Habitat: Damp woods and other shady places.
Features ? This is, perhaps, best known of all wild plants, with its long-stalked, heart- shaped leaves, and delicate, characteristically-scented and coloured flowers.Part used ? Leaves and flowers.Action: Antiseptic and expectorant.
Remarkable claims have been made for violet leaves in the treatment of malignant tumours. The case of Lady Margaret Marsham, of Maidstone, was reported in the Daily Mail for November 14th, 1901. This lady, suffering from cancer of the throat, used an infusion, which was left to stand for twelve hours, of a handful of fresh violet leaves to a pint ofboiling water. After a fortnight of warm fomentations with this liquid the growth was said to have disappeared.The same newspaper, under date March 18th, 1905, told its readers that violet leaves as a cure for cancer were advocated in the current issue of the Lancet, where a remarkable case was reported by Dr. William Gordon, M.D. Such accounts as these, although interesting, should be read with considerable reserve.... violetSodium valproate has widespread metabolic effects and may have dose-related side-effects. There has been concern over severe hepatic or pancreatic toxicity, but such adverse effects are rare. Other adverse effects include digestive upsets, drowsiness, muscle incoordination and skin rashes. Rare reports have been given of behavioural disturbances, with occasional aggression. Initiation and withdrawal of treatment should always be slow. Patients should reduce their alcohol intake; any other drugs they are taking that are metabolised by the liver should be carefully monitored.... sodium valproate
Habitat: Found in many damp places such as low-lying meadows and woods, about the banks of rivers and lakes, and in marshy, swampy ground generally.
Features ? A handsome plant, growing from two to four feet and more high, whose stalks are round, thick, furrowed, and of a pale greenish colour. The leaves are pinnate with lance-shaped leaflets, growing opposite each other from the stem. The pink-white flowers (June to August) blossom in large tufts at the stalk head. A sweetish, disagreeable taste and unpleasant characteristic odour are given from the short, thick, greyish, many-fibred rootstock, which is the part used medicinally.Action: Nervine and antispasmodic.
Valerian promotes sleep and is much valued in hysteria, neuralgia and nervous debility, especially when combined with Scullcap, Mistletoe and Vervain. An infusion of 1 ounce to 1 pint of boiling water is taken in wineglass doses three or four times daily. Larger doses should not be taken.... valerian(2) The process by which air is puri?ed and circulated in domestic, occupational, industrial, and other settings. Ideally, the air we breathe should be of the right temperature and humidity, and free of dust, smoke, pollen, and other contaminants. Ventilation aims to produce such an atmosphere. Air-conditioning is frequently used in hospitals, o?ces, and other
public places. Special ?lters may be used to reduce the risk of airborne infections and allergies (see ALLERGY), but poorly maintained and contaminated systems may result in outbreaks of serious disorders, such as LEGIONNAIRE’S DISEASE. Sterilisation of air is rarely required, but ultraviolet light is sometimes used to kill pathogenic organisms. (See also ASTHMA; BRONCHITIS; HUMIDIFICATION.)... ventilation
Most experiments are carried out on specially bred mice and rats. Fewer than 1 per cent are done on cats, dogs, non-human primates, farm animals, frogs, ?sh and birds. Control on experiments has recently been strengthened.
The great majority of animal experiments are done without anaesthesia because feeding experiments, taking blood, or giving injections does not require anaesthetics in animals any more than in humans. Universities in Britain are responsible for fewer than one-?fth of animal experiments; commercial concerns and government institutions are responsible for most of the rest. Tests on cosmetics account for under 1 per cent of all animal work, but are necessary because such materials are often applied with great frequency – and for a long time – to the skin of adults and infants.
The use of tissue cultures and computer models instead of live animals are methods of research and investigation that are being increasingly used. There is, however, a limit to the extent to which infection, cancer, or drugs can be investigated on cultures of tissue cells. Computerised or mathematical modelling of experiments is probably the most promising line of development.... vivisection
Causes Vomiting is brought about by stimulation of this nervous centre, and in most cases this is e?ected through sensations derived from the stomach itself. Thus, of the drugs which cause vomiting, some act only after being absorbed into the blood and carried to the brain, although most are irritants to the mucous membrane of the stomach (see EMETICS); various diseases of the stomach, such as cancer, ulcer and food poisoning act in a similar way. Stimulation – not only of the nerves of the stomach, but also of those supplying other abdominal organs – produces vomiting; thus in obstruction of the bowels, peritonitis, gall-stone colic, renal colic, and even in some women during pregnancy, vomiting is a prominent symptom.
Severe emotional shock may cause vomiting, as may acute anxiety and unpleasant experiences such as seeing an accident, suffering severe pain or travel sickness.
Direct disturbance of the brain itself is a cause: for example, a blow on the head, a cerebral tumour, a cerebral abscess, meningitis. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that may arise from local disease of the gastrointestinal tract, but they are also associated with systemic illness – for example, DIABETES MELLITUS or kidney failure (see KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF) – and also with disturbances of labyrinthine function, such as motion sickness and acute labyrinthitis.
Treatment The cause of the vomiting must be sought and treatment directed towards this. Symptomatic treatment for vomiting can be dangerous since accurate diagnosis of the cause may be hindered. If antinauseant drug treatment is indicated, the choice of drug depends on the cause of the vomiting.
Granisetron and ondansetron are 5hydroxytryptamine (5HT3) antagonists valuable in the treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by cytotoxic CHEMOTHERAPY or RADIOTHERAPY and prevention and treatment of post-operative nausea and vomiting. Prochlorperazine is valuable in the treatment of severe nausea, vomiting, VERTIGO and disorders of the LABYRINTH of the EAR, although extrapyramidal symptoms may occur, particularly in children, elderly and debilitated patients.
Vomiting may occur after surgical operations and this is due to the combined effects of analgesics, anaesthetic agents and the psychological stress of operation. Various drugs can be used to prevent or stop post-operative vomiting.
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in pregnancy. Drugs are best avoided in this situation as they may damage the developing FETUS. Simple measures, such as the taking of food before getting up in the morning and reassurance, are often all that is necessary.... vomiting
Treatment. Because of plastic surgery deformities are now seldom seen, yet herbalism may still have a case in the absence of conventional drugs.
Teas. Elecampane. Gotu Kola.
Red Clover compound.
Arthur Barker. Liquid Extract Echinacea 1oz; Liquid Extract Queen’s Delight half an ounce; Tincture Goldenseal 30 drops. Syr Senna 2oz. Distilled, or pure spring water to 8oz. Dose: 1 dessertspoon after meals.
Topical. Marshmallow and Slippery Elm poultices or ointment. Oil of Mullein. Aloe Vera. Castor oil packs. ... lupus vulgaris
Habitat: The alpine Himalayas of Sikkim, Nepal, the adjoining parts of southern Tibet, between altitudes of 3,000 m and 4,800 m. Ayurvedic: Prativishaa, Shyaamkan- daa, Patis. Folk: Bikhamaa.
Action: Root—antiemetic, antidiar- rhoeal, antirheumatic, antiperiodic.
The root contains diterpenoid alkaloids and a nitrogenous non-alkaloid compound, benzamide. Alkaloids include vakognavine, palmatisine, vaka- tisine, vakatisinine and vakatidine.The root is intensely bitter, like quinine, is used with Piper longum for diarrhoea and vomiting; used externally as an application for rheumatism.... aconitum violaceumA researcher has suggested a link between the vaccine and AUTISM, but massive studies of children with and without this condition in several countries have failed to ?nd any evidence to back the claim. Nonetheless, the publicity war has been largely lost by the UK health departments so that vaccine rates have dropped to a worryingly low level.
(See IMMUNISATION.)... mmr vaccine
The organs from which the portal vein collects the blood are the large and small intestines, the stomach, spleen, pancreas, and gall-bladder.... portal vein
In cases of prolongation of the ?rst stage of labour, the ventouse may be used to accelerate dilatation of the cervix – provided that the cervix is already su?ciently dilated to allow application of the cup. The ventouse cannot be applied to the breech or face; in urgent cases of fetal distress the operation takes too long, and forceps delivery is preferred. There is some doubt about its safety when used on premature babies; many obstetricians feel that forceps delivery reduces the risk of intracranial haemorrhage. The vacuum extractor, while resulting in a slower delivery than when forceps are used, has a lower risk of damage to the mother’s birth canal. (See PREGNANCY AND LABOUR – Some complications of labour.)... vacuum extractor
5: VITAMINS).... vegetarianism
(e.g. from pressure by a tumour) can be detected.... ventriculography
Verah, Veera, Verra, Viera, Vira, Veira, Vyra, Vere, Vara, Verla, Verka, Verasha, Vjera... vera
Habitat: Waste places and on roadsides, particularly near buildings.
Features ? The tough, wiry, quadrangular, many-branched stem averages eighteeninches high. Roughish, pinnately-lobed, serrate leaves grow distantly and opposite in pairs ; the upper ones clasp the stem. while the lower ones are stalked. Small, light lilac-coloured flowers bloom in May, along thin, wiry spikes. Very bitter in taste, a slightly aromatic odour is given off when rubbed.Action: Nervine, tonic, emetic and sudorific.
The herb was held in high repute by those who brought the Thomsonian system to this country. Coffin, writing ninety years ago, says ? "As an emetic it ranks next to lobelia ; it is also one of the strongest sweating medicines in nature. It is good for colds, coughs and pain in the head, and some years ago was highly esteemed as a remedy for consumption. As an emetic it supersedes the use of antimony and ipecacuanha, to both of which it is superior, since it not only produces all the good effects ascribed to the others, but it operates without any of the dangerous consequences that ever attend the use of antimonial preparations, and cramps, and even death have been known to follow their use. . . . Vervain will relieve and cure those complaints in children which generally accompany teething; it likewise destroys worms. Administered as a tea, it powerfully assists the pains of labour ; as a diuretic it increases the urinary discharge."The ounce to pint infusion is now used, and taken in wineglass doses. As a nervine, Scullcap and Valerian are usually added.... vervain(2) A penis-shaped, battery-driven device used by women to attain sexual stimulation and climax.... vibrator
Pathway of light from the eye to the brain Light enters the EYE by passing through the transparent cornea, then through the aqueous humour ?lling the anterior chamber. It then passes through the pupil, through the lens and the vitreous to reach the retina. In the retina, the rod and cone photoreceptors detect light and relay messages in the form of electrochemical impulses through the various layers of the retina to the nerve ?bres. The nerve ?bres carry messages via the optic nerve, optic chiasma, optic tract, lateral geniculate body and ?nally the optic radiations to the visual cortex.
Here in the visual cortex these messages are interpreted. It is therefore the visual cortex of the BRAIN that ‘sees’.
Visual acuity Two points will not be seen as two unless they are separated by a minimum distance. This distance is such that the objects are so far apart that the lines joining them to the eye enclose between them (subtend) an angle of at least one minute of a degree. This amount of separation allows the images of the two points to fall on two separate cones (if the light from two points falls on one cone, the two points would be seen as a single point). There are many tests of visual acuity. One of the more common is the Snellen test type. This is made up of many letters of di?erent size. By conventions the chart is placed 6 metres away from the patient. Someone able to see the lowest line at this distance has a visual acuity of 6/4. If they are only able to see the top letter they have 6/60 vision. ‘Normal’ vision is 6/6.
Colour vision ‘White light’ is made up of component colours. These can be separated by a prism, thereby producing a spectrum. The three cardinal colours are red, green, and blue; all other colours can be produced by a varying mixture of these three. Colour vision is a complex subject. The trichromat theory of colour vision suggests that there are three types of cones, each type sensitive to one of the cardinal colours. Colour perception is based on di?erential stimulation of these cone types. The opponent colour theory suggests that each cone type can generate signals of the opposite kind. Output from some cones can collaborate with the output from others or can inhibit the action of other cones. Colour perception results from these various complex interactions.
Defective colour vision may be hereditary or acquired, and can occur in the presence of normal visual acuity. HEREDITARY DEFECTIVE COLOUR VISION is more common in men (7 per cent of males) than women (0·5 per cent of females). Men are affected, but women convey the abnormal gene (see GENES) to their children. It occurs because one or more of the photopigments of the retina are abnormal, or the cones are damaged. Red-green colour defect is the most common. ACQUIRED DEFECTIVE COLOUR VISION is the result of disease of the cones or their connections in the retina, optic nerve or brain – for example, macular disease, optic neuritis. Col-our vision can be impaired but not lost as a result of corneal opaci?cation or cataract formation (see under EYE, DISORDERS OF).
TESTS OF COLOUR VISION These use specially designed numbers made of coloured dots surrounded by dots of confusing colour (e.g. plates).... vision
GVH disease can usually be prevented by administration of immunosuppressant drugs. If the disease develops, it can be treated with corticosteroid drugs and immunosuppressant drugs such as ciclosporin In some cases, however, it can be difficult to control.... graft-versus-host disease
Before the vaccine was generally available, Hib infection was a common cause of bacterial meningitis and epiglottitis in children.... hib vaccine
It usually results from thrombosis in the affected vein, and is more common in people who have glaucoma.
Retinal vein occlusion may cause visual disturbances, glaucoma, or blindness.... retinal vein occlusion
It is sometimes removed and used to bypass a blockage in blood vessels of the heart (see coronary artery bypass).... saphenous vein
The woman is given a course of fertility drugs to stimulate release of eggs from the ovary. This is followed by ultrasound scanning to check the eggs, which are collected by laparoscopy immediately before ovulation. They are then mixed with sperm in the laboratory. Two, or sometimes more, fertilized eggs are replaced into the uterus. If they become safely implanted in the uterine wall, the pregnancy usually continues normally.
Only about 1 in 10 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization achieves pregnancy at the 1st attempt, and many attempts may be needed before a successful pregnancy is achieved. Modifications of the technique, such as gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), are simpler and cheaper than the original method. in vivo Biological processes occurring within the body. (See also in vitro.)... in vitro fertilization
Varices develop as a consequence of portal hypertension.
Blood in the portal vein, passing from the intestines to the liver, meets resistance due to liver disease.
The increased blood pressure causes blood to be diverted into small veins in the walls of the oesophagus and stomach.
These veins may become distended and rupture, causing vomiting of blood and black faeces.
There are usually other symptoms of chronic liver disease.
To control acute bleeding, a balloon catheter may be passed into the oesophagus to press on the bleeding varices.
The varices may be treated with an intravenous injection of vasopressin and/or by injection, via an endoscope, of a sclerosant that seals off the affected veins.... oesophageal varices
The manoeuvre occurs naturally when an attempt is made to breathe out while holding the vocal cords tightly together.
This happens, for example, at the beginning of a sneeze.
When performed deliberately by pinching the nose and holding the mouth closed, the manoeuvre can prevent pressure damage to the eardrums (see barotrauma).... valsalva’s manoeuvre
Varices is the plural of varix.
A vein affected by varices is called a varicose vein.... varices
It is caused by an abnormally fast heart-rate due to serious heart disease, such as myocardial infarction or cardiomyopathy.
It may last for a few seconds or for several days.
Diagnosis is confirmed by ECG.
Emergency treatment is with defibrillation and an antiarrhythmic drug.... ventricular tachycardia
This may be due to various conditions such as certain adrenal tumours, polycystic ovary (see ovary, polycystic) and some other ovarian cysts, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia.... virilization
The visual fields normally extend outwards over an angle of about 90 degrees on either side of the midline of the face, but are more restricted above and below, especially if the eyes are deep-set or the eyebrows are prominent.
The visual fields of the 2 eyes overlap to a large extent, giving binocular vision.
Partial loss of the visual field may occur in glaucoma or stroke.... visual field
Vitamin A is absorbed by the body in the form of retinol. This is found in liver, fish-liver oils, egg yolk, dairy produce, and is added to margarines. Carotene, which the body converts into retinol, is found in various vegetables and fruits.
