Agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis / Premna integrifolia)

Common Names: Agnimantha, Arni, Vaijayanta
Sanskrit Synonyms: Agnimantha, Arani, Tapasvini, Śvetā, Jaya, Vaijayantī
Tamil Name: விலாமிச்சம் (Vilvamicham)
Family: Verbenaceae
Part Used: Moola (Root), Patra (Leaves), Bark

Ayurvedic Pharmacology (Dravya Guṇa)

• Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter), Kaṣāya (Astringent)

• Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Rūkṣa (Dry)

• Virya (Potency): Uṣṇa (Heating)

• Vipāka (Post-digestive effect): Kaṭu (Pungent)

• Karma (Actions):
  Vātahara (Pacifies Vāta), Śothahara (Anti-inflammatory), Jvaraghna (Antipyretic), Dīpana (Digestive stimulant), Pācana (Metabolic enhancer), Āmapācaka (Removes toxins), Raktashodhaka (Blood purifier), Śūla-prashamana (Analgesic), Vranaropaka (Wound healer), Rasāyana (Rejuvenative), Medohara (Reduces fat), Srotoshodhaka (Channel purifier)

Doshic Action

Pacifies Vāta and Kapha doṣas, slightly increases Pitta.
Acts on Annavaha (digestive), Raktavaha (circulatory), and Śleṣmavaha srotas (lymphatic system).

Therapeutic Indications

Agnimantha is one of the Daśamūla herbs (group of ten roots), forming the Bṛhat Pañcamūla group that supports musculoskeletal health, digestion, and systemic detoxification.
It is a classical Agnidīpaka (digestive fire enhancer) and Śothahara (anti-inflammatory) herb used in various chronic conditions.

It is beneficial in:

• Jvara (Fever, chronic inflammatory fever)

• Āmavāta (Rheumatism, joint pain with toxins)

• Vātavyādhi (Neuralgia, arthritis, paralysis)

• Śotha (Inflammation, swelling)

• Gulma (Abdominal tumors, gas accumulation)

• Arśas (Hemorrhoids)

• Prameha (Diabetes, metabolic imbalance)

• Kustha (Skin disorders, eczema, psoriasis)

• Mutrakṛcchra (Urinary obstruction)

• Kāsā–Śvāsa (Cough, asthma, chest congestion)

Externally, its decoction or paste is used for swelling, wound cleaning, and arthritic pain.

Pharmacological Insights

Agnimantha roots and bark contain flavonoids, sterols, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids which contribute to anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, analgesic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial actions.
Scientific studies support its traditional use in arthritis, inflammation, fever, and digestive disorders, confirming its Śothahara and Agnidīpaka roles.

Formulations & Classical Preparations

• Daśamūlāriṣṭa / Daśamūla Kaṣāya – For inflammatory and rheumatic conditions

• Agnimanthādi Kaṣāya – For arthritis, digestive weakness, and fever

• Agnimanthādi Taila – For massage in Vāta disorders and joint pain

• Daśamūla Ghṛta – For chronic fever and debility

• Agnimanthādi Kvātha Chūrṇa – For metabolic detox and inflammation

• Amṛtottara Kaṣāya – For fever and liver health

Anupāna & Dose

• Decoction (Kvātha): 30–50 ml twice daily before food

• Powder (Cūrṇa): 3–6 g twice daily with warm water

• Taila (External use): As required for joint pain or swelling
  (Avoid in high Pitta conditions such as hyperacidity and bleeding disorders.)

Special Notes

• Agnimantha means “that which ignites Agni (digestive and transformative fire).”

• A primary component of Daśamūla, valued for balancing Vāta–Kapha disorders.

• Useful in rheumatic and inflammatory diseases, supporting mobility and strength.

• Enhances Agni (digestive power) and cleanses channels (Srotoshodhana).

• An ideal herb for detoxification and post-illness rejuvenation.

Classical References

• Charaka Samhitā – Sutra Sthāna (Daśamūla & Śothahara Mahākāśaya)

• Sushruta Samhitā – Sutra Sthāna 38 (Vanaushadhi Adhyāya)

• Astāṅga Hridaya – Chikitsa Sthāna (Jvara & Vātavyādhi Chikitsa)

• Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu – Haritakyādi Varga

• Kaiyadeva Nighaṇṭu – Oshadhi Varga