Canker. Ulceration of mucous membrane of lips and mouth. Treatment as for stomatitis.
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: Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.
English: Birch-leaved Acalypha.Siddha/Tamil: Kuppaimeni.Acanthospermum hispidum DC.Family: Compositae; Asteraceae.Habitat: Native to Brazil; found as a weed throughout the greater part of India.
Ayurvedic: Trikantaka. (Different from Gokshura; also equated with Martynia diandra, Martineacea, known as Kaakanaasaa.)Action: Used in dermatological affections.
The essential oil (yield 0.2%) showed antibacterial and antifungal activity.... acalypha fruticosaHabitat: Occurs throughout the plains of India, ascending the hills in Orissa up to 210 m.
English: Indian Acalypha.Ayurvedic: Kuppi, Muktavarchaa, HaritamanjariSiddha/Tamil: Kuppaimeni.Folk: Khokli, Kuppi, Aamaabhaaji.Action: Antibacterial (leaf used in scabies). Plant—emetic, expectorant (used in bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia). Tincture of fresh plant is used in homoeopathy for incipient phthisis with bloody expectorations, emaciation and arterial haemorrhage.
The plant contains kaempferol; leaves and twigs contain acalyphamide and other amides, quinone, sterols, cyanogenic glycoside.The herb causes intestinal irritation.... acalypha indicaHabitat: Eastern Himalayas, Assam, Meghalaya, Orissa and peninsular India.
Folk: Chuttakulaa-tigaa (Telugu).Action: The extract of aerial parts— hypotensive.... aspidopterys indica
Habitat: The Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim and Darjeeling at altitudes of 1,800-3,400 m
Ayurvedic: Chavya (tentative synonym).Action: Astringent. Used in piles, also in rheumatism.
A related species, B.polyandra Griff., found in Nagaland, Manipur, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh at 2,000 m, gave a phenolic gly- coside, coniferin. The plant is used as an antiasthmatic.... balanophora involucrataHabitat: Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Ayurvedic: Shankhaaluka.Action: Tubers contain 77.7978.23% carbohydrates, 9.73-10.13% albuninoids.... dioscorea glabra
Habitat: The western Ghats, Orissa and Sikkim up to 1,500 m.
Siddha/Tamil: Thali, Paratathali.Folk: Pisaa (Maharashtra).Action: Infusion of leaves—urinary tract disinfectant, antidiabetic, spasmolytic.
The leaves contain a very small amount of an amorphous alkaloid. They also contain beta-sitosterol, hen- triacontanone, hentriacontanol and quercetin-3-rhamnoside and hydrocarbons.The bark gives an alkaloid, actino- daphnine.The roots contain a flavanone glycoside.... actinodaphne hookeriHabitat: Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; often cultivated in Indian gardens.
Ayurvedic: Madhumaalati.Action: Antiseptic; anodyne (an ingredient in massage oils for paraplegia, neuralgia, sciatica); also anthelmintic and emetic.
The leaves contain quercetin, kaem- pferol and phenolic acids. Shoot tips and flower buds contain tannin.Aganosma calycina A. DC. is also equated with Madhumaalati.... aganosma dichotomaHabitat: Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Orissa and southern India.
English: Tree of Heaven, Maharukh.Ayurvedic: Aralu, Katvanga, Dirghavranta, Puutivrksha, Bhallu- ka. (Mahaanimba is a synonym of Melia azedarach Linn.)Siddha: Perru, Perumaruttu, Peruppi.Action: Bark—bitter, astringent, febrifuge, anthelminitic, antispas- modic, expectorant (used in asthma, bronchitis). Also used for dysentery as a substitute for Holarrhena antidysenterica.
Bark and leaves—used as tonic in debility, especially after childbirth. Leaves—used as adulterant for Ad- hatoda zeylanica leaves.Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of stembark in high fevers and giddiness.The bark contains several quassi- noids including ailanthone derivatives. They exhibit antitumour activity against P-388 lymphocytic leukaemia and are cytotoxic against KB test system.Dosage: Stembark—1-3 g (API Vol. III.) Decoction—50-100 ml. (CCRAS.)... ailanthus excelsaHabitat: Native to tropical America, from Mexico to Peru and Brazil. Cultivated largely in Malabar, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and to some extent in Maharashtra, Goa, Orissa and West Bengal.
English: Cashew Nut.Unani: Kaaju.Siddha/Tamil: Mindiri.Action: Leaves and bark—fungi- cidal, vermicidal, protozoicidal, antimicrobial (used for toothache, sore gums). Karnel—eaten for its high protein content. Cashew apple—antiscorbutic. Resinous juice contained in the seeds—used in cases of mental derangement, memory disturbances, palpitation of heart, rheumatic pericarditis, sexual debility.
The nut contains 45% fat and 20% protein. Leaves contain flavonoids, mainly glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol, and hydroxybenzoic acid. The bark contains a balsam-containing anacardic acid, anacardol, cardol and ginkgol. The caustic liquid in the shell contains about 39% anacardic acid, a mixture of alkyl salicylic acid derivatives. The leaves are febrifuge. Anacardic acid is bactericidal, fungici- dal, vermicidal and protozoicidal. The leaves and bark exhibited hypotensive activity in rats.The phenolics of the cashew-nut shell oil have inhibited the enzymic activity of alpha-glucosidase, invertase and aldose reductase (anacardic acids being the most potent). Cardols have also shown antifilarial activity in vitro. Anacardic acids, cardols and methyl cardols have been found to exhibit moderate cytotoxic activity.... anacardium occidentaleHabitat: The Western Ghats, Sikkim, Assam, Orissa and Bengal.
Ayurvedic: Vaaraahi (var.).Folk: Naagar-kanda (Bihar).Action: Tubers contain 85.50% carbohydrates, 8.30% albuminoids.... dioscorea hamiltonii
Habitat: Kumaon and n the dry forests of Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and South India.
Ayurvedic: Vikankata (related species), Kinkini (provisional classical synonym).Folk: Kondai, Kondari.Action: The bark of the plant, triturated in sesame oil, is used as liniment in gout and rheumatism.... flacourtia sepiaria
Habitat: Plains and mountains of South India up to 1,200., and in West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.
English: Mule Fern.Folk: Raamabaanam (Andhra Pradesh), Chakuliya (Bengal).Action: Fonds—antibacterial, used in burns and as febrifuge.
Heracleum candicans Wall. ex DC.... hemionites arifoliaHabitat: The Khasi Hills, Orissa and peninsular India.
English: Fish Berry, Levant Berry, Poison Berry, Crow Killer.Ayurvedic: Kaakaadani, Kaakamaari.Siddha/Tamil: Kaakkaikkollividai.Action: Insecticide, antifungal; highly valued in skin diseases; used externally to kill lice and other parasites.
The leaves and fruit contain picro- toxin (up to 5%) and alkaloids. Pi- crotoxin (sesquiterpene glycoside) is a powerful poison and nerve stimulant. It is rarely taken internally. Coccu- lus (a tincture prepared from the powdered seeds of Cocculus indicus) is used internally as a homoeopathic medicine for convulsions, neurological disorders and psychosis-related fear.Picrotoxin at 20 mg is toxic, and two to three berries are lethal. (Francis Brinker.)... anamirta cocculusHabitat: Native to South America; cultivated mostly in Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal, Tripura and Orissa.
English: Pineapple.Ayurvedic: Anaanaasa, Bahunetra.Unani: Anannaas.Siddha/Tamil: Annanshippazham, Annasi.Action: Anti-inflammatory (fresh juice used as a gargle for sore throat). A proteolytic enzyme, bromelain, is derived from the stem—anti-inflammatory, smooth muscle relaxant, digester, inhibitor of blood platelet aggregation. (It is used for cellulitis, post-operative oedema, sinusitis and for promoting digestion of proteins.)
Key application: Bromelain, the proteolytic enzyme, is used in acute postoperative and post-traumatic conditions of swellings, especially of the nasal and paranasal sinuses. (German Commission E.) In Europe, a patented tape that contains bromelain is used for debriding escharotic skin. (Internally, bromelain's bioavailability has been questioned.)... ananas comosusHabitat: Peninsular India, Orissa, West Bengal.
English: Mistletoe Berrythorn.Siddha/Tamil: Mulchangan.Folk: Kundali.Action: Root—diuretic (used in Siddha medicine for dropsy and rheumatism). Leaves—stimulant (used in rheumatism); expectorant, antispasmodic (used in cough and asthma); given to women after confinement. Bark—antiperiodic, astringent, expectorant.
The leaves contain the alkaloids az- imine, azcarpine and carpine. EtOH (50%) extract of aerial parts exhibited spasmogenic activity.... azima tetracanthaHabitat: 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: Watery and swampy places in Bihar and Orissa and in some parts of South India.
Ayurvedic: Jala-lavanga (var.).Action: See J. suffruticosa.
An infusion of the root is given in syphilis. The plant is employed in poultice for pimples.... jussiaea tenellaHabitat: Bihar, Chota Nagpur, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Decan and Konkan southwards to Kerala.
