n. an individual lacking the normal body pigment (melanin). See albinism.
Habitat: Drier regions of India, particularly Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Rajasthan.
English: Cutch tree, Catechu.Ayurvedic: Khadira, Kadara, Somavalka, Gaayatri, Dantdhaavan, Kantaki, Raktasaara (heartwood extract).Unani: Khair, Kaat, Katthaa (heartwood extract).Siddha/Tamil: Karunkaali (bark), Kalippakku, Kadiram. Katthakkaambu, Kaasukkatti (heartwood extract).Action: Cutch from wood— powerful astringent (in urinary and vaginal discharge), antidiarrhoeal, haemostatic; used for treating excessive mucous discharges, haemorrhages, relaxed conditions of gums, throat and mouth, stomatitis, irritable bowel; also used as an antileprotic drug.
Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of dried pieces of heartwood in inflammations, skin diseases and urinary disorders, recommends its use as a blood purifier, in diseases caused by lipid disorders.Cutch (the concentrated extract) contains tannins 2-20%, catechin 2533%, phlobatannins including cate- chutannic acid 20-50%; flavonoids including quercetin, quercitrin, fisetin; gums, resins, pigments. The gum from A. catechu is a good substitute for Gum arabic.Seed extract—hypoglycaemic to normal albino rats, but not effective in diabetic rats. The saline extract of seeds shows leuco-agglutinating activity against leukaemic cells. It agglutinates white cells from patients with different types of leukaemia. The activity is inhibited by simple sugars. Root extract shows antibacterial and fungi- cidal activity.The heartwood contains a hepato- protective principle—cyanidanol.Astringent and antibacterial properties of catechu result from its high tannin content.Gambrine in pale catechu shows hy- potensive effects.Fisetin in black catechu and (+)- catechin in black and pale catechu may protect against liver damage; (+)- catechin is also thought to protect against experimentally induced ulcers in animals; (+)-catechin (cianidanol) is associated with fatal anaemia. Methyl- catechin, one of the major metabolites of (+)-catechin, inhibits the binding of monocytes to vascular endothelial cells; thus, the catechin found in catechu may reduce atherosclerosis. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)Dosage: Heartwood—20-30 g for decoction. (API Vol. I.)... acacia catechuHabitat: Throughout the tropical and subtropical regions, up to an altitude of 2,100 m, in the southern Andaman Islands.
English: Prickly Chaff Flower.Ayurvedic: Apaamaarga, Chirchitaa, Shikhari, Shaikharika, Adahshalya, Mayura, Mayuraka, Kharamanjari, Kharapushpaa, Pratyakpushpaa, Aaghaat, Vashira, Kanihi.Unani: Chirchitaa.Siddha/Tamil: Naayuruvi.Folk: Chirchitta, Chichidaa, Latjeeraa.Action: Astringent, pectoral (ashes of the plant used in asthma and cough), diuretic, hepatoprotective, emmenagogue. Benzene extract of the plant exhibited abortifacient activity. The flowers, ground and mixed with sugar, are given for menorrhagia. Roots—astringent, haemostatic. Seeds—emetic; used for biliousness. Essential oil— antifungal.
Key application: As astringent, emetic. (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of the whole plant in lipid disorders and obesity, the root for its blood-purifying property.The plant juice and ash are used for treating bleeding piles. An alkaline powder of the plant is used in preparing Kshaarasutra of Ayurvedic medicine, which is recommended for treating fistula-in-ano.The whole plant contains the alkaloids achyranthine and betaine. Achy- ranthine, a water-soluble alkaloid, is reported to dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate and increase the rate and amplitude of respiration. It also shows spasmodic effects on the rectus muscle of frog, diuretic and purgative action in albino rats.The presence of ecdysterone and oleanolic acid is also reported in the root.The ashes of the plant yield large quantities of potash. The seeds yield saponins and oleanolic acid and its ester.The presence of tannins and glyco- sides is also reported in the plant.Dosage: Whole plant—20-30 g for decoction. Root—5-10 g. (API Vols. II, III.) Ash—500 mg to 2 g. (CCRAS.)... achyranthes asperaHabitat: Western India, as a root parasite.
Folk: Dudhaali (Maharashtra).Action: Root—juice applied to sores on feet, caused by constant exposure to water and moisture.
Alcoholic extract of air-dried powdered stems yielded isoflavonoids, which were found to be estrogenically active in albino rats.... sopubia delphinifoliaHabitat: From Garhwal to Bhutan, up to an altitude of 2,600 m.
Folk: Charchari (Nepal).Action: Alcoholic extract of aerial parats, when injected intramuscularly in rats, showed anticancer activity.
The plant was found toxic to adult albino mice.... tetrastigma serrulatumHabitat: The western Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon.
English: Wormseed, Santonica.Ayurvedic: Chauhaara, Kirmaani Yavaani, Chuhaari Ajawaayin; not related to Ajawaayin.Unani: Dirmanah, Kirmaalaa, Afsanteen-ul-bahar. (Dirmanah Turki is equated with A. stechmani- ana Besser.)Folk: Kirmaani Ajawaayin, Kirmaani-owaa, Kirmaani-ajmo.Action: Deobstructant, stomachic, anthelmintic (effective against roundworms), antifungal.
A decoction of the fresh plant is given in cases of intermittent and remittent fever.A. maritima var. thomsoniana C. B. Clarke is a santonin-yielding var.; A. maritima var. fragrans (Willd.) Ledeb. is a non-santonin var.Immature flowerheads and leaves contain santonin. Roots, stems and twigs are devoid of santonin. Santonin, a sesquiterpene lactone, is used for the treatment of ascaris and oxyuris infections. Large doses (0.3 g is adults and 0.06 in children) are toxic.Beta-santonin is less anthelmintic in action than santonin; pseudosantonin is devoid of anthelmintic property.Studies is albino mice revealed that santonin had no androgenic, estro- genic, antiestrogenic, progestational and antiprogestational effects.Santonin is toxic at 60 mg in children; 200 mg in adults. (Francis Brinker.)Dosage: Whole plant—3-6 g powder. (CCRAS.)... artemisia maritimaHabitat: Common in moist places, paddy fields, throughout India and Sri Lanka.
