Tocopherol Health Dictionary

(Linn.) R. Br. ex DC.

Synonym: A. triandra Lam. A. denticulata R. Br. A. repens Gmel. Non-Link.

Family: Amaranthaceae.

Habitat: Throughout the hotter parts of India, especially around tanks and ponds.

Ayurvedic: Matsyaakshi, Matsyaak- shika (a multimeaning name, also indicating Braahmi, Ain- dri), Matsyagandhaa, Matsyaa- dini, Minaakshi, Bahli, Gandali, Gartkalambukaa, Vaahlikaa.

Unani: Machhechhi.

Siddha/Tamil: Ponnonkanni keerai.

Folk: Gudari Saag.

Action: Febrifuge, galactagogue, cholagogue.

Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of dried whole plant in diseases due to vitiated blood and obstinate skin diseases.

Young shoots contain protein 5% and iron 16.7 mg/100 g. Leaves also contain a good amount of alpha- and beta-tocopherols.

The plant gave stigmasterol, beta- sitosterol, a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon and aliphatic ester.

Dosage: Whole plant—2-6 g powder. (API Vol. II.)... alternanthera sessilis

Linn.

Family: Calsalpiniaceae.

Habitat: Throughout India as a weed.

English: Sickle Senna, Ringworm Plant.

Ayurvedic: Chakramarda, Chakri, Prapunnaada, Dadrughna, Me- shalochana, Padmaata, Edagaja.

Unani: Penwaad Taarutaa.

Siddha/Tamil: Ushittgarai.

Folk: Chakavad, Daadamaari.

Action: Leaves—taken internally to prevent skin diseases; applied against eczema and ringworm; pounded and applied on cuts, act like tincture of iodine. Seeds, soaked in water, are taken for spermatorrhoea. A paste made of equal parts of leaves and seeds is given for jaundice. Pods are used in dysentery.

Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the use of the seed in paralysis and hemiplegia as a supporting drug.

The leaves contain chrysophanol, aloe-emodin, rhein and emodin. Mature leaves possess purgative properties and are sometimes utilized to adulterate the true senna; also used as an antiperiodic and anthelmintic.

The leaf extract exhibited antifungal activity against the ringworm fungus Microsporon nanum.

Seeds contain anthraquinone glyco- sides, naptho-pyrone glycosides, cas- siaside and rubrofusarin-6-beta-genti- obioside. These constituents showed significant hepatoprotective activity.

Thrachrysone, isolated from seeds, showed stronger antioxidant activity than tocopherol and BHA.

Chrysophanic acid-9-anthrone, extracted from the seed, was found to be active against ringworm fungi.

Dosage: Seed—1-3 g powder. (API Vol. III.)... cassia tora

Linn.

Family: Lauraceae

Habitat: Throughout the greater parts of India.

English: Doddar-Laurel, Love-Vine.

Ayurvedic: Amarvalli, Aakaashbel. (Cuscuta reflexa is also known as Amarvalli.)

Siddha/Tamil: Erumaikkottan.

Action: Astringent, diuretic (given in dropsy and anasarca, also in biliousness, chronic dysentery, haemoptysis and for supressing lactation after still-birth); piscicidal and insecticidal (used as a hair-wash for killing vermin).

The plant contains aporphine alkaloids. calcium, phosphorus, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin; also tocopherols. Nuts, crushed with vinegar and barley flour, are used against indurations of breast. The extract of nuts exhibits possibility of its use as a platelet inhibitor in thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Leaves are inhibitors of pectinolytic enzymes.

American chestnut and European chestnut are equated with Castanea dentata and C. sativa,respectively. Both are used for respiratory ailments.... cassytha filiformis

n. a substance capable of neutralizing oxygen free radicals – the highly active and damaging atoms and chemical groups produced by normal metabolic processes, by various disease processes, and by poisons, radiation, smoking, and other agencies. Antioxidants occur naturally in the body and in certain foods and beverages; they may also be ingested in the form of supplements. They include *vitamin C (ascorbic acid), *vitamin E (tocopherols), and ?-*carotene. See also phytochemical.... antioxidant

any of a group of chemically related fat-soluble compounds (tocopherols and tocotrienols) that have *antioxidant properties and are thought to stabilize cell membranes by preventing oxidation of their unsaturated fatty acid components. The most potent of these is ?-tocopherol. Good sources of the vitamin are vegetable oils, eggs, margarine, and wholemeal cereals. It is fairly widely distributed in the diet and a deficiency is therefore unlikely. There is no set recommendation for dietary intake.... vitamin e

Costus speciosus

Zingiberaceae

San: Pushkara, Kashmeera, Kemuka;

Hin: Kebu, Keyu, Kust;

Ben: Keu, Kura

Mal: Channakkizhangu, Channakoova;

Tam: Kostam; Mar: Penva;

Tel: Kashmeeramu

Importance: Costus is one of the plants which contains diosgenin in its rhizome. It is widely used as starting material in the commercial production of steroidal hormones. The rhizomes are useful in vitiated conditions of kapha and pitta, burning sensation, flatulence, constipation, helminthiases, leprosy, skin diseases, fever, hiccough, asthma, bronchitis, inflammation and aneamia. It is used to make sexual hormones and contraceptives (Warrier et al,1994).

Distribution: The plant is widely distributed in Asia and other tropical countries like India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and China. In India, it occurs mostly in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Tripura and Kerala.

Botany: Costus speciosus (Koenig.) Sm. belonging to the family Zingiberaceae consists of two varieties viz., var. nepalensis Rose., found only in Nepal and Arunachal Pradesh and var. argycophyllus Wall., having a wide distribution in India.

The plant is a succulent herb with long leafy spirally twisted stems, 2-3m in height and horizontal rhizomes. Leaves are simple, spirally arranged, oblanceolate or oblong, glabrous above, silky pubescent beneath with broad leaf sheaths. Flowers are white, large, fragrant, arranged in dense terminal spikes. Bracts are bright red. The single stamen present is perfect, lip large with incurved margins. Fruits are globose or ovoid capsules with obovoid or sub- globose seeds (Warrier et al,1994).

Agrotechnology: Costus can be raised under a wide range of agroclimatic conditions. It prefers sandy loam soil for good growth. Propagation is by rhizomes. The best season for planting is April- May. The seed rate recommended is 2-2.4t/ha. The spacing adopted is 50x50cm. After an initial ploughing FYM or poultry manure should be applied at the rate of 30t/ha and the field is to be ploughed again irrigated and prepared to obtain a fine seed bed. Furrows are opened and the rhizome pieces are placed horizontally at a depth of 8-10cm and covered with soil. Care is taken to place the eye buds facing upwards. After 70-75 days about 90-95% sprouting is obtained. Desiccation of the young sprouts have been observed in the hot summer months, necessitating liberal water supply during the period. As September-November is the period of maximum tuberization at least two irrigations should be given at that time. One during the sprouting period of the crop followed by two more keeps the crop fairly free of weeds. Application of 37t/ha of poultry manure and fertilizers, 60kg P2O5 and 40kg K2O /ha as a basal doze, along with 80kg N/ha applied in 3 equal split dozes will take care. Crop is harvested at the end of seven months. Harvesting includes 2 operations, cutting the aerial shoots and digging out the rhizomes. Cost of production of diosgenin ranges from Rs. 271-300/kg (Atal, et al,1982).

Properties and activity: Tubers and roots contain diosgenin, 5 -stigmast-9(11)-en-3 ol, sitosterol- -D- glucoside, dioscin, prosapogenins A and B of dioscin, gracillin and quinones. Various saponins, many new aliphatic esters and acids are reported from its rhizomes, seeds and roots. Seeds, in addition, contain - tocopherol. Saponins from seeds are hypotensive and spasmolytic. Rhizomes possess antifertility, anticholinestrase, antiinflammatory, stimulant, depurative and anthelmintic activities (Hussain et al, 1992).... costus

Linn.

Family: Compositae; Asteraceae.

Habitat: Native to America. Cultivated in India.

English: Sunflower.

Ayurvedic: Suurajmukhi, Su- uryaavarta.

Siddha/Tamil: Suryakanti.

