Onosma bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva – Medicinal Properties, Benefits & Dosage

Abstract

Onosma bracteatum is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Boraginaceae and is widely used as an important ingredient in several Unani and Ayurvedic formulations for managing various health disorders. The genus Onosma L. comprises nearly 150 species distributed globally, though only about 75 species have been morphologically described, and fewer than 10 have been studied for their chemical constituents. Among them, Onosma echioides L. (family Boraginaceae) is a commonly utilised medicinal herb extensively distributed across India, Nepal, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan. It is commonly known as Maharangi or Ratanjot, and it is traditionally used both medicinally and as a natural colouring agent in Indian cuisine, imparting a characteristic red colour to dishes such as Rogan Josh.

Classical References Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

• Bhavprakash Nighantu Guduchyadi varga
• Raj Nighantu Satahvadi varga

Scientific Classification Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Subkingdom: Tracheophytes
• Super Division: Angiosperms
• Division: Eudicots
• Class: Asterids
• Order: Boraginales
• Family: Boraginaceae
• Subfamily: Boraginoideae
• Genus: Onosma
• Species: Onosma bracteatum

Synonym Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

• Kharaparnini / Kharapatra – Refers to the plant having rough or coarse leaves.
• Matsyagandhi – Indicates that the plant emits a fishy odour when crushed.
• Darpapatri – Describes the plant as having thick or sturdy leaves.
• Darvika – A traditional synonym; generally refers to the plant in classical texts.
• Godhumika – Suggests resemblance in colour or appearance to wheat (Godhuma).
• Koshtamulika – Indicates usefulness in abdominal or digestive disorders.
• Gobhi
• Goli
• Gojika

Vernacular Names Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

• Sanskrit: Darvipatra, Gauajihva, Kharaparni, Gauji
• English: Cow’s Tongue, Lisanussoar, Sedge Herb
• Hindi: Gaujaban, Gojiya, Goaza, Ganjaba
• Assamese: Lisanusaur
• Bengali: Gojialata, Dadisha, Gaozaban, Dadishaka
• Gujarati: Bhonpathari, Galajibhi, Bhopathsri
• Kannada: Shankha Huli, Aakalanalige, Gojaba, Yettina Nalage
• Malayalam: Kozhuppu
• Marathi: Govjaban, Paatharee, Pathari
• Odia: Kharsan, Kharaptra
• Punjabi: Kazban
• Tamil: Kharaptra, Dharviptra, Kozha
• Telugu: Yeddunaluka, Yedunalaka Chattu
• Urdu: Gaozaban
• Arabic: Taharatulsanulshur, Lasanulshur
• Persian (Parasi): Kalamarumi

Habitat Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

The plant prefers well-drained, light soils and is commonly found on sun-exposed slopes of the Western and Central Himalayas, particularly from Kashmir to Kumaon at altitudes of about 3500–4500 m. In Himachal Pradesh, it has been reported from districts such as Kangra, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Lahaul–Spiti. Globally, the species has a restricted distribution mainly in India and Nepal, occurring between approximately 3300–5000 m altitude. Within India, it is sparsely distributed in the north-western Himalayan regions, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Uttarakhand. The name “Gaozaban” is applied to several plants from different genera. Historically, it has been associated with species such as Anchusa strigosa, Macrotomia benthamii, Coccinia glauca, and Borago officinalis.

Morphology Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

This plant is a large, herbaceous perennial shrub reaching about 40 cm in height, arising from a black, woody rootstock with a knotty head. The stem is simple, erect or ascending, greenish-yellow, rough due to stiff white hairs, longitudinally wrinkled, and rarely branched. Roots are purplish-red internally, while stems are thickly covered with calcareous tubercles and bristles. Leaves are thick, entire, petiolate, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate (12–30 cm long), with rough, hispid hairs on both surfaces; upper leaves are smaller than the lower ones. The upper leaf surface appears greenish to light yellow, while the underside is whitish and silky. Flowers are deep blue, turning purplish, trumpet-shaped, arranged in dense clusters, and covered with stiff white bristles. Fruits are ovoid, rough nutlets. Microscopically, the stem has a single-layered epidermis with thick cuticle, collenchyma and parenchyma cortex, and typical vascular tissues, while leaves show isobilateral lamina, paracytic stomata, and characteristic warty unicellular hairs.

