Pushkarmool

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Pushkarmool
Latin/Botanical	Inula racemosa Hook. f.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Alantolactone (sesquiterpene lactone)
• Isoalantolactone
• Inulin (10.1%)
• Roylene
• Dihydroisoalantolactone
• Beta-sitosterol
• Daucosterol
• Inulicin

How does it work?

• Cardioprotective: Alantolactone inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, reduces serum cholesterol, and protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation
• Anti-asthmatic: Sesquiterpene lactones relax bronchial smooth muscle, inhibit histamine release, and suppress Th2-mediated airway inflammation
• Anticancer: Alantolactone induces apoptosis via STAT3 inhibition and ROS generation; activates p53-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic pathway

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

• Hridya (cardioprotective): traditionally used for the heart. Animal studies have reported HMG-CoA reductase inhibition and protection against myocardial ischemia.
• Shwasahara (anti-asthmatic and bronchodilatory): traditionally used for asthma and breathing difficulty. Studies have reported bronchial smooth muscle relaxation and anti-histaminic activity.
• Angina: traditionally used for angina. Preclinical studies have reported a coronary vasodilatory effect and lower myocardial oxygen demand.

What do recent studies show?

• Rathore S, Raj Y, Debnath P and others 2022. Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, agrotechnology, and conservation of Inula racemosa Hook f. - A critically endangered medicinal plant of the western Himalaya. Journal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 34600078 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114613
  Documented critically endangered status and proposed agrotechnology protocols; confirmed broad spectrum of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective activities.

Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

• Critically endangered species (IUCN); sustainable sourcing is a major concern; cultivation programs needed to prevent wild over-harvesting
• Sesquiterpene lactones may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; high doses may cause gastrointestinal irritation; limited human safety data available

What is it made of?

Key Active Markers

• Alantolactone
• Isoalantolactone
• Inulin
• Beta-sitosterol
• Daucosterol
• Roylene
• Dihydroisoalantolactone
• Inulicin

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (root powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Avaleha (confection), Vati

Standard Dosage: 1-3 g root powder daily; 15-20 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg standardized extract twice daily

Optimal Timing: After meals for cardiac and respiratory conditions. Avaleha: 1-2 teaspoons with warm water/milk, morning and evening.

Storage: Dried root: cool, dry, pest-proof containers, below 25 deg C. Powder and extracts: airtight, amber containers, below 25 deg C, RH <55%, protected from light. Avaleha: clean, dry glass or food-grade containers.

Marker Compounds: Alantolactone, Isoalantolactone, Dihydroisoalantolactone, Inulin, Friedelin, Beta-sitosterol, Daucosterol, Germacranolide

Synergistic Combinations

• Pippali (respiratory and cardiac combination - Pushkaramooladi Churna)
• Arjuna (cardioprotective synergy)
• Vasa (bronchodilator and expectorant)
• Kantakari (respiratory and anti-asthmatic)
• Guggulu (anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering)