Malkangni (Jyotishmati): benefits and side effects

Malkangni is popular for it’s benefits to the brain and nervous system. A decoction made from malkangni seeds is traditionally used for treating headaches and even depression. A powder made from Malkangni seeds, when taken with water, is traditionally used to manage nervous disorders. Some more ways in which malkangni benefits the nervous system are:

Nootropic: Animal studies suggest that the aqueous extract of malkangni seeds improves memory by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that otherwise breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Similar results were obtained in another preclinical study wherein the whole malkangni plant was used.

In a 2015 study, experts found that malkangni seed oil, when used along with ghee, may help manage dementia.

Improving cognition: In Ayurvedic medicine, malkangni seeds and seed oil are used to improve intellectual functioning and memory. An older study suggests that supplementation of malkangni may improve IQ levels in children.  

An older study conducted in the US indicated that long-term administration of malkangni can improve spatial memory and cognitive functions. 

According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology, administration of malkangni reduces stress-induced cognitive impairment in mice.  

Anti-depressant: A study done in India, suggests that C. paniculatus seed oil has antidepressant effects in mice with unpredictable chronic mild stress. 

Another study conducted in Kaithal, India, had similar results in unstressed mice with regular administration of C. paniculatus seed oil. The researchers proposed that the herb may be increasing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. Reduction in dopamine and serotonin levels is associated with depression. Additionally, malkangni reduces the activity of monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A), preventing the metabolism of dopamine and serotonin, further adding to the antidepressant activity.  Antidepressant drugs normally increase the levels of these compounds. 

Tranquillizing/sedative and anticonvulsant effects: Studies done on mice, cats, monkeys and rats suggest that malkangni plants have a tranquillizing effect. Experts indicate that intraperitoneal or intramuscular administration of the herb’s seed oil can induce sedation in rats.

An in-vivo (conducted on animals) study found that malkangni has potent anticonvulsant activity.

Additionally, the herb has also been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety.

Anti-Alzheimer’s: According to a study published in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, C. paniculatus seed extract may help manage Alzheimer’s due to its antioxidant effects. Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals (singlet oxygen for example) in the body, which otherwise deteriorate organ function. Free radicals are naturally produced in the body due to various metabolic processes. However, increased stress and lifestyle factors may lead to excessive free radical production and accumulation, leading to a condition called oxidative stress. Experts suggest that increased oxidative stress may have some role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s.

Several studies indicate the antimicrobial effects of malkangni plants against both bacteria and fungi. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, hydroalcoholic extract of malkangni plant is effective in suppressing the growth of bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa (causes post-surgical infections in the lungs and blood) and Staphylococcus aureus (causes soft tissue and skin infections). It was also found to be effective against the fungus Aspergillus (causes aspergillosis, a respiratory system infection). 

In another study, the seed extract of malkangni plants was found to be effective against the bacteria E. coli (causes diarrhoea and dysentery) and Bacillus subtilis (causes pneumonia and septicemia).

C. paniculatus extract has also been found to be effective in suppressing the growth of the pneumonia-causing bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae. 

However, no clinical studies have been done so far to assess the effectiveness of this herb in cases of bacterial infections or fungal infections.

Malkangni is traditionally used for the treatment of skin infections. Herbal therapists use C. paniculatus seed oil for hair growth and making the hair shine. Malkangni paste, when mixed with warm mustard oil, is said to be good for the scalp. 

There isn’t much scientific research when it comes to the benefits of malkangni on skin and hair. 

However, a triterpene (an active compound) obtained from the leaves of malkangni plant was found to have significant wound healing properties. 

In another study, a 5% gel made from C. paniculatus seed oil showed excellent wound healing by improving collagen fibres, fibroblasts and blood cells. However, the effect was not as strong as standard drugs. 

Due to the absence of clinical trials regarding the safety and efficacy of the herb in humans, it is best that you consult an ayurvedic practitioner before using malkangni in any form on your skin and hair.

 Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are some more benefits of malkangni:

• The powdered root bark of this plant is given for the treatment of malaria. An older study indicated that the root bark and stem extracts of C. paniculatus possess anti-malarial properties. The effects were stronger with root bark compared to the stem. However, the triterpene extracted from the root bark was found to be less effective than the traditional antimalarial drugs.
• As per a study done in India, C. paniculatus seed extract may help reduce blood cholesterol levels. 
• A study conducted in Andhra Pradesh, India, found that C. paniculatus seed extract stimulates both the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. These are the two arms of the adaptive immune system (the one you acquire after you are exposed to infectious agents). Increase in antibodies, white blood cells and red blood cells was seen on the administration of the herb to rats. The herb also showed a reduction in oxidative stress in these animal models.
• Malkangni is used for the management of bleeding piles in Himalayan medicine.
• Malkangni roots are crushed to be used for the treatment of pneumonia in some folk medicine systems. Powdered root of malkangni is used for the management of cancer in Uttar Pradesh.
• Old literature form Himachal Pradesh mentions malkangni plant as a carminative (reduces flatulence) and cardiotonic.
• C. paniculatus is used for relieving constipation, anorexia and cough in traditional Indian medicine. It is also known as an aphrodisiac and emetic.
• Three drops of malkangni oil mixed with egg yolk is said to be effective against acidity and stomach gas.
• The root of the malkangni plant is used to reduce menstrual pain. 
• Malkangni root, mixed with long pepper and made into a paste, is taken twice a day for the treatment of leucorrhea and spermatorrhea.
• Root bark, when given along with cow’s milk, is said to be effective against leucorrhea.
• In Ayurveda, malkangni is given as an antidote to opioid addiction. It is helpful in relieving opioid withdrawal symptoms including muscle pain, anxiety and watery nose. The herb is usually given along with another medicine called Vishtinduk vati and taken along with milk and cow’s ghee.

Arthritis is a term used to denote a group of inflammatory conditions of the joints characterised by joint pain and stiffness. The condition is not completely curable and thus requires long-term management. 

Malkangni seed oil is used by some tribes in India for treating rheumatic pain in the joints. The plant is also traditionally used for managing gout, which is another type of arthritis.

Now, animal studies suggest that C. paniculatus seeds can promote anti-arthritic activity. As per a study done in mice, malkangni reduces cytokine overproduction and hence inflammation, providing relief from arthritis symptoms. 

Methanolic extracts of malkangni flowers have also shown antinociceptive (suppresses the perception of pain) and anti-inflammatory effect in animal models. The study suggested that the anti-inflammatory effects of malkangni plants may be due to a reduction in prostaglandin and IL-1 beta levels in the body, two compounds involved in the inflammatory reaction of the body.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Pharma Tech Research, malkangni extracts have significant anti-inflammatory effects when compared to the drug diclofenac sodium, which is commonly prescribed to relieve inflammation and pain.