Zi Health Dictionary

A metal, several salts of which are used in medicine for external application. It is essential for growth and development in animals and plants. The average human body contains a total of 1– 2 grams, and most human diets contain 10–15 mg. In human beings, de?ciency of zinc results in lack of growth, slow sexual development and ANAEMIA. De?ciency is also associated with a skin disorder known as acrodermatitis enteropathica.

Uses Zinc chloride is a powerful caustic and astringent which, combined with zinc sulphate, is used as an astringent mouthwash. Zinc sulphate is also used in the form of eyedrops in the treatment of certain forms of conjunctivitis (see under EYE, DISORDERS OF).

Zinc oxide, zinc stearate, and zinc carbonate are made up in dusting powders, in ointments, in paste bandages or suspended in water as lotions for the astringent action they exert upon abraded surfaces of the skin. Zinc and castor oil ointment of the British Pharmacopoeia is a well-tried treatment for nappy rash.

Zinc undecenoate is used as an ointment and as a dusting-powder in the treatment of RINGWORM.... zinc

An antiviral drug used to treat AIDS (see AIDS/ HIV) and its related conditions, such as pneumocystis PNEUMONIA. The drug slows down the growth of human immunode?ciency virus (HIV) but does not cure the disease. It may be given intravenously or by mouth. Also called AZT, zidovudine has been in use since 1987, and it works by blocking the ENZYME that stimulates HIV to grow and multiply. It may cause ANAEMIA so regular blood tests are necessary.... zidovudine

(Lam.) Gaertn. non-Mill.

Synonym: Z. mauritiana Lam. Rhamnus jujuba L.

Family: Rhamnaceae.

Habitat: Throughout India and in the outer Himalayas up to 1,350 m.

English: Indian Jujube, Common Jujube.

Ayurvedic: Badar, Kola.

Unani: Ber.

Siddha: Handai.

Action: Fruits—wild var.: astringent, anodyne, cooling, stomachic, styptic. Ripe and dry cultivated var.: mild laxative, expectorant. Seeds—antidiarrhoeal. Kernels— antispasmodic, sedative, antiemetic. Leaves—astringent and diaphoretic. Stem bark—astringent, used in diarrhoea. Root bark—juice purgative, externally applied to rheumatic inflammations and gout. Leaves and twigs—paste applied to abscesses, boils and carbuncles and in strangury.

Leaves gave protopine and berberine; exhibited anticholinergic activity. Fruits gave cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, Sisyphus saponins I, II and III; jujubo- side B and p-coumaroylates of alphi- tolic acid. Seeds gave saponins—juju- bosides A and B; the saponin yields the sapogenin—jujubogenin.

A variety grown in Haryana (Naazu- ka) contains sugars 10.5% and ascorbic acid 205 mg/100 g.

Dosage: Dried fruit pulp, devoid of seed—3-6 g; stem bark—3- 5 g powder, 10-20 g for decoction. (API, Vol. III.)... ziziphus jujuba

An ingredient of many skin preparations that has a mild astringent action and a soothing effect. Zinc oxide is used to treat painful, itchy, or moist skin conditions and to ease the pain caused by haemorrhoids and insect bites or stings. It also blocks the ultraviolet rays of the sun (see sunscreens).... zinc oxide

Linn.

Family: Bombacaceae.

Habitat: Native to Malaysia; cultivated in South India for its edible fruit, in lower elevations of the Nilgiris and some parts of the West Coast.

English: Durian, Civet Fruit.

Folk: Durio

Action: Fruit—reduces lethality of alcohol. Leaves and roots—used in a prescriptions for fever. Leaves— used in medicinal bath during fever. Fruit-walls—used externally for skin diseases. Ashes of the skin— given after childbirth.

The edible pulp of the fruit contains about 12% total sugars and an equal amount of starch; crude protein 2.8, fat 3.9, total carbohydrates 34.1, mineral matter 1.2%; carotene 20, vitamin C 25 mg/100 g.

The seeds are edible like chestnuts after roasting.... durio zibethinus

(Linn.) Nash.

Synonym: Andropogon muricatus Retz.

A. squarrosus Hook. f. (non L. f.).

Family: Gramineae; Poaceae.

