E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Panchakarma Yogas

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 5 MAY
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Utility of Madanaphala in Panchakarma Yogas

Anusha DP1*, Rahul H2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.5.23

1* Anusha DP, House Surgeon, Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College Hospital, Ollur, Thrissur, Kerala, India.

2 Rahul H, Associate Professor, Department of Panchakarma, Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College Hospital, Ollur, Thrissur, Kerala, India.

Madanaphala (Randia dumetorum) a key emetic drug in Ayurveda plays a vital role in Panchakarma therapies especially Vamana (emesis) and Vasti (enema). Madanaphala is known for its Anapayitva (safety) and therapeutic effectiveness. It possesses qualities such as Ushna (hot), Laghu (light), Sukshma (subtle), Vyavayi (quickly spread) and Vikasi (disintegrating) which support liquefaction, movement and elimination of Doshas enhancing its role in detoxification and treatment. Classical references support its use in numerous formulations for disease specifically those that require detoxification. Modern pharmacological insights further validate its systemic absorption and therapeutic efficacy. This review examines employment of Madanaphala as a crucial component in several Panchakarma yogas, particularly in Vamana and Vasti providing valuable information to promote future research on Madanaphala's traditional uses.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Madanaphala, Vamana, Niruha Vasti, Anuvasana Vasti

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Anusha DP, House Surgeon, , Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College Hospital, Ollur, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
Email: 		Anusha DP, Rahul H, Utility of Madanaphala in Panchakarma Yogas. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(5):161-166.
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Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-04-10 2025-04-24 2025-05-05 2025-05-15 2025-05-24
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© 2025 by Anusha DP, Rahul H and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionMaterials and MethodsReview of LiteratureDiscussionConclusionReferences
Anusha DP et al. Utility of Madanaphala in Panchakarma Yogas

Introduction

Ayurveda is based on concept of eliminating accumulated morbid doshas through Sodhana treatment (detoxification).[1] Its objectives are Aturasya Vikara Prasamana (prevent illness) & Swasthasthya Swasthya Rakshanam (preserve health in healthy). One important Ayurveda treatment that attempts to accomplish these goals is Panchakarma.[2] Vamana (emesis), Virechana (therapeutic purgation), Vasti (therapeutic enema), Nasya (nasal insufflation) & Rakthamoksha (blood letting) are five primary techniques that comprise Sodhana therapy.[3] Panchakarma, unique Ayurvedic treatment is becoming more & more well known for its ability to treat variety of ailments as well as its preventive & promotional effects. So, it’s imp. to approach individual treatments scientifically employing particular formulations for various diseases.[4]Madanaphala scientifically referred to as Randia dumetorum is most frequently utilized medicine for Vamana. It is considered as Anapayitva (very less complication) & thus safer to use. It is regarded as Agrya Dravya for Vamana, Asthapana (decoction enema) and Anuvasana (oil enema).[5]

Materials and Methods

This study integrates information from Brihatrayee
1. Charaka Samhitha - Sutra, Kalpa, Sidhi Sthana
2. Ashtanga Hridaya - Kalpa Sthana
3. Susrutha Samhitha - Chikitsa Sthana
4. Bhavaprakasha

Their commentaries, and from data of modern research studies on Randia dumetorum collected from PubMed, Medline, Ayush research portal and other online journals.

Review of Literature

Madanaphala exhibits potent action in Panchakarma especially in Vamana and Vasti.

Rasapanchaka of Madanaphala[6]

Rasa (taste) - Madhura, Tiktha, Katu, Kashaya Rasa

Guna (qualities) - Laghu, Rooksha

Veerya (potency) - Ushna

Vipaka (post digestive effect) - Katu

Prabhava (special action) - Vamaka

Doshakarma - Vatasamaka (due to its Ushna Veerya), Kaphasamaka (due to its Ushna Veerya, Katu Vipaka and Tiktha Rasa) Pittasaraka

Karma - Vamaka, Lekhana, Jwaraghna, Sothaghna, Vidradhihara, Vranahara, Kushtaghna

Agrya Karma - Vamana, Anuvasana, Asthapana

Rogaghnata - Prathishyaya, Sleshma Jwara, Vidradhi, Gulma, Shosha, Sotha, Anaha, Vrana, Kushta, Kaphaja Hrdroga, Swasa, Pakvasaya Sodhana, Kapha Vata diseases.

