn.32. In another report,
etc23. Thus, on the basis of synonyms, properties and Botanical Survey of India, stated that the P. niruri is a
actions more than one plant may be considered in mixture of 3 distinct species namely, P. amarus,
these texts. Schum. & Thonn., P. fraternus Webster and P. debilis
By analyzing different views of ancient Klein. ex. Willd33. P. fraternus and P. debilis have
commentators, it is observed that most of them have also been described as closet relative and both
equated Tāmalakī with Bhūmyāmalakī or Bhūdhātrī. interbreed when they come together30. Likewise much
In context of morphological characters, different confusion is observed among the modern botanist
terminologies such as Dalaphalikā and especially in relation to P. niruri and P. fraternus.
Sahapatraphalā are coined, which denote small The contemporary Āyurvedic authors invariably
capsule (fruit), having attachment with leaf in each accepted Bhūmyāmalakī and Tāmalakī as synonyms
axil26-28. The interpretation given by other and taken P. niruri Linn., P. fraternus Webster, and
commentators also signify general characters and thus P. urinaria Linn. as the source plant34-36. The other
identification of any particular species on this ground species (P. simplex Retz. and P. maderaspatensis
is not possible. Most of the modern authors have Linn.) are also used in practice with the name
taken Phyllanthus niruri Hook.f. (syn P. fraternus Bhūmyāmalakī 36. In Kerala, Tāmalakī has been
Webster, Family: Euphorbiaceae) as the source plant identified as a mixture of 2 different but closely

3. 366 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNWOLEDGE, VOL.8, NO.3, JULY 2009
related species, viz. P. amarus Schum. & Thonn. and be considered as P. armarus. P. urinaria is
P. debilis Klein. Ex. Willd 37. Morphologically, the considered to be an excellent diuretic and much used
most specific synonyms Jatā, Ajatā and Drdhapād(ī)ā in dropsical affections, also in gonorrhoea and other
are observed in P. urinaria, P. fraternus and P. genitourinary troubles29,30. It implies that it may be
amarus, respectively, (Figs. 1-4). Different successfully used in the treatment of Mūtrakrcchra,
pharmacological activities reveal that P. niruri is Mūtrāghāta and other diseases where diuresis is
effective in non-bacterial upper respiratory tract required.
disorders and is having antioxidant property38-40. Literally, the word Tāmalakī means thinner and
Practically, it is observed that it is less bitter than P. smaller (‘iÉxÉÖgSÉɺÉÉ´ÉÉàÉãÉBÉEÉÒSÉ’)44 than Āmalaki (Emblica
amarus38. On these basis Tāmalakī used in the officinalis Gaertn.)44. Bhūmyāmalakī, Bhūdhātrī and
treatment of respiratory diseases (Śvāsa, Kāsa, etc), Ksetrāmalakī also have the similar meaning.
Rasāyana, Balya, Brmhana purposes and appeared in Synonym Jatā defines having more fibrous root (‘VÉ]
Madhura-skandha may be taken as P. frateruns
ZÉ] ºÉÆPÉÉiÉä vÉÉiÉÉä&’)45, Ajatā signifies less and short
(syn. P. niruri). P. armarus has hepatoprotective
activity41-42. Āyurveda's doctrine also supports its fibrous roots (‘xÉÉ <−ÉnlÉæ +Éã{ÉÉÉÊxÉ Øº´ÉÉÉÊxÉ SÉ VÉ]É
effectiveness in gastrointestinal disorders, as it is àÉÚãÉàɺªÉÉ&’) and Drdhapād(ī)ā indicates hard root
predominantly bitter and so stimulant and digestive43. system (‘ofÃÆ {ÉÉnÆ àÉÚãÉÆ vÉÉ®ªÉÉÊiÉ <ÉÊiÉ’)46. In Nighantus,
Therefore, the source plant of Tāmalakī appeared in Kosas and Cikitsāgranthas, the word Tāmalakī
context of Jvara, Gulma, Kustha and Vātarakta may stands for generic epithet, which signifies more than

4. SEN & DUBEY: TĀMALAKĪ - AN ANALYTICAL REVIEW 367
one species having almost similar morphological valuable concerns. Authors are also thankful to Mr
characters and useful in different ailments. OP Gupta for images acquisition. This work is part of
MD (Ay) Dravyaguna thesis of the first author.