Action: Seeds—build up physical endurance and resistance against diseases; a decoction is used in coughs and colds, bronchial, laryngeal and pulmonary affections, whooping cough, also as a febrifuge and diuretic.

The seeds contain a fatty oil (3748%), rich in polyunsaturated acids (linoleic 70%, oleic 20%). The oil also contains tocopherols (alpha-type 92% of the total) and phytosterol (beta- sitosterol 154 mcg/100 g). In Europe and USA, several hybrids produce oils rich in oleic acid. Sunflower oil is reported to decrease the risk of coronary and arterial diseases.

Extracted oil from dehulled seeds (chlorogenic acid, present in hulls, interferes with lipid metabolism) reduced serum and hepatic cholesterol in healthy women.

The tubers of Helianthus tuberosus Linn., a related species, consists mainly of inulin. The dried tubers can be utilized in diabetic products. The tuber concentrate as food diminishes the risk of developing arteriosclerosis. It is advantageous in the diet of patients with gout, chronic renal diseases, and for obesity control.... helianthus annuus

Maton.

Family: Compositae; Asteraceae.

Habitat: Throughout warmer parts of India.

Ayurvedic: Mayura-shikhaa, Gojihvaa. (Actinopteris dichotoma Bedd. and Celosia cristata Linn. are also used as Mayura-shikhaa. Anchusa strigosa Lebill., and other Boraginaecae sp. are used as Gojihvaa.)

Siddha/Tamil: Yaanaichhuvadi.

Folk: Mayurjuti, Maaraajuti.

Action: Plant—astringent, cardiac tonic, diuretic, mucilaginous, emmolient (used in dysuria, diarrhoea, dysentery. Leaves—

Family: Zingiberaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated either as pure plantation crop, or as subsidiary to coffee and arecanut in hilly forests regions of Western Ghats in Karnataka and Kerala, and in parts of Madurai, the Nilgiris and Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu.

English: Lesser Cardamom.

Ayurvedic: Elaa, Sukshmailaa, Kshudrailaa, Bhrngaparnikaa, Tutthaa, Draavidi, Prithvikaa, Triputaa, Truti, Upkunchikaa.

Unani: Heel Khurd.

Siddha/Tamil: Yelakkai, Ilam.

Action: Carminative antiemetic, stomachic, orexigenic, anti-gripe, antiasthmatic, bechic, Oil— antispasmodic, antiseptic. Used for flatulence, loss of appetite, colic, bronchitis, asthma. Paste used as balm for headache, husk for rheumatism.

Key application: In dyspepsia; also as cholagogue. (German Commission E.)

The seeds yield an essential oil (611% dry basis). The major constituents are, 1,8-cineole and alpha-terpinylace- tate, with limonene, alpha-terpineol, sabinene and linalool. The seeds contain palmitic and oleic as dominant fatty acids, besides linoleic and linolenic acids, along with alpha-tocopherol, desmosterol and campesterol.

The extracts of cardamom cause a significant decrease in gastric secretion after 3 h of treatment. The effect of methanol extract is primarily observed as decreased pepsin output.

Terpineol and acetylterpineol, the active principles of cardamom seeds, showed greater penetration enhancing capacities than Azone which was used as a comparative penetration enhancer for the diffusion of Pred- nisolone through mouse skin in vitro.

Volatile components exhibit antimicrobial activity. The oil inhibits afla- toxin synthesis.

The cardamom seed can trigger gallstone colic (spasmodic pain) and is not recommended for self-medication in patients with gallstone. (German Commission E, PDR, Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)

Dosage: Seed of dried fruit—1-2 g powder. (API Vol I.)... elettaria cardamomum

Forsk.

Synonym: I. reptans Poir.

Family: Convolvulaceae.

Habitat: Throughout the greater part of India.

English: Swamp Cabbage.

Ayurvedic: Kalambi, Naalikaa.

Siddha/Tamil: Vellaikeerai, Koilan- gu.

Action: Emetic and purgative. Used as an antidote to arsenical or opium poisoning. Plant juice is used for liver complaints; buds for ringworm.