Habitat: A perennial grass, cultivated chiefly in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh., Punjab and the West Coast.

English: Vetiver, Khas.

Ayurvedic: Ushira, Bahu-muulaka, Sugandhimuula, Jataamedaa, Indragupta, Nalada, Laamajjaka, Sevya, Samagandhaka, Jalavaasa, Virana, Aadhya.

Unani: Cuscus, Khas

Siddha: Vettiver, Vilamichaver.

Action: Root—infusion used as refrigerant, febrifuge, diaphoretic; stimulant, stomachic, antispasmod- ic, emmenagogue, astringent, blood purifier. Used in fevers, colic, flatulence, vomiting, spermatorrhoea and strangury. Root oil—used in obstinate vomiting, colic and flatulence.

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommend the root in dysuria.

Major constituents of North Indian laevorotatory oil, (obtained from wild roots) are antipodal terpenoids, while those of South Indian dextrorotatory oils (obtained from cultivated roots) are sesquiterpene ketones and alcohols.

The North India Khas oil contains large amounts of khusilal, other ses- quiterpenes include khusol, khusimol, khusitone, cadinene and laevojuneol. The South Indian Khas oil constituents are largely nootkatone, vestipiranes and substances of tricyclic zizaane structure. Khusilal is absent in typical dextrorotatory Khas oils.

The oils from other producing countries are found to be dextrorotatory similar to that from South India.

Dosage: Fibrous root—3-6 g for infusion. (API, Vol. III.)... vetiveria zizaniodes

(American) Goddess of the sky Ziarr, Zyarre, Zyarr... ziarre

(Armenian) Resembling a rainbow Ziazann, Zyazan, Zyazann... ziazan

(Hungarian) A Gypsy girl Ziganah, Zygana, Zigane, Ziganna, Zigannah, Zyganna, Zygannah, Zyganah... zigana

(Native American) One who spins Zihnah, Zyhna, Zyhnah... zihna

(Hebrew) A shady woman; a shadow Zilyas, Zylias, Zylyas... zilias

(Hebrew) The shadowed one Zilla, Zila, Zyla, Zylla, Zilah, Zylah, Zyllah... zillah

(Hebrew) One who is frail but dignified; in the Bible, a concubine of Jacob Zilpa, Zylpa, Zilpha, Zylpha, Zylpah, Zilphah, Zylphah... zilpah

(Russian) Form of Theresa, meaning “a harvester” Zilyah, Zylya, Zylyah... zilya

(African) Woman from Zimbabwe Zymbab, Zimbob, Zymbob... zimbab

(Hebrew) Song of praise Zimrah, Zimria, Zemira, Zemora, Zamora, Zamira, Zymria, Zamyra... zimra

(Hebrew) My field, my vine Zimzie, Zimzee, Zimzea, Zimzeah, Zimzey, Zimzy... zimzi

(African / English) A secret spirit / welcoming

Zinah, Zyna, Zynah, Zine, Zineh... zina

(Arabic) A decoration; graceful beauty Zeenat, Zynat, Zienat, Zeinat, Zeanat... zinat

(Incan) One who is dearly loved Zinchitah, Zinchyta, Zinchytah, Zincheeta, Zincheetah, Zinchieta, Zinchietah, Zincheita, Zincheitah, Zincheata, Zincheatah... zinchita

(Celtic / Russian) One who is fair; pale / one who is wise Zinervah, Zynerva, Zynervah... zinerva

(Latin) A brilliant, showy, rayed flower

Zinia, Zinna, Zinya, Zeenia, Zynia, Zynya, Zinniah, Ziniah... zinnia

(Native American) Resembling a bird that walks... zintka mani

(Native American) Resembling a bird

Zintkalah, Zintkalla, Zintkallah, Zyntkala, Zyntkalah, Zyntkallah, Zyntkalla... zintkala

(Native American) Resembling a flying bird Zintkalah Kinyan, Zintkalla Kinyan, Zintkallah Kinyan, Zyntkala Kinyan, Zyntkalah Kinyan, Zyntkallah Kinyan, Zyntkalla Kinyan... zintkala kinyan

Roxb.

Synonym: Z. montanum (Koen.) Link ex. A. Dietr. Z. purpureum Rosc.

Family: Zingiberaceae.