Ayurvedic: Shankhapushpi (Gujarat).Action: Used as a substitute for Convolvulus pluricaulas Choisy.... lavandula bipinnata
Habitat: Sub-Himalayan tract and outer Himalayas, in North-east and Central India, eastern coast of Deccan Peninsula.
Ayurvedic: Rshiyaproktaa.Folk: Gandha-Palaasa (Orissa), Kaari (gum).Action: Bark—used in the treatment of gout.... miliusa velutina
Habitat: Coastal swamps of West Bengal (particularly Sundarbans), Orissa and the Andamans.
Ayurvedic: Hintala.Folk: Hital (Orissa), Hintalamu (Telugu).Action: Fruits—antiphlogistic, cooling; used in flatulence.
Triacontanol, beta-sitosterol have been isolated from the plant.... phoenix paludosaHabitat: Cultivated as an ornamental. Found in Bihar, North Bengal, Orissa, Western Ghats and Southwards.
Siddha/Tamil: Aanaparuga.Action: Leaves—anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial. Applied to smallpox pustules. Root—bruised and fried in oil, applied to abscesses.... pothos scandens
Habitat: Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala.
Folk: Ekanyakam, Koranti (Kerala, South India), Anukudu-chettu (Andhra Pradesh)Action: Plant—mild antiseptic. Root bark—used against gonorrhoea, skin diseases and inflammations. The root bark exhibits hypoglycaemic activity.... salacia reticulata
Habitat: The sub-Himalayan tract from Kashmir eastwards to Assam, and in Bihar, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.
Ayurvedic: Ekaviraa.Siddha/Tamil: Venge-maram.Folk: Gondni, Asaanaa (Maharashtra).Action: Bark and Root—astringent, anthelmintic. Used in the treatment of bone fracture.
The root contains 5.7% tannins.The leaves contain beta-sitosterol, its beta-D-glucoside and a triterpe- noid. Fructose, glucose and sucrose were identified as the components of the glycoside.... bridelia montanaHabitat: Coastal regions, particularly Orissa, Karnataka, Maharashtra and the Andamans. Also cultivated as an ornamental tree.
English: Indian Laurel, Alexandrian Laurel.Ayurvedic: Punnaaga, Tunga, Sultaan champaa, Naagchampaa, Raajchampaa.Siddha/Tamil: Punnai, Punnagam.Action: Oil of seeds—specific for scabies and other skin diseases, and for rheumatism. Used in the treatment of genitourinary and venereal diseases. Bark—juice is taken as purgative; pounded with water is applied in orchitis, and for dressing ulcers. Root bark— antibacterial, used for indolent ulcers. Leaf—used in vertigo and migraine, also for chicken pox, skin inflammations, scabies, sunburn. Flowers and stamens—used as a substitute for Naagakesara (Mesua ferrea Linn.)
The root bark and heartwood contain xanthones. The xanthones exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in rats against carrageenan-induce oedema; also CNS depressant activity. Jaca- reubin and 6-deoxy derivatives exhibited antiulcer activity in rats.Calophyllolide, a complex 5-Ph- coumarin isolated from nuts, showed antiarrhythmic (as effective as quini- dine), bradycardiac coronary dilator, and anticoagulant, also anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activity.Dosage: Leaf, flower, bark—3-5 g powder; 50-100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)... calophyllum inophyllumHabitat: Throughout the Deccan Peninsula, from Gujarat and Maharashtra southwards, and in Bihar and Orissa.
English: Wild Jasmine.Folk: Kaari.Siddha/Tamil: Karai, Kadan Karai, Nalla Karai, Kudiram.Action: Leaves and fruits— astringent, antispasmodic; used against cough. A decoction of the root and leaves is given in flu. Bark—antidysenteric.
The plant contains mannitol (0.5%) and alkaloids. Canthium umbellatum Wight is also known as Kaari.... canthium parviflorumHabitat: Native to Europe and West Asia. Now cultivated in Bihar, Orissa, Punjab, Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and in the hills of Kumaon, Garhwal, Kashmir and Chamba.
Also found wild in the North Himalayan regions.English: Caraway.Ayurvedic: Krishna jiraka, Jiraa, Kaaravi, Asita Jiraka, Kaashmira- jiraka, Prithvikaa, Upakunchikaa, Sugandha Udgaar, Shodhana.Unani: Zeeraa Siyaah, Kamoon, Kamoon-roomi.Siddha/Tamil: Shimai-shembu, Semai Seearagam, Karamjiragam.Action: Carminative, antispas- modic, antimicrobial, expectorant, galactagogue, emmenagogue.
Key application: Seed oil—in dyspeptic problems, such as mild, sapstic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, bloating and fullness. (German Commission E, ESCOP, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommended the seed in chronic fevers.The fruit contains a volatile oil consisting of carvone (40-60%) and limoline with other constituents; flavonoids, mainly quercetin derivatives, polysac- charides and a fixed oil; also calcium oxalate.The antispasmodic and carminative effects have been confirmed experimentally. The caraway has shown to reduce gastrointestinal foam.Both the seeds and the essential oil are classed as carminative in I.P.The essential oil shows moderate antibacterial and antifungal activity against several bacteria and fungi. Mixed with alcohol and castor oil, it is used for scabies.Dosage: Seed—1-3 g powder. (CCRAS.)... carum carviHabitat: The Deccan peninsula from Mahabaleshwar southwards, and Orissa.
Folk: Cheemaat (Gujarat, Maharashtra); Tuvadi (Tamil Nadu); Gariki (Andhra Pradesh).Action: Fruit—astringent. Leaf— used in an ointment applied locally to hasten parturition.... scutia myrtina
Habitat: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa and South India.
Folk: Bhui-erendi.Action: Plant—astringent, an- tidiarrhoeal. A decoction of the plant, mixed with purified butter, is applied to the head in vertigo.... sebastiana chamaelea
Habitat: The sub-Himalayan tract from Garhwal to Sikkim; also in Chakrata range.
Folk: Ratanjot (var.), Rowana. Surasi is a doubtful synonym.Action: Bark—anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic; used in veterinary medicine for wounds and sprains.
Aerial parts contain coumarins— clausmarins A and B. Coumarins exhibit spasmolytic activity. The root also contains coumarins. Root and stem bark of Clausena excavata Burm. f. Eastern sub-Himalayan tract, Orissa and Bihar) also contain coumarins— clausenin and clausenidin. The root bark exhibits antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacteria.A related species, C. anisata (Willd.) Oliver, is reported from Uttar Pradesh. Ethanolic extract of the aerial parts exhibited spasmolytic activity. The fu- ranocoumarins, anisolactone, xantho- toxol, indicolactone, imperatorin and 2', 3'-epoxy-anisolactone have been isolated from the extract.In West African traditional medicine, the decoction of the root is given to control convulsions in children. The anticonvulsant agent has been found to be heliettin, extracted from the stem bark and roots.... clausena pentaphyllaHabitat: Throughout India; Tripura, West Bengal and Gangetic valley, as a weed.
English: Wild Mustard.Ayurvedic: Tilaparni, Hurhur (yellow var.), Aadityabhakta.Unani: Panwaar, Hulhul.Siddha/Tamil: Nayikkadugu, Nalvellai.Action: Seed—carminative, antiseptic, anthelmintic (for round worms). Leaf—sudorific. Bark— externally rubefacient, vesicant. Root—vermifuge.
The aerial parts contain a macro- cyclic diterpene, cleomaldeic acid, and a bicyclic diterpene, cleomeolide. The seeds contain coumarino-lignans, cleomiscosin A,B,C and D. The leaf extract exhibited fungitoxicity against ringworm causing fungi with reported mycelian inhibitions.The aqueous extract of seeds exhibited significant analgesic and local anaesthetic activities in mice and guinea pigs, respectively. It failed to protect rats against convulsions induced by picrotoxin, though it potentiated the barbiturate sleeping time.The purple var. of Hurhur is equated with Cleome monophylla L. (Bihar, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu).... cleome icosandraHabitat: Cultivated in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu; wild in many parts of India.
English: Ivy-Gourd.Ayurvedic: Bimbi, Tundi, Tundikaa, Tundikeri, Kunduru, Raktaphala, Piluparni, Dantchhadaa.Unani: Kanduri.Siddha/Tamil: Kovvai.Action: Carminative, antipyretic, galactagogue. Powder of root is taken with water to stop vomiting. Juice of leaves—antispasmodic and expectorant. Applied externally in eruptions of the skin. Root— antiprotozoal. Fruit, leaf and root— antidiabetic. Various plant parts are used in slow pulse and convulsions, also against infective hepatitis.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the whole plant for oedema, anaemia, disorders due to vitiated blood, cough and dyspnoea.The fruit yielded beta-amyrin and its acetate, lupeol and cucurbitacin B.Dosage: Whole plant—3-6 g powder; 5-10 ml juice. (API Vol. III.)... coccinia indicaHabitat: Cultivated throughout India, particularly in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa.
