Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Katu, Tikta
- Quality (Guna)
- Laghu, Tikshna, Snigdha
- Potency (Virya)
- Ushna
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- 5% (Celastrol, fatty oils (50%), resin)
- Also Known As
- Sanskrit: ज्योतिष्मती, कटभी, कंगुनी
Hindi: मालकांगनी, मालकंगुनी
What is Jyotishmati / Malkangani (ज्योतिष्मती)?
Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), known as Malkangani, is a renowned Medhya (intellect-promoting) drug. It is a large woody climber found in forests across India. The seed oil is the main medicinal part and is used both internally and applied to the head for improving memory, intellect, and cognition. The name Jyotishmati means 'luminous' or 'brightening', referring to its ability to brighten the intellect. It is an important herb in Ayurvedic neuropsychiatry.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Medhya (intellect-promoting)
- Deepani (kindles digestive fire)
- Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
- Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)
- Smritikara (memory-enhancing)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Classical Therapeutic Uses
- Unmada (psychiatric disorders)
- Vata Vyadhi (neurological disorders)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Classical Therapeutic Uses
- Buddhi Daurbalya (impaired intellect)
- Smriti Nashta (memory loss)
- Vataroga (neurological disorders)
- Unmada (insanity)
- Apasmar (epilepsy)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Malkangani by Condition
Explore how Malkangani is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.