Adhatoda vasica (L.) Nees

Adhatoda vasica, commonly known as Malabar Nut or Vasaka, is a perennial shrub native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is widely used in traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits.
• Botanical Name: Adhatoda vasica (L.) Nees
• Synonyms: Vasica axillaris (Burm.f.) Kuntze, Adhatoda zeylanica (L.), Justicia vasica L, Justicia adhatoda, Vasica indica
• Family: Acanthaceae
• Genus: Adhatoda
• Species: vasica
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Common Names:
• English: Malabar nut, Vasaka, Adhatoda
• Hindi: आदतोडा (Adhatoda)
• Tamil: அத்தோடா (Aththoda) Ada Thoda Ilai: ஆடாதோடை இலை
• Malayalam: ആടലോടകം (Aadalodakam)

Botanical Description:

• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
• Height: Typically grows to a height of 1.5–2 meters, but can sometimes reach up to 3 meters under ideal conditions.
• Stem: The plant has woody, erect stems with rough bark and branches that are covered with fine hairs.
• Leaves: The leaves are simple, opposite, and lanceolate in shape. They are 10–20 cm long, with a smooth edge and a glossy green surface. The leaves have prominent veins and a leathery texture.
• Flowers: The flowers are tubular, white to pale blue, and borne in dense clusters at the tips of the branches. Each flower is about 2.5 cm long, and the inflorescence forms a terminal spike.
• Fruits: The plant produces small, ovoid capsules that contain seeds. The fruit is brown and becomes dry when mature.
• Roots: The plant has a fibrous root system, and the roots are commonly used for medicinal preparations.
• Odor: The plant, especially the leaves and flowers, has a strong, distinctive odor.
Uses of Adhatoda vasica:
1. Medicinal Uses:

• Respiratory Health: Adhatoda vasica is primarily known for its use in treating respiratory diseases, particularly bronchitis, asthma, cough, and tuberculosis. The leaves and roots are used in making herbal preparations that help in clearing mucus from the respiratory tract and reducing inflammation in the lungs.
• Vasaka (as it is commonly known) has bronchodilator properties, making it effective in easing breathing and reducing wheezing in asthmatic patients.
• Cough and Cold: The leaves of Adhatoda vasica are commonly used in decoctions or infusions to treat colds and coughs. They act as expectorants, promoting the expulsion of phlegm and mucus from the airways.
• Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory: The plant has strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Extracts from Adhatoda vasica are used to treat skin infections, wounds, diseases like leprosy, and swelling.
• The leaves can be applied topically to treat cuts, wounds, and insect bites due to their antiseptic nature.
• Fever and Malaria: In traditional medicine, Adhatoda vasica is used to treat fever and is considered beneficial in managing malaria. The roots and leaves are prepared in decoctions and used to reduce fever symptoms.