E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Shirisha

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2022 Volume 7 Number 4 May
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Shirisha in Agada Tantra

Indermani.1*, Jhunjhunwala A.2, Tiwari R.3, Dikshit M.4, Mittal B.5, Sharma V.6
DOI:

1* Indermani, Post Graduate Scholar, P.G. Dept. of Agad Tantra, Uttrakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.

2 Amita Jhunjhunwala, Associate Professor & HOD, P.G. Dept. of Agad Tantra, Uttrakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.

3 R. C. Tiwari, Professor & HOD, P.G. Dept. of Agad Tantra, Uttrakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.

4 Manisha Dikshit, Associate Professor, P.G. Dept. of Agad Tantra, Uttrakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.

5 Bhawana Mittal, Assistant Professor, P.G. Dept. of Agad Tantra, Uttrakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.

6 Ved Bhusan Sharma, Assistant Professor, P.G. Dept. of Agad Tantra, Uttrakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.

Visha Chikitsa, as the Agada Tantra is popularly known deals with various methods of cleaning the poisons out of the body as well as recommend antidotes for particular poisons. In present time excess use of pseudo drugs, which results in higher incidence of adverse reaction, has motivated humans to return to nature for safer treatment or remedies. In this review we have taken Albizia lebbeck aka Shirish which is an important medicinal tree. Present review aimed to compile the data to highlight the Vishaghna property of Shirisha and effort is made to collect scientific evidences and researches. A herbal drug commonly known as Shirish (Albizia lebbeck) is very useful for the therapeutic property and useful in various disease treatment. Shirish does not need recognition in the world of Ayurveda. Shirish known as a best anti toxic drug. It is used in Kushtha, Kandu, Visarapa, Kasa, Shavas, Pama, Vrana, Shotha, Sarpdansh Mushak Visha, Sheetpitta, Rakta Dushti, Vishamjwara, Vishadushti, Suryavart, Ardhaavbhedak, Netrabhishyanda.

Keywords: Agadtantra, Shirish, Vishghan, Agada, Ayurveda

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Indermani, Post Graduate Scholar, P.G. Dept. of Agad Tantra, Uttrakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Email: 		Indermani, Amita Jhunjhunwala, R. C. Tiwari, Manisha Dikshit, Bhawana Mittal, Ved Bhusan Sharma, Shirisha in Agada Tantra. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(4):56-61.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1804

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Nil Nil Yes 18%

© 2022by Indermani, Amita Jhunjhunwala, R. C. Tiwari, Manisha Dikshit, Bhawana Mittal, Ved Bhusan Sharmaand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(4)56
Indermani et al: Shirisha in Agada Tantra

Introduction

Ayurveda totally depends upon Chikitsa Chatushpada. Bhishag (physician), Upasthatha (Medical Attendant), Rogi (patient) and Dravya (medicine).

According to Acharya Charak, the Oushadi to be administered to the patient should possess the following four ideal qualities.

Bahuta (It should be available in abundant quantity), Yogyatam (It should be effective), Aanekvidha Kalpana (Various pharmaceutical forms or multiple use), Sampat (Richness in efficacy or potency)[1] and Shirish fulfilled all these four qualities.

Acharya Charak also quote the Shirish “Visghananaam Srestho”.

All parts of Shirish are extensively used as a general and universal antidote in traditional medicine like Panch Shirish Agada, Mahagandhahasti Agada etc.[2]

Taxonomy[3]

  • Botanical Name - Albizzia lebbeck.
  • Classical Name - Shirisha
  • English Name - lebbeck
  • Genus - Albizzia
  • Species - A. lebbeck
  • Family - Fabacea

Vernacular Names[4]

  • English name - lebbeck, lebbek tree, flea tree, frywood, koko and woman
  • Telugu name - Dirisena chettu
  • Hindi name - Siris
  • Tamil name - Vegiai
  • Kannada name - bage mara
  • Malayalam name - Vaga
  • Punjabi name - Siri, Shari
  • Gujarati name - Sarsado
  • Bengali name - Sirosh
  • Marathi name -Siras
  • Sanskrit Synonyms: Kapitana, Mrudupushpa (Flowers are soft), Shukapirya, Shukapushpa (flower resembles bird beak), Bhandi, Bhandira.