The leaves are a good source of minerals (2.1%), vitamins (especially, carotene and tocopherol). Plant is given for nervous and general debility. Whole plant gave beta-carotene, xan- thophyll, traces of taraxanthin, hentri- acontane, beta-sitosterol and its gluco- side.

The buds of pigmented variety are recommended as a food for diabetics. An insulin-like substance is reported from the buds.

The stems contain N-trans- and N- ris-feruloyltyramines, which have been found to be the inhibitors of in vitro prostaglandin synthesis.

The plant shows abundant growth in waste water and absorbs some organic and inorganic components, including heavy metals from waste water. The plant may be useful in the treatment of waste water by biogeofiltration.... ipomoea aquatica

Linn.

Family: Melastomataceae.

Habitat: The Himalayas from Garhwal to Bhutan, North Bengal, Bihar and Khasi, Aka and Lushai hills.

Folk: Bhui-lukham (Lushai).

Action: Plant—anodyne, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory.

The plant contains the flavonoids, quercetin, kaempferol and hydrolys- able tannins, besides gallic acid, methyl gallate and ellagic acid.

The flavonoids and tannins showed antioxidant activity. Ellagic acid suppressed increase in lipid peroxidation induced by CCl4 and Cobalt-60 irradiation and this effect was more than that of alpha-tocopherol. Gallic acid showed anti-inflammatory activity against zymosan-induced acute footpad swelling in mice.... osbeckia chinensis

Linn.

Family: Oxalidaceae.

Habitat: Throughout the warmer parts of India.

English: Indian Sorrel.

Ayurvedic: Chaangeri, Am- lapatrikaa, Amlikaa, Chukraa, Chukrikaa, Chhatraamlikaa.

Unani: Ambutaa bhaaji, Amutaa saag.

Siddha/Tamil: Puliyarai.

Folk: Tinpatiyaa, Ambilonaa.

Action: Plant—boiled with butter milk is a home remedy for indigestion and diarrhoea in children. Used for tympanitis, dyspepsia, biliousness and dysentery; also for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and antiscorbutic activities. Leaf paste is applied over forehead to cure headache.

The leaves contain the flavonoids, vitexin, isovitexin and vitexin-2"-O- beta-D-glucopyranoside. The leaves contain 1.47% of lipid (dry weight), a rich source of essential fatty acids and alpha-and beta-tocopherol (1.58 and 6.18 mg/g dry basis, respectively.) They are a good source of vitamin C (125 mg/100 g), carotene (3.6 mg/100 g) and calcium (5.6% of dry material) but contain a high content of oxalates (12% of dry material).

The leaves and stem contain tartar- ic and citric acid; stems contain also malic acid.

An aqueous extract of the plant shows activity against Micrococcus pyogenes var. aureus. Expressed juice of the entire plant shows activity against Gram-positive bacteria.

Oxalis martiana Zucc. (native to America, naturalized in moist and shady placaes in temperate parts of India) is equated with Wood-Sorrel. It is known as Khatmitthi in Delhi and Peria-puliyarai in Tamil Nadu.

Dosage: Whole plant—5-10 ml juice. (API, Vol. III.)... oxalis corniculata

Linn.

Family: Fagaceae.

Habitat: The Himalayas, from the Sutlej valley westwards and in Kashmir at altitudes of 9002,600 m.

English: Holly or Holm Oak.

Ayurvedic: Maayaaphala (var.) (galls).

Action: Leaves—antioxidant. Galls—contain 41% tannin. The bark contains 7-13%; leaves 2.1% tannin and 1.8% non-tannin.

The leaves contain alpha-tocopherol as main antioxidant. The mature leaves contain proanthocyanidins 3.3, and leucoanthocyanidins 3.4 mg/g (on dry matter basis).... quercus ilex

(DC) Schott & Endl.

Synonym: Bombax ceiba Linn. Bombax malabaricum DC. Gossampinus malabarica (DC.) Merr.

Family: Bombacaceae.

Habitat: The hotter parts of India, up to 1,350 m.

Ayurvedic: Shaalmali, Mochaa, Mochaahva, Pichhila, Raktapushpa, Sthiraayu, Kankataadhya, Tuulini. Shaalmali-veshtaka (gum).

