Snuhi/ Thuhar/ Milk Hedge/ Common Dulkhedge/ Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. – Ayurvedic Uses & Benefits

Abstract

Snuhi, botanically classified as Euphorbia neriifolia Linn., belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae and is a widely recognised medicinal plant in the traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is valued for its diverse therapeutic properties and is frequently used in various Ayurvedic formulations. Morphologically, Snuhi is a large, erect, glabrous (smooth and hairless), succulent, and xerophytic (adapted to dry climates) shrub that naturally grows on rocky terrains across Central India. It is also commonly cultivated as a hedge plant due to its hardy nature and protective spines.

Introduction

Euphorbia neriifolia, commonly known as Sehund or Indian Spurge Tree, is an important medicinal species mentioned in Ayurvedic classics for its wide-ranging health benefits. The etymology of the term Snuhi is rooted in its characteristic of exuding a thick, milky white latex when the stem is incised. This latex has been traditionally used as a potent Bhedana (drastic purgative) in Ayurvedic detoxification therapies. Despite its therapeutic potential, Rasaratna Samuchchaya, a classical Ayurvedic text, categorises Snuhi under the group of Upavisha Dravyas (sub-toxic or semi-poisonous substances), listing it among the eleven such drugs. These Upavishas are known to exhibit mild toxicity, not immediately fatal, but capable of producing adverse effects if used improperly. Hence, their medicinal use requires careful dose regulation and professional supervision. Snuhi exemplifies this category due to its strong pharmacological actions and potential to cause irritation or toxicity when misused.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
• Superdivision: Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
• Division: Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
• Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
• Subclass: Rosidae
• Order: Malpighiales
• Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
• Tribe: Euphorbieae
• Genus: Euphorbia
• Species: Euphorbia neriifolia Linn.

Related Species Of Euphorbia Used In Ayurveda

• Euphorbia neriifolia Linn.: Patra Snuhi
• Euphorbia nivulia Buch-Ham.: Closely resembles Snuhi
• Euphorbia antiquorum Linn.: Known as Tridhara Sehunda/ Triangular sponge
• Euphorbia trigona Haw.: Considered a variant (bheda) of Tridhara Sehunda
• Euphorbia royleana Boiss.: Referred to as Thuha

Synonyms

• Sudha: Known for producing milky-white latex.
• Samanth Dugdha: The entire plant body is rich in milky secretion.
• Vajradruma, Vajrakantaka, Kulisha Druma, Vajravruksha, Vajratunda, Vajri: Possesses a strong, resilient nature like a diamond; branches have a diamond-like cross-sectional shape.
• Nistrisha Patra: Leaves are sharp-edged and resemble a sword in shape.
• Mahavriksha: Grows into a tall, bushy, tree-like form.
• Vatari: Effective in pacifying Vata Dosha.
• Ksheerakanda, Bahushrava: Noted for abundant latex production.
• Vyaghranakha, Guda, Gudakhya, Gandeera, Sehunda, Snuk, Snuhi, Sihunda, Nihunga, Simhatunda, Shakhakhanda: Traditional names found in classical Ayurvedic literature.
• Bahushakha: Characterised by numerous branches spreading outward.
• Dandavruksha: Branches appear solid and thick like wooden logs.

Vernacular Names

• Hindi Name: Sehund, Danda Thuhar
• English Name: Common Milk Hedge, Holy Milk Hedge, Dog’s Tongue
• Arabic Name: Jakum
• Kannada Name: Male Kalli
• Marathi Name: Thor, Tridhara Nivdunga
• Malayalam Name: Illa Kalli
• Punjabi Name: Thor
• Telugu Name: Akujemuddu
• Tamil Name: Ilaikalli

Habitat

Euphorbia neriifolia is commonly found in the dry, rocky, and hilly regions of North, Central, and South India, particularly in the Deccan Peninsula and Odisha. Native to South Asia, the plant is now widely cultivated and naturalised in countries like Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar (Burma), Bangladesh, Thailand and throughout much of the Malaysian region, excluding Borneo. It is also occasionally grown in other tropical areas and has been reported in parts of East Asia, including southern China, Vietnam and New Guinea.