Citations from Sanskrit Literature[5]

The delicacy, nicety and the sensitivity of the Shirisha flowers are compared with Sita. Similarly, in Kumarasambhava of Kalidasa, Soukumaryta of Goddess Parvati is exemplified by the Shirisha flowers. Its flowers are so delicate and are having pleasant smell. As Gandha is the property of Pruthvi Mahabhuta, Shirisha can purify the polluted air by its fragrance. Further study is needed in this context. Shirisha was also used for beautification in lieu of ear ornaments. Shirisha flowers were also extensively used in Astrological practices to predict the good crop of Priyangu and Kanguni.

Classification[6-12]

  • Charaka Samhita : Vishaghna, Vedana Sthapana, Shirovirechana, Kashaya Skanda
  • Sushruta Samhita : Salsaradi Gana
  • Vagbhata : Asanadi Gana
  • Amarkosh : Vanausadhi Varga
  • Sausurat Nighantu : Slasaradi Gana
  • Ashtanga Nighantu : Asandi Varga
  • Dhanvantri Nighantu : Amaradi varga

Parts Used - Stem Bark, Seeds, Leaves, Flowers, Bark.

Dose:[13]Powder – 3 to 6 grams per day, Water decoction – 50 to 100ml, Fresh juice – 10 to 20ml

Distribution & Habitat: The genus Albizzia comprises almost 150 species. Albizzia lebbeck Benth is a large, erect, unarmed, deciduous spreading tree. Throughout India, usually planted, tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. It is native to deciduous forests in Asia from eastern Pakistan through India and Sri Lanka to Burma. (Kumar et al. 2007)[14]

Plant Description: A medium to large sized upright, unarmed, tree grows about 20 m in height with a spreading crown. Stem: Branches with grey to dark brown, rough, irregularly cracked, bark young shoots hairless.

Flower: White to greenish-yellow, fragrant, borne in globose umbellate heads, 2-3.8 cm in diameter, peduncles 3.8-7.5 cm long, solitary or 2-4 together. Leaves: Abruptly bipinnate, with glabrous or downy rachises, a large gland near the base of the main petiole, pinnae 4-8, 7-12 cm long,


Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(4)57
Indermani et al: Shirisha in Agada Tantra

leaflets 5-9 pairs, short-stalked, rigidly subcoriaceous, oblique, 2.5-3.8 cm long.

Fruit: Pods 10-30 cm long, 2-4.5 cm wide, linear oblong, blunty pointed, thin, green turning yellow-brown on maturity, smooth, shining reticulately veined. Seeds: 4-12, pale brown, ellipsoid, oblong compressed. Fruiting: December-February. Flowering: April-June

Properties[15]

Rasa Pancaka

  • Rasa : Madhura, Tikta, Kasaya,
  • Guna : Grahi, Laghu, Tikshna
  • Virya : Anushna
  • Vipaka : Katu
  • Bija : Shukra Stambhaka
  • Doshaghnata : Tridoshghna
  • Rogaghnata : Twakroga, Shwasa, Shotha, Agrya Aushadha for Visha Chikitsa.

Chemical Constituents

  • Leaf - Saponins tanins and two new tri-O-glycoside flavonols, kaempferol and quercetin 3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl (1’6)[16]
  • Beeja (The beans) - Albiginc acid it’s a triterpenoid sapogenin.[17]
  • Chaal (Plant bark) - Two saponin known as libbekenin A & B, Three Saponin albizia saponins A, B and C [15-17] Condensed tannins (7-11%) & dcatechin, libbecacidin, isomers of leucocyanidin, friedellin-3-one, acacic acid; Echinocystic acid and β - sitosterol, a saponin - lebbekenin C - on acid hydrolysis yielded echinocystic acid, 5glucose and rhamnose. friedelan -3-one (friedelin) and γ-si6tosterol from bark.[18]
  • Sara (Heart wood) - Me7lanoxetin, d-pinitol, okanin & leucopelangonidin, a stere8oisomer (-) melacacidin (7,8,3’,4’- tetrahedroxyflavan-3,4- diol), and lebbecacidin in addition to melacacidin and melanoxetin, two new compounds – (-)2,3-cis-3,4-cis-3,Ω-methylmelacacidin as its methyl ether and 3’-O-methylmelonoxetin-isolated.[19]
  • Moola (Tap Root) - Saponin are characterized as echynocystic acid-3-0-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→5)- β- D-xylofuranolsyl (1→4)- β-Dglucopyranoside.[20]

