Gond Katira

Katira/ Kateera Gond:

Latin Name: Cochlospermum religiosum linn. plant (Bixaceae) Synonym - Cochlospermum gossypium DC. , Dried gummy exudate of the Cochlospermum gossypium tree

Katira Gond is derived from the Cochlospermum religiosum plant (Bixaceae), also known as kondagogu gum, The plant name in Sanskrit is pronounced as Girisalmalika.

Katira Gond Common Name: Vernaculars

Arabic: Shajartul,-quds, Katira; Assam: Hatchanda; Marathi: Gular, Gulu, Gwira, Kadai, Kandai, Kando, Kandol, Kulu, Pandruka,; Gujrati: kada, Kadgol, Karai; Hindi: Bali, Gular, Gulu, Karrai, Kulu, Tabsi, Tanuku; English: Gum Karaya, Indian Tragacanth, Sterculia  gum (Indian Tragacanth), Malayalam: Tonti; Marathi: Gwira, Kandol, Kandula; Tamil: Kavalam, Puttali, Sendalai, Tanakku, Vellaipputtali, Sendanakku; Telugu: Ettaponaku, Kavilli, Ponaku, Tanuku, Tapasi; Uriya: Kavili; Urdu: Katira/ Katheera, Qataad, Nawaras.

Some other names are Yellow silk cotton, Carboxymethyl gum, Kondagogu, Haloosiyaa, Katila, Gomme Adragante, Cochlospermum Gossypium-Gummi, Kutira-Gummi, Barugadamara

Katira Gond Ingredients Phytochemical Properties: Katira/ Kondagogu gum Various neutral sugars (β-D-glucose, α-D-glucose, arabinose, galactose, β-D-galactopyranose, rhamnose, mannose, and fructose) and acidic sugars (galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid) Cochlospermum and family Bixaceae -Emulsifying properties -Acidic gum (Ramakrishnan, Wac?awek, ? erník, & Padil, 2021; Rimpy & Ahuja, 2022). 

Katira Gond Therapeutic Uses in the Indian traditional system of medicine hold significance in both Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for its various therapeutic properties. it has ample uses - Gum karaya (Sterculia) is ranked first, ranked second to Gum Arabic which is the most popular exudate gum.

Katira Gond Uses: Katira Gond is used in Ayurvedic, and Unani, medicine and is a vital resource of energy and healthy life

Ayurveda medicines: 

In Ayurveda, katira gond is considered a balya (nourishing), sheeta (cooling), and kapha-hara (reduces kapha dosha) substance. It is used for:

• Soothing coughs and respiratory problems: Its demulcent properties help soothe irritation in the throat and respiratory passages, easing coughs, bronchitis, and asthma.
• Treating digestive disorders: It is believed to pacify Pitta dosha, which can aggravate digestive issues like diarrhoea and dysentery. Its lubricating nature might also aid digestion.
• Urinary tract problems: It may help manage burning micturition and urinary tract infections due to its cooling effect.
• Skin conditions: Its emollient properties might be beneficial for treating dry skin, itching, and burns.

Unani Medicine: Pharmacological Action in unani medicine

Unani medicine also recognizes the therapeutic value of katira gond. It is used for: As per unani medicine Gond-E-Katira manifest following actions: Mulattif (Demulcent), Man-e-Sarfa (Anti-Tussive), Habis-ud-dam (Haemostatic), Mulayyin-o-Mumallis (Bulk Laxative and emollient), Mubarid (Cooling Agent), Musakkin-e-Hararat (Antipyretic), Musakkin Hiddat-e-Akhlaat, Mugharri (Mucilagenous), Musakkin (Sedative/ Relaxant), Dafe Is Haal (Anti-diarrhoeal), Muqawwi Ama (Intestinal tonic), Musleh Advia (Drug Corrective), Musammin-e-Badan (Nutritive/ Anabolic), Mus'hil-e-Balgham wa Sauda (Purgation of Black Bile & Phlegm), Badirqa (Medium/ Vehicle). 

Therapeutic Uses in Unani Medicine: Sual-e-Muzmin Yabis (Chronic Dry Cough), Nafs-ud-dam (Haemorrhage), Khushunat-e-halaq (Sore Throat), Bahat-us-Saut (Hoarseness of Voice), Qarha-e-Riya (Lungs Abscess), Zat-ur-riya (Pneumonia), Qarha-e-Ama (Intestinal ulcer), Sozish-e-Ahsha (Bowel Inflammation), Quruh-e-Mujra-e-Bol (Urinary Tract Ulcer & Infection),  Waja-ul-Kuliya (Renal Colic), Hirqat-e-Bol (Burning Micturition), Bars (Vitiligo), Behaq (Pityriasis), Hirq (Burns), Tazeeniyaat (Cosmetics), Ashob-e-Chashm (Conjunctivitis), Corneal Ulcer, and also used for weight gain.

Pharmacological Activities: Antibacterial, Wound healing, Alpha Glucosidase activity, Tyrosinase activity, Antifungal Activity, Antioxidant activity, Glucose diffusion, Cholesterol Solubility, Insecticidal Activity, 

Therapeutic Dose (Miqdar-e-Khurak): 2.5 gm to 3 gm, In some specific conditions can be taken 7 gm to 20 gm

**Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic or Unani practitioner for diagnosis and treatment. They can recommend the appropriate formulation containing katira gond based on your specific needs and health condition. They will also advise on proper dosage and potential interactions with other medications.