NILI–AN INDIGO PLANT HIGHLY ENRICHED WITH AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES

Abstract

Ayurvedic literature elucidates the plant NILI (Indigofera tinctoria Linn.) belonging to family Fabaceae (Papilionaceae) in different Classical texts for its vast utilization in various ailments. As the name suggest, layman only knows the usage of Nili as a hair colouring dye, but its usage is not limited till colouring agent. So, in this current article, an attempt has been made to assemble all the critical details related to therapeutic uses of Nili from three samhitas, seven nighantus and other published texts. It is observed that roots, leaves, fruits, seeds, panchanga of Nili are used as an ingredient in 44 formulations and they are fruitful in more than 15 diseased conditions. The chief indications include Keshavikara (Hair related disorders), Khalitya (Alopecia), Palitya (Graying of Hairs), Tvagvikara (Skin Disorders), Kustha (Disease of Skin), Dadru (Taeniasis), Vrana (Ulcer), Visarpa (Erysipelas), Amavata (Rheumatism), Sandhivata (Osteoarthritis), Netraroga (Disease of Eye), Ashmari (Calculus), Mutrakrcchra (Dysuria), Kasa (Cough), Swasa (Asthma), Visamajvara (Intermittent Fever), Krimiroga (Worm infestation) etc. Various parts of Nili are used in approximate 11 dosage forms such as Churna (Powder), Vati (Pills), Svarasa (Juice), Lepa (Paste), Varti (Suppository), Avaleha (Semi-solid preparations), Taila (Oil), Rasa (Mineral preparation), Ghrita (Fat soluble preparations), Guggulu (Medium sized round pills made from exudates of Commiphora mukul (Stocks) Hook.) and Modaka (Big sized Pills) mainly. Hence, this critical review will help the researchers to gain detailed knowledge about the plant Nili at one place itself.