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ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
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Eranda (Ricinus Communis) In Gridhrasi (Sciatica): Classical
Rationale, Pharmacology and Clinical Evidence- A Narrative
Literature Review
Dr Mayuri Sunil Patil
Asso. Professor, Kayachikitsa Department SMBT Ayurved college and Hospital, India
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.120800096
Received: 23 Aug 2025; Accepted: 28 Aug 2025; Published: 09 September 2025
ABSTRACT
Background:
Gridhrasi, described in Ayurveda as a disease caused by aggravated Vata, is very similar to modern sciatica. It
presents with radiating pain from the lower back down the leg, often with stiffness and tingling. Ayurveda
recommends Eranda (castor) in forms like milk decoction (Ksheerapaka), enema (Basti), and oil therapy as
important treatments for Vata disorders.
Aim:
This review looks at how Ayurveda uses Eranda for Gridhrasi, explores the modern scientific findings about
castor, and summarizes available clinical research.
Methods:
The study reviewed Ayurvedic classics and modern scientific literature on Ricinus communis (castor), focusing
especially on studies related to sciatica and low back nerve pain.
Results:
Classical texts describe Gridhrasi with symptoms such as stiffness, pricking pain, pain radiating from the
buttock to the foot, and restricted movement. Treatments advised include oil application (snehana), sweating
therapy (swedana), medicated enemas (basti), and mild purgation (virechana), with Eranda as a key herb.
Modern research shows castor oil has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, mainly due to ricinoleic
acid acting through specific receptors in the body. Importantly, the toxic protein ricin is not present in the oil.
Some small clinical studies suggest that Erandamoola Ksheerapaka and Eranda Basti may help sciatica
patients, but strong, large-scale clinical trials are still missing. Safety concerns include loose stools,
dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and it should not be used in pregnancy because it can trigger labor.
Conclusion:
The Ayurvedic use of Eranda for Gridhrasi matches well with its modern anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving
actions. It may be a useful non-drug therapy for sciatica, but more rigorous studies are needed to confirm its
effectiveness with standardized preparations.
Keywords: Eranda, Ricinus communis, Gridhrasi, Sciatica, Vata vyadhi, Basti, Ksheerapaka, Ricinoleic acid
INTRODUCTION
Gridhrasi in Ayurveda
In Ayurvedic texts, Gridhrasi is described as one of the important Vataja Vyadhi (diseases caused by
aggravated Vata dosha). The condition is marked by pain that starts in the sphik (hip/buttock region) and
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spreads down through the thigh, knee, calf, and foot. Along with pain, patients often experience stiffness,
tingling, pricking sensations, and restricted movement of the leg. Because of the limping or bird-like gait
observed in severe cases, the disease is called Gridhrasi (derived from Gridhra = vulture).
Similarity to modern sciatica:
When we compare the Ayurvedic description of Gridhrasi with modern medical science, it closely resembles
sciatica or lumbosacral radiculopathy. In modern terms, sciatica occurs due to irritation or compression of
the lumbosacral nerve roots, often from a slipped disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative changes in the spine.
It produces pain radiating from the lower back or buttock down to the legs, sometimes accompanied by
numbness, tingling, or weakness. Thus, the classical symptoms (lakshana) and causative factors (nidana) of
Gridhrasi parallel the clinical features of sciatica.
Ayurvedic treatment approach:
Ayurveda emphasizes correcting the imbalance of Vata dosha, which is the main factor in Gridhrasi. The line
of treatment includes:
Snehana (oleation or oil therapies) – to reduce dryness and stiffness.
Swedana (sudation or fomentation) – to relieve stiffness, heaviness, and pain.
Basti (medicated enema) – regarded as the best treatment for Vata disorders, as it acts directly on the
colon and nervous system.
Mridu Virechana (mild purgation) – to expel vitiated Vata and clear obstruction in channels.
