Charak Samhita

Sudha Kalpa
Adhyaya

Kalpa Sthana Chapter

10.Pharmaceutical
preparations of Sudha
Sudha Kalpa Adhyaya
Section/Chapter Kalpa Sthana Chapter 10
Preceding
Tilvaka Kalpa Adhyaya
Chapter
Succeeding
Saptalashankhini Kalpa Adhyaya
Chapter
Sutra Sthana, Nidana Sthana,
Vimana Sthana, Sharira Sthana,
Other Sections
Indriya Sthana, Chikitsa Sthana,
Siddhi Sthana
Translator and
Rao R.
commentator
Reviewer Sawant B. , Nishteswar K.
Nishteswar K., Sawant B., Deole
Editors
Y.S., Basisht G.
Year of
2020
publication
 Charak Samhita Research, Training
Publisher
and Skill Development Centre
DOI 10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s07.011

Abstract

This chapter deals with the preparations of

sudha for the purpose of virechana
(therapeutic purgation). Sudha is a strong
purgative in comparison to all other drugs
discussed in previous chapters. The
chapter includes synonyms of sudha, its
therapeutic utility, varieties, limitations for
the usage, methods of collection,
purification, preparation and
administration of sudha ksheera and other
recipes viz vati (tablets), leha (linctus) etc.
along with total twenty different
formulations of the same drug to suit
different needs of the physician. Even
though it is contraindicated for
mridukoshthi (sensitive to mild laxatives)
its usage has been advised here by
altering its form to reduce its untoward
effect which is a novel approach.

Keywords: Sudha, Virechana, therapeutic

purgation, Eurphobia neriifolia Linn.,
Ksheera (latex).

Introduction
In Sutra Sthana , latex of snuhi is described
as best among strong purgatives.[Cha Sa.
Sutra Sthana 25/40] In the sequence of
describing purgative drugs in this section,
sudha (Eurphobia neriifolia Linn.) is
described in this chapter.

Sudha /snuhi (Eurphobia neriifolia Linn.),

popularly known as Indian Spurge Tree,
Oleander Spurge, or Hedge Euphorbia,
belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is
attributed with properties such as
ushnaveerya (hot in potency), snigdha
(oily), katu (pungent), and laghu (light) and
tikshna.[1] Snuhi is a large succulent shrub,
with stipular thorns and is found
throughout the Deccan peninsula of India.
It is believed to be a native of India. It is
commonly found in rock ground, among
rock crevices of hills; extensively
cultivated in the Bengal for hedges and
elsewhere in native villages.[2] Today, it is
widely distributed throughout the world.
Snuhi has been given various names in
different regions and languages. The more
common local names of Snuhi are shij
(Bengal), dog’s tongue (English), thor
(Gujarati), ilakkalli (Malayalam), siju (Oriya),
danda thohar (Punjab), dotathur
(Rajputana), zaqqum (Urdu).[3] Snuhi is a
small erect fleshy glabrous shrub,
branches ¾ in diam., jointed cylindric or
obscurely 5-angled with sharp stipular
thorns arising from thick subconfluent
tubercles in 5 irregular rows. Leaves are
succulent, deciduous, 6-12 inch long,
terminal on the branches, waved narrowed
into a very short petiole.

