Rosa alba Health Dictionary

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Rosa Alba: From 1 Different Sources

Linn.

Family: Rosaceae.

Habitat: Asian Minor region. Cultivated in Indian gardens.

English: Common English Dog Rose, White Cottage Rose.

Ayurvedic: Sevati, Shveta Taruni. (Flowers—white or bluish.)

Unani: Sevati. Garden var.— Gul-safed Bustaani, Vard Abyaz. Wild var.—Gul-safed Sahraai, Vard Abyaz Barri.

Action: Flower—cardiac tonic, prescribed in palpitation of heart, febrifuge. Petal—laxative.

Rose hip contains pectin, citric acid and malic acid which are responsible for its laxative activity.

The pollen contains carotene (2.08 mg/100 g), free and bound amino acids and sugars.

The major constituents of the essential oil are geraniol, beta-phenylethyl alcohol, beta-geranic acid, geraniol esters, nerol, citronellol, eugenol, methyl- eugenol and benzoate.

R. Canina Linn. is equated with (Indian) Dog Rose. The anthocyanin, isolated from the petals, exhibits radio- protective effect. The scavenging and antilipoperoxidant activities of the fruit depend on the polyphenol content.

Health Source: Indian Medicinal Plants
Author: Health Dictionary

Rosa Macrophylla

Lindl.

Ayurvedic: Taruni-Kantaka (non- classical). (Flowers—crimson or pink.)

Unani: Chini Gulaab.

Folk: Kaantaa-Gulaab.

Action: Hips—applied to wounds, injuries, sprains and foul ulcers.

R. chinensis Jacq. and R. borboni- ana Desp. are synonyms of Rosa indica, found and cultivated throughout India. This variety is also known as Edward Rose or Kat Gulaab.... rosa macrophylla

Alba

(Latin) From the highlands Albia, Alby, Albina, Albah, Allba, Allbah... alba

Albahaca

Basil (Ocimum basilicum).

Plant Part Used: Aerial parts: leaf, stem, flower.

Dominican Medicinal Uses: The aerial parts or leaves are traditionally prepared as a tea and taken orally for stomach ache, indigestion, gastro-intestinal pain, internal cleansing and women’s health conditions.

Safety: This herb is generally regarded as safe for human consumption in moderate amounts and widely used as a culinary seasoning.

Contraindications: The essential oil should not be used during pregnancy, lactation or in small children.

Drug Interactions: Synergistic effects may occur with drugs that share similar pharmacological activities as those described for this plant in the “Laboratory and Preclinical Data” section; metabolism of one of basil’s active constituents, estragole, may be hindered by concomitant use of medications metabolized by UGT2B7 or UGT1A9 phase II enzymes.

Clinical Data: No human clinical trials of this plant have been identified in the available literature.

Laboratory & Preclinical Data: The following biological activities of this plant have been investigated in laboratory and preclinical studies (in vitro or animal models): analgesic, antifungal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anti-ulcerogenic, gastric anti-ulcerogenic, glutathione S-transferase and smooth muscle relaxant.

* See entry for Albahaca in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.... albahaca

Albany

(Latin) From the white hill; white- skinned

Albaney, Albani, Albanie, Albanee, Albanye, Albin, Alban, Albhda, Albinia, Albinka, Albiona, Aubine, Aubina, Albanea, Albaneah... albany

Basella Alba

Linn. var. rubra Stewart.

Synonym: B. rubra Linn.

Family: Basellaceae.

Habitat: Grown as a pot herb in almost every part of India, except hills.

English: Indian Spinach.

Ayurvedic: Upodikaa, Potaki, Maalvaa, Amritvallari.

Siddha/Tamil: Vaslakkirai.

Folk: Poi.

Action: Demulcent, diuretic, laxative (a good substitute for spinach and purslane). Used as a cooling medicine in digestive disorders. Leaf juice is used in balanitis and catarrhal affections. Externally applied in urticaria, burns, scalds. Root—decoction is given to stop bilious vomiting and in intestinal complaints. Used as poultice to reduce local swellings; sap is used in acne.

Used for checking malnutrition in children.

The essential amino acids are argi- nine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, threonine and tryptophan. The plant contains several vitamins and minerals, is rich in calcium and iron compounds and contains a low percentage of soluble oxalates. The leaves also contain carotenoids, organic acids and water- soluble polysaccharides, bioflavonoids and vitamin K.

Dosage: Whole plant—10-20 ml juice. (CCRAS.)... basella alba

Brassica Alba

(L.) Boiss.

Synonym: Sinapis alba L.

Family: Cruciferae; Brassicaceae.