Role of Eranda (Ricinus communis):
Among various drugs mentioned for Vata disorders, Eranda (castor plant) holds a special place. It is
described as Vataghna (pacifying Vata) and Srotoshodhaka (clearing body channels). Preparations of Eranda
such as Eranda Taila (castor oil), Erandamoola Ksheerapaka (milk decoction of root), and Eranda Basti
are frequently recommended in classical texts for managing Gridhrasi.
Purpose of this review:
This article brings together three perspectives:
1. Ayurvedic classical knowledge on Gridhrasi and Eranda’s role in its treatment.
2. Pharmacological and phytochemical evidence about Ricinus communis from modern science.
3. Available clinical evidence assessing the effectiveness and safety of Eranda-based therapies in Gridhrasi
or sciatica patients.
4. By combining traditional wisdom with modern scientific validation, this review aims to provide a
comprehensive understanding of how Eranda can be integrated into the management of Gridhrasi
(sciatica).
Classical Ayurvedic Perspective
Nosology and Symptomatology
In Ayurveda, Gridhrasi is described as a painful condition that begins in the hip (sphik) and radiates
downward through the waist (kati), thigh (uru), knee (janu), calf (jangha), and finally to the foot (pada).
Along with this radiating pain, patients experience stiffness (stambha), pricking pain (toda), generalized
pain (ruk), and twitching or spasms (spandana). These descriptions closely match the symptoms of sciatica,
where nerve irritation in the lower back produces pain and sensory disturbances along the same pathway.
Samprapti (Pathogenesis) and Chikitsa-siddhanta (Treatment Principles)
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According to Ayurveda, Gridhrasi occurs due to the aggravation of Vata dosha. This may happen in two
ways:
1) Dhatu-kshaya – depletion of body tissues leading to weakness.
2) Margavarodha – obstruction in the channels (srotas) that blocks the normal flow of Vata.
Because Vata is the key factor, the treatment focuses on Vata-shamana (pacification of Vata) and removal
of obstructions. For this purpose:
Snehana (oleation): application or intake of medicated oils to reduce dryness and stiffness.
Swedana (sudation/fomentation): sweating therapy to relieve rigidity and pain.
Basti (enema therapy): considered the best treatment for Vata disorders, as it acts directly on the colon
and nervous system. It is called Ardha Chikitsa (half of all treatments) for Vata.
Mridu Virechana (mild purgation): used especially when there is no ama (undigested toxins) present. It
helps clear channels and reduces Vata aggravation.
Eranda in Nighantus and Texts
Ayurvedic lexicons such as Bhavaprakasha Nighantu mention Eranda (Ricinus communis) as a powerful
Vataghna (Vata pacifying) drug.
Erandamoola (root) is especially valued in Vatavyadhi (neurological and musculoskeletal conditions due
to Vata).
Eranda Patra (leaves) and Eranda Taila (castor oil) are indicated for shoola-kshamana (relieving pain)
and srotoshodhana (clearing body channels).
Classical Preparations of Eranda
Eranda Taila (castor oil): used for snehapana (internal oleation), abhyanga (external massage), and
mridu virechana (mild purgation).
Erandamoola Ksheerapaka: a preparation where the root is decocted in milk, especially prescribed in
Gridhrasi and other Vata disorders.
Eranda Basti (enema): either as Ksheera-basti (milk-based) or Anuvasana (oil enema) prepared with
castor oil, effectively addresses Vata at its root site.
Modern Correlate: Sciatica
In modern medicine, sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from
the lower back through the hips and buttocks down each leg.
It is usually caused by compression or irritation of the lumbosacral nerve roots, most commonly due to
slipped disc (herniated disc), spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal), or age-related degenerative
changes.
Symptoms include radiating pain, tingling, numbness, and sometimes muscle weakness.
Conventional management generally includes:
Staying active and avoiding prolonged bed rest.
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Exercise and physiotherapy for strengthening and flexibility.
Non-opioid pain relievers (NSAIDs, acetaminophen).
Selective use of manual therapy, acupuncture, or needling techniques.