Phytochemical Constituents

The latex contains 69 to 93.3 % water and

is water soluble and has 0.2 to 2.6%
caoutchouc,[4] a gum resin which is the
active principle, traces of an alkaloid; wax,
caoutchouc, chlorophyll, resin (2.40%),
tannin, sugar, mucilage, calcium oxalate,
carbohydrates albuminoids, “gallic acid
quercetin, a new phenolic substance and
traces of an essential oil”. Latex is
bioactive on the BSLT (Brine shrimp
lethality test); it displayed LC 50 values of
76,7 μg/ml.[5] Latex enzyme profiles of
Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. helps in the
separation of this plant from other latex
bearing plants. Euphol (Whole plant, bark,
latex, root); friedelan-3alpha and 3beta-ol,
D:B-friedoolen- 5(10)-en-1-one, glut-5(10)-
en-1-one and taraxerol (stem, leaves); n-
hexacosanol, euphorbol, hexacosanoate,
12-deoxy-4beta-hydroxyphorbol-13- dode-
canoate-20-acetate and pelargonin-3,5-
diglucoside (bark); 24-
methylenecycloartenol and tulipanin-3,5-
diglucoside (bark, root); nerifoliol (latex)
cycloartenol, euphorbol, ingenol triacetate,
12-deoxyphorbhol-13, 20-diacetate,
delphinidin-3,5- diglucoside (root). It has
been reported by Anjaneyalu and Row[6]
that the crystalline principles of snuhi
leaves are triterpenes. Antiquorin was
identified by comparison of the spectral
data reported by Mizno et al.[7] Snuhi
yielded in the isolation of several classes
of secondary metabolites, many of which
expressed biological activities such as
tritertenes (nerrifolione), flavonoids and
steroidal saponins.[8] Two novel tetracyclic
triterpenes, such as neriifolione [9,19-
Cyclolanost-20(21)-en-24-ol-3-one], and
cycloartenol (C10H50O) were isolated
from Euphorbia neriifolia latex .[9] Several
triterpenoids like 24-
methylenecycloartenol, euphorbol
hexacosonate, Glut-5-en 3-ol, Glut-5(10)-
en-1-one, Glut-5-en-3 beta-yet-acetate,
taraxerol, friede-lan-3 alpha-ol, and -3 beta-
ol and amyrin was isolated from the
powdered plant, stem and leaves of
Euphorbia neriifolia.[10] This plant is rich in
many pharmaceutical active ingredients
like sugars several terpenes, flavonoids,
alkaloids, anthocyanins, triterpenoidal
saponin like Glut-5-en- 3-ol, Glut-5(10)-en-
1-one, teraxerol, euphol, and amyrin. Two
crystalline compounds were isolated from
the ethanol extract of fresh roots of
Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. i.e. Atisine
diterpene antiquorin (C20H28O3) and
neriifolene (C20H30O3).

Sanskrit Text, Transliteration

with English Translation

अथातः सुधाकल्पं व्याख्यास्यामः||१||

इति ह स्माह भगवानात्रेयः||२||

athātaḥ sudhākalpaṁ vyākhyāsyāmaḥ||1||

iti ha smāha bhagavānātrēyaḥ||2||

athAtaH sudhAkalpaM
vyAkhyAsyAmaH||1||

iti ha smAha bhagavAnAtreyaH||2||

Now we shall expound the chapter "Sudha
Kalpa" (Pharmaceutical preparations of
Sudha). Thus said Lord Ateya. [1-2]

Purgative effects of Sudha

विरेचनानां सर्वेषां सुधा तीक्ष्णतमा मता|

सङ् घातं हि भिनत्त्याशु दोषाणां कष्टविभ्रमा||३||

तस्मान्नैषा मृदौ कोष्ठे प्रयोक्तव्या कदाचन|

न दोषनिचये चाल्पे सति मार्गपरिक्रमे ||४||

virēcanānāṁ sarvēṣāṁ sudhā tīkṣṇatamā

matā|
saṅghātaṁ hi bhinattyāśu dōṣāṇāṁ
kaṣṭavibhramā||3||

tasmānnaiṣā mr̥dau kōṣṭhē prayōktavyā

kadācana|

na dōṣanicayē cālpē sati mārgaparikramē

||4||

virecanAnAM sarveShAM sudhA

tIkShNatamA matA|

sa~gghAtaM hi bhinattyAshu doShANAM

kaShTavibhramA||3||

tasmAnnaiShA mRudau koShThe

prayoktavyA kadAcana|
na doShanicaye cAlpe sati
mArgaparikrame ||4||

Guna (qualities):
Tikshnatama(strongest/drastic), among all
purgative drugs snuhi is the drastic
purgative. It disintegrates the accumulated
impurities quickly.

Limitations/contraindications:

to person with mridukoshta (laxed

bowel).
When there is less accumulation of
doshas,

Not preferably used when other

purgative drugs bring out the desired
 purgation. [3-4]

Note: Among purgative drugs, snuhi is said

to be drastic purgative. It is sharp and
instantaneous action is responsible for
unmanageable adverse reactions due to
the inappropriate administration of this
drug.