English: Cluster bean, Guar.Ayurvedic: Kshudra Shimbi, Gorakshaphalini, Guaar, Gwaalin.Unani: Guaar phali.Action: Laxative, antibilious. Gum—hypoglycaemic, hypolipi- daemic, appetite depressor (weight loss not observed), reduces glyco- suria during gum supplementation.
The administration of Guar gum (15 g/day) with normal diet for 6 weeks produced significant reduction in plasma, total cholesterol and LDL-choles- terol. The gum (10 g daily) is reported to decrease blood-glucose level in normal and diabetic volunteers. The supplementation of the gum in the diet of insulin-dependent diabetics failed to improve the long-term diabetic control, but significantly reduced serum cholesterol levels.Taking Guar gum orally with meals was found to lower post-prandial glucose levels in patients with type 1 diabetes. (Am J clin Nutr, 56, 1992, 10561060.)Oral administration of an ethanol extract of powdered pods has shown significant antiulcer, antisecretory and cytoprotective effects on various experimentally-induced gastric lesions in rats.Guarmeal contains galactomannan, 3-epikatonic acid and a saponin.... cyamopsis tetragonolobaHin: Munguskajur
It is seen wild in Assam and Khasi hills in India. Its root is diuretic and narcotic.8. S. stramoniifolium Jacq., syn. S. ferox auct. non Linn.San: Garbhada;Hin: Rambaigan;Mal: Anachunda;Tam: Anaichundai;Tel: MulakaIt is observed in India in the states of Assam, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Its berries contain glycoalkaloids such as solasonine and solasodine. Its roots and berries are bechic, antiasthmatic, antirheumatic, antiviral, anticancerous and spermicidal.9. S. surattense Burm. F. syn. S. xanthocarpum schrad. & Wendl., S. jacquinii Willd.Eng: Yellow-berried nightshade; San: Kantakari, Nidigdhika;Hin: Remgani,Kateli;Mal: Kantakarichunda;Tam: Kantankattiri;Kan: Nelagulli;Tel: CallamulagaIt is found throughout India and Pakistan in dry situations as weed on roadsides and wastelands. It is prickly, diffuse, bright green, suffrutescent, perennial undershrub, with zigzag branches. Leaves are ovate-oblong, hairy on both sides and armed on the midrib and the nerves. Flowers are bluish purple, in extra-axillary cymes. Fruits are glabrous, globular drooping berry, yellow or white with green veins, surrounded by the calyx. Seeds are many, small, reniform, smooth and yellowish brown.The whole plant is useful in vitiated conditions of vata and kapha, helminthiasis, dental caries, inflammations, flatulence, constipation, dyspepsia, anorexia, leprosy, skin diseases, hypertension, fever, cough, asthma, bronchitis, hiccough, lumbago, haemorrhoids and epilepsy. The plant is bitter, acrid, thermogenic, anthelmintic, antiinflammatory, anodyne, digestive, carminative, appetiser, stomachic, depurative, sudorific, febrifuge, expectorant, laxative, stimulant, diuretic, rejuvenating, emmenagogue and aphrodisac. Fruits contain solasonine, solamargine and solasodine.10. S. torvum Sw.Eng: West Indian Turkey Berry;Hin,Ben: Titbaigan;Mal: Kattuchunda;Kan: Kadu Sunde;Tam: Sundaikai, Amarakai;Tel: Kundavustic, Kotuvestu; Ass: HathibhekuriIt is seen throughout tropical India, particularly in Orissa, Bihar and Manipur. The plant is CVS active and used in splenomegaly. Fruits and leaves contain solasonine, solasodine, jurubine, jurubidine, torvonin, torvogenin, chlorogenin, paniculogenin, sisalogenone, neosolaspigenin and solaspigenin.11. S. trilobatum Linn.Eng: Climbing Brinjal; San: Alarka;Mal: Tutavalam;Tam: Tuduvalai;Kan: Mullumusta;Tel: TelavusteIt is mostly seen in South and Western India. The plant contains alkamine and solamarine. The berry and flowers are bechic and used in bronchitis. The alkaloid solamarine is antibiotic and possesses antitumour activity.12. S. viarum Dunal, syn. S. Khasianum C. B. ClarkeHin: Kantakari
It is widely distributed in Khasi, Jaintia and Naga hills of Assam and Manipur upto 2000m and in Sikkim, West Bengal, Orissa and in the Niligiris. The plant and berries contain solasonine (which on hydrolysis yields solasodine), solamargine, khasianine, nantigenin, solasodine, diosgenin and saponin-solakhasianin. The plant is spasmolytic and CNS active. The berry is a source of solasodine used in the synthesis of corticosteroidal hormones.Agrotechnology: The agrotechnology for the solanaceous group of plants are almost similar. They come up very well in tropical and subtropical climate upto 2000m altitude. They can be raised on a variety of soils good in organic matter. Propagation is by seeds. The seedlings are first raised in the nursery and transplanted to the main field 30-45 days after sowing when the plants attain 8-10cm height. During rainy season, planting is done on ridges while during summer in furrows, at a spacing ranging from 30-90cm depending upon the stature and spreading habit of the plant. The transplanted seedlings should be given temporary shade for 2-4 days during summer. FYM or compost at 20-25t/ha is applied at the time of land preparation. A moderate fertiliser dose of 75:40:40 N, P2O5, K2O/ha may be given. P is given as basal dose, N and K are applied in 2-3 split doses. One or two intercultural operations are needed to control weeds. The plants need earthing up after weeding and topdressing. Irrigation is needed at 3-4 days interval during summer and on alternate days during fruiting period. Plants need staking to avoid lodging due to heavy bearing. Shoot borers, mealy bugs, leaf webbers and miners are noted on the crop, which can be controlled by spraying mild insecticides. Root knot nematode, wilting and mosaic diseases are also noted on the crop. Field sanitation, crop rotation and burning of crop residues are recommended.... solanumsHabitat: Indo-Malayasian region. Found in Deccan Peninsula, ascending to 1,200 m, and in Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Nagaland.
Folk: Surudu, Konatekkali, Gubbadaara (Telugu).Action: Quercetin, isolated from fresh water flowers, exhibited anti-inflammatory activity experimentally, comparable to that of phenylbutazone.... symphorema involucratum
Habitat: Common throughout the plains of India (a very variable grass).
Ayurvedic: Takraa, Takraahvaa, Panchaanguli, Nrityakaundaka. (Classical synonyms.) (Takra is the classical name of buttermilk.)Folk: Makaraa, Makari (Bihar, Orissa), Timidaa (Tamil Nadu)Action: Astringent, bitter tonic, anthelmintic. Used for polyurea; externally for wounds and ulcers.
The grass growing is New South Wales is reported to contain cyano- genetic glycosides.In Indian medicine, the grass is used for imparting medicinial properties of Takra (buttermilk) in intestinal, biliary and urinary diseases.Ayurvedic: Raktaniryaas, Khoon- kharaabaa, Heeraadokhi.Unani: Damm-ul-Akhwain.Action: Astringent. Used for diarrhoea, dysentery. Also used against malignant tumours.
The resin contains red tannin derivatives—drocoresinotannols, dracoresen and flavone quinones.Dosage: Resin—1-3 g. (CCRAS.)... dactyloctenium aegyptiumHabitat: Central and Eastern Himalayas, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa.
Ayurvedic: Gorakhi.Siddha/Tamil: Punali.Folk: Bankharaa, Bhatiaa.Action: Leaves—used in aphthae. Root—genitourinary tract disinfectant; used in scalding of urine, also in foetid discharges.
The stem bark afforded isoflavo- noids, dalbergio, tectorigenin. The leaves gave flavonoid glycosides. The wood gave friedelin.... dalbergia volubilisHabitat: The Himalayas from Nepal to Bhutan; north Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.
English: Elephant Apple.Ayurvedic: Bhavya.Folk: Uva, Chaaltaa.Action: Fruit—laxative, carminative, bechic, febrifuge, antispasmodic (used for abdominal pains). Bark and leaves—astringent.
The sepals contain (on dry weight basis): tannin 0.37, glucose 2.92 and malic acid 0.51%. The bark and leaves contain about 10% and 9% tannin (on dry weight basis) respectively.The fruit yielded a polysaccharide, arabingalactan.The leaves yielded cycloartenone, n-hentriacontanol, betulin, betulinic acid and beta-sitosterol. The bark gave iso-rhamnetin, naringenin, quercetin derivatives and kaempferol.... dillenia indicaHabitat: Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Bengal, Assam and the Andamans.
English: Lesser Yam, Karen Potato.Ayurvedic: Madhvaaluka.Siddha/Tamil: Musilam, Valli kilangu, Siruvalli Kilangu.Folk: Suthani.Action: Tubers are starchy and free from dioscorine, contain 71.29% carbohydrates, 10.82% albuminoids.... dioscorea esculenta
Habitat: Grasslands and forest- glades from Uttar Pradesh to Assam and in Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Ayurvedic: Prishniparni (related species).Action: Pods and roots—used against ringworm.... uraria alopecuroides
Habitat: West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.
