Habitat: The Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal, ascending to 1,000 m; throughout tropical India.
Ayurvedic: Chilhaka.Siddha/Tamil: Kadichai.Folk: Chillaa, Saptrangi.Action: Root—hypoglycaemic. Root bark is used as a tonic in anaemic conditions.
Fruit pulp—diuretic, purgative, Leaves—anti-inflammatory. Fruit pulp —diuretic.Ethanolic (80%) extract of the leaves showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in rats. Oil extracted from the seeds in rubbed on sprains. Various plant parts are used in neuralgia. and bladder. Chaksine has ganglion- blocking property. Chaksine and iso- chaksine possess a local anaesthetic effect intradermally. It produces a sustained fall in blood pressure of anaesthetized animals and produces a weak anti-acetylcholine effect. Roots also contains anthraquinones and aloe- emodin.Dosage: Seed—3-6 g powder. (CCRAS.)