Unveiling the Healing Potential of Gorakh Mundi (Sphaeranthus Indicus Linn.): A Comprehensive Analysis of its Ayurvedic Significance

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Unveiling the Healing Potential of Gorakh Mundi (Sphaeranthus Indicus Linn.): A Comprehensive
Analysis of its Ayurvedic Significance
Nat Ayurvedic Med
Unveiling the Healing Potential of Gorakh Mundi (Sphaeranthus
Indicus Linn.): A Comprehensive Analysis of its Ayurvedic
Significance
Manisha B1
* and Suresh C2
1
PG Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna, Rishikul Ayurvedic Medical College, India
2
Professor, Department of Dravyaguna, Rishikul Ayurvedic Medical College, India
*Corresponding author: Manisha Bisht, PG Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna, Rishikul
Ayurvedic Medical College Haridwar UAU, Dehradun, India, Tel: 8126215792; Email:
manishabisht57@gmail.com
Mini Review
Volume 8 Issue 3
Received Date: April 12, 2024
Published Date: July 19, 2024
DOI: 10.23880/jonam-16000449
Abstract
In recent times, humans have become prone to multiple chronic diseases due to a faulty lifestyle. These conditions not only
affect people’s physical health but also their mental well-being. Therefore, there is a growing demand for versatile drugs, and
Ayurveda offers excellent options. One such solution lies in the medicinal plant Sphaeranthus indicus Linn., which has been
utilized for centuries. Different parts of this plant, including its leaves, stems, bark, roots, flowers, and seeds, have been used in
traditional medicinetotreat variousailments. Thisisattributedtothediverserange ofphytochemicalspresentinSphaeranthus
indicus, such as eudesmanolides, sesquiterpenoids, and flavone glycosides, which have been found in various parts of the plant.
Additionally, the flowers and entire plant contain essential oils with compounds such as monoterpene hydrocarbons and
oxygenated sesquiterpenes that possess beneficial effects on different bodily systems. This plant has also been used as a folk
remedy for allergic skin diseases. Sphaeranthus indicus Linn.Linn.is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for conditions
such as epilepsy, mental illness, skin diseases, jaundice, joint disorders, and it also possesses rasayana properties. This review
aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the plant’s morphology, ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical constituents and
reported pharmacological activities and therapeutic effect in order to highlight its significant medicinal potential.
Keywords: Sphaeranthus Indicus Linn; Allergic Skin Disease; Rasayana; Sesquiterpenoids
Introduction
Sphaeranthus indicus Linn is a bitter herb that belongs to
the Asteraceae family and is mostly found in Southern India,
particularly in rice fields. It has various medicinal properties
such as being stomachic, stimulant, alterative, pectoral,
demulcent, and externally emollient [1]. The distilled water
made from this herb is recommended by Hakims for treating
bilious affections and dispersing tumors. The roots and seeds
of the herb possess stomachic and anthelmintic properties,
useful for treating worms, indigestion, and cough when
taken with honey. The flower heads are highly valued for
their alterative, depurative, refrigerant, and tonic properties,
especially as blood-purifiers for skin diseases. The root bark,
when ground and mixed with whey, is effective in treating
bleeding piles. The root oil, prepared by steeping it in water
and boiling it in sesame oil, is a potent aphrodisiac when
taken on an empty stomach every morning for 41 days. It
is also helpful in treating glandular swellings in the neck
and jaundice. The dried leaves, when powdered and taken

2
Manisha B and Suresh C. Unveiling the Healing Potential of Gorakh Mundi (Sphaeranthus
Indicus Linn.): A Comprehensive Analysis of its Ayurvedic Significance. Nat Ayurvedic Med
2024, 8(3): 000449.
Copyright© Manisha B and Suresh C.
in doses of 20 grains, are effective in chronic skin diseases,
acting as an antisyphilitic and nervine tonic.
Vernacular Names
Sphaeranthus indicus Linn is known in different names in
different Indian languages as mentioned below:
Sanskrit: Mundi, Śhrāvani, Kadambapuspikā, Alambusha,
Bhukadambika
Bengalese: Murmuriya, Chagul Nadi
Gujarati: Gorakhmundi
Hindi: Mundi
Kannada: Mirnagnee, Atookamanni
Marathi: Mundi, Baras Bondi
Oriya: Buikadam
Punjabi: Gorakhmundi
English: East Indian globe thistle
The plant Sphaeranthus indicus Linn is known as Mundi
because it removes lymphatic growths and other unwanted
growths [2,3]. It is an annual spreading herb (Bhikshu)it
grows after the harverst of paddy rice field. The Plant flowers
in winter and there after bears fruits in Sravana constellation
that’s why it is also known as sravahi, sravanahva and
sravanasirsika [4].
Classical References
Charaka Samhita
Acharya Charaka described Mundi in the name of Sravani
in Madhuraskanda [5].
Sushruta Samhita
Acharya Sushruta has described Mundi in Surasadigana,
in the name of Kulahala, the same has been commented by
Acharya Dhalana as Mundi [6].
Ashtanga Hrudaya
Acharya Vagbhata has explained Mundi in
Madhuraskanda Gana, and told as Sravaniyugam. (Sravani
and Mahasravani) [7].
Nighantu period
Nigantu’s Vargas
Dhanwantri Nigantu [8] Guducyadi Varga
Madanpal Nigant [9] Harithakyadi Varga
Rajnigantu [10] Parpatadi Varga
Kaydev Nigantu [11] Oushadhi Varga
Bhavprakash Nigantu [12] Guducyadi Varga
Sodhal Nigantu [13] Guducyadi Varga
Priyavat [14] Shathapushpadi Varga
Nigantu Adarsh [15] Sahadeviyadhi Varga
Table 1: Nighantu Period.
Botanical Description
Mundi (Sphaeranthus indicus Linn) is abundantly found in
damp area in the plains all over India, ascending to an altitude
of 1500m in the hills, especially as a weed in the rice field.
Types of Mundi
• Mundi (Sphaeranthus indicus Linn)
• Maha Mundi (Sphaeranthus africanus Linn) [10]
Mundi (Sphaeranthus Indicus Linn.)
Stem: Erect, prostrate, deccurent winged stem toothed
aromatic herb and branches
Root: Usually tap root system and branched. Sometimes
tuberous or thicker.
Leaves: These are sessile, deccurent, 2-7cm long and 1-
1.5cm wide, obovate-oblong, narrowed to the base, dentate,
or serrate hairy, villous greenish brown, slightly aromatic
when fresh, aroma disappearing on long storage.
Flowers: Cluster 0.5 inches in diameter Globose, head about
1.5cm long and about one cm in diameter, purplish-pink with
linear involucral bracts - Spatulate, acute which are shorter
than the head and ciliate at apex, peduncle with toothed
wings, outer female flowers 12 to 16, inner bisexual 2 or 3,
Corolla of female-2 toothed, Ovary-inferior, Carpels - 2, style
arms connate.
Fruit: Achene, Smooth, Stalked, Angular and Sub- Glabrous
[16].

3
2024, 8(3): 000449.
Maha Mundi (Sphaeranthus Africanus Linn.)
Substitute and Adulterant: In Kerala, the roots of this plant
are used as a substitute for those of the Sphaeranthus indicus
Linn.plant.
Phytochemical Studies
Class Part used Compounds
Essential oil Plant
Ocimene, a-terpinene, methyl-chavicol, a-citral, geraniol, a-ionone,
p-ionone, 8-cadinene, p-methoxyciunamaldehry de, sphaeranthine,
stigmasterol, P-sitosterol, hentriacontane, sesquiterpene lactone,
sesquiterpine glycoside, sphaeranthanolide, flavone and isoflavone
glycosides [17,18]
Phytochemical evaluation Aerial parts
5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-6-C-glycosylflavone, n-pentacosan,
hentriacontane, n-triacontanol,B-sitosterol, stigmasterol, B-D-glucoside
of B-sitosterol, sphaeranthine and a phenolic glycoside [19] Essential oil,
alkaloid, tannin, glycoside, reducing
Phytochemical evaluation Flowers
Essential oil, alkaloid, tannin, glycoside, reducing sugar, semidrying fatty
oil and albumin [13]
Isoflavone glycoside and
alkaloid
Aerial parts
5,4-dimethoxy-3-prenylbiochanin 7-0-0-galctoside and sphaeranthine
[7]
Essential oil Plants
Methyl chavicol, a-ionone, 8-cadinene, p methoxy-cinnamaldehyde,
thymoquinol-dimethy! ether, modephene-2 and T-cadinol.
Sesquiterpenoids Flower Cryptomeridiol and 4-epicryptomeridiol [19]
Table 2: Biologically active compounds that have been isolated from Sphaeranthus indicus Linn.
Sphaeranthus indicus Linn has been subjected to
chemical investigations extensively and a number of
chemical constituent have been reported with different
type of metabolites belonging to different groups,tannins
, phenolic compound, saponin and alkaloids .The major
phytoconstituent in Sphaeranthus indicus Linn mainly
includes eudesmanolides, sesquiterpenoids, sesquiterpene
lactones, sesquiterpene acids, flavone glycosides, flavonoid
C glycosides, isoflavone glycoside, sterols, sterol glycoside,
alkaloid, peptide alkaloids, amino acids and sugars.The
essentialoilsobtainedfromtheflowersandwholeplantswere
analyzed and reported the presence of many monoterpene
hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene
hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes.
Ethnobotanical uses [17]
Part used Traditional uses
Oil of root Treatment of scrofula, aphrodosaic
Herb paste Treatment of pruritis, oedma, arthritis, filariasis, gout, adenopathy
Seeds and roots Stomachic and anthelmintic
Flower heads Blood purifier in skin disease
Powdered leaves Treatment of chronic skin disease, uretal discharges and jaundice .
Leaves Anxiolytic, maceofilaricidal, antimicrobial, and insecticidal activities
Plant juice Liver and gastric disorders

