"In Ayurveda, various drugs are mentioned to treat piles. Of these, Surana powder is a simple herbal medicine which is frequently used for treating piles following certain life-style changes".
(1) Avoid heavy foods, untimely meals and food items that cause constipation and indigestion.
(2) Old rice, barley, garlic, black pepper, lemon, gooseberry, and ginger and judicious use of medicinal beverages are beneficial in the patients with piles.
(3) Regular use of goat’s milk and yoghurt is beneficial. (4) Avoid overeating and dry and spicy foods.
Surana [Amorphophallus campanulatus (Roxb.) Blume] -
Surana powder is a simple formulation made from dried corm of Amorphophallus campanulatus, a stout, herbaceous plant cultivated throughout the plains of India. This medicinal plant is named so owing to its ability to combat diseases like piles. Surana is mentioned in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia1 as well as the Ayurvedic Formulary of India2. Its daily use is considered beneficial in relieving piles.
Composition - Surana powder consists of finely powdered dried corm of Surana for oral use.
English name - Elephant foot
Latin name - Amorphophallus campanulatus (Roxb.) Blume.
Family - Araceae.
Part used - Corm or rhizome.
Main chemical constituents - Betulinic acid, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, lupeol, glucose, galactose, rhamnose and xylose.
Dosage form - Creamish-grey fine powder.
Therapeutic properties - Surana has carminative, appetizing, digestive and analgesic properties.
Indications and uses - Surana is useful in piles, liver disorders, abdominal pain and constipation.
Precautions and safety aspects -
(1) Raw Surana corm may cause itching which can be relieved by its antidotes such as lemon and tamarind taken orally.
(2) Hot, spicy, fried, sour, pungent, fat-rich and heavy foods should be avoided during medication with Surana.
(3) The patient should take plenty of water, properly cooked green vegetables, fruits and milk in daily diet.
(4) Straining during defecation should always be avoided.
(5) Diet should be soft and digestible and not causing constipation.
(6) It is not advisable for pregnant and nursing mothers to consume Surana.