Phytoconstituents - Saponins, Ursosaponins, essential oil, randiaic acid A and B, pulp contain tartaric acid, tannins, pectin and mucilage.

Pharmacological action - Emetic, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral.

Table 1: Gana Vargikarana[6]

AcharyaGana
CharakaAsthapanopaga, Anuvasanopaga Varga
SusruthaAragwadadhi Gana, Musakadi Gana
BhavaprakashaHarithakyadi Varga
VaghbhataAragwadadhi Gana

Madanaphala for Vamana

Vamana Karma (therapeutic emesis) is the first and foremost among the Panchakarma therapies aimed at eliminating the morbid kapha Dosha through the oral route.[7] It involves expelling Apakwa (unripe) Pitta or Kapha Doshas from the body. The Kalpasthana section of the Charaka Samhita particularly the Madanaphala Kalpa includes formulations for both Vamana and Virechana (therapeutic purgation). Out of 600 formulations in this section, 355 are specifically for Vamana Karma highlighting its significance in Ayurvedic therapy.[8]


Madanaphala in different Vamana Yogas

Table 2: Madanaphala in Vamana Yogas according to different Aacharyas

SNVamana YogaKarma
Charaka Acharya[9]
1.Nine Vamana Yoga of MadanaphalaPraseka, Jwara, Aruchi, Granthi, Udara

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Anusha DP et al. Utility of Madanaphala in Panchakarma Yogas
2.Madanaphala Pippali KshiraAdhoga Rakthapitta, Hrudya Daha
3.Madanaphala Pippali DadhiKaphaja Chardi, Tamaka Swasa, Praseka
4.Madanaphala Pippali SantanikaPitta Praseka, Ura Kanta Hrudya Tanukaphopadigdhe
5.Madanaphala Pippali Sidha NavanithaSupression of Agni by Kapha, Vishushya Deha
6.Madanaphala Pippali Sidha GrthaSupression of Agni by Kapha, Vishushya Deha
7.Madanaphala Ghreya PrayogaSukumara, Utklishta Pitta Kapha
8.Madanaphala Phanitha Prayoga1 Prayoga
9.Madanaphala Churna YogaPitta located in seat of Kapha
10.Madanaphala Varti Yoga6 Yogas
11.Madanaphala Leha Yoga20 Yogas
12.Madanaphala Utkarika and Modaka Yoga20 Yogas
13.Shashkuli and Apupa Yoga16 Yogas
14.Shadavadi Yoga10 Yogas
Susrutha Acharya[10]
15.Madanaphala Payasa YavaguAdhobaghasruk Pitta
16.Madanaphala Paya Sidha DadhiKapha Praseka, Chardi, Moorcha, Tamaka
17.Aatapa Shushka Madanaphala ChoornaKaphasthanagatha Pitta
18.Madanaphala Majja KashayaSantarpana Kapha Vyadhi Hara
Vagbhata Acharya[11]
19.Phala Pippali ChoornaBalavat Kapha Praseka, Apachi, Arbuda, Granthi, Jwara, Udara, Aruchikara
20.Phala Majja ChoornaKapha Sthanagatha Pitta
21.Phala Majja Sidha KsheeraAdhoga Raktha Pitta, Hrudhaha

Madanaphala for Vasti

Vasti Chikitsa also known as Ardhachikitsa is a special Panchakarma treatment that is mostly used to treat Vatavyadhi. Vasti Dravya's emulsion like consistency has both purifying and restorative properties thus aids in the removal of toxic wastes from body. It is of two varieties, Asthapana and Anuvasana. This treatment efficiently churns and expels morbid materials while nourishing the body as the Oushadha moves through the umbilical, lumbar, chest and pelvic regions.[12]

Madanaphala in different Vasti Yogas

A] Madanaphala as Kalka Dravya

Table 3: Madanaphala as Kalka Dravya in various Vasti Yogas according to different Aacharyas

