Chirayta (Swertia chirayita Roxb. ex Flem. Karst.)

Synonyms: Kirātakaḥ, Kirātatiktaḥ, Kairātaḥ, Kaṭutiktaḥ, Kānḍatiktaḥ, Anāryatiktaḥ, Bhūnimbaḥ, Rāmasenakaḥ, Naipālaḥ, Jvarāntakaḥ.
Family: Gentianaceae
English name: Chiretta

1. Synonyms (with Etymological Derivation)

• किराततिक्तः (Kirātatiktaḥ): “किरातदेशे भवस्तिक्तः” – The bitter herb found in the region of the Kirātas.
• कैरातः (Kairātaḥ): Growing in the Kirāta region; one that removes diseases.
• कटुतिक्तः (Kaṭutiktaḥ): Denotes pungent and bitter taste.
• काण्डतिक्तः (Kānḍatiktaḥ): Its stem is bitter.
• अनार्यतिक्तः (Anāryatiktaḥ): Bitter plant from non-Aryan (Kirāta) regions.
• भूनिम्बः (Bhūnimbaḥ): “भुवि निम्ब इव” – A small herb bitter like Neem.
• रामसेनकः (Rāmasenakaḥ): Found in regions inhabited by Kirātas, who are referred to as Rāma’s army.
• नेपालः (Naipālaḥ): Found in Nepal region.
• ज्वरान्तकः (Jvarāntakaḥ): One which ends fever.

2. Regional Names

3. Botanical Description

• Botanical name: Swertia chirayita (Roxb. ex Flem.) Karst.
• Synonym: Swertia chirata Buch.-Ham. ex C.B. Clarke
• Family: Gentianaceae

Description:
An erect, annual herb reaching 60–125 cm in height, found abundantly in the Himalayan regions, especially Nepal (altitude 1200–1300 m).

• Stem: Robust, cylindrical at the base, quadrangular above.
• Leaves: Opposite, ovate to broadly lanceolate, cordate at base.
• Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow, in terminal and axillary panicles.
• Fruit: Minute, pointed capsules containing numerous smooth, many-angled seeds.
• Part Used: Entire plant (whole herb).

4. Chemical Constituents

Chirayata contains a wide range of bitter principles, alkaloids, xanthones, flavonoids, and terpenoids:

• Bitter principles: Amarogentin, Gentiopicrin.
• Xanthones: Chiratol, Swerchirin, Swertianin, Swertinin, Mangiferin, Chiratanin.
• Flavonoids: Enicoflavine, Gentianine, Gentiocrucine.
• Fatty acids: Cerolic, Oleic, Ophelic, Palmitic, Stearic acids.
• Amino acids: Arginine, Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid, Leucine, Methionine, Threonine, Tryptophan.
• Triterpenoids: β-amyrin, Lupeol, Oleanolic acid, Ursolic acid, Taraxerol, Friedelin.
• Sterols: β-sitosterol.
• Other compounds: Chiratenol, Swerta-7,9(11)-dienol, Swertenol, Epichiratenol, Pichierenol.
• Adulterants: Swertia angustifolia (inferior quality) and Rubia cordifolia roots (distinguished by purple color).

5. Properties and Therapeutic Uses

Ayurvedic Properties (Rasa–Guna–Virya–Vipaka):

• Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter)
• Guna (Quality): Laghu (Light), Rūkṣa (Dry)
• Virya (Potency): Śīta (Cold)
• Vipāka: Katu (Pungent)
• Doshic Action: Pacifies Pitta, Kapha and Rakta doshas; mildly aggravates Vata.

Therapeutic Uses:

• Excellent bitter tonic and febrifuge.
• Used in Sannipata jvara, malarial fever, chronic fever, burning sensation, hyperacidity, flatulence, loss of appetite, liver disorders, jaundice, and anaemia.
• Beneficial in skin diseases, worms, dropsy, vomiting, and indigestion.
• Has cholagogue and stomachic actions—stimulates bile and improves digestion.
• Used externally in certain skin eruptions (Ajagallika) with borax.
• Increases appetite and relieves constipation without causing bowel obstruction (unlike other bitters).
• Acts as a blood purifier and anti-inflammatory.

Classical references:

• Mentioned in Caraka Saṃhitā (Su. Ch. 4) under Stanyasodhana & Tṛṣṇānigrahana Mahākāśāya.
• In Suśruta Saṃhitā (Su. 38) under Āragvadhādi gaṇa.

Formulations:

• Sudarśana cūrṇa – for fevers and digestion.
• Bhūnimba cūrṇa – for diarrhoea and worms.
• Kiratādi taila – used externally for emaciation and anaemia.

6. Dose and Administration

Powder (Cūrṇa)
500 mg – 1.5 g
With honey or lukewarm water

Summary of Key Actions

Note:

Chirayata should be used in moderate doses under medical supervision, especially in individuals with high Vata dosha or excessive body dryness.

Ref: Bhavaprakash Nighantu