(Hindi) One who speaks the truth; in Hinduism, a goddess Satti, Satie, Satty, Saty, Satey, Sattey, Satee, Sattee, Satea, Sattea
Habitat: Native to Central Asia. Cultivated all over India.
English: Garlic.Ayurvedic: Lashuna, Rasona, Yavaneshta, Ugragandha, Ma- haushadh, Arishta.Unani: Seer, Lahsun.Siddha/Tamil: Ullippoondu, Vellaip- pondu.Action: Antibiotic, bacteriostatic, fungicide, anthelmintic, antithrom- bic, hypotensive, hypoglycaemic, hypocholesterolaemic. Also used for upper respiratory tract infections and catarrhal conditions.
Key application: As a supportive to dietary measures for elevated levels of lipids in blood; as a preventive measure for age-dependent vascular changes. (German Commission E, ESCOP, WHO, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) Also as an antimicrobial. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia). Garlic has been shown to be effective in respiratory infections and catarrhal conditions. (The British Herbal Compendium.)The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia indicates the use of the bulb as a brain tonic in epilepsy and psychic disorders.Heavy consumption of garlic prior to surgery led to increased clotting time or reduced platelet aggregation (in human case reports). Garlic tablets at a dose of 400 mg twice daily for 12 weeks reduced platelet aggregation 59% compared with placebo in 80 patients (in human clinical study). (Francis Brinker.)Garlic cloves are high in sulphur- containing amino acids known as al- liin (no taste, no smell, no medicinal action). With crushing or chewing alli- in comes into contact with the enzyme alliinase. Alliinase, in less than 6 s, transforms alliin into allicin (strongly medicinal), which breaks down into a number of sulphur compounds including ajoene, vinyldithin and diallyl disulfide, and trisulfide. The antibiotic effect is attributed to allicin; hypogly- caemic effect to allicin and allylpro- phyldisulphide (also to S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide); anticarcinogenic activity to diallyl monosulfide; platelet aggregation inhibitory effect to diallyl-di- and tri-sulphides. Ajoene inactivated human gastric lipase, which is involved in digestion and absorption of dietary fats.Diallyltetra, penta-, hexa- and hep- tasulphides are potential antioxidants.Allium leptophyllum Wall. is equated with Vana Lashuna, Jangali Lahsun.Dosage: Bulb—3 g (API Vol. III.)... allium sativumHabitat: A cereal and fodder crop of Europe and America; also cultivated in India.
English: Oat, Common oat.Ayurvedic: Yavikaa. (Indian sp. is equated with A. byzantina C. Koch.)Unani: Sult (Silt), Jao Birahnaa, Jao Gandum.Action: Nervine tonic (used in spermatorrhoea, palpitation, sleeplessness), cardiac tonic (used in debility), stimulant, antispasmodic, thymoleptic, antidepressant (used in menopausal phase). Also used in diarrhoea, dysentery, colitis. Externally, emollient.
Key application: Oat straw— externally in baths for inflammatory and seborrhoeic skin diseases. (German Commission E.) The effect on blood sugar is less than that from most of the fiber-containing herbs and foods. (Sharon M. Herr.)The seeds contain proteins and prolamines (avenins); C-glycosyl flavones; avenacosides (spirostanol glycosides); fixed oil, vitamin E, starch.Silicon dioxide (2%) occurs in the leaves and in the straw in soluble form as esters of silicic acid with polyphenols and monosaccharides and oligosaccharides.Oat straw contains a high content of iron (39 mg/kg dry weight), manganese (8.5 mg) and zinc (19.2 mg).In an experimental study, oat straw stimulated the release of luteinizing hormone from the adenohypophysis of rats. (Expanded Commission E Monographs.)An alcoholic extract of green oats was tried on opium addicts. Six chronic opium addicts gave up opium completely, two reduced their intake and two showed no change following regular use of 2 ml three times daily (human clinical study). A significant diminish- ment of the number of cigarettes used by habitual tobacco smokers resulted from using 1 ml (four times daily) of fresh Avena alcoholic extract of mature plants; however, a few studies gave disappointing results. (Francis Brinker.)Oat polyphenol composition prevented the increase of cholesterol and beta-lipoprotein of blood serum of fasting rabbits. Antioxidant property of the oat flour remains unaffected by heat. Homoeopathic tincture of seeds is used as a nervine tonic. Beta-glucan from the oats stimulated immune functions.Avenacosides exhibit strong anti- fungal activity in vitro.... avena sativaSatinkah, Satincka, Satynka, Satynka ... satinka
Action: Taraamiraa (Jirjeer)— used in Unani medicine as a spermatic tonic (powder of seeds is administered with a half-fried egg), also as a blood purifier, diuretic, emmenagogue and deobstruent. Leaf juice—used as a lotion for blotches, spots and blemishes.
