Nisoth

(Turpeth Root)
Sanskrit: त्रिवृत • Botanical: Operculina turpethum; Ipomoea turpethum R. Br.

Trivrit/Nisoth (Operculina turpethum) is one of the most important purgative drugs in Ayurveda. The root is the main medicinal part. It is a large climbing plant with milky latex. The roots are long and tuberous, up to 3000 feet altitude. The root bark is the potent part while the inner woody core is discarded. Two varieties are described: Shveta (white - preferred) and Krishna (black - more drastic). The white variety is considered milder and suitable for Pitta conditions, while the black variety is more drastic. It is the drug of choice for Virechana (therapeutic purgation) in Panchakarma. The root contains Turpethin (4-10% resin) as the active purgative principle. It is extensively used in Pitta-Kapha conditions, skin diseases, and constipation. The purgation produced is gentle compared to Jalap but effective. The root bark dried and powdered is the common form used. The milky juice oxidizes brown on exposure. Dose: powder 3-5 masha; should be given with warm water or milk.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu), Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
A-turpethin, B-turpethin (Turpethin resin), Volatile oil, Resin
Also Known As
English: Turpeth Root, Indian Jalap
Sanskrit: त्रिवृत, त्रिपुटा, त्रिभण्डी, सरला, स्वर्णक्षीरी, सुवर्णा
Hindi: निसोथ, निसोत

What is Turpeth / Nisoth (निसोथ / त्रिवृत)?

Trivrit/Nisoth (Operculina turpethum) is one of the most important purgative drugs in Ayurveda. The root is the main medicinal part. It is a large climbing plant with milky latex. The roots are long and tuberous, up to 3000 feet altitude. The root bark is the potent part while the inner woody core is discarded. Two varieties are described: Shveta (white - preferred) and Krishna (black - more drastic). The white variety is considered milder and suitable for Pitta conditions, while the black variety is more drastic. It is the drug of choice for Virechana (therapeutic purgation) in Panchakarma. The root contains Turpethin (4-10% resin) as the active purgative principle. It is extensively used in Pitta-Kapha conditions, skin diseases, and constipation. The purgation produced is gentle compared to Jalap but effective. The root bark dried and powdered is the common form used. The milky juice oxidizes brown on exposure. Dose: powder 3-5 masha; should be given with warm water or milk.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Virechana (purgative)
  • Bhedana (drastic purgative)
  • Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)
  • Pittahara (alleviates Pitta)
  • Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

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.