Therapeutic indications of snuhi

पाण्डुरोगोदरे गुल्मे कु ष्ठे दूषीविषार्दिते|

श्वयथौ मधुमेहे च दोषविभ्रान्तचेतसि||५||

रोगैरेवंविधैर्ग्रस्तं ज्ञात्वा सप्राणमातुरम्|

प्रयोजयेन्महावृक्षं सम्यक् स ह्यवचारितः||६||

सद्यो हरति दोषाणां महान्तमपि सञ्चयम्|७|

pāṇḍurōgōdarē gulmē kuṣṭhē

dūṣīviṣārditē|

śvayathau madhumēhē ca
dōṣavibhrāntacētasi||5||

rōgairēvaṁvidhairgrastaṁ jñātvā
saprāṇamāturam|

prayōjayēnmahāvr̥kṣaṁ samyak sa
hyavacāritaḥ||6||

sadyō harati dōṣāṇāṁ mahāntamapi

sañcayam|7|
pANDurogodare gulme kuShThe
dUShIviShArdite|

shvayathau madhumehe ca
doShavibhrAntacetasi||5||

rogairevaMvidhairgrastaM j~jAtvA
saprANamAturam|

prayojayenmahAvRukShaM samyak sa
hyavacAritaH||6||

sadyo harati doShANAM mahAntamapi

sa~jcayam|7|

In diseases – pandu (anaemia), udara

(obstinate abdominal diseases including
ascitis), gulma (tumor), kushtha (skin
diseases), shotha (edema), madhumeha
(obstinate urinary disorder), unmada
(insanity), dooshivisha (poisoning caused
by artificially made toxic ingredients).

In these conditions sudha can be

administered if the individual is strong.
The properly administered sudha can expel
out the excessively accumulated morbid
doshas immediately.[5-6]

Varieties and synonyms of snuhi

द्विविधः स मतोऽल्पैश्च बहुभिश्चैव कण्टकैः||७||

सुतीक्ष्णैः कण्टकै रल्पैः प्रवरो बहुकण्टकः|

स नाम्ना स्नुग्गुडा नन्दा सुधा निस्त्रिंशपत्रकः||८||

dvividhaḥ sa matō'lpaiśca bahubhiścaiva

kaṇṭakaiḥ||7||

sutīkṣṇaiḥ kaṇṭakairalpaiḥ pravarō

bahukaṇṭakaḥ|

sa nāmnā snugguḍā nandā sudhā

nistriṁśapatrakaḥ||8||

dvividhaH sa mato~alpaishca
bahubhishcaiva kaNTakaiH||7||

sutIkShNaiH kaNTakairalpaiH pravaro

bahukaNTakaH|
sa nAmnA snugguDA nandA sudhA
nistriMshapatrakaH||8||

Snuhi is of two types:

1. That which has numerous thorns and

2. The other one being with less number
of thorns.

But, both have sharp thorns. One with

numerous thorns is considered as the best
among the two.

Snuk (stem is rounded), guda (stem is

rounded), nanda (one which brings about
happiness), sudha (latex is being white in
color)
Nistrimsha patraka (sword like sharp
edged leaves) are the different names of
snuhi. [7-8]

Method of collection

तौ विपाट्याहरेत् क्षीरं शस्त्रेण मतिमान् भिषक् |

द्विवर्षं वा त्रिवर्षं वा शिशिरान्ते विशेषतः||९||

tau vipāṭyāharēt kṣīraṁ śastrēṇa matimān

bhiṣak|

dvivarṣaṁ vā trivarṣaṁ vā śiśirāntē

viśēṣataḥ||9||
tau vipATyAharet kShIraM shastreNa
matimAn bhiShak|

dvivarShaM vA trivarShaM vA shishirAnte

visheShataH||9||
Incise the plants which are two-three
years old and mature, with a sharp
instrument.
Collect the milky latex.
The collection is done at the end of the
winter.[9]