Morphology

Euphorbia neriifolia is a small tree or large shrub that typically grows between 10 to 20 feet in height, especially in the arid regions of India. The Euphorbia genus comprises approximately 2,000 species. Its trunk and branches often take on a round or irregular form. The leaves are reduced to fleshy, spike-like structures. What appears to be a single flower is actually a cluster known as a cyathium—a specialised pseudanthium unique to this genus. In this structure, each tiny flower is reduced to its most essential reproductive parts, lacking the usual sepals, petals, or other typical floral components. The plant bears small fruits, about 0.5 inches in length, with both flowers and fruits generally appearing during the spring season.

Classical Categorisation

• According to Dhanvantari Nighantu: Guduchyadi Varga
• According to Bhavaprakash Nighantu: Guduchyadi Varga
• According to Raj Nighantu: Shalmalyadi Varga
• According to Kaiyadeva Nighantu: Aushadhi Varga
• According to Shodala Nighantu: Guduchyadi Varga

Ancient Verses

Verse 1

According to the above shloka, Snuhi has a pungent taste, purgative and sharp in nature, and it is heavy in nature. It enhances the digestive fire and is effective in the management of pain, kidney diseases, bloating, abdominal lump due to kapha dosha, abdominal diseases, schizophrenia, unconsciousness, leprosy, haemorrhoids, inflammation, obesity, stones, anaemia, wound inflammation, fever, spleen and conditions of poisoning.

Verse 2

According to the above shloka, the Snuhi Ksheer (Milk of Snuhi) has hot potency, pungent taste, unctuous and light in nature. It is effective in the management of chronic abdominal lump, leprosy and abdominal diseases. It is used in therapeutic purgation.

Ayurvedic Properties

• Taste (Rasa): Pungent (Katu)
• Physical property (Guna): Light (Laghu), Sharp (Teekshna), Unctuous (Snigdha)
• Potency (Veerya): Hot Potency (Usna)
• Post-digestion effect (Vipaka): Katu (Pungent)
• Effect on tridosha: Balances Vata and Kapha dosha

Therapeutic Properties

• Shoola: Colicky abdominal pain
• Ama: Undigested toxic residue from impaired metabolism
• Kaphaja Gulma: Abdominal lump or tumour caused by aggravated Kapha
• Udara: Ascites or abdominal distension
• Unmada: Mental disorders, including schizophrenia
• Meha: Diabetes and urinary disorders
• Kushta: Various types of skin diseases
• Arsha: Piles or haemorrhoids
• Shotha: Inflammation or swelling
• Meda: Obesity and elevated cholesterol levels
• Ashmari: Urinary calculi, kidney or bladder stones
• Pandu: Anaemia or pallor
• Vrana: Wounds or ulcers
• Adhmana: Bloating or gaseous abdominal distension
• Jwara: Fever or febrile conditions
• Pleeha: Disorders of the spleen, including splenomegaly
• Visha: Poisoning or toxic conditions
• Dooshivisha: Chronic or latent poisoning
• Dushta Vrana: Infected or non-healing wound

Systemic Actions

External Use

• The stem and leaves possess analgesic and scraping (lekhana) properties. The leaves, when warmed and applied to joints, help relieve pain. The juice is beneficial for an earache. Oil prepared from the plant is useful for external application in Vata-related disorders. The latex is applied for skin conditions, toothache, and erectile dysfunction. For haemorrhoids, the latex-coated thread is used to ligate the base. In cases of fistula, the paste is applied to the thread for the Ksharasutra procedure.

Internal Uses

• Digestive System: Considered one of the most potent purgative herbs. It is also anthelmintic in action. Excessive dosage may lead to abdominal pain. It is indicated in ascites, hepatosplenomegaly, and is commonly used for its purgative effect.
• Circulatory System: Recommended in rheumatic heart conditions and joint-related ailments.
• Respiratory System: Helps eliminate aggravated Kapha dosha. The stem juice mixed with honey is effective in treating cough, dyspnea, rhinitis, and other respiratory issues.
• Skin: Beneficial in the treatment of various skin disorders.

