Operculina turpethum (trivrt)

Caraka emphasized Trivrit as the best herbs for ‘Sukha virecana’ (laxative). He described elaborately the different formulation of Trivrit for virecana in one chapter in Kalpa sthana entitled ‘Syama Trivrt Kalpam’. He further explained that it is of two kinds viz., Aruna and Syama. The second variety is considered to relieve even servere constipation.Bhavamisra while quoting two varieties of Nili (Sveta and Syama), explained that both are drastic purgatives but the black variety is inferior variety.

In the market we come across the samples of Marsedenia tenasissima root being sold as Trivrit. This is considered as one of the sources for Mµurva according to Thakurji. It is informed that this root is used as laxative traditionally in Gujarat and other areas (Personel communication, Dr. Madhuka Reddy, Botanist, Hyderabad). Hence being substituted successfully. It needs specific study into the identity of the other variety of Trivrit. But Operculina is known as one of the Trivrit varieties without any controversy.

Different Varieties– Trvrit is of two kinds viz; Syma (blakish) and Sukla or Aruna (whitish or redish).

Botanical Description–

A stout twinner with triangular stem; winged, compressed or nearly round. Leaves– ovate or oblong, base cardate or obtuse. Flower–  in few-flowered cymes; bract oblong, caudous, often pinkish; sepals ovate (much enlarged in fruit), softly pubescent; petals white, tubular-campanulate. Fruit– 4-seeded, globose capsule. Seeds– smooth, black. Flowers and fruits during May-November.

Distribution– Common in waste places and thickets throughout India ascending upto 1000 m.

Major Chemical Constituents– -and -Turpethins, scopoletin, turpethinic acids A, turpethin, scopoletin, coumarin etc.

Part Used– Root bark, leaves.

Dosage– Powder 1-3 g.

Research–

(1) The ethanolic, aqueous and ighantu extracts of roots showed anti-inflammatory activity (Khare et al., 1982).

(2) The 50% ethanolic extract (whole plant excluding roots) shown LD50 of >1000 mg/kg i.p. in mice (Aswal et al., 1984).

(3) The efficacy of Trivrit in the management of constipation is proved through a clinical study (Pandey, 1987).

(4) The cathartic effect of Trivrit is reported in a clinical study (Tripathi, 1989).