KandanKathiri: A Nutrient-Rich Herbal Plant You Should Know About
KandanKathiri is a traditional Tamil herb known for its natural nutrients and plant based goodness.
Introduction:
In Tamil, the name “Kandankathiri” (கண்டங்கத்திரி / கண்டங்கத்தரி) comes from two Tamil words that describe the plant’s thorny nature:
- Kandan / கண்டன் refers to thorns / spines / prickliness. In traditional Tamil, plants name starting from “kandan” is often referred to the plants that are heavily thorned or “painful to touch.”
- Kathiri (கத்திரி / கத்தரி) - A Tamil word related to the brinjal/eggplant group.
So the meaning becomes - “Kandan + Kathiri” = “The thorny brinjal plant.” This is a perfect description of the plant because it belongs to the Solanum (brinjal) family, has sharp thorns all over the stems and leaves and produces small berry-like fruits similar to tiny brinjals.
Kandankathiri is a Traditional Medicinal Plant which can be found across Tropical and Subtropical regions of South Asia. In India it is predominantly found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala (drier areas), Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradhesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
Kandankathiri is a tough weed-like plant that thrives in Dry lands, Along the roadsides ,Barren fields / wastelands, Rocky soils, Sandy soils, Fields left uncultivated, Near village outskirts, and Scrub forests. This Medicinal plant does not require fertile soil, it requires high heat and low water to grow.
Nutritional Content of KandanKathiri:
It is packed with certain vital nutrients they are:
- Carbohydrates
- Minerals
- Fatty acids and
- Amino acids
It is also rich in phytochemical compounds such as:
- Alkaloids
- Flavonoids
- Glycosides
- Saponins
- Coumarins
- Beta-sitosterol and
- Solasodine
Medicinal Values:
- Anti-asthmatic - Reduces airway constriction, phlegm, and wheezing.
- Expectorant - Helps clear mucus in cough and bronchitis.
- Anti-inflammatory - Useful for respiratory inflammation, joint pain, and infections.
- Antioxidant - Protects cells from oxidative damage.
- Antibacterial / Antifungal - Treats respiratory tract infections and certain skin issues.
- Digestive support - Reduces gas, improves bowel movement, relieves stomach discomfort.
- Pain-relief - Reduces headaches, throat pain, chest tightness.
- Liver protection (hepatoprotective) - Compounds like solasodine show liver-supporting properties.
- 9. Dental use - In Siddha medicine, fumes from the seeds (i.e., fumigation) are used to treat dental caries (tooth decay).
Important Note:
Although the plant is medicinal, the raw berries and roots contain alkaloids that can be toxic in excess. Traditionally it is used in measured and processed forms (kashaya, choornam, lehiyam), not eaten raw.
Modern Evidence:
- Recent research and studies shows that Kandankathiri has the significant relieving property for Bronchial Asthma.
- It shows considerable improvement Respiratory/Breathing issue.