Euphorbia acaulis (DRAVANTI)

Special Notes – Dravanti is quoted by brhat trayi. Throughout the literature mostly Danti and Dravanti are described together. ‘Citra’ of Bhedan¶ya group is considered as Danti by CakrapŒni. In kalpa sthŒna he described Danti & Dravanti very extensively (C.S.Ka. 12) for virecana yogas. Therefore, ‘Citra & citraka’ of Bhedan¶ya group may be Danti & Dravanti respectively.

The author mentioned in his first edition of Dravyaguna Vijnana Vol.2 that (1) Danti – B. montanum; (2) Dravanti – J. curcus and  (3) Jayapala – C. tiglium are the respective botanical sources. Now it is recognized that Euphorbia acaulis is the correct source for dravanti.

Botanical description (Euphorbia acaulis) – Blackbird has a compact, bushy habit and dark-purple foliage. Once established, this euphorbia is heat and drought resistant.  Remains compact and bushy, forming 18- to 22-inch mounds at maturity.

Part used –  stem, latex

Uses : There are over 2,000 species of Euphorbia in the world, ranging from annual weeds to trees. Most originate in Africa and Madagascar, and a significant percentage of these are succulent. All contain latex and have a unique flower structure.

Native Americans used the plant for many medicinal purposes including treatment of skin infections (applied on the skin) and gonorrhea (internally). Traditionally, Euphorbia species have been used internally as laxatives and externally for rheumatism and skin conditions. However, nearly all the Euphorbias are poisonous and exude an acrid milky fluid when broken.

Euphorbia is stated to possess antitussive, antifungal and antitumor properties. There is mixed evidence showing euphorbia’s effectiveness for chronic bronchitis, eczema, epilepsy and oral inflammation. Small doses tend to be expectorant and diaphoretic. Larger doses produce emesis (vomiting) usually without much pain or spasm, nausea or dizziness. The roots and leaves of euphorbia are a strong laxative. Petty spurge sap has traditionally been used as a wart cure.

The benefit of E. acaulis in the treatement of Dermatitis is also reported (Agrawal DK, Chandra J & Raju TV ; Clinical studies of Euphorbia acaulis, Rox b. in cases of eczema–a preliminary report Indian J Dermatol. 1971 Apr;16(3):57-9).

Chemical constituents – Isolation and structures of ellagic acid derivatives from Euphorbia acaulis (Phytochemistry. Oxford : Pergamon Press. 1988. V. 27 (7) p. 2313-2315).