Roxb.
Synonym: Pygmaeopremna herbacea Moldenke.
Family: Verbenaceae.
Habitat: The sub-tropical Himalayas and in Assam, extending southwards through West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa into Deccan Peninsula. Roots are usually confused with those of Clerodendrum serratum and are sold as Bhaarangi.
Siddha/Tamil: Siru Thekku.
Folk: Gethiaa, Ghantu Bhaarangi. Baaman-haati (Bengal). Fruits are known as Bhuumi-jambu, Phin Jaamun. The root is known as Bhaarangamuula; in Andhra Pradesh, Gandu Bhaarangi.
Action: Root and leaves—given in asthma, rheumatism.
The root contains several diterpe- noids. Quinonemethide (bharangin) is reported from the plant. controlling the activity of the adreno- corticotropic hormone.
Dosage: Leaf, root bark—50- 100 ml decoction, powder—1-3 g. (CCRAS.)
Linn.
Synonym: P. obtusifolia R. Br. P. corymbosa auct. non Rottl. & Willd.
Family: Verbenaceae.
Habitat: Indian and Andaman Coasts, plains of Assam and Khasi hills.
English: Headache tree.
Ayurvedic: Agnimantha (Kerala), Shriparni, Jayee, Ganikaarikaa, Vaataghni.
Siddha/Tamil: Munnai
Folk: Agethaa, Ganiyaari.
Action: Carminative, galactagogue. The tender plant is used for neuralgia and rheumatism. A decoction of leaves is used for flatulence and colic.
Aqueous extracts of the plant showed a powerful action on the uterus and gout of the experimental animals, causing a marked increase in their activity.
The leaves contain an isoxazole alkaloid premnazole, which was found to reduce granuloma formation in rats (34.62%), its activity was comparable to phenylbutazone (35-36%).
Premnazole also reduced GPT and GOT in serum and liver. Studies suggest that premnazole acts probably by
Family: Verbenaceae.
Habitat: Peninsular India, Bihar, West Bengal and North-eastern India.
English: Dusky Fire Brand Bark.
Ayurvedic: Agnimantha (var.).
Siddha/Tamil: Pachumullai, Erumai munnai.
Folk: Agethu (var.).
Action: Leaves—diuretic, spasmolytic. Stem bark—hypoglycaemic.
The leaves gave a furanoid, prem- nalatin, and flavone glycosides. The stem bark gave iridoid glucosides and geniposidic acid.
Premna latifolia var. mucronata C. B. Clarke and Premna barbata Wall. are known as Bakaar and Basota (in Garh- wal). These have been equated with the classical herb Vasuhatta.... premna integrifolia