Unani: Semal. Mochras (gum).

Siddha: Mul Ilavam. Ielavampisin (gum).

Folk: Semar.

Action: Young roots (Semul- musali)—astringent, (used for dysentery) stimulant, demulcent. Fruits—stimulant, diuretic, expectorant. Used for chronic inflammation of bladder, kidney also for calculus affections. Flowers— astringent and cooling, applied to cutaneous affections. Leaves— anti-inflammatory. Stem bark— demulcent, styptic. Aqueous extract with curd is given for blood- dysentery. Bark—paste is applied to skin eruptions, boils, acne, pimples. Seeds used for chickenpox, smallpox, catarrhal affections, chronic cystitis and genitourinary diseases. Gum—astringent, demulcent, styptic. Used for diarrhoea, dysentery, haemoptysis, bleeding piles, menor- rhagia, spermatorrhoea. Root and pod—used for the treatment of low vitality and debility.

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the stem bark in bleeding disorders and in acne vul- garis.

All parts of the plant gave beta- sitosterol and its glucosides; seeds, bark and root bark, lupeol; flowers, hentri- acontane, hentriacontanol; root bark, in addition, gave 7-hydroxycadalene. The seed oil yields arachidic, linoleic, myristic, oleic and palmitic acids; seeds contain carotenes, n-hexacosanol, et- hylgallate and tocopherols; the gum contains gallic and tannic acids, yields L-arbinose, D-galactose, D-galacturo- nic acid and D-galactopyranose.

Younger roots contain more sugars (arabinose and galactose 8.2%) and peptic substances (6.0%) than the older ones. They contain mucilage, starch (71.2%), mineral matter (2.1%), tannins 0.4 and non-tannins 0.1%, along with other constituents.

The Musali compares favourably with the nutritive value of Pueraria tuberosa, Dioscorea bulbifera, Ipomoea digitata and Butea monosperma (all used in sexual debility).

A related species, Salmalia insig- nis (Wall.) Schott & Endl., synonym Bombax insigne Wall. (Assam, Western Ghats and the Andamans); is known as Semul; Dumboil (Assam), Didu (Andamans) and Kal-ilavu (Tamil Nadu).

Dosage: Stem bark—5-10 g powder. (API, Vol. III.) Flower, bark root— 3-5 g powder. (CCRAS.)... salmalia malabarica

Linn.

Family: Papaveraceae.

Habitat: Kashmir and throughout the plains of North India; cultivated in gardens.

English: Corn Poppy, Red Poppy.

Ayurvedic: Rakta Posta.

Siddha/Tamil: Sivappu, Kasakasa.

Folk: Laal Posta, Laal Kaskas.

Action: Latex from capsules— narcotic. Petal—expectorant, antitussive, sudorific. Used for diseases of the respiratory tract, for disturbed sleep and as a sedative for the relief of pain. (Included among unapproved herbs by German Commission E.)

The petals contain cyanidine derivatives. An alkaloid rhoeadine is present in leaves and flowers (0.031%), unripe capsules (0.035%) and in roots

Family: Papaveraceae.

Habitat: Native to Asia; now grown in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

English: Opium Poppy.

Ayurvedic: Ahiphena, Aaphuuka. Post-daanaa (seed).

Unani: Afyum. Tukhm-e- khashkhaash (seed).

Siddha/Tamil: Kasakasa (seeds).

Action: Opium is obsolete as a drug. Narcotic, sedative, hypnotic, analgesic, sudorific, anodyne, antispasmodic. Crushed poppyheads were in use as a topical poultice for crippling pain in terminal diseases. Poppy seed—nutritive, demulcent, emollient, spasmolytic, devoid of narcotic properties. Specific against obstinate constipation, also used in catarrh of the bladder. Poppy seed oil is also free from narcotic properties. Used against diarrhoea, dysentery and scalds.