Ayurvedic: Kokilaaksha, Kokilaak- shi, Ikshura, Ikshuraka, Kaakekshu, Kshurak, Bhikshu.Unani: Taalmakhaanaa. (Wrongly equated with Euryaleferox Salisb. (Fox Nut) in National Formulary of Unani Medicine, Part I, first edn., 1981.)Siddha/Tamil: Neermulli, Nerugobbi.Action: Diuretic, used for catarrh of the urinary organs, also for dropsy when accompanied by hepatic obstruction.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the seed in lithiasis; the whole plant and root for gout.Aqueous extract of herb ash—diuretic in albino rats. EtOH (50%)— spasmolytic and hypotensive. The herb exhibits antihepatotoxic activity in dogs. Essential oil from whole plant—antibacterial.The plant gave lupeol, stigmasterol and hydrocarbons; seed gave sterols; flowers, apigenin glucuronide.Aqueous extract decreased fasting glucose and improved glucose tolerance in rats. (Sharon M. Herr.)Dosage: Whole plant—3-6 g, powder; dried seed—3-6 g powder; dried root—3-6 g for decoction. (API Vol. II.) Herb ash—1-3 g (CCRAS.)... asteracantha longifoliaHabitat: Throughout the plains of India in damp marshy areas.
English: Thyme-leaved Gratiola.Ayurvedic: Braahmi, Aindri, Nir- braahmi, Kapotavankaa, Bhaarati, Darduradalaa, Matsyaakshaka, Shaaluraparni, Mandukaparni (also equated with Centella asiatica Linn., synonym Hydrocotyle asiatica Linn. Umbelliferae, Apiaceae).Unani: Brahmi.Siddha/Tamil: Piramivazhukkai, Neerbrami.Folk: Jalaneem, Safed-Chammi.Action: Adaptogenic, astringent, diuretic, sedative, potent nervine tonic, anti-anxiety agent (improves mental functions, used in insanity, epilepsy), antispasmodic (used in bronchitis, asthma and diarrhoea).
Key application: In psychic disorders and as a brain tonic. (The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)B. monnieri has been shown to cause prolonged elevated level of cerebral glutamic acid and a transient increase in GABA level. It is assumed that endogenous increase in brain glutamine maybe helpful in the process oflearn- ing.The herb contains the alkaloids brahmine, herpestine, and a mixture of three bases. Brahmine is highly toxic; in therapeutic doses it resembles strychnine. The herb also contains the saponins, monnierin, hersaponin, bacosides A and B. Bacosides A and B possess haemolytic activity. Her- saponin is reported to possess car- diotonic and sedative properties. It was found, as in case of reserpene, to deplete nor-adrenaline and 5-HT content of the rat brain.An alcoholic extract of the plant in a dose of 50 mg/kg produced tranquil- izing effect on albino rats and dogs, but the action was weaker than that produced by chlorpromazine.Dosage: Whole plant—1-3 g powder. (API Vol. II.)... bacopa monnieriHabitat: Northwestern Himalayas up to 1500 m, also in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
Siddha: Nirpa (Telugu).Folk: Semalaa, Kathmahuli. Gum— ThaurAction: Gum—emmenagogue, diuretic. (Gum resembles Gum arabic; used as an external application for sores). Protein isolated from seeds—hypoglycaemic, hypoc- holesterolaemic in young, normal as well as alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats.
The bark contains quercetin-3-O- beta-D-glucoside and rutin.... bauhinia retusaHabitat: Throughout India, up to 1,200 m except in very arid regions.
English: Flame of the Forest, Butea Gum, Bengal Kino.Ayurvedic: Paalasha, Kimshuka, Raktapushpaka, Kshaarshreshtha, Brahmavriksha, Samidvar.Unani: Dhaak, Samagh Dhaak, Kamarkas.Siddha/Tamil: Palasam, Purasus.Folk: Tesu.Action: Bark—astringent, styptic (prescribed in bleeding piles, ulcers, haemorrhages, menstrual disorders), anthelmintic. Flowers— astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue (also given for leucorrhoea). A decoction of flowers is given in diarrhoea and haematuria, also to puerperal women. Seeds—clinical use of seeds as an anthelmintic drug is not considered safe in humans.
Leaves—antibacterial. Stem bark— antifungal.An aqueous extract of flowers has shown hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-induced liver injury in albino rats.Extracts of flowers have exhibited significant anti-oestrogenic activity in mice. The seed suspension, on oral administration to albino rats (175 and 350 mg/kg body weight), showed 38.46 and 68.75% cases, respectively, where pregnancy was not interrupted but foetus was malformed.Alcoholic extract of the whole plant produced persistent vasodepression in cats.The plant contains flavonoids and glucosides—butin, butrin, isobutrin and palastrin. Flowers contain butrin, coreopsin, monospermoside and their derivatives and sulphurein; also chal- cones.Dosage: Stem bark—5-10 g powder (API Vol. II); flower—3-6 g powder; seed—3 g powder; gum—0.5-1.5 g (API Vol. IV.)... butea monospermaHabitat: Throughout India, ascending to 1,500 m.
Ayurvedic: Daakuni (used as a substitute for Shankhapushpi in West Bengal)Unani: Sankhaahuli.Folk: Daankuni.Action: Anticonvulsant, CNS depressant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective.
The plant contains calcium 0.38; magnesium 0.16; potassium 1.66 and iron 0.23 g/100 g; copper 18.97, zinc 70.50; manganese 9.60, cobalt 3.15 and chromium 0.60 mcg/g.Roots contain beta-amyrin, friede- lin, genianine and 16 xanthones including mangiferin. Mangiferin is protective activity against induced liver injury in albino rats. Xanthones also showed activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.Dried crude powder of the whole plant exhibited anticonvulsant activity in albino rats.Canscora diffusa (Vahl) R. Br. ex Roem. & Schultes (synonym C. lawii Wt.), found throughout India at 1,100 m, is used as a substitute for C. decussata.... canscora decussataHabitat: Native to the West Indies and tropical America; now cultivated throughout tropical regions of India.
English: Chilli, Red Pepper.Ayurvedic: Raktamaricha, Lankaa, Katuviraa.Unani: Mirch, Filfil-e-Ahmar, Filfl-e-Surkh, Surkh Mirch.Siddha/Tamil: Milagay.Action: Stimulant, accelerates oxygenation of cells, encourages adrenal glands to produce corticos- teroids, increases gastrointestinal secretion. Carminative, antispas- modic, antiseptic. Used externally for rheumatism, backache, lumbago, neuralgia, painful muscle spasm.
Red chilli contains capsaicin (0.11.5%), carotenoids, flavonoids, volatile oil; steroidal saponins (capsicidins, only in seeds).Capsaicin stimulates the circulation and alters temperature regulation; topically desensitizes nerve endings and acts as a local analgesic.Capsaicin produces a protective effect in rat lung and liver by strengthening the pulmonary antioxidant enzyme defence system. Acute capsaicin treatment causes release of substance desensitization of the respiratory tract mucosa to a variety of lung irritants.Red pepper or an equivalent amount of capsaicin, when fed along with cholesterol-containing diets to female albino rats, prevented significantly the rise of liver cholesterol levels.Vitamin P has been isolated from the chillies. Vitamin C gradually increases during maturation and reaches maximum at the semi-ripe or pink coloured stage and decreases thereafter.Capsaicin exhibited a hypoglycae- mic effect in dogs; insulin release was increased. (Phytother Res, 2001, Aug 15(5), 391-4.)Dosage: Fruit—30-60 mg powder. (CCRAS.)... capsicum annuumHabitat: Native to Europe; commonly occurs in North West India, Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
English: Chicory, Indian Endive.Ayurvedic: Kaasani.Unani: Kaasani Dashti (Barri).Siddha/Tamil: Kasinikkeerai.Action: Diuretic, laxative, chol- agogue, mild hepatic. Excites peristalsis without affecting the functions of the stomach. Used in liver congestion, jaundice, rheumatic and gouty joints.