Vitamin A deficiency is rare in developed countries. In most cases, it is due to malabsorption. Vitamin A deficiency may also result from long-term treatment with certain lipid-lowering drugs. Deficiency is common in some developing countries due to poor diet. The first symptom of deficiency is night blindness, followed by dryness and inflammation of the eyes (see xerophthalmia), keratomalacia, and eventually blindness. Deficiency also causes reduced resistance to infection, dry skin, and, in children, stunted growth.
Prolonged excessive intake of vitamin A can cause headache, nausea, loss of appetite, skin peeling, hair loss, and irregular menstruation. In severe cases, the liver and spleen become enlarged. Excessive intake during pregnancy may cause birth defects. In infants, excessive intake may cause skull deformities, which disappear if the diet is corrected.
The drug tretinoin (a derivative of vitamin A) is used to treat severe acne.... vitamin a
The main dietary sources are fruits and vegetables. Considerable amounts of vitamin C are lost when foods are processed, cooked, or kept warm.
Mild deficiency of vitamin C may result from a serious injury or burn, major surgery, the use of oral contraceptives, fever, or continual inhalation of carbon monoxide (from traffic fumes or tobacco smoke). It may cause weakness, general aches, swollen gums, and nosebleeds. More serious deficiency is usually caused by a very restricted diet. Severe deficiency leads to scurvy and anaemia.
If the daily dose of vitamin C exceeds about 1g, it may cause nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, or kidney stones
(see calculi, urinary tract).... vitamin c
Good sources include oily fish, liver, and egg yolk; vitamin D is also added to margarines. In the body, vitamin D is synthesized by the action of ultraviolet light on a particular chemical in the skin.
Deficiency may occur in people with a poor diet, in premature infants, and in those deprived of sunlight. It can also result from malabsorption. Other causes include liver or kidney disorders and some genetic defects. Prolonged use of certain drugs, such as phenytoin, may also lead to deficiency. Deficiency in young children causes rickets; long-term deficiency in adults leads to osteomalacia.Excessive intake of vitamin D may lead to hypercalcaemia and abnormal calcium deposits in the soft tissues, kidneys, and blood vessel walls.
In children, it may cause growth retardation.... vitamin d
The vitreous humour consists almost entirely of water.... vitreous humour
Dietary deficiency is rare; deficiency is most common in people with malabsorption, certain liver disorders, and in premature infants. It leads to the destruction of red blood cells, which eventually leads to anaemia. In infants, deficiency causes irritability and oedema.
Prolonged excessive intake of vitamin E may cause abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhoea.
It may also reduce intestinal absorption of vitamins A, D, and K.... vitamin e
Dietary deficiency rarely occurs.
Deficiency may develop in people with malabsorption, certain liver disorders, or chronic diarrhoea.
It may also result from prolonged treatment with antibiotics.
Newborns lack the intestinal bacteria that produce vitamin K and are routinely given supplements to prevent deficiency.
Vitamin K deficiency may cause nosebleeds and bleeding from the gums, intestine, and urinary tract.
In rare, severe cases, brain haemorrhage may result.
Excessive intake of vitamin K is not known to cause harmful effects.... vitamin k
Treatment is by manipulation back into position of any displaced bones, followed, if necessary, by surgical restoration of blood flow in the forearm.
If there is permanent deformity, physiotherapy may help to restore function.... volkmann’s contracture
Treatment depends on the cause. A combination of drugs applied to the vulva and good hygiene is usually recommended. A biopsy may be taken, if there are skin changes, to exclude the slight possibility of vulval cancer. (See also vulvovaginitis; vaginitis.)... vulvitis
walking Movement of the body by lifting the feet alternately and bringing 1 foot into contact with the ground before the other starts to leave it. A person’s gait is determined by body shape, size, and posture. The age at which children first walk varies enormously.
Walking is controlled by nerve signals from the brain’s motor cortex (see cerebrum), basal ganglia, and cerebellum that travel via the spinal cord to the muscles. Abnormal gait may be caused by joint stiffness, muscle weakness (sometimes due to conditions such as poliomyelitis or muscular dystrophy), or skeletal abnormalities (see, for example, talipes; hip, congenital dislocation of; scoliosis; bone tumour; arthritis). Children may develop knock-knee or bowleg; synovitis of the hip and Perthes’ disease are also common. Adolescents may develop a painful limp due to a slipped epiphysis (see femoral epiphysis, slipped) or to fracture or disease of the tibia, fibula or femur.
Abnormal gait may also be the result of neurological disorders such as stroke (commonly resulting in hemiplegia), parkinsonism, peripheral neuritis, multiple sclerosis, various forms of myelitis, and chorea.
Ménière’s disease may cause severe loss of balance and instability.... vulvovaginitis
Habitat: Throughout India, up to an altitude of 1,300 m.
English: Malabar Nut, Vasaca.Ayurvedic: Vaasaa, Vaasaka, Vaasikaa, Simhaasya, Simhaparni, Simhavadanaa, Vaajidanta, Vrisha, Aataruushaka.Unani: Arusaa.Siddha/Tamil: Aadaathodai.Folk: Vasaakaa.Action: Expectorant (used in bronchial, asthmatic and pulmonary affections), antispasmodic, febrifuge.
Key application: As bronchodilatory, expectorant. (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates its use in dyspnoea.The chief quinazoline alkaloid vas- icine is reported in all parts of the plant, the highest being in inflorescence. It is a bitter bronchodilator, respiratory stimulant, hypotensive, cardiac depressant, uterotonic and aborti- facient. An aqueous solution of va- sicinone hydrochloride, when studied in mice and dogs, was found to potentiate the bronchodilatory activity of aminophylline, also that of isopre- naline. Vasicinone exhibited smooth- muscle-relaxant properties of airways.Alkaloids present in the plant showed significant protection against allergin-induced bronchial obstruction in guinea pigs.The leaves are found to activate the digestive enzyme trypsin.An extract of the leaves showed significant antifungal activity against ringworm.Adhatoda beddomei C.B. Clarke, found in Kerala, is considered to be more powerful and active than A. vasi- ca. Fresh leaf juice is used in haemoptysis and menorrhagia, also as an antiasthmatic.Jacobinia tinctoria Henl. is equated with the red-flowered var. of Vaasaa.Dosage: Leaf—10-20 ml juice. Dried leaves—10-20 g for deoction. Root—3-6 g powder. (API Vols. I, IV)... adhatoda vasicaHabitat: All along the Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim between altitudes of 1,800 and 2,700 m.
English: American Maidenhair Fern, Venus Hair, Rock Fern.Ayurvedic: Hansaraaja, Hansapadi (related sp.).Unani: Parsiaavashaan.Siddha/Tamil: Seruppadai.Folk: Mubaaraka.Action: Astringent, demulcent, expectorant, antitussive, stimulant, emmenagogue. Fonds used in chronic catarrh (as an ingredient of cough and bronchial medicines); also in cold imposthumes of uterus, hard swellings and hard tumours of spleen, liver and other viscera.
The fern contains flavonoid gluco- sides, including rutin, isoquercetin, as- tragalin, kaempferol; hydroxycinnam- ic acid esters; terpenoids, including adiantone.... adiantum capillus-venerisHabitat: Peninsular India.
Folk: Pazh-munipala (Tamil), Addasarpa (Kannada), Palamunpala (Malyalam).Action: Stembark and fruit— antiepileptic.
The plant is a rich source of indole alkaloids. Major alkaloids in the stem- bark are alstovenine, venenatine, 3- dehydroalstovenine, reserpine (0.0030.3%), venoxidine and kopsinine.Alstovenine, in lower doses, exhibits monoamine oxidase inhibitor activity; in higher doses, shows marked central stimulant effect (reversal of reserpine effects). Venenatine exhibits reserpine- like profile of activity (sedation, ptosis, reduction in motor activity).The fruit contains vincadifformine type of alkaloids. Echitovenidine, the major alkaloid, shows monoamine oxidase-inhibitory activity both in vitro and in vivo.... alstonia venenataHabitat: Cultivated as a garden ornamental; runs wild at many places in Jammu region.
English: Khella.Folk: Paashaanabhedi (controversial; Bergenia ligulata has been equated with the classical Paashaanabheda).Action: Antispasmodic in renal colic, bronchial asthma, whooping cough (used by Unani physicians), vasodilator (in angina pectoris).
Key application: German Commission E approved the herb on 13 March 1986, but due to information on potential risks, its status was changed to unapproved on 15 April 1994.Khella contains khellin (1%), vis- nagin, khellol glycoside, flavonoids, sterols, volatile oil (0.2%). Khellin and visnagin exert a powerful antispas- modic effect on the smaller bronchial muscles, the coronary arteries and on the urinary tubules. Khellin provides relief to asthmatic patients. The drug also relieves painful spasm of stone in kidney and bladder (no more used for expelling kidney stones).Khella does not reduce blood pressure in spite of being a vasodilator.Khellin is toxic at 100 mg. (Francis Brinker.)Khella is used topically for vitiligo and psoriasis. The Khellin constituent is similar to the psoralen nucleus and might be useful as a photosensi- tizer in patients with psoriasis. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)(Several modern drugs including amiodarone, nifedipine and cromolyn have been developed from Khella.)... ammi visnagaHabitat: Western Himalayas at 2,100-3,000 m.
Ayurvedic: Gangaa Tulasi.Folk: Kundiyaa, Chamariyaa.Action: Leaf—haemostatic. Essential oil—antibacterial, antifungal (in 1:1000 dilution).
The major components ofthe essential oil from leaves and flowering tops are alpha-terpinene, thujyl alcohol, ter- penyl acetate, nerol, phellandrene, ci- neol, neral, thujyl acetate, beta-thujone and artemisol.Related sp., known as Gangaa Tu- lasi, are Artemisia lacrorum Ledeb. and A. parviflora Wight.... artemisia vestitaHabitat: The hilly regions of India, also in Mount Abu in Rajasthan, in western Ghats, and from Konkan southward to Kerala.
English: Indian Wormwood, Fleabane, Dungwort, Mugwort, Wild Wormwood.Ayurvedic: Damanaka, Pushpachaa- mara, Gandhotkata. (Related sp.: A. siversiana Ehrh. ex Willd.)Unani: Afsanteen-e-Hindi. (National Formularly of Unani Medicine clubbed it with Baranjaasif.)Siddha/Tamil: Maasipattiri.Folk: Daunaa, Damanaa.Action: Leaf—emmenagogue, menstrual regulator, nervine, stomachic (in anorexia and dyspepsia), an- thelmintic, choleretic, diaphoretic.
An infusion of flower tops is administered in nervous and spasmodic affections. The herb is also used as an antilithic. Oil from leaves— antibacterial, antifungal in 1:1000 dilution.Key application: As emmenagogue. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The plant yields about 0.34% of an essential oil. Plants at lower altitude had more percentage of cineol, thu- jone, thujyl and citral, whereas from higher altitude terpenes are in higher percentage. The highest amount of cineol was reported to be 30%.The plant is also used as an inferior substitute for cinchona in fevers.... artemisia vulgarisHabitat: Throughout plains of India.
Ayurvedic: Shveta Punarnavaa, Vrshchiva, Vrshchiraka. (Vrishchira is also equated with Trianthema sp.) B. erecta, synonym B. punarnava Saha and Krishnamurthy, is also equated with the white-flowered species of Boerhavia.Action: See B. diffusa.... boerhavia verticillata
Habitat: Subalpine and temperate Himalayas, at altitudes of 1,8003,750 m.
English: Bitter Cress, Hedge Mustard, Yellow Rocket, Winter Cress.Folk: Cress.Action: Diuretic, anthelmintic, stomachic, antiscorbutic, (leaves are rich in vitamin C 130 mg/100 g). Pulverised herb is used as an agent for stimulating spermatogenesis.
The roots contain sinigrin; seeds contain a glucoside, glucobarbarin, and myrosin.The protein and phosphorus contents of the plant decrease with the maturity, whereas the calcium contents increase (tender stems are eaten as a salad). The leaves and buds are a rich source of provitamin A (beta- carotene).... barbarea vulgarisHabitat: Punjab, Western Peninsula and Assam. Also cultivated in gardens.
English: Mountain Ebony, Buddhist Bauhinia.Ayurvedic: Kaanchanaara, Kaan- chanaaraka, Kanchanak, Kaan- chana, Gandhaari, Sonapushpaka, Ashmantaka.Siddha/Tamil: Sivappumanchori.Action: Buds—a decoction is given in piles (also used against tumours), haematuria, menorrhagia. Dried buds are used in diarrhoea, dysentery, worm infestation, piles and tumours. Root— carminative, used in dyspepsia and flatulence (a decoction is reported to prevent obesity). Bark—astringent, anthelmintic; used externally in scrofula and skin diseases. Seeds—possess human blood agglutinating activity. Leaf— antifungal.
Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the use of the stem bark in lymphadenitis and goitre. (Ka- anchnaar Guggulu is prescribed for glandular swellings and goitre.)Water-soluble portion of alcoholic extract of the plant showed preventive effect against goitre in rats.Flowers gave flavonoids, kaempfe- rol-3-galactoside and kaempferol-3- rhamnoglucoside. The stem bark yields hentriacontane, octacosanol and stigmasterol. Stem contains beta-sitos- terol, lupeol and a flavanone glyco- side.Dosage: Stem bark—20-30 g for decoction. (API Vol. I.)... bauhinia variegataA pre-vaccination tuberculin test is necessary in all age-groups except newborn infants, and only those with negative tuberculin reactions are vaccinated. Complications are few and far between. A local reaction at the site of vaccination usually occurs between two and six weeks after vaccination, beginning as a small papule that slowly increases in size. It may produce a small ulcer. This heals after around two months, leaving a small scar. (See IMMUNITY; TUBERCULIN.)... bcg vaccine
Habitat: Distributed in Northwestern Himalayas.
English: Common Barberry, True Barberry.Ayurvedic: Daruharidraa (var.).Folk: Chatrod, Kashmal.Action: Root and bark—used for ailments of gastrointestinal tract, liver, gallbladder, kidney and urinary tract, respiratory tract, also as a febrifuge and blood purifier.
Key application: Listed by German Commission E among unapproved herbs.An extract with 80% berberine and additional alkaloids stimulated the bile secretion of rats by 72%. (PDR.) As cholagogue. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The main alkaloid is berberine (well tolerated up to 0.5 g). Berries are safe.Bererine in small doses stimulates the respiratory system; poisonings have been observed from overdoses. Poisonings from the total herb have not been reported. (German Commission E.)Berberine is bactericidal, amoebici- dal and trypanocidal. Berberine is an- tidiarrhoeal, asitentersinto the cytosol or binds to the cell membrane and inhibits the catalytic unit of andenylate cyclase. It is active in vitro and in animals against cholera.Berberine stimulates bile secretion and shows sedative, hypotensive, anti- convulsant and uterine stimulant activity in animals. Alkaloid bermarine is also strongly antibacterial. It has been shown to increase white blood cell and platelet counts in animals with iatro- genic leukocytopaenia.Berberine, berbamine and jatror- rhizine are hypotensive and sedative.Many of the alkaloids are antineo- plastic.The alkaloid berbamine (50 mg three times daily for 1-4 weeks) helped reverse leukopaenia induced by benzene, cancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy in a clinical study. (Francis Brinker.)Berberine, when combined with pyrimethamine, was more effective than combinations with other antibiotics in treating chloroquine-resistant malaria. (Sharon M. Herr.)... berberis vulgarisHabitat: Native to Mediterranean region; cultivated in North India, Maharashtra and South India.
English: Beet Root, Garden Beet, Chard.Ayurvedic: Palanki.Folk: Chukandar.Action: Leaf—used in burns and bruises, also for diseases of spleen and liver. Tuber and seed— expectorant. Leaf and seed— diuretic. Leaf, tuber and seed— anti-inflammatory. Seed oil— analgesic.