Chemical Composition

1. Triterpenoids

• Euphol
• Taraxerol
• Nerifoliol
• 24-Methylene cycloartenol
• Friedelan-3α-ol and 3β-ol
• Glut-5(10)-en-1-one
• Glut-5(10)-en-5-one
• β-Amyrin
• D:B-friedoolen-5(10)-en-1-one
• Neriifolione (9,9-cyclolanost-20(21)-ene-24-ol-3-one)
• Triterpenoidal saponin
• Ingenol triacetate
• Euphorbol hexacosanoate

2. Sterols And Alcohols

• Cycloartenol
• n-Hexacosanol

3. Flavonoids And Pigments

• Flavonoids (unspecified types)
• Pelargonidin-3,5-diglucoside
• Delphinidin-3,5-diglucoside

4. Other Compounds

• Steroidal saponins
• Sugars
• Tannins
• Alkaloids
• Tulipanin diglucoside
• Euphorbol
• 12-Deoxy-4β-hydroxyphorbol-13-dodecanoate-20-acetate
• 12-Deoxyphorbol-13,20-diacetate

5. Plant Part-Specific Constituents

• Whole plant, bark, latex, root: Euphol
• Stem and leaves: Friedelan-3α/β-ol, taraxerol, Glut-5(10)-en-1-one
• Bark: Euphorbol hexacosanoate, n-Hexacosanol, Pelargonidin-3,5-diglucoside
• Bark and root: 24-Methylene cycloartenol, Tulipanin diglucoside
• Latex: Nerifoliol
• Root: Cycloartenol, Ingenol triacetate, Delphinidin-3,5-diglucoside

Modern Overview

Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Euphorbia neriifolia possesses several bioactive constituents that contribute to its anti-inflammatory and swelling-reducing properties. The plant’s latex is rich in triterpenoids such as euphol, nerifoliol, and cycloartenol, which have been reported to exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting mediators of inflammation. In addition, flavonoids present in the leaves demonstrate both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, aiding in the reduction of pain and oedema. Saponins, another key group of compounds found in the plant, particularly in latex extracts, have also shown effectiveness in modulating inflammatory responses. The milky latex, which contains a complex mix of diterpenoids, triterpenoids and saponins, is traditionally used for external application to manage swelling, joint pain, and inflammatory skin conditions. These pharmacologically active compounds work synergistically to support the traditional Ayurvedic use of Euphorbia neriifolia in treating various inflammatory disorders.

Anti-Obesity Activity

Certain phytochemical constituents, like flavonoids and diterpenes present in the plant, are believed to contribute to its potential role in weight management. These compounds may exert lipid-lowering, anti-adipogenic and metabolism-regulating effects by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways associated with obesity. Euphorbia neriifolia could offer supportive benefits in managing metabolic disorders. Additionally, studies on Euphorbia kansui, a closely related species, have shown anti-obesity effects through inhibition of fat accumulation and enhancement of energy expenditure. These insights suggest a promising area for further investigation into the weight-regulating potential of Euphorbia species.

Practical Uses

• Heated leaves of Snuhi are tied over areas affected by pain and inflammation to provide relief.
• Fresh leaf juice is instilled into the ears to alleviate an earache.
• Oil prepared by processing Snuhi leaves with sesame oil is used externally to relieve joint pain.
• Fresh milk latex of Euphorbia neriifolia is applied directly on external haemorrhoids to shrink the pile mass.
• The latex is used in the preparation of Kshara Sutra, a medicated thread employed in the treatment of piles and fistula-in-ano.
• Juice extracted from the fresh stem of Snuhi, when combined with honey and borax, is used to manage cough and sore throat.
• Milk latex is applied topically over warts as a part of their treatment.
• Due to its strong purgative action, the latex is used for bowel cleansing in cases of poisoning and severe constipation.
• Leaf paste of Snuhi is applied on the skin for the treatment of various skin disorders.

Part Used

• Root
• Leaves
• Milky latex

Dosage

• Root powder – 250-500 mg
• Juice – 2-5 drops
• Latex – 250-500 mg

Ayurvedic Medicines

• Vajrakshar
• Snuhyadi oil
• Snuhyadi varti
• Arsha Kuthar Ras

Planet Ayurveda Medicines

• Jalodarari ras

Conclusion

Euphorbia neriifolia, commonly known as Snuhi, is a potent medicinal plant widely recognised in Ayurvedic texts for its therapeutic versatility. Its latex, leaves and processed oils are traditionally used for managing conditions such as inflammation, joint pain, piles and earaches. The plant exhibits strong purgative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound-healing properties, making it valuable in both external and internal treatments. While its efficacy in various disorders is well acknowledged, its use must be cautious due to the irritant nature of its latex. Overall, Euphorbia neriifolia stands as a significant herbal resource in classical Ayurvedic formulations and continues to offer promise for future pharmacological research and therapeutic applications.