Munakka is known as the “Tree of Life” because of its regenerative ability. It has a sweet taste and is generally used as a dry fruit, mostly for medicinal purposes.
Munakka is useful for managing constipation due to its laxative property and helps to control acidity due to its cooling property.
It is effective in dry cough and respiratory tract inflammation due to its cough suppressant and soothing properties. It also maintains blood pressure levels by increasing nitric oxide in the blood which helps to widen narrowed blood vessels thereby improving blood flow.
Munakka can either be taken in dried form or soaked overnight to improve digestion.
Applying Munakka paste over wounds helps in faster healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Munakka face mask can be applied on the skin to prevent wrinkles and aging due to its antioxidant property[1][2].

What are the synonyms of Munakka?

Vitis vinifera, Zabeeb, Maneka, Dried Grapes, Raisins, Darakh, Drakh, Dakh, Kishmish, Angur, Draksh, Angoore Khushk, Mavaiz, Draksha, Munaqqa, Angoor

What is the source of Munakka?

Plant Based

Benefits of Munakka

How effective is Munakka?

Likely ineffective

Hay fever, Obesity

Insufficient evidence

Athletic performance, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Constipation, Diarrhea, Fatigue, Fatty liver disease, Heart disease, Heavy menstrual bleeding, High cholesterol, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Menopausal symptoms, Mouth ulcers, Piles, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Skin regeneration

Precautions when using Munakka

Advice from Experts

Ayurvedic View

Consult your doctor before taking Munakka as it can cause loose motion due to its Virechana (purgative) nature.

Breastfeeding

Modern Science View

Consult your doctor before taking Munakka during breastfeeding[4].

Patients with heart disease

Modern Science View

Munakka may lower blood pressure. So it is generally advisable to monitor your blood pressure while taking Munnaka with antihypertensive drugs[4].

Pregnancy

Modern Science View

Consult your doctor before taking Munakka during pregnancy[4].

Side Effects

Modern Science View

1. High Blood Pressure
2. Nausea
3. Indigestion
4. Dizziness
5. Anaphylaxis[4].

Recommended Dosage of Munakka

Munakka Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.

How to use Munakka

1. Raw Munakka
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Munakka.
b. Eat it once or twice a day.

2. Munakka (Draksha) Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Munakka.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.

3. Munakka Kwath
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Munakka Kwath (Decoction).
b. Add the same quantity of water and drink it after food once or twice a day.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Are Munnaka and Kishmish the same?

Modern Science View

Munnaka and Kishmish are dry fruits with different nutritional profiles, shape and size. Munnaka is brown to dark brown in color whereas Kishmish is yellow in color. Munnaka contains seed inside it whereas Kishmish is seedless. Kishmish is more popularly used in cooking whereas Munnaka is frequently used for medicinal value.

Q. What are the chemical constituents of Munnaka?

Modern Science View

Munnaka is sweet in taste and is considered as the rich source of phenolic compounds and contains resveratrol, flavonoid, quercetin, catechins, procyanidins and anthocyanins. It possesses anti-aging, anti-inflammation, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, cardiovascular-protection, neuroprotection properties.

Q. Can we eat Munakka seeds?

Modern Science View

There is no harm in eating Munakka seeds but it might cause choking and thus should be avoided.

Q. How can we eat Munakka?

Modern Science View

Tips:
1. Soak few pieces of Munakka in water overnight as per your requirement.
2. Then, have these soaked pieces on an empty stomach. This helps improve the iron levels in the body.

Tips:
1. Soak few Munakka seeds as per your requirement.
2. Boil these soaked seeds with milk.
3. Drink this milk before bedtime to manage constipation.

References

1
Gupta D, Vyas M, Shukla V, et al.Pharmacognostical and physico-chemical evaluation of drakshadi gutika - an ayurvedic formulation. Journal of Research in Traditional Medicine.2016;2(2):39-44.
2
Xia E, He X, Li H, et al.Biological Activities of Polyphenols from Grapes.Polyphenols in Human Health and Disease.2014;1:47–58.
3
WebMD.Grape: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
4
Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
5
Bakhru HK. Foods that heal: The natural way to good health. Orient paperbacks.2014.
6
Rekik DM, Khedir SB, Moalla KK, et al.Evaluation of Wound Healing Properties of Grape Seed, Sesame, and Fenugreek Oils. Hindawi publishing corporation.2016;1-12.
7
Soto ML, Falque E, Dominguez H. Relevance of Natural Phenolics from Grape and Derivative Products in the Formulation of Cosmetics. Cosmetics.2015;2:259-276.
8
Karimi M. The causes of Holitosis in children. Pediatric dental care open access.2016;2(1):1-3.
9
Chauhan VS, Maval M, Inaniyan R, et al.Alimental Excellence of Grapes, Prunes and Raisins for a Salubrious and tranquil Body Physiology. IAAST.2015;6(3):1-4.
10
Zunino SJ. Type 2 Diabetes and Glycemic Response to Grapes or Grape Products.The journal of nutrition.2009;1794-1800.
11
Li SH, Zhao P, Tian HB, et al.Effect of Grape Polyphenols on Blood Pressure: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.PLOS One.2015;10(9):1-12.
12
Sultana S, Khan A, Safhi MM, et al. Cough Suppressant Herbal Drugs: A Review. IJPSI. 2016;5(5):15-28.

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.