Euphorbia dracunculoides, Saptala
Saptala (Ayurveda)Tillakada (Siddha)
Thuhar (Unani)
Botanical name:
Euphorbia dracunculoides (syn. E. angustifolia)
Parts used:
Herb / Whole Plant
Temperature & Taste:
Warm, dry. Pungent
Uses:
1. Benefits Digestion, Promotes Stool:
-indigestion, flatulence, phantom tumors (from wind)
-mild laxative to keep the bowels regular; constipation
-extract increases gastrointestinal motility
-abdominal masses
2. Externally:
-fruit is applied to remove Warts
-Erysipelas
Dose:
Herb has been used as a vegetable to regulate bowel movement. (Khare)
Root in Powder: 3–5 grams (API)
Substitute:
1. In Kerala, Acacia concinna is used for Satala.
2. Satala is reportedly substituted (adulterated?) for Rue in some Unani areas. The 2 herbs are very similar, especially when dried.
3. Some sources have listed E. tirucalli as an alternate source for Satala.
Main Combinations:
1. Brain tonic, with Bacopa (Brahmi) and Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhapushpi)
Major Formulas:
Narayana Churna (Ashtangahridaya)
Cautions:
Avoid overdose
Toxicity:
LD50 of the ethanolic extract of the plant was 1000 mg/kg i.p. in mice. (Khare)