Key application (herb and root): In loss of appetite, dyspepsia. (German Commission E.)The herb contains inulin (up to 58% in the root); sesquiterpene lactones (including lactucin and lactucopicrin); coumarins (chicoriin, esculetin, es- culin, umbelliferone and scopoletin); the root includes a series of glucofruc- tosans. Raw chicory root contains only citric and tartaric acids; roasted chicory contains acetic, lactic, pyru- vic, pyromucic, palmitic and tartaric acids. The carcinogenic hydrocarbons and floranthene are also reported in the chicory (a potent carcinogen 3,4- benzpyrene has been detected).Added to coffee, chicory root counteracts caffeine and helps in digestion.An alcoholic extract of the plant was found effective against chlorproma- zine-induced hepatic damage in adult albino rats. The cholagogue activity is attributed to polyphenols.The sedative effect of chicory is attributed to lactucopicrin. The sedative effect antagonizes the stimulant effect of tea and coffee. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)The extracts of roots were found to be active against several bacteria.Dosage: Seed—3-6 g powder; leaf—10-20 ml juice; root—50- 100 ml. (CCRAS.)... cichorium intybusHabitat: Throughout India.
English: Colocynth Bitter Apple.Ayurvedic: Indravaaruni, Indraval- li, Indravaarunikaa, Gavaakshi, Chitraa, Chitraphalaa, Indraasuri, Mrigaani, Mrigairvaaru, Vishaalaa, Vishaalyka, Indraayana. Ain- dri (also equated with Bacopa monnieri).Unani: Hanzal.Siddha/Tamil: Kumatti.Action: Dried pulp of ripe fruit— cathartic, drastic purgative, irritant and toxic. The pulp is used for varicose veins and piles. A paste of root is applied to various inflammations and swellings. The cataplasm of leaves is applied in migraine and neuralgia.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the use of the fruit in jaundice; the root in diseases of the liver and spleen and the leaf in cutaneous affections and alopecia.Colocynth contains up to 3% cucur- bitacin. The drug and its preparations cause drastic irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa and haemorrhages.Cucurbitacins include cucurbitacin E-, J-, L-glucosides. In addition, the pulp contains caffeic acid derivatives (chlorogenic acid).Roots contain aliphatic compounds. Ethanolic extract (50%) shows significant anti-inflammatory activity in albino rats.Leaves and flowers contain querce- tin and kaempferol. The ethanolic extract of leaves and flowers exhibits antibacterial activity against a number of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.The powder is toxic at 0.6-1.0 g. The fruit exhibited carcinogenic activity in animal studies.Dosage: Dried fruit—125-500 mg powder. (API Vol. III.) Root—1- 3 g. powder. (CCRAS.) Dried leaf— for external use. (API Vol. II.)... citrullus colocynthisHabitat: Throughout India. Ayurvedic: Bhaandira, Bhaandi, Kaari. Also known as Bhaarangi (C. serratum). Siddha/Tamil: Karukanni, Perugilai.
Action: Leaves—used as a substitute for Chiretta. Leaves and roots— employed externally for skin diseases and alopecia. Leaves are prescribed in headache. Roots are given in cramps and rheumatism.
In homoeopathy, the fresh leaves are employed for colic due to worms, diarrhoea associated with nausea, chronic fever with loss of appetite and in enlargement of liver and spleen with indigestion and constipation.The alcoholic extract of the whole plant showed antiprotozoal activity against Entamoeba histolytica. It also exhibited hypoglycaemic activity in albino rats. The leaves exhibit antifun- gal activity.Dosage: Leaf—10-20 ml juice. (CCRAS.)... clerodendrum infortunatumHabitat: Throughout India, especially in the South.
English: Malabar Blackwood.Ayurvedic: Kushimshapaa. (Shimshapaa related species).Siddha/Tamil: Vel-itti.Folk: Sisam.Action: Anti-inflammatory.
The root contains isoflavones. The alcoholic extract of the root exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in carrage- enan-induced hind paw oedema of male albino rats.A quinone, sissoidenone and dalbergion, latifolin and dalbergin have been isolated from the heartwood; also oleanolic acid, liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin. The sapwood and young leaves gave sissotrin. Biochanin A, isolated from young leaves, inhibited both serum and epidermal growth factor (EGF)—stimulated growth of human prostate cancer cell lines.... dalbergia sissoidesHabitat: A pulse crop, particularly in Madras, Mysore, Mumbai and Hyderabad.
English: Horsegram.Ayurvedic: Kulattha, Kulittha, Khalva, Vardhipatraka.Unani: Kulthi.Siddha/Tamil: Kollu, Kaanam.Action: Plant—used in measles, smallpox, adenitis, burns, sores. Seeds—astringent, antipyretic, diuretic. Decoction or soup is used in affections of the liver and spleen, intestinal colic, in leucorrhoea and menstrual dissorders, urinary discharges. A valuable protein supplement.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the decoction of dry seeds in calculus and amenorrhoea.The seeds contain crude protein 20.8, pentosan 10.8 and water-soluble gum 2.8%. The presence of antinu- tritional components such as haemag- glutinin and a protease inhibitor has been reported. The inhibitor activity decreased during germination.The mean protein value of the seeds is 25.47% which is more or less equivalent to soybean, winged bean and gram. Nutritionally, the horsegram seeds are richer in lysine content when compared to Cajanus cajan (Arhar) pulse and gram pulse.Presence of vitamin A in the green pods makes them a valuable diet for children; green leaves may be used in vitamin C deficiency syndrome, due to the presence of ascorbic acid and calcium. The seeds contain several common phytosterols.Strepogenin—several times higher than in casein.A decoction of seeds (soaked or boiled in water) is prescribed as diuretic and antilithiatic and has been clinically established.Diuretic activity of a dipeptide (py- roglutamylglutamine) has been found to be 2-3 times that of acetazolamide in albino rats.Globulin fraction of the seeds showed hypolipidaemic effects in rats.A lectin-like glycoprotein from stems and leaves possesses carbohydrate- binding activity.Dosage: Seed—6 g powder; decoction 50-100 ml. (CCRAS.)... dolichos biflorusHabitat: Sub-Himalayan tract and Peninsular India. Planted along roadsides, and in gardens.
