Canthium parviflorum Health Dictionary

Lam.

Synonym: Plectronia parviflora (Lam.) Bedd.

Family: Rubiaceae.

Habitat: 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.