Anantamul, meaning ‘Eternal Root’ in Sanskrit, is generally found near seashores and in the Himalayan territories. It is also known as Indian Sarsaparilla and has high medicinal and cosmetic value.
According to Ayurveda, Anantamul is known to possess Ropan (healing) and Raktashodhak (blood purifying) properties which makes it an important ingredient in various Ayurvedic skin medicines. It can be used externally as well as internally in all types of skin problems like ringworm, thrush, psoriasis, eczema and bacterial-related skin disease.
Applying a paste of Anantamul root on the skin helps to get rid of ringworm and other bacterial infections due to its antimicrobial activity. Anantamul kwath (decoction) as well as its powder has blood purifying property and can be taken twice a day to manage various skin problems.
Anantamul helps to manage blood sugar levels and prevent damage to the liver by protecting the insulin-producing cells as well as liver cells against the damage caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant property. It might also improve the metabolism of the body and help in digestion as well as weight management. This can be achieved by drinking nannari (Anantamul) juice that might improve digestive health and help you lose weight[1-3].

What are the synonyms of Anantamul?

Hemidesmus indicus, Indian sarsaparilla, Nannari, Tylophora, False sarsaparilla, Pseudosarsa, Nunnari asclepias, Periploca indica, Magarbu, Sariva, Karpoori, Sugandhi

What is the source of Anantamul?

Plant Based

Precautions when using Anantamul

Breastfeeding

Modern Science View

Due to lack of scientific evidence, medicinal use of Anantamul should be avoided during breastfeeding[5].

Moderate Medicine Interaction

Modern Science View

1. Digoxin:
This drug increases the heartbeat and Anantamul (Sarsaparilla) might increase the intake of the drug by the body. So taking Anantamul along with digoxin can increase the heartbeat to a greater extent, which can lead to trouble. Hence, it is advised to avoid taking these two together.

Patients with diabetes

Ayurvedic View

Also if you have diabetes, avoid Anantamul in the form of Sarivadyasava as it is made of jaggery.

Patients with kidney disease

Modern Science View

Anantamul should be avoided in patients with kidney disease as it can worsen the condition[5].

Pregnancy

Modern Science View

Due to lack of scientific evidence, medicinal use of Anantamul should be avoided during pregnancy[5].

Side Effects

Modern Science View

The consumption of Anantamul is associated with side effects like:
1. Stomach irritation
2. Runny nose
3. Symptoms of asthma

Recommended Dosage of Anantamul

Anantamul Churna - ¼ to ½ teaspoon twice a day.
Anantamul Juice - 3-4 teaspoon twice a day.

How to use Anantamul

1. Anantamul Powder
a. Take ¼ to ½ teaspoon of anantamul Powder.
b. Mix it with honey or water.
c. Take it 45 min before meals, twice a day.

2. Anantamul Kwath (decoction)
a. Take 3-4 teaspoon of anantamul kwath.
b. Add same quantity of water to it.
c. Take it after two hours of meal, twice a day.

3. Anantamul (Nannari) syrup/ sharbat
a. Take 3 teaspoon of Anantamul (Nannari) syrup /sharbat.
b. Add it to one glass of cold water.
c. Squeeze ½ lemon to it.
d. Also, add 3-4 ice cubes.
e. Mix all the ingredients and drink before taking food once a day.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is Nannari (Anantamul) juice/syrup/sharbat?

Modern Science View

Anantamul (Nannari) syrup or juice is prepared from the roots of Anantamul. The solution that is available in market is in the concentrated form, which needs to be diluted with water or milk to enjoy the drink.

Q. What is the price of Anantamul (Nannari) sharbath?

Modern Science View

A 10gm sachet of Nannari juice can cost you around Rs 10. These are ready-to-use juices, which can be instantly mixed with water and consumed.

Q. Where can I buy Anantamul (Nannari) sharbath?

Modern Science View

You can either buy Nannari sharbat from a local Ayurvedic store. If you can’t find in any local stores, you can place an order online.

Q. How to make Anantamul (Nannari) sharbat/juice?

Modern Science View

The recipe of Nannari sharbat or juice is simple. All you need is Nannari Syrup, which is available commercially, few ice cubes, water and lemon juice. In 150 ml water, add 3-4 ice cubes, 3 tablespoons of Nannari syrup and lemon juice (squeezed from half a lemon). Mix all the ingredients and drink.

References

1
H.S. Puri.\"Anantmul\".Rasayana: Ayurvedic Herbs for Longevity and Rejuvenation (1st ed).CRC Press; 2003.
2
Shah B.Textbook of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry (1st ed).Elsevier India; 2009.
3
Gayathri M, Kannabiran K.Antimicrobial activity of Hemidesmus indicus, Ficus bengalensis and Pterocarpus marsupium roxb.Indian J Pharm Sci.2009;71(5):578-81.
4
Samy RP, Thwin MM, Gopalakrishnakone P, et al.Ethnobotanical survey of folk plants for the treatment of snakebites in Southern part of Tamilnadu.India.J Ethnopharmacol.2008;17;115(2):302-12.
5
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-379-sarsaparilla.
6
Ganesan S, Parasuraman S, Maheswaran SU, et al.Wound healing activity of Hemidesmus indicus formulation.J Pharmacol Pharmacother.2012,3(1):66-7.
7
Mehta A, Sethiya NK, Mehta C, et al.Anti-arthritis activity of roots of Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. (Anantmul) in rats.Asian Pac J Trop Med.2012;5(2):130-5.
8
Kotnis MS, Patel P, Menon SN, et al. Renoprotective effect of Hemidesmus indicus, a herbal drug used in gentamicin-induced renal toxicity.Nephrology (Carlton).2004;9(3):142-52.
9
Pawar S, Patil DA.Ethnobotany of Jalgaon District, Maharashtra. Ethnobotany.2008.
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=xTi0iaalLXcC&pg=PA232&dq=anantmul+%2B+eye+problems&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi85byw8bjkAhWEXCsKHegYCM0Q6AEIRTAF#v=onepage&q=anantmul%20%2B%20eye%20problems&f=false
10
Banerjee A, Ganguly S. Medicinal Importance of Hemidesmus Indicus: A review on its utilities from Ancient Ayurveda to 20th Century. 2014;5(3):208-213.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271217925_Medicinal_Importance_of_Hemidesmus_indicus_a_Review_on_Its_Utilities_from_Ancient_Ayurveda_to_20th_Century
11
Singh V. Ethnobotany and Medicinal Plants of India and Nepal(Vol. 3). Scientific publishers.2009.
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=sHd7DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA70&dq=anantamul+%2B+piles&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiG8NWt-rjkAhWQTX0KHcw9B5sQ6AEIKDAA#v=onepage&q=anantamul%20%2B%20piles&f=false
12
Shaikh P.Z. Study of anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus roots in acute, subchronic & chronic inflammation in experimental animals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY & LIFE SCIENCES.2011; 2(10): 1154-1173.
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/ae10/0c03f4eefbc35fe931818beb71f3de3006e7.pdf
13
. Chakraborty S, Choudhery R. Hemidesmus Indicus (Anantamool): Rare herb of Chattisgarh. Indian J Sci Res.2014;4(1):89-93.
https://www.ijsr.in/upload/1551655300Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Paper%2011.pdf

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.