Discussion
Caraka has indicated Tāmalakī predominantly in References
diseases of respiratory system and as Rasāyana. Later 1 Acharya JT, Caraka Samhitā of Agniveśa (with ‘Āyurveda-
Dīpikā’ commentary by Cakrapānidatta), (Chaukhamba
on apart from above indications and actions it is used Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi), Su. (Sūtra-Sthāna)
as diuretic and hepatoprotective. It is natural that by 4 /16(36), 16(37), 2000.
the name Tāmalakī more than one plant has been 2 Acharya JT, Caraka Samhitā of Agniveśa (with ‘
taken by the physician because of similarity in Āyurveda-Dīpikā’ commentary by Cakrapānidatta),
morphological characters and multiple therapeutic (Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi), Vi. (Vimāna-
Sthāna) 8 /139, 2000.
indices. The word Tāmalakyau mentioned by 3 Acharya JT, Caraka Samhitā of Agniveśa (with ‘Āyurveda-
Bańgasena is an example. In Nighantus and Kosas the Dīpikā’ commentary by Cakrapānidatta), (Chaukhamba
same is more obvious. The modern authors also Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi), Vi. 8 /138, 2000.
followed the previous scholars by accepting more 4 Acharya JT, Caraka Samhitā of Agniveśa (with
Āyurveda-Dīpikā commentary by Cakrapānidatta),
than one species by the name Tāmalakī. The (Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi), Ci.
synonyms Drdhapādī and Jatā mentioned in RN for a (Cikitsā-Sthāna) 1-I /63, 11 /37, 29 /93, Siddhi-Sthāna.
single plant are not practically observed. But on the 12 /19(2), 2000.
basis of Gunakarma, Jatā (P. urinaria) should be 5 Acharya JT, Caraka Samhitā of Agniveśa (with Āyurveda-
considered in this context. Tāmalakī of RN, KN and Dīpikā commentary by Cakrapānidatta), (Chaukhamba
Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi), Ci.8 /70, 2000.
BN may be indicative of 3 different species namely,
6 Acharya JT, Suśruta Samhitā of Suśruta (with
P. urinaria, P. amarus and P. fraternus on the basis Nibandhasańgraha commentary by Dalhana), (Chaukhamba
of Gunakarma and specific synonyms Jatā, Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi), Ut. (Uttara-Tantra) 39 /219,
Drdhapād(ī)ā and Ajatā, respectively. To achieve the 225; 51 /27, 2003.
maximum therapeutic efficacy, the specific plant may 7 Paradakara HS, Astāńga Hrdayam of Vāgbhata, (with
commentaries Sarvāńgasundarā of Arunadatta &
be used accordingly.
Āyurvedarasāyana of Hemādri), (Chaukhamba Orientalia,
Varanasi), Ci.4 /44, 2005.
Conclusion 8 Sharma SP, Astāńga Samgraha of Vrddha Vāgbhata,
It may be concluded that Tāmalakī should be (with Śasilekhā commentary by Indu), (Chowkhamba
taken as generic epithet, which includes more than Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi), Ci.2 /5, 4 /5, 5 /53, 2006.
9 Tripathi HP, Hārīta Samhitā of Hārīta, (Chowkhambha
one plant under the commonly accepted name
Krishnadass Academy, Varanasi), Tritiya-Sthāna
Bhūmyāmalakī in practice. P. niruri and P. 9 /48, 94, 2005.
fraternus are synonymous as reported in WI. P. 10 Sharma PV, Cakradatta of Cakrapānī, (text with English
amarus is a different species, which may be a Translation), (Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi),
subspecies of P. fraternus. Synonyms Jatā, Ajatā Netraroga /13, 1994.
and Drdhapād(ī)ā indicate 3 different species 11 Sharma PV, Astāńga Nighantu of Vāhata,
(Kuppuswami Sastri Research Institute,
namely, P. urinaria, P. fraternus and P. amarus, Madras), 1973, 208.
respectively. P. urinaria, P. fraternus and P. 12 Chowdhury TP, Paryāyaratnamālā of Madhavakara, Vol II
amarus may be used successfully as diuretic, in (Patna University Journal, Patna), 1946, 122.
respiratory tract diseases and in gastrointestinal 13 Pandeya GS, Gada Nigraha of Vaidya Sodhala, Part-1,
(hepatic) disorders, respectively. (with Vidyotini Hindi commentary by Indradeva Tripathi),
(Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi),
Leha Adhikāra /158, 1968.
Acknowledgement 14 Saxena N, Bańgasena Samhitā of Vańgasena, Vol II,
Authors wish to pay special regards and thanks to (Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi), Strīroga
Lt Prof PV Sharma for his inestimable suggestions /42, 2004.
and valuable references provided during the course of 15 Murthy KRS, Śārńgadhara Samhitā of Śārńgadhara,
(text with English Translation), (Chaukhamba Orientalia,
study. Authors also extend our thanks to Prof VK
Varanasi), Madhyama Khanda 8 /11, 2006.
Joshi, Prof KN Dwivedi and Dr AK Singh 16 Shastri LP, Yogaratnākara, (with Vidyotini Hindi
(Department of Dravyaguna, IMS, BHU) and Prof commentary), (Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan,
NK Dubey (Depatrment of Botany, BHU) for their Varanasi), Pūrvārdha/Kāsa/Jātyādidūmavarti, 2002.

5. 368 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNWOLEDGE, VOL.8, NO.3, JULY 2009
17 Saxena N, Bańgasena Samhitā of Vańgasena, Vol I, 33 Thyagarajan SP, Jayaram S, Gopalakrishnan V, Hari R,
(Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi), Jeyakumar P & Sripathi MS, Herbal medicines for liver
Śvāsaroga /55, 2004. diseases in India, J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 17 (3s) (2002)
18 Emmerick RE, Siddhasāra Nighantu of Ravigupta, 370-376.
(Franz Steiner Verlag GmbH, Wiesbaden),1980, 119. 34 Mishra BS & Vaishya RL, Bhāvaprakāśa of Shri Bhāva
19 Shastri HG, Amarakosa of Amara Simha, Mishra, (with Vidyotini Hindi commentary, Notes &
(with Rāmāśramī commentary), (Chaukhambha Sanskrit Appendix), (Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi),
Sansthan, Varanasi), Kānda 2 /Varga 4/126, 2006. 1999, 460.
20 Sharma PV, Sodhala Nighantu (Nāmasańgraha & 35 Sharma PV, Dravyagunakosa, (Chaukhambha Publishers,
Gunasańgraha) of Sodhala, (Oriental Institute Baroda), Varanasi), 82, 1997, 130.
Nāmasańgraha/ Candanādi Varga /424-425, 1978. 36 Sharma PV, Dravyaguna-Vijñāna, Vol 2, (Chaukhambha
21 Vaidya RP, Madanapāla Nighantu of Madanapāla, Bharati Academy, Varanasi), 1998, 640.
(with Bhashatattvaprakashini Hindi commentary), (Khemraj 37 Satyavati GV, Gupta AK & Tandon N, Medicinal Plants of
Shrikrishnadass, Mumbai), Abhayādi Varga /34. India, Vol 2, (Indian Council of Medical Research, New
22 Bhattacharya A & Bhattacharya N, Rāja Nighantu of Delhi), 1987, 407.
Pt Narahari, (Pt Shri Ashubodh Vidyabhushan Bhattacharya, 38 Sen B, Studies on Tāmalakī with special reference to its
Calcutta), Parpatādi Varga/91-93, 1933. Shwasahara Karma, MD (Ay) Thesis, Dravyaguna, (Institute
23 Sharma PV & Sharma GP, Kaiyadeva Nighantu of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi),
of Kaiyadeva, (Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi), Osadhi 2005, 191, 210.