Nasturtium officinale (Brassicaceae): Antiscorbutic and stimulant. A rich source of vitamins A and E, also of ascorbic acid. Seeds contain glucon- casturtin. Used for metabolic disorders, anaemia, strangury, kidney and bladder disorders and catarrh of the respiratory tract.Eruca sativa Mill.: Cultivated in North India; known as Taraamiraa, Siddhaartha, Bhutaghna. Seeds are used like mustard. Seeds—antibacterial. Crude juice of the plant inhibited E. coli, S. typhi and B. subtlis. Seeds contain (4-Me-thio)-Bu-glucosinolate (glucoerucin) as K and tetra-Me-N salts. A composition is used in induration of liver.... brucea sativaHabitat: Cultivated all over the country. Commonly occurs in waste grounds, along road side, often becoming gregarious along the irrigation channels of gardens.
English: Hemp, Indian Hemp.Ayurvedic: Vijayaa, Bhangaa, Maadani, Maatulaani, Indraasana, Trailokya-vijayaa, Tribhuvana- vijayaa, Shukranaashana, Ganjaa, Bhangaa. (Bhangaa is consumed orally; Ganjaa and charas are usually smoked.)Unani: Bhang, Charas, Qinnab.Siddha/Tamil: Ganja.Folk: Bhaanga.Action: Hallucinogenic, hypnotic, sedative, analgesic, anti- inflammatory, Hemp derivatives are suggested for treating glaucoma and as an antiemetic in cancer chemotherapy. All variants produce initial excitement followed by depression.
Cannabis yields 421 chemicals of various classes—cannabinoids, canna- bispirans and alkaloids. More than 60 cannabinoids have been isolated, the most important one is delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).Toxic constituents are readily absorbed, excreted in urine and feces, stored in lipid tissues, especially CNS, crosses placenta. High doses in animals have damaged developing embryos and resulted in birth defects. (Francis Brinker.)Dosage: Dried leaves, after removing turbity—125-250 mg powder. (API Vol. I.)... cannabis sativaSynonym: C. vulgaris Lam.
Family: Fagaceae.Habitat: Darjeeling, Khasi Hills, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
English: Spanish Chestnut, Sweet Chestnut.Folk: Singhaaraa (not to be confused with water-chestnut, Tripa natans L.)Action: Leaves—astringent, antitussive and febrifuge (used for fevers and diseases of the respiratory tract). An infusion is used as a gargle in pharyngitis, proxysmal coughs, catarrh and whooping cough. Nuts—extract, as platelet inhibitor in thrombosis and atherosclerosis.
The leaves contain tannins (8-9%) flavone glycosides, triterpenoids, ursolic acid, lupeol and betulin. Heartwood contains 61.4% tannins and 25.7% nontannins. The wood and bark contain 714 and 8-14% tannins respectively.Nuts are eaten raw, roasted or boiled like potatoes. Nuts contain protein,... castanea sativaHabitat: Cultivated chiefly in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Bihar.
English: Coriander.Ayurvedic: Dhaanyaka, Kustum- buru, Dhaanyeyaka, Dhanika, Dhanikaa, Dhaanaa, Dhaanya, Dhaniyaa, Kunati, Chhatraa, Vitunnaka.Unani: Kishneez.Siddha/Tamil: Kotthamalli.Action: Stimulant, stomachic, carminative, antispasmodic, diuretic; also hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory. Oil—bactericidal and larvicidal. Used in China as a remedy for measles, diabetes, aerophagy and gastroenteritis.