English: Banyan tree.Ayurvedic: Vata, Nyagrodha, Bahupaada, Dhruv.Unani: Bargad, Darakht-e-Reesh.Siddha/Tamil: Aalamaram.Action: Infusion of bark—used in diabetes, dysentery, and in seminal weakness, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, nervous disorders, erysipelas, burning sensation. Milky juice and seeds—applied topically to sores, ulcers, cracked soles of the feet, rheumatic inflammations. Buds—a decoction in milk is given in haemorrhages. Aerial roots— antiemetic, topically applied to pimples. Leaves—a paste is applied externally to abscesses and wounds for promoting suppuration.
Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the aerial root in lipid disorders.Phytosterolin, isolated from the roots, given orally to fasting rabbits at a dose of 25 mg/kg, produced maximum fall in blood sugar level equivalent to 81% of the tolbutamide standard after 4 h. The root bark showed antidiabetic activity in pituitary diabetes and alloxan-induced diabetes.The alcoholic extract of the stem bark also exhibited antidiabetic activity on alloxan-induced diabetes in albino rats, and brought down the level of serum cholesterol and blood urea. This activity is attributed to a glucoside, bengalenoside and the flavonoid glycosides, leucocyanidin and leucopelargonidin. Bengalenoside is half as potent as tolbutamide. The leucopelargonidin glycoside is practically nontoxic and may be useful in controlling diabetes with hyperlipi- demia. The leucocyanidin, when combined with a low dose of insulin, not only equalled in response the effects brought about by a double dose of insulin, but also excelled in amelioration of serum cholesterol and triglycerides.(Additional references: Indian J Physiol Pharmacol, 1975, 19(4), 218220; J Ethnopharmacol, 1989, 26(1), 155; Indian J Physiol Pharmacol, 1994, 38(3), 220-222.)... ficus benghalensisHabitat: Throughout India. Grows wild in forests and hills. Often found around subterranean water streams.
English: Cluster Fig, Country Fig.Ayurvedic: Udumbara, Sadaaphala, Hema-daudhaka, Jantuphala, Yagyaanga.Unani: Anjir-e-Aadam, Anjir-e- Ahmak, Gular.Siddha/Tamil: Atthi.Action: Astringent and antiseptic; used in threatened abortions, menorrhagia, leucorrhoea, urinary disorders, skin diseases, swellings, boils, haemorrhages. Unripe fruits—astringent, carminative, digestive, stomachic; used in diarrhoea, dyspepsia, dysentery, menorrhagia and haemorrhages. Ripe fruits—antiemetic, also
used in haemoptysis. Root and fruit—hypoglycaemic. Bark— decoction is used in skin diseases, inflammations, boils and ulcers.The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the use of the bark in lipid disorders and obesity.Leaves and fruit contain gluacol. The fruit also contains beta-sitosterol, lupeol acetate, friedelin, higher hydrocarbons and other phytosterols.Petroleum ether extract of the stem bark significantly reduced blood sugar level of rats with streptozotocin- induced diabetes. It completely inhibited glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from rat liver. Extracts of fruit and latex did not show any significant effect on blood sugar level of diabetic rats, they inhibited only glucose-6- phosphate but not arginase from rat liver.An alcoholic extract of the bark has been found to be very effective in reducing blood sugar in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats. It helped in improving the damaged beta cells of islets of Langerhans, thus exerting permanent blood sugar lowering effect.The ethanolic extract of seeds also showed hypoglycaemic activity.Lignin, the main fiber constituent of the fruit, prevented the rise in serum cholesterol levels of some extent. Fresh whole fruits, used as a source of dietary fibre, exhibited more hypoc- holesterolemic activity than pure cellulose.Dosage: Bark—20-30 g for decoction. (API Vol. I.)... ficus racemosaHabitat: Throughout India on the hills.
Ayurvedic: Parpata.Unani: Shaahtaraa.Folk: Pittapaaparaa.Action: The plant is used as a substitute for Fumaria parviflora.
A decoction of the herb is used for blood purification and in skin diseases, especially psoriasis.Methanolic extract of the plant exhibits antimicrobial activity against Sarcina subflava.The herb contains several isoquino- line alkaloids which are common to Fumaria officinalis and Fumaria parviflora.Protopine showed smooth muscle relaxant activity in guinea-pigs, rabbits and albino rats and hydrocholeretic activity in anaesthetized dogs. L-tetra- hydrocoptisine showed antipsychotic (neuroleptic) activity in albino rats and mice. Narceimine, narlumidine, adlu- midine and protopine nitrate exhibit anti-inflammatory activity Alkaloids, narlumidine and pro- topine, exhibit significant antifungal activity.... fumaria vaillantiiHabitat: Central Himalaya at 1,1002,500 m, East India and hills of South India.
English: Spiked Ginger Lily.Ayurvedic: Shathi, Shati, Gand- hashathi, Gandhapalaashi, Kapu- urkachari, Suvrataa, Gandhaarikaa, Gandhavadhuu, Gandhamuulikaa.Unani: Kapuurkachari.Siddha/Tamil: Poolankizangu, Kichilikizangu.Folk: Ban-haldi (Kumaon).Action: Rhizome—carminative, spasmolytic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, antidiarrhoeal, analgesic, expectorant, antiasthmatic, emmenagogue, hypoglycaemic, hypotensive, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, insect- repellent.
The rhizome shows hypotensive effect in dogs at low doses, lowers blood pressure in high doses.EtOH (50%) extract—anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic; gave encouraging results in tropical pulmonary eosinophilia in clinical studies. Alcoholic extract of the plant—vasodilator, mild hypotensive and antiseptic in animals. Essential oil from rhizome—mild tranquilizer in male albino rats; antimicrobial.Rhizome gave sitosterol and its glu- coside, a furanoid diterpene—hedy- chenone and 7-hydroxyhedychenone. The essential oil contains cineole, gamma-terpinene, limonene, beta- phellandrene, p-cymene, linalool and beta-terpineol as major constituents.The oil inhibits the growth of several fungi. The ethanol (95%) extract showed antibacterial activity. The 50% extract showed antimalarial activity in vitro against Plasmodium berghei strain.Dosage: Rhizome—1-3 g powder. (API Vol. I.)... hedychium spicatumHabitat: Native of China; grown in gardens throughout India.
English: Rose-of-China, Shoe- flower, Chinese Hibiscus.Ayurvedic: Japaa, Javaa, Odrapush- pa, Rudrapushpa, Arunaa.Unani: Gul-e-Gurhal.Siddha/Tamil: Semparuthi.Action: Flower—used in impo- tency, bronchial catarrh. Flower and bark—emmenagogue. Leaf— stimulates expulsion of placenta after childbirth; laxative, anodyne. Flower and root—used in menorrhagia.