Beet roots are eaten raw as salad or cooked. The leaves are nutritionally superior to roots and are a good source of vitamins and minerals.The plant contains alkaloids ofwhich betaine is a mild diuretic and emme- nagogue.In research, using rats, chard increased regeneration of beta cells in pancreas. Maximum reduction of blood glucose was after 42 days of administration. (J Ethnopharmacol, 2000, 73: 251-259.)Beets are used orally as a supportive therapy in the treatment of liver diseases and fatty liver (possibly due to betaine). Ingestion of large quantities might worsen kidney disease. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)... beta vulgarisHabitat: The Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan at altitudes of 1,400-4,000 m, in Khasi Hills and hills of South India.
English: Self-heal.Unani: Substitute for Ustukhudduus. (Lavandula stoechas Linn.)Folk: Dhaaru.Action: Wound healing, expectorant, antiseptic, astringent, haemostatic, antispasmodic. Leaf- used in piles; and as a cooling herb for fevers.
The herb contains vitamins A, B, C and K; flavonoids; rutin. Flower spikes are liver-restorative, hypotensive, an- tioxidant.Lupeol, stigmasterol and beta-sitos- terol are obtained from the unsapo- nifiable fraction from the leaves, the saponifiable fraction gave lauric,... brunella vulgarisHabitat: Cultivated throughout India on sandy river beds, up to an altitude of 1,500 m.
English: Watermelon.Ayurvedic: Kalinga.Unani: Tarbuz.Siddha: Poiychaviral, Tharbuza- palam (Tamil.Action: Pulp—cooling and refreshing, a rich source of pectin, carotenoids, surcose (as major sugar). Fruit juice is prescribed in strangury and urinary complaints, also in hepatic congestion and intestinal catarrh. Seeds—cooling, purgative, diuretic, demulcent (used in urinary infections). Leaves— febrifuge. The pericarp is given in diarrhoea.
Watermelon juice contains citrullin (0.17%) and arginine, which are thought to increase urea production in the liver, thus increasing the flow of urine.The seeds possess a high lipase activity comparable to that of wheat germ, in addition to high lipoxygenase, urease and trypsin-inhibitor activities. Aqueous extract of the seeds also exhibit amylase inhibitor activity. The seed oil is used as a substitute for almond oil.The roots of mature plant contain a triterpene, bryonolic acid. Bryono- lic acid possesses a stronger antiallergic activity with lesser side effects than that of glycyrrhetinic acid, the aglycone of glycyrrhizin, used clinically in Japan for the treatment of allergy and hepatitis.... citrullus vulgarisHabitat: Native to Sri Lanka. Now under cultivation in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Ayurvedic: Hrivera, Hiruberaka, Ambu, Ambhas, Udaka, Udichya, Jala, Vaari, Toya, Vaalaka, Baalaa, Baalaka, Baala. (Also equated with Pavonia odorata Willd.)Siddha/Tamil: Kuruver.Folk: Iruveli (Kerala).Action: Leaves—cooling and carminative, used for indigestion, dyspepsia, dysentery, also for ulcers, bleeding disorders, dermatitis.
C. zeylanicus (Benth.) Cramer (synonym Plectranthus zeylanicus Benth.) has been identified as a source of Ayurvedic drug Hrivera. The juice of stem and leaves, mixed with honey, is prescribed for diarrhoea.The plant afforded abietane type diterpenoides and a stereoisomer.... coleus vettiveroidesHabitat: Tropical regions of India from Himalayas to Sri Lanka.
Ayurvedic: Shanapushpi. Shana (var.).Siddha/Tamil: Sanal, Sannappu.Folk: Sanai, Jhanjhaniaa.Action: Juice of leaves—used for biliousness, dyspepsia, blood impurities, scabies and impetigo, both internally and externally.
Taraxerol, beta-sitosterol and linole- ic, palmitic, stearic, lauric, oleic, lino- lenic, arachidic, myristic and ricinoleic acids have been isolated from fixed oil of the stem.Dosage: Seed—1-3 g powder. (CCRAS.)... crotalaria verrucosaHabitat: Central and Eastern Himalayas, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa.
Ayurvedic: Gorakhi.Siddha/Tamil: Punali.Folk: Bankharaa, Bhatiaa.Action: Leaves—used in aphthae. Root—genitourinary tract disinfectant; used in scalding of urine, also in foetid discharges.
The stem bark afforded isoflavo- noids, dalbergio, tectorigenin. The leaves gave flavonoid glycosides. The wood gave friedelin.... dalbergia volubilisHabitat: The temperate Himalaya from Kashmir to Nepal to 2,7004,700 m.
English: Candle Larkspur, Bee Larkspur.Ayurvedic: Nirvisha.Action: Whole plant—cardiac and respiratory depressant, emetic, diuretic, anthelmintic. Seed— insecticidal. Used in skin eruptions. Powdered flowers, mixed with mustard oil, are used for destroying lica.
The plant contains beta-sitosterol and alkaloid delpheline; aerial parts contain an alkaloid, elatine.Seeds are very poisonous; contain several aconitine-like alkaloids. Del- phinidine, isolated from seeds, causes drastic gastro-enteric irritation.... delphinium vestitiumHabitat: North-western Himalaya up to 1,350 m, in Punjab, South India, ascending to 2,400 m on Nilgiris. Also planted as a hedge plant in Northern India.
English: Jamacia Switch Sorrel.Ayurvedic: Raasnaa (substitute, used in Andhra Pradesh). (Raasnaa is equated with Pluchea lanceolata C. B. Clarke.)Siddha/Tamil: Virali, Velari.Action: Leaves—anti-inflammatory and antibacterial (used in the treatment of swellings, burns, wounds), febrifuge, embrocation of leaves is applied to sprains. Bark— astringent and anti-inflammatory. Aerial parts—hypoglycaemic.
The plant contains bioflavonoids (vitamin P) which are biologically active in improving blood circulation and strengthening capillaries. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the plant exhibited cardioinhibitory and coronory constricting, also spasmolytic, sedative and hypotensive activity.The leaves and pods gave iso-rham- netin-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O- galactoside and quercetin-3-O-rutino- side. Resin gave a diterpene carboxylic acid (hautriwaic acid). Flowers gave kaempferol.... dodonaea viscosaHabitat: Konkan and Maharashtra, also in Bengal and Assam.
Ayurvedic: Suparnikaa, Madhu- maalati. Muurvaa (substitute). Nak-chhikkini.Siddha/Tamil: Kodippalai.Action: Root and tender stalks— emetic and expectorant, cause sneezing, used in colds, sinusitis, and biliousness. Leaves—used as an application to boils and abscesses.
The stems and leaves contain a pigment taraxerol, a triterpenoid, kaem- pferol, a glucoside of kaempferol and saponins. Seeds contain a number of pregnane glycosides which do not exhibit digitalis-like action. Root contains a glucoside which lowered carotid blood pressure in mice and dogs when administered intravenously.... dregea volubilisTreatment As the disease can be neither prevented nor cured, treatment is supportive, with strict anti-infection procedures essential as human-to-human transmission can occur via skin and mucous-membrane contacts. Incubation period is 5–10 days. Fever with MYALGIA and headache occur initially, often accompanied by abdominal and chest symptoms. Haemorrhagic symptoms soon develop and the victim either starts to improve in the second week or develops multi-organ failure and lapses into a coma. Mortality ranges from 25 to 90 per cent.... ebola virus disease
Habitat: Native to the Mediterranean region; now cultivated mainly in Punjab, Assam, Maharashtra and Vadodara (Gujarat).
English: Fennel. (Poison hemlock has been misidentified as fennel.)Ayurvedic: Mishreyaa, Mishi, Mad- hurikaa, Madhuraa, Shatapushpaa, Shataahvaa. (Shatpushpaa is equated with Saunf and Shataahvaa with Soyaa. Some authors treat these as vice-versa.)Unani: Baadiyaan, Saunf.Siddha/Tamil: Sombu.Action: Carminative, stomachic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, galactagogue, anti-inflammatory, diuretic. Relieves bloating, nausea, settles stomach and stimulates appetite. Also used in amenorrhoea and enuresis.
Key application: In dyspepsias such as mild, spastic, gastrointestinal afflictions, fullness, flatulence. Fennel syrup or honey can be used for the catarrh of the upper respiratory tract in children. Fennel oil preparations not recommended during pregnancy. (German Commission E, ESCOP, WHO.)German Commission E reported that fennel seed promotes gastrointestinal motility and in higher concentrations acts as antispasmodic. In experiments anethole and fenchone have been shown to have a secre- tolytic action in respiratory tract. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia report its carminative and spasmolytic property.Fennel seed contain about 8% volatile oil (about 50-60% anethole, among others 10-15% fenchone and methyl- chavicol), flavonoids, coumarins (including bergapten) and sterols.The extract of seeds inhibits the growth of micro-organism, especially Streptococcus mutans, that are responsible for dental caries and periodontal diseases.The essential oil from the seed is reported to be antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, emmenagogue, oxytocic and abortifacient.The fatty acid, petroselenic acid, obtained from the oil, exhibited antimicrobial activity.Anethole, a major constituent of fennel seed/oil has been found to be an active estrogenic agent with minimal hepatotoxicity and no teratogenic effect.The oil also exhibits anticarcino- genic activity and can be used as a che- moprotective agent.It possesses antioxidant activity close to BHT.Anethole and limonene are used in pharmaceutical compositions for decreasing the side effects of chemotherapy and increasing the immune function.Limonene showed the capacity to inhibit mammary tumours in rats.The boiling water extract of leaves shows hypotensive effect in rats.The methanolic extract of seed showed antispasmodic activity, while aqueous extract accelerated the spontaneous movement of rabbit stomach.Dosage: Dried fruit—3-6 g powder. (API Vol. I.)... foeniculum vulgareHabitat: On the shores of the United Kingdom, North Atlantic Ocean, North Pacific Coast of America; as a weed; found in Indian Ocean on the Manora Rocks. Allied species—F. distichus Linn., and F nodosus Linn. (Included in Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants, CSIR, also in its second supplement.) F. nodosus is found in India along sea shores.
English: Bladderwrack, Black Tang, Rockweed, Kelp.Action: Weed—one of the richest source of minerals, chiefly iodine, sodium, manganese, sulphur, silicon, zinc and copper. Effective against obesity, antirheumatic. Stimulates circulation of lymph. Endocrine gland stimulant. Allays onset of arteriosclerosis by maintaining elasticity of walls of blood vessels. Mild diuretic, bulk, laxative, antibiotic. High sodium content may reduce effectiveness of diuretics.
(The herb contains trace metal, particularly iodine from 0.03-1.0%. It may contain waste metals such as cadmium and strontium, when grown in a polluted environment. Variable iodine content and arsenic contamination make the herb unsafe.)The herb should be used with caution in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Excess thyroid activity maybe aggravated by the iodine content of the herb; it may disrupt thyroid function. One gram of Bladderwrack might contain as much as 600 mcg iodine (Ingesting more than 150 mcg iodine per day may cause hyperthyroidism or exacerbate existing hyperthyroidism.) (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)Due to the antithrombin effects ofits fucan polysaccharides, consumption of the herb in cases of G1 bleeding disorders is contraindicated.(Included among unapproved herbs by German Commission E.)... fucus vesiculosusHabitat: Hills of Deccan Peninsula and parts of western and central India.
Folk: Kaalaa-Kirayaat (Maharashtra).Action: Febrifuge, bitter tonic.
A closely related species, Haplan- thus tentaculatus Nees, is also known as Kaalaa-Kiryaat. The herb is given in fever.... haplanthus verticillatusHabitat: Throughout India on the hills.
Ayurvedic: Parpata.Unani: Shaahtaraa.Folk: Pittapaaparaa.Action: The plant is used as a substitute for Fumaria parviflora.
A decoction of the herb is used for blood purification and in skin diseases, especially psoriasis.Methanolic extract of the plant exhibits antimicrobial activity against Sarcina subflava.The herb contains several isoquino- line alkaloids which are common to Fumaria officinalis and Fumaria parviflora.Protopine showed smooth muscle relaxant activity in guinea-pigs, rabbits and albino rats and hydrocholeretic activity in anaesthetized dogs. L-tetra- hydrocoptisine showed antipsychotic (neuroleptic) activity in albino rats and mice. Narceimine, narlumidine, adlu- midine and protopine nitrate exhibit anti-inflammatory activity Alkaloids, narlumidine and pro- topine, exhibit significant antifungal activity.... fumaria vaillantiiHabitat: Kashmir, Lahul and other west Himalayan regions, at altitude of 2,000-3,000 m
English: Lady's Bedstraw, Cheese Rennet.Action: Herb—diuretic, used for kidney stone, gravel, gout. Used topically for poorly healing wounds.
The plant contains the iridoids including asperuloside and galioside; flavonoid glycosides; quercetin-3-glu- coside, quercetin-7-glucoside, quer- cetin-3-rutinoside, luteolin-7-gluco- side; anthraquinone derivatives, including alizarin, and large amounts of salicylic acid. Its high organic acid content causes curdling of milk. The root contain n-alkanes.... galium verumHabitat: Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
English: Tamthar.Siddha/Tamil: Kullai.Folk: Dhohan (Rajasthan), Jalidar (Punjab), Kharamati (Maharashtra).Action: Root—antidiarrhoeal. Root and bark—used in genitourinary infections, syphilis and smallpox.
The methanol extract of the roots contain beta-carboline alkaloids, harman, harmine, harmol, harmalol and harmaline.The roots are also used to treat cough.... grewia villosaHabitat: Cultivated as food crop in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
English: BarleyAyurvedic: Yava, Hayeshtha, Hayapriya, Shuka-dhaanya, Tiksh- nashuka.Unani: Barley, Jao Shaeer.Siddha: Yavam. Saambaluppu (ash).Action: Barley—nutritive and demulcent during convalescence and in cases of bowel inflammation and diarrhoea. Protects immune system.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends barley in urinary disorders, muscular rigidity, chronic sinusitis, cough, asthma, lipid disorder and obesity.Juice of young barley leaves—7 times richer in vitamin C than oranges, 5 times richer in iron than spinach, 25 times richer in potassium than wheat; high in SOD (superoxide dismutase), an enzyme that slows ageing of cells.The nutritional quality of the barley depends on beta-glucan fraction of the grain. Beta-glucan-enriched fraction produced cholesterol-lowering effect in hamsters.Naked barley extracts have been found to selectively inhibit cyclohex- anase activity and may be useful as a therapeutic drug for treating thrombosis and atherosclerosis.Ethanol extract of young green leaves exhibits antioxidant activity attributed to a flavonoid, 2"-O-glucosyl- isovitexin. It also exhibits antiinflammatory and antiallergic activities. The leaves contain an indole alkaloid, gramine, which exhibits antibacterial properties.Dosage: Dried fruit—100-200 g. (API Vol. II); dried plant—10-20 g. (API Vol. IV.)... hordeum vulgareHabitat: Native to China. Fruits imported from China and IndoChina.
English: Star Anise, Chinese Anise, Aniseed Stars.Unani: Baadyaan Khataai.Siddha/Tamil: Takkola, Anasippo.Folk: Anasphal.Action: Carminative (used for colic), stimulant, diuretic. Also used in rheumatism.
Key application: In catarrhs of the respiratory tract and peptic discomforts. (German Commission E.)The fruit contains a volatile oil containing trans-anethole 80-90%, and feniculin (14.56%), with estragole, beta-bisabolene, beta-farnesene, ca- ryophyllene, nerolidol.The intake of trans-anethole (1.0%) does not show any chronic toxicity in rats. Veranisatins, isolated from the extract, showed convulsive effect in mice. Methanolic extract exhibited a hypothermic effect in mice.Illicium griffithii Hook. f. & Thoms. is found in Bhutan and Khasi hills at altitudes of 1,400-1,100 m. The fruit, known as Baadiyaan, is bitter and astringent, reported to be poisonous. It is used as stimulant and carminative. Essential oil resembles that from aniseed (Pimpinella anisum Linn.) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)... illicium verumHabitat: Throughout warmer parts of India, except the north-western arid region.