Ayurvedic: Pinditaka, Snigdh- pinditaka.Siddha/Tamil: Manakkarai.Folk: Muyana. Chiracholi, Alu (Maharashtra).... vangueria spinosaHabitat: Orissa and South India.
English: Ebony Persimmon, Malabar Ebony, Ceylon Ebony.Ayurvedic: Tinduka.Unani: Aaabnuus.Siddha/Tamil: Acha-Thumbi.Action: Plant—astringent, attenuant, lithontriptic.
The heartwood contains 2 beta- naphthalhydes, 2 naphthoic acid derivatives; ceryl alcohol, betulin, alpha- amyrin, ursolic acid, baurenol and stigmasterol. The leaves contain ur- solic acid, alpha-amyrin, betulin and lupeol.... diospyros ebenumHabitat: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Peninsula.
English: Coromandel Ebony, Persimmon.Ayurvedic: Tinduka (var.), Dirgha- patrakaa.Siddha/Tamil: Karum Dumbi, Thumbi, Beedi-elai.Action: Leaves—carminative, laxative, diuretic, styptic. Bark— astringent. Used in dyspepsia and diarrhoea. Unripe fruit— carminative and astringent. Ripe fruit—antibilious. Dried flowers— used in anaemia, inflammation of spleen, also in leucorrhoea. Leaf and dried flower—used in dyspepsia and diarrhoea, topically in scabies. Aerial parts—hypotensive.
Half-ripe fruit contains 23, ripe fruit 15 and bark 19% tannin.The bark and sapwood extracts yield beta-sitosterol, lupeol, betulin and be- tulinic acid. Leaves contain hentria- contane, hentriacontanol, alpha-amy- rin, baurenol, ursolic, oleanolic and be- tulinic acids.... diospyros melanoxylonHabitat: West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Western Ghats.
English: Utrasum Bead tree.Ayurvedic: Rudraaksha, Panch- mukhi.Siddha/Tamil: Rudraaksham.Action: Fruit—used for epileptic fits and headache. Powdered fruits (0.5 g) mixed with warm water are given two/three times daily in asthma. Stem bark— hypoglycaemic.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the use of the seed in hypertension, insomnia, psychoneurosis and mental diseases.The fruits contain palmitic, iso- palmitic, linoleic and myristic acids. Leaves gave alkaloids—rudrakine, (+)- elacocarpine and (+)-iso-elacocarpine; phenolics—quercetin, gallic acid and ellagic acid. EtOH (50%) extract of stem bark—hypoglycaemic. Aqueous extract of fruits—sedative, hy- potensive, spasmolytic, anticonvul- sant, choleretic, bronchodilatory and cardiostimulant.The fruit of E. oblongus Mast. non- Gaertn., synonym E. glandulosus Wall. ex Merrill (Western Ghats) is used in mental disorders and tetanus.Dosage: Seed—1-2 g. (API Vol. IV.)Siddha/Tamil: Ruthracham, Pagumbar.Folk: Rudirak, Bhutali.Action: Bark—stomachic, antibil- ious. Used in haematemesis. Nut— antiepileptic, antirheumatic.
The leaves gave quercetin, kaempfer- ol, gallic acid and ethylgallate.... elaeocarpus ganitrusHabitat: Australia, North America; throughout the warmer parts of the world. In India, in wet plains and low hills and pasture grounds.
English: Crowfoot Grass, Crab Grass.Ayurvedic: Nandimukha (var.).Folk: Nandiaa (Orissa), Mahaar Naachni (Maharashtra), Thippa Ragi (Tamil Nadu).Action: Used for biliary disorders. In Vietnamese traditional medicine, a decoction of the whole plant is used as stomachic, diuretic, febrifuge, and in sprains.
Aerial parts contain vitexin, 3-O- beta-D-glucopyranosyl-beta-sitosterol and its 6'-O-palmitoyl derivatives. of intoxication. Used for abdominal pains, nausea, bleeding nose. Fresh plants from Uttaranchal gave 0.4% essential oil having dehydroelsholtzia ketone 88.7% as the main constituent, followed by humulene 2.4% and caryophyllene 0.9% (the oil composition of the species which grow in Japan and Kashmir is different.)Plant contains linarin, apigenin and 7-O-glucosides of apigenin and lute- olin.The Japanese species, used for hangovers, gave compounds including tri- terpenoids, steroids and flavonoids.Elsholtzia blenda Benth., synonym Perilla elata D. Don, is also equated with Ban-Tulasi. Major constituent of the essential oil is geranyl acetate. Other constituents are p-cymene, sa- binene, borneol, geraniol, linalyl acetate, fernesol, limonene, linalool, cit- ronellol, thymol and nerolidol.... eleusine indicaHabitat: Eastern Himalayas, hills of Bihar, Orissa and South India.
English: Garbee Bean, Mackay Bean, Elephant Creeper.Ayurvedic: Gil.Siddha/Tamil: Chillu, Vattavalli.Folk: Gil-gaachh.Action: Seed—carminative, anodyne, spasmolytic bechic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antiperiodic. Used in liver complaints, glandular swellings, debility, skin diseases. The seed, stems and bark are poisonous. A paste of the seeds is applied locally for inflammatory glandular swellings. The juice of wood and bark is used as an external application for ulcers. The leaves are reported to be free from the toxic saponins. After soaking in water and roasting toxic principles can be removed from the white kernels of the seeds.
The seeds gave saponins of entagenic acid; a triterpenoid glucoside entanin; beta-sitosterol, alpha-amyrin, querce- tin, gallic acid, cyamidin chloride, lu- peol and a saponin mixture which gave prosapogenin A. Entanin exhibits anti- tumour activity. It inhibits Walker 256 tumours in rats without deaths.Entadamide A (the sulphur-containing amide from the seed) is a 5-lipo-xygenase inhibitor and is found to be effective in the treatment of bronchial asthma. The bark is used for hair wash.Entagenic acid, a sapogenin of entada saponin IV, imparts antifungal activity to the bark.... entada scandensHabitat: Sub-Himalayan tract from Chenab eastward to Bhutan and in Assam, Bengal and Orissa.
English: Indian Fig.Ayurvedic: Malayu, Choraka- patra, Laakshaa-vrksha, Laghu- udumbara.Siddha: Taragadu (Tamil).Action: See F. carica. Fruits— spasmolytic; used in aphthous complaints. Root—used for bladder and visceral troubles. Bark-decoction—used for washing ulcers; juice and powdered bark— applied to wounds and bruises. Syconium—used for ulcers of mucous membrane. Syconium and bark—antileprotic.
The tree is one of the recorded hosts of the Indian lac insect.... ficus heterophyllaHabitat: Bengal, Assam, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Eastern Ghats.
English: Puneala Plum.Ayurvedic: Praachinaamalaka, Paaniyaamalaka. (Taalispatri (Hindi), Taalispatra (Gujarati), Taalisam (Malyalaam), Taalispatramu (Tel- ugu) are confusing synonyms of Paaniyaamalaka.)Unani: Taalisfar, Nabaq Hindi, Zarnab. In National Formulary of Unani Medicine, Zarnab, synonym Telispattar, is equated with F. catapracta, also with Cinnamonum tamala Nees. (Zarnab is also equated with Salix aegyptiaca Sprengel and Taalisfar with Rhododendron anthapogon D. Don or R. lipidotum by Unani scholars.)Siddha/Tamil: Saralu, Vayangarai.Folk: Paniyaalaa (Bihar).Action: Leaves—astringent, antidiarrhoeal, stomachic. Used in chronic bronchitis. Fruit—used in affections of the liver. Bark and fruit—antibilious. Infusion of bark is used as a gargle. Fruits contain (dry basis) protein 3.9%; vitamin C 218, Ca 175, K 158, P 147, Fe 118, Mg 57 mg/100 g. The fruit stem bark and bark yielded a coumarin, ostruthin, and limonoids, jangomolide and limonin.
(Taalisha, Taalisam, Taalisapatri, Taalisapatra—all the synonyms are now equated with Abies spectabilis (D. Don) Spach., synonym A. webbiana Lindl., Pinus webbiana Wall.)... flacourtia jangomasHabitat: Tropical forests of Assam, Bengal, Orissa and the Andamans.
Ayurvedic: Paaraavata, Kowaa.Folk: Kaphal (Nepal), Kujithekera (Assam).Action: Sun-dried slices of the fruit are used in dysentery. The latex is used as febrifuge. Gum-resin— drastic cathartic (may produce nausea and vomiting).
The fruits from Assam contain: total soluble solids 9.8, titrable acidity 4.7, total sugars 3.8% and vitamin C 8.64 mg/gThe latex gave xanthones, cowanin, cowanol, cowaxanthone and norcow- anin.The bark contains cowanin, cow- anol, cowaxanthone and rubraxan- thone.Cawanol and cowaxanthone are reported to exhibit moderate antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus au- reus.... garcinia cowaHabitat: The lower hill forests of Eastern Himalayas, Peninsular India, Orissa, Maharashtra and the Andamans.