Avoidance of unnecessary imaging and overuse of strong painkillers, unless severe red-flag symptoms are
present.
This shows that both Ayurveda and modern medicine recommend conservative, non-surgical approaches
in early and moderate cases of sciatica.
Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry & Mechanisms of Eranda
Key Constituents
The castor plant (Ricinus communis) contains several bioactive compounds:
Ricinoleic acid (in castor oil) – the most important active component.
Flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, rutin) – known for anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Alkaloids (ricinine).
Tannins and triterpenes (e.g., lupeol) – contribute to pain and inflammation relief.
Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic Actions
Experimental studies show that different extracts of Ricinus communis (root, leaf, oil) have:
Anti-inflammatory activity – reducing swelling and inflammatory markers.
Analgesic (pain-relieving) activity – lowering pain sensation in animal models.
Defined Molecular Mechanism
Ricinoleic acid, the main component of castor oil, works by stimulating prostaglandin EP3 receptors in
smooth muscles.
This explains two key actions:
Laxative effect – increases bowel movement.
Uterotonic effect – stimulates uterine contractions (hence contraindicated in pregnancy).
Relevance to Gridhrasi
The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties may reduce nerve-root inflammation, which is
central in sciatica.
The mild purgative action (mridu virechana) described in Ayurveda aligns with the modern
understanding of detoxification and clearing metabolic by-products, thereby reducing obstruction
(srotoshodhana).
Clinical Evidence
Ayurvedic Studies on Gridhrasi with Eranda:
Some small studies and case reports have used Erandamoola Ksheera-Basti (enema prepared with castor root
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and milk) in patients with Gridhrasi. These studies showed improvements in pain, stiffness, and straight leg
raise test, which is an important clinical sign in sciatica. However, most of these studies had a small number
of patients, no control group, and short duration, which limits how much we can conclude.
Other Ayurvedic Interventions for Gridhrasi:
Apart from Eranda, Ayurvedic physicians have used procedures like Siravedha (bloodletting) and
Agnikarma (therapeutic cauterization) in Gridhrasi patients. These too have shown relief in pain and
mobility. Such results confirm that Ayurveda broadly emphasizes Vata-management in this disease.
Current Evidence Gap:
Despite promising findings, there are no large, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that focus
only on Eranda Taila or Erandamoola Ksheerapaka for sciatica patients confirmed by imaging (like MRI).
Hence, while traditional use is strong, scientific validation is still pending.
Dosage Forms & Practical Use of Eranda
1. Eranda Taila (Castor Oil):
Internal Use: Given orally for mild purgation (mridu virechana) or as part of snehapana (internal
oleation).
External Use: Used in massage (abhyanga) or localized application over the affected area.
Dosage: Varies depending on the patient’s age, strength, digestion, and disease stage; hence, it is
individualized by the physician.
2. Erandamoola Ksheerapaka (Castor Root with Milk):
Prepared by boiling Erandamoola (root) in milk.
Used as a drink in Vata disorders, especially Gridhrasi.
Sometimes used as a preparation before basti therapy.
3. Basti (Enema Therapy):
Ksheera-basti (milk-based enema) or Anuvasana-basti (oil-based enema) are given with Eranda Taila.
This approach is considered very effective, as basti is described as “half of Vata therapy” (Ardha
chikitsa) in Ayurveda.
7. Safety, Contraindications, and Toxicology
1. Castor Oil and Ricin:
Castor oil does not contain ricin, the toxic protein found in raw castor seeds.
Hence, oil preparations are safe when used properly.
2. Use in Pregnancy:
Castor oil can stimulate uterine contractions by activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors.
Therefore, it is not recommended during pregnancy, as it may induce premature labor.
3. Side Effects (if misused):
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Loose motions (diarrhea)
Abdominal cramps
Dehydration
Electrolyte imbalance These effects are more likely if the oil is taken in excess dose or in frail/weak
patients.
Caution is needed in elderly, debilitated, or patients with poor digestion.