Medicinal Uses

  • Usage in poisoning - Its flower is squeezed and juice is extracted. It is triturated with black pepper and sugar and is used for nasal instillation, and for oral intake in snake bites.[21]
  • Worm infestation - After enema, intake of Shirish and Careya arborea (Wild guava) juice mixed with honey is useful in worm infestation.[22]
  • Topical application of paste prepared from Albizia lebbeck (Lebbeck tree) seed and Piper longum powder triturated with Calotropis procera latex is useful in snakebite, spider sting, insect poisoning, rat poisoning and scorpion sting.[23]
  • Snake poisoning - Snuff and collyrium of white variety of Piper nigrum (Black pepper) powder triturated with Albizia lebbeck (Lebbeck tree) flower juice is useful in snake poisoning.[24]
  • Topical application of paste or powder prepared from an equal quantity of Cassia fistula leaves, Cordia myxa bark, Albizia lebbeck flower and Solanum nigrum is useful in erysipelas.[25]
  • Rat poisoning - Intake of powder prepared from Albizia lebbeck (Lebbeck tree) extract, flower, fruit and bark along with honey is useful in emaciation, insomnia and pericarditis caused due to rat poisoning.[26]
  • Ksharagad Paana - Nasya, Abhyanga, Lepa of Twak of Shirish is used in Jangama, Sthavara, Sarva Vishanashaka.[27]
  • Parama Agad - Twak is used in Sthavara, Jangama as Paana, Nasya, Anjana.[28]
  • Mahagandhahasti Agad - Panchanga is used for Mushika Dansh, Luta Dansh, Sarpa Dansh, Mula and Kanda Visha in the form of Paana.[29]
  • Dhoomagad - Pushpa is highly significant in the cases of Keeta Dansh. In Mashaka Damsha, Dhoom to fumigate the home.[30]
  • Sarvakarmika Agad - In Luta Visha, Beeja is used as Paana, Nasya, Anjana, Lepa.[31]
  • Folk Medicine: Folk remedial claims of Shirish according to Hartwell (1967–1971) is the tree is used for boils, cough, eye ailments, flu, and lung ailments, for abdominal tumor, in

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(4)58
Indermani et al: Shirisha in Agada Tantra
  • bowel enemas. It is reported as an astringent, pectoral, rejuvenant, and tonic. The seed oil is effective in leprosy. Seed powder is useful in scrofulous swellings. Indians use the flowers in the condition of abnormally frequent and involuntary no orgasmic emission of semen.[32]

Experimental details of Albizzia lebbeck[33]

1. Hepatoprotective activity

In paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity Shirish leaves in ethanolic extract proof the remarkable hepatoprotection.

In CCL4 induced study Shirish Bark in Ethanolic extract have Hepatoprotective activity of the test extract were found be significant.

2. Anti asthmatic activity

Clinical trials with the bark have showed significant relief in case of bronchial asthma.

3. Anti allergic activity

Research studies have demonstrated that histamine signalling related H1R and histadine decarboxylase (HDC) genes are allergic disease sensitive genes and there expression level effect severity of the allergic symptoms. Therefore, compounds that supress histamine signalling should be promising Dravya as antiallergic drugs. The same study investigated the effect of extract of bark of A. lebbeck on rats. Administration of Shirish extract significantly decreased allergy symptoms.

4. Analgesic & Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Albizzia lebbeck was proved (Achinto et al.2009)

5. Antiulcer properties of 70% ethanolic extract of leaves of Albizzia lebbeck. Anti-inflammatory activity of 70% ethanolic extract of Albizzia lebbeck leaves was reported (Shirode et al. 26. 08).