Purification of snuhi latex

बिल्वादीनां बृहत्या वा कण्टकार्यास्तथैकशः|

कषायेण समांशं तं कृ त्वाऽङ्गारेषु शोषयेत्||१०||

ततः कोलसमां मात्रां पिबेत् सौवीरके ण वा|

तुषोदके न कोलानां रसेनामलकस्य वा||११||

सुरया दधिमण्डेन मातुलुङ्गरसेन वा|१२|

bilvādīnāṁ br̥hatyā vā
kaṇṭakāryāstathaikaśaḥ|

kaṣāyēṇa samāṁśaṁ taṁ kr̥tvā'ṅgārēṣu

śōṣayēt||10||

tataḥ kōlasamāṁ mātrāṁ pibēt

sauvīrakēṇa vā|

tuṣōdakēna kōlānāṁ rasēnāmalakasya

vā||11||
surayā dadhimaṇḍēna mātuluṅgarasēna
vā|12|

bilvAdInAM bRuhatyA vA
kaNTakAryAstathaikashaH|

kaShAyeNa samAMshaM taM

kRutvA~a~ggAreShu shoShayet||10||

tataH kolasamAM mAtrAM pibet

sauvIrakeNa vA|

tuShodakena kolAnAM rasenAmalakasya

vA||11||

surayA dadhimaNDena mAtulu~ggarasena

vA|12|
Kashaya of bilvadi panchamoola (bilva,
agnimantha, shyonaka, patala, gambhari)
with brihati/kantakari is prepared.
To this equal quantity of sudha kshira
(latex) is added.
And this is heated over pan till it gets
dry.
From this paste, pills of size of kola
(Approximately 6 gms) is prepared.
Preparations
Procedure Anupana
of sudha

1. With sauviraka (sour

vinegar)

2. Tushodaka(sour fermented

Milk of sudha mixed with equal quantity of liquid prepared of husked

decoction of bilvadi panchamula, brihati or paddy etc)

Pills of sudha kantakari. This is then dried in a pan. From 3. Juice of kola(jujube fruit)
the paste the pills ranging 1 kola(Approx.
4. Juice of amalaki
6gms) is made.
5. Sura(alcohol)

6. Dadhimanda(whey)

7. Juice of matulunga

These pills should be taken along with

either of following immunity-enhancing
agents for purging.[10-11½]

Preparations of sudha pills

सातलां काञ्चनक्षीरीं श्यामादीनि कटुत्रिकम् ||१२||

यथोपपत्ति सप्ताहं सुधाक्षीरेण भावयेत्|
कोलमात्रां घृतेनातः पिबेन्मांसरसेन वा||१३||

sātalāṁ kāñcanakṣīrīṁ śyāmādīni

kaṭutrikam ||12||

yathōpapatti saptāhaṁ sudhākṣīrēṇa

bhāvayēt|
kōlamātrāṁ ghr̥tēnātaḥ
pibēnmāṁsarasēna vā||13||

sAtalAM kA~jcanakShIrIM shyAmAdIni

kaTutrikam ||12||

yathopapatti saptAhaM sudhAkShIreNa

bhAvayet|
kolamAtrAM ghRutenAtaH
pibenmAMsarasena vA||13||
Preparations
Procedure Anupana
of sudha

saptala, swarnaksheeri, shyama etc(trivrita, chaturangula, tilvaka,

mahavriksha, saptala, shankini, danti and dravanti), shunthi, maricha,
With ghee
pippali – are made into powder. This powder should be triturated
Sudha pills and with
with the latex of sudha for one week. This paste is rolled into pills
meat soup
of the size of kola pramana(Approximately 6 gms). These pills can
be given with either ghee or meat soup.

[12-13]

Various preparations of sudha

त्र्यूषणं त्रिफलां दन्तीं चित्रकं त्रिवृतां तथा|

स्नुक्क्षीरभावितं सम्यग्विदध्याद्गुडपानकम्||१४||

tryūṣaṇaṁ triphalāṁ dantīṁ citrakaṁ

trivr̥tāṁ tathā|
snukkṣīrabhāvitaṁ
samyagvidadhyādguḍapānakam||14||

tryUShaNaM triphalAM dantIM citrakaM

trivRutAM tathA|

snukkShIrabhAvitaM
samyagvidadhyAdguDapAnakam||14||

Recipe of Snuhi in the form of Syrup

(Gudapanaka):

Preparations of
Procedure Anupana
Sudha

Sudha Snuhi ksheera is impregnated with the powders of

With jaggery is given
panaka/guda shunthi, pippali, maricha, haritaki, vibhitaki, amalaki,
in the form of syrup
panaka danti, trivrit and chitraka

[14]

