Agnimantha (Premna serratifolia) - Medicinal Properties and Uses

Agnimantha is one of the most widely used herbs in Ayurvedic treatments. The plant is commonly known as Wind killer. The name Agnimantha means that when two dried sticks of the plant rubbed each other will produce fire and when administered internally stimulates the digestive fire. The word premna indicates the low stature of the species and integrifolia means whole leaves. Agnimantha has many therapeutic actions.

Agnimantha is one of the major herbs used in Ayurveda for antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial purposes. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA has been consistently working on the plant for knowing more medicinal properties of Agnimantha. Wind killer plant can be used as hypoglycemic, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial agents. Agnimantha can cure diseases like Urticaria, Asthma, Piles, Erysipelas, Fever, Worm infestations, Allergies, etc. The methanolic extract of the plant has hypoglycemic actions as well as an inhibitory effect against castor oil-induced diarrhea. The plant also has analgesic action due to the presence of extracts like petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and methanol.

Action of Agnimantha (Premna serratifolia) in Allergies

IAFA experts, by conducting many experiments, have successfully proven the antiallergic and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant Agnimantha. The plant contains phytoconstituents likePremnine (Alkaloid), Ganiarine, Ganikarine, B-sitosterol, Ceryl alcohol, Triterpenes, Clerodin, Polyphenols, Clerodendrin A, Essential oil, and these aids in the antiallergic property of the plant. The crude ethanolic extracts of the plant have anti-inflammatory effects. The Decoction prepared from the root of the plant can be used for treating skin allergic conditions.

Vernacular Names and Botanical Classification

Botanical Name	Premna serratifolia
Family	Verbinaceae
Native Names
Sanskrit Name	Arani, Arani, Ganakarika, Jaya, Tarkari, Vataghni, Vaijayanthi, sriparna.
Hindi Name	Arani
English Name	Wind killer
Malayalam Name	Thiruthali
Kannada Name	Taggi
Marathi Name	Airan

Ayurveda Reference of Agnimantha (Premna serratifolia)

Morphology of Agnimantha (Premna serratifolia)

Large shrub or small tree
Bark yellowish
Leaves wide, broadly elliptical, obtuse
Inflorescence terminal paniculate corymbose cyme
Flower greenish yellow

Geographical Distribution of Agnimantha (Premna serratifolia)

Agnimantha is found throughout India, especially in forest areas.

Phytoconstituents of Agnimantha (Premna serratifolia)

Root-Premnine (Alkaloid), Ganiarine, Ganikarine, B-sitosterol, Ceryl alcohol, Triterpenes, Clerodin, Polyphenols, Clerodendrin A, Essential oil.
Stem bark-Betulin, B-sitosteroal, Aphelandrine, D-mannitol.
Leaves -Essential oil, Palmitic acid, B-sitosterl.

Parts Used of Agnimantha (Premna serratifolia)

Root

Dosage of Agnimantha (Premna serratifolia)

Powder – 3-5gm (Churnam)
Decoction – 50-90ml (Kwatha)

Medicinal Properties of Agnimantha (Premna serratifolia)

Jwarahara – alleviates fever
Kasahara – relieves cough
Sulahara – relieves pain
Sophahara – relieves swelling
Swasahara – relieves asthma
Kushtaghna – alleviates skin disorders
Krimighna – useful in worm infestations
Agnivardhaka – Improves digestive fire
Vishaghna – useful in poisoning
Vranahara – useful in wounds

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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®

Home Remedies of Agnimantha (Premna serratifolia)

Ayurveda is a treatment branch that is purely based on naturally available herbs for the alleviation of diseases. The medicines in Ayurveda are completely devoid of any side effects. Agnimantha is a readily available herb. As it is readily available, it can be used in treating many diseases like:-

In Piles (Arsas) – Decoction is prepared from the leaves of Agnimantha and Drum stick plant. This decoction is then used for tub baths for hemorrhoid patients.
In Urticaria (Sitapitta) – The roots of Agnimantha are taken and crushed to make a fine powder. This churna is taken internally at a dose of 5g per day for a period of 7 days.
In skin diseases (Kushta) – Agnimantha roots are collected and crushed well. It is then added with water to prepare a decoction. Oral intake of this will cure skin diseases.
In Diabetes (Prameha) – A Decoction of Eranda is taken along with Gooseberry and honey at a dose of 50 ml. It is good for alleviating Diabetes.
In Lipuria (Vasameha) – A Decoction of Agnimantha is taken at a dose of 60ml per day.
In Fever (Jwara) – Decoction made with leaves of Agnimantha and Vasa taken internally at a dose of 60 ml for a period of 3 days.
In Inflammation (Sopha) – Paste prepared from Agnimantha root and ghee is applied over the skin part.
In Erysipelas (Visarpa) – Paste prepared from leaves of Agnimantha and Vamsa is applied in Erysipelas.