English: Egg tree.Ayurvedic: Tamaal (var.), Vrk- shaamla (var.).Siddha/Tamil: Kulavi, Malaippachai, Mukki, TamalamFolk: Amsul (Maharashtra).Action: Fruit—anthelmintic, improves appetite. Also used as a car- diotonic. Fruit gave xanthochymol and isoxanthymol (polyprenylat- ed benzophenone derivatives), flavones and xanthones.... garcinia xanthochymus
Habitat: Sub-Himalayan region from Kangra eastwards and in parts of Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.
Folk: Batvaasi (Nepal), Batvaasi (Bengal), Bitkil-chaand (Bihar).Action: Leaves—used in poultices for sores. Bark—used for washing hair for destroying vermin.
The bark and root contain saponin. The leaves of a related species, Goua- nia microcarpa DC., found in Peninsular India from Konkan southwards, gave a triterpenic acid, along with tetratriacontanoic acid.... gouania leptostachyaHabitat: Sub-Himalayan tract from the Indus to Nepal up to 1,500 m, also in hills of Bihar, Orissa and Tamil Nadu.
Ayurvedic: Naagabalaa, Gud- sharkaraa.Siddha/Tamil: Tavadu.Folk: Gulshakari.Action: Fruit and root—diuretic, antidiarrhoeal. Roots and leaves, crushed with sugar candy, are prescribed for spermatorrhoea.
Dosage: Root—50-100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)... grewia hirsutaHabitat: Native to tropical Africa. Cultivated in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Orissa.
English: Nigerseed.Family: Asclepidaceae.Habitat: Western Ghats from Konkan southwards.
Folk: Gurmaar (related species).Action: See G. sylvertre.
The leaves contain gymnemic acid.... gymnema montanumHabitat: Tropical India in moist regions.
English: Milky Yam.Ayurvedic: Kshira-vidaari, Kshir- valli, Payasvini, Swaadukandaa, Ikshukandaa, Gajavaajipriyaa, Kan- dapalaasha, Bhuumikuushmaanda.Siddha: Paalmudukkan kizhangu.Folk: Bilaaikanda. Bhuin Kakhaaru (Orissa).Action: Cholagogue, galactagogue, alterative, demulcent, purgative. Resin from root—uses similar to Jalap. Flour of raw rhizome is given in enlargement of liver and spleen, also for menorrhagia, debility and fat accumulation.
Rhizomes gave taraxerol acetate and beta-sitosterol. Fresh leaves contain 6.3 mg/100 g of carotene.Vidaari is equated with Pueraria tuberosa DC. (Fabaceae). Dry pieces of Dioscorea pentaphylla Linn. are sold as Vidaari Kanda.Dosage: Tuber—3-6 g powder. (CCRAS.)... ipomoea digitataHabitat: The Himalayas, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Maharashtra and South India.
English: Traveller’s Midnight Lilies.Ayurvedic: Krishnabija (related species). (Sold as Kaalaadaanaa, seeds of Ipomoea nil.)Siddha/Tamil: Kattu Talai.Folk: Michaai.Action: Purgative, febrifuge. Seeds—cardiac depressant, spasmolytic, hypotensive, antibacterial, antifungal. Plant juice destroys bedbugs.
The seeds contain resin glycosides which are laxative. Lysergol is also present in the seeds. It exhibits hypotensive, psychotropic, analgesic, and uterus and intestine-stimulating properties. The presence of indole alkaloids is reported in the seed.... ipomoea muricataHabitat: Costal forests of eastern and western Peninsulas, the Sunderbans (West Bengal).
Siddha/Tamil: Thuvar kandan.Folk: Rasunia (Orissa), Guria (Bengal).Action: Bark—used with ginger or long pepper and rose water for diabetes (aqueous or alcoholic extracts of the bark did not exhibit any effect on the blood sugar of normal or alloxan-diabetic rabbits).
The Bark contains 17.3% tannin and 13.5% non-tans. Novel proanthocyani- din dimers and trimers—all containing a phenylpropionoid substituent in the upper flavan unit, along with pro- pelargonidin dimers and procyanidin trimers of common types, have been isolated from the bark.... kandelia rheediiHabitat: Chota Nagpur, Orissa, Deccan, Karnataka, Anaimalai Hills and Western Ghats from Konkan southwards to Kerala.
English: Silverweed.Siddha/Tamil: Unnayangodi.Folk: Khedari, Bond vel (Maharashtra).Action: Leaves—a paste is applied externally in cough and quinsy.... lettsomia elliptica
Habitat: South Bihar, Orissa, Assam, Western parts of South India, up to 600 m, also in back waters.
Folk: Aamragandha Karpuur (non-classical); Karpuur (Bengal); Ambuli (Maharashtra); Manganari (Kerala). Kuttra.Action: Plant—galactagogue, aperient, antiseptic. Juice given in fever and to nursing mothers when milk is sour. Oil—antiseptic.
The plant gave an essential oil (0.1%), containing d-limolene and d-perillal- dehyde as principal constituents. The essential oil showed significant antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus oryzae.The plant, made into a liniment with coconut oil, is used in elephantiasis.L. conferia Benth., known as Munga- nari in Kerala, contains flavonoids showing anti-inflammatory activity, quercetin showed significant activity only at a dose of 150 mg/kg, while wogonin, nevadensin and quercetin- pentamethyl ether at 75 mg/kg. The essential oil from the plant exhibited antifungal activity against ringworm fungi.... limnophila aromaticaHabitat: Throughout India, from Punjab and Kumaon eastwards; in Assam, Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and South India.
Ayurvedic: Bilvaparni.Siddha/Tamil: Nayvila.Folk: Ran-limbu, Naringi (Mum- bai), Tondsha (Maharashtra), Beli, Bainthaa.Action: Dried fruit—stomachic; used in pestilent fevers, also as an antidote to poisons. Root— purgative, sudorific.
The plant showed anti-inflammatory activity which was attributed to 8- hydroxy-6-methoxy-2-methyl-anthra- quinone-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside in animal studies.The leaves contain an essential oil; major constituents are geraniol, alpha- and beta-pinene, 1,8-cineole, elemol acetate, linool, alpha-terpinolene, camphor, eudesmol, p-cymene, cam- phane, azulene, borneol acetate, alpha- terpenol, alpha-curcumene, alpha thu- jone, limolene, myrcene and beta- ocimene.Leaves also contain anthraquinones and dalbargin galactopyranoside.... limonia crenulataHabitat: Bihar and Orissa to Assam; Madhya Pradesh, Nilgiris and Anaimalais up to 900 m in wet places and river banks.
Folk: Basula (Madhya Pradesh), Naagaa-aiari (Orissa).Action: Leaves—stomachic and nervine. Essential oil—fungitoxic.
The essential oil from leaves contains citral, neral and geranial. Diterpenes, d- and l-limonene, l-piperitone, geranial. Diterpenes, d-and l-limonene, l- piperitone, lippone, a saturated ketone, d-alpha-pinene, dl-dihydrocarvone, citral and camphor have been identified in different samples.... lippia geminataHabitat: Orissa, Assam and Western Peninsula.
English: Iron Wood.Ayurvedic: Anjani.Siddha/Tamil: Kasai, Anjani.Folk: Yaalki, Lokhandi (Maharashtra).Action: Fruit and leaf—astringent. Leaf—antileucorrhoeic, spasmolytic, hypoglycaemic. A lotion prepared from the leaves is used in ophthalmia. Root—used in excessive menstrual discharge.
Aerial parts gave umbelactone, beta- amyrin, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, sitosterol and its glucoside.... memecylon eduleHabitat: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan.
Action: Seeds—sedative.
The seeds contain ergoline alkaloids. The alkaloids are reported to produce vasoconstrictor, uterotonic, neurohor- monic, sympathicolytic and sedative effects.Plants of Merremia sp. are twiners and are used as diuretic, deobstruent, antirheumatic and alterative; the root is used as a mouthwash; leaves are used for burns, scalds and sores. M. vitifo- lia (Burm. F.) Hallier f. exhibits potent diuretic and antiseptic activity in strangury and urethral discharges. (Most of the twiners are known as Prasaarini in Indian medicine and are specific for rheumatic affections.)... merremia quinquefoliaHabitat: Upper Gangetic Plain, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, South India and Gujarat.
Ayurvedic: Prasaarini (Kerala and Karnataka), Tala-nili.Siddha/Tamil: Mudiyaakunthal.Action: Laxative, astringent, anti-inflammatory. Used in piles, swellings, rheumatic affections, stiffness of the joints, hemiplegia and urinary affections.
The aerial parts contain the flavo- noids, diometin, luteolin and their 7- O-beta-D-glucosides.... merremia tridentataHabitat: West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, in hedges and waste places.