6. Methanolic extract of bark of Albizzia lebbeck possess anti-inflammatory activity. (Pramanick et al. 2005).

7. The leaves of Albizzia lebbeck possess nootropic activity in mice (Kasture et al. 1996)

8. P. reported that the Saponins of the leaves Albizzia lebbeck possess nootropic & anxiolytic activity. (Une et al., 2001).

9. The leaves of Albizzia lebbeck possess anticonvulsant activity. (Kasture et al., 2000).

10. Methanolic pod extract of Albizzia lebbeck (L) Benth possess antifertility activity in male rats. (Gupta et al., 2004)

11. The seed extract of Albizzia lebbeck Benth. Possess anti diarrhoeal activity. (Ganguly et al., 2002) The effect of extract is studied for antioxidant activity.[34]

12. Phytochemical screening of successive extracts of Albizzia lebbeck leaves shows presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, tannin, flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins, glycosides, phenolics, and saponins.[35]

Discussion

From all the above details Shirish is a wonderful plants in Ayurveda. It can be cultivated easily with enough water supply. It is Agray in Visha Chikitsa because of its Prabhav properties. Shirish shows that it possesses Kashaya, Tikta Rasa. Tikta Rasa itself is antitoxic in nature. Shirish shows Pharmacological activity headings as Anti-asthmatic activity, Anti-diarrheal activity, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory activity, analgesic, Anti-ulcer activity. Phytochemical screening of successive extracts of Albizzia lebbeck leaves shows presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, tannin, flavonoids and saponins. All this function is proved in laboratories but antitoxic effect of Shirish is time tested. Still there is a huge scope to explore this drug on different parameters. Its availability and easy plantation methods is the next economical point for research on this drug for cheap and effective formulations for the masses. In the present review attempt is being made to establish the traditional as well as contemporary, scientific and experimental researches which are done to reveal the antitoxic effect of Shirisha.

Conclusion

This review highlights the major goal of Vishaghna Shirish and their significant role. Acharyas mentioned Shirish in different Varga, Agad, Yogas. Different study shows the hepatic protection, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhoeal, immuno-modulatory, anti-asthmatic, anticonvulsant, anti- allergic, and antioxidant activity of the drug. Therefore, exploration of different Ayurvedic herbs can be carried out through experimental studies


Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(4)59
Indermani et al: Shirisha in Agada Tantra

with their proper documentation. It will be helpful in enhancing the use of herbal drugs like Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck) in general practice and making it globally accepted by humans.

Reference

1. Charak Samhita, with Charak Chandrika Hindi commentary, by Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi and Dr. Ganga Sahay Pandey, Sutra Sthana Chapter 9, Verse 6, Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, 2007. p. 209

2. Vagbhata Astanga hridayam. ed. by Vd. Yadunandana Upadhyaya, Choukhamba prakasan Varanasi; Reprint, 2012; Ch. 36/63-64: 797.

3. Albezia lebbeck, Siris tree, siris, siris Herb, Benefits (www.ayushveda.com/herbs/albizialebbeck.htm), assessed on 12.10.2017.

4. https://www.easyayurveda.com/2012/12/26/shirisha-albizia-lebbeck-uses-medicinal-qualities-ayurveda-details/

5. Samata Tomar, Pravin Jawanjal. Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine 2019; 5(2): 76-81

6. Charaka Samhita, Tripathi Ravidutt, editor, Reprint Ed., Varanasi, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratisthan, Sutrasthana, 2015; 4/11-17: 65.

7. Sushruta. Sushruta samhita, Sastri Ambikadutta editor, Reprint ed., Varanasi; Chakhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Sutrasthana, 2016; 38/12

8. Vagbhata Astanga Hridayam, Sharma Priyavritta, editor, Ist edition, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Orintalia, Sutrasthana, 1978; 15/19-20: 189.

9. Pt Hargovinda Shastri, Amaokosha of Amarsimha Chaukhambha of Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi.2008, pp 190-191.

