Shahtra شاہترہ

Description

Shahtra at sknatural is Fumaria indica (Haussk) Pugslay. It belongs to family “Fumariaceae”. Generally people use its parts above ground. It has compound action, balanced/normal in coldness and warmness and dry in second order.

The plant can sometimes be found growing in a weedy manner. Its small flowers exhibit a dull white hue with purple tips, while the fruit takes the form of a rounded nutlet featuring a central crest.

Chemical analysis of Fumaria parviflora revealed the presence of numerous alkaloids. Among the major alkaloids isolated from this plant were protopine and adlumidiceine, whereas minor alkaloids included parfumine, fumariline, dihydrofumariline, cryptopine, (-)-stylopine, 8-oxocoptisine, sanguinarine, and oxysanguinarine.

An herbaceous annual plant, it grows weakly erect and scrambling, with stalks measuring approximately 10–50 cm (3.9–19.7 in) long. Adorned with slender green leaves, this plant blooms with pink 7–9 mm (0.28–0.35 in) flowers from April to October in the northern hemisphere, or from May to September in the UK.

These flowers are two-lipped and spurred, with sepals extending a quarter of the length of the petals. Typically, each spike boasts more than 20 and up to 60 flowers. The fruit, an achene containing a single seed, is roughly globular, slightly wider than high, and features an apical notch. Notably, it contains alkaloids, potassium salts, and tannins, serving as a source of fumaric acid.

Properties:

Diaphoretic, sudorific, diuretic, laxative, cholagogue, stomachic, anthelmintic, tonic and sedative, alterative (for fevers), blood-purifier – reported to have antibiotic effects.

Other names:

Arabic Name(s): Shahtaraj, Hashishatul Rakhs Hindi
Urdu Name(s): Shahtarah, Pitpaprah,Shahtaro, Baqlatul-Malik
English Name(s): Fumitory

Recommended dosage:

5 to 7 g.

Medicinal uses:

It is Blood purifier of high repute in Unani medicine, prolong use is considered as harmful for lungs. Fumitory, renowned as a tonic for the stomach, also purifies the blood. It plays a significant role in treating chronic ailments such as syphilis, scrofula, and leprosy. Moreover, it alleviates gastric disorders like constipation and dyspepsia, which often result from liver and intestinal insensibility.

It also effectively addresses jaundice and various skin complaints arising from blood disorders. When combined with other suitable medications, it acts as a potent alterative, particularly in chronic fevers.

As for its medicinal applications, its decoction and infusion actively eliminate excess black bile, thus purifying the blood. Consequently, it actively combats melancholic disorders. Additionally, ‘Arq, derived from Fumitory, actively demonstrates efficacy against conditions attributed to blood disorders.