SNVasti YogaKarma
Susrutha Acharya[13]
1.Guduchyadi Nirooha VastiVayasthapana, Vardhana of Tejo, Varna, Bala, Utsaha, Veerya, Agni and Prana, Sarva Marutha Rogaghnam
2.Utkleshana VastiAggravates Doshas
3.DoshaharaSodhana
4.Bhadranimbadi Nirooha VastiKamala, Pandu, Lrameha, Kapha Roga, Galaganda, Glani, Slipada, Udara
5.Vrshadi Nirooha VastiGrdhrasi, Sarkarashteela, Gulma
6.Rasnadi Niruha VastiGulma, Asrgdhara, Visarpa, Moothrakrichra, Kshata Kshaya, Vishama Jwara, Arsas, Grahani, Vatakundali, Janu Jangha Shiro Basti Graha, Udavartha, Vatasrk, Satkarashteela, Kukshi Shoola, Udara, Aruchi, Kaphonmada, Prameha, Adhmana, Hrdgraha
7.Yuktharatha VastiMalagraha, Unmada
Charaka Aacharya[14]
8.Ajamamsa Rasa PrayogaBrmhanam
9.Patoladi Niruha VastiPitta Rakthahara, Kushta
10.Koshatakadi Niruha VastiKapharoga, Mandagni, Asanadwesha
11.Yashtyahwadi Niruha VastiVaiswarya, Visarpa
12.Panchamooladi Niruha VastiKaphaja Roga, Pandu, Alasaka, Ama Dosha, Marutha Muthra Sangha, Basti Atopa
13.Rasnadi Niruha VastiKrimi Roga, Kushta, Meha, Bradhna, Udara, Ajeerna, Kapha Roga
14.Punarnavadi Niruha VastiAll diseases caused by Samsarga

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Yapana Vasti[14]
15.Brihatyadi Yapana VastiLalitha Sukumara, Ksheena, Stri vihara, Kshaya, Sthavira, Chira Arsha
16.Prathama Baladi Yapana VastiKasa, Jwara, Gulma, Pleeha, Arditha, Bala Vardhaka
17.Dwithiya Baladi Yapana VastiShukra Moothra Varcha Sanga, Gulma, Hrdroga, Adhmana, Bradhna, Parswa, Prishta, Katigraha, Samjna Nasha, Bala Kshaya
18.Laghupanchamooladi Yapana VastiKarshitha
19.Tritiya Baladi Yapana VastiDurbala, Ksheena Shukra
20.Chathurtha Baladi Yapana VastiJwara
21.Tittiradhya Yapana VastiBala, Varna, Shukra Rasayana
22.Dwi Panchamooladi Yapana VastiSleshma Vyadhi, Basti Atopa, Vata Shukra Sanga, Pandu, Ajeerna, Vishuchika, Alasaka
23.Mayuradhya Yapana VastiBala, Varna
24.Godhadya Yapana VastiBalya, Rasayana, Kshatha Ksheena, Vata Balasaka, Udavartha, Varcha Muthra Shukra Sanga
Vagbhata Acharya[15]
25.Dwipanchamoola Vasti 4/4Sarvanilavyadhi Hara
26.Bala Guluchyadi VastiSarvaroga Haram, Jeevana, Brmhana
27.Koshathaka Niruha VastiKapha Hara, Mandagni, Asanadwesa
28.Erandamuladi Yapana VastiDoshahara
29.Mayooram VastiBalya, Shukra Vardhaka
30.Godaya VastiVrsya

B] Madanaphala as Kashaya Dravya

Table 4: Madanaphala as Kashaya Dravya in various Vasti Yogas according to different Aacharyas

SNVasti YogaKarma
Charaka Aacharya[14]
1.Erandamooladi VastiDeepaniya, Lekhaneeya, Jangha uru pada trika prishta Soola, Kaphavruthi,
2.Dwipanchamooladi Vasti
3.Punarnavadi Niruha VastiAll disease caused by samsarga
4.Kriminashaka Shat Prasrithika VastiKriminashana
5.Baladi Niruha VastiBalya, varnya
6.Dwipanchamooladi Yapana Vasti
7.Baladi Yapana VastiBastyatopa, Vata shukra sanga, Pandu, Ajeerna, Vishoochika, Alasaka
8.Ustady AyapanaRajayakshma, Arsas, Pandu, Gulma, Vataraktha
Aacharya Susrutha[13]
9.Mustadi Yapana VastiVatasrk, Meha, Sopha, Arsha, Gulma, Mutravibandha, Visarpa, Jwara, Vit Bandha, Rakthapitta, Balya, Vrsya, Chakshushya, Soolanashana.
Aacharya Vagbhata[15]
10.Bala Guduchyadi VastiSarvaroga Haram, Jeevanam, Brmhanam
11.Erandamooladi VastiLekhana, Deepana, Jangha Uru Pada Trika Prshta Koshta Hrd Guhya Soola, Vibandha, Gulma, Grahani, Kaphavata Hara
12.Dwipanchamoola VastiKaphavyadhi, Pandu, Vishoochika, Shukra Anila Vibandha, Basti Atopa
13.Musta Patadi VastiMamsa Agni Bala, Shukra Vardhana, Vatasrk, Moha, Meha, Arsa, Vishama Jwara, Visarpa, Vardhma, Adhmana, Pravahika, Shiroruja, Asrgdhara, Sopha, Kasa, Chakshushya
14.Kapha Hara Basti KalpaKapha Hara, Vardhma, Udavartha, Gulma, Arsa, Pleeha, Meha, Aanaha, Asmari

