n. the principal constituent of *mucus. Mucin is a *glycoprotein.
Under normal conditions the surface of a mucous membrane is lubricated by only a small quantity of mucus; the appearance of large quantities is a sign of in?ammation.... mucus
Habitat: Cultivated all over India, particularly in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
English: Turmeric.Ayurvedic: Haridraa, Priyaka, Haridruma, Kshanda, Gauri, Kaanchani, Krimighna, Varavarni- ni, Yoshitapriyaa, Hattavilaasini, Naktaahvaa, Sharvari.Unani: Zard Chob.Action: Anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, hepatoprotective, blood-purifier, antioxidant, detoxi- fier and regenerator of liver tissue, antiasthmatic, anti-tumour, anticu- taneous, antiprotozoal, stomachic, carminative. Reduces high plasma cholesterol. Antiplatelet activity offers protection to heart and vessels. Also protects against DNA damage in lymphocytes.
Key application: In dyspeptic conditions. (German Commission E, ESCOP, WHO.) As antiinflammatory, stomachic. (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The rhizomes gave curcuminoids, the mixture known as curcumin, consisting of atleast four phenolic diaryl- heptanoids, including curcumin and monodesmethoxycurcumin; volatile oil (3-5%), containing about 60% of turmerones which are sesquiterpene ketones, and bitter principles, sugars, starch, resin.Curcumin related phenolics possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective and hepatoprotective activities. The antioxidant activity of curcumin is comparable to standard antioxidants—vitamin C and E, BHA and BHT.The volatile oil, also curcumin, exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in a variety of experimental models (the effects were comparable to those of cortisone and phenylbutazone). Used orally, curcumin prevents the release of inflammatory mediators. It depletes nerve endings of substance P, the neu- rotransmitter of pain receptors.Curcumin's cholesterol-lowering actions include interfering with intestinal cholesterol uptake, increasing the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids and increasing the excretion of bile acids via its choleretic effects.Curcuminoids prevent the increases in liver enzymes, SGOT and SGPT; this validates the use of turmeric as a he- patoprotective drug in liver disorders. Curlone, obtained from the dried rhizome, is used against hepatitis.Turmeric and curcumin increase the mucin content of the stomach and exert gastroprotective effects against stress, alcohol, drug-induced ulcer formation. (Curcumin at doses of 100 mg/kg weight exhibited ulcerogenic activity in rats.)The ethanolic extract of the rhizome exhibited blood sugar lowering activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Piperine (a constituent of black and long pepper) enhances absorption and bioavailability of curcumin.Dosage: Cured rhizome—1-3 g powder. (API Vol. I.)... curcuma longaHabitat: Throughout India in moist places.
English: Country Mallow.Ayurvedic: Balaa (yellow-flowered var.), Sumanganaa, Khara- yashtikaa, Balini, Bhadrabalaa, Bhadraudani, Vaatyaalikaa.Unani: Bariyaara, Khirhati, Khireti, Kunayi.Siddha/Tamil: Nilatutti.Action: Juice of the plant— invigorating, spermatopoietic, used in spermatorrhoea. Seeds— nervine tonic. Root—(official part in Indian medicine) used for the treatment of rheumatism; neurological disorders (hemiplegia, facial paralysis, sciatica); polyuria, dysuria, cystitis, strangury and hematuria; leucorrhoea and other uterine disorders; fevers and general debility. Leaves—demulcent, febrifuge; used in dysentery.
Ephedrine and si-ephedrine are the major alkaloids in the aerial parts. The total alkaloid content is reported to be 0.085%, the seeds contain the maximum amount. In addition to alkaloids, the seeds contain a fatty oil (3.23%), steroids, phytosterols, resin, resin acids, mucin and potassium nitrate.The root contains alkaloids—ephed- rine, si-ephedrine, beta-phenethyl- amine, carboxylated tryptamines and hypaphorine, quinazoline alkaloids— vasicinone, vasicine and vasicinol. Choline and betaine have also been isolated.A sitoindoside, isolated from the plant, has been reported to exhibit adaptogenic and immunostimulatory activities. Alcoholic extract of the plant possesses antibacterial and antipyretic propeptide. Ethanolic extract of the plant depresses blood pressure in cats and dogs.... sida cordifoliaConstituents: oil, mucilage, protein.
Action: demulcent, emollient, anti-cough, nutrient body-builder, antispasmodic (stomach and bowel). Source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, mucins and minerals. Expectorant. Bulk laxative and bowel lubricant. Rich in linoleic acid for breaking down cholesterol deposits, and to produce specific types of prostaglandins. Linseed is around six times richer in Omega-3 (the polyunsaturate present in fish oil) than most fish.
Uses: Its healing mucilage is beneficial for inflammation of the digestive and respiratory tracts, and of the gall duct. To soothe irritable mucous membranes. Spasmodic cough, bronchial asthma, bronchitis. To reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Heart disease. Persistent constipation.
Preparations: Average dose: 3-6 grams or equivalent. Thrice daily.
Tea: 2-3 teaspoons to cupful boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Drink without filtering, with honey for sweetening if necessary. One-third-1 cup.
Cold tea for stomach disorders: Half a teaspoon crushed Linseed to cup water soaked overnight. Drink next morning. Heat if desired.
Tincture: 1-2 teaspoons in water.
Poultice: Crushed seeds. Half fill small muslin bag with seeds; immerse in boiling water until swollen seeds fill the bag; apply to abscesses, boils, or to relieve chest pain.
Linseed oil. An ingredient of liniments for burns and scalds.
Linusit: organically cultivated golden Linseed.
Diet: 3 tablespoons crushed Flaxseed daily ensures adequate supply of Omega-3 fatty acids, sprinkled on breakfast cereal, or as an ingredient of muesli. Also increase fluid intake.
Capsules. Emulsified Linseed oil. 1,000mg organic cold-pressed Linseed oil: 1-5 daily. (Bio-Care) LION CLEANSING HERBS. Elder leaf 8 per cent, Fennel 18 per cent, Frangula 8 per cent, Ispaghula 8 percent, Mate 8 per cent, Senna leaf 50 per cent. Non-persistent constipation. (Potter’s) ... linseed
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