Folk: Nauli, Nawal (Maharashtra).Action: Diuretic. Used in strangury, urethral discharges.... ipomoea vitifolia
Habitat: In swamps. Native to America and Canada.
English: Blue Flag Root, Liver Lily.Ayurvedic: Haimavati Vachaa.Action: Anti-inflammatory, astringent, cholagogue, laxative, diuretic, antiemetic, blood and lymph purifier, alterative for sluggish conditions of liver, gallbladder and glandular system.
Key application: As laxative. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The rhizomes contain a volatile oil; a glycoside, iridin; acids including salicylic and isophthalic; a monocyclic C31 triterpenoid; sterols, gum, resin. Irisin is the toxic constituent of the resin. It irritates the mucous membrane, liver and pancreas.The drug is contraindicated in pregnancy. The root powder is toxic at 2 g and fluid extract at 3.7 ml.... iris versicolourHabitat: Native to North America; introduced into India.
English: Pencil Cedar, Red Cedar.Action: The berries in decoction are diaphoretic and emmenagogue like those of common juniper; leaves are diuretic. Red cedar oil is used in the preparation of insecticides. Small excrescences, called cedar apples, are sometimes found on the branches. These are used as an anthelmintic. (Yellow Cedar is equated with Thuja occidentalles.)
Juniperus procera Hochst. (East African Cedar), J. bermudiana Linn. (Bermuda Cedar) andJ.ChinensisLinn. (Chinese Juniper) have also been introduced into India.... juniperus virginiana[catlist id=11 numberposts=100 pagination=yes instance=2 orderby=title order=asc]
... medical dictionaryHabitat: Sub-Himalayan tract and outer Himalayas, in North-east and Central India, eastern coast of Deccan Peninsula.
Ayurvedic: Rshiyaproktaa.Folk: Gandha-Palaasa (Orissa), Kaari (gum).Action: Bark—used in the treatment of gout.... miliusa velutina
Habitat: Native to Europe. Imported into India.
English: Bitter Lettuce, Wild Lettuce.Unani: Kaahuu Sahrai (var.), Kaahuu Barri (var.).Action: Mild sedative, hypnotic, (once used as a substitute for opium), anodyne, expectorant.
Key application: As sedative. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)Used in insomnia, nervous excitability, anxiety, restlessness, hyperactivity in children, nymphomania, smoker's cough, irritable cough and bronchitis.Aerial parts contain sesquiterpene glycosides.The leaves and dried juice contain lacticin, lactucopicrin (sesquiterpene lactones); flavonoids (mainly based on quercetin); coumarins (cichoriin and aesculin); N-methyl-beta-phenethy- lamine; triterpenes include taraxas- terol and beta-amyrin. The sesquiterpene lactones have a sedative effect.The Wild Lettuce also contains hyos- cyamine, while the dried sap is devoid of it. Morphine content has been found in low concentrations, too low to have pharmacological effect. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)The oil of seeds is used for arteriosclerosis.Synonym: L. vulgaris Ser. L. leucanth Rusby. Cucurbita siceraria Mol.Family: Cucurbitaceae.Habitat: Throughout India.
English: Bitter Bottle-Gourd.Ayurvedic: Katu-tumbi, Tumbini, Ikshavaaku. Tiktaalaavu, Pindapha- laa.Unani: Kaddu-e-talkh (bitter var.).Siddha/Tamil: Suraikai.Action: Pulp—purgative, emetic. Leaf—used in jaundice.
Cucurbita lagenaria Linn. is equated with Lauki or Sweet Bottle-Guard, used all over India as a vegetable.Cucurbita siceraria Mol. is equated with Titalauki or the Bitter Bottle- Gourd. Bitter fruits yield 0.013% of a solid foam containing cucurbitacin B,D,G and H, mainly cucurbitacin B. These bitter principles are present in the fruit as aglycones. Leaves contain cucurbitacin B, and roots cucurbitacins B, D and traces of E. The fruit juice contains beta-glycosidase (elaterase).Plants which yield non-bitter fruits contain no bitter principles or elat- erase; their roots are not bitter.... lactuca virosaHabitat: Throughout India in ponds, tanks, ditches, as a weed common in rice fields.
Ayurvedic: Indivara (Kerala). Kakapola (Malyalam), Nirkancha (Telugu).Siddha/Tamil: Senkzhuneer- kizhangu.Folk: Nukha, Nanda (Bengal).Action: Leaves—juice is given for coughs. Roots—prescribed for stomach and liver complaints.
Bark—prescribed with sugar for asthma.... monochoria vaginalisNormal values for a 60 kg man are (in ml):
Total lung capacity (TLC) The volume of air that can be held in the lungs at maximum inspiration.
Tidal volume (TV) The volume of air taken into and expelled from the lungs with each breath.
Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) The volume of air that can still be inspired at the end of a normal quiet inspiration.
Expiratory reserve volume (ERV) The volume of air that can still be expired at the end of a normal quiet expiration.
Residual volume (RV) The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal expiration.
Vital capacity (VC) The maximum amount of air that can be expired after a maximal inspiration.
Functional residual capacity (FRC) The volume of air left in the lungs at the end of a normal quiet expiration.... lung volumes
Habitat: Native to Europe and Central Asia; also found in Kashmir
English: Horehound.Unani: Faraasiyun (wrongly equated with Valerian in National Formulary of Unani Medicine).Action: Expectorant, cholagogue; bitter tonic for stomach and liver, antispasmodic. Used for bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, hard cough with little phlegm; also for cardiac extrasystols.
Key application: In loss of appetite, dyspepsia; bloating and flatulence. (German Commission E.) The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia and The British Herbal Compendium (additionally) indicate its use for acute bronchitis, non-productive cough and catarrh and the respiratory tracts.The herb yields a diterpenoid, pre- marrubiin, which generates marrubiin as an artefact; caffeic acid derivatives; and flavonoids—apigenin, apigenin-7- glucoside, luteolin, luteolin-7-gluco- side, quercetin-3-glucoside and -3- rhamnoglucoside. The extracts of the herb exhibit anti-inflammatory and antiserotonin activity experimentally. Marrubiin is considered to be responsible for expectorant activity. It has also shown to normalize extrasystolic arrhythmias. High doses may cause cardiac irregularities.The oil exhibits antimicrobial properties and is reported to be vasodilatory and hypotensive.... marrubium vulgareHabitat: Native to Africa; introduced into India.
English: Fever plant of Sierra Leone.Folk: Taap-maari Tulasi (Maharashtra).Action: Leaves—febrifugal. Used as a remedy for coughs and fevers. Oil—antiseptic.
Ocimum viride species, cultivated in Jammu-Tawi, gives maximum oil yield(0.4%) at full bloom stage and highest percentage of thymol (55.12%) in the oil, which can be used as a substitute for thyme-ajowan oil.... ocimum virideAction: Expectorant, laxative, stomachic, cholagogue, alterative, antistress. Used in cough, bronchitis, catarrh, loss of appetite, dyspepsia; and in skin diseases.
The rhizome gave saponin glyco- sides, based on polypodosapogenin, including osladin; ecdysteroids; phlo- roglucin derivatives; tannin.... polypodium vulgareHabitat: Moist meadows in Great Britain. Found in the Himalayas, Bihar, Assam, Pune (Maharashtra), Annamalai and Shevaroy hills (South India); up to an altitude of 2,700 m.
English: English Adder's Tongue. Serpant's Tongue.Action: Fern—antiseptic, styptic, vulnerary, detergent, emetic. The mucilaginous and astringent decoction of the fern is used in angina in Reunion. An ointment, prepared by boiling the herb in oil or fat, is used for wounds.
Ophioglossum pendulum L. (Assam) is used in the form of a scalp ointment for improving the hair growth. American Adder's Tongue is equated with Erythronium americanum Ker- Gawl (Liliaceae). The fresh leaves gave alpha-methylenebutyrolactone.... ophioglossum vulgatumHabitat: Throughout the greater part of India.
English: Prickly Pear.Ayurvedic: Naagaphani (var.).Action: In homoeopathy, a tincture made from the flowers and wood, is given for diarrhoea and splenomegaly.
The fresh stalks yielded calcium magnesium pectate which exhibited antihaemorrhagic action. A flavono- side has been obtained from dried flowers. It resembles rutoside in its action of inhibiting capillary fragility. The flavonoside on hydrolysis produces trihydroxy-methoxy-flavonol and glucose. The plant is reported to contain an alkaloid. It also yields a mucilage which gives arabinose and galactose. to convalescents suffering from chronic diarrhoea and bilious fevers. Allays irritation of gastrointestinal tracts.Orchis species (Salep) contain mucilage (up to 50%)-glucans, gluco- mannans (partially acetylized), starch (25%), proteins (5-15%).The leaves of Orchis latifolia contain a glucoside, loroglossin. Most of the Salep used in Unani medicine is imported from Iran and Afghanistan.Allium macleanii Baker (Afghanistan) is known as Baadashaahi (royal) Saalab, and is used as a substitute for Munjaataka.Dosage: Tuber—3-5 g powder. (CCRAS.)... opuntia vulgarisFor a diagnosis of PVS to be made, the state should have continued for more than a prede?ned period, usually one month. Half of patients die within 2–6 months, but some can survive for longer with arti?cial feeding. To assess a person’s level of consciousness, a numerical marking system rated according to various functions – eye opening, motor and verbal responses – has been established called the GLASGOW COMA SCALE.
The ETHICS of keeping patients alive with arti?cial support are controversial. In the UK, a legal ruling is usually needed for arti?cial support to be withdrawn after a diagnosis of PVS has been made. The chances of regaining consciousness after one year are slim and, even if patients do recover, they are usually left with severe neurological disability.
PVS must be distinguished from conditions which appear similar. These include the ‘LOCKED-IN SYNDROME’ which is the result of damage to the brain stem (see BRAIN). Patients with this syndrome are conscious but unable to speak or move except for certain eye movements and blinking. The psychiatric state of CATATONIA is another condition in which the patient retains consciousness and will usually recover.... persistent vegetative state (pvs)
Habitat: Maharashtra, Karnataka.
Folk: Rukhaalu, Maanakand (Maharashtra). Lakshmanaa is a doubtful synonymAction: Root—use for obstinate skin diseases and pruritus; also for disinfecting genitourinary tract and for promoting conception. Alocasia indica and Eulophia nuda are also known as Maanakanda in Indian medicine. Alocasia indica is used in Siddha medicine as an anti-inflammatory and diuretic herb.... remusatia vivipara
Action: Bean—diuretic, hypotensive, resolvent, regulates blood sugar. Used for water retention; albuminuria, especially of pregnancy; premenstrual tension.
Key application: Seed-free pods—in supportive treatment for inability to urinate. (German Commission E.)The seeds of French Bean contain triterpenoid glucosides and soyasaponin V.Raajmah consumption by diabetic patients is reported to produce highly significant reduction in their blood glucose level and glycaemic index, as compared to wheat and rice consumption.Raw bean contains lectins which are destroyed when cooked. Its hypogly- caemic activity is most likely due to its chromium, trigonelline and fiber content. (Sharon M. Herr.)... phaseolus vulgarisHabitat: Native to eastern Mediterranean region, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries; cultivated in North India.
English: Pistachio, Green Almond.Ayurvedic: Mukuulaka.Unani: Pistaa (Kernel), Ilk-ul- Ambaat (resin).Action: The kernel is used as a cardiac and brain tonic; flowers are included in prescriptions for leucorrhoea; husk is used against dysentery and as astringent in stomatitis and tonsillitis.... pistacia vera
Habitat: Temperate Himalayas and Manipur.
Ayurvedic: Medaa. (Substitute: Asparagus racemosus.)Unani: Shaqaaqul. (Substitute: Pastinaca secacul.)Folk: Mithaa-dudhiaa.Action: Used in Tibetan medicine for treating emaciation, senility, pulmonary affections. The rhizomes is valued as salep.
The dried rhizomes contain 6.2-9% diosgenin.The lactins of the rootstock did not contain carbohydrates; the amino acid revealed presence of 28% aspartic acid and asparagine.The plant exhibits diuretic properties. It gave a digitalis glucoside and is considered poisonous by the hill people in the Himalayas.... polygonatum verticillatumHabitat: The Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim at 3,3004,800 m.
English: Viviparous Bistort.Unani: Anjabaar. (substitute).Folk: Billori, Maamekh (Punjab).Action: Rootstock—astringent, antidiarrhoeal, antileucorrhoeic, antiseptic, antiperiodic. Used in haemoptysis; also for gleet. A decoction is used as a gargle for sore throat and spungy gums, as a lotion for ulcers.... polygonum viviparum
Habitat: Temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan and in Khasi and Jaintia hills at 1,500 m.
Folk: Keechey (Tibet).Action: Root—powder used for killing leeches. Flowers—eaten in salad.
The whole plant contains several tri- terpenoid saponins.Primula veris Linn., synonym P officinalis Hill and P. elatior Hill are grown in Indian gardens.Key application: Primula veris, P. elatior Hill—the flower and the root in catarrhs of the respiratory tract. (German Commission E, ESCOP.) Contraindicated in gastritis and gastric ulcer. (ESCOP.)Synonym: P. acaulis Hill.Family: Primulaceae.Habitat: Sub-Himalayan region.
English: Primrose (Evening Primrose is equated with Oenothera biennis), Cowslip.Unani: Nakhud. (Also equated with Cicer arietinum by National Formulary of Unani Medicine.)Action: Plant—anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, vermifuge, emetic. Used only externally.
The plant gave phenolic glycosides, flavonoids, saponins.... primula vulgarisHabitat: Orissa throughout South India and Gujarat.
Ayurvedic: Sanaparni, Shaalaparni (Kerala).Siddha/Tamil: Neermalli.Action: Root—astringent, febrifuge, antirheumatic. A decoction or powder is used for biliousness and diarrhoea. Used as a substitute for Desmodium gangeticum (Shaalaparni) in South India.
Leucopelargonidin has been isolated from the root.... pseudarthria viscidaHabitat: Throughout Himalayas, Khasi and Jaintia Hills, hills of Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, and the Nilgiris.
English: Indian Buckthorn.Folk: Chhaduaa, Tadru (Punjab), Chadolaa (Garhwal).Action: Ripe fruit—purgative, emetic. Given in the affections of spleen. (Purgative action not found in the bark.)
The bark showed only traces of hy- droxymethyl anthraquinones and did not exhibit purgative action on experimental animals.The plant contains the enzyme, rhamnodiastase, capable of hydrolyz- ing flavonoid glycosides.... rhamnus virgatusHabitat: Native to South-west Asia and North Africa; cultivated all over India, especially in Tripura, West Bengal and Bihar.
English: Bladder-Dock, Country Sorrel.Ayurvedic: Chukra, Chuko, Chakravarti.Unani: Hammaaz.... rumex vesicariusHabitat: Throughout India as a weed of cultivated fields of wheat and barley. Also cultivated in gardens for ornament.
Folk: Musna, Saabuni.Action: See S. officinalis. The mucilaginous sap of the plant is febrifugal and used in chronic fevers. It is a mild depurative and used in the treatment of furuncles and scabies.... saponaria vaccaria
Habitat: North-Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon at altitudes of 1,800-3,900 m.
Ayurvedic: Rochanaa-Tagara.Folk: Peshaavari-Bhuutakeshi (Kashmir), Taggar (Garhwal).Action: Roots—used as a nervine sedative. Oil—sedative, analgesic, hypotensive.
