Malabar nut (justicia adhatoda)

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Other names for this ingredient

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Synopsis of malabar nut

Malabar nut, scientifically known as Justicia adhatoda or Adhatoda vasica, is a well-known medicinal shrub native to South and Southeast Asia. It is primarily valued for its leaves, which contain the alkaloid vasicine, a compound with strong bronchodilatory, expectorant, and antitussive properties. The plant has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha systems of medicine, especially for the treatment of respiratory ailments.

The leaves, flowers, roots, and bark of the plant are all used medicinally, but the leaves are the most potent and commonly utilized part. They have a bitter taste and are traditionally dried, powdered, or used to prepare decoctions and syrups. In modern herbal medicine, Malabar nut is used to relieve symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, cough, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Vasicine works by loosening bronchial secretions and dilating the airways, making it easier to breathe and clear mucus.

Recent pharmacological studies have also shown that vasicine and its derivatives possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifertility effects. It has been explored for potential use in managing tuberculosis, as well as in combination with other herbal extracts in respiratory support formulas. Additionally, the plant has been studied for its ability to regulate uterine contractions and menstrual flow, although this action makes it contraindicated during pregnancy due to its abortifacient properties.

Malabar nut is available today in various forms, including syrups, tablets, herbal teas, and standardized extracts, often combined with other herbs like licorice, tulsi, and ginger for synergistic effects in respiratory care.

Historical Use
In Ayurveda, Malabar nut has been used for over 2,000 years, especially in formulas for treating Vata and Kapha imbalances, which often manifest as congestion, coldness, or cough. It was prescribed for chronic respiratory issues such as asthma, tuberculosis, whooping cough, and sore throat, and was often administered as a decoction with honey or ghee to soothe the airways and reduce inflammation.

In traditional Unani medicine, Adhatoda was recognized for its cooling and moistening qualities. It was used to cleanse the lungs and balance excessive heat in the body, often in patients with fevers, inflammation, or chronic cough. Its name in Persian and Arabic herbal texts reflected its widespread acknowledgment as a lung-protective plant.

In folk medicine across India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, the leaves were boiled and inhaled for relief from asthma and colds, or chewed directly to suppress persistent coughs. The plant was also used topically for skin disorders and wound healing, and occasionally in veterinary medicine for livestock respiratory support.

Its longstanding role in traditional systems led to formal study in colonial botanical pharmacopoeias and, eventually, global integration into phytotherapeutic products. Today, Malabar nut remains a staple in respiratory herbal formulas, especially in South Asian households and herbal traditions worldwide.

Malabar nut is used for these health conditions

Asthma (Scientific)
Bronchitis (Scientific)
Congestion (Scientific)
Congestion (bronchial) (Scientific)
Congestion (lungs) (Scientific)
Congestion (sinus) (Scientific)
Cough (dry) (Scientific)
Cough (general) (Scientific)
Cough (spastic) (Scientific)
Infection (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Rhinitis (Traditional)
Rhinitis, Allergic (Scientific)
Sinus Infection (Traditional)
Wheezing (Scientific)

malabar nut is used to support these body systems

Bronchials (Scientific)
Immune System (Traditional)
Lungs (Scientific)
Mucus Membranes (Scientific)
Respiratory System (Scientific)
Sinuses (Traditional)