Prof (Dr) Vikas Sharma, Nancy Vohra
vikas.skuast@gmail.com
Tripidium bengalense commonly known as Sarkanda, Munj, Shara/Sara, Raamshara, is a tall perennial grass belonging to the family Poaceae. It is a robust, tufted plant that typically reaches heights of 2-3 meters, occasionally growing taller under favourable conditions. The species is characterized by its erect, hollow and tough stems, long linear-lanceolate leaves with sharp margins and large feathery panicles that appear mainly in late summer to autumn. Sarkanda is native to Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Assam, Western India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Its deep, fibrous and rhizomatous root system provides strong anchorage and exceptional soil-binding capacity, making it an important plant for preventing soil erosion, particularly along riverbanks and sandy alluvial plains. Sarkanda sharbat, herbal tea, sweetened root water are commonly prepared from sarkanda plant, are used as rehydration beverage for farmers and field workers during peak summer.
Sarkanda’s high dietary fiber content, derived from its cellulose and hemicellulose structure, promotes healthy digestion and supports gut motility. Its mineral density, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorus are vital for bone strength, oxygen transport, electrolyte balance and enzymatic processes. The natural sugars – glucose, xylose, galactose and rhamnose – provide quick energy, while its hydration-promoting properties make it especially valuable in hot climates. It also contains significant amounts of vitamins notably vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function and B-complex vitamins such as thiamine (B1) and niacin (B3), which aid in energy metabolism and nervous system health. While it is not commonly consumed as a staple food, decoctions or infusions of the plant can provide a mineral boost, help replenish electrolytes in cases of dehydration and offer gentle hydration in hot climates. This combination of minerals, vitamins, trace omega-3s, and plant fibers positions and its nutritional richness, combined with its cooling nature, makes sarkanda as a supportive, restorative plant in traditional diets, especially during summer months or in conditions of excessive body heat and weakness.
Medicinal uses
Cooling and pitta-pacifying action: In Ayurveda, the roots are regarded as refrigerant (cooling to the body) are used to treat burning sensations in the body, especially in the urinary tract. The plant is used in Ayurveda to balance excess Pitta dosha, which manifests as burning sensations, heat rash and excessive thirst.
Diuretic properties: The roots of Sarkanda are valued for their diuretic action. The plant is believed to stimulate urine flow, thereby helping to flush out excess salts, toxins and small crystalline deposits from the urinary tract.
Urinary problems: Root decoctions useful in managing dysuria (painful urination), burning micturition and conditions associated with urinary gravel or mild kidney/bladder stones. The cooling nature of the root helps soothe inflammation in the urinary system, particularly in conditions aggravated by excess body heat or “Pitta” imbalance.
Vertigo and giddiness: The roots of sarkanda are considered beneficial for managing vertigo (bhrama) and giddiness (conditions often linked to excessive heat in the body, dehydration, or disturbance in the body’s internal fluid balance). The cold infusion from the roots of sarkanda is said to have a soothing effect on the central nervous system, alleviating feelings of light-headedness and preventing sudden faintness, especially during hot weather or after physical exertion. In some rural practices, sarkanda root water is taken during peak summer months as a preventive measure against heat-induced dizziness.
Hemostatic (bleeding control): The stems and leaves which are fibrous, absorbent and slightly astringent are fashioned into pads, mats or compresses that can be placed directly over wounds to help arrest bleeding. This effect is partly mechanical, as the plant fibres rapidly absorb blood and promote clot formation by providing a stable surface for platelet aggregation.
Skin soothing: Infusions or poultices are sometimes used to reduce inflammation and irritation caused by excessive heat.The skin-soothing effect is partly attributed to the hydrating and anti-inflammatory potential of plant-derived phenolics and flavonoids as its leaves or soft inner stems may be laid over inflamed skin or abrasions as a temporary dressing, both for their absorbency and for their ability to keep the area cool.The physical aspect of using cool water infusions also contributes significantly to relief, especially in conditions linked to dehydration and overheating.
Ecological uses
Soil erosion control: Sarkanda’s deep, fibrous, and rhizomatous root system binds the soil effectively, making it highly suitable for stabilizing riverbanks, canals and sandy areas. It is often planted on erosion-prone sites to prevent soil loss.
Land reclamation: The plant thrives in degraded and nutrient-poor soils, making it a useful species for rehabilitating wastelands and mining sites.
Windbreak and shelterbelt: Its tall, dense growth can be used as a natural windbreak to protect crops in open fields.
Wildlife habitat: The thick clumps provide shelter for small mammals, reptiles, and birds, especially ground-nesting species.
Industrial potential / domestic uses
Weaving and craft material: The long, sturdy stems are traditionally used to make mats, baskets, ropes, and screens.
Roofing and thatching: Dried stalks are commonly used as thatching material in rural houses, providing good insulation against heat.
Fencing: Bundles of stems are used to make temporary or semi-permanent fences for farms and homesteads.
Paper production: Sarkanda stalks are a source of fibrous pulp for manufacturing low-grade paper, cardboard and packaging material.
Fuel: Dried stems serve as an inexpensive and readily available source of firewood in rural areas.
Furniture and partition making: In some regions, the stems are used in making lightweight furniture and room partitions.
Livestock fodder: Young, tender shoots can be fed to cattle, though the mature stems, are too fibrous for regular consumption
To conclude, sarkanda stands as a remarkable example of how a single plant can serve multiple roles in human life. From its roots to its tall stems, every part carries value-whether in traditional healing, where it is used to cool the body, promote urine flow, control bleeding, and ease skin irritation, or in nutritional support, where its minerals, natural sugars, and trace vitamins help restore strength and hydration. Beyond its health benefits, sarkanda’s sturdy, fibrous structure gives it strong industrial relevance, supplying raw material for paper, mats, handicrafts, roofing, and even bioenergy. Its adaptability to harsh climates and minimal cultivation needs make it a sustainable resource for rural communities, supporting both livelihoods and eco-friendly practices. As modern science continues to explore its phytochemical and nutritional profile, sarkanda has the potential to transition from a largely traditional-use plant to a globally recognized natural asset, valued equally for its health-promoting properties and renewable industrial potential.
(The authors are from the Division of Biochemistry, FBSc., SKUAST-Jammu)
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