त्रिवृतारग्वधं दन्तीं शङ् खिनीं सप्तलां समम्|

गोमूत्रे रजनीं कृ त्वा शोषयेदातपे ततः||१५||

सप्ताहं भावयित्वैवं स्नुक्क्षीरेणापरं पुनः|

सप्ताहं भावयेच्छु ष्कं ततस्तेनापि भावितम्||१६||

गन्धमाल्यं तदाघ्राय प्रावृत्य पटमेव च|

सुखमाशु विरिच्यन्ते मृदुकोष्ठा नराधिपाः||१७||

trivr̥tāragvadhaṁ dantīṁ śaṅkhinīṁ

saptalāṁ samam|

gōmūtrē rajanīṁ kr̥tvā śōṣayēdātapē

tataḥ||15||

saptāhaṁ bhāvayitvaivaṁ
snukkṣīrēṇāparaṁ punaḥ|
saptāhaṁ bhāvayēcchuṣkaṁ tatastēnāpi
bhāvitam||16||

gandhamālyaṁ tadāghrāya prāvr̥tya

paṭamēva ca|

sukhamāśu viricyantē mr̥dukōṣṭhā

narādhipāḥ||17||

trivRutAragvadhaM dantIM sha~gkhinIM

saptalAM samam|

gomUtre rajanIM kRutvA shoShayedAtape

tataH||15||

saptAhaM bhAvayitvaivaM
snukkShIreNAparaM punaH|
saptAhaM bhAvayecchuShkaM
tatastenApi bhAvitam||16||

gandhamAlyaM tadAghrAya prAvRutya

paTameva ca|

sukhamAshu viricyante mRudukoShThA

narAdhipAH||17||

Formulation of Sudha for Mridukoshthi:

Preparations
Procedure Anupana
of Sudha

Trivrita, aragwadha, danti, shankhini and saptala should be taken in

equal quantity and made into powder. This should be triturated with
cow’s urine in the night and dried in the sun. This process should be
For mridu
repeated for seven days. This recipe should again be triturated with
koshta
Sudha powder milky latex of snuhi for seven days. Thus prepared churna should be
(laxed
on a garland sprinkled on aromatic garland or water soaked with this powder is
bowel) to
impregnated on upper garment.Thus medicated garland/ upper
persons
garment may be worn by person of royal descent or person who
has laxed bowel. By the smell of garland or of upper garment
individual will get purgation easily and quickly.

[15-17]
Sudha lehya (linctus)

श्यामात्रिवृत्कषायेण स्नुक्क्षीरघृतफाणितैः|

लेहं पक्त्वा विरेकार्थं लेहयेन्मात्रया नरम्||१८||

śyāmātrivr̥tkaṣāyēṇa
snukkṣīraghr̥taphāṇitaiḥ|

lēhaṁ paktvā virēkārthaṁ lēhayēnmātrayā

naram||18||

shyAmAtrivRutkaShAyeNa
snukkShIraghRutaphANitaiH|

lehaM paktvA virekArthaM

lehayenmAtrayA naram||18||
Snuhi leha:

Preparations of
Procedure Anupana
Sudha

In kashaya of shyama trivritaAdd snuhi ksheera, ghrita and

phanita. This mixture is
Sudha lehya
cooked till it attains the consistency of avaleha

.[18]

पाययेत्तु सुधाक्षीरं यूषैर्मांसरसैर्घृतैः|

भाविताञ्छु ष्कमत्स्यान् वा मांसं वा भक्षयेन्नरः||१९||

pāyayēttu sudhākṣīraṁ
yūṣairmāṁsarasairghr̥taiḥ |

bhāvitāñchuṣkamatsyān vā māṁsaṁ vā
bhakṣayēnnaraḥ||19||
pAyayettu sudhAkShIraM
yUShairmAMsarasairghRutaiH|19|

bhAvitA~jchuShkamatsyAn vA mAMsaM
vA bhakShayennaraH||19||

Recipe of sudha to be taken with

yusha(vegetable soup):

Preparations of Sudha Procedure Anupana

1. With yusha (veg

soup)
Snuhi ksheera with
Milky latex of snuhi is taken 2. With meat soup
yusha (veg soup)
(mamsa rasa)

3. With ghrita (ghee)

1. dry fish (shushka

Bhavana is to be given to dry fish (shushka matsya)
Sudha ksheera
matsya), dry meat (shushka mamsa) 2. dry meat (shushka
mamsa)

[19]