4
2024, 8(3): 000449.
Pharmacological Activity
Anti-Allergic Activity (Mast cell stabilizing
activity)
Different extracts of the Sphaeranthus indicus Linn plant
were tested for their protective effect against mast cell
degranulation. The ethanol extract at doses of 150 mg/kg
and 300 mg/kg, and the ethyl acetate extract at doses of 100
mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg showed better protection
(77-86%) against mast cell degranulation compared to
ketotifen (75%). These extracts also exhibited better mast
cell stabilizing activity (77-88%) than the standard drug
(69%) in peritoneal mast cells treated with compound
48/80. The results suggest that Sphaeranthus indicus Linn
has potent mast cell stabilizing effects, inhibiting the release
of mediators from mast cells [20].
Hepato Protective Activity
The protective effects of the methanolic extract of
Sphaeranthus indicus Linn (MES) against CCl4-induced
hepatotoxicity were investigated in animal models, showing
a significant decrease in serum aspartate aminotransferase,
alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels.
The methanolic extract also exhibited significant antioxidant
activitybyincreasinglevelsofsuperoxidedismutase,catalase,
andglutathioneperoxidase,whilereducingmalondialdehyde.
Similarly, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of different parts
of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. Linn L were also found to have
hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol-induced liver
damage in rats. The aqueous extract of the root at a dose of
300 mg/kg showed comparable hepatoprotective activity to
the standard drug silymarin [21].
Analgesic and Anti Pyretic Activity
The analgesic and antipyretic activity of various extracts
of the whole plant were tested on rats. The extracts showed
significant analgesic and antipyretic activity, with the
chloroform and ethanol extracts being the most effective.
These extracts showed potential antipyretic activity from 1
hour onward, while the aqueous extract showed activity from
2 hours onward. The results were compared to the standard
drugs diclofenac sodium and paracetamol [22].
Immunomodulation
The immunostimulant activity of sphaeranthanolide
was tested using the Jerne plaque assay method, and it was
found to be an immune modulator. The methanol extract and
its fractions from flower heads were effective in increasing
phagocytic activity, hemagglutination antibody titer, and
delayed type hypersensitivity. The remaining methanol
fraction also normalized white blood cell levels in mice
with cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. This
study suggests that sphaeranthanolide has promise as an
immunomodulatory agent that stimulates humoral and
cellular immunity and phagocytic function. The bioactive
fraction demonstrated dose-dependent improvement in
both humoral and cell-mediated immunity, protecting
against immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide.
The petroleum ether extract from flower heads also showed
effectiveness in stimulating humoral and cellular immunity
and phagocytic function [18].
Anxiolytic activity
The anxiolytic activity of flower extracts from
Sphaeranthus indicus Linn was evaluated in mice using
petroleum ether (10 mg/kg), alcohol (10 mg/kg), and water
(30 mg/kg) extracts. It was found that the petroleum ether
extract exhibited significant anxiolytic effects [19].
Neuroleptic activity
Neuroleptic activity of extract of flowers was evaluated
in apomorphine induced cage climbing and catalepsy in
mice models. The petroleum ether extract (300 mg/kg,
i.p.) reduced total time spent in apomorphine induced cage
climbing. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts showed catalepsy
while petroleum ether extract was devoid of it [23].
Ayurvedic Properties and Pharmacological Effect
According to ayurveda literature
Nigantus Rasa Guna Virya Vipaka
D.n.[8] Tikta, Katu Katu
Ma.n.[9] Tikta, Katu Laghu Mahura Katu
R.n.[10] Kashaya Ushna Katu
K.n.[11] Madhura, Tikta, Kashaya Ushna Katu
B.p.n.[12] Madhura Laghu Ushna Katu
P.n.[14] Tikta Ushna
Ni.a[15] Madhura, Katu, Tikta, Kashaya Ushna Katu