The roots gave coumarins, angelicin, oroselol, lomatin, selinidin, vaginidin, vaginol; a flavone derivative selinone; a sesquiterpene vaginatin.The dry roots yield an essential oil containing alpha-pinene 45.5 limonene 25.3, camphene 5.7, beta-phellandrene 5.2, alpha-thujene 1.2, fenchyl alcohol 3.2, terpineol 3.8, and a ketone 2.6%. Beta-pinene and fenchone have also been reported.The roots are sold in the drug markets of Jammu mixed with those of Seseli sibiricum. The roots are also used as a substitute for Nardostachys jata- mansi.... selinum vaginatumHabitat: Throughout hotter parts of India.
Ayurvedic: Raajabalaa, Bhumibalaa, Prasaarini, Suprasaraa (also equated with Naagabalaa, Grewia hirsuta).Siddha/Tamil: Palampasi.Folk: Farid-booti.Action: Fruits and flowers—used for burning sensation in micturition. Leaves—juice, used for diarrhoea; poultice applied to cuts and bruises. Root bark—used for leucorrhoea and genitourinary affections.
In experimental animals, the herb prevented arthritic swellings.The plant contains beta-phenethyl- amines, quinazoline, carboxylated tryptamine, linoleic acid, malvalic acid, sterculic acid and gossypol.Dosage: Root—10-20 ml juice; 50100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)... sida veronicaefoliaHabitat: The temperate Himalayas from Kashmir eastwards and in Khasi Hills, up to 3,000 m.
English: European Goldenrod, Woundwort.Action: Anticatarrhal, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic to mucous membranes.
Key application: In irrigation therapy for inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract, urinary calculi and kidney gravel. (German Commission E.) ESCOP also indicates its use as an adjuvant in the treatment of bacterial infections of the urinary tract.Anti-inflammatory activity is due to phenolic glycosides; antifungal activity is due to saponins based on polygalic acid (acts specifically against the candida fungus, the cause of vaginal and oral thrush). As a diuretic, aerial parts are used for nephritis and cystitis and to flush out kidney and bladder stones; urine volume is increased but not sodium excretion.The plant contains quercitrin, rutin, iso-quercitrin, astragalin, kaempfer- ol, rhamnoglucoside, quercetin, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. Aerial parts contain diterpenoids of cis-clerodane lactone group.... solidago virga-aureaHabitat: Cultivated throughout warmer parts of India.
English: Sorghum, Broomcorn.Ayurvedic: Yaava-naala.Siddha/Tamil: Makkaseelam.Folk: Jowaar, Paneraa.Action: Grains—demulcent, diuretic. A confection of grains and Foeniculum vulgare seeds is used as a galactagogue. Sorghum is inferior to wheat.
About 80% of sorghum in India belongs to the race Durra (Sorghum durra (Frosk.) Stapf.).... sorghum vulgareHabitat: Tropical India up to an altitude of 360 m.
English: Nux vomica.Ayurvedic: Kapilu, Kaakatin- duka, Kaakendu, Kaakapiluka, Vishamushtikaa, Vishamushti, Vishatinduka, Kuchilaa, Ksuchalaa.Unani: Azaraaqi, Kuchlaa.Siddha: Yettikkottai.Action: Nervine tonic and a potent CNS stimulant.
Seeds—used in emotional disorders, insomnia, hysteria, epilepsy, paralytic and neurological affections, retention or nocturnal incontinence of urine, spermatorrhoea, sexual debility and impotence, general exhaustion; as antidote to alcoholism; GIT disorders. Bark—juice given in acute dysentery, diarrhoea and colic. Root—given in intermittent fevers. In Chinese medicine a paste made of Nux vomica seeds is applied topically for treating facial paralysis.Included among unapproved herbs by German Commission E.The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends detoxified seeds in paralysis, facial paralysis, sciatica and impotency.The seeds contain indole alkaloids, the major one is strychnine (approx. 50% of the alkaloids); others include strychnine N-oxide, brucine and its N-oxide, alpha-and beta-colubrine, condylocarpine, diaboline, geissoschi- zine, icajine, isostrychnine, normacu- sine, novacine, pseudobrucine, pseu- do-alpha-colubrine, pseudo-beta-col- ubrine, pseudostrychnine and vom- icine (3-hydro-beta-colubrine). Loga- nin is also present. Pseudostrychnine is non-toxic. The alkaloidal content of the seeds ranges from 1.8 to 5.3%.The leaves contain strychnine and brucine (together 1.6%), strychnine 0.025%; vomicine is the major constituent of leaves. The bark contains 9.9% total alkaloids (brucine 8%, strychnine 1.58%); pseudostrychnine, pseudobrucine and beta-colubrine in small amounts. The roots contain 0.99% alkaloids (brucine 0.28%, strychnine 0.71%).Strychnine, when tested for an- tiulcer activity in shay rat model at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg body weight, complete absence of ulceration was observed which was comparable to cime- tidine. Exhausted Nux-vomica powder at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight, and brucine at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg body weight gave protection similar to strychnine.Orally, 30-50 mg Nux-vomica (5 mg strychnine) is toxic.Dosage: Detoxified seed—60- 125 mg. (API, Vol. IV.)... strychnos nux-vomicaHabitat: Cultivated in gardens in the hills.
English: Common Lilac.Action: Bark, leaves and capsules— used as antipyretic, especially in chronic malaria, and as vermifuge. Leaf extract—antipyretic.
The leaves, flowers and bark contain the glucoside, syringin and syringopi- crin. Syringin is also present in the roots and fruits; mannitol has been reported in leaves, bark and fruits. The leaves contain 131.6 mg/100 g ofvitamin C. Ursolic acid has also been reported in the plant.... syringa vulgarisHabitat: Native to Europe; found as an escape in some parts of Kashmir.
English: Tansy.Folk: Peilmundi (Kashmir).Action: Plant—anthelmintic, bitter tonic, emmenagogue. Used for migraine, neuralgia and nausea; as a lotion for scabies. Toxicity depends upon thujone content of the part used. Tansy oil is used as a liniment for gout and rheumatism.
Aerial parts afforded terpenoids— tanacetin, vulgarones A and B, tamirin, tanacin and tanavulgarol; germacano- lides, stearic acid, and flavonoids— apigenin trimethyl ether, apigenin, luteolin, chrysoeriol, diometin, iso- rhamnetin, quercetin and axillarin. The leaves contain parthenolide, caffe- ic, chlorogenic, iso-chlorogenic acids and vibernitol.Indian chemotype contains beta- thujone (28.1%) as the major constituent of the essential oil. Other constituents are: beta-thujyl alcohol 8.7, /-camphor 10.0 and cineol 11.8%. The leaves contain parthenolide, caf- feic, chlorogenic, isochlorogenic acid and vibernitol.Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz Bip. (native to Europe and British Isles), known as Feverfew, is available in India for prophylactic treatment of migraine. The characteristic constituents of the herb (dried, whole or fragmented parts) are sesquiterpene lactones of which parthenolide, a ger- macanolide, is the major component. (Indian species, T. vulgare leaf also contains parthenolide).ESCOP recommends the herb for the management of migraine for at least a few months.(See ESCOP and WHO monographs.)It has been shown that Feverfew extract inhibits prostaglandin production and arachidonic acid release (this activity, at least partly, explains the herb's antiplatelet and antifebrile action). The extracts also inhibit secretion of serotonin from platelet granules and proteins from polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN's). Since serotonin is implicated in the aetiology of migraine and PMN secretion is increased in rheumatoid arthritis. Feverfew is used in migraine and rheumatoid arthritis. (Potter's New Cyclopaedia.) Somehow, beneficial effects were not observed in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial on 40 women with rheumatoid arthritis. (WHO.)... tanacetum vulgareHabitat: Gujarat to Karnataka, both on the hills and the coasts, and in the Anamalai Hills in Tamil Nadu up to 1,200 m.
Folk: Pandre, Kapuur—bhendi (Maharashtra).Action: Root—applied to fistula; also administered in leprosy.
Villosterol, a pregnene steroid, has been isolated from the plant.T. virens Linn. (Kerala) is reported to be employed in the treatment of fits.... turraea villosaHabitat: Throughout India, as a weed.
English: Soapwort, Cow Herb.Folk: Musna, Saabuni.Action: Roots—used for cough, asthma and other respiratory disorders; for jaundice, liver and spleen diseases (increases bile flow). Mucilaginous sap—used in scabies.
Saponins of the root showed haemo- lytic activity. Lanostenol, stigmas- terol, beta-sitosterol and diosgenin have been isolated from the plant. Xanthones, vaccaxanthone and sapx- anthone, and a oligosaccharide, vac- carose, have also been isolated.... vaccaria pyramidataVaetild, Vaetilde, Vaetildha, Vaetildhe... vaetilda
Habitat: UK, Europe and North America. (About 21 species of Vaccinium are found in India.)
English: Bilberry, Blueberry.Action: Astringent, diuretic, refrigerant.
Key application: Fruit—in non- specific,acute diarrhoea; topically in mild inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat (German Commission E); anthocyanine enriched extracts of the fruit, in symptomatic treatment of problems related to varicose veins, such as heavy legs. (ESCOP.) Cranberry (Vaccinium sp.) is used in urinary incontinence and for UTI prevention. (Sharon M. Herr.)The main constituents of the Bilberry fruit are anthocyanosides 0.5%. Other constituents include tannins, hy- droxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids, flavonol glycosides, flavan-3-ols, iridoids, terpenes, pectins and organic plant acids. (ESCOP.)In India, V. symplocifolium Alston, syn. V. leschenaultH Wight, known as Kilapalam in Tamil Nadu, is abundantly found in the mountains of South India up to an altitude of 2,400 m V. neil- gherrense Wight, known as Kalavu in Tamil Nadu and Olenangu in Karnata- ka, is commonly found in the hills of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu at altitudes of 600-2,000 m.... vaccinium myrtillusValdah, Valida, Velda, Vada, Vaida, Vayda, Vaeda... valda
Valentinah, Valentine, Valenteena, Valenteana, Valentena, Valentyna, Valantina, Valentyne, Valentia, Valentya, Valtina, Valentijn, Valyn, Val, Valle... valentina
Valara, Valera, Valaria, Valeriana, Veleria, Valora... valeria
Habitat: The temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan.
Ayurvedic: Dhyaamaka (including among aromatic drugs of Jatamansi group.)Folk: Sugandhabaalaa.Action: Used as V. jatamansi.... valeriana pyrolaefolia
Valeri, Valeree, Valerey, Valery, Valarie, Valari, Vallery, Valeraine, Valere, Valerye, Valaree, Vallerie, Valleri, Valka, Vairy, Valry, Vallirie, Valorie, Val, Valle... valerie
Valkry, Valkri, Valkrie, Valkree, Valkrea, Valkreah, Valki, Valkie, Valkee, Valkea, Valkey, Valky, Valkeah, Valkrey... valkyrie
Habitat: Western Himalayas, Kashmir at Sonamarg at 2,4002,700 m.
English: Common Valerian.Action: Rhizome and roots— sedative, hypotensive, cardiotonic; depressant on CNS, antispasmodic; used for hysteria, neurosis, nervousness, hypochondriasis.
The roots and rhizomes yielded alkaloids—dipyridylmethylketone, ac- tinidine, iso-valeramide and valerian- ine; sesquiterpene ketone-valeranone. Bornyl acetate is the major constituent of the root oil, 31.5%, whereas it is only 6.6% in leaf oil. Bornyl isovalerate is reported from the root oil.Baalaka is a confusing synonym of Tagara. It should be equated with Pavo- nia odorata Willd. (Malvaceae).Baalaka (syns: Ambu, Baala, Barhi- shtha, Hrivera, Jala, Kacha, Muurd- haja, Udichi, Udichya) is known as Sugandhabaalaa in Northern markets. In South India Coleus vettiveroides K. C. Jacob (Labiateae) is preferred as Baalaka. Delphinium brunonianum Royle (Ranunculaceae), with synonyms Kutila, Nata, Vakra, is also used as Tagara.Valeriana leschenaultii DC. var. brunoniana C. B. Clarke.Family: Valerianaceae.Habitat: The temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan at altitudes of 1,200-3,60 m and in the Khasi and Jaintia hills between 1,500 and 1,800 m.
Folk: Sugandhabaalaa, Tagger, Taggar-ganthodaa. Asaarun (Ku- maon).Action: Used as V. jatamansi and V officinalis.
Valeriana hardwickii is known as Taggar-ganthodaa in Mumbai and Asaarun in Kumaon. In Unani medicine, Asaarun is equated with Asarum europaeum Linn. (Aristolochiaceae). It is known as Subul-e-barri, Naardin- barri and Persian Tagar; Wild Nard, Hazel Wort and Asarabacca in English. Though sedative and brain tonic, Asaarun should not be equated with Tagara.Family: Valerianaceae.Habitat: Karnakata and the Nilgiris.
Ayurvedic: Tagara (related species).Folk: Sugandhabaalaa, Taggar, Baalaka.Action: Used as a substitute for valerian.... valeriana dubia
Habitat: Native to Eurasia. (V officinalis auct. non Linn. is found in Kashmir at Sonamarg at 2,4002,700 m)
English: Valerian, Garden Heliotrope, Common Valerian.Ayurvedic: Tagara, Nata. Baalaka (syn. Udichya, Jala, Barhishtha) is also equated with Valeriana sp.Folk: Sugandhabaalaa, taggar.Action: Tranquillizer, hypnotic, a natural relaxant to higher nerve centres. Used for nervous tension, sleeplessness, restlessness, palpitation, tension, headache, migraine, menstrual pain, intestinal cramps, bronchial spasm.
Key application: Internally for restlessness and sleeping disorders based on nervous conditions (German Commission E). (See Expanded Commission E, ESCOP and WHO monographs.)Constituents of the root include val- trates, didrovaltrates and isovalerates. Other constituents include 0.4-1.4% monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, caf- feic, gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) and chlorogenic acids, beta-sitosterol, methyl, 2-pyrrolketone, choline, tannins, gums alkaloids and resin. (Expanded Commission E Monographs.)The volatile oil (0.5-2%) contains bornyl acetate and bornyl isovalerate as the principal components. Other constituents include beta-caryophyllene, valeranone, valerenal, valerenic acid and other sesquiterpenoids and mono- terpenes.The co-occurrence of three cyclo- pentane-sesquiterpenoids (valerenic acid, acetoxyvalerenic acid and valere- nal) is confined to Valeriana officinalis L. and permits its distinction from V edulis and V. Wallichii. (WHO.)The important active compounds of valerian are the valepotriates (iridoid molecules) and valeric acid. Originally it was thought that valepotriates were responsible for the herbs sedative effect, but, later on, an aqueous extract of the root has also been shown to have a sedative effect. Since valepotriates are not soluble in water, it was concluded that valerenic acid is also the chemical factor responsible for the sedative effect of the herb. Most commercial extracts in Western herbal are water-soluble extracts standardized for valerenic acids.Large doses ofvalepotriates from the herb decreased benzodiazepines and diazepam withdrawl symptoms in rats. At low doses valerian enhances binding of flunitrazepam, but at high doses it inhibits binding of the drug. Valerenic acid inhibits breakdown of GABA, and hydroxypinoresinol binds to benzodi- azepine receptor. (Sharon M. Herr.)The safety of valepotriates has been questioned.Currently valerian is an approved over-the-counter medicine in Germany, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Italy. (The British Herbal Compendium.)See Valeriana dubia Bunge, syn. V. officinalis auct. non Linn., known as Common Valerian.... valeriana officinalisHabitat: Temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan, above 3,000 m, and Khasia Hills.