Key application: In dyspeptic complaints, loss of appetite. (German Commission E, British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)Coriander contains 0.5-1% volatile oil, consisting mainly of delta-linalool (55-74%), alpha-pinene and terpinine. It also contains flavonoids, coumarins, phthalides and phenolic acids (including caffeic and chlorogenic).Aqueous extract of the roasted seeds contains large amounts of acetylcho- line and its precursor choline. (Choline is found useful in preventing and curing certain liver disorders.) The extract shows cholinomimetic effects experimentally.Coriandrin, an antiviral agent, has been synthesized from the aerial parts. The plant forms an ingredient of a Pakistani herbal drug (Intellan) which is considered to be a neuro-energizer.In Unani medicine, an infusion of fruits is also used in bleeding piles, neuralgia, cephalalgia and spermatorrhoea.Dosage: Fruit—1-3 g powder. (API Vol. I.)... coriandrum sativumHabitat: Cultivated in Kashmir up to 2,000 m and in Chaubattia in Uttar Pradesh.
English: Saffron, Crocus.Ayurvedic: Kumkuma, Rudhira, Vadrika, Kaashmira, Kaashmiraka, Vaalhika, Agnishikhaa, Ghrusrrn, Rakta, Kshataja. Keshara (usually Keshara indicates Naagakeshara, Mesuaferrea Linn.)Unani: Zaafraan.Siddha/Tamil: Kumgumappoo (dried stigma).Action: Stigma and style—nervine tonic, sedative, antispasmodic expectorant (in dry cough, whooping cough, bronchitis), stomachic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the use of the stigma and style in migraine, chronic sinusitis, and in urinary obstruction, inflammation of the urinary tract.The saffron is used in Chinese medicine for melancholia, depression, shock and menstrual disorders.Saffron contains a volatile oil composed of terpenes, terpene alcohols and esters. The herb also contains crocin, picrocrocin, crocetin, carotenoids and riboflavin and thiamine.Preliminary evidence suggests that crocetin may improved atherosclerosis by increasing plasma oxygen diffusion and decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In addition, cro- cetin binds to albumin, potentially increasing oxygen diffusion and improving atherosclerosis. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)The stigma showed remarkable inhibitory effect on blood coagulation due to the presence of platelet aggregation inhibitor containing adenosine. It accelerated in vitro fibrinolytic activity of urokinase and plasmin.Small amounts of Saffron stimulate gastric secretion; larger amounts stimulate uterine smooth muscle and exhibit emmenagogue and abortifacient effects.Saffron extract showed cytotoxic and antimutagenic activity and antitu- mour activity against ascites tumours in mice. Chemical analysis indicated that the naturally occurring crocin may be the active principle responsible for the observed anticancer activity.A xanthone, carotenoid glycosidic conjugate, mangi-crocin, isolated from saffron, showed significant adapto- genic activity. A natural antioxidant, isolated from saffron stem callus, showed better antioxidant activity than vitamin E. Saffron bulbs are toxic, stigmas in overdoses narcotic.The dose of stigma and styles at 1.55.0 g is toxic. (Recommended dose : 0.5-1.5 g per day).Dosage: Dried style and stigma—20-50 mg (API Vol. IV.)... crocus sativusHabitat: Cultivated for its edible fruits which are usually used as salad vegetable.
English: Cucumber.Ayurvedic: Trapusha, Traapusha, Trapushi, Tiktakarkatikaa (bitter var.).Unani: Khiyaar, Khiraa.Siddha/Tamil: Vellarikkai.Folk: Khiraa.Action: Seed—used in dysuria, irritation of the urinary tract, cystitis. Reduces specific gravity of urine. Also used for tapeworms.
