Habitat: Peru, Bolivia. Reported to be imported into India.
English: Peruvian Rhatany, Krameria.Action: Astringent, styptic, antidiarrhoeal, vulnerary. Used for menorrhagia; topically for wounds, haemorrhoids and chilblains; as a lozenge, gargle or mouthwash for gingivitis and pharyngitis.
Key application: For topical treatment of mild inflammations of oral and pharyngeal mucosa. (German Commission E.)The astringency of the drug is due to condensed tannins composed of pro- cyanidins and propelargondins.In India, the roots of Hemidesmus indicus are sometimes used as a substitute for Rhatany.