THERAPEUTIC AND MEDICINAL USES OF LAVANGA-A REVIEW

Abstract

branches Dravyguna vijnana is one of them. It includes information about herbs which is described in ancient classical text of Ayurveda Among all herbs, Lavanga is a well known Ayurvedic herb. Lavanga are aromatic flower buds of a tree Latin named as Syzygium aromaticum which comes under myrtaceae family. It is known as Lavanga due to its Kapha lysing property. According to Ayurveda lavang has tiktaand katu rasa and sheetvirya. Due tokatu rasa it acts as kaphashamaka andpitta hara, due to sheetaveerya. Therefore, lepa (localapplication of paste) of lavang is applied on forehead in pratishyayjanyashirshoola (sinusitis inducedheadache). It acts as uttejak (aphrodisiac) in dhvajbhang (erectile dysfunction) due to its tikshnaguna. It also acts as krumighna(wormicidal) therefore it is used in dantshool (dental carries). In vyadhis (diseases) like amvaatkatishoolgrudhrasi local application of lavang tail reduces the pain. Due to its tikshnaguna, the salivary secretion increases and also the fibroblastic activity of mucus membrane ceases. Hence it can be used in oro-dental conditions like sub mucus fibrosis as it increases fibroclastic activity of cell.  It posses other properties such as Deepana, Pachana, Ruchya, Chakshushya, Kapha-Pittaghana properties. It is used in Trishna, Chhardi, Aadhmana, Shoola, Kasa, Shwasa, Hikka, Kshaya named diseasesIt manages the cough, pitta, blood disorder, thirst, vomiting, pain, hiccups and abdominal distension. Euginol and Beta Caryophyllene, which constitute 78% and 13% respectively. Both have cytotoxic property towards human fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Clove also has been effective in inhibition of cell proliferation in carcinogenesis.Euginol also helps in inhibition of fungal growth. The leaves of clove containbetulinic acid, which also has cytotoxic property in certain cancers like breast cancer. Clove for a tooth ache has been used by Indians more than decade. Using of the clove powder or oil to beat toothache and tooth-related troubles are generally been used in all Indian families. The clove powder improves the cholesterol ratio, maintains the pH in the GI tract that in turn avoids all kinds of oral infections. Cloves contain eugenol, a chemical compound widely used as an analgesic and local anesthetic, particularly in dentistry. Clove oil provides the greatest benefit for toothaches. Clove oil has natural analgesic, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Clove oil is used in preparation of some toothpastes and Clovacaine solution, which is a local anesthetic used in oral ulceration and inflammation. In this review article, an effort has been made to explore all properties of lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum) and its mode of action