Habitat: Native of Europe and West Asia. Cultivated in North India as a crop.

English: White Mustard.

Ayurvedic: Siddhaartha, Shveta Sarshapa, Sarshapa-Gaura.

Unani: Khardal Safed.

Siddha/Tamil: Venkadugu.

Folk: Safed Raai.

Action: Stimulant to gastric mucosa, increases pancreatic secretions; emetic (used in narcotic poisoning), diaphoretic, rubefacient. (As a counter-irritant it increases flow of blood to a specific area.) Used externally as a poultice in bronchitis, pleurisy, intercostal neuralgia, chilbains.

Seeds contain glucosinolates. Sinalbin in B. alba and sinigrin in B. juneja oil are toxic constituents. The oil with toxic constituents should be avoided in gastrointestinal ulcers and kidney disorders. When moistened, sinigrin in the seeds is degraded to allyl isothiocyanate, a potent irritant volatile oil. (Francis Brinker.)

Glucosinolates are goitrogenic. Excessive consumption of Brassica sp. vegetables may alter absorption of thyroid hormone in G2 tract. (Sharon M. Herr.)... brassica alba

Datura Alba

Nees.

Family: Solanaceae.

Habitat: Throughout India in plains; wastelands, roadsides and gardens.

Ayurvedic: Dhattuura (white var.). (Dhattura consists of dried seeds of Datura sp.)

Unani: Dhaturaa.

Action: See D. Metel Linn.... datura alba

Linea Alba

The line of ?brous tissue stretching down the mid line of the belly from the lower end of the sternum to the pubic bone (see PUBIS). The linea alba gives attachment to the muscles of the wall of the stomach.... linea alba

Melilotus Alba

Desr.

Family: Fabaceae.

Habitat: Native to Europe and Asia; grown in North India.

English: White Sweet Clover.

Unani: Ilkil-ul-Malik, Naakhunaa (white-flowered var.).

Action: See Melilotus indica.... melilotus alba

Miel De Rosa

Rose honey; used in home remedies; sometimes given to children when teething or if they have an infection in the mouth.... miel de rosa

Rosa Bourboniana

Desportes.

Family: Rosaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated throughout India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh on commercial scale, for rose water.

Ayurvedic: Taruni, Desi Gulaab, Baaraamaasi, Cheenia-Gulaab. (Flowers—usually purple.)

Siddha: Rojapoo (Tamil).

Action: Fruit—applied to wounds, injuries, sprains, foul ulcers.... rosa bourboniana

Eclipta Alba

(Linn.) Hassk.

Synonym: E. prostrata Roxb.

Family: Compositae; Asteraceae.

Habitat: Throughout India, up to 2,000 m on the hills.

English: Trailing Eclipta Plant.

Ayurvedic: Bhringaraaja, Bhringa, Bhringaja, Bhrngaaraka, Bhrngaara, Maarkava, Kesharaaja, Keshranjana.

Siddha/Tamil: Karisalaankanni.

Folk: Bhangaraa.

Action: Deobstruent, antihepato- toxic, anticatarrhal, febrifuge. Used in hepatitis, spleen enlargements, chronic skin diseases. Leaf—promotes hair growth. Its extract in oil is applied to scalp before bed time in insomnia. The herb is also used as an ingredient in shampoos.

Key application: As hepatoprotec- tive. (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia; The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.)

The herb should be dried at room temperature under shade. Its active principles are lost due to aerial oxidation during sun drying or drying under reduced pressure below 40°C. The herb contains wedelolactone and demethyl- wedelolactone, which showed a dose- dependenteffectagainstCCl4, d-galac- tosamine- or phalloidin-induced cyto- toxicity in primary cultured rat hep- atocytes, and exhibited potent anti- hepatotoxic property. The whole plant shows effect on liver cell regeneration. Immunoactive property has been observed against surface antigen of hepatitis B-virus. The plant is also reported to be effective in the treatment of peptic ulcer, inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, diseases of the gallbladder and skin infections.

Aqueous extract of leaves exhibits myocardial depressant and hypoten- sive activity (unrelated to cholinergic and histaminergic effects).

The roots are very rich in thio- phene acetylenes. Thiophene derivatives show activity against nematodes.

Dosage: Whole plant—3-6 ml fresh juice; 13-36 g for decoction. (API Vol. II.)... eclipta alba

Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis

Linn.

Family: Malvaceae.

Habitat: Native of China; grown in gardens throughout India.

English: Rose-of-China, Shoe- flower, Chinese Hibiscus.

Ayurvedic: Japaa, Javaa, Odrapush- pa, Rudrapushpa, Arunaa.