Opium contains isoquinoline alkaloids; the major one is morphine with narcotine, codeine, papaverine and thebaine. Poppy seeds, used in Indian medicine, do not contain alkaloids. The seeds contain thiamine 420, riboflavin 49, folic acid 30, pantothenic acid 2667 and niacin 1877 mcg/100 g. The seed oil (from Turkey) contains gamma-tocopherol 220, alpha-toco- pherol 40 and beta-tocopherol 20 mcg/ 100 g. Some low-molecular proteins (15% of total protein) have been isolated, along with cysteine, glutamic acid and arginine. The seeds yield a fatty oil (45%) containing palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids.

The extract of seeds showed highly significant antisecretory (antidiarr- hoeal activity) against E. coli entero- toxin-induced secretory responses in experimental animals.

The triglycerides isolated from seeds showed anti-tumour activity against Ehrlichs ascites in mice.

The aqueous extract of seeds showed marked hypoglycaemic activity when administered to glucose-loaded and al- loxan diabetic rats.

The seeds were found to increase the activity of carcinogen detoxifying enzyme, glutathione-S-transferase by more than 78% in the stomach, liver and oesophagus in mice.

Following Papaver sp. are found in India:

P. argemone Linn. (indigenous to the Mediterranean region; commonly grown in gardens in India) contains 0.15% of alkaloids including rhoeadine, protopine, and anthocyanins. Petals are sudorific.

P dubium Linn. (North-western Himalaya form Kashmir to Garhwal; as a winter weed in North Indian plains) contains rhoeagenine as the principal alkaloid, besides rhoeadine, protopine. Petals contain cyanidin B and pelargonidin C. Petals are sudorific.

P. hybridum Linn. (gardens of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh) is diaphoretic (petals). Plant latex contains alkaloids including berberine, coptisine, pahybrine, papaverrubines A, B, D and E and sanguinarine. Plant also gave glaucine and glucamine.

P. nudicaule Linn. (Gulmarg, Kashmir, at altitudes of 3,300-3,600 m), known as Iceland Poppy, gave alkaloids including papaverrubines B and D; leave gave cyanogenic glycosides including dhurrin and triglochinin. The flower and fruit are mild diaphoretic.

P. orientale Linn. (indigenous to Mediterranean region; grown in Indian gardens), known as Oriental Poppy, contains 0.16% of alkaloids including thebaine, isothebane, protopine, glaucidine and oripavine. Latex from poppy capsule is narcotic.... papaver somniferum

Linn.

Synonym: S. orientale Linn.

Family: Pedaliaceae.

Habitat: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

English: Sesame, Gingelly.

Ayurvedic: Tila, Snehphala.

Unani: Kunjad, Til.

Siddha: Ellu (seed), Nallennai (oil).

Action: Seeds—an important source of protein; also rich in thiamine and niacine. Nourishing, lactagogue, diuretic, laxative, emollient. Powdered seeds—given internally in amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea. (Black seeds are preferred in Indian medicine.) Paste is applied to burns, scalds, piles. Leaves—used in affections of kidney and bladder. Bland mucilage is used in infantile diarrhoea, dysentery, catarrh and bladder troubles, acute cystitis and strangury.

Non-saponifiable fraction of the seed oil gave sterols, a lignans, sesamin and a nitrolactone, sesamolin. Sesamin and sesamolin are not found in any other vegetable oil. Sesamin is present in a concentration of 0.5 to 1.0%. The oil from the white seeds from West Bengal and Assam is reported to contain about 2.5% sesamin. Sesamol, a phenolic antioxidant, is present in traces.

The leaves gave a flavonoid, pedalin. Pinoresinol has also been reported from the plant.

The seed contains thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, folic acid, biotin, pyridoxine, in- ositol, choline, p-aminobenzoic acid, ascorbic acid, vitamin A, alpha-and beta-tocopherol. Sugars present are glucose, surcose, galactose, planteose, raffinose. Fatty acid in the seed are myristic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic, hexadecenoic, oleic, linoleic and lig- noceric.

Basic aroma compounds of the roasted seeds consisted of mainly dimethyl thiazole and substituted pyrozines.

Dosage: Seed—5-10 g powder. (API, Vol. IV.)... sesamum indicum

Linn.

Family: Gramineae; Poaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated as a food crop mainly in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh., Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Rajasthan.