Alignment with Contemporary Guidelines
Modern Sciatica Care:
Current medical guidelines for sciatica recommend conservative treatment first:
Staying active and avoiding prolonged bed rest
Physical therapy and exercise
Simple pain relievers (non-opioid medicines like NSAIDs)
Limited manual therapies or acupuncture
How Eranda Fits In:
Eranda-based Ayurvedic therapies (like Ksheerapaka, Taila, and Basti) provide non-opioid, plant-based,
and traditional support for pain management.
Their use aligns with modern approaches because they avoid unnecessary strong drugs or surgery in early
cases.
However, before starting therapy, patients should undergo screening for safety and give informed consent.
Ideally, Eranda preparations should be used as an adjunct along with exercise, lifestyle changes, and
physiotherapy.
Research Priorities (What Needs to Be Studied Next?)
Although Eranda has been used in Ayurveda for centuries to treat Gridhrasi, modern scientific research is still
at an early stage. To make Ayurvedic medicine more widely accepted, some key research areas are:
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs):
Large, well-designed clinical trials are needed to compare Erandamoola Ksheerapaka with or without
Basti against conventional treatments like NSAIDs (painkillers).
These trials should include patients with sciatica confirmed by MRI/CT scans.
Standardization of Medicine:
Eranda Taila (castor oil) and Erandamoola (castor root) should be standardized to ensure same quality,
potency, and safety in every batch.
This will help in scientific studies and global acceptance.
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Mechanism Studies:
Laboratory and clinical studies should focus on how Eranda works in the body—its effect on
inflammatory markers (like cytokines), nerve conduction, and healing as seen in imaging.
Safety Studies:
Special attention should be given to gastrointestinal side effects (like diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte
imbalance).
Possible drug interactions with modern medicines should also be studied.
Long-term safety studies in different age groups (especially elderly) are needed.
CONCLUSION
Eranda (Ricinus communis) is one of the most important Ayurvedic medicines for Vata disorders, and
classical texts strongly recommend it for Gridhrasi (sciatica).
Traditional Basis: Ayurveda describes Eranda Taila, Erandamoola Ksheerapaka, and Eranda-based bastis
as effective in relieving pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.
Modern Science: Research shows that castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has proven anti-
inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It also helps cleanse the channels through its mild
purgative action.
Current Evidence: Small clinical studies have reported positive results in Gridhrasi, but they are limited
in sample size and not methodologically strong.
Future Direction: Well-structured RCTs, standardized preparations, and safety studies are required to
scientifically establish Eranda as a validated therapy for sciatica.
In summary, Eranda has strong Ayurvedic support, plausible scientific mechanisms, and encouraging
preliminary results. However, more rigorous research is essential before it can be confidently recommended
in mainstream medical guidelines.
REFERENCES (SIMPLIFIED WITH CONTEXT)
1. Ayurvedic concept of Gridhrasi and Eranda – Reviews published in journals like JAIMS and
Critical Reviews in Ayurveda.
2. Classical Ayurvedic texts – Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Vagbhata describe Vata-vyadhi
chikitsa including snehana, swedana, basti, and virechana.
3. Nighantus (Materia Medica) – Bhavaprakasha and others highlight Eranda as Vataghna (Vata-
pacifying), with root, leaf, and oil uses.
4. Pharmacology of Ricinus communis – Experimental studies showing anti-inflammatory and
analgesic activity.
5. Mechanism of ricinoleic acid – Research on EP3 receptor activation explaining purgative and
smooth muscle effects.
6. Toxicology reports – Confirm that castor oil does not contain ricin (the toxic protein in raw seeds).
Oral use is contraindicated in pregnancy.
7. Modern Sciatica guidelines – Orthopedic and neurology literature recommend conservative, non-
opioid, non-surgical management.
8. Clinical studies in Ayurveda – Small trials on Erandamoola Ksheerapaka and basti therapy for
Gridhrasi showing symptomatic relief.
