Laurus nobilis Health Dictionary

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Laurus Nobilis: From 1 Different Sources

Linn.

Family: Lauraceae.

Habitat: Native to the Mediterranean region; cultivated throughout India.

English: Laurel, Sweet Bay.

Unani: Habb-ul-Ghaar, Daphni.

Action: Leaves—mild sedative, gastric tonic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, antiseptic, antifungal. Used as a gargle against sore throat. Oil—used externally for rheumatism and in hair dressings for dandruff. Berry— emmenagogue, antileucorrhoeic, antidiarrhoeal.

Fresh leaves from Lahore (Pakistan) gave an essential oil (0.3-0.36%) with, 1,8-cineole 42.2, eugenol 16.4, sabinene 6.5, alpha terpineol 1.6, alpha-pinene 3.4, methyl eugenol 2.4 and terpinolene 1.9%. Major components of Greek and Russian oils were 1,8-cineole followed by alpha-terpinyl acetate.

The fruit from Kumaon region gave an essential oil (5%), including among others, 1,8-cineol (28.4), methyl cinna- mate (20.1), alpha phellandrene (10.1) and alpha-pinene (9.3%).

The leaves contain sesquiterpene lactones and isoquinoline alkaloids. Ethanolic extract of leaves produces a significant decrease in blood glucose level of diabetic rabbits. It contains amylase inhibitors which can supress sugar metabolism and can be used as an antiobesity agent for pet animals.

The leaf extract has been used as an antidandruff solution.
Health Source: Indian Medicinal Plants
Author: Health Dictionary

Anthemis Nobilis

Linn.

Synonym: Chamaemelum nobile (L.) Allioni.

Family: Asteraceae.

Habitat: The temperate regions of the Himalayas. Wild at several places.

English: Roman Chamomile, Double Chamomile.

Unani: Gul-e-Baabuuna.

Siddha/Tamil: Shimai chamantipu.

Action: Mild sedative, anticon- vulsant, antispasmodic, anti- inflammatory, mild analgesic; used externally for skin disorders, poultice of flowers in sprains and rheumatism.

Key application: Used mainly in France for mild spasmodic gastrointestinal disturbances and sluggishness of bowels, also for nervousness. (PDR.) (German Chamomile has been included by German Commission E among approved herbs, whereas Roman chamomile remains unapproved due to lack of clinical evidence.) The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recognizes antispasmodic activity of Anthemis nobilis.

The flower heads contain volatile oil (including azulenes and bisabolol); sesquiterpene lactone (nobilin); flavo- noids, cyanogenic glycoside, bitter glu- coside (anthemic acid); acetylenic salicylic derivatives, coumarins (including scopolin), valerianic acid; tannins.

Azulenes and bisabolol are anti- inflammatory and antispasmodic, reducing histamine-induced reactions, including hay fever and asthma. Flavo- noids, especially anthemidin, are also antispasmodic. Valerianic acid and cyanogenic glycosides are sedative.

Flowers and root—abortifacient. Leaves—astringent. A decoction is used for gargling in stomatitis and aphthae.

Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of dried stembark in disorders of female genital tract and bleeding disorders.

The dried bark contains alkaloids, steroids, reducing sugars and also tannins (4.61%). The ether-soluble alkaloid of the bark shows antibacterial activity.

Dosage: Stembark—0.5-1.5 g powder. (API Vol. II.)... anthemis nobilis

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