Adhatoda Vasica (Vasaka) and the Female Reproductive System with special reference to Induction of Labour: An Integrative Ayurvedic and Modern Pharmacological Review

Abstract

Adhatoda vasica (L.) Nees (Vasaka) is a well-known medicinal plant of Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha systems, traditionally indicated in respiratory disorders, bleeding conditions, and gynaecological ailments. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe Vasaka as Raktasangrahika (hemostatic) and Garbhapravartaka/ Garbhapatanakaraka (uterine stimulant/abortifacient). Modern research attributes its uterotonic and abortifacient activities mainly to the alkaloid vasicine. Objective: To critically evaluate the role of Adhatoda vasica on the female reproductive system with special reference to induction of labour, integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern pharmacological evidence. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate (1980–2025). Classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, and Dhanvantari Nighantu were reviewed. Data from in vitro myometrial studies, in vivo animal experiments, ethnomedicinal reports, and pharmacological investigations were critically analyzed. Results: From an Ayurvedic perspective, Vasaka acts as a Prasava-pravartaka dravya by stimulating Apana Vata through its Ushna Virya and Katu Vipaka, while its Kashaya Rasa imparts a hemostatic effect. Modern studies confirm that vasicine induces strong uterotonic activity by stimulating prostaglandin (PGE₂, PGF₂α) synthesis and increasing intracellular Ca²⁺ levels. At higher doses, Vasaka exhibits potent abortifacient activity. It also demonstrates significant anti-hemorrhagic effects due to tannins and flavonoids. Conclusion: Adhatoda vasica is a potent modulator of the female reproductive system with dual activity- labour induction and postpartum hemostasis. While it shows promise as a natural uterotonic at term, its strong abortifacient potential mandates cautious, supervised use. Large-scale controlled clinical trials are urgently required for standardization and validation.