क्षीरेणामलकैः सर्पिश्चतुरङ्गुलवत् पचेत्|

सुरां वा कारयेत् क्षीरे घृतं वा पूर्ववत् पचेत्||२०||

kṣīrēṇāmalakaiḥ sarpiścaturaṅgulavat
pacēt|

surāṁ vā kārayēt kṣīrē ghr̥taṁ vā pūrvavat

pacēt||20||

kShIreNAmalakaiH
sarpishcatura~ggulavat pacet|

surAM vA kArayet kShIre ghRutaM vA

pUrvavat pacet||20||

Milky latex may also be used to prepare

ghee as told in Chaturangula Kalpa
Adhyaya.
Preparations of
Procedure Anupana
Sudha

Snuhi ksheera boiled with milk. The cream is then used to make With juice of
Sudha ghrita
ghee. amalaki

Powders of Shunthi, pippali, maricha, haritaki, amalaki, danti

Sudha sura chitraka and trivrita are mixed with latex of snuhi. From this
sura is prepared

Summary

तत्र श्लोकौ-

सौवीरकादिभिः सप्त सर्पिषा च रसेन च|

पानकं घ्रेयलेहौ च योगा यूषादिभिस्त्रयः||२१||

द्वौ शुष्कमत्स्यमांसाभ्यां सुरैका द्वे च सर्पिषी|

महावृक्षस्य योगास्ते विंशतिः समुदाहृताः||२२||

tatra ślōkau-

sauvīrakādibhiḥ sapta sarpiṣā ca rasēna

ca|
pānakaṁ ghrēyalēhau ca yōgā
yūṣādibhistrayaḥ||21||

dvau śuṣkamatsyamāṁsābhyāṁ suraikā

dvē ca sarpiṣī|
mahāvr̥kṣasya yōgāstē viṁśatiḥ
samudāhr̥tāḥ||22||

tatra shlokau-

sauvIrakAdibhiH sapta sarpiShA ca rasena

ca|
pAnakaM ghreyalehau ca yogA
yUShAdibhistrayaH||21||

dvau shuShkamatsyamAMsAbhyAM
suraikA dve ca sarpiShI|
mahAvRukShasya yogAste viMshatiH
samudAhRutAH||22||

In brief to sum up:

In this chapter, twenty recipes of

mahavriksha (sudha) have been told which
are as follows:

1. Pills with souviraka

2. Pills with tushodaka
3. Pills with juice of kola (jujube fruit)
4. Pills with juice of amalaki
5. Pills with sura
6. Pills with dadhimanda
7. Pills with juice of matulunga
 8. Pills with ghee
9. Pills with meat soup
10. In the form of panaka
11. As inhalation
12. In the form of lehya
13. With vegetable soup
14. With meat soup
15. With dry fish
16. With dry meat
17. As a form of sura
18. Ksheera of snuhi with ghee
19. Ghrita with juice of amalaki
20. Ghrita with kashaya of dashamoola,
kulattha, yava, shyamadi.
Thus, ends the 10th Chapter of Kalpa
Sthana which deals with “Pharmaceutics
of mahavriksha” in Agnivesha’s work which
is redacted by Charaka supplemented by
Dridhabala.

Tattva Vimarsha
(Fundamental Principles)
Snuhi is strongest purgative among all
purgatives.
It is contraindicated in persons with
mridu koshtha (soft bowel/sensitive to
purgatives).
Vidhi Vimarsha (Applied
Inferences )

Pharmacological activities and

folkloric uses

Snuhi is known for its medicinal value,

such as antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral,
anti-parasitic, anti-arthritic, anti-diabetic,
anti-convulsant, antioxidant, wound
healing and immuno-modulatory,
radioprotective, spasmodic, aphrodisiac,
anticancer,[11],[12],[13] purgative and diuretic
properties due to the presence of
phytoconstituents like lectin, quercetin,
saponin, flavonoids, triterpenes,
diterpenes, anthocyanins and platelet
derived growth factors.[14],[15] The plant is
bitter, acrid, pungent, laxative;
abortifacient, digestive, expectorant,
depurative, febrifuge, carminative,
stomachic, vermifuge, improves appetite,
bronchitis, loss of consciousness, asthma,
tumors, leucoderma, piles, inflammations,
dropsy, dyspepsia, pain, flatulence
intermittent fever, enlargement of spleen,
anemia, ulcers, jaundice, leprosy,
rheumatism and in chronic respiratory
troubles.[16] In Ayurveda, the plant is
aphrodisiac and rubefacient,
anticancerous, used to heal anal fistula.
The plant as a single and compound drug
is widely used in the Unani medicine for
the cure of arthritic and a large number of
other ailments, such as respiratory
stimulant, local anaesthetic, antibacterial,
antiviral, interferolic and paronychia.