10. Sausruta, Sausruta Nighantu, edited by Kashiraja Sharma and Narendra Nath Tiwari; Pub. by Mahendra Sanskrit by Vishvavidhalaya, Nepal, 1st Edition, 2001.pp.62-63

11. Vahata. Astanga Nighantu, Edited by P.V.Sharma, 1st Edition Kuppuswamy Shastri Research Institute, Madras,, 1973, pp. 12

12. Dr. amrit Pal Singh, Dhanwantari Nighantu, Aamradi Varga eir Puna, 1925. pp.167-168

13. Gajender kumar Sharma et al. International journal of ayurvedic & herbal medicine, 2015; 5(1): 1683 -1688.

14. http://www.interscience.org.u

15. https://www.easyayurveda.com/2012/12/26/shirisha-albizia-lebbeck-uses-medicinal-qualities-ayurveda-details/

16. Asolkar LB, Kanitkar KK, Chakre OT. Glossary of Indian medicinal plants with active principle, part 1. CCRAS, New Delhi, 1992, pp.38-39

17. Tripathi VJ, Ray AB, Dasgupta B. Neutral constituents of Albizzia lebbeck. Current Science, 1974: 43: 46-48

18. Shrivastava, K. Saxena, V.K. A new saponin from the roots of Albizia lebbeck. 1988; 59,479-480.

19. Agrawal PK, Singh B. Chemical constituents of Albizia lebbek. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1991;53:24-26

20. Affandi H, Nuryadin A, Read RW. Studies on natural products of Albizia sp. Biotropia 1998; 11:1-8.

21. Dr.Gajendra kumar sharma, International Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine 5:1 (2015) 1683–1688 2249-5746

22. Sushruta. Sushruta samhita, Sastri Ambikadutta editor, Reprint ed., Varanasi; Chakhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Uttartantra, 2016; 54/24: 51

23. Vagbhata Astanga Hridayam, Pt. Sastri Sadashiv Hari, editor, Reprint ed., Varanasi; Chaukhambha Pratisthan, Uttarsthana, 1997; 37/43: 917.

24. Charaka Samhita, Tripathi Ravidutt, editor, Reprint Ed., Varanasi, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratisthan, Chikitsasthana, 2015; 23/193-194: 567.

25. Charaka Samhita, Vd. Acharya J. T. editor, Fifth Edition, Varanasi, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Chikitsasthana, 2001; 21/84: 564

26. Sushruta. Sushruta samhita, Sastri Ambikadutta editor, Reprint ed., Varanasi; Chakhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Kalpsthana, 2016; 7/18: 73.

27. Acharya and Nyaya Chandrikapanjika of Sri Gayadasa Acharya. kalpasthana; mushikakalpa adhyaya:7/34-35. Varanasi. Chaukamba Sanskrit Sansthan, 2015, 588.


Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(4)60
Indermani et al: Shirisha in Agada Tantra

28. Acharya JT. Susrutha Samhitha of Susrutha Nibandha Sangraha Commentary of Sri Dalhana Acharya and Nyaya Chandrikapanjika of Sri Gayadasa Acharya. kalpasthana; sthavaravishavigyaniya adhyaya: 2/44- 46.Varanasi. Chaukamba Sanskri]\t Sansthan, 2015, 566.

29. Jadavji T. editor. Ayurveda Deepika commentary of Chakrapani Datta on Charaka Samhitha of charaka, chikitsasthana, vishachikitsa adhyaya, 23/202. Varanasi; Chaukhambha prakshan, 2007, 580.

30. Jadavji T. editor. Ayurveda Deepika commentary of Chakrapani Datta on Charaka Samhitha of charaka, chikitsasthana, vishachikitsa adhyaya, 23/204. Varanasi; Chaukhambha prakshan, 2007, 580.

31. Chakrapani Datta on Charaka Samhitha of charaka, chikitsasthana, vishachikitsa adhyaya, 23/212-214. Varanasi; Chaukhambha prakshan.

32. Barua AK and Raman SP. The constitution of albigenic acid-A new triterpenoid sapogenin from Albizia lebbeck Benth. Tetrahedron, 1959; 7:19-23.

33. Dr.Gajendra kumar sharma, International Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine 5:1 (2015) 1683–1688 2249-574

34. Compositional studies and antioxidant potential of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. pods and seed

35. Ambika K, Jegadeesan M. Comparative Pharmacognostical Studies On Albizia lebbeck (L.) Wild and Albizia Procera (Roxb.) Benth. Leaves, IJIRSET, Vol. 6, Issue 9, September 2017


Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(4)61