Ayurvedic: Pinditaka. Madana or Mainphala is a misleading synonym. It is equated with Randia dumetorum Poir.Folk: Muyana, Moyana, Muduna.Siddha/Tamil: Manakkarai. (Madana or Mainphala is known as Marukkallankay.)Action: Fruit—cholagogue, a decoction used in biliary complaints and hepatic congestion. Dried fruits—narcotic; used for boils.... meyna laxiflora
Habitat: Bihar, Orissa, Bengal, Sikkim, Nepal, Assam, Khasi, Aka and Lushai hills.
Action: Bark of the root, stem and branches—used in the treatment of tubercular cases.
The root contains coumarins, mi- cromelin, phebalosin and yuehchak- ene.Micromelum pubescens Blume, synonym M. minutum (Forst. f.) Seem. is found in the Andamans. The plant is used in Malaya and Indonesia for phthisis and chest diseases. The root is chewed with betel for coughs.The leaves contain coumarins, mi- cropubescin and phebalosin.The bark contains phebalosin. The roots contain micromelumin, phe- balosin, imperatorin, angelical, lime- ttin, scopoletin, minumicrolin and murrangatin.Family: Lamiaceae; Labiatae.Habitat: Kumaon, Upper Gangetic plain, Bihar, Orissa, Western Ghats, Nilgiris.
Folk: Pudinaa (var.).Action: Plant—carminative. Used as a substitute for Mentha piperata Linn.
The plant yields an essential oil (1.6%) which contains mainly pulegone (80%).Micromeria biflora Benth., equated with Indian Wild Thyme, is found in tropical and temperate Himalayas, and in Western Ghats and hills of South India.The principal constituent of volatile oil of Camphorata sp. is camphor; of Citrata sp. is citral; of menthata and Pulegata sp. is d-menthone; and pulegone.... micromelum integerrimumHabitat: Upper Gangetic Plains, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka.
Ayurvedic: Parpata (substitute). Grishma-Sundara.Siddha/Tamil: Parpaatakam.Folk: Jeem Shaak.Action: Plant—stomachic, aperient, febrifuge, antiseptic, blood purifier (used for venereal diseases), emmenagogue. Root—used in rheumatism and gout.
Flowers and shoots—diaphoretic, given in fevers. An infusion of the plant is given to promote lochial discharge.The plant contains orientin (leteo- lin-8-C-glucoside), vitexin (apigenin- 8-C-glucoside) and their 2"-O-gluco- sides. The plant is cardiostimulant, also antibacterial.... mollugo cervianaHabitat: Cultivated in Bengal, Orissa and Punjab.
English: Watercress.Folk: Piriyaa-Haalim (Punjab), Latputiyaa (Maharashtra).Action: Leaves—antiscorbutic, expectorant (used in catarrh of the respiratory organs), diuretic (used in kidney and bladder disorders), detoxifying. A lotion of leaves is applied to blotches, spots and blemishes. Fresh herb is used as a blood purifier.
Key application: For catarrh of respiratory tract. (German Commission E.)Watercress contains vitamin A 4720 IU, ascorbic acid 77 mg/100 g, also thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and biotin; mineral matter 2.2%—calcium 290, phosphorus 140, iron 4.6 mg/100 g, also sulphur, iodine, manganese, zinc, arsenic and copper; proteins 2.9%, amino acid composition includes leucine, phenylalanine, valine, lysine, tyrosine, alanine, threonine, glutamic acid, serine, aspartic acid, cystine, methionine sulphoxide and proline.The glucosinolate phenethyl isothio- cyanate, which is released upon chewing the leaf, is a chemopreventive agent against lung cancer. (cited in Expanded Commission E Monographs.)Watercress is contraindicated in gastric and duodenal ulcers and inflammatory kidney diseases. (Francis Brinker.)... nasturtium officinaleHabitat: Assam, Bihar, Orissa and Deccan Peninsula. Often cultivated in parks and gardens.
Siddha/Tamil: Chilanti, Sherundi.Folk: Kanaka Champaa. (Bhuin- champaa, Bhuumi-champaka (Ochna pumila).Action: Bark—digestive tonic. Root—a decoction is used in asthma, tuberculosis and in menstrual disorders. Leaves— boiled and used as emollient cataplasm; used as a poultice in lumbago.
Isoflavones, along with beta-sitos- terol and oleanolic acid, have been isolated from the heartwood.A related species, Ochna pumila Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don., found in outer Himalayas and sub-Himalayan tract from Kumaon to Assam, is reported to exhibit antitubercular activity. Tetrahydroamentoflavone has been isolated from the leaves. The plant is also used for epilepsy in folk medicine.... ochna jabotapitaHabitat: Native to Chile; cultivated as a garden plant in South Australia. Introduced into Indian gardens.
English: Evening Primrose (var.); Sundrop (var.).Action: Oil from seeds—prescribed for eczema (in children); premenstrual syndrome and cyclical breast pain.
Family: Olacaceae.Habitat: Sub-Himalayas tract of Kumaon and Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Deccan and Western Ghats.
Ayurvedic: Dheniaani, Karbudaar (doubtful synonym).Siddha/Tamil: Malliveppam, Kadalranchi.Folk: Rimil-beeri (Bihar).Action: Bark—used in anaemia and as a supporting drug in diabetes; also in the treatment of fever.... olax scandens
Habitat: Bihar, Orissa, Travancore. Cultivated on the Coromandel coast.
English: Indian Madder, Chay-Root.Siddha/Tamil: Inbooral.Folk: Chiraval (Maharashtra).Action: Leaves and roots—used in bronchitis, asthma, consumption.
The plant gave anthraquinone derivatives. The root gave alizarin, ru- bichloric acid and ruberythric acid, also anthraquinones. Purpurin, pupur- oxanthin carboxylic acid, present in Madder (Rubia tinctorum), are almost entirely absent.... oldenlandia umbellataHabitat: Orissa, Gujarat, South India, ascending up to 1,000 m in the hills.
Ayurvedic: Prataanikaa (non- classical).Folk: Tulasi (var.), Kattu-thrithava (Kerala).Action: Plant—a decoction is given in diarrhoea. Leaves—applied externally to cuts and wounds.... orthosiphon tomentosus
Habitat: Throughout the plains and lower hills of India, including paddy fields and hedges rear semi-marshy places.
Ayurvedic: Dugdhikaa, Duudhila- taa, Duudhialataa .Folk: Usipallai (Tamil Nadu); Dugdhani (Maharashtra); Jala- dudhi (Gujarat).Action: Herb—antiseptic, depura- tive, galactogogue; decoction used as a gargle in stomatitis and sore throat. Latex—vulnerary. Fresh root—prescribed in jaundice.
A pregnane ester oligoglycoside (oxysine), a pregnane triglycoside (es- culentin), a cardenolide (oxyline), two more cardenolides, oxystelmoside and oxystelmine, have been isolated from the roots.Dosage: Plant—10-20 ml juice; 50100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)Family: Rubiaceae.Habitat: Central and Eastern Himlayas extending to Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa.
Ayurvedic: Talanili, Gand- haprasaarini. (Prasaarini is also equated with Raaja-balaa, Sida veronicaefolia.).Siddha/Tamil: Talanili, Mudiyar Kundal.Folk: Gandhabhaaduli (Bengali).Action: Leaf—carminative, antiinflammatory, astringent, spasmolytic, antidiarrhoeal, diuretic, an- tilithic. Root— anti-inflammatory. Used for rheumatic affections, piles, inflammations of the liver, spleen and chest.
Aerial parts contain epi-friedelanol, embelin and beta-sitosterol. Leaves and stems gave iridoid glycosides, si- tosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, ur- solic acid, hentriacontane, hentriacon- tanol, ceryl alcohol, palmitic acid and methyl mercaptan. The foetid smell is due to methyl mercaptan.All parts of the plant have been employed for rheumatic affections.A related species, Paederia scandens (Lour.) Merill, synonym P. tomentosa Blume, is known as Gandha Prasaarini. The iridoid glucosides, paedero- side, paederosidic acid and scandosides have been isolated from the plant.... oxystelma secamoneHabitat: Native to tropical America; cultivated in Indian gardens.
Family: Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.Habitat: Native to the Mediterranean region; cultivated in Uttar Pradesh., Punjab, Assam and Orissa.
English: Anise, Aniseed.Unani: Anisoon, Baadiyaan-roomi.Action: Carminative, diuretic, anticholerin, antispasmodic, expectorant. Used for flatulence, dry coughs, whooping cough, bronchitis.