Special Note

There is some disagreement among scholars regarding the identification of Gojihva. Some authors consider Elephantopus scaber as Gojihva, whereas Shri Thakur Balwant Singh, based on regional names, identified it instead as “Mayurshikha,” and thus described it under that category. Acharya Priyavrat regarded Gojihva as a leafy vegetable (shaka) and distinguished it from the Unani drug Gaozaban, although Bhavamishra appears to have treated both as the same, since terms like Kharaparnini and Darvi point toward Gaozaban while Goji refers to a vegetable herb. The name Gaozaban has also been applied to several plants, notably Caccinia glauca found in Baluchistan, which is considered strengthening, diuretic, and lubricating, and used in conditions like rheumatism and syphilis. Other plants referred to as Gaozaban generally belong to the Boraginaceae family, including Borago officinalis, Anchusa strigosa, Macrotomia benthamii, and Trichodesma indicum. Gojihva is not listed in Charaka’s Dashaimani group but is mentioned as a vegetable and in topical formulations for skin conditions, while both Charaka and Sushruta describe it as useful in wound healing, with Sushruta also recommending it for ulcers, syphilitic conditions, erysipelas, and as a dietary herb. There is another herb named Launaea aspleniifolia Hook f., which is used as Gojihva.

Classical Categorisation Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

• According to Charaka Samhita: Shaka Varga
• According to Vagbhata: Shaka Varga
• According to Kaiyadeva Nighantu: Aushadhi Varga
• According to Bhavprakash Nighantu: Guduchyadi varga
• According to Raj Nighantu: Satahvadi varga

Ancient Verse Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

गोजिह्वा गोजिका गोभी दार्विका खरपर्णिनी ।
गोजिह्वा वातला शीता ग्राहिणी कफपित्तनुत् ॥
हृद्या प्रमेहकासास्त्रव्रणज्वरहरी लघुः ।
कोमला तुवरा तिक्ता स्वादुपाकरसा स्मृता ॥
(Bhavprakash Nighantu Guduchyadi varga 297-298)

According to the above shloka, Gojihva is also known by several names, such as Gojihva, Gojika, Gobhi, Darvika, and Kharaparnini. It is considered Vata-provoking in action, has a cooling potency (Sheet Virya), and possesses absorbent (Grahi) properties while helping reduce Kapha and Pitta doshas. It is regarded as beneficial for heart health and is traditionally used in conditions like urinary disorders (Prameha), cough, blood disorders, wounds, and fever. The herb is described as light, soft in nature, and having an astringent, bitter, and slightly sweet taste, with a sweet post-digestive effect (Madhura Vipaka).

गोजिह्वा कटुका तीव्रा शीतला पित्तनाशनी ।
व्रणसंरोपणी चैव सर्वदन्तविषार्त्तिजित् ।।
(Raj Nighantu Satahvadi varga 86-87)

According to the above shloka, it is pungent in nature, fast-acting (Tivra), and has a cooling effect that helps reduce Pitta dosha. It promotes quicker wound healing and is particularly useful in managing dental and teeth-related disorders.

Ayurvedic Properties Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

• Taste (Rasa)- Bitter (Tikta), Sweet (Madhur), Astringent (Kashaya)
• Physical property (Guna) - Light (Laghu)
• Potency (Veerya )- Cold Potency (Sheet)
• Post-digestion effect (Vipaka)- Sweet (Madhur)
• Effect on tridosha– Balances Pitta and Kapha dosha and increases Vata dosha

Therapeutic Indications Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

• Hima – Cooling in nature; helps reduce body heat.
• Grahi – Absorbent property; useful in diarrhoea, IBS, and loose motions.
• Hrudya – Acts as a cardiac tonic; supports heart health.
• Kasa – Helpful in cough and cold.
• Aruchi – Useful in loss of appetite or anorexia.
• Shwasa – Beneficial in asthma and chronic respiratory conditions.
• Prameha – Supports management of urinary disorders and diabetes.
• Asra – Useful in blood disorders, abscesses, skin problems, and bleeding conditions like menorrhagia or nasal bleeding.
• Jwara – Helpful in fever.
• Vrana – Aids in healing ulcers and wounds.