Habitat: Wild throughout India, also cultivated in tropical parts of India.

English: Cassumunar Ginger.

Ayurvedic: Vanardraka, Peja, Peyu, Aardikaa, Shringaberikaa.

Folk: Adarakhi, Bana-adarakhi.

Action: Rhizome—carminative, stimulant, antispasmodic. Used for diarrhoea and colic.

The occurance of an active diastase in the rhizome has been reported.

The enzyme resembles in its activity with alpha-amylase of Aspergillus oryzae. The rhizome gave an essential oil consisting of terpinen-4-ol (about 35%); other constituents are alpha- and beta-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, terpinene, limonene, p-cymene and terpinolene. The fresh rhizomes contain phenyl butenoic dimers, along with cyclohexane derivatives. Hex- ane extract of the rhizome contained (E)-4-(3'4'-dimethoxyphenyl)-but-3- en-l-ol, known as compound D. Compound D showed antispasmodic effect on guinea-pig ileum and tracheal smooth muscle, also a dose-related uterine relaxant effect in situ in non- pregnant rats; in pregnant rats the response varied with the period of pregnancy. Aqueous extract of the rhizome showed smooth muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory activity Antioxi- dant activity was found to be more intense than that of known curcum- inoid antioxidants. It is attributed to cassumunin A.... zingiber cassumunar

Rose. ex.Sm.

Synonym: Z. spurium Koen. Amomum spurium Gmel. A. sylvestre Poir.

Habitat: Throughout India from the Himalayas, southwards. Cultivated in Asian tropics.

English: Zerumbet Ginger.

Ayurvedic: Mahaabhari-vachaa (also equated with Alpinia galanga), Sthula-granthi (also equated with Alpinia speciosa). Source of Martinique Ginger, used as Shunthi in Indian medicine.

Unani: Narkachoor, Zarambaad. (Curcuma caesia is also equated with Narkachoor.)

Folk: Karrallamu (Telugu).

Action: Rhizomes—used for cough, asthma; colic; intestinal worms, and in leprosy and skin diseases. Oil— antiseptic.

The rhizome contains several flavo- noid glycosides and curcumin.

The oil of Zerumbet contains about 13% monoterpenes and several ses- quiterpenes of which humulene and zerumbone are major constituents. The major constituent of monoter- penes is camphene. Unlike the oil of Z. officinale, Zerumbet oil does not contain any methyl heptanone; instead, it contains camphor.

Zerumbone inhibits the growth of Micrococcus pyogenes var. aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Indian samples contain only 37.5% of zerumbone, while those from Fiji 58.7, Vietnam 72.3 and Tahiti 65.3%.... zingiber zerumbet

(Native American) Resembling a songbird Zintkalah Lowansa, Zintkalla Lowansa, Zintkallah Lowansa, Zyntkala Lowansa, Zyntkalah Lowansa, Zyntkallah Lowansa, Zyntkalla Lowansa... zintkala lowansa

(Native American) Resembling a bluebird... zintkato

(African) One who is aware Zinyezah, Zynyeza, Zynyezah... zinyeza

(Hebrew) One who symbolizes goodness

Zionah, Zyona, Zyonah... ziona

(Hebrew) A beauty; little bird; in the Bible, the wife of Moses Zippora, Ziporah, Zipora, Zypora, Zyppora, Ziproh, Zipporia... zipporah

(African) The pathway Zirah, Zirra, Zirrah, Zyra, Zyrah, Zyrra, Zyrrah... zira

(Native American) From the water Ziracuni, Ziracunie, Ziracuney, Ziracunee, Ziracunea, Ziracuneah, Zyracuny, Zyracuni, Zyracuni, Zyracunee, Zyracuney, Zyracunea, Zyracuneah... ziracuny

(Hebrew) One who is sweet Zissel, Zisal, Zysel, Zysal, Zyssel, Zissal, Zyssal... zisel

(Latin / Spanish) Patron of housewives and servants / little rose Zitah, Zeeta, Zyta, Zeetah, Zytah, Zieta, Zietah, Zeita, Zeitah, Zeata, Zeatah... zita

(Slavic) To live famously Zitomirah, Zytomira, Zitomeera, Zitomyra, Zytomyra, Zytomirah, Zitomeerah, Zytomeera, Zytomeerah... zitomira

(Hebrew) One who is bright, radiant; splendor

Zivah, Zivia, Ziv, Zeeva, Zivi, Zyva, Zivanka... ziva

(Swahili) Woman of the lake Ziwah, Zywa, Zywah... ziwa

Rosc.