Cucumber contains rutin; seeds glu- cosides including cucurbitaside; leaves free cucurbitasides B & C, ferredox- in, alpha-spinasterol. Free and bound sterols are found in seedlings and in male and female flowers.Presence of proteolytic enzymes, ascorbic acid oxidase and succinic and malic dehydrogenases has been reported.Dosage: Seed—3-6 g powder; fruit juice—25-50 ml. (CCRAS.)... cucumis sativusHabitat: Cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh.
English: Rocket-Salad.Ayurvedic: Tuvari, Tuvarikaa, Shveta-sursaa, Bhuutaghna, Darad- harsha, Siddaartha.Unani: Jirjeer, Taraamiraa.Folk: Safed Sarson.Action: Tender leaf—stimulant, stomachic, diuretic, antiscorbutic, rubefacient. Seed—vesicant, antibacterial.
Seeds and fresh plant gave glu- coerucin (4-methylthiobutyl glucosi- nolate); leaves yielded iso-rhamnetin- 3-glucoside and iso-rhamnetin. The volatile oil of the seeds contains isoth- iocyanate derivatives. The oil at 0.004 and 0.008 ml/kg exhibits diuretic activity. The ethanolic extract of the seeds is diuretic at 20 and 40 mg/kg Seeds are used to induce vomiting in place of ipecac.Crude juice of the plant inhibited E. coli, S. typhi and B. subttis.For eating purposes, the plant should be gathered before flowering; for medicinal use when in flower.... eruca sativaHabitat: Native to Southern and West Asia. Cultivated throughout India as a cold weather crop.
English: Garden Lettuce.Unani: Kaahuu Bustaani, Salaad Pattaa, Salaad Baaghi.Siddha/Tamil: Salattu.Action: Plant—used in painful ulcers and burns.
The leaves contain calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, carotine, iodine, fluorine. A. dietary allowance of 10 g of lettuce is adequate to meet the vitamin K requirement of the body.Aqueous extract of roots gave a gua- iene-type sesquiterpene glycoside, lac- toside C, along with known glycosides, lactoside A and macro-cliniside A.... lactuca sativaHabitat: Cultivated chiefly in Madhya Pradesh, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
English: Chickling Vetch, Grass Pea.Folk: Khesaari, Latari, Kalaaya.Action: Seeds—toxic. Prolonged consumption results in paralysis of legs, both in animals and human beings, known as lathyrism. The toxic substance responsible for lathyrism had been identified as selenium. Peritoneal injection of beta-N-oxalylaminoalanine (isolated from the seeds) produced acute neurolathyrism at LD50 doses (748.8 mg/kg) in mice and (694.9 mg/kg) in chicken; liver and kidney cells showed denaturation, vacuolar and fatty degeneration. (It is a neuropoison, which mainly affects central nervous system.)
Related species include, Lathyrus aphaca Linn., L. sphaericus Retz. and L. tingitanus Linn., known as Kalaaya or Khesaari.... lathyrus sativusHabitat: Native to West Asia; cultivated throughout India as a salad plant.
English: Garden Cress, Water Cress.Ayurvedic: Chandrashuura, Chan- drikaa, Vaas-pushpaa, Pashume- hankaarikaa, Nandini, Suvaasaraa, Aashaalim.Unani: Habb-ul-rashaad, Tukh-e- Taratezak, Haalim, Sipandaan.Siddha/Tamil: Alivirai.Action: Used in asthma, bronchial affections and bleeding piles. Seeds—lactagogue, diuretic, and emmenagogue. Used for treating skin disorders, fever, amoebic dysentery and asthma. Leaf— stimulant, antiscorbutic, diuretic. Roots—used in secondary syphilis and in tenesmus.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the use of dried seeds, in powder form, in gout.The seeds are a good source of iron, but its bioavailability is poor (5.4% of total iron). They are used for rapid healing ofbone fractures. The ethano- lic extract of seeds significantly increased collagen synthesis and its deposition at bone fracture portion in the treated rats. The tensile strength of the broken tibiae also increased.The seeds contain an alkaloid (0.19%), glucotropaeolin, sinapin (cho- line ester of sinapic acid), sinapic acid, mucilaginous matter (5%) and uric acid (0.108 g/kg). The seed oil exhibits pronounced oestrogenic activity.The seed mucilage allays the irritation of the mucous membrane of intestines in dysentery and diarrhoea. It consists of a mixture of cellulose (18.3%) and uronic acid-containing polysaccharides; acid hydrolysis yield L-arabinose, D-galactose, L-rhamnose, D-glacturonic acid and D-glucose.The plant contains pantothenic acid, pyridoxin and rutin. Ethanolic extract of the plant showed antiviral activity against rinderpest virus.Dosage: Seed—3-6 g powder. (API, Vol. I.)... lepidium sativumHabitat: Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, as a farm crop.