English: Wheat.

Ayurvedic: Godhuuma.

Folk: Gehun.

Action: Wheat germ oil is rich in tocopherol (vitamin E) content, total tocopherols 1897 mcg/g, alpha tocopherol 67%. The presence of ergosterol (provitamin D) has also been reported.

Wheat germ is also used for its minerals, proteins and lipid contents. Germ proteins are rich in lysine (5.285.55 g/100 g protein) and possess high biological value (94%) and protein efficiency ratio (2.9).

Wheat germ contains haemaggluti- nating and antipyretic factors, but these are destroyed by toasting. It also contains haemoproteins, possessing per- oxidase activity.

In adult rats, addition of wheat germ (7%) to a high fat (cholesterol) diet significantly decreased VLDL-cholesterol and VLDL-triglycerides and increased the HDL-cholesterol after-7 weeks of feeding.

Bran oil contains tocopherols, but major part of them (68%) is in epsilon form; alpha-tocopherol forms only 11% of the total.

Gluten lipids, associated with gluten, contain a high percentage of linoleic acid; lowering of serum cholesterol level has been observed in experiments (lipid-free gluten is devoid of cholesterol-lowering effect).

Sensitivity to gluten has also been reported (even when whole wheat flour was used).... triticum aestivum

Boiss. var. stocksii (Boiss.) W. Beck.

Synonym: V. stocksii Boiss.

Family: Violaceae.

Habitat: Punjab, Western Rajasthan, Gujarat.

Unani: Banafashaa (related species).

Folk: Jinkobanafashaa (Gujarat).

Action: Root—emetic. Used as a substitute and adulterant of ipecac. The herb is sold in the market as

Action: Expectorant, anti- inflammatory, diaphoretic, antipyretic, diuretic. Used for catarrhal and pulmonary affections, also for diseases of liver and intestines.

Included among unapproved herbs by German Commission E, but it has been mentioned that the traditional use of sweet violet root as an expectorant for the respiratory tract is well documented.

The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recognizes expectorant activity of the leaf.

The flowers (var. maxima) are a source of rutoside. The flowers also contain anthocyanin, violanin chloride, which on hydrolysis yields glucose, delphinidin, rhamnose and p- coumaric acid. High content of tocopherol is also reported from flowers.

Dried flowers contain anthocyanin 4.0, total flavonoids 1.1, rutoside 0.4, mucilage 18, and ash 8.5%.

The leaves contain friedelin and beta-sitosterol.

The essential oil from the entire plant consists of methyl salicylate. A di- C-glycoside, violanthin, has been reported from the plant.... viola cinerea

Degeneration of nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord with reduced muscle activity. Disability comes without warning. Muscle wasting and weakness commences with hands and feet, rising upwards. It is believed that exposure to the polio virus in childhood increases the likelihood of developing MND. Bulbar palsy is one of the group with difficulties in talking and swallowing.

Symptoms. Slurred speech, muscle wastage, shortness of breath, difficult swallowing. The intellect is not affected. Bladder and bowel control are retained.

Treatment. There is no specific treatment. Black Cohosh gives added power to feeble nerve impulses. The husks of oats, Avena sativa, offers a strengthening nutrient containing tocopherol and protein for the debility. Ginkgo and Kola nuts are cerebral stimulants. Damiana (Curzon) has a tonic effect upon the central nervous system.

Tablet: Damiana, Kola, Saw Palmetto.

Tinctures. Combine – Ginkgo 3; Avena sativa 2; Damiana 1; Black Cohosh half. Dose: 2-4ml (30-60 drops), in water.

Evening Primrose oil: of value in rehabilitation of the patient.

Note: Treatment should be supervised by a neurologist whose training prepares him/her to recognise serious illness and to integrate herbal treatment safely into the treatment plan.

Diet. Gluten-free. Low animal fats, high unsaturated fats, low sugars: give preference to honey. Avoid beer, sweetened bottled fruit juices.

Supplements. To make good possible vitamin and mineral deficiencies; directed towards regeneration of wasted nerve cells. Multivitamin capsule/tablet containing the B group, but the Vitamin B12 (10mcg thrice daily) should be taken separately. Magnesium relieves chronic nervous fatigue. Zinc contributes to motor neurone health. Amino acids, including L-leucine to restore the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) to slow down degeneration.