English: Indian Valerian.Ayurvedic: Tagara, Sugandhabaalaa, Kaalaanusaari, Kaalaanusaarikaa, Nata. (Delphinum brunonianum Royle, Ranunculaceae, syn. Kutila, Nata, Vakra, is also used as Tagara.)Unani: Asaarun, Tagar Reshewaalaa.Siddha: Tagarai.Folk: Taggar, Baalaka, Mushkbaalaa, Asaarun, Tagar-ganthodaa.Action: Rhizomes and roots— used as a substitute for Valeriana officinalis; prescribed as a remedy for hysteria, nervous unrest and emotional troubles, and as a sedative.
Rhizomes and roots contain cyclop entapyrans, acacetin-7-O-rutino- sides, valtrate, didrovaltrate, linarin iso-valerinate, valepotriates and an iri- doid ester glycoside, valerosidatum. Cyclopentapyrans exhibit sedative, tranquilizing and bacteriocidal properties.Valtrate and didrovaltrate were cy- totoxic to hepatoma cells in culture and inhibited synthesis of DNA and protein in tumor cells.Root—spasmolytic. Essential oil— antibacterial. (Indian Valerian oils are considered poor as compared to those of V. officinalis oils.) The essential oil from roots contains calarene, beta- bargamotene, valeranone, ar-curcu- mene, maalioxide and maalitol. Main acids present are isovaleric acid and (+)-beta-methyl valeric acid.Valeriana jatamansi auct. non Jones, synonyms Nardostachys grandiflora DC. and N. jatamansi DC. is equated with Indian Spikenard, Musk-Root and Jataamaansi.Dosage: Rhizome—1-3 g powder. (API, Vol. I.)... valeriana wallichiiHabitat: Throughout India; cultivated in gardens.
Ayurvedic: Aasphotaa, Asphuka, Bhadravalli, Saarivaa-utpala (white var.).Folk: Haapharamaali var. Dudhi-bel (Garhwal).Action: Latex—applied to old wounds and sores (mildly irritant). Bark—astringent. Seeds—cardiac tonic.
Seeds are rich in cardiac glyco- sides; contain acoschimperoside P, mono-O-acetylvallaroside, mono-O- acetylsolanoside, mono-O-acetylaco- schimperoside P, vallaroside, valla- rosolanoside, solanoside and 16-deace- tyl-16-anhydroacoschimperoside P. O- acetylsolanoside is a potent cardioton- ic.The seed oil contains palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. The leaves gave beta-sitosterol, beta-amyrin and urso- lic acid.Vallaris glabra Kuntze (West Bengal) is also equated with Aasphotaa.... vallaris solanaceaHabitat: Hydrophyte; throughout India.
English: Eel-Grass, Tape Grass, Wild Celery.Ayurvedic: Shaivala, Shaivaala. (Ceratophyllum demersum Linn. is also equated with Shaivala.)Folk: Sevaar.Action: Plant—stomachic, refrigerant, demulcent. Also used in leucorrhoea and spermatorrhoea.
Extracts of the plant yielded polysaccharides containing D-galactose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, L-rhamnose, uronic acid, acidic xylan and an arabi- no galactan.... vallisneria spiralisValsalva’s manoeuvre is involuntarily performed when a person strains to open his or her bowels: in these circumstances the passage of air to the lungs is blocked by instinctive closure of the vocal cords in the LARYNX. The resultant raised abdominal pressure helps to expel the bowel contents. The manoeuvre is also used in the study of cardiovascular physiology because the rise in pressure in the chest restricts the return of venous blood to the right atrium of the HEART. Pressure in the peripheral VEINS is raised and the amount of blood entering and leaving the heart falls. This drop in cardiac output may cause the subject to faint because the supply of oxygenated blood to the brain is reduced.... valsalva’s manoeuvre
Vandah, Vande, Vandana, Vandi, Vandetta, Vandella, Vannda, Vanditta... vanda
Vandany, Vandaney, Vandanie, Vandanee, Vandania, Vandanya... vandani
Habitat: West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.
Ayurvedic: Pinditaka, Snigdh- pinditaka.Siddha/Tamil: Manakkarai.Folk: Muyana. Chiracholi, Alu (Maharashtra).... vangueria spinosaHabitat: 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 roxburghiiHabitat: Kerala.
Ayurvedic: Svarna-pushpa Bandaa, Baandaa.Folk: Ponnampomaraiva (Kerala).Action: Flowers—dried flowers are powdered and given for asthma, consumption, also for mood-swings and psychosomatic bursts.
Action: Fruits—refrigerant and cholagogue; used in biliary complaints and hepatic congestion. Dry fruits—narcotic; used in dysentery.
The seeds contain linoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids.... vanda spathulataSynonym: Lindernia cordifolia (Colsmann) Merrill.
Family: Scrophulariaceae.Habitat: The Himalayas up to 1,2001,700 m and throughout India.
Folk: Gadaga-vel (Maharashtra).Action: Used for sexually transmitted diseases and urethral discharges.
Vandellia pyxidaria Maxim, synonym Vandellia erecta Benth. (The Himalayas from Kashmir to Assam, common in Bengal; also in central and South India) is known as Vakapush- pi. The plant is used for gonorrhoea. Plant juice is given to children who pass green stool.... vandellia pedunculataTUBERCULIN PURIFIED PROTEIN DERIVATIVE (TUBERCULIN PPD) is the active principle of OT (see above), and is prepared from the ?uid medium on which the Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been grown. It is supplied as a liquid, a powder, or as sterile tablets. The liquid contains 100,000 units per millilitre, and the dry powder contains 30,000 units per milligram. It is distributed in sterile containers sealed so as to exclude micro-organisms. It is more constant in composition and potency than OT.
Uses The basis of the tuberculin reaction is that any person who has been infected with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis gives a reaction when a small amount of tuberculin is injected into the skin. A negative reaction means either that the individual has never been infected with the tubercle bacillus, or that the infection has been too recent to have allowed of sensitivity developing.
There are various methods of carrying out the test, of which the following are the most commonly used. The Mantoux test is the most satisfactory of all, and has the advantage that the size of the reaction is a guide to the severity of the tuberculous infection: it is performed by injecting the tuberculin into the skin on the forearm. The Heaf multiple puncture test is reliable: it is carried out with the multiple puncture apparatus, or Heaf gun. The Vollmer patch test, using an impregnated ?lter paper, is useful in children because of the ease with which it can be carried out.... varieties
Varinah, Varyna, Vareena... varina
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation ADRENALINE (epinephrine) is given intravenously in cardiac arrest, and other drugs used include ATROPINE and CALCIUM.... vasoconstrictor sympathomimetics
Habitat: Peninsular India, from Kanara to Trivandrum and in Coorg.
English: White Damar, Indian Copal-Tree, Malabar Tallow tree, Piney Varnish-Tree.Ayurvedic: Sarja, Sarjaka, Karsya, Sasyasumbara, Devdhuupa, Marich-patraka. Chhaagakar- na. Ajakarna and Shaala (related species) are also equated with V indica.Unani: Raal.Siddha/Tamil: Kungiliyam, Vellai Kundarakam.Action: Resin—astringent, antibacterial, antidiarrhoeal, emmena- gogue. Used for chronic bronchitis, piles, skin eruptions, ringworm, scrofula, tubercular glands, ulcers, wounds, boils; urinary discharges; amenorrhoea; gonorrhoea and syphilis. Bark—antidysenteric. Oil and resin—antirheumatic. Resin enters into a number of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ointments. Leaves—juice is applied to cure burns. Orally administered to prevent vomiting.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the resinous exudate internally (1-2 g) in lipid disorders, anaemia, genitourinary diseases, diarrhoea and diseases due to vitiated blood; externally in gout, abscesses, skin diseases, burns, eruptions.The bark contains polyphenols—dl- epi-catechin, levorotatory isomers of fisetinidol, fzelechin; and bergenin.Resin is a complex mixture of several triterpene hydrocarbons, ketones, alcohols and acids, along with small amounts of sesquiterpenes. On distillation, the oleoresin gave an essential oil (76%), consisting of phenolic constituents and azulenes. The essential oil shows marked antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gramnegative micro-organism.The leaves and roots contain berge- nin and hope phenol. The seed also contain bergenin. Hope phenol showed fungicidal activity. The plant exhibited anti-ulcerogenic activity in rats.The fruit shell contains 25% tannins.Dosage: Resinous exudate—1-2 g (API, Vol. IV.)... vateria indicaStructure While of similar structure to an artery, veins have much thinner walls, with much less muscular tissue. Furthermore, most veins have one-way VALVES to ensure that the blood ?ows in the right direction. These are most numerous in the legs, then the arms, with few in the internal organs.
Chief veins Four pulmonary veins open into the left atrium of the heart, two from each lung. The superior vena cava returns the blood from the head, neck, and arms; while the inferior vena cava returns blood from the legs and abdomen. The large basilic vein that runs up the inner side of the upper arm is the vein usually opened in blood-letting (see VENESECTION). The great saphenous vein is of special interest, because of its liability to become distended or varicose. Within the abdomen, the inferior vena cava receives branches corresponding to several branches of the aorta, its largest branches being the hepatic veins, which return not only the blood that has reached the liver in the hepatic arteries, but also blood which comes from the digestive organs in the PORTAL VEIN to undergo a second capillary circulation in the liver.
There are several connections between the superior and inferior cava, the most important being three azygos veins that lie upon the sides of the spinal column, the veins on the front of the abdomen, and some veins that emerge from the abdomen at the navel and connect the portal system with those of the inferior and superior vena cava. (See also CIRCULATORY SYSTEM OF THE BLOOD.)... veins
Varicose veins are dilated tortuous veins occurring in about 15 per cent of adults – women more than men. They most commonly occur in the legs but may also occur in the anal canal (HAEMORRHOIDS) and in the oesophagus (due to liver disease).
Normally blood ?ows from the subcutaneous tissues to the super?cial veins which drain via perforating veins into the deep veins of the leg. This ?ow, back towards the heart, is aided by valves within the veins. When these valves fail, increased pressure is exerted on the blood vessels leading to dilatations known as varicose veins.
Treatment is needed to prevent complications such as ulceration and bleeding, or for
cosmetic purposes. Treatment alternatives include injection with sclerosing agents to obliterate the lumen of the veins (sclerotherapy), or surgery; in the elderly or un?t, an elastic stocking may su?ce. One operation is the Trendelenburg operation in which the saphenous vein is disconnected from the femoral vein and individual varicose veins are avulsed. (See also VASCULITIS.)
Thrombosis Thrombosis occurs when blood, which is normally a liquid, clots within the vein to form a semisolid thrombus (clot). This occurs through a combination of reduced blood ?ow and hypercoagulability (a reduced threshold for clotting). The most common site for this to occur is in the deep veins of the leg, where it is known as a deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).
Predisposing factors include immobility (leading to reduced blood ?ow), such as during long journeys (e.g. plane ?ights) where there is little opportunity to stretch one’s legs; surgery (leading to temporary post-operative immobility and hypercoagulability of blood); oestrogen administration (low-dose oestrogen oral contraceptives carry a very low relative risk); and several medical illnesses such as heart failure, stroke and malignancy.
Deep-vein thrombosis presents as a tender, warm, red swelling of the calf. Diagnosis may be con?rmed by venogram (an X-ray taken following injection of contrast medium into the foot veins) or by ultrasound scanning looking for ?ow within the veins.
Prevention is important. This is why patients are mobilised and/or given leg exercises very soon after an operation, even major surgery. People should avoid sitting for long periods, particularly if the edge of the seat is hard, thus impeding venous return from the legs. Car drivers should stop regularly on a long journey and walk around; airline travellers should, where possible, walk round the aisle(s) and also exercise and massage their leg muscles, as well as drinking ample non-alcoholic ?uids.
Diagnosis and treatment are important because there is a risk that the clotted blood within the vein becomes dislodged and travels up the venous system to become lodged in the pulmonary arteries. This is known as PULMONARY EMBOLISM.
Treatment is directed at thinning the blood with ANTICOAGULANTS, initially with heparin and subsequently with WARFARIN for a period of time while the clot resolves.
Blocked super?cial veins are described as super?cial thrombophlebitis, which produces in?ammation over the vein. It responds to antiin?ammatory analgesics. Occasionally heparin and ANTIBIOTICS are required to treat associated thrombosis and infection.... veins, diseases of
Velvete, Velvette, Velvett, Velvit, Velvyt, Velveta, Velvetta, Velouette... velvet
Ventanah, Ventanna, Ventane, Ventanne... ventana
Habitat: Throughout India in hotter parts, usually climbing on trees.
Siddha/Tamil: Pappili.Folk: Pitti, Raamadhaani, Kevati (var.).Action: Stem bark—powdered and mixed with sesame oil, externally applied to skin diseases and sprains. Root bark—used for atonic dyspepsia, mild fever and debility. Sap—used for the treatment of deafness.
The stem bark gave friedelin and several anthraquinones. The root contains anthraquinones, ventinones A and B. Major constituents of the root bark are emodin, its glucoside and corresponding analogues, ventiloquino- nes. The fruit, leaves and stem gave lupeol, beta-sitosterol and its gluco- side.... ventilago denticulataHabitat: Maharashtra and South India.
Ayurvedic: Taamravalli, Kaivartikaa, Vaamataruni.Siddha/Tamil: Pappili-chaka, Vempadam, Sural-pattai.Folk: Kevati.Action: Root bark—carminative, stomachic, febrifuge; used in atonic dyspepsia, debility and skin diseases. The plant is used against scabies.
The roots contain anthraquinones, ventinones A and B, physcion and chrysophanol. The root bark afforded naphthalene derivatives and several naphthaquinones, anthraquinones— islandicin, emodin, xanthorin and its 5-methyl ether.In South India, V. bombaiensis Dalz. is found in Mukkali forest, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, and V. goughii in Coorg, Nilgiris and Kurnool.... ventilago madraspatanaVenis, Venys, Vynys, Venusa, Venusina, Venusia... venus
Habitat: North Kanara, forests of Malabar, Annamalai and Travancore, up to 1,200 m.
Ayurvedic: Krishna-Agaru. (In South India V. bilocularis is used as Krishna-Agaru and Dysoxylum labricum Bedd. ex Hiern as Shveta-Agaru.)Siddha/Tamil: Devadaram.Action: Wood—extract in oil is used for rheumatic swellings and skin diseases. Root—used for biliousness.
Alkaloids from stem bark included kokusaginine, skimmianine, flindersi- amine, evoxanthine, N-methylacrido- ne derivatives, maculine and vepris- one. The leaves contain a triterpenoid, lupeol.... vepris bilocularisVeradise, Veradys, Veradisa, Verdissa, Veradysa, Veradyssa, Veradisia, Veraditia... veradis
Habitat: The temperate regions of northern hemisphere; introduced in Jammu and Kashmir for cultivation.
English: American Hellbore, Green Hellebore.Action: Rhizomes and roots— cardiac depressant, hypotensive. (Contraindicated in cardiac disease. Large doses cause bradycardia.) Used in the treatment of convulsions, headache, neuralgia, inflammatory affections of respiratory tract; and as sedative. Formerly used for high blood pressure, especially associated with toxemia of pregnancy.
Ceveratrum-type alkaloids, found as esters, are hypotensive and cause vasodilatation (probably by inhibition of vasomotor centre and stimulation of the vagus). Overdoses cause vomiting. Alkaloids are teratogenic.... veratrum virideVerdah, Verdea, Virida, Verdy, Verdey, Verde, Verdi, Verdie, Verdee... verda
Verenese, Verennase, Vyrenase, Vyrennase, Vyrenese, Verenace, Vyrenace... verenase
Habitat: Temperate Himalayas, Western Ghats and the Nilgiris.
English: Cow's Lungwort, Common Mullein. (Large-flowered Mullein is equated with V. densiflorum Bertol.)Ayurvedic: Ban Tambaaku, Gidar Tambaaku, Phullaa.Action: Herb—soothing and relaxant for irritable respiratory conditions (asthma, emphysema, tracheitis), pectoral demulcent, antispasmodic, mild sedative.