English: Alfalfa, Lucerne.Ayurvedic: Alfalfa, Vilaayati- gawuth, Lasunghaas, Lusan.Unani: Barsem.Action: Anticholesterolemic, rich in essential enzymes, minerals and vitamins; a preventive of high blood pressure, diabetes, peptic ulcer.
Alfalfa tea is used to strengthen the digestive system. Sprouts (of seeds) are used by diabetics.The herb contains carotinoids (including lutein), triterpene saponins, isoflavonoids coumarins, triterpenes (including sitgmasterol, spinasterol); also cyanogenic glycosides (corresponding to less than 80 mg HCN/ 100 g); pro-vitamins A, B6, B12, D, K, E and P; calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, choline, sodium, silicon and essential enzymes.The seeds contain 33.2% protein and 4.4% mineral matter; saponins with the aglycones, soyasapogenol B and E and polymines, diaminopropane and norspermine. Two storage globulins, alfin and medicagin are found in the seeds.The flowers contain flavonoids, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin and laricytrin. The fruits contain beta- amyrin, alpha- and beta-spinasterol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, myrselli- nol, scopoletin and esculetin.The saponin, medicagenic acid, is found in leaves and roots (leaves 1.49%, roots 2.43% of dry matter).Alfalfa seed extracts prevented hy- percholesterolemia, triglyceridaemia and atherogenesis in cholesterol-fed rabbits and cynomologus monkeys. The saponins in the extract reduce intestinal absorption of cholesterol in rabbits.Human trials have indicated the use of the herb in menopause. (Sharon M. Herr.)... medicago sativaHabitat: Cultivated in Punjab, Bengal, Assam and Bihar.
English: Black Cumin, Small Fennel.Ayurvedic: Kaalaajaaji, Kalikaa, Prthvikaa, Sthulajiraka, Sushavi, Upkunchikaa (the plant bears seeds of bigger size).Unani: Kalonji, Kamaazaruus.Siddha/Tamil: Karum seeragm.Action: Seeds—stimulant, carminative, diuretic, lactiferous, em- menagogue (stimulate uterine contractions). Used in puerperal fever. Powdered seeds externally applied to boils. Essential oil— used in common cold, cough and bronchospasm.
The essential oil from seeds contains nigellone and 2-methyl-4-isopropyl-p- quinone. The oil contains carvone (4560%), d-limonene and cymene. Seeds contain fatty acids including palmitic, myristic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic. Beta-sitosterol is also present in the seeds.Low concentration of nigellone has been shown to inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells in animals. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)The ethanolic extract of the seeds and the volatile oil from seeds showed antispasmodic activity in experimental animals, possibly due to a calcium antagonistic effect.The oil exhibited CNS depressant and potent analgesic effects on experimental animals, possibly due to the presence of an opioid principle in the oil.Dosage: Seed—1-3 g powder (API, Vol. I); 3-5 g powder (CCRAS).... nigella sativaHabitat: Cultivated all over India as a food crop.
English: Rice.Ayurvedic: Shaali, Vrihidhaanya, Tandula, Nivara.Unani: Biranj Saathi.Action: Rice-water (a water decoction of rice)—demulcent and refrigerant in febrile and inflammatory diseases and in dysuria. Also used as a vehicle for compound preparations used for gynaecological disorders. It is regarded as cooling in haematemesis and epistaxis, and as diuretic.