The plant contains the cyclopro- panoids, methyl sterculate, methyl- 2-hydroxysterculate, 2-hydroxystercu- late, malvalate and beta-sitosterol.The major anthocyanin in the flower is cyanidin 3-sophoroside. The flower nectar is rich in amino acids, mainly aspartic acid and asparagin. During pollination, the amino acid concentration increases substantially.Flower powder exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in male albino rats with carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. The aqueous extract of the plant showed antitumour activity against sarcoma 180 ascites.An aqueous extract of flowers reduced the duration of oestrus cycle in experimental albino rabbits. The alcoholic extract of flowers showed antiimplantation activity. The benzene extract of flowers, on oral administration, terminated pregnancy in experimental animals.Flower buds are used in the treatment of vaginal and uterine discharges.Oral administration of flower extract to rats affected spermatogenesis and endocrine function of testis.In diabetic patients, a flower bud is given daily up to 10 days or until the level of blood sugar is reduced to tolerable limits.The white-flowered var. of Japan (cultivated all over India in garden) is equated with Hibiscus syriacus Linn. (Rose of Sharon, Shrubby Althaea). The white flower is an oriental drug used as demulcent and antidiarrhoeal. The bud yields mucilage which consists mainly of partially acetylated acidic polysaccharides. The aqueous extract of the petals causes vasorelaxation of the isolated rat arota via both endo- thelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms. The petals contain anthocyanin pigments.The cortex and bark exhibit antifun- gal acitivity.The bark gave canthin-6-one and a fatty acid fraction consisting of lauric, myristic and palmitic acids.Dosage: Flower—10-20 g paste. (CCRAS.)... hibiscus rosa-sinensisHabitat: Throughout India along the banks of fresh or stagnant water ditches and swampy grounds, mixed with marshy grasses and sedges.
Ayurvedic: Kokilaaksha, Kokilaak- shi, Ikshuraka, Ikshura, Kshuraka, Bikshu, Kaakekshu.Unani: Taalmakhaanaa.Siddha/Tamil: Neermulli.Action: Leaves, roots and seeds— diuretic; used for diseases of the urinogenital tract, spermatorrhoea. Seeds promote sexual vigour, arrest abortion and cure diseases due to vitiated blood. Also used for arthritis and oedema.
The seeds contain large amounts of tenacious mucilage and potassium salts, which may be responsible for the diuretic property of seeds. The seeds also contain linoleic acid (71%), besides diastase, lipase and protease.EtOH (50%) extract of the plant is spasmolytic and hypotensive.The chloroform soluble fraction of ethanolic extract of aerial parts exhibited promising hepatoprotective activity in albino rats.The plant contains lupeol, stigmas- terol and hydrocarbons.Dosage: Seed—3-6 g powder; ash—1-3 g. (CCRAS.)... hygrophila auriculataHabitat: Native to Europe and temperate Asia. Occurs in West Himalyas from Kashmir to Kumaon.
English: Hyssop.Ayurvedic: Dayaa-kunji. (Nepeta longibractea is also equated with Zuufaa, Dayaa-kunji.)Unani: Zuufaa, Zuufaa Yaabis.Folk: Diyaanku (Laddakh).Action: Stimulant, carminative, sedative, antispasmodic, diuretic, pectoral. Used for bronchitis, coughs and colds. Induces heavy sweating in fevers, increases blood pressure. Emmenagogue. Used externally for bruises, discoloured contusions and cuts.
Key application: As expectorant. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)Hyssop contains terpenoids, including marrubiin; a volatile oil consisting mainly of camphor, pinocamphone and beta-pinene; flavonoids, gluco- sides, tannins and resin. Marrubiin is a strong expectorant. The plant also contains ursolic acid, an anti- inflammatory principle. The alcoholic extract of the aerial parts at flowering yields an active antioxidant compound, rosmanol-9-ethyl ether. Its activity is much greater than butylat- ed hydroxytoluene. The extract of the plant showed weak hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-induced toxicity in albino mice.Pinocamphone and isopinocam- phone are toxic constituents of the essential oil. Wild plants from Ku- maon (Uttaranchal) shows presence of very small amounts of pinocam- phone (0.61%) in essential oil, as compared to Himalayan hyssop (38.44%) and cultivated North American hyssop (42.66%). The essential oil can induce epileptic seizures.... hyssopus officinalisHabitat: South-western Peninsular India. Cultivated throughout India.
English: Jungleflame Ixora.Ayurvedic: Bandhuka, Paaranti.Siddha/Tamil: Vetchi, Thechii.Folk: Rukmini, Rangan.Action: Herb—astringent, antiseptic, blood-purifier, sedative, antileucorrhoeic, antidiarrhoeal, anti-catarrhal. Used in dysmenorrhoea, haemoptysis, bronchitis. Root—astringent, antiseptic (used against scabies and other skin diseases). Flowers—prescribed in dysentery and dysmenorrhoea.
The saponifiable fraction of the petroleum ether extract of roots exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in carrage- enan-induced paw oedema in albino rats.The leaves contain a triterpenoid, lu- peol, which shows anti-inflammatory activity. The crude alcoholic extract and the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited antigenic activity.The flowers contain an essential oil (0.5%) which possesses antimicrobial activity. Flower contain leucocyanidin glycoside.The plant substrate removes heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium and mercury from polluted water.... ixora coccineaHabitat: Native to Mediterranean region; cultivated in Jammu and Kashmir.
English: Lavender.Action: Herb—mildly sedative, antiflatulent and cholagogue. Essential oil—antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic.
Key application: Internally, for mood disturbances, such as restlessness or insomnia; functional abdominal complaints (nervous stomach irritation and discomfort); for the treatment of functional circulatory disorders in balneother- apy. (German Commission E.) The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of Lavandula sp. for depressive states associated with digestive dysfunction.Major constituents of the essential oil are linalool and linalyl acetate. Others include borneol, camphor, lavan- dulyl, caryophyllene, limonene, beta- ocimene, terpene-4-ol-and alpha-ter- pineol.Aerial parts of the plant contains ursolic acid lactone, betulin, betulin- ic acid and 3 beta-formyl ursolic acid. The essential oil from flowering shoots showed neuro-depressive or anxiolytic activity in albino rats.... lavandula angustifoliaHabitat: Gujarat.
Folk: Ragat-Rohido (Gujarat), Rakta-Rohido.Action: Used for diseases of liver and spleen. In folk medicine, as a substitute for Rakta-Rohitaka. (Rohitaka is equated with Tecomel- lia undulata Seem., synonym Tecoma undulata G. Don, Bignoni- aceae.)