Key application: Internally in dyspeptic complaints; internally and externally in catarrhs of the respiratory tract. (German Commission E, ESCOP, WHO, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The fruit gave volatile oil consisting mainly of trans-anethole (70-90%), with estragole, anise ketone, anisic acid, beta-caryophyllene, anisaldehyde, linalool. The fruit contained traces of furocoumarins; seeds gave benzoic acid, caffeic acid, containing protein and myristicin. Roots afforded sterols, coumarins and flavone glyco- sides. Aniseed has been demonstrated to increase the mucociliary transport in vitro and to significantly increase liver-regeneration in rats.Aniseed is also used as a galacta- gogue. This property is thought due to the presence of polymers of anethole, dianethole and photoanethole.Aqueous extract of roasted aniseed is reported to show cholinomimetic effect on rat blood pressure, rat jejunum and frog rectus abdominis preparations.Alcoholic extract of aniseeds possesses antimicrobial and fungicidal activity.Anethole has a structure similar to catecholamines including adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine and to the hallucinogenic compound myris- ticin as well. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)... pilocarpus microphyllusHabitat: Native to West Indies and tropical America; grown in Indian gardens; in Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Bangalore.
English: Allspice tree, Jamaica Pepper tree, Pimento tree.Action: Berry oil and leaf oil— carminative and stimulant. The oil contains chiefly eugenol (65-80%), responsible for the herb's effect on the digestive system and its pain relief properties; also for anaesthetic effect when crushed berries are applied topically.... pimenta dioica
Habitat: Native to Sri Lanka; grown in gardens throughout the warmer parts of India.
English: Mast tree, Fake Asoka tree, False Devadaru, Cemetry treeAyurvedic: Devadaari (Devadaaru is equated with Cedrus deodara). (An adulterant to the bark of Saraca asoca.)Siddha/Tamil: Nettilingam.Action: Febrifuge. Causes cardiac depression.
The stem bark contains clerodane diterpenes, polyalthialdoic acid and kolavenic acid. The stem and its bark also contain the cytotoxic aporphine alkaloid, liriodenine, besides nor-oli- veroline and oliveroline-beta-N-oxide. Azafluorene alkaloids are also present in the bark and leaves. The leaf exhibits fungitoxic activity.Polyalthia simiarum Hook. f. & Thoms. (Orissa, Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Eastern Himalaya) is also equated with Fake Ashoka tree. It is known as Boga-khamtou in Assam, Wojarah, Mongai in Orissa and Labshi, Kutti in Nepal.Polyalthia suberosa Thw. (from Assam to Uttar Pradesh in the North and Kerala in the South) is known as Chamkhirni. The leaves contain alpha-and beta-amyrin, lupeol, beta- sitosterol, stigmasterol and campes- terol. The stems and leaves contain the triterpene, suberosol, which showed anti-HIV replication activity. The stem bark contains alkaloids, oxostepha- nine and lanuginosine, which exhibited antibacterial activity against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.... polyalthia longifoliaHabitat: The sub-tropical Himalayas and in Assam, extending southwards through West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa into Deccan Peninsula. Roots are usually confused with those of Clerodendrum serratum and are sold as Bhaarangi.
Siddha/Tamil: Siru Thekku.Folk: Gethiaa, Ghantu Bhaarangi. Baaman-haati (Bengal). Fruits are known as Bhuumi-jambu, Phin Jaamun. The root is known as Bhaarangamuula; in Andhra Pradesh, Gandu Bhaarangi.Action: Root and leaves—given in asthma, rheumatism.
The root contains several diterpe- noids. Quinonemethide (bharangin) is reported from the plant. controlling the activity of the adreno- corticotropic hormone.Dosage: Leaf, root bark—50- 100 ml decoction, powder—1-3 g. (CCRAS.)... premna herbaceaHabitat: Orissa throughout South India and Gujarat.
Ayurvedic: Sanaparni, Shaalaparni (Kerala).Siddha/Tamil: Neermalli.Action: Root—astringent, febrifuge, antirheumatic. A decoction or powder is used for biliousness and diarrhoea. Used as a substitute for Desmodium gangeticum (Shaalaparni) in South India.
Leucopelargonidin has been isolated from the root.... pseudarthria viscidaHabitat: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Orissa and in some parts of Kerala.
Ayurvedic: Bhumi-jambu.Siddha/Tamil: Siru Thekku.Action: Rootstock—antiasthmatic. Leaf— bechic, febrifuge. Rootstock and leaf—antirheumatic. (Sold in South Indian market as Bhaarangi.)
A diterpenoid quinonemethide (bharangin) is reported from the plant.... pygmaeopemna herbaceaHabitat: Native to Europe; introduced in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Bhutan and the Nilgiris.
English: Buckthorn (related species), Cascara Sagrada, Sacred Bark.Action: Bark—stool-softener, non-habit forming stimulant laxative, pancreatic stimulant. Used for dyspepsia and habitual constipation.
Key application: In occasional constipation. (German Commission E, ESCOP, WHO.) As a stimulant laxative. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The bark contains up to 10% an- thraquinone glycosides, consisting of the cascarosides A, B, C and D, about 70% of the total; other glycosides in minor concentrations include barbaloin, frangulin, chrysanol, glycosides based on emodin, aloe-emodin, emodin- oxanthrone and chrysophanol; dianthrones, and free aglycones.The cascarosides act on large intestines and stimulate peristalsis. The emodin exhibits antispasmodic activity in isolated rat intestine. Its anti- inflammatory and antiseptic action was also demonstrated.Rhamnus catharticus Linn., is equated with common Buckthorn, R. purpurea Edgew. with Purple Buckthorn. R. purpurea is found in the Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal.Dried bark of Rhamnus frangula L. (Alder Buckthorn) and dried ripe berries of Ramnus catharticus are also used against constipation. (German Commission E, WHO.)Long term use or excessive amounts may cause albuminuria, haematuria, slowing ofintestinal transit and cardiac irregularities. (Sharon M. Herr.)Rhamnus triquetra Brandis (known as Gudlei, Fagoraa, Gardhan in Punjab; Gaunt in Garhwal and Kumaon and Katheraa in Jaunsar) is found in the Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal. The bark is used as a tonic, astringent and deobstruent. Kaempferol, its 7-O- methyl ether and 4'-O-methyl ether, physcion-8 beta-D-glucoside, emodin and its 8 beta-D-glucoside were isolated from the whole plant. Emodin exhibited CNS depressant activity. (Fi- toterapia, 65, 1994.) The plant exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and a nonspecific antispasmodic activity. It induced cardio-stimulation which might be due to the endogenous release of catecholamines.Rhamnus napalensis Wall. ex M. Laws. (known as Archal in Nepal; Biringa and Birringguli in Assam) is found in eastern Himalayas and the hills and plains ofAssam, Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and northern Andhra Pradesh, ascending up to an altitude of 2,000 m. The fruit, pounded and macerated in vinegar, is prescribed for the treatment of herpes.... rhamnus purshianaHabitat: Throughout Himalayas, Khasi and Jaintia Hills, hills of Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, and the Nilgiris.
English: Indian Buckthorn.Folk: Chhaduaa, Tadru (Punjab), Chadolaa (Garhwal).Action: Ripe fruit—purgative, emetic. Given in the affections of spleen. (Purgative action not found in the bark.)
The bark showed only traces of hy- droxymethyl anthraquinones and did not exhibit purgative action on experimental animals.The plant contains the enzyme, rhamnodiastase, capable of hydrolyz- ing flavonoid glycosides.... rhamnus virgatusHabitat: Cultivated chiefly in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Orissa.
English: Castor seed.Ayurvedic: Eranda, Chitra- bija, Triputi; Tribija, Vaataari, Chanchu, Manda, Uruvaka, Gandharva-hastaa, Panchaan- gula, Vardhamaana, Uttaanpatraka, Vyaaghrapuchha, Chitraa.Unani: Bedanjeer, Arand.Siddha/Tamil: Ammanakku.Action: Oil from seeds and young leaf—purgative. Oil is used in dermatosis and eczema. Leaves— used as poultice to extract the worm.
Root—a decoction is administered for lumbago and allied complaints.Bark—purgative.The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the decoction of the dried, mature root in rheumatism, pain in the urinary bladder, lumbago, diseases of the abdomen and inflammations; fresh leaf in helminthiasis, dysu- ria, arthritis, pain in the urinary bladder, dysuria, abscesses; dried seed powder in constipation, rheumatism, diseases of the liver and spleen, piles, lumbago, sciatica.The root extract exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-, bradykinin-, 5-HT-and dextran-induced rat hind paw oedema. N-Demethylricinine showed dose-dependent anticholestatic and hepato- protective activities in rats.Castor oil, derived from the seeds, is a well-known purgative (dose 520 ml).Castor seed contains toxic components (2.8-3.0% on whole seed; about 10% in the flour) which are highly poisonous to human beings and animals. The principal toxic substance is the albumin, ricin. Allergens and a feebly toxic alkaloid ricinine is also present. An ulcerative factor in the seed is reported. Like other toxalbumins, ricin agglutinizes the mammalian red bleed corpuscles. (Ricin loses its toxicity and antigenic action on treatment with potassium permanganate.)Castor oil consists principally of ri- cinoleic acid. Stearic, oleic, linoleic and dihydroxystearic acids are present in small amounts. The strong laxative property of castor oil is reported due to the local irritant action caused in the intestines by ricinoleic acid formed by hydrolysis under the influence of lipolytic enzymes. (The oil should not be used with fat-soluble vermifuge, it may increase its absorption and toxic- ity.)Dosage: Root—20-30 g for decoction. (API, Vol. I.) Leaf—10- 20 ml juice; 2-5 g powder; seed— 0.5-3 g powder. (API, Vol. III.)... ricinus communisHabitat: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
English: Sesame, Gingelly.Ayurvedic: Tila, Snehphala.Unani: Kunjad, Til.Siddha: Ellu (seed), Nallennai (oil).Action: Seeds—an important source of protein; also rich in thiamine and niacine. Nourishing, lactagogue, diuretic, laxative, emollient. Powdered seeds—given internally in amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea. (Black seeds are preferred in Indian medicine.) Paste is applied to burns, scalds, piles. Leaves—used in affections of kidney and bladder. Bland mucilage is used in infantile diarrhoea, dysentery, catarrh and bladder troubles, acute cystitis and strangury.