The leaves are reported to be useful as

carminative, stomachic and
expectorant.[17],[18] The mild CNS
depressant, wound healing and
immunomodulatory effect of leaf hydro-
alcoholic extract was reported by Bigonia
and Rana.[19]

According to Tavera and Guerrero, a fluid

extracted from the roasted leaves is used
for earache. It is also used in Malaya, as
reported by Burkill and Haniff.[20] The
expressed juice of the leaves is reported
as very effective in relieving the paroxysm
of spasmodic asthma. Gaur et al[21]
reported that anti-inflammatory and
analgesic activity of hydroalcoholic leaves
extract of Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. is due
to the presence of flavonoids. Snuhi is one
of the chief constituents of kshaarasutra,
which is used in Indian medicine to heal
anal fistula.[22] The juice of the leaves is a
popular cure for earache in the Philippine
Islands.[23] Turmeric powder mixed with
the juice of snuhi is recommended as an
application for piles. Thread steeped in the
above-mentioned mixture is used in
ligaturing external hemorrhoids. The use
of latex in skin warts, earache and in
arthritis was investigated by Kirtikar and
Basu. Nadkarni further reported the
presence of purgative and local
rubefacient activity of the juice and
antispasmodic activity of the root. The
white, acrid, milky juice is internally a
purgative and externally it has rubefacient
properties. As drastic purgative it is given
in combination with other medicines such
as haritaki, pippali, Indian jalapa trivrita root
and which are kept steeped in it in cases
of ascites, anasarca and tympanitis. The
juice is also applied to remove warts and
similar excrescences and to afford relief in
earache; mixed with shoot it is used as an
anjana (collyrium) mixed with neem oil it is
used as an application in rheumatic
diseases. The juice is largely used with
clarified or fresh butter as an application
to unhealthy ulcer and scabies and applied
to glandular swellings to prevent
suppuration. It is expectorant, pungent and
is thus used in treating tumors, arthritis
and abdominal pains. The tribal population
of Chattisgarh region uses the milky latex
as an ingredient of aphrodisiac mixture.
Natives of Chhattisgarh use externally
boiled thohar milk in castor oil with salt to
cure the deep cracks in soles of feet. The
milk of thohar is also used commonly like
aloe gel in case of burns and for healing of
wounds. Application of lukewarm thohar a
prerequisite for global harmonization of
herbal health leaves reduces itching pain
and swelling in piles.[24],[25]

Ayurvedic pharmacological uses

Snuhi is being referred to as tikshnatama

(strongest drastic) drug for inducing the
purgation which suggests it has strong
action and should be used cautiously.
Snuhi can be used only when dosha
accumulated is of large quantity where
other drugs may not be effective. Even
then it has been advised to use this drug
carefully and is contraindicated in
mridukoshtha (Laxed bowel). [3-4]

Charaka in 5th Chapter of Chikitsa Sthana

advises use of this drug along with trivrita
(Operculina turpethum) in vata gulma
along with honey and ghee as adjuvants.[
Cha. Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5 /153] Apart
from this those suffering from udara
(ascitis) and has krurakoshta (hard bowel)
leaves of snuhi are to be used as
vegetable.

Snuhi is indicated in some of the chronic

diseases like pandu, udara etc. Charaka
advises kshara gutika in grahani which has
snuhi ksheera in it. Tandula ( Rice) soaked
with snuhi ksheera should be dried and
given to persons suffering from udara in
the form of peya. Pippali should be given
with 21 trituration of snuhi ksheera and
may be administered to persons suffering
from udara.

In case of cracks in foot (padadari), oil

processed with snuhi latex should be
applied with rock salt to hasten the healing
of cracked foot.(vaidyamanorama)

Snuhi and arka latex processed oil is made

into ointment with the base of beeswax
helps to heal dushtavrana.(Sahasrayoga)

According to Shodala application of Latex

of snuhi helps to hasten the delivery of
child in mudagarbha (Obstructed labor).[26]
[5-7]

Latex is collected at the end of winter as it

has optimum quality in it. If collected soon
after the rainy season it may be very much
diluted and if collected in summer one
may not get sufficient quantity of latex.