Discussion

Madanaphala has been elaborately described in the classical Ayurvedic texts for its therapeutic applications on various disease. Madanaphala has several properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, immune modulatory, free radical scavenging.

Detailed guidelines are provided in the classics for its collection and preservation as improper administration may result in Pratiloma Pravritti (adverse effect).

Madanaphala exhibits five unique properties such as Ushna (hot), Laghu (lightness), Sukshma (subtle), Vyavayi (quickly spread) and Vikasi (disintegrating) which collectively contribute to its therapeutic action.[16]


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Ushna Guna's Agneya nature facilitates Vishyandana (liquefaction of morbid doshas) thus facilitating mobilization of Doshas towards Koshta, enabling their effective expulsion from body. Laghu Guna derived from dominance of Vayu & Agni Mahabhutas, imparts lightness to body & enhances Jataragni (digestive fire). These actions collectively aid in reduction of Kapha Dosha. Sukshma Guna enables Madanaphala to penetrate deep into micro- channels due to its Anupravana Bhava (special property to enter into micro-channels), helping to dilate & clear obstructed Srotas thereby mobilizing morbid matter toward Koshta for elimination. Vyavayi Guna allows drug to spread rapidly throughout body & initiate its action even before digestion without undergoing structural changes. Vikasi Guna induces Shaithaliya (loosening) of accumulated Doshas, facilitating their movement into Koshta for easy expulsion. Additionally, Lekhana Guna contributes to cleansing of body channels through its Vichhedana (disintegrating) action, helping to scrape out excess mucous & adhesion. Further dominance of Agni (fire) & Vayu (air) Mahabhuta in medicine facilitates its upward movement within body thus facilitating Vamana.[17]

In Vamana Karma, the mucosal layer of the stomach being the most superficial is the first to interact with administered Madanaphala. Once the stomach is purified its tissues receive better nourishment, enhancing the absorption of micronutrients which then enter the circulation and reach target organs.[18] Similarly the active principles of Vasti Dravya are absorbed through the intestinal and rectal mucosa gaining access to systemic circulation. Modern pharmacokinetic studies support this, indicating that rectal drug administation often results in higher systemic availability than oral routes due to the partial bypass of hepatic first- pass metabolism.[19]

Conclusion

Madanaphala (Randia dumetorum) owing to its multifaceted pharmacologic & Doshic actions holds a distinguished place in traditional Ayurvedic pharmacopeia as a potent & dependant agent in execution of Panchakarma therapies especially in Vamana & Vasti Yogas. Its identification as Agrya Dravya for Vamana & its recurrent mention across Brihatrayee & Laghutrayee classics underscore its therapeutic potency.

The drug's inherent properties Ushna, Laghu, Sukshma, Vyavayi and Vikashi collectively facilitate the mobilization, liquefaction and expulsion of vitiated Doshas from the body.

In Vamana Karma, Madanaphala interacts primarily with the gastric mucosa facilitating both therapeutic emesis and improved nutrient absorption after purification. In Vasti Karma, it serves both as Kalka and Kashaya Dravya in multiple formulations documented by Acharya Charaka, Susrutha and Vagbhata. This review highlights its therapeutic potential in various disorders requiring detoxification when used judiciously. Further exploration of its use in varied formulations and disease conditions along with scientific validation is essential. Further research on its pharmacodynamics and mode of action is essential to substantiate and expand its clinical utility.

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