Cardio tonic Property of Karveer
Leaves and flowers of Nerium indicum inherits properties like cardio tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti microbial. Leaves and flowers of Thevetia peruviana shows medicinal properties such as anti-bacterial, anti-cancerous, anti-spermatogenetic, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-microbial, cardio tonic etc. Both varieties have almost same ethno-medicinal properties and both have cardio tonic effect too.[10]
Charaka Samhita and Bhavaprakasha Nighantu describes Karveer as Hrudya (Cardiac tonic), Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory), Krimighna (Anthelmintic), Kaphahara (Removes phlegm/Kapha in channels) after Shodhana.[11-12]
While Acharya Sushruta does not directly indicates Karveer as Hrudya but his classification do say that it is Krimighna (antimicrobial/anti-toxic) Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) Lekhana (scraping effect - clears blocked channels).[13]
These actions indirectly support heart, especially in diseases involving Kapha accumulation, fluid retention (edema), and toxin-induced circulatory issues. In Uttara Tantra, Sushruta discusses Shotha Chikitsa which often occurs due to cardiac diseases. Karveer, being Kapha-Vatahara and Deepana, is likely used in compound formulations to improve circulation, reduce fluid retention, and thus relieve cardiac load.[14]
As per Acharya Priyavrat Sharma, Nerium indicum/ Thevetia peruviana have the same effects as that of digitalis on heart. Because of this reason it is cardio tonic/ cardio stimulant in very minimum amount. Indications of Karveer in case of heart failure are cardiac asthma, inflammation, severe weakness. As Karveer is a poisonous plant, it is fatal to heart if given in higher doses. The usual dose for the same is 2-3mg in powder form.[15]
Cardiac Glycosides Mechanism:[16]
- Inhibit Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase enzyme in cardiac muscle cells.
- Increases intracellular calcium, enhancing myocardial contractility (positive inotropic effect).
- This makes them useful in congestive heart failure and arrhythmias - though therapeutic index is narrow.
Ayurvedic Applications in Cardiac Disorders
Table 1:
| Ayurvedic Diagnosis | Modern Correlation | Role of Karveer |
|---|
| Hridroga (Heart disease) | Congestive heart failure | Enhances cardiac contractility (via glycosides) |
| Shotha (Edema) | Cardiac edema or dropsy | Diuretic, removes fluid accumulation |
| Swasa/Kasa (Breath disorders) | CHF-related dyspnea | Clears congestion, supports cardiac output |
| Krimi (Parasites/toxins) | Toxin-related inflammation | Detoxifying action on blood and tissue |
Clinical Evidence for use of Karveer as Cardio tonic
- Adome et al. (2003) examined cardiostimulat-ory eff. of crude ethanolic oleander leaf extract on isolated guinea-pig hearts. They observed dose-dependent increases in force of contrac-tion, heart rate & cardiac output which is of same as of digoxin. Pig-heart model in which heartbeat was increased from 28 to 41beat/min, Blood flow increased from 0.4 to 1.9l/min and contraction amplitude from 22 to 49mm.[17]
- Early pharmacological studies from the 1970s says that the Tincture of Karveer have potent cardio tonic effects and relief of cor pulmonale symptoms, aligning with Ayurvedic.[18]
- Aclinical study on congestive heart failure patients using Karveer tincture observed improvements in respiratory symptoms and cardiac regulation, although detailed outcomes were not always published.
These provide rigorous preclinical evidence for positive inotropic effects, supporting traditional use.
Classical Formulation Used in Heart Diseases
- Karveeradi Vati - used for cardiac conditions and Kapha disorders.[19]
- Karviradi Kashayam - Used in chronic cough, edema, and cardiac weakness.[20]
- Nimba Karviradi Taila - External application for skin and vascular conditions, but indirectly supports circulation.[21]
Discussion
Present review integrates classical Āyurvedic descr-iptions with modern experimental & clinical data to evaluate cardio tonic potential of 2 principal Karveer species - Nerium indicum & Thevetia peruviana.
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