The said varieties of snuhi are called as

manasa (bahukantaka) and sohanta
(alpakantaka) in West Bengal. There are
nearly 56 species of Euphorbia. P. V.
Sharma opines that even though there are
many varieties of snuhi few important
among them are tridhara(Euphorbia
antiquoram Linn), saptadhara (Euphorbia
royleana Boiss) chimiya (Euphorbia
tirucauli Linn). Euphorbia nivulia Buch
Ham is considered as mahavriksha.[27]

Sehunda, sudhavriksha, samantadugdha,

vajhravriksha, and mahavriksha are other
synonyms explained in different
Nighantus.

In Kaiyyadeva Nighantu, under oshadhi

varga, drug is described with few more
synonyms viz. vajratunda, gandhira,
bahusrava and kalishadhruma. He is of
opinion that it is drug of choice in chronic
ailments.[28]

In Dhanwantari Nighantu, it has been

opined that snuhi is useful in visha
(poisoning), adhmana (flatulence), gulma
(tumor) and udara (ascitis).

In Rajanighantu few more synonyms are

mentioned like vatari (overcomes vata ),
bhadra( auspicious), vyaghranakha (sharp
in its action), netrari (harmful to eyes) and
dandavrikshaka (small tree). A variety of
snuhi i.e. tridhara is said to be useful in
rasasiddhi.[29]
Ghee prepared with snuhi latex is useful in
gulma, udara and garavisha.[Cha.Sa.
Chikitsa Sthana 13/138].

In arsha, alepa (paste) of snuhi latex with

powder of turmeric is done.[Cha.Sa.
Chikitsa Sthana 14/52-57].[30]

In shwitra (leucoderma) bhallataka

(Semecarpus anacardium) is immersed in
cow’s urine for 3 days dried in the shade
and made into paste with snuhi latex and
applied to the affected part.[31]

In udararoga, ghee prepared with

dadhimanda is administered. [Cha. Sa.
Chikitsa Sthana 13/141].
In vicharchika (eczema) – sarshapa
(mustard plant) is made into a paste is
concealed in snuhi plant which is cooked
in the fire, is applied on eczema. The same
has been explained in Chakradutta as
grihadhoomadi lepa.[32]

Snehalavana prepared with snuhi is very

much useful in vatavyadhi.[33] To protect
from masoorika snuhi studded with red
flag should be placed in an earthen pot
and placed in the house.[34]

Snuhyadya taila is useful in baldness and

hair loss.[35]
Snuhi ksheera is considered to be toxic,
thus it needs purification prior to its
therapeutic usage. Bilvadi drugs reduce
the severe intensity of the latex and help to
bring out the necessary action. Thus
purified latex is given with seven different
adjuvants according to individuals and
physicians need.[10-12½]

Saptala is mentioned twice in this context

which shows its importance. It is opined
by chakrapaniji that sudha with saptala
alone is very effective.[12½-13]

Trikatu when added enhances the

absorption of the drug. Triphala in it
potentiates the drug and enhances its
absorption as well. Chitraka helps drug to
be absorbed easily, whereas danti
increases the purgative action of the drug.
Syrup masks the bitter and pungent taste
of the drug as well and is easy to
administer. Those who desire to take drug
in the sweet form can be given with
gud(jaggery).[14]

Those who cannot withstand the strong

purgative action of the drug may be
administered the drug in the inhalation
form where the purgative action is seen
but intensity of action is reduced. This
method of administration of the drug can
be done to mridukoshthi (soft bowel). It is
a novel way of administration of drugs
which can be compared with aerosols [15-
17]

Many a times it becomes difficult to

preserve the fresh drug for the longer
duration, in such cases, drug is used as
avaleha (linctus) or arishta (medicated
liquor) which can be stored for use later. In
this form drug is palatable and is easily
taken by the individual.[18-,19]With
addition of kashaya of dashamoola,
kulattha, yava, shyamadi ghrita may be
taken.[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 8/13] Three
recipes of sudha according to their use
with three different adjuvants can be
given. Drug is mixed with either vegetable
or meat juice or with ghee and given.
Those who are completely non vegetarian,
drug can be either given with fish or dry
meat. It can be given as either ghrita(ghee)
or sura(alcohol) form. Ghrita is taken with
juice of amalaki as adjuvant which helps in
better absorption of the drug.[36][ 19-20]

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