Paneer Dodi / Phool Benefits For Diabetes, Cholesterol & Side Effects

General Name: Indian Rennet.

English Name: Indian Rennet, Indian Cheese Maker, Vegetable Rennet.

Botanical Name: Withania Coagulans Dunal.

Hindi Name: Paneer Dodi, Paneer Doda, Doda Paneer, Rushyagandha, Paneer Booti, Paneer ke Phool.

Sanskrit Name: Rushyagandha , Rishyagandha

Paneer Dodi (Withania Coagulans) is a perennial shrub which grows in tropical, subtropical climate and grows up to 1.2 meters. It is a member of Solanaceae family. It is commonly found in east India (Punjab, Rajasthan, Garwal, Simla & Kumaon), Nepal and Afghanistan. It has been used for thousands of years for conserving food, treat various disorders and to prevent diseases including epidemics. The entire plant parts such as flower, stem, leaves and seeds are used to cure various ailments. The berries and leaves of the plant contain rennet-like protease (milk-coagulating enzyme) that is used to clot milk for cheese production.

Medicinal Properties

– Hypoglycaemic

– Hypolipidemic

– Free radical scavenging

– Cardiovascular

– Central nervous system depressant

– Hepatoprotective

– Anti-inflammatory

– Wound healing

– Antioxidants

– Antitumor

– Cytotoxic

– Antifungal

– Antibacterial

– Immuno-suppressive: This ability of Paneer Dodi can be useful in case of an organ transplant, when the immune system rejects the new organ considering it as a threat.

Paneer Dodi Benefits

Diabetes Mellitus

Paneer Dodi can easily control glucose dissolved in the blood. Regular consumption of paneer dodi can be used as an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes.

By consuming it, the body can use insulin, due to which the process of dissolving sugar in the blood sugar lowers down. It also repairs the beta cells of the pancreas which keeps the pancreas healthy and helps with the treatment of diabetes. The plant has antihyperglycemic properties that help in the management of diabetes.

Rushyagandha is also mentioned in Charaka Samhita (Brihaniya Mahakashaya, Madhur a skandha dravya) for the management of Prameha (high blood sugar).

Caution: Note the sugar level before starting the consumption of paneer dodi.  Keep a regular check on sugar levels.

Paneer Dodi For Weight Loss & Cholesterol

A study conducted on high fat diet induced hyperlipidemic rats showed that the aqueous extracts of the fruit of the herb significantly reduced elevated serum cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein and the LPO levels and regular use for seven weeks showed considerable weight loss. It has antidyslipidemic effect on mice as the hydroalcoholic extract of the dried fruits was effective and comparable to atorvastatin in controlling the high cholesterol diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats.

Benefits For Skin

Paneer dodi has free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties that help the skin. Antioxidants present in the herb helps the rejuvenation process. Anti-inflammation property helps soothe the inflamed skin, which improves the skin barrier and promote less dryness and inflammation.

Antioxidants protect the cells from free radicals and stress caused by free radicals. It also fights with the signs of ageing and results in younger looking skin. Oxidative stress triggers inflammation leads to breakouts but antioxidants present in paneer dodi helps reduce oxidative stress and thus help reduce inflammation and acne.

It also prevents sunburn and sun damage. Melanin produced due to prolonged exposure to sun results in a dull skin, antioxidant present in paneer doda decreases production of melanin and results in brighter skin.

Asthma

Paneer Dodi is useful in treatment of respiratory diseases. Traditional uses of paneer doda fruits consists of treatment of asthma, biliousness, stranguary, ulcers, rheumatism, dropsy, consumption and sensile debility. Regular consumption of paneer dodi improves the condition of asthma patient and prevents the sudden onset of asthma attacks.

Blood Purification

Paneer dodi has a reputation of blood purifiers in Bombay. It is a natural blood purifier. It also balances Vata in the body. The antioxidants present in the paneer dodi helps to purify the blood. It also contains the free radical scavenging property that helps in repairing the damaged cells and fight the harmful free radicals present in the body.

Healing Wounds

Paneer dodi has an excellent healing property. Fruit paste of paneer dodi is used for healing wound. It is to be applied externally on the wounds and it speeds up the healing process.

Low Urine Output

Paneer dodi promotes the increased production of urine. The juice of the plant has Diuretic properties that promotes dieresis and results in increased production on urine. It also helps to provide relief from painful urination.

Menstrual Disorders

The herb is very useful for women with menstrual disorders. It helps to treat irregular menstruation, painful menstruation and also purifies the uterus.

Body Pains

It is proved to reduce body pain and works wonders for people suffering from lower back pain and joint pains. The presence of omega 3 and omega 6 in Paneer Dodi helps in fighting arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acid can increase blood flow throughout the body and can deal with

problems such as morning stiffness, tenderness, swelling, discomfort etc. Omega-6 stimulates the body to produce pro-inflammatory chemicals. The smoke of the plant in inhaled for relief in toothache. Presence of Cytotoxic property can also treat disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Liver

The herb has heptaprotective property that has the ability to prevent damages to the liver. The fruits are useful to deal with chronic complaints related to liver.

Other Benefits

The twigs of the plant are chewed for cleaning teeth. The leaves are used in Pakistan as fodder for animals and also have febrifuge properties.

How to use?

1. Soak 10-15 pods of Paneer Dodi in a glass of water overnight.

2. Squeeze them until the water is completely extracted from the soaked pods.

3. Filter the water through a sieve and drink the water early morning on an empty stomach.

Possible Side Effects & Precautions

• Modern research has also shown that this herb could have a central nervous system depressant effect (sedative effect) which could result in confusion, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, dry mouth and memory related issues.
• Paneer Dodi possesses immunosuppressive ability. This results in increased risk of infections and other diseases.
• It is not safe in pregnancy and should not be consumed by pregnant women.

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