Key application: In catarrh of the respiratory tract. (German Commission E.)The capsule contains saponins, thap- suines A and B and hydroxythap- suines A and B. The plant also contains varatric acid, 5-ethoxymethyl furfural, saikogenin, alpha-spinasterol and iri- doids, aucubin and catalpol. The leaves contain rotenone.The flower extract showed activity against influenza and herpes simplex virus.The plant has been employed for the treatment of asthma. There is little evidence to indicate that the plant can offer more than mild astringent and topical soothing effects.... verbascum thapsusHabitat: The Himalayas, Khasi and Lushai Hills, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
English: Vervain, Pigeon's Grass.Unani: Saal-ul-hamaam, Faristari- un.Action: Plant—nervine, antidepressant, anticonvulsant; prescribed in liver and gall bladder complaints (spasm of the bladder and strangury), nervous and menstrual disorders; also for bronchitis, asthma and febrile affections.
Included among unapproved herbs by German Commission E.The plant contains an iridoid gly- coside, hastatoside; loganin; methyl- cyclopentane monoterpenoid, verbe- nalin; verbascoside and eukovoside. The stem and roots are quite rich in stachyose. Aerial parts gave lupeol, beta-sitosterol, ursolic acid, aucubin and artemetin.The herb is credited with weak parasympathomimetic activity. Verbenalin exhibited mild purgative activity in animal studies. Emetic in high doses.Vervain tea decreased absorption of non-heme iron by 59% in human subjects. (Sharon M. Herr.)... verbena officinalisHabitat: West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and Western Ghats.
Siddha/Tamil: Shutthi.Action: Bark—febrifuge. The bark is chewed as a substitute for betel leaves.... vernonia javanica
Habitat: Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar.
Ayurvedic: Sahadevi (related species).Folk: Doraa-baahaa.Action: Roots—used for articular rheumatism.... vernonia roxburghii
Habitat: Tropical Himalayas from Kumaon to Sikkim; Bihar and Central India.
Action: Herb—used for dysmen- orrhoea, and for the treatment of wounds and ulcers. Flower-heads— ascaricidal.
The leaf juice showed in vitro activity against earthworms, tapeworms and roundworms.... vernonia teresHabitat: Distributed throughout India. Common in waste places and road side.
English: Ash coloured Fleabane, Purple Fleabane.Ayurvedic: Sahadevi, Uttamkanya- ka, Dandotpalaa.Siddha/Tamil: Naichotte Poonde.Action: Plant—febrifuge, diaphoretic (infusion of herb, combined with quinine, is used against malaria). Used as a specific herb for leucor- rhoea, dysuria, spasm of bladder, strangury and for haematological disorders, as a blood purifier and styptic. Also used in asthma. Seeds—anthelmintic, antiflatulent, antispasmodic; used in dysuria, leucoderma, psoriasis and other skin diseases. Roots—anthelmintic; decoction used for colic.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the plant in inter mittent fever, filariasis, pityriasis versi- colour (tinea versicolor), blisters, boils, vaginal discharges and in cases of psy- choneurosis.Aerial parts gave luteolin-7-mono- beta-D-glucopyranoside. Whole plant gave triterpene compounds—beta- amyrin acetate, lupeol acetate, beta- amyrin and lupeol; sterols—beta-sito- sterol, stigmasterol and alpha-spinaste- rol; phenolic resin and potassium chloride.Dosage: Whole plant—10-20 ml juice; 5-10 g powder for external use. (API, Vol. III.)... vernonia cinereaHabitat: The Aka hills of Arunachal Pradesh, as a weed.
Action: Leaves and roots— decoction used in colds and fevers. Young plants—used for the treatment of convulsions in children.
Family: Scrophulariaceae.Habitat: Western Himalayas and Kashmir at 2,700-3,600 m.
English: Brooklime.Folk: Titalokiyaa, Tezhak.Action: Antiscorbutic, blood purifier, alterative, diuretic. Used for scurvy, scrofulous affections, swollen piles, lithiasis, skin diseases, burns, ulcers.
The plant gave iridoid glycosides including aucubin; bitters and tannins. Aucubin has been reported to stimulate the uric acid secretion of the kidneys.... veronica beccabungaVesperah, Vespira, Vespeera, Vesperia, Vesper... vespera
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, KhasSiddha: 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 zizaniodesVevilah, Veveela, Vevyla, Vevilla, Vevylla, Vevylle, Vevyle, Vevillia... vevila
Habitat: The Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan at altitudes of 1,200-3,300 m.
Folk: Richh, Richhabi, Khimor (Punjab), Gwiaa, Ghinwaa, Guyaa, Ghenu (Kumaon).Action: Bark—used in menorrhagia and metrorrhagia.... viburnum cotinifolium
Habitat: Khasi hills at altitudes of 900-1,800 m.
Folk: Narwel (Maharashtra).Action: Leaves—astringent, antispasmodic. Juice used in menorrhagia and as a sedative (a substitute for American Viburnum bark) in uterine disorders, and in post-partum haemorrhage. See Viburnum coriaceum and V. opulus.... viburnum foetidum
Habitat: The Himalayas from Punjab and Bhutan at altitudes of 1,200-2,500 m, also in the Nilgiris.
Ayurvedic: Tilvaka (related species).Folk: Kaalaa Titmuliyaa, Tita, Karwaa (Kumaon).Action: The root and stem bark— antispasmodic, uterine sedative.
Ethanolic extract of the aerial parts shows antiprotozoal activity against Entamoeba hystolytica.The root and stem bark (also of V. foetidum) possess distinct odour of the root of valerian. The extracts of root and stem bark exhibited antispas- modic activity and were comparable with those of the bark of V. opulus var. americanum and V. prunifolium.Laal Titmuliyaa (Kumaon) is equated with Viburnum mullaha Buch-Ham. ex D. Don syn. V. stellulatum Wall ex DC.... viburnum coriaceumHabitat: The Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim at altitudes of 3,000-4,000 m.
Ayurvedic: Tilvaka.Folk: Telam, Timoi (Kumaon), Tilen, Thelkaa (Garhwal).Action: Bark—astringent; contain 13.1% tannin on dry basis.... viburnum nervosum
Habitat: Native to North America. Dried bark imported into India.
English: Cranberry Bush, Cramp- bark.Action: Used as a diuretic and as a uterine sedative in functional uterine disorders.
The activity of the bark has been attributed to the presence of uterine relaxants, acting directly on the muscle and not through sympathomimetic action. The muscle relaxants include an essential oil, an amorphous, bitter phenolic glucoside, esculetin and scopo- letin.The bark contains hydroquinones, arbutin, methylarbutin and traces of hydroquinone; coumarins including scopoletin and scopoline; tannins mainly catechins.The polycondensed tannins produced significant angioprotective effect in rats.... viburnum opulusHabitat: Native to eastern and central USA. (Experimental cultivation in the Nilgiri hills.)
English: Black Haw.Ayurvedic: Tilvaka (related species).Action: Uterine sedative (used in the treatment for threatened miscarriage, under strict medical supervision. Spasmolytic. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) Used after childbirth to check bleeding and pain, also in dysmen- orrhoea.
The stem and root bark gave couma- rins including scopoletin, aesculetin and scoplin; a biflavone, amentofla- vone; triterpenes including oleanolic and ursolic acid and their acetates, caffeic acid derivatives; salicylic acid, salicin, arbutin (traces); tannins (2%).Coumarin, scopoletin, is a uterine sedative, while salicin is an analgesic.... viburnum prunifoliumHabitat: Native to North Africa; commonly grown in North Western India.
English: Broad bean, Windsor bean.Unani: Baaqlaa.Action: Fresh beans—cooked alone or with meat, are prescribed in Unani medicine for cough, also for resolving inflammations. Externally, the bean and flowers are used as a poultice for inflammations, warts and burns.
A number of harmful principles are reported in the broad beans. A large amount of Dopa, mainly in free state and partly in the form of its beta- glucoside; and gluco alkaloids, vicine and convicine, have been isolated.Ingestion of fresh, uncooked or partially cooked beans is not recommended.The seeds gave positive test for hydrocyanic acid and also contain arsenic.The fresh beans exhibit an oestro- genic activity. Phytoalexins of the immature seeds exhibit antifungal activity.Malic, citric and glyceric acids are the principal organic acids present in the pods (also present in the hulls). The glyceric acid on subcutaneous injection produced a marked diuresis in rabbit. (A decoction of the leaves and stems of the field bean, Faba vulgaris Moench, is used as a diuretic.)An aqueous extract of the root nodules exhibited vasoconstricting activity on rabbits.... vicia fabaVictoriah, Victorea, Victoreah, Victorya, Victorria, Victoriya, Vyctoria, Victorine, Victoreana, Victoriana, Victorina, Victoryna, Victoreena, Viktoria, Vicktoria, Viktorina, Vyctoria, Vyktoria, Vyctorina, Vyktorina, Vyctoryna, Vyktoryna, Victoryn, Vyctorine, Vyctoryn, Vyktorine, Vyktoryn, Vyktoryne, Vitoria, Vicki, Vickie, Vicky, Vickey, Vikki, Vicka, Vika, Victriv, Victriva... victoria
Vidah, Veeda, Vieda, Vyda, Vidett, Vidette, Videtta, Videte, Videta, Videlle, Vidella, Videll, Videle, Videla... vida
Vienne, Vienette, Vienetta, Venia, Venna, Vena, Vennia... vienna
Habitat: Throughout the drier parts of India, ascending to an altitude of about 1,800 m in the Himalayas.
Ayurvedic: Vandhyaavari.Siddha/Tamil: Jimikipoo, Mookuti, Poondu.Action: Plant—used for contraception.
Aerial parts contain the sesquiter- pene lactones (vicolide A-D), the 28- nortriterpenoidal glucosides (vicoside A and B), the triterpenoid vicosigenin and monoterpenediol vicodiol, besides several n-alkanes and n-alkanoic acid esters.Vicolide A-D showed anti-inflammatory activity against cotton pellet granuloma in rats. Vicolide D showed antipyretic activity.Antifertility activity has been attributed to the presence of vicolide B and D, while A and C have been reported to be devoid of antifertility activity. Vicolide D was found to be anti-oestrogenic in nature.... vicoa indicaHabitat: Native to South America; grown in pools in botanic gardens.
English: Royal Waterlily. Water Maize (seeds).Ayurvedic: Brihat-patra Kamal.Action: Seed—refrigerant, cooling to the nervous system. Pond Lily root—externally, astringent, antiscrofulous. An infusion is used as a gargle for ulcers in the mouth and throat.
The leaves contain the anthocyanins, delphinidin and cyanidin.... victoria regiaHabitat: Native to Europe. Found in the Himalayas, West Bengal and Palni Hills.
English: Green Periwinkle, Greater Periwinkle.Action: Astringent, antihaemor- rhagic, hypotensive. Used to treat menorrhagia and leucorrhoea.
The herb contains indole alkaloids; majdine, isomajdine, majoridine, aku- ammine, akuammigine, carpanaubine, irvine, reserpine, serpentine, sarpagi- ne, tetrahydroalstonine, vincamajine and vincamajoreine; and tannins.The cytotoxic dimeric alkaloids present in Vinca rosea L., used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, have not been found in Vinca major.... vinca majorHabitat: Grown in Indian gardens as an ornamental.
English: Lesser Periwinkle.Action: Astringent and circulatory stimulant (contain alkaloid vin- camine). Used for gastric catarrh, chronic dyspepsia; restlessness, headache, dizziness, and for the prevention of premature aging of brain cells, as a geriatic support.
The herb contains indole alkaloids (0.15-1.4%). The major constituent in vincamine; others include vinic, apovincamine, vincadifformin.Vincamine is hypotensive; increases blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. The vincamine content in the herb is low and fluctuates greatly. Overdose of the extract brings about a severe drop in blood pressure.Vincamine, as a pure substance is available for therapeutic administration.... vinca minorHabitat: West Bengal and throughout greater part of India, as a weed.
Ayurvedic: Sangkhi, Sangkhaphuli (The Wealth of India).Folk: Milagaipoondu (Tamil Nadu), Kapavila (Kerala), Vishakane- gale (Karnataka), Neru (Andhra Pradesh) Mirchaai (Bihar).Action: Plant—oncolytic (tumour- resolving). A decoction of the dried plant boiled in oil is used in the treatment of lumbago.
The plant contains ajmalicine, rau- wolscine, vindoline, pusiline and pusi- linine, while leurosine, lochnerinine, venoterpine, vindorosine and vincapu- sine have been isolated from the leaves. The root gave lochnericine. Leurosine is cytotoxic. Pusiline and pusilinine cause marked depression of the heart.... vinca pusillaHabitat: Native of West Indies; commonly grown in Indian gardens.
English: Madagascar Periwinkle.Ayurvedic: Sadaapushpaa, Sadam- pushpa, Nityakalyaani, Sadaaba- haar.Siddha: Nithiya kalyani, Sudukadu mallikai.Action: Cytotoxic.
Over one hundred monomeric and bisindole alkaloids have been isolated.The indole alkaloid, vincamine, is a vasodilator; the bisindole alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine proved to be highly effective as cancer chemothera- peutic agents.Vinblastine and vincristine are clinically used in a number of thrombo- cytopenic disorders, such as refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpurea and haemolytic anaemia.Vinblastine in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents (cis- platin and bleomycin) is used for the treatment of metastatic testicular cancer; also against bladder cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma in combination with other drugs.Vincristine, in various combinations, is highly effective in acute leukemia in children and lymphocytic leukemia; and pediatric tumours. (The Treatise on Indian Medicinal Plants.)... vinca roseaHabitat: The temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim at altitudes of 1,800-3,000 m.
Unani: Banafashaa (related species).Action: Leaves—laxative, emollient. Flowers—antiseptic, pectoral, diaphoretic. Root—emetic.
The herb is used as a substitute for Banafashaa obtained from V. odorata.The leaves are used for treating skin eruptions and the flowers for skin irritation.... viola bifloraHabitat: 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 cinereaHabitat: Native to Europe; cultivated in Kashmir.
English: Sweet Violet.Unani: Banafashaa, Banafsaj, Kakosh, Fareer.... viola odorataHabitat: The Himalayas, Eastern and Western Ghats.
Unani: Banafashaa (related species).Action: Dried flowers—used for coughs and colds. Herb— bruised and applied to ulcers; also prescribed in syphilis and scrofula. (In Chinese medicine, recommended against cancerous growths.)... viola patrinii
Habitat: Kashmir to Sikkim and Nilgiri hills at 1,500-2,100 m.
Unani: Banafashaa (related species)Folk: Thungtu (Kumaon).Action: Uses same as those of V odorata. A medicinal oil of Unani medicine, Roghan-e-Banafashaa, is prepared from the plant. Flowers, as tea, are used for treating headache.
Active principle of the herb is an alkaloid, violine.... viola pilosaHabitat: Kashmir at 1,200-2,400 m.
English: Pale Wood Violet, Wood Violet.Unani: Banafashaa (related species).Action: Plant—pectoral, bechic; used in chest troubles. Stem, leaf and flower—applied to foul sores and wounds.
Habitat: Native to Europe; grown as an ornamental.
English: Heartsease, Wild Pansy.Unani: Banafashaa (related species).Action: Herb—anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, expectorant, diuretic, antirheumatic, alterative. Used for bronchitis, rheumatism, chronic skin disorders and for preventing capillary haemorrhage when under corticosteroid therapy. Root— antidysenteric; used as a substitute for Cephaelis ipecacuanha.
