Overview
Malkangani is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for joint pain & arthritis. 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 Joint Pain & Arthritis
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Malkangani has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing joint pain & arthritis:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Katu, Tikta
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu, Tikshna, Snigdha
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Katu, Tikta
- Quality (Guna)
- Laghu, Tikshna, Snigdha
- Potency (Virya)
- Ushna
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- 5% (Celastrol, fatty oils (50%), resin)
- Also Known As
- Sanskrit: ज्योतिष्मती, कटभी, कंगुनी
Hindi: मालकांगनी, मालकंगुनी
What the Classical Texts Say
- 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
Other Herbs for Joint Pain & Arthritis
See all herbs for joint pain & arthritis on the Joint Pain & Arthritis page.
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.