The green clum or stalks—recommended in biliousness. Ash of the straw—used in the treatment of wounds and discharges. Lixiviated ash of straw is used as anthelmintic and in nausea.The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the dried root in dy- suria and lactic disorders.The pigments occurring in coloured types of rice are a mixture of monogly- cosides of cyanidin and delphinidin. The dark Puttu Rice of India contains a diglycosidic anthocyanin.Dosage: Root—50 g for decoction. (API, Vol. II.)... oryza sativaHabitat: Native to Europe; grows in cool climate in India. (Hollow Crown, Student and Large Guernsey are Indian horticultural varieties.)
English: Parsnip.Action: Above ground parts— diuretic, carminative (eaten as a vegetable and salad), used for kidney disorders. Root—used for kidney disorders, fever and as a diuretic and analgesic.
The parsnip is a rich source of coumarins (1.7% dry weight). The coumarin fraction of the fruit extract inhibits growth of cancer cells (HeLa- S3)cultured in the dark. The fruit contains small amounts of photoactive furocoumarins which are phototoxic. (Severe dermatitis results after contact with the furocoumarin in the presence of light.) The fruit contains xantho- toxin (0.1%), imperatorin (0.17%) and bergapten (0.38%). Coumarin, pasti- nacin, isolated from the fruit, showed spasmolytic action.... pastinaca sativaHabitat: Cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
English: Radish.Ayurvedic: Muulaka, Laghu- muulaka, Muulakapotikaa, Visra, Shaaleya, Marusambhava. Pods— Sungraa, Singri, Mungraa.Unani: Muuli, Turb Fajal.Siddha/Tamil: Mullangi.Action: Radish—preparations are used in liver, gallbladder and urinary complaints. Green leaves— diuretic and carminative. Seeds— diuretic, purgative, expectorant.
A decoction of dry radish is given orally in piles. Extract of the dry root is given for hiccough, influenza, dysentery, colic and urinary troubles.Key application: In peptic disorders, especially those related to dyskinesia of the bile ducts; and in catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract. (German Commission E.)The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the juice of the whole plant in sinusitis; juice of the root in diseases of the throat and sinusitis; and the seed in amenorrhoea, cough and dyspnoea.The fleshy root and seeds contain trans-4-methyl-thiobutenyl isothio- cyanate glucoside (the pungent principle), cyanidin-5-glucoside-3-sophoro- side, pelargonidin diglycoside, cyani- din diglycoside, 5-methyl-L-cysteine- sulphoxide (methiin), steroidal sa- pogenins and sulphorophene.The enzymes present in the radish are phosphatase, catalase, sucrase, amylase, alcohol dehydrogenase and pyruvic carboxylase.Radish contains caffeic acid and fer- ulic acid which exhibit hepatoprotec- tive and choleretic properties. It contains choline which prevents deposition of fat in liver. Amino acids, or- nithine, citrulline, arginine, glutamic acid and asparatic acid remove toxins from the body and urea acumulation.Radish is a good source of ascorbic acid (15-40 mg/100 g), trace elements include aluminium, barium, lithium, manganese, silicon, titanium, also iodine (upto 18 mcg/100 g) and ascor- bigen.Roots, leaves, flowers and pods are active against Gram-positive bacteria.The seeds are reported to contain a broad spectrum antibiotic, machro- lysin, specific against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Raphanin, extracted from the seeds, is active against Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria.A purified basic protein, homologous to nonspecific lipid transfer proteins, from seeds showed antifungal activity.Raphanus caudatus Linn., synonym R. sativus var. caudatus, is known as Rat-Tail Radish.A native to Java, it is cultivated in northern and western India. The root is not used; pods, purple or violet in colour, are consumed for properties attributed to Raphanus sp. These are known as Mungraa or Sungraa.Dosage: Whole plant-20-40 ml juice; root—15-30 ml juice. (API, Vol. II.) Seed—1-3 g powder. (API, Vol. III.)... raphanus sativus
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