5
2024, 8(3): 000449.
Indications
Nigantus Indications
D.N[8] Aama, Aruchi, Apasmara, Ganda, Slipada.
Ma.N.[9] Medhya, Ganda, Apachi, Kruchra, Krimi, Yoniroga, Pandu.
R.N.[10] Aamatisara, Kasa, Visha, Chardi.
K.N.[11]
Ganda, Apachi, Pleeha, Medha, Apasmara, Pandu, Sleepada, Aruchi, Yoniroga, Kasa, Kruchra, Guda and
Krimirogas.
B.P.N.[12] Medoroga, Ganda, Apachi ,Pleeha ,Apasmara ,Pandu, Sleepada Aruchi ,Yoniroga,Kruchra and Krimiroga.
P.N.[14] Raktashodaka, Vrana, Ganda, Vidradhi, Sleepada, Aruchi, Raktadusti
Note:AllNighantusarehighlightedtheindicationofMundiinGandamala,Slipada,Ma.NandB.P.NhasmentionedinMutrakruchra.
Posology
• Swaras
• Puspa churna
• Kwatha [24]
Parts Used Medicinally
Roots, leaves, seeds, flowers almost Panchanga(whole
plant) is used to treat various diseases.
Therapeutic Uses
• Cotton tampon soaked in Mundi oil can be used to relieve
vaginal pain.(raj martand).
• A paste made from the root of Mundi mixed with
powdered Sarja and cooked in mustard oil can also be
effective.
• Mundi powder , Grita , and Madhu , taken with Guduchi
Kwata can help with Vatarakta.
• The juice of Mundi leaves can be used as a gargle to treat
sore throat.
• It can be applied locally in a condition called Vicchi,
which involves tearing of the rectal orifice.
• The paste of Mundi herb made with oil can be applied for
itch relief. The powdered seeds and roots of Mundi can
be given as an anthelmintic.(Figures 1&2)
• A decoction of the root is used to treat chest pains, cough,
and bowel complaints. Ground papery bark mixed with
whey can be applied to alleviate piles.
• The juice of the Mundi plant, boiled with milk and sugar
candy, can be used for cough.
• The juice of the plant can also be used for vitiated
conditions of Vata, epilepsy, hemicrania, jaundice,
hepatopathy, and gastropathy [15].
Figure 1: Sphaeranthus indicus Linn.
Figure 2: Fruits of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn.
Conclusion
Based on the current available literature, it is
recommended that clinical practitioners consider

6
2024, 8(3): 000449.
incorporating mundi as a potential treatment option for
multiple disease. Sphaeranthus indicus Linn is extensively
distributed across India and demonstrates a wide range
of potential therapeutic effects on numerous ailments.
Research has explored its anxiolytic, neuroleptic,
immunomodulatory, anti- inflammatory, mast cell
stabilizing, hepatoprotective, and other miscellaneous
activities. Chemical analysis reveals the presence of
eudesmanoids, eudesmanolides, sesquiterpene lactone,
sterol glycosides, flavonoids, and essential oils within
various parts of the plant. Pharmacological investigations
support the therapeutic potential of Sphaeranthus indicus
Linn. However, there is limited information available
regarding its clinical efficacy, toxicity, and phytoanalytical
properties. While numerous phytochemical studies have
been conducted, further progress is necessary. With
foundational data in hand, future research avenues could
include clinical trials, detailed phytochemical analysis, and
toxicity assessments. While the plant has been preclinically
evaluated to some extent, scientifically substantiating these
claims through clinical trials could unlock its potential as a
source of effective remedies for various ailments.
References
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3. Vaidya SB, Adarsha N (1968) Chaukhamba Bharati
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(Edn.), Varanasi, India, pp: 771-773.
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Unveiling the Healing Potential of Gorakh Mundi (Sphaeranthus Indicus Linn.): A Comprehensive Analysis of its Ayurvedic Significance

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