Abutilon indicum – Atibala – Ayurveda Details, Usage, Health Benefits

Atibala – Abutilon indicum is an Ayurvedic herb with aphrodisiac and body strengthening properties. It is used in the treatment of leprosy, liver disorders, ulcers, headache etc.

Vernacular names, Sanskrit synonyms

Names in different languages:
English name: Country mallow, Indian mallow
Hindi Name – kanghi, Kakahi
Kannada name – Tutti
Telugu name – Tutturu Benda, Duvvenakaya, Duvvena Kayalu
Tamil name – Perum Tutti, Paniyara Hutti,  துத்தி – thuthi
Bengali name – Petari, Jhapi
Marathi name – Mudra
Gujarati name – Khapat, Dabali, Kamsaki
Malayalam name – Vellula
Arabian name – masthul Gola
Farsi name – Darakhtashaan

Synonyms:  Rishyaprokta, Kankatika, Balika, Rishagadha, Bhuribala.

Classical categorization

Charaka – Madhura Skanda (group of herbs with sweet taste), Balya (group of herbs that impart strength.)
The herbs Bala and Atibala are together called Baladwaya
Bala, Atibala and Nagabala are together called Balatraya
Bala, Atibala, Nagabala and Mahabala are together called as Bala Chatushka.
Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Oshadhi Varga
Sodhala Nighantu, Bhavaprakasha and Dhanvantari Nighantu – Guduchyadi Varga
Raja Nighantu – Shatahvadi Varga

Varieties

In Kerala,  Urena lobata is taken as a source for Atibala but most commonly, Abutilon indicum is used as Atibala.

Major chemical constituents

Hescoses, nn-alkane mixtures, alkanols, B sitasterol, Vanilllic, p-coumaric, acceic, fumaric and amino acids, alantaolactone, iso alantolactone etc

Properties, Effect on Doshas

Rasa – Madhura (sweet taste)
Guna (qualities) – Laghu (light to digest), Snigdha (unctuous, oiliness)
Vipaka – taste conversion after digestion – Madhura (sweet)
Veerya (Potency) – Cold
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Vata and Pitta.

It balances Vata and Pitta, it is absorbent, improves strength and acts as a natural aphrodisiac.
Its medicinal qualities are quite similar to those of the plant – Bala – Sida cordifolia
Shukra Vruddhikari – Increases quality and quantity of semen
Vishamajwarahara – useful against recurrent fever.
Ojovardhaka – improves immunity
Balya  – tonic, improves strength
Kantivardhaka – improves skin texture and glow
Pittasrahara – relieves bleeding disorders
Kshatahara – useful in injuries

Dahahara – relieves burning sensation
Trushnahara – relieves excessive thirst
Vishahara – anti toxic, useful against poisons
Chardihara – anti emetic

It is used as a demulcent, laxative, diuretic, sedative, intestinal worm infestation,
It is also used to treat leprosy, ulcers, headaches, gonorrhea, liver disorders, jaundice and bladder infection.

Research

Research on Abutilon indicum
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity
Anti diabetic activity
Anti oxidant potential

Important preparations

Atibala rasayana  SS Chikitsa. 27/10  CS Chikitsa. 1/2/12
Mahanarayan Oil – A very famous Ayurvedic herbal oil for pain and rejuvenation.
Punarnavadyarishta – a traditional fermented Ayurvedic medicine
Gandha Thailam – An Oil used for faster bone healing in case of fractures and dislocations.

Side effects

There are no known side effects with this herb. Seek medical advice for its use during pregnancy.

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most of the dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.