Cases have been known to evolve from physical injury or trauma, such as falling downstairs, in which case the use of the homoeopathic remedy Arnica might be indicated.

Aluminium. Aluminium is suspect in playing an etiological role in the onset of MND. As a precautionary measure aluminium anti-perspirants, antacids and cooking vessels are best avoided.

Supportives. Deep-breathing exercises. A range of communication aids are available under the National Health Service, England.

Information. Motor Neurone Disease Association, PO Box 246, Northampton NN1 2PR, UK. ... motor neurone disease (mnd)

(PD). Paralysis agitans. First described by James Parkinson, 1817. His description is as apt today as when it appeared in his book “Essay on the Shaking Palsy”. He wrote: “It is characterised by involuntary tremulous motion, with lessened muscular power in parts not in action and even when supported. There is a tendency to bend the trunk forward and to pass from a walking to a running pace. The senses and intellect are uninjured.”

Added to the above are:– muscular rigidity, loss of reflexes, drooling – escape of saliva from the mouth. Muscles of the face are stiff giving a fixed expression, the back presents a bowed posture. The skin is excessively greasy and the patient is unable to express emotional feelings. Loss of blinking. Pin- rolling movement of thumb and forefinger.

Causes: degeneration of groups of nerve cells deep within the brain which causes a lack of neurotransmitting chemical, dopamine. Chemicals such as sulphur used by agriculture, drugs and the food industry are suspected. Researchers have found an increase in the disease in patients born during influenza pandemics.

Treatment. While cure is not possible, a patient may be better able to combat the condition with the help of agents that strengthen the brain and nervous system.

Tea. Equal parts: Valerian, Passion flower, Mistletoe. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup water; bring to boil; simmer 1 minute; dose: half-1 cup 2-3 times daily.

Gotu Kola tea. (CNS stimulant).

Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Cramp bark, Ginseng, Prickly Ash, Valerian.

Formula. Ginkgo 2; Black Cohosh 1; Motherwort 2; Ginger 1. Mix. Dose. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 1-3 teaspoons in water or honey. Fava Bean Tea.

Case report. Two patients unresponsive to Levodopa treatment reported improvement following meals of fresh broad beans. (Vicia faba) The beans contain levodopa in large amounts. (Parkinson Disease Update Vol 8, No 66, p186, Medical Publications, PO Box 24622-H, Philadelphia, USA) See also: BROAD BEANS. L-DOPA.

Nacuna Pruriens. Appropriate. Essential active constituent: L-dopa. (Medicinal plants and Traditional Medicine in Africa, by Abayomi Sofowora, Pub: John Wiley)

Practitioner. To reduce tremor: Tincture Hyoscyamus BP. To reduce spasm: Tincture Belladonna BP. To arrest drooling: Tincture Stramonium BP.

Diet. It is known that people who work in manganese factories in Chile may develop Parkinson’s disease after the age of 30. Progress of the disease is arrested on leaving the factory. Two items of diet highest in manganese are wheat and liver which should be avoided, carbohydrates in place of wheat taking the form of rice and potatoes.

Supplements. Daily: B-complex, B2, B6, niacin. C 200mg to reduce side-effects of Levodopa. Vitamin E 400iu to possibly reduce rigidity, tremors and loss of balance.

Treatment of severe nerve conditions should be supervised by neurologists and practitioners whose training prepares them to recognise serious illness and to integrate herbal and supplementary intervention safely into the treatment plan.

Antioxidants. Evidence has been advanced showing how nutritional antioxidants, high doses of Vitamin C and E, can retard onset of the disease, delaying the use of Levodopa for an average of 2 and a half years. (Fahn S., High Dose Alpha-tocopherol and ascorbate in Early Parkinson’s Disease – Annals of Neurology, 32-S pp128-132 1992)

For support and advice: The Parkinson’s Disease Society, 22 Upper Woburn Place, London WC1H 0RA, UK. Send SAE. ... parkinson’s disease