91.

AGNI MANTHA
Botanical Name Premna integrifolia Linn, Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn./P.
serratifolia
Family VERBINACEAE
Names in different languages
Hindi Tekar Telugu- Nelli; Tamil Taludalai Marathi- Eirani;
Gujarati- Arani, BengaliGanihhari, Malayalam - munjna
Synonyms Arani., Ganakrik, Jaya, Tarkri, Vtaghni Vaijayantik. Sriparna
Classification according to Caraka, Susruta & Vagbhata
Caraka Sothahara, sitaprasamana. Anuvsanopaya
Susrutha Viratarvdi, Varunidi, Vatasamsamana
Vagbhata Viratarvdi. Varundi
Introduction
Agnimanta is a very important plant during Vedic period wherein its
stem/sticks were used to produce fire. It is a plant considered essential for rituals
also.
Varieties & adulterants - (CV controversy, AD adulterants)
1. Premna serratifolia
2. Clerodendrum phiomidis
3. Premna integrifolia
4. C. multiforum
Morphology
C. phlomidis A large. bushy shrub.
Leaves ovate-sinuate or serrate, pubescent beneath.
Flowers in 3-9 flowered axillary cymes, white coloured, fragrant. borne in a
terminal, rounded panicle.
Fruit black, slightly succulent, found in drier parts of Deccan peninsula, Bihar.
Punjab and West Bengal.

P.integrifolia A large shrub or small tree large branches spinous usually.

Leaves broadly oblong or ovate, entire or dentate.
Flowers in dense corymbs, greenish white, with unpleasant smell. Fruit drupe.
black coloured, globose.
Seeds oblong. Found in the forest of South Jndiaand West Bengal (Northern Part).
Chemical Constituents
C. phlomidis Pectolinarigenin, scutellarein. apigenin, hispidulin, clerosterol,
clerodin, clerodendrin A. Cerolic acid. Ceryl alcohol, raffinose etc.
P. integrifolia beta-sitosterol, luteolin (leaves): aphelandrine, premnine, betulin,
ganiarine, ganikarine, caryophellen, premnenol, premnaspirodiene etc.
Properties
Rasa Tikta, Katu,Kasaya Madhura
Guna Rksa, Laghu
Virya Usna
Vipka Katu
Karma Kapha-vata hara, sothahara, Dipana
Internal use
Nervous system
Used in neuralgia , analgesic
Digestive system
Laxative , digestant
Circulatory system
Useful in bleeding disorder, vasodialator , blood purifier
Respiratory system
Alleviates kapha
Temperature
Used in fever

Urinary system : It has effects on kapha, meda and urinary tract Therefore useful in
urinary disorders. The decoction used in pyuria
Skin : Cures skin disorders. Pulp of its root is given orally in the treatment of
urticaria. which has potential to check the pathogenesis of urticaria. The juice of
leaves in a dose of 15 ml thrice a day is also useful in urticaria.
Satmikaran : Being a bitter tonic, the juice of leaves and decoction of bark are used
in post pyrexial debility and is also useful in anaemia to enhance tissue vitality.
Parts used : leaves and root bark.
Srotogamitva
Dosha : Kaphakshayakarak, vatakshayakarak.
Dhatu : Rakta. medo (anaemia).
Mala : Digestive system.
Organs : Lung.
Part Used Root bark, leaf
Dosage Powder beta , decoction 50-100 ml, leaf juice 10-20 ml
IndicationsPndu, Vasameha, sitapitta, Udara, Kutha, Sthoulya,
Important Yogas or Formations
Agnimantha kashaya. Dashamoolaristha
Important research work going on
(1) effect on arthritis conditions
Important research work going on
(P. integrifolia)
(1) active against gram-positive organisms
Therapeutic Uses
(1) Vasmeha Agnimantha or simsipa decoction is useful (S.S.Ci. 11).
(2) Sotha Arani Ksra is mixed with water (boiled and cooled) and used both
internally as well as externally (G.N.).
(3) Sthoulya Silajatu is to be given with Agnimantha svarasa (C.S.Su. 21).