Sweta Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus)
English Name: Indian Sarsaparilla
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Types:
- White Anantamula – Hemidesmus indicus
- Black Anantamula – Cryptolepis buchananii
Synonyms: Sariva (destroyer of diseases), Gopi (protector), Shyama (spreads fast all over body), Ananta (immortal)
Ganas (Charaka): Jwarahara, Daha Prashamana, Pureesha Sangrahaneeya, Sthanya Sodhana, Madhura Skanda
Plant Description
- Thin, twining creeper, ~3 meters tall
- Leaves opposite, variable shapes
- Roots and stems: reddish exterior, white interior
Composition
Roots contain:
- Salicylic aldehyde, B. sistesteril, tetracychinetri turpine, fatty acids, ketones, saponins
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa (Taste): Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter)
- Guna (Qualities): Guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous)
- Veerya (Potency): Sheeta (cool)
- Vipaka (Post-Digestive Effect): Madhura (sweet)
Dosha Effects:
- Tridoshahara (Balances all three doshas)
- Vata: Pacified by madhura rasa and guru & snigdha qualities
- Pitta: Pacified due to madhura-tikta rasa and sheeta veerya
- Kapha: Slightly tikta taste balances Kapha without aggravation
Parts Used
- Roots
Recommended Dose: 2–4 grams
Therapeutic Benefits
- Digestive: Dyspepsia, indigestion, diarrhea
- Metabolic & Endocrine: Diabetes
- Respiratory: Cough, bronchial asthma
- Skin Health: Skin diseases, itching
- Menstrual Health: Menstrual disorders
- Fever Management
Scientific Studies
- Anti-inflammatory: Zhydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde isolated from roots showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in albino rats at 100 mg/kg orally (CCRAS, New Delhi)
- Antifungal: Demonstrated significant antifungal activity in experimental and clinical studies
Reference Sloka (Bhava Prakash)
“Sariva Yugalam Swadu Snigdham Shukrakaram Guru / Agnimandya Aruchi Shwasa Kaasa Aaama Vishanashanam / Dosha Traya Asrapradara Jwaraatisara Nashanam”
Translation: The paired Sweta Sariva roots are sweet, unctuous, and heavy; they support reproductive health, digestion, and appetite, relieve respiratory and skin disorders, and help pacify all three doshas, including fever, diarrhea, and toxin-related imbalances.