In Gujarat, Polygonum glabrum Willd. (Polygonaceae) and Myristica attenuta Wall., synonym Knema atten- uata (Wall.) Warb. (Myristicaceae) are also known as Rakta Rohido, and are used for diseases of liver and spleen.In Mumbai, Rhamnus wightii Wight & Arn. (Rhamnaceae) is known as Rakta-Rohidaa. The bark is used as astringent and deobstruent.Folk: Phulwaaraa, Maakhaniaa Mahuaa.Action: Fat used as ointment in rheumatism, for chapped hands and feet during winter.
The flowers contain beta-amyrin acetate, friedelin, erythrodiol monopal- mitate, beta—sitosterol and apha-spi- nasterol. The seeds contain triterpe- noid saponins, butyroside C and buty- roside D. A triterpenoidal sapogenin, butyraceol, has been isolated from the seed. The leaves contain butyracic acid. Defatted seed flour contains 10.4% saponins.Administration of acute dose of saponins to albino rats caused severe diarrhoea and histopathological changes in liver and kidney and altered, particularly in female rats, levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol and proteins.... maba nigrescensHabitat: Throughout India, ascending up to 1,800 m in the hills.
Ayurvedic: Ahilekhana, Trikoshaki.Siddha/Tamil: Musumsukkai.Folk: Agmaki.Action: Tender shoots—gentle aperient, diuretic, stomachic; decoction used in biliousness and flatulence.
The root contains columbin; seed oil gave linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids. Fresh aerial parts exhibit potent anti- hepatotoxic activity.In carbon tetrachloride-induced liver dysfunction in albino rats, the recovery of liver, treated with the extract from aerial parts, was significant and there was marked decrease in serum levels of the enzymes, alanine, aminotransferase, aspartate amino- transferase and alkaline phosphatase.Kuruvikizhangu of Siddha medicine, used for acute diarrhoea and fever, is equated with Malothria per- pusilla (Blume) Cogn. Zehneria hook- eriana Arn., found in upper Gangetic plain from Nepal to Assam and in Peninsular India.... melothria maderaspatanaHabitat: Cultivated in Jammu and Kashmir.
English: Japanese Mint.Unani: Naanaa.Action: Carminative, chola- gogue, expectorant, antibacterial, antifungal.
Key application: Mint oil— internally for flatulence, functional gastrointestinal and gallbladder disorders; catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract. Externally, for myalgia and neuralgia. (German Commission E.)Major components of the essential oil are menthol (up to 95%) and men- thone. Others are alpha-and beta- pinene, alpha-thujene, l-limonene, beta-phellandrene, furfural, methyl- cyclohexanone and camphene. The essential oil possesses both antibacterial and antifungal properties.The leaves show anti-implantation effect. Seeds showed abortifacient activity (29%) in albino rats with marked malformations in neonates where pregnancy was not terminated.... mentha arvensisHabitat: West Bengal, eastern Assam, as a weed in tea gardens; sal and other forests and waste lands. Distributed in tropical America, Africa and Asia.
Folk: Mikaaniaa.Action: Root—anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, adaptogenic.
Stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol and sesquiterpene dilactones, mikanolide, dihydromikanolide, deoxymikanolide and scandenolide have been isolated from the weed.The root extract exhibited anti-inflammatory activity; reduced carra- geenan-induced paw oedema in experimental rats.The methanolic extract of the root showed CNS deperssant action. It showed reduction in spontaneous motility, hypothermia, potentiation of pentobarbitone sleeping time, analgesia, suppression of aggressive behaviour and antagonism to amphetamine toxicity on experimental animals.The methanolic extract of the root exhibited adaptogenic activity against a variety of stress-induced effects in albino rats.The chemoprotective, anticarcino- genic and hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of the root were also evaluated in animal studies. Chemical carcinogens were reduced in the liver of rats treated with the plant extract. The root extract induced recovery from carbon tetrachloride-induced damage to liver tissues in mice.... mikania cordataHabitat: Throughout India; grown in houses, gardens and temples.
English: Holy Basil, Sacred Basil.Ayurvedic: Tulasi, Surasaa, Surasa, Bhuutaghni, Suravalli, Sulabhaa, Manjarikaa, Bahumanjari, Deva- dundubhi, Apet-raakshasi, Shuu- laghni, Graamya, Sulabhaa.Unani: Tulasi.Siddha/Tamil: Tulasi, Nalla-Tulasi.Action: Leaf—carminative, stomachic, antispasmodic, antiasthmatic, antirheumatic, expectorant, stimulant, hepatoprotective, antiperiodic, antipyretic and diaphoretic. Seed— used in genitourinary diseases. Root—antimalarial. Plant—adap- togenic, antistress. Essential oil— antibacterial, antifungal.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the use of the leaf and seed in rhinitis and influenza; the seed in psychological disorders, including fear-psychosis and obsessions.Major components of the essential oil are eugenol, carvacrol, nerol and eugenolmethylether. Leaves have been reported to contain ursolic acid, api- genin, luteolin, apigenin-7-O-glucu- ronide, luteolin-7-O-glucuronide, orientin and molludistin.Ursolic acid, isolated from leaves, exhibited significant protection of mast cell membrane by preventing granulation and decreased histamine release. The ethanolic extract (50%) of fresh leaves, volatile oil from fresh leaves and fixed oil from seeds showed antiasth- matic activity and significantly protected guinea-pigs against histamine and dyspnoea. They also showed anti- inflammatory activity against carrage- enan-, serotonin-, histamine- and PGE-2-induced inflammation and inhibited hind paw oedema in rats.The ethanol extract (90%) of the leaves showed hepatoprotective effect against paracetamol-induced liver damage.The plant extract exhibited antiul- cerogenic property against experimental ulcers.Oral administration of alcoholic extract of leaves lowers blood sugar level in normal, glucose-fed hyperglycaemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The activity of the extract was 91.55 and 70.43% of that of tolbutamide in normal and diabetic rats respectively.Administration of the juice of the plant affected a significant reduction in the size of urinary brushite crystals.A study of methanol extract and aqueous suspension of the leaves showed immunostimulation of humoral immunologic response in albino rats indicating the adaptogenic action of the plant.Dosage: Seed—1-2 g powder (API, Vol. IV); plant—50-10 ml infusion (CCRAS.).... ocimum sanctumHabitat: Cultivated all over India for its fruits.
English: Bitter Gourd, Blsam Pear, Carilla.Ayurvedic: Kaaravellaka, Kaaravella, Kaathilla, Sushaavi.Unani: Karelaa.Siddha/Tamil: Paakal, Paharkai.Action: Seed/fruit—improves diabetic condition. Fruit—stomachic, laxative, antibilious, emetic, anthelmintic. Used in cough, respiratory diseases, intestinal worms, skin diseases, also for gout and rheumatism. Powdered fruit—applied to wounds and ulcers. Leaf— emetic, antibilious, purgative. Fruit, leaf and root—abortifacient. Leaf and seed—anthelmintic. Root— astringent; appled to haemorrhoids.
