Overview
Malkangani is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for anxiety. Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), known as Malkangani, is a renowned Medhya (intellect-promoting) drug. It is a large woody climber found in forests across India. The seed oil is the main medicinal part and is used both internally and applied to the head for improving memory, intellect, and cognition. The name Jyotishmati means 'luminous' or 'brightening', referring to its ability to brighten the intellect. It is an important herb in Ayurvedic neuropsychiatry.
How Malkangani Helps with Anxiety
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Malkangani has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing anxiety:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Katu, Tikta
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu, Tikshna, Snigdha
Other Herbs for Anxiety
See all herbs for anxiety on the Anxiety page.
▶ Classical Text References (4 sources)
- Unmada (psychiatric disorders)
- Vata Vyadhi (neurological disorders)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
- Buddhi Daurbalya (impaired intellect)
- Smriti Nashta (memory loss)
- Vataroga (neurological disorders)
- Unmada (insanity)
- Apasmar (epilepsy)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
If there is obstruction to the nose, eyes (vision), ears, tongue and throat, then the patient should be given nasya (inhalation therapy) with the help of the paste of vartaku (Solanum melongena), bijapura (Citrus medica), jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), etc.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
The drugs for downward purification (purgation/virechana) are: vivrita, shyama, danti, dravanti, saptala, shahlini, vishanika, gavachi, chagalantri, snuha, suvarna, chiri, chitraka, kinihi, kushakashi, tvaka, kampillaka, ramyaka, patala, puga, haritaki, amalaki, bibhitaka, nilini, chaturangula, eranda (castor), putika, mahavriksha, saptachhada, and jyotishmati.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 39: Shodhanasanshmaniya Adhyaya - On Purification and Pacification
The drugs for nasal purification (shirovirechana) include: pippali, vidanga, apamarga, shigru (drumstick), siddhartha, shirisha, maricha (pepper), karavira, bimbi, girikarnika, kinihi, vacha, jyotishmati, karanja, karlaka, lashuna (garlic), ativisha, shringavera (ginger), talisha, tamala, surasa (basil), arjaka, ingudi, mesha-shringi, matulingi, murunji, pilu, jati, shala, tala, madhuka, lacha, hingu (asafoetida), salts, wine, cow dung juice, and urine.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 39: Shodhanasanshmaniya Adhyaya - On Purification and Pacification
Drugs for Downward Purification and Pacification Groups (Verses 4-9) The drugs for downward purification (purgation/virechana) are: vivrita, shyama, danti, dravanti, saptala, shahlini, vishanika, gavachi, chagalantri, snuha, suvarna, chiri, chitraka, kinihi, kushakashi, tvaka, kampillaka, ramyaka, patala, puga, haritaki, amalaki, bibhitaka, nilini, chaturangula, eranda (castor), putika, mahavriksha, saptachhada, and jyotishmati.
— Sushruta Samhita, Shodhanasanshmaniya Adhyaya - On Purification and Pacification
Comprehensive Drug Group Summary and Vata-Pitta-Kapha Groups (Verses 6-9) The drugs for nasal purification (shirovirechana) include: pippali, vidanga, apamarga, shigru (drumstick), siddhartha, shirisha, maricha (pepper), karavira, bimbi, girikarnika, kinihi, vacha, jyotishmati, karanja, karlaka, lashuna (garlic), ativisha, shringavera (ginger), talisha, tamala, surasa (basil), arjaka, ingudi, mesha-shringi, matulingi, murunji, pilu, jati, shala, tala, madhuka, lacha, hingu (asafoetida), salts, w
— Sushruta Samhita, Shodhanasanshmaniya Adhyaya - On Purification and Pacification
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 39: Shodhanasanshmaniya Adhyaya - On Purification and Pacification; Shodhanasanshmaniya Adhyaya - On Purification and Pacification
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.