Systemic Actions Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

External Uses

• Helps reduce pain and burning sensation and promotes faster wound healing.

Internal Uses

• Nervous System – Strengthens the nervous system and is useful in certain mental disorders.
• Digestive System – Helpful in constipation, jaundice, and related conditions; supports proper movement of Vata dosha and has mild laxative action.
• Circulatory System – Beneficial in conditions like Amavata (rheumatic heart disease) and cardiac weakness.
• Respiratory System – Pacifies Kapha dosha; useful in cough, breathing difficulty, asthma, and runny nose (often given as decoction with liquorice).
• Excretory System – Exhibits diuretic action; helpful in dysuria and pus in urine.
• Satmikarana – Improves strength and helps in general debility.
• Tapakrama – Helps reduce fever and relieves thirst and burning sensation.

Chemical Composition Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

• Naphthoquinones: Alkannin, shikonin, deoxyshikonin, isobutyrylshikonin, α-methylbutyrylshikonin.
• Benzoquinones: Allomicrophyllone, ehretiquinone, and novel ehretiquinones B–D.
• Phenolic Compounds: Ferulic acid, vanillic acid, and other phenolic acids with antioxidant activity.
• Flavonoids: Apigenin, luteolin, shikonins, onosmins, and other flavonoid derivatives.
• Alkaloids: Pyrrolizidine alkaloids such as lycopsamine and supindine viridiflorate.
• Glycosides: Various glycosidic compounds contribute to therapeutic effects.
• Tannins & Saponins: Present mainly in leaves and flowers.
• Phytosterols: Sterol compounds contributing to pharmacological activity.
• Carbohydrates & Lipids: Includes sugars, fatty acids, and other nutritive compounds.
• Proteins & Seed Oil: Seeds contain protein (~21.9%) and oil (~38.3%) rich in gamma-linolenic and linoleic acids.
• Minerals: High levels of calcium, potassium, and other trace minerals.
• Mucilage & Amino Acids: Saline mucilage in stems/leaves; flowers contain amino acids, glucose, fructose, and choline.

Actions And Properties Of Various Chemical Constituents Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

Antidepressant Activity

The management of anxiety and depression with Onosma bracteatum (Gaozaban) is mainly attributed to specific phytochemicals such as flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, catechin), phenolic acids (caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, vanillic acid), benzoquinones (allomicrophyllone, ehretiquinone), and pyrrolizidine alkaloids (lycopsamine, supindine). These compounds act as powerful antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress linked to mental health disorders. Flavonoids provide neuroprotective and calming effects, while phenolic acids help reduce inflammation and stabilise mood. The extract influences neurotransmitters like serotonin, GABA, and adrenergic systems, helping relieve anxiety and depression. Fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid support neural health, while acetylcholinesterase inhibition improves memory and cognition. Together, these actions promote mental relaxation, emotional balance, and overall nervous system support.

Anti-diabetic Activity

The management of diabetes and metabolic disorders with Onosma bracteatum (Gaozaban) is mainly linked to specific phytochemicals such as phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid), flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol, rutin), and naphthoquinone derivatives like shikonin, deoxyshikonin, acetylshikonin, and ehretiquinone. These compounds act as strong antioxidants that protect pancreatic beta cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation associated with diabetes. Flavonoids help improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, while phenolic acids neutralise harmful free radicals. Naphthoquinones support liver and vascular health and help control inflammatory responses. Additionally, fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid support metabolic balance. The extract may also inhibit the α-glucosidase enzyme, slowing carbohydrate digestion and reducing post-meal blood sugar spikes.

Antimicrobial Activity

The antimicrobial activity of Onosma bracteatum (Gaozaban) in managing respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal infections is mainly attributed to bioactive compounds such as naphthoquinones (shikonin, alkannin, deoxyshikonin, isobutyrylshikonin, acetylshikonin), phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid), and flavonoids like catechin, epicatechin, kaempferol, onosmin A and B. These compounds exhibit strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Phenolic acids inhibit microbial growth by interfering with bacterial enzymes and proteins, while shikonin derivatives help reduce inflammation by regulating COX-2 activity. Flavonoids provide antioxidant protection that strengthens tissue defence against pathogens. Additional constituents such as triterpenoids, saponins, tannins, and pyrrolizidine alkaloids (lycopsamine, supindine) enhance the overall antimicrobial effect. Together, these phytochemicals help suppress harmful microbes and support the healing of infected tissues.