Immature fruits gave several nonbitter and bitter momordicosides. Fruits, seeds and tissue culture gave a polypeptide containing amino acids. Fruits also gave 5-hydroxytryptamine, charantin (a steroidal glucoside), dios- genin, cholesterol, lanosterol and beta- sitosterol. Bitter principles are cucur- bitacin glycosides.Hypoglycaemic effects of the fruit have been demonstrated by blood tests in both humans and animal studies.Researchers have warned that the fruit extract leads to a false negative test for sugar in the urine (due to its ability to maintain the indicator dye in the glucose oxidase strips and the alkaline copper salts in a reduced state).Chronic administration of the fruit extract (1.75 g/day for 60 days) to dogs led to testicular lesions with mass atrophy of the spermatogenic elements. The extract reduced the testicular content of RNA, protein and sialic acid as also the acid-phosphatase activity. (Medicinal Plants of India, Vol. 2,1987, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi.)The fruits and seeds yielded a poly- peptide, p-insulin, which was considered similar to bovine insulin. (Fitoter- apia, 60,1989; Chem Abstr 112,1990.)The seed and fruit contain an inhibitor of HIV, MAP-30 (Momordi- ca anti-HIV-protein) which exhibited antiviral and antitumour activity in vitro. (Chem Abstr, 113, 1990; ibid, 117, 1992.) Another protein, MRK-29, found in the seed and fruit of a smaller var. of Bitter Gourd found in Thailand, was found to inhibit HIV reverse transcriptase and to increase tumour necrosis factor (TNF). (Planta Med, 67, 2001; Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)The seeds yield alpha-and beta- momorcharins (glycoproteins). When these glycoproteins were co-cultured with isolated hepatocytes, morphological changes in hepatocytes were observed, indicating hepatotoxicity. Another principle with antilipolytic and lipogenic activities, found along with the alpha-and beta-momorcharin in the seed extract, did not show toxic effect.Vicine is the hypoglycaemic constituent in the seed. Pure vicine has been found to possess 32.6% hypogly- caemic activity as against 22.2% shown by fresh juice, when tested on albino rats. The vicine is non-haemolytic.Dosage: Fresh fruit—10-15 ml juice (API, Vol. II); 10-20 ml juice (CCRAS.)... momordica charantiaHabitat: Throughout the hotter parts of India, particularly on cultivated land, up to 1,000 m.
Ayurvedic: Bhuumyaamalaki, Bahu- patri, Bhuudhaatri, Bahuphalaa, Taamalaki.Unani: Bhui Aaamalaa.Siddha/Tamil: Keelkaay Nelli.Action: Plant—diuretic, deobstru- ent, astringent, anti-inflammatory, styptic. Used as a single drug in the treatment of jaundice. Used in prescriptions for dyspepsia, indigestion, chronic dysentery, urinary tract diseases, diabetes, skin eruptions.
The leaves yielded lignans—phyl- lanthin (bitter), hypophyllanthin (nonbitter); niranthin, nirtetralin and phyl- tetralin. The whole plant gave a number of flavonoids, including quercetin, quercitrin, astragalin, rutin, kaempfer- ol. Isolation of a hydrolysable tannins, amarulone, is reported from the plant.The plant is reported to show antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus and related hepadna virus. It was also found to effectively repair CCl4-induced liver damage in rats.The herb exhibited hypotensive and hypoglycaemic activity. (Indian J Exp Biol 1995, 33 (11) 861-864.)Phyllanthus fraternus Webster: The ethanolic extract of the plant exhibited hepatotoxic-protective activity in albino rats pretreated with CCl-4, The petroleum extract is reported to possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The flavonoids, isolated from the ethanolic extract of the plant, exhibit hypoglycaemic activity in alloxan-treated albino rats. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the plant exhibit antibacterial and antifun- gal activity.Dosage: Root, stem, leaf—3-6. powder. (API, Vol. I and III.)... phyllanthus amarusHabitat: Cultivated in warmer and damper parts of India; Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala.
English: Betel pepper.Ayurvedic: Taambula, Naagvallari, Naagini, Taambulvalli, Saptashiraa, Bhujangalataa.Unani: Paan, Tambool.Siddha/Tamil: Vetrilai Nagavalli, Kammaaruvetritai.Action: Leaf—stimulant, carminative, astringent, antiseptic. Essential oil from leaves—antispasmodic, antiseptic. Used in respiratory catarrhs. Fruit—bechic.
The leaves afforded beta- and gam- ma-sitosterol, hentriacontane, pen- tatriacontane, n-triacontanol, stearic acid and chavicol. The essential oil from leaves contained carvacrol, euge- nol, chavicol, allyl catechol, cineole, estragol, caryophyllene, cardinene, p- cymene and eugenol methyl ether.Administration of the leaf extract resulted in decreased tumour burden and tumour incidence and a delay in the onset of mammary tumour in Wistar rats.The alcoholic extract of the leaf stalk is reported to show antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic effect in male albino rats.The essential oil exhibited hypoten- sive, cardiac as well as respiratory depressant and cardiotonic properties.The leaf showed antifungal and antibacterial activity. The antiseptic activity is attributed to chavicol.Dosage: Leaf—10-15 ml juice. (API, Vol. III.)... piper betleHabitat: Western Ghats, tidal forests up to 1,200 m.
English: Pongam Oil tree, Indian Beech.Ayurvedic: Karanja.Siddha/Tamil: Pungam.Action: Oil—applied in scabies, herpes, leucoderma and other cutaneous diseases; over chest in pneumonia and cold; also used internally as cholagogue in sluggish liver. Leaves—juice is prescribed in flatulence, dyspepsia, diarrhoea and cough. An infusion is given for leprosy and gonorrhoea. Root— a paste is used in scrofulous enlargements; juice is used for cleaning foul ulcers and closing fistulous sores. Stem bark—given internally in bleeding piles. Rind of pod and seed—prescribed in bronchitis and whooping cough. Leaf and seed—antileprotic. Leaf and seed oil—antirheumatic.
The tree is rich in flavonoids and related compounds. These include simple flavones, furanoflavonoids, chro- menoflavones, chromenochalcones, coumarones, flavone glucosides, sterols, triterpenes and a modified phenyl- alanine dipeptide. Seeds and seed oil gave karanjin, pongamol, pongapin and kanjone.The aqueous extract of stem bark shows significant sedative and antipyretic effects in rats, and antispas- modic effect in vitro on smooth muscles.In Indonesia, a decoction ofthe bark is drunk after child birth.The aqueous extract of seeds showed significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex viruses HSV-1 and 2 cell lines experimentally. Albino rats, treated with the aqueous extract of seeds, recovered faster from induced infection and skin-burn than the untreated ones.Dosage: Seed—250 mg powder; 510 g for decoction. (API, Vol. I.)... pongamia pinnataHabitat: Found in Cuddaph district of Andhra Pradesh, neighbouring areas of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
English: Red Sandalwood, Red Sanders.Ayurvedic: Raktachandana, Raktasaara.Unani: Sandal Surkh.Siddha/Tamil: Shivappu chandanam.Folk: Laal-chandan.Action: Heartwood—antibilious, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic, astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge.
