Abstract

PHARMACOLOGICAL VALIDATION OF NIRMALI BEEJA (STRYCHNOS POTATORUM): EXPLORING ITS ROLE IN AYURVEDIC AND MODERN THERAPEUTICS

*Dr. Raj Joshi, Dr. Santosh Y. M., Dr. Adithya Anil, Dr. Himashu Binji and Dr. Akshay Kumar

Abstract

Introduction Nirmali Beeja (Strychnos potatorum), a medicinal plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, is well-known for its diverse therapeutic properties, particularly in water purification and gastrointestinal health. This study aims to evaluate the phytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and traditional applications of Strychnos potatorum seeds. Materials and Methods: A thorough physicochemical analysis was conducted using a 50-gram sample of Nirmali Beeja seeds. Parameters such as foreign matter, total ash value, and extractive values were analyzed, adhering to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Preliminary phytochemical screening of both water and alcohol extracts revealed the presence of carbohydrates, reducing sugars, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, and saponins. Thinlayer chromatography (TLC) further confirmed the diversity of phytoconstituents.Results: The study explored the plant’s medicinal properties, including its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, and diuretic actions, supported by experimental studies in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, its role in treating eye disorders (netra roga), urinary issues (mutra roga), and skin diseases (tvak roga), as described in classical Ayurvedic texts, was validated. Discussion: Despite the presence of potentially toxic alkaloids in related Strychnos species, S. potatorum was found to be relatively safe. The plant’s diverse pharmacological activities, such as ātisāra hara (anti-diarrheal), śopha hara (anti-inflammatory), and krimi hara (vermifuge), corroborate itstraditional uses in Ayurveda.Conclusion:This research emphasizes the potential of Strychnos potatorum as a promising candidate for integrative medicine, with a strong foundation in traditional use and modern pharmacological validation. Future studies focusing on clinical trials and toxicological assessments are essential to ensure its safe therapeutic application.

Keywords: Nirmali Beeja, Strychnos potatorum, traditional, phytochemicals.