Introduction:

Atibala, the Indian mallow (Abutilon indicum) is a common weed found at roadside, abundant places and in the forests along with bushes but as its name Atibala which means very powerful, is in fact a powerful medicinal plant identified by Ayurveda and traditional medical systems all over world. It grows in each and every part of Bharat and neighboring countries as weeds but almost all the parts of this plant have medicinal values for healthy life and many health issues. This plant has not only the medicinal values but also being used as ornamental plant in rural areas of tribal belts in Deccan plateau. Though Atibala is a neglected roadside weed but very attractive for few nature lovers due to its golden yellow blooms and beautiful fruits enclosing seeds that are reniform and tuberculate with hairy exterior. It is an erect perennial plant about 3-4 feet high, with long tap root having smooth outer surface. Its stems are long and cylindrical, leaves are simple, stipulate and arranged alternately on the stem. Flowers are golden-yellow and bisexual in nature. Flowers are usually followed by circular capsules, densely pubescent with radiating carpel forming conspicuous and horizontally spreading beaks. Fruits are green when young but turns gradually grey and black after maturity. Each fruit contains twenty to thirty seeds inside it.

Common Names:

Atibala is known by many different names in different parts of our country as Kanghi and Kakaiya in Hindi, Badela in Bengali, Pedipidika in Oriya, Kansaki and Khapat in Gujrati, Jayabandha and Jayapateri in Assamese, Kangi and Kangibooti in Punjabi, Kashmiri, Kath, Shrimudrigida and Mudragida in Kannada, Uram, Urubam, Vankuruntott, Oorpam, Tutti and Katuban in Malayalam, Thuthi and Tutti in Tamil, Tutturubhenda in Telgu and Chakrabhendi, Petari and Mudra in Marathi. Atibala has many English names also as Indian mallow, Velvetleaf, Chinese bellflower, Country mallow, Abutilon, Indian abutilon, Indian lantern plant Monkey bush, Moon flower and Twelve O’clock flower. Ornamental varieties of Atibala are also called by the names Room maple, Parlor maple and Flowering maple.

Vital Importance:

Ayurveda identified the importance of Atibala as ‘balya’ which means powerhouse for healthy life of human being and named it Atibala. It has potential to increase strength, vigor and vitality. It is helpful in facial paralysis, sustainable youth shine of face, wrinkle free skin and attractive look of face. Atibala pacifies Vata and Pitta, hence used as medical supplements in various diseases and conditions including joint disorders. It is one of the best immunity boosters, rejuvenating tonic and a boon of nature for healthy life.

Properties:

According to Ayurveda, Atibala has many vital properties as immune-modulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, anti-malarial, anti-diarrheal, and wound healing properties. Having these properties Atibala has become a useful medicinal plant in various streams of medical practices like Ayurveda, Siddha, Yunani and traditional medications. Almost all parts roots, stem, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds of this plant are being used for the treatment of various health issues and many medicines are prepared using different parts of the plant.

Uses:

Though all the parts of Atibala are used as medicinal supplements but especially its flowers and leaves are mostly suggested as medicines for many health issues. Its flower contains mucus like substance that protects and soothes the throat and mouth. Traditional Vaidyas suggest chewing flowers and leaves to cure constipation, mouth and throat irritation, dry cough and many other conditions. Various parts of Atibala plant are used in traditional medication and in the preparations of medicines suggested by Ayurveda, Siddha, Yunani and other ancient branches of medicine. Here are some traditional medicinal uses of Atibala plants and its parts which are in practice in sub-urban and rural parts of our country.

*Extracts of water-soaked dried seeds of Atibala are used as purgative to get rid of unwanted wastes deposited in human body.

*The leaves of this plant are suggested to chew and swallow as very first diet in the morning; it is used as tonic for weak and sick body.

*Decoction of Atibala roots are suggested to get rid of fever especially influenza and seasonal fever.

*Fresh flowers are suggested to chew for men suffering from deficiency of semen production; it increases semen production and increases reproductive strength.

*Dries bark powder mixed with coconut oil is suggested to apply on wounds; it helps in quick healing of wounds.

*Brushing regularly with Atibala roots cures various problems of tooth and gums, gargling with decoction of roots and leaves of Atibala once or twice a day helps to get rid of toothache.

Benefits:

Ayurveda, Siddha, Yunani and other ancient medicinal streams have their finding about the researches on Atibala and hence this medicinal plant has been found beneficial on various health issues like:

*Malnutrition: Malnutrition can be correlated to Karshya disease in which a person’s body becomes emaciated, lean and thin. It happens due to lack of nutrients and defective digestive system. Regular use of Atibala flowers, leaves and seeds helps to fight against malnutrition and rejuvenates the body. This medication corrects defective digestive system and restores proper appetite.

*Liver Anomalies: Atibala inherently possesses potent anti-biliary and hepatostimulative properties, which makes it a magical remedy of conditions like jaundice, in which liver gets badly infected. Regular intake of plant extracts of Atibala supports the liver by regulating the secretion of bile juice to tone down the functions of liver to a normal level. It also cleanses and detoxifies the liver to enhance the liver functioning.

