Apamarga and Aragwadha in Ayurvedic Therapeutics: A Classical and Contemporary Review

Abstract

Apamarga and Aragwadha are important medicinal plants extensively described in Ayurvedic pharmacology. Apamarga is botanically identified as Achyranthes aspera Linn. and belongs to the family Amaranthaceae, whereas Aragwadha is identified as Cassia fistula Linn. of the family Fabaceae. The whole plant of Apamarga is predominantly Tikta–Katu in Rasa, Sara–Tikshna in Guna, Ushna in Virya and Katu in Vipaka. Its principal actions include Dipana, Pachana, Saraka, Vamana and Chedana. It is identified by Charaka as the foremost drug for Shirovirechana. Aragwadha fruit pulp is Madhura–Tikta in Rasa, Guru–Snigdha in Guna, generally Shita in Virya and Madhura in Vipaka. It is regarded as the foremost Mridu Virechana or Sramsana drug. Apamarga is traditionally indicated in Arshas, Raktarshas, Visuchika, Nadivrana, Bhasmaka and wounds, while Aragwadha is used in Jwara, Kushtha, Krimi, Prameha, Udavarta, Raktapitta, Gulma, Udara and Vrana. Reported pharmacological activities of Apamarga include wound-healing, nephroprotective, anxiolytic, antifertility, larvicidal, hypoglycaemic and antifungal effects. Aragwadha has demonstrated purgative, antimicrobial, antifungal, hypoglycaemic, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities in experimental studies. This review compiles their botanical characteristics, Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics, classical therapeutic applications, phytochemistry, formulations and contemporary research evidence. Although the available findings support several traditional applications, standardized preparations and well-designed clinical trials are necessary before disease-specific efficacy can be conclusively established.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2394.6547.202515

How to cite this article:
Choubey A. Apamarga and Aragwadha in Ayurvedic Therapeutics: A Classical and Contemporary Review. J Adv Res Ayur Yoga Unani Sidd Homeo. 2025;12(1&2): 39-48.