Varga /247-251, 1979.
39 Yeolekar ME, Shahani S, Desouza A, Ghai H, Chawda MB,
24 Mishra BS & Vaishya RL, Bhāvaprakāśa of Shri Bhāva Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Tab. Nirocil® in
Mishra, (with Vidyotini Hindi commentary, Notes & Non-Bacterial Upper Respiratory Disorders, Solumiks
Appendix), (Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi), Herbaceuticals Limited, Ayurvani®, 1 (2) 2005.
Gudūcyādi Varga /277-278, 1999.
40 Tasaduq SA, Singh K, Sethi S, Sharma SC, Bedi KL, Singh
25 Deva RRK, Śabdakalpadruma, Part III, (Nag Publishers, J, Jaggi BS, Hepatocurative & antioxidant profile of HP-1,
Delhi), 1987 536. a polyherbal phytomedicine, Human Exptl Toxicol, 22 (12)
26 Sharma PV, Caraka Samhitā (critical notes), Vol IV, (2003) 639-645.
(Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi), Appendix, 37, Jejjata 41 Thyagarajan SP, Subramanian S, Thirunalasundari
on Ci.3.219, 1994. T, Venkateswaran PS & Blumberg BS, Effect of Phyllanthus
27 Acharya JT, Suśruta Samhitā of Suśruta (with amarus on chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus, Lancet,
Nibandhasańgraha commentary by Dalhana), (Chaukhamba 2 (1988) 764-766.
Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi), Dalhana on Ut.51 /27, 2003. 42 Thyagarajan SP, Jayaram S, Villiammai T, Madanagopal N,
28 Sharma SP, Astāńga Samgraha of Vrddha Vāgbhata (with Pal VG & Jayaraman K, Phyllanthus amarus and hepatitis
Śasilekhā commentary by Indu), (Chowkhamba Sanskrit B virus, Lancet, 336 (1990) 949-950.
Series Office, Varanasi), 2006 Indu on Ci.7/10, 2003. 43 Acharya JT, Caraka Samhitā of Agniveśa (with Āyurveda-
29 Kirtikar KR & Basu BD, Indian Medicinal Plants, Vol III, Dīpikā commentary by Cakrapānidatta), (Chaukhamba
(Lalit Mohan Basu, Allahabad), 1935, 2222-2227. Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi), Su. 26/ 42 (5), 2000.
30 Anonymous, The Wealth of India (Raw Materials Series), 44 Shastri HG, Amarakosa of Amara Simha (with Rāmāśramī
Vol VIII (Publications & Information Directorate, commentary), (Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi),
New Delhi), 1969, 34-36. Bhānuji Dīksita on Kānda 2 /Varga 4/126, 2001.
31 Sharma PC, Yelne MB & Dennis TJ, Database on Medicinal 45 Mishra H, Brhaddhātukusumākara, (Chaukhamba Sanskrit
Plants used in Ayurveda, Vol III (Central Council for Research Pratisthana, Delhi), 2003, Bhvādaya 305-306 99.
in Ayurveda & Siddha, New Delhi), 2001, 512-517. 46 Sen B, Studies on Tāmalakī with special reference to its
32 Thyagarajan SP, Traditional Medicine with Modern Shwasahara Karma, MD (Ay) Thesis, Dravyaguna,
Parameters, Herbal Tech Industry, (Samanthi Publications (Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University,
Pvt Ltd, Chennai), 1 (6), (2005), 18. Varanasi), 2005, 49.