Sahjan

(Drumstick Tree)
Sanskrit: शोभाञ्जन • Botanical: Moringa pterygosperma Gaertn.

Sahjan (Moringa pterygosperma/oleifera), the Drumstick Tree, is extensively described as both a food and medicine. The text states it grows in all regions of India and in all seasons. The drumstick-shaped pods are 10-25 inches long and widely consumed as a vegetable. The root bark, leaves, flowers, pods, and seeds all have medicinal value. Spirochin and Pterygospermin are identified as unique antibiotic compounds. The seed oil (Ben-oil) is non-drying and used in perfumery. The root tastes like horseradish. The tree has powerful anti-bacterial properties - its extracts are effective against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcal, Streptococcal) and Gram-negative organisms. The bark is used in scurvy, and the leaves as a vegetable provide excellent nutrition. The root bark has rubefacient properties and is used for fevers and inflammation. A related species Moringa concanensis is also mentioned.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Allicin (Spirochin, Pterygospermin (antibiotic compound), Ben-oil, Moringine, Nucleic acid)
Also Known As
English: Drumstick Tree, Horse Radish Tree, Moringa
Sanskrit: शोभाञ्जन, शिग्रु, तीक्ष्णगन्ध, अक्षीव, मोचक
Hindi: सहिजन, सुरजना, मुनगा

What is Drumstick Tree / Sahjan (सहिजन / शोभाञ्जन)?

Sahjan (Moringa pterygosperma/oleifera), the Drumstick Tree, is extensively described as both a food and medicine. The text states it grows in all regions of India and in all seasons. The drumstick-shaped pods are 10-25 inches long and widely consumed as a vegetable. The root bark, leaves, flowers, pods, and seeds all have medicinal value. Spirochin and Pterygospermin are identified as unique antibiotic compounds. The seed oil (Ben-oil) is non-drying and used in perfumery. The root tastes like horseradish. The tree has powerful anti-bacterial properties - its extracts are effective against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcal, Streptococcal) and Gram-negative organisms. The bark is used in scurvy, and the leaves as a vegetable provide excellent nutrition. The root bark has rubefacient properties and is used for fevers and inflammation. A related species Moringa concanensis is also mentioned.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Deepana (kindles digestive fire)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
  • Hridya (cardiac tonic)
  • Chakshushya (beneficial for eyes)
  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
  • Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Sahjan by Condition

Explore how Sahjan is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Sahjan for Fertility & Conception
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Sahjan for Inflammation

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.