*Ulcers: The anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties of Atibala play a vital role in treating different types of ulcers like ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer, canker sores or mouth ulcers etc. The bioactive constituents in Atibala help in mending mouth ulcers and gastric ulcers. Owing to its Shita and Ropan properties, Atibala also helps speed up the healing process in the inflamed mucosal layer and retrieve the original texture of inflamed portion of the ulcer infected area.

*Urinary Tract Infections: Mutrakcchra is a disease described in Ayurveda which is caused by urinary tract infections in which a suffering person has to face painful urine discharge. Sometimes burning sensation during the urine discharge makes the infected person restless because the patient feels the need of urination frequently but at every discharge the person has to suffer lots of pain and burning sensation. Atibala leaves and flowers help to control urinary tract infections and relieve the infected person from painful discharge of urine. Regular intake of this herb can give permanent solution to the problem. It regulates the urine flow and reduces the symptoms of urinary tract infections during one or two days.

*Osteoarthritis: Aggravation of Vata and Pitta Doshas causes Sandhivata which is called osteoarthritis in modern medical science. Swelling and severe pain in joints and painful mobility of joints of knees, wrists, waist and ankles, are the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Atibala root powder is very useful in managing joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. The Vata balancing properties in Atibala gives relief in swelling and joint pain and regular use of this herb can give permanent relief from osteoarthritis.

*Wound Healing: Anti-inflammatory properties of Atibala helps in reducing swelling of wounds, anti-analgesic properties of this herb reduces pain due to wounds and its Ropan (Healing) properties help in quick healing of wounds. Paste of Atibala powder and coconut oil is suggested to apply on and around the wounds to heal wounds, to reduce inflammation and to bring back the original texture of the skin affected by the wounds.

*Wrinkles: A big problem for beautiful faces is wrinkles due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. Ayurveda findings say that the problem of wrinkles arises due to an aggravated Vata. Snigdha (oily) nature of Atibala helps to restores the moisture content of the skin to solve the problems of dry skin. Applying the paste of Atibala and honey over the face gives glowing skin.

*Toothache: According to Ayurveda mouth acts as the seat of Kapha Doshas and an imbalance in Kapha Doshas might lead to several dental problems resulting toothache. Atibala helps to reduce dental problems by balancing Kapha Doshas. Brushing teeth by the fresh roots of Atibala and gargling with decoction of Atibala leaves give immediate relief from toothache.

*Male Sexual Dysfunction: Loss of libido, low erection time, early discharge of semen during sexual activity, less inclination, premature ejaculation and weak physical conditions come under sexual dysfunction. Vrushya property of Atibala helps managing sexual dysfunction by increasing the quality and quantity of semen production in male reproductive system. Dried root powder and matured seeds of Atibala have proved the significance of balya property of this herb making itself a good remedy for sexual dysfunction in males.

Side Effects and Precautions:

Atibala has been used as a traditional herb for thousands of years but yet no side effect of this magical herb has been recorded so far. A proverb says excess of everything is bad, excess intake of this herbal medicine may cause some complications but if taken in proper quantity and in proper dosage, there is no side effect of this herb. There is no reliable information on the effects of Atibala during pregnancy and lactation period but pregnant women and breast feeding mothers should take care before self medication, they are suggested to consult registered medical practitioners before using this herb.

Conclusion:

Though Atibala has recognition as a roadside weed in Botany and medicinal herb in Ayurveda, but the biggest truth is that this herb is blessed with a quarry of health benefits. Thanks to the goodness of the essential bio-active ingredients and host of therapeutic properties, it is widely used for remedying malnutrition, treating flu and feverish conditions, relieving liver problems, managing respiratory diseases, preventing viral infections, curing kidney problems, promoting digestion, augmenting skin health and many more health issues.

FAQs:

Q1. Apart from medicinal use, is there any other use of Atibala plants?

The fibers obtained from Atibala plants are used for making ropes, cordage, jute dyes, rugs and tissue papers.

Q2. Which part of Atibala plant is most useful as medicinal importance?

All the parts of the herb Atibala are equally useful as medicinal supplements for the treatment of different health issues.

Q3. Is Atibala an effective treatment for the conditions of rheumatoid arthritis?

Due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties Atibala helps as an effective medicine for all types of arthritis including rheumatic arthritis.

Q4. Is Atibala helpful in diabetes?

Having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties Atibala might be helpful in managing type-2 diabetes.

Q5. How does Atibala help in urolithiasis?

Atibala increases urine production and regulates urine flow to avoid the formation of stones in kidney and urinary tract.

Q6. Is Atibala helpful in the conditions of convulsions?

Yes, Atibala might be good for managing convulsions preventing involuntary contractions of muscles.

Q7. Can Atibala be used in thirst?

Atibala extracts has been used traditionally in quenching thirst.

Q8. Is Atibala good for piles?

Due to laxative property, chewing Atibala seeds and leaves helps to cure constipation and hence very helpful in piles also.