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Indrayan इन्द्रायण
Citrullus colocynthis
Also known as: Indrayan Ki Jad, Indrayan Jadh
Part used: Root
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Citrullus colocynthis
- Part used: Root
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Strictly as prescribed.
Indrayan in other languages
Introduction
Indrayan (Citrullus colocynthis) is the bitter apple or colocynth, a desert vine of Rajasthan and Gujarat whose small yellow gourds are among the bitterest substances in the pharmacopoeia.
It is a drastic purgative, classified among the Tikshna Virechana drugs, used only after processing and only in measured doses inside classical formulations.
Classification
Family Cucurbitaceae. Root and fruit pulp are officinal, both requiring Shodhana. Rasa: Tikta. Guna: Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna. Virya: Ushna. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha; strongly aggravates Vata.
Uses & benefits
Used in obstinate constipation, ascites and abdominal swelling where a strong downward clearing is required, and in jaundice and chronic skin disease within compound preparations. In this catalogue it appears in Mahamanjishthadi Kwath and Abhayarishta, where it is one bitter among many rather than the acting drug.
Indrayan as a drastic purgative
One of the Tikshna Virechana drugs, reserved for cases where gentler purgatives have failed and always given within a compound that tempers it.
Indrayan in abdominal swelling
Classically used in ascites and gross abdominal distension, on the principle of clearing fluid downward through the bowel.
Dosage — how much to take
Strictly as prescribed. Purified root powder in doses of 125–500 mg within a compound formulation. Never taken alone or at self-selected dose.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Indrayan?
The citations held for Indrayan in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Kalpasthana — Virechana); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga — Indravaruni).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Indrayan?
Listed among the strong purgative drugs used in therapeutic purgation. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Kalpasthana — Virechana.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Indrayan?
Tikta rasa, ushna virya; tikshna virechana requiring shodhana. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Indravaruni.
What is Indrayan traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Used in obstinate constipation, ascites and abdominal swelling where a strong downward clearing is required, and in jaundice and chronic skin disease within compound preparations. In this catalogue it appears in Mahamanjishthadi Kwath and Abhayarishta, where it is one bitter among many rather than the acting drug.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Indrayan?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Indrayan classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Indrayan carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Indrayan is used medicinally?
The part used is Root.
How much Indrayan is taken, and how?
Strictly as prescribed. Purified root powder in doses of 125–500 mg within a compound formulation. Never taken alone or at self-selected dose. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Indrayan be avoided?
Drastic and genuinely dangerous at excess dose. Colocynth causes violent purging, bloody diarrhoea, severe cramping and dehydration, and has caused fatal poisoning. It is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy — it is an abortifacient — and in children, the elderly, the debilitated and anyone with inflammatory bowel disease. Use only Shodhita material inside a classical formulation under a physician's direction.
Where does Indrayan grow?
A prostrate vine of sandy desert and dry wasteland in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and the drier Deccan, fruiting after the monsoon.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Indravaruni
Tikta rasa, ushna virya; tikshna virechana requiring shodhana. - Charaka Samhita — Kalpasthana — Virechana
Listed among the strong purgative drugs used in therapeutic purgation.
Safety & precautions
Drastic and genuinely dangerous at excess dose. Colocynth causes violent purging, bloody diarrhoea, severe cramping and dehydration, and has caused fatal poisoning. It is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy — it is an abortifacient — and in children, the elderly, the debilitated and anyone with inflammatory bowel disease. Use only Shodhita material inside a classical formulation under a physician's direction.
Where it grows
A prostrate vine of sandy desert and dry wasteland in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and the drier Deccan, fruiting after the monsoon.
Frequently asked questions
Can Indrayan be used for ordinary constipation?
No. It is a drastic purgative reserved for obstinate cases under supervision. For ordinary constipation the gentle drugs — Haritaki, Trivrit, Senna — are used instead.
Why is it contraindicated in pregnancy?
Colocynth is an abortifacient and its violent purging action can precipitate miscarriage. It must not be taken during pregnancy in any dose.
