Habitat: Outer Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal and in Khasi Hills at 300-2,700 m.
Ayurvedic: Vaayavidanga (substitute). (Embelia ribes is the authentic source of Vidanga.)Folk: Bebrang (Punjab), Kakhum, Shamshaad (according to Unani reference books, Shamshaad is obtained from a Pinaceae tree).
Action: Fruit—anthelmintic (used for the expulsion of tape worms; also as a substitute for Emblia ribes); antispasmodic, purgative; used externally against ringworm and other skin affections. Aerial parts—antifertility, abortifacient. (According to Unani medicine, the fruits of Shamshaad show antifertility activity in females.)
Berries and seeds contain embelic acid and quercitol (1%). Embelin (3%) is present in the dried fruit. Seeds also contain embelin.Seeds of M. semiserrata Wall. contain embelin (0.4%) and quercitol (0.8%).Seeds of M. capitellata Wall. contain 1.6% embelin.These related species are found in Nepal, Bhutan, Assam and North Bengal.... myrsine africana
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