Non-saponifiable fraction of the seed oil gave sterols, a lignans, sesamin and a nitrolactone, sesamolin. Sesamin and sesamolin are not found in any other vegetable oil. Sesamin is present in a concentration of 0.5 to 1.0%. The oil from the white seeds from West Bengal and Assam is reported to contain about 2.5% sesamin. Sesamol, a phenolic antioxidant, is present in traces.The leaves gave a flavonoid, pedalin. Pinoresinol has also been reported from the plant.The seed contains thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, folic acid, biotin, pyridoxine, in- ositol, choline, p-aminobenzoic acid, ascorbic acid, vitamin A, alpha-and beta-tocopherol. Sugars present are glucose, surcose, galactose, planteose, raffinose. Fatty acid in the seed are myristic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic, hexadecenoic, oleic, linoleic and lig- noceric.Basic aroma compounds of the roasted seeds consisted of mainly dimethyl thiazole and substituted pyrozines.Dosage: Seed—5-10 g powder. (API, Vol. IV.)... sesamum indicumHabitat: Native to tropical America; naturalized in India as a weed (met with in cultivated fields and gardens in Coimbatore).
English: White Horse-Nettle.Action: Plant—used as a poultice for sores and ulcers. The plant is a rich source of the steroidal alkaloid, solasodine. The fruit and leaves contain 3-4% (solasodine 3.2%) and 0.18% total alkaloids. Fruits also contain 0.55% diosgenin.
A related species S. khasianum (Assam, Sikkim, West Bengal, Orissa and the Nilgiris, ascending to an altitude of 1,600 m) is also a good source of solaso- dine. The fruits collected from Nilgiris contain 5.4% solasodine on dry weight basis.... solanum elaeagnifoliumHabitat: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa and Assam up to 600 m and in the Western Ghats up to 900 m.
Ayurvedic: Bhumi Jambu.Folk: Rai Jaamun, Dugdugiaa; Topaakudaa (Bihar), Peeta-jaam (Orissa).Action: Fruit—antirheumatic. Aerial parat—hypoglycaemic.
Root—rubefacient. Bark—bitter, astringent; given in dysentery, biliousness and bronchitis. A concentrate of the root infusion is applied and rubbed over painful joints. Aerial parts exhibit hypoglycaemic activity.... syzygium cerasoideumHabitat: Maharshtra, Mysore, Kerala, Orissa and Andaman Islands.
Siddha/Tamil: Marungi.Folk: Bhedas (Maharashtra).Action: Leaves and roots— vermifuge. Plant—stimulant, antirheumatic. (Berries—white, the size of a pea; edible.)
Among other members of the genus, S. arnottianum (Wight) Walp. and S. caryophyllatum (Linn.) Alston are distributed in South India, particularly in Western Ghats. The fruits are edible. Stem bark of all the species contain tannin, that of S. arnottianum up to 16%.... syzygium zeylanicumHabitat: North Indian saline or water-logged soils; on sandy banks in West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and South India.
English: Takut Galls.Ayurvedic: Jhaavuka, Bahugranthi- kaa, Shaavaka.Unani: Maayeen Kalaan (large galls), Maayeen Khurd (small galls).Siddha/Tamil: Sirusavakku.Folk: Jhaau.Action: Galls—astringent, given internally in dysentery and diarrhoea. Infusion used as a gargle for sore throat. Decoction applied to foul and sloughing ulcers. Pulverized galls, mixed with Vaseline, used for piles and anal fissures. Manna— mild laxative and expectorant. Tannin content—galls 40-50%, bark 15.3%; tannin and non-tannin ratio, quite high as compared to oak bark.
Alcoholic extract of the whole plant exhibited antiallergic activity.Dosage: Gall, leaf, root—1-3 g powder. (CCRAS.)... tamarix indicaHabitat: The temperate Himalayas from 1,500 to 2,400 m, in the Khasi hills and in Kashmir, Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Orissa.
Ayurvedic: Pitarangaa, Piyaaraan- gaa. Pitamuulikaa (substitute).Unani: Mamiri. (Mamiraa is equated with Coptis teeta Wall.)Action: Plant—used against gout and rheumatism. Root—febrifuge, antiperiodic; a bitter tonic during convalescence.
The root contains alkaloids berberine and magnoflorine. (Berberine causes a stimulant action on the movements of the gastrointestinal tract, a depression of both the auricles and ventricles and distinct dilatation of the heart. Magnoflorine induces hypoten- tion.) Berberine content is reduced to one-fourth and magnoflorine to traces after 6 months. The root also contains palmitine and jatrorrhizine.Thalictrum sp. (about 17 species are found in India)—alkaloidal structure exhibits antitumoral activity.Over 60 isoquinoline and diter- penoid alkaloids have been isolated. (See The Wealth of India, Vol. X.)Following are the important Thalic- trum sp. occurring in India:T. alpinum Linn. (the alpine Himalayas and western Tibet at altitudes between 3,000 and 5,100 m); T. ele- gans Wall. ex Royle (the sub-alpine Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim at altitudes from 3,000 to 3,900 m); T. foetidum Linn. (North-West Himalayas); T. javanicum Blume (the temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim, Khasi hills, Kodaikanal and Nilgiri hills); T. minus Linn. (the temperate Himalayas); T. reniforme Wall. (the temperate Himalayas from Kulu to Sikkim between 2,400 and 3,000 m).... thalictrum foliolosumHabitat: Native to tropical America; cultivated in South India and Orissa.
English: Cocoa, Theobroma, Chocolate tree.Action: Leaves—Central nervous system stimulant, local anaesthetic (due to cocaine).
Seeds—stimulating and diuretic (due to caffeine).Cocoa contains methylxanthine, which acts as a diuretic. Preparations of Cocoa are used for liver, bladder and kidney ailments, diabetes, as a general tonic and as an astringent for diarrhoea. Cocoa and cocoa products can cause migraine headache, can also result in constipation.Included among unapproved herbs by German Commission E.... theobroma cacaoHabitat: West Bengal and Orissa and in the Peninsular India, particularly on the coast.
English: West Indian Holly, Sagerose.Folk: Bhinjir (Maharashtra).Action: Herb—prescribed in indigestion, biliousness (leaves are used against dysentery), chest ailments and rheumatism.
The fresh plant yields a mixture of cyanohydrin glucosides—deidaclin and tetraphyllin. Seeds, along with normal fatty acids, contain a few unusual fatty acids, including vernolic, malvalic and octanoic acids.An allied species Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca, a native to the Gulfof Mexico, Southern California, (known as Damiana) is used in India by homoeopathic practitioners as a tonic and sex restorative, and for treating premature ejaculation.Turnera diffusa Willd. has been included among unapproved herbs by German Commission E. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recognizes its thymoleptic activity.... turnera ulmifoliaHabitat: Assam, West Bengal, Orissa and Peninsular India.
English: Emetic Swallow Wort, Indian or Country Ipecacuanha.Ayurvedic: Antamuula, Muulini, Arkaparni.Siddha/Tamil: Nay Palai, Nangilaip- piratti.Action: Leaves—used for bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.
The whole plant yielded alkaloids including tylophorine, tylphorinine, desmethyltylophorine and desmethyl- tylophorinine, and a flavonoid kaem- pferol. The root yielded alkaloids, tylophorinidine and gamma-fagarine. The leaves gave tylophorinidine, d- septicine, d-iso-tylocrebrine; triterpe- noids alpha-and beta-amyrin; beta- sitosterol, stigmasterol and campes- terol; phenylalanine; and quercetin. Ceryl alcohol has also been reported from the plant.The plant exhibited anti-amoebic activity against axenic and polyax- enic strains of Entamoeba histolytica. Tylophorine and 4-methoxy-14- hydroxytylophorine are 2 and 4 times more effective, respectively, than the standard drugs Emetine dihydrochlo- ride and Metroindazole. Tylophorine is found effective in intestinal as well as hepatic amoebiasis in test animals, but its gross toxicity excludes its potential use in humans.Tylophorine also exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties.Desmethyltylophorine gave promising results in leukaemia.The drug irritates the digestive tract.... tylophora indica
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