Unani: Gul-e-Gurhal.

Siddha/Tamil: Semparuthi.

Action: Flower—used in impo- tency, bronchial catarrh. Flower and bark—emmenagogue. Leaf— stimulates expulsion of placenta after childbirth; laxative, anodyne. Flower and root—used in menorrhagia.

The plant contains the cyclopro- panoids, methyl sterculate, methyl- 2-hydroxysterculate, 2-hydroxystercu- late, malvalate and beta-sitosterol.

The major anthocyanin in the flower is cyanidin 3-sophoroside. The flower nectar is rich in amino acids, mainly aspartic acid and asparagin. During pollination, the amino acid concentration increases substantially.

Flower powder exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in male albino rats with carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. The aqueous extract of the plant showed antitumour activity against sarcoma 180 ascites.

An aqueous extract of flowers reduced the duration of oestrus cycle in experimental albino rabbits. The alcoholic extract of flowers showed antiimplantation activity. The benzene extract of flowers, on oral administration, terminated pregnancy in experimental animals.

Flower buds are used in the treatment of vaginal and uterine discharges.

Oral administration of flower extract to rats affected spermatogenesis and endocrine function of testis.

In diabetic patients, a flower bud is given daily up to 10 days or until the level of blood sugar is reduced to tolerable limits.

The white-flowered var. of Japan (cultivated all over India in garden) is equated with Hibiscus syriacus Linn. (Rose of Sharon, Shrubby Althaea). The white flower is an oriental drug used as demulcent and antidiarrhoeal. The bud yields mucilage which consists mainly of partially acetylated acidic polysaccharides. The aqueous extract of the petals causes vasorelaxation of the isolated rat arota via both endo- thelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms. The petals contain anthocyanin pigments.

The cortex and bark exhibit antifun- gal acitivity.

The bark gave canthin-6-one and a fatty acid fraction consisting of lauric, myristic and palmitic acids.

Dosage: Flower—10-20 g paste. (CCRAS.)... hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Rosa Chinensis

Jacq.

Family: Rosaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated chiefly in Kannauj, Kanpur and Hathras.

English: Bengal Rose, Monthly Rose.... rosa chinensis

Rosa Sericea

Lindl.

Family: Rosaceae.

Habitat: The temperate Himalayas from Chamba eastwards to Bhutan and Assam at altitudes of 2,500 to 4,200 m.

Folk: Jangali Gulaab. (Flowers— white or yellow, fruit—red.)

Action: Fruits—rich in vitamin C.... rosa sericea

Rosa Webbiana

Wall.

Family: Rosaceae.

Habitat: Dry and inner Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon at altitudes of 900-4,000 m.

Ayurvedic: Laddaakhi-Sevati. (Flowers— pink or deep red, fruit— red.)... rosa webbiana

Morus Alba

Linn.

Family: Moraceae.

Habitat: Native to China; cultivated in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Kashmir and North-Western Himalayas. English: Chinese White-Mulberry. Unani: Shahtuut, Tuut.

Action: Fruit—cooling, mild laxative. Used for sore throat, dyspepsia and melancholia. Leaves and root bark—expectorant, diuretic, hypotensive. Bark extract—hypoglycaemic. Leaf— anti-inflammatory, emollient, diaphoretic. Used as a gargle in inflammations of the throat.

The plant is rich in phenolics. The leaves gave flavonoids (including rutin, moracetin); anthocyanins (cyanidin and delphinidin glucosides); artocarpin, cycloartocarpin and analogues. The root bark contained fla- vonoids including the kuwanons, san- gennons, mulberrosides and mulber- rofurans.

Hot water extract of the dried mulberry leaves fed to rabbits on 1% cholesterol diet exhibited significant hypolip- idaemic or hypocholesterolaemic effect. In addition, suppression of hepatic enlargement and fat deposition in the hepatic cells was also observed.

An aqueous methanol extract of the root bark significantly reduced plasma sugar levels in mice.

The extract also showed anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity in exudative, proliferative and chronic phases of inflammation.

Aqueous and alkali extracts of leaves and stems are active against GramPositive bacteria and yeast.... morus alba

Nymphaea Alba

Linn.

Family: Nymphaeaceae.

Habitat: Kashmir (in lakes).

English: European White Water-lily.

Ayurvedic: Kumuda, Utpala (white- flowered var.) (Mahotpla is the synonym of Nelumbo nucifera.)

Unani: Nilofar.

Siddha/Tamil: Alli (water lilies).

Action: Flowers and rhizomes—astringent, demulcent, mild sedative, spasmolytic, antiseptic, antimicrobial. Used in the form of an infusion internally for chronic diarrhoea, as a douche for leucorrhoea and vaginitis, as a gargle for sore throat. Also given internally in prostatis.... nymphaea alba

Plumeria Alba

Linn.

Family: Apocynaceae.

Habitat: Native to West Indies; cultivated in Indian gardens.

English: White Champa.

Ayurvedic: Kshira Champaka (white-flowered var.).

Siddha/Tamil: Perumal Arali, Seemai Arali.

Action: Root bark—used in blenn- orrhagia. Bark and latex—used externally in herpes, syphilitic ulcers and scabies. Seed—haemostatic.

The root gave iridoids—iso-plu- mericin, plumericin, plumieride, plu- mieride coumarate and its glucoside. The bark gave alpha-and beta-amyrin and their acetates, beta-sitosterol, sco- poletin and plumieride. The flowers also contain plumieride coumarate and its glucoside, in addition to quercetin derivatives.... plumeria alba

Populus Alba

Linn.

Family: Salicaceae.

Habitat: Northwestern Himalaya at 1,200-3,000 m, also grown in avenues.

English: White Poplar.

Folk: Safedaa, Jangali Fraas.

Action: Bark—antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antipyretic, diuretic, febrifuge, stimulant, antiseptic. Used for arthritis, rheumatic affections, cystitis and other urinary diseases, stomach and liver disorders, anorexia and debility.

Key application: Unopened leaf- buds externally for haemorrhoids, frostbite and sunburn. (German Commission E.)

The bark contains glycosides, salicin and populin, erisin and tannin (5-9%). Salicin, a bitter tonic and antiperiod- ic, is used like quinine in intermittent fever, also in rheumatism.... populus alba

Pityriasis Alba

A common skin condition of childhood and adolescence.

Irregular, fine, scaly, pale patches appear on the face.

Caused by mild eczema, it usually clears up with emollients.... pityriasis alba

Rosa Centifolia

Linn.

Family: Rosaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated chiefly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

English: Cabbage Rose, Provence Rose, Hundred-leaved Rose.

Ayurvedic: Shatapatri, Shatapatrikaa (Shatapatra is equated with Nelum- bo nucifera.), Taruni, Devataruni, Karnikaa, Chaarukesharaa, Laak- shaa, Gandhaaddhyaa. (Flowers— usually pink and double.)

Unani: Gul-e-Surkh.

Siddha/Tamil: Iroja, Rajapoo.

Action: Flowers—a decoction is prescribed for inflammation of the mouth and pharynx, and ulcers of the intestine. Powder of rose buttons and seeds—astringent in haemorrhage and diarrhoea.

The flowers and leaves contain 1.3 and 8.5% of saponin respectively. Pe- tels are reported to contain methionine sulphoxide.

Cabbage rose yields a volatile oil (0.2%) consisting mainly of citronellol, geraniol, nerol, phenylethanol, linalool and citral. It contains 15% tannins (oligomeric proanthocyanidins).

Dosage: Dried flower—3-6 g powder. (API, Vol. III.)... rosa centifolia

Rosa Damascena

Mill.

Family: Rosaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated chiefly in Aligarh, Ghazipur and Kannauj, grown in gardens throughout India.

English: Damask Rose.

Ayurvedic: Taruni. (Flowers—red, pink or white.)

Unani: Gul-e-Surkh, Vard, Vard- e-Ahmar. Stamens—Zard-e-Vard. Fruit—Dalik, Samar-ul-Vard, Smar-e-Gul.

Siddha/Tamil: Irosa.

Folk: Fasali Gulaab.

Action: Flower buds—astringent, expectorant, laxative; used as a cardiac tonic and aperient. Stamens and fruits—astringent. Petals—Gulkand (a confection in sugar)—laxative, anti-inflammatory (used in sore throat and tonsilitis. Rose water—cooling, refrigerant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory (used as a remedy for skin irritation, also for sore eyes).

All parts of the rose plant yielded quercetin, kaempferol and cyanidin. Lycopene, rubixanthin, zeaxanthin, xanthophyll and taraxanthin have been isolated from the hips. The flowers contain an essential oil with citronel- lol, nerol, geraniol, beta-phenylethanol and its glucoside, eugenol and methyl eugenol; other constituents include organic acids, chlorogenic acid, tannin, cyanin, cyanidin and its 3,5-di- glucoside, quercitrin, carotene and sugars. Pollen from flowers contain carotene (0.76 mg/100 g), sugars (1.0%) and chlorogenic acid (1.5%). Their proline content is found unusually high.

The red colouring matter consists of cyanin (9-10% on dry weight basis); a yellow glucoside of quercetin and quercitrin is also present. Flowers, usually, yield 0.04% oil or otto of rose.

Dog Rose, extensively cultivated in Europe, North Africa and parts of Asia, is equated with Rosa canina Lin. The rose hip contains vitamin C (0.22.0%), malic and citric acid, pectins (15%), invert sugar (12-15%), tannins (2%), carotenoids, flavonoids.

Preparations of Rose hips are used for the prevention and treatment of colds and influenza-type infections, for the treatment vitamin C deficiencies; and for increasing resistance.... rosa damascena

Rosa Moschata

Hook. f. non-Mill. nec Herrm.

Synonym: R. brunonii Lindl.

Family: Rosaceae.

Habitat: Central and Western Himalayas, ascending to 3,000 m.

English: Himalayan Musk Rose. (Flowers—white, fruit—orange red or dark brown.)

Ayurvedic: Kubjaka (non-classical).

Folk: Kujai, Kuujaa.

Action: Plant—used in bilious affections, irritation of the skin and eye diseases. Rose water and otto is extracted from the flowers in Himachal Pradesh.... rosa moschata

Rosa Multiflora

Thunb.

Synonym: R. polyantha Sieb. & Zucc.

Family: Rosaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated in Kulu. Occasionally found in hedges and abandoned coffee plantations in Upper Ghats.

Ayurvedic: Rakta-Taruni (non- classical).

Action: Fruit—antiseptic, applied to wounds, injuries, sprains and foul ulcers.

The fruityieldedbeta-sitosterol, sco- parone, salicylic and gallic acid. Fruits contained multiflorin; flower petals gave astragalin. A purgative compound, multinoside A acetate, has been isolated from the fruit. Quercetin-3- O-xyloside, isoquercitrin and hyperin were also isolated.

Floral absolute oil contains eugenol (22.8), phenylethanol (18.1) and hene- icosane (10.2%).

The root gave a triterpenoid, tor- mentic acid.

The plant extract, along with kojic acid or its derivatives, produced excellent skin-lightening and sun-burn preventing effects.... rosa multiflora

Rosa Rubra

Blackw.

Synonym: R. gallica Linn.

Family: Rosaceae.

Habitat: Indian gardens.

English: French Rose.

Ayurvedic: Rakta-Taruni (non- classical), Gulaab.

Action: Dried petals—tonic and astringent. Used in debility, excessive mucous discharges and bowel complaints. The oil and rose water—used in bronchial asthma and as a remedy for skin irritation.

The flowers yield 0.027-0.036% of an essential oil. It contains geraniol 40-76, l-citronellol 15-37, nerol 5-10, phenyl ethyl alcohol 3-9, eugenol 1, esters 3-5, phenyl acetic acid traces; and stearoptene 15-30%; citronellol, citral, farnesol, l-linalool and nonylaldehyde are also present. (The flowers, unlike those of Rosa damascena, develop their perfume when dried.)

The petals also contain fatty oil, sugars (3-14% as invert), tannin (Rosa tan- nic acid 10-24%), cyanin (up to 10%), cyanidin and quercitrin.

The pollen contains carotene (1.67 mg/100 g), free and bound amino acids and sugars.

Fresh hips and their pulp contain 545 and 847 mg/100 g vitamin C respectively.

Action: Fruits—rich in vitamin C (751 mg/100 g,) concentration up to 8% in dry pulp.... rosa rubra

Salix Alba

Linn.

Family: Salicaceae.

Habitat: North-western Himalayas, up to an altitude of 2,400 m.

English: White Willow, European Willow.

Ayurvedic: Jalavetasa.

Unani: Bed Saadaa.

Folk: Vivir (Kashmir).

Action: Analgesic, antiinflammatory, febrifuge. Used for rheumatic inflammation, painful muscles, spondylitis, lumbago, sciatica, neuralgia, gout and fever. (In 1838, chemists identified salicylic acid in the bark. Afterwards, synthesized it as acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin, in 1899.)

Key application: In diseases accompanied by fever, headache, rheumatic ailments. (German Commission E.) The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia reported anti- inflammatory action. The British Herbal Compendium additionally reported analgesic, antipyretic, antirheumatic and astringent actions of the willow bark.

The bark contains phenolic glyco- sides; salicin, picein and triandrin with esters of salicylic acid and salicyl alcohol, acetylated salicin, salicortin and salireposide; tannins; catechin; p- coumaric acid; flavonoids and polysac- charides.

Salicylic acid inhibits prostaglandin production, relives pain and brings down fever.... salix alba

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