Indications
Saccharum bengalense (Munj or Sarkanda grass, also known as Saccharum munja) is a tall wild grass of South Asia whose roots are used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. It is traditionally used for urinary complaints such as burning or painful urination and reduced urine flow, for excessive thirst and a feeling of body heat, and as one ingredient in herbal formulas intended to support blood sugar control. Scientific evidence for these uses is very limited.
How It Works
In traditional medicine the root is described as cooling and diuretic (increasing urine flow), which is thought to soothe the urinary tract and relieve burning. It contains plant compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids with antioxidant activity in laboratory studies. How it might affect blood sugar in people has not been properly studied.
Dosage and Administration
Take as directed on the label or by a registered Ayurvedic or Unani practitioner. Products containing it are usually taken once or twice a day with water. Drink enough fluids while using a product that increases urine flow.
Interactions
- Medicines for diabetes such as Metformin, Gliclazide or Insulin: herbal blood sugar formulas may lower blood sugar further; check your sugar levels.
- Diuretics (water tablets) such as Furosemide or Hydrochlorothiazide: possible added loss of water and salts.
- Lithium: changes in urine flow may affect lithium levels.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and herbal products you use.
Contraindications
- Allergy to the plant or to grass products.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless advised by a doctor.
- Children, unless advised by a practitioner.
- Dehydration or serious kidney disease.
Side Effects
Side effects are not well documented. Some people may have stomach upset, increased urination or, in people taking diabetes medicines, low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, hunger, confusion).
Get urgent medical help if you have signs of very low blood sugar that do not improve after taking sugar, blood in the urine, fever with back pain, inability to pass urine, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is not enough safety information for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid it during these times unless a doctor advises otherwise.
Precautions and Warnings
- Burning urination may be due to a urinary tract infection or kidney stones, which need proper medical treatment; see a doctor if symptoms are severe or last more than two days.
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination can be signs of diabetes; get your blood sugar checked.
- Do not stop prescribed diabetes medicines without your doctor’s advice.
Overdose
There is little information on overdose. Large amounts may cause stomach upset, dehydration or low blood sugar. If a large amount has been taken, or a child has swallowed it, contact a doctor or the nearest hospital and take the pack with you.
Therapeutic Class
Ayurvedic and Unani herbal ingredient (cooling diuretic, blood sugar support formula ingredient).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.