Family: Zingiberaceae.

Habitat: Native to Southeast Asia; now cultivated mainly in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra.

English: Ginger.

Ayurvedic: Fresh rhizome— Aardraka, Aadrikaa, Shrngibera, shrngavera, Katubhadra. Dried rhi- zome—Shunthi, Naagara, Naagaraa, Naagaraka, Aushadha, Mahaushad- ha, Vishvaa, Vishvabheshaja, Vishvaaushadha.

Unani: Fresh rhizome—Zanjabeel- e-Ratab, Al-Zanjabeel. Dried rhizome—zanjabeel, Zanjabeel-e- yaabis.

Siddha: Fresh rhizome—Inji, Allam, Lokottai. Dried rhizome— chukku, Sunthi.

Action: Rhizome—antiemetic, antiflatulent, hypocholesterolaemic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, expectorant, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, increases bioavailabil- ity of prescription drugs. Used for irritable bowel and diarrhoea, colds and influenza. Showed encouraging results in migraine and cluster headache (J Ethnophar- macol, 1990, 29, 267-273; Aust J Med Herbalism, 1995, 7/3, 6978; Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.) The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends dried rhizomes in dyspepsia, loss of appetite, tympanitis, anaemia, rheumatism, cough and dyspnoea; fresh rhizomes in constipation, colic, oedema and throat infections.

Key application: For dyspepsia and prevention of motion sickness (German Commission E); vomiting of pregnancy, anorexia, bronchitis and rheumatic complaints (The British Herbal Compendium); as a post-operative antiemetic. (ESCOP).

The rhizome contains an essential oil containing monoterpenes, mainly geranial and neral; and sesquiterpenes, mainly beta-sesquiphellandrene, beta- bisabolene, ar-curcumene and alpha- zingiberene; pungent principles, consisting of gingerols, shogaols and related phenolic ketone derivatives. Other constituents include diarylheptenones, diterpenes, gingesulphonic acid and monoacyldigalactosyl glycerols.

Gingerol and shogaol have been shown to suppress gastric contractions. Both fresh and dried rhizomes suppress gastric secretion and reduce vomiting. Gingerol and shogaol have gained importance due to their sedative, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, hypotensive and hepatopro- tective activities.

Cardiotonic effects of ginger has been attributed to 6-and 8-shagaols and gingerols. (Antithrombotic effects remain unconfirmed.) Antimigraine effect is due to ginger's ability to decrease platelet aggregation. It also acts as a potent inhibitor of prostaglandins which enhance release of substance P from trigeminal fibers. (PDR, 2004.)

Indian ginger is considered only second to Jamaican in quality.

There are three main types of Indian ginger—Cochin ginger (light brown or yellowish grey; Calicut ginger from Malabar (orange or reddish brown, resembling African ginger) and Kolkata ginger (greyish brown to greyish blue).... zingiber officinale

Hand.-Mazz.

Habitat: North-east India (as an aquatic grass). (It forms an important parat of the floating grass island in Logtak Lake, Manipur.) Cultivated in China.

English: Zizania.

Action: Clums, rhizomes, grains— used in China against anaemia and fevers, also for heart, kidney and liver affections. The herb exhibits diuretic activity; leaves are rich in vitamin C (142 mg/100 g).... zizania caduciflora

(Hungarian) Dedicated to God Zeezee, Zyzy, Ziezie, Zeazea, Zeyzey... zizi

(Slavic) In mythology, the goddess of love and sexuality

Zezilia, Zizila, Zezila, Zyzilia, Zyzila... zizilia

See zygote intrafallopian transfer.... zift

an antibiotic effective against a number of microorganisms. Combined with polymyxin B, it is applied externally to treat infections of the skin and eyes.... bacitracin zinc

an acid-fast *carbol fuchsin stain used specifically for identifying the tubercle bacillus. [F. Ziehl (1857–1926), German bacteriologist; F. K. A. Neelsen (1854–94), German pathologist]... ziehl–neelsen stain

(Burm. f) Wight & Arn.

Synonym: Z. rotundifolia Lam. Rhamnus nummularia Burm. f.

Family: Rhamnaceae.

English: Wild Jujube.

Ayurvedic: Karkandhu.

Unani: Jharber, Sadarber.

Action: Fruit—cooling and astringent. Prescribed for bilious affections. Leaves—used in scabies and other skin diseases.

The root bark contains 12% of tannin and cyclopeptide alkaloids—num- mularines A, B and C, mucronine D and amphibine H. The leaves contain ascorbic acid. Nummularine M, R and S, besides frangufoline have been isolated from the stem bark. Num- mularine R and S showed antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, while frangufoline was active against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The alkaloid fraction, obtained from the bark, showed significant analgesic activity.... ziziphus nummularia

Mill.

Synonym: Rhamnus oenoplia L.

Family: Rhamnaceae.

Habitat: North India and both the Peninsulas.

English: Jackal Jujube.

Ayurvedic: Laghu-badara, Shrgaala- badari.

Siddha/Tamil: Soorai.

Action: Fruits—stomachic. Root— given for hyperacidity and ascaris infection.

Stem bark and root bark contain cy- clopeptide alkaloids—zizyphines A, B, C, D, E, F and G, and zizyphinine. The bark contains 12% tannin.

Aerial parts exhibit diuretic and hy- potensive activity.... ziziphus oenoplia

Lam.

Siddha/Tamil: Charai Kattu Ilandai, Kottaimaram, Todari.

Folk: Churnaa, Sekaraa (Bihar); Torana (Gujarat).

Action: Bark—astringent, an- tidiarrhoeal. Flowers—used in prescriptions for menorrhagia. Stem and fruit—hypotensive.

The bark contains vanillic acid, be- tulin, betulinic acid, kaempferol, quer- cetin, myricetin, apigenin and apige- nin-7-O-glucoside. The bark also contains several N-formyl cyclopeptide alkaloids.

The triterpene saponins isolated from the bark showed CNS depressant, tranquilizing and analgesic activity in albino rats and produced no hepato- toxicity. The cyclopeptide alkaloids of the plant show antibacterial as well as antifungal activity.... ziziphus rugosa

Roxb.

Synonym: Z. glabrata Heyne ex Roth.

Family: Rhamnaceae.

Habitat: Gujarat, Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and Kerala at low elevations.

English: Jagged Jujube.

Siddha/Tamil: Karakattam.

Action: Leaf—depurative; employed to purify blood and as an alterative in chronic venereal affections.

Habitat: Lac host in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

Ayurvedic: Ghontaa, Ghonta-Phala. (Rangeeni lac is recovered from the tree.)

Siddha: Kottei. Kombarakku (lac).

Action: Astringent.

Fruit contains catechol-type tannins (8-12%), bark contains 7.2% tannins.

Alcoholic extract of the bark possesses anti-nociceptive, anti-convul- sant and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant contains alkaloids, am- phibine H and nummularine K. Both the alkaloids showed significant antimicrobial activity.

Host plant of Laccifer sp. (L. indicola Kapur, synonym L. indica Misra and L. jhansiensis Misra) is Z. mauri- tiana Lam. in Bihar and Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh). Lac is styptic, used in hae- matemesis; promotes tissue regeneration and wound healing. Applied to carries and diseased dentition.... ziziphus trinervia

a combination of severe *hyperlipidaemia, haemolytic *anaemia, and *jaundice seen in susceptible individuals drinking alcohol to excess. [L. Zieve (1915–2000), US physician]... zieve’s syndrome

a mosquito-borne virus that usually causes mild symptoms in humans, including fever, skin rashes, muscle and joint pain, and headache. However, infection during pregnancy can result in brain abnormalities of the fetus, notably *microcephaly. Zika virus can also trigger *Guillain–Barré syndrome. Infection is usually from a mosquito bite, although the virus may also be transmitted by sexual intercourse.... zika virus

a preparation used in the treatment of proven zinc deficiency.... zinc sulphate

(zinc undecylenate) an antifungal agent with uses similar to those of *undecenoic acid.... zinc undecenoate