For Rheumatoid Arthritis

The beneficial effects of Onosma bracteatum in managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are mainly attributed to its rich phytochemical composition, including naphthoquinones such as shikonin, alkannin, and acetylshikonin, along with phenolic acids like rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, and p-coumaric acid, and flavonoids such as apigenin, luteolin, and onosmone. These compounds work together to reduce inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP and inhibiting inflammatory enzymes including COX-2 and 5-lipoxygenase (LOX). Their strong antioxidant activity helps neutralise reactive oxygen species in the joints, preventing cartilage damage and oxidative stress. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids such as lycopsamine and supindine further contribute to analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Collectively, these bioactive constituents help decrease joint swelling, protect synovial tissues, and support overall joint health in rheumatoid arthritis.

For Cardiovascular System

Onosma bracteatum (Gojihva) supports cardiovascular health due to its rich phytochemical composition, particularly phenolic acids such as rosmarinic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, and caffeic acid, which provide strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that help protect cardiac tissues from oxidative stress. Flavonoids, including apigenin, luteolin, rutin, kaempferol, and catechin, aid in regulating blood pressure, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation, thereby helping manage hypertension and palpitations. The presence of benzoquinones like allomicrophyllone and ehretiquinones C and D contributes cardioprotective and anti-ageing effects that support heart muscle strength. Additionally, saline mucilage offers restorative and strengthening properties, while essential minerals such as potassium and calcium help maintain proper cardiac muscle contraction and rhythm.

Practical Uses / Health Benefits Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

• Ash prepared from the leaves of Onosma bracteatum (Gojihva) is traditionally applied externally to help manage stomatitis and promote wound healing.
• A decoction made from the leaves is commonly used to support the management of jaundice and constipation.
• Cold infusion of the leaves is traditionally given in certain psychiatric and epileptic conditions for its calming effects.
• Cold infusion prepared from the flowers and fruits, administered with Glycyrrhiza glabra powder (about 50–60 ml), is used for rhinitis and cough relief.
• Leaf cold infusion is also valued as a tonic, diuretic, demulcent, and alterative, often prescribed in rheumatism, syphilis, leprosy, hypochondria, and kidney disorders.
• Leaf decoction (30–40 ml dose) is traditionally given for fever and difficulty in urination.
• The plant decoction is also considered helpful in functional heart palpitations and irritation of the stomach and bladder.
• Root powder is applied externally to manage various cutaneous eruptions.

Parts Used Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

• Leaf
• Flower
• Root

Dosage Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

• Powder- 3-6 gms with Milk
• Flower powder- 3-6 gms

Classical Products Of Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

• Brahmi Vati (Plain)

Planet Ayurveda Products With Onosma Bracteatum Wall./ Gojihva

• Brahmi Vati (Plain)

Conclusion

Onosma bracteatum (Gojihva/Gaozaban) is an important medicinal plant valued in traditional systems for its wide therapeutic potential. Its rich phytochemical profile, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and naphthoquinone derivatives, contributes to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective activities. Traditionally, it has been used for respiratory, cardiac, neurological, skin, and metabolic disorders. The plant also exhibits tonic, demulcent, and rejuvenating properties that support overall health. Thus, Onosma bracteatum holds significant promise for both traditional medicine and future pharmacological research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. What Is The Hindi Name Of Onosma Bracteatum?

Its Hindi name is Gaozaban (Gojihva), commonly used in traditional medicine.

2. What Is The Tamil Name Of Onosma Bracteatum?

There is no widely established Tamil vernacular name; it is generally referred to as Gojihva/Gaozaban in Ayurvedic usage.

3. What Are The Uses Of Onosma Bracteatum?

It is traditionally used for respiratory issues, cardiac weakness, skin problems, urinary disorders, and as a cooling tonic.

4. What Are The Benefits Of Onosma Bracteatum?

It shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antimicrobial, and soothing (demulcent) properties supporting overall health.

5. What Is The Family Name Of Onosma Bracteatum?

It belongs to the Boraginaceae family.