R. Br.Synonym: V. tessellata G. Don.Family: Orchidaceae.
Habitat: From Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal, extending southwards to Kerala.
Ayurvedic: Raasnaa (used in Eastern India). Pluchea lanceolata is the accepted source of Raasnaa.Throughout South India Alpinia galanga is used as Raasnaa.Folk: Baandaa-Raasnaa.
Action: Roots—antipyretic, antiinflammatory, tranquilizer, tonic to liver, laxative. Used in rheumatism, lumbago, inflammations; diseases of the nervous system; diseases of the abdomen, dyspepsia; bronchitis, chest diseases. Roots form a constituent of medicated oils, used externally on rheumatic swellings and neurological affections. Root is also used in the treatment of fractures.
Petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts of the root showed anti-inflammatory activity in rats. Ethanolic extract of the root also showed hepatoprotective activity in albino mice.The root yielded tetracosyl feru- late and beta-sitosterol D-glucoside. Petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts of the root showed 54.3, 42.1 and 21.9% anti-inflammatory activity at a dose of 0.5 g/kg in rats. Heptacosane, octacosanol and traces of their higher homologues, a bitter principle, saponin, beta-sitosterol and tannins were isolated from the plant.... vanda roxburghii
Health Encyclopedia