Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Avartani (Helicteres isora L.), commonly called the Indian screw tree, has been acknowledged in Ayurvedic texts as an important medicinal plant used in multiple formulations for gastrointestinal, metabolic, infectious, and inflammatory disorders. Classical sources describe its properties as astringent, light, and cooling, attributing to it actions such as stambhana (checking discharges) and krimighna (anthelmintic). Modern pharmacological studies confirm the presence of bioactive compounds including tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, glycosides, and sterols that confer anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential. This review consolidates Ayurvedic references, pharmacognostic data, phytochemistry, and pharmacological validation of H. isora, highlighting its integration in classical formulations and its role in naturopathy. From a naturopathic perspective, Avartani represents a plant-based, eco-sustainable, and accessible therapeutic resource that aligns with preventive and holistic health care. The review also emphasizes the need for clinical validation, standardization, and integrative approaches to ensure wider applicability in evidence-based medicine.