Key application: Externally in mild seborrheic skin diseases and milk scall in children. (German Commission E.) The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recognizes the herb as an expectorant and dermatological agent.The herb contains rutin, violin and salicylic acid. The flower contains rutin, quercetin, violanthin (6,8-digly- coside of apigenin), violaxanthin, p- hydroxycinnamic acid and delphini- din. A flavone C-glycoside-saponarin has also been obtained from flowers. Flowers, in addition, contain 15-cis- violaxanthin.The herb exhibits anticoagulant property and diminishes the aggregation of platelets. It can be used as a preventive measure against thrombosis.Habitat: Temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal between 1,200 and 2,700 m (a semiparasitic plant).
English: European Mistletoe.Ayurvedic: Bandaaka, Suvarna- bandaaka. Vrikshaadani (substitute).Unani: Kishmish Kaabuli.Action: Vasodilator, cardiac depressant, tranquiliser, stimulates the vagus nerve which slows the pulse, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, immune enhancer, antineoplas- tic. Used for hypertension and tachycardia, as a nervine tonic.
The extract of leafy twigs is anti- inflammatory exerting an action upon capillary permeability and oedema. It stimulates granulation and the neoformation of connective tissue.Key application: For treating degenerative inflammation of the joints by stimulating cuti- visceral reflexes following local inflammation brought about by intradermal injections; as palliative therapy for malignant tumour through non-specific stimulation. (German Commission E.)Mistletoe contains glycoproteins; flavonoids, usually quercetin-derived (dependent on host tree to some extent); polypeptides; phenylcarboxylic acids; polysaccharides (including viscid acid); alkaloids; lignans.Cardiotonic activity is due to the lig- nans. The polysaccharides stimulate the immune response. Antineoplas- tic activity is claimed to be responsible for prolongation of survival time in cancer patients. Polypeptides (visco- toxins) inhibit tumours and stimulate immune resistance. (For uses of lectin from Mistletoe in cancer, see Eur J cancer, 2001, Jan, 37(1), 23-31; Eur J Cancer 2001, 37 (15), 19101920.) (For application in hepatitis, see Fitoterapia, 70, 2001.)... viola sylvestrisVirendrah, Vyrendrah, Virindra, Virendria... virendra
Viridiss, Viridys, Viridyss, Vyridis, Vyridys, Vyrydys, Virdis, Viridissa, Viridia, Viridianai, Viridiani, Viridiana... viridis
Habitat: Most parts of India; a superparasite in Western India on Loranthus sp. which itself is parasitic on Eugenia sp.
Ayurvedic: Bandaak (related species); Jivantikaa, Kaamavriksha, Nilavalli. (The Wealth of India.)Folk: Panapuuduu (Maharashtra), Bodobaando (Gujarat).Action: Plant—febrifuge, aphrodisiac. Paste is applied to bone fractures.
The plant gave oleanolic acid, ceryl oleanolate and meso-inositol.... viscum articulatumHabitat: Sikkim, a parasite of Strychnos nux-vomica tree.
Ayurvedic: Katukavalli, Pashu- mohanikaa.Siddha/Tamil: Pulluri, Pullurivi.Folk: Kuchleikaa-malang, Kuchle- kaa-baandaa.Action: Properties more or less similar to Strychnos nux-vomica. Used as a substitute for strychnine and brucine. (The plant is also parasitic on Albizia amara, A. odoratissima, Pongamia pin- nata and Ziziplus oenoplia.)... viscum monoicum
Habitat: Bihar, West Bengal and Kerala. (The plant parasitizing Strychnos nux-vomica tree are used in Indian medicine.)
Folk: Baandaa.Action: Used as a substitute for nux-vomica. Poultice of leaves is used for neuralgia; ashes of the plant for the treatment of skin diseases.... viscum orientale
Defects in the visual ?eld (scotomas) can be produced by a variety of disorders. Certain of these produce speci?c ?eld defects. For example, GLAUCOMA, some types of brain damage and some TOXINS can produce speci?c defects in the visual ?eld. This type of ?eld defect may be very useful in diagnosing a particular disorder. The blind spot is that part of the visual ?eld corresponding to the optic disc. There are no rods nor cones on the optic disc and therefore no light perception from this area. The blind spot can be found temporal (i.e. on the outer side) of the ?xation point. (See also EYE.)... vision, field of
Habitat: Throughout Deccan Peninsula.
Ayurvedic: Paaraavata-padi, Kaakajanghaa. (Kaakajanghaa is also equated with Leea aequata Linn.)Action: Roots—febrifuge, astringent.
Ethanolic extract and cold aqueous infusion of the leaf were found to suppress acetic acid-induced writhing in mice and carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema in rats. The flavonoids exhibited anti-inflammatory activity.... vitex leucoxylonHabitat: Mediterranean region; South-West Asian countries, up to Pakistan. (Seeds are imported from Iran.)
English: Monk's Pepper-tree, Hemp tree.Ayurvedic: Renukaa (seed). Renukaa and Harenukaa are synonyms in Indian medicine.Unani: Sambhaalu.Action: Dried ripe fruit—acts on the anterior pituitary gland, reducing FSH and increasing LSH; stimulates production of progesterone by reducing oestrogen; used as a substitution therapy in primary and secondary corpus luteum deficiency. Used for premenstrual syndrome, for regulating hormones in amenorrhoea and for bleeding between periods; also as a galactagogue and to assist bust development.
The herb is also used in the treatment of premature old age due to sexual excess, nervous debility and impotence (as a homoeopathic drug). Vitex agnus extract is found to lower prolactin levels in men (the decrease in prolactin levels results in improved sexual performance. Males with hyperprolacti- naemia frequently face impotence).Key application: In irregularities of menstrual cycle, premenstrual complaints, mastodynia. (German Commission E.) As a hormonal modulator. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The methanolic extract of the flowering stems of Vitex agnus-castus yielded iridoids, angnucastoside-A, B and C, in addition to aucubin, agnuside, mussaenosidic acid and 6'-O-p-hy- droxybenzoylmussaenosidic acid, and phenylbutenone glucoside, myzoden- drone.Dopaminergic compounds, present in the herb, are clinically important compounds which improve premenstrual mastodynia and other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.The herb may counteract birth control pills. (Sharon M. Herr.)... vitex agnus-castusHabitat: Throughout India in the warmer zones; ascending to 900 m in the North-western Himalaya.
English: Five-leaved Chaste tree.Ayurvedic: Nirgundi, Shephaa- likaa, Sindhuka, Sindhuvaara, Suvahaa, Sugandhikaa. Nila, Nila- nirgundi, Shveta nirgundi (var.). White-flowered var. is known as Sinduvaara, blue-flowered as Nirgundi or Shephaali,Unani: Sambhaalu, Fanjankisht.Siddha/Tamil: Nochi, Nalla Nochi, Vellai Nochchi, Nirkundi.Action: Seeds—prescribed in spermatorrhoea, and for promoting spermiogenesis (in Unani medicine). Also given as a rejuvenating tonic for retarding old age and for retaining and promoting virility. (in Ayurvedic medicine). Leaf—anti-inflammatory, analgesic; removes foetid discharges and worms from ulcers. Flowers—astringent, febrifuge, antidiarrhoeic; prescribed in liver complaint. Oil— applied to sinus, scrofulous sores.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the leaf (also the root) in excessive vaginal discharges, oedema, skin diseases, pruritus, helmin- thiasis, rheumatism, and puerperal fever.A water extract of the leaves, when administered to rats, exhibited anti- inflammatory, analgesic, antihistami- nic and membrane stabilizing and an- tioxidant activities. (J. Ethnopharmo- col, 2003, (203), 199-206.) Methano- lic extract of leaves showed remarkable antihistaminic activity.The leaves contain iridoid glyco- sides, isomeric flavanones and flavo- noids, besides casticin and the gluco- sides, luteolin-7-glucoside and alpha- D-glucoside of a tetrahydroxy mono- methoxy flavone.Dried powder of roots contains hen- triacontane, beta-sitosterol and its aetat and stigmasterol. Alcoholic extract of the root showed 40-60% antiimplantation activity with no anti- ovulatory effect in rats.Flavone vitexicarpin (1), isolated from the leaves, exhibited broad cyto- toxicity in human cancer cell line panel. Two pentacyclic triterpenoids, betulin- ic acid and ursolic acid, along with an aliphatic alcohol, n-hentriacontanol, beta-sitosterol and p-hydroxybenzoic acid have been isolated from leaves.The seeds contain p-hydroxybenz- oic acid, 5-oxyisophthalic acid, glucose and the triterpene, vitextriter- pene. Several anti-inflammatory triter- penoids and flavonoids have also been isolated from the seeds. The flavanone, 5,7,3' trihydroxy-6, 8,4'-trimethoxy- flavone exhibited anti-androgenic activity in adult mice and dogs.Dosage: Leaf—10-15 ml juice (API, Vol. III); root—10-12 ml juice (API, Vol. IV.)... vitex negundoVivekah, Vivecka, Vyveka, Viveca, Vyveca, Vivecca, Vivika, Vivieka, Vivyka... viveka
Habitat: Assam, West Bengal, Bihar and South India.
Ayurvedic: Kaakajanghaa. (Leea aequata Linn. is also equated with Kaakajanghaa.)Folk: Chirai-godaa, Chirai-gorwaa, Naagpheni.Action: Leaves and bark—used in malarial and black water fevers. Leaves—antibacterial.
The leaves and root bark gave pachy- podol, ursolic acid, vitexin and pedun- cularcin.... vitex peduncularisHabitat: Throughout India in tropical and subtropical regions.
Ayurvedic: Sinduvaara, Nirgundi (white var.).Siddha/Tamil: Karu Nochi, Siru Nochi.Folk: Paani-Sambhaalu.Action: Leaves—febrifuge, antibacterial, anthelmintic, cytotoxic. Extract of the leaves showed inhibitory action against Mycobac- terium tuberculosis. Leaves used as poultice in rheumatism, inflammations and sprains. Root and flowers—febrifuge. Root—expectorant. Fruit—used in amenorrhoea.
Aerial parts gave friedelin, beta- sitosterol and itsbeta-D-glucoside, and a long chain hydrocarbon. The leaves gave the flavonoids—artemetin, lute- olin, orientin, casticin; and iridoid gly- cosides, aucubin and agnuside. The fruits contain an alkaloid, vitricin.Vitrosin A and vitexicarpin, isolated from the plant, blocked spontaneous contraction of isolated guinea-pig trachea induced by histamine. (Planta Med, 2002, Nov., 68/11).The leaves are reported to improve memory and favour hair growth. Leaf extract showed significant antitumour activity in the murine tumour system.... vitex trifoliaHabitat: A woody, shrubby vine, cultivated in Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu for edible fruits.
English: Wine Grape, European Grape. (Chinese: P'u-t'ao.)Ayurvedic: Draakshaa, Go-stani, Mrdvikaa. Dehydrated fruit— Daakh, Munnakaa, Kishmish.Unani: Angoor. Dehydrated fruit—Daakh, Maweez, Zabeeb, Munaqqaa, Kishmish.Siddha: Draksha.Action: Dried fruits, seedless— nourishing and invigorating. Used in prescriptions for cough, respiratory tract catarrh, subacute cases of enlarged liver and spleen; and in alcohol-based tonics (Aasavs).
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends dried mature fruits (5-10 g) in anaemia, jaundice, dyspepsia, constipation, haemorrhagic diseases, gout, cough, dyspnoea, and alcoholism.Grape vine contains flavonoids, tannins, tartrates, inositol, carotenes, cho- line and sugars. The fruit contains tar- taric and malic acids, sugars, pectin, tannin, flavone glycosides, vitamins A, B1, B2, C and minerals; anthocyanins in red leaves and red grapes. Antho- cyanins reduce capillary permeability. Red leaves are astringent and anti- inflammatory; an infusion is used for diarrhoea, heavy menstrual bleeding and uterine haemorrhage; also in the treatment of varicose veins and haemorrhoids.Oligomeric proanthocyanidin extract of the seed is used in atherosclerosis due to its free radical scavenging ability, also in venous insufficiency, night vision, oedema due to injury and post surgery oedema.Proanthocyanidin extract decreased hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen in mice. Grape polyphenols, extracted from skin and seeds decreased hepatic injury from alcohol, but had no effect on ethanol-induced lipid changes in rats. (Sharon M. Herr.)Dosage: Dried mature fruits—5-10 g. (API, Vol. III.)... vitis viniferaHabitat: Indonesia; cultivated in Indian gardens.
Action: Latex—used for treating fistula, pustules and tumours.
The bark contains a bitter alkaloid (yield 0.25%).A related species, V. grandifolia (Miq.) Rolfe has been introduced into the Indian Botanic Garden, Kolkata. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids which vary seasonally. The trunk bark contains as high as 2.72% of alkaloids on dry basis in November. The leaves contain a mixture of alkaloids (yield up to 1.23% on dry weight basis) containing vobtusine, vobtusine lactone and deoxyvobtusine.... vocanga foetidaVoice This has three varying characteristics: loudness, pitch, and quality or timbre. Loudness depends on the volume of air available and therefore on the size of the chest and the strength of its muscles. Pitch is determined by larynx size, the degree of tenseness at which the vocal cords are maintained, and whether the cords vibrate as a whole or merely at their edges.
In any given voice, the range of pitch seldom exceeds two and a half octaves. Typically, the small larynx of childhood produces a shrill or treble voice; the rapid growth of the larynx around PUBERTY causes the voice to ‘break’ in boys. Changes in the voice also occur at other ages as a result of the secondary action of the SEX HORMONES. Generally speaking, the adult voice is bass and tenor in men, contralto or soprano in women. Timbre is due to di?erences in the larynx, as well as to voluntary changes in the shape of the mouth.
Speech Rapid modi?cations of the voice, produced by movements of the PALATE, tongue and lips. Infants hear the sounds made by others and mimic them; hence the speech centres in the BRAIN are closely connected with those of hearing.
Defects of speech See below, and also SPEECH DISORDERS. MUTISM, or absence of the power to speak, may be due to various causes. LEARNING DISABILITY that prevents the child from mimicking the actions of others is most common; in other cases the child has normal intelligence but some neurological disorder, or disorder of the speech organs, is responsible. Alternatively, complete DEAFNESS or early childhood ear disease may be the cause. STAMMERING is a highly individual condition, but is basically a lack of coordination between the di?erent parts of the speech mechanism. (See also main entry on STAMMERING.) DYSPHASIA is the inability to speak or understand speech, most commonly following brain disease, such as STROKE. APHONIA or loss of voice may be caused by LARYNGITIS or, rarely, a symptom of conversion and dissociative mental disorders – traditionally referred to as HYSTERIA. It is generally of short duration.... voice and speech
Habitat: All over India, except West Bengal and eastwards.
Unani: Baadaavard, Al-baavard, Shukaayi.Folk: Bhu-dandi, Sukaayi (Maharashtra).Action: Plant—deobstruent, aperient, febrifugal, styptic. Used for disorders of the liver. The mucilage is used in coughs.
The plant yielded a glucoside pro- cumbenin A which yields an aglycone procumbenidine and glucose on hydrolysis. Fructose, surcose, lactose and maltose are also present in the plant.Shukaayi of Unani medicine is also known as Al-shukaayaa, Al-shaukat- ul-arabia and Arabian Thorn. The fruit and root are used in Unani medicine in chronic fevers and diseases of liver and intestines.Baadaavard has also been equated with Tricholepisprocumbens Wight and Carduus bendictus. Tricholepis sp. are known as Brahmadandi in Ayurvedic medicine. Carduus nutans Linn. is known as Gul-Baadaavard in Kashmir and is used as febrifuge.... volutarella ramosaVolvah, Volvya, Volvaa, Volvae, Volvai, Volvay, Volvia... volva
Vondah, Vonde, Vondana, Vondi, Vondetta, Vondella, Vonnda, Vonditta, Vondia... vonda
Vondrah, