Sarcococca saligna Health Dictionary

(D. Don) Muell.-Arg.

Synonym: S. pruniformis Hook. f. S. trinervia Wt.

Family: Buxaceae.

Habitat: The Himalayas and the hills of North-eastern India up to 2,700 m.

Folk: Geru (Garhwal, Patiala), Tiliari (Jaunsar), Sukatsing (Ku- maon).

Action: Leaves—used in the treatment of rheumatism and fever.

The leaves contain steroidal alkaloids, including saracosine, saracodine and saracodinine; also betulin.

Aerial parts exhibit spasmolytic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory activity. Steroidal alkaloids induce non- recoverable fall in blood pressure in dogs.