A paste of wood is used externally for inflammations and headache. Fruit—antidysentericThe heartwood contains terpeno- ids—eudesmol, iso-pterocarpolone, pterocarpol, cryptomeridiol, ptero- carptriol and pterocarpdiolone; pigments santalins A and B. The bark contains triterp enoids—b eta- ampyrone, lupenone and lupeol derivatives. The sapwood gave acetyl oleanolic aldehyde, acetyl oleanolic acid and ery- throdiol.An ethanolic extract (95%) of the wood powder was found effective in lowering blood sugar levels in fasting, fed, glucose-loaded and streptozotocin diabetic models in rats.A cream prepared from the metha- nolic extract of the heartwood of Red Sandalwood and rhizomes of Curcuma longa showed 95.46% inhibition of oedema in combination (Curcuma lon- ga and red sandalwood showed 65.62 and 64.14% inhibition respectively, when used individually).A decoction of the heartwood produced potentiation of pentobarbitone- induced hypnosis in albino mice; blocked conditioned avoidance response in rats and showed anticonvul- sant and anti-inflammatory activities.Dosage: Heartwood—3-6 g powder. (API, Vol. III.)... pterocarpus santalinusHabitat: The temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan, the Nilgiris, Khasi Hills and Travancore.
English: Tree-Rhododendron, Rose-Tree.Folk: Burans (Kumaon), Kurbak, Pullaas.Action: Leaf—anticephalalgic (applied to the forehead). Leaf and stem-bark—spasmolytic. Flowers— used in diarrhoea and dysentery.
The green leaves contain a gluco- side, ericolin. The extracts of leaves, stems and bark cause hypotension in cats and inhibit intestinal movements in rabbits. The acetone and chloroform extracts and a resinous fraction from the alcoholic extract of leaves depress respiration. The petroleum ether extract decreases the rate of heartbeat and contraction in isolated heart of frog.An alcoholic (50%) extract of the flowers lowered blood pressure in dogs and albino rats.Cyanidin-3-galactoside and cyani- din-3-arbinoside are present in the pigments of flowers. The leaves of var. nilgiricum and var. cinnamonum contain ursolic acid, friedelin, epifrie- delanol, quercetin. A triterpenoid, campanulin, has been isolated from the leaves of var. nilagaricum.... rhododendron arboreumHabitat: Waste places, road sides and hedges throughout India.
English: Mexican Daisy.Ayurvedic: Jayanti (doubtful synonym).Siddha/Tamil: Vettukkaaya-thalai.Folk: Akala Kohadi (Bihar).Action: Leaves—styptic, antidiar- rhoeal, antidysenteric. Also used for bronchial catarrh.
The leaf juice exhibits antiseptic, insecticidal and parasiticidal properties. It is used to check haemorrhage from wounds, cuts and bruises, also for restoring hair growth.An aqueous extract of the plant produced reflex tachycardia and showed a transient hypotensive effect on normal blood pressure of dogs; it had also showed a marked depressant action on the respiration.Alcoholic extract of the whole plant (excluding roots) at a dose of 300 mg showed good anti-secretory antidiar- rhoeal activity against E. coli enterotox- in-induced secretory response in rabbit and guinea-pig ileal loop models. Alcoholic extract of aerial parts also showed hepatoprotective action against acute hepatitis induced by CCl4 in albino rats.The leaves contain fumaric acid. The plant gave n-alkanes, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids along with dotria- contanol, beta-amyrin, beta-amyrone, lupeol, fucosterol and beta-sitosterol. Flowers contain glucoluteolin, iso- quercetin and quercetin. Presence of lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic, behenic, palmitoleic, linole- ic and linolenic acid is reported in aerial parts except flower tops. cine, is used as Ispast. The seeds contain xanthosin.... tridax procumbensHabitat: Throughout tropical and subtropical India, up to 1,200 m in the Himalayas.
English: Burbush, Burweed.Ayurvedic: Jhinjhireetaa, Gippit.Siddha/Tamil: Ottupullu.Folk: Chikti, Biriyaaraa.Action: Leaves and bark—astringent, anticholerin, demulcent. Used in diarrhoea and dysentery. Root— styptic, diuretic, galactogenic. Hot infusion facilitates childbirth and hastens parturition. Pounded roots are given for the treatment of ulcers. Leaves and flowers—used against leprosy.
T. rotundifolia Linn., known as Mu- dappondu in Tamil Nadu and Banki- tutturi in Andhra Pradesh and Kar- nataka, is used as a demulcent. Alcoholic extract of the root showed antiinflammatory activity and reduced cotton pellet granuloma formation in albino rats. Alcoholic extract of the whole plant exhibited antimicrobial activity.... triumfetta rhomboideaHabitat: From Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal, extending southwards to Kerala.
Ayurvedic: Raasnaa (used in Eastern India). Pluchea lanceolata is the accepted source of Raasnaa.Throughout South India Alpinia galanga is used as Raasnaa.Folk: Baandaa-Raasnaa.Action: Roots—antipyretic, antiinflammatory, tranquilizer, tonic to liver, laxative. Used in rheumatism, lumbago, inflammations; diseases of the nervous system; diseases of the abdomen, dyspepsia; bronchitis, chest diseases. Roots form a constituent of medicated oils, used externally on rheumatic swellings and neurological affections. Root is also used in the treatment of fractures.
Petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts of the root showed anti-inflammatory activity in rats. Ethanolic extract of the root also showed hepatoprotective activity in albino mice.The root yielded tetracosyl feru- late and beta-sitosterol D-glucoside. Petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts of the root showed 54.3, 42.1 and 21.9% anti-inflammatory activity at a dose of 0.5 g/kg in rats. Heptacosane, octacosanol and traces of their higher homologues, a bitter principle, saponin, beta-sitosterol and tannins were isolated from the plant.... vanda roxburghiiAction: Bark—astringent, an- tidiarrhoeal. Flowers—used in prescriptions for menorrhagia. Stem and fruit—hypotensive.
The bark contains vanillic acid, be- tulin, betulinic acid, kaempferol, quer- cetin, myricetin, apigenin and apige- nin-7-O-glucoside. The bark also contains several N-formyl cyclopeptide alkaloids.The triterpene saponins isolated from the bark showed CNS depressant, tranquilizing and analgesic activity in albino rats and produced no hepato- toxicity. The cyclopeptide alkaloids of the plant show antibacterial as well as antifungal activity.... ziziphus rugosa
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