07/07/2026
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Plant number 54
🌿 Patharchat (پتھرچٹ)
Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken
Family: Crassulaceae
Introduction
Patharchat (also known as Pattharchatta, Zakhm-e-Hayat, Air Plant, Cathedral Bells, Life Plant, Miracle Leaf) is a succulent medicinal plant widely used in traditional systems of medicine. Although it is not among the most extensively described drugs in early Arabic-Persian Unani texts, it has long been incorporated into the Indo-Unani Materia Medica because of its remarkable wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, lithotriptic, and haemostatic properties.
The plant is especially valued in Unani practice for disorders of the urinary system, wounds, inflammation, bleeding, and certain hepatic and gastrointestinal diseases.
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Botanical Identity
Botanical name: Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken
Synonym: Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers.
Family: Crassulaceae
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Vernacular Names
- Arabic: Qalam al-Hayat (regional usage)
- Persian: Barg-e-Zindagi (regional)
- Urdu: پتھرچٹ، پتھرچٹا
- Hindi: पत्थरचट्टा
- English: Life Plant, Air Plant, Miracle Leaf, Cathedral Bells
- Sanskrit: Parnabeeja
- Bengali: Patharkuchi
- Tamil: Ranakalli
- Malayalam: Elamarunnu
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Part Used (Musta'mal Ajza)
- Fresh leaves (most commonly used)
- Leaf juice
- Whole plant
- Roots (occasionally)
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Mizaj (Temperament)
According to Indo-Unani scholars:
Mizaj: Cold and Dry (Barid Yabis) – First to Second Degree
Some physicians consider it Barid Ratab because of its succulent nature, but the commonly accepted temperament is Barid Yabis.
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Important Chemical Constituents
- Bryophyllin A
- Bryophyllin C
- Bufadienolides
- Flavonoids
- Quercetin
- Kaempferol
- Phenolic compounds
- Triterpenoids
- Sterols
- Organic acids
- Vitamin C
- Minerals (Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium)
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Pharmacological Actions (Afa'al)
- Muhallil-e-Waram (Anti-inflammatory)
- Mudammil-e-Qurooh (Wound healer)
- Habis-e-Dam (Haemostatic)
- Mudirr-e-Baul (Diuretic)
- Mufattit-e-Hasat (Lithotriptic)
- Musakkin-e-Alam (Analgesic)
- Dafi'-e-Taffun (Antimicrobial)
- Muqawwi-e-Kabid (Hepatoprotective)
- Munaffis-e-Balgham (Mild expectorant)
- Dafi'-e-Humma (Antipyretic)
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Therapeutic Uses (Istemalat)
Urinary Disorders
- Renal calculi
- Ureteric stones
- Dysuria
- Burning micturition
- Mild urinary tract infections
Wound Management
- Fresh wounds
- Chronic ulcers
- Diabetic wounds (supportive)
- Burns
- Insect bites
Inflammatory Conditions
- Swellings
- Arthritis
- Joint pain
- Sprains
Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Gastric ulcer
- Peptic ulcer
- Hyperacidity
- Dysentery
- Diarrhoea
Liver Disorders
- Hepatic inflammation
- Fatty liver (supportive)
- Hepatoprotection
Respiratory Disorders
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Mild asthma (traditional use)
Skin Diseases
- Abscess
- Boils
- Eczema
- Minor skin infections
Bleeding Disorders
- Minor cuts
- Epistaxis (traditional use)
- Bleeding piles (traditional supportive use)
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Modern Pharmacological Activities
Experimental studies have demonstrated:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Wound healing
- Antimicrobial
- Hepatoprotective
- Anti-ulcer
- Antidiabetic
- Nephroprotective
- Diuretic
- Immunomodulatory
- Analgesic
- Antipyretic
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Dosage
Fresh leaf juice
10–20 ml daily
Fresh leaves
2–4 leaves daily (traditional practice)
Powder
3–6 g
Dose should always be individualized by a qualified Unani physician.
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Adverse Effects
Generally considered safe when used appropriately.
Excessive use may cause:
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Mild diarrhoea
- Electrolyte imbalance due to excessive diuresis
Because the plant contains bufadienolides, prolonged high-dose consumption is not advisable without medical supervision.
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Contraindications
- Pregnancy (avoid medicinal doses)
- Breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
- Severe hypotension
- Patients receiving cardiac glycosides should use only under medical supervision.
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Drug Interactions
May potentiate:
- Diuretics
- Antihypertensive medicines
- Antidiabetic drugs
Caution is advised in patients on digitalis-like cardiac medications.
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Correctives (Musleh)
Generally not required.
If excessive cooling effects are observed, warming correctives like Zanjabeel (Ginger) or Filfil Siyah (Black Pepper) may be prescribed according to the patient's temperament.
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Substitute (Badal)
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)
- Biskhapra (Trianthema portulacastrum)
- Kasni (Cichorium intybus) in selected hepatic and urinary disorders
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Scientific Evidence
Numerous experimental and preclinical studies have reported significant:
- Anti-urolithiatic activity
- Wound healing potential
- Anti-inflammatory action
- Hepatoprotective effect
- Anti-ulcer activity
- Antioxidant properties
Further high-quality clinical trials are still needed to establish standardized therapeutic indications.
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Precautions
- Use under supervision of a qualified Unani physician.
- Correct botanical identification is essential because similar-looking succulents may be confused with Bryophyllum pinnatum.
- Avoid self-medication in kidney disease, pregnancy, or chronic illnesses.
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Educational Note
Patharchat is one of the most promising medicinal succulents used in Indo-Unani practice. Its traditional reputation in promoting wound healing and supporting urinary health has received encouraging support from modern pharmacological research. However, rational prescribing based on temperament (Mizaj), disease stage, and individual patient assessment remains the cornerstone of Unani therapeutics.
Disclaimer: This post is intended for educational and awareness purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or encourage self-medication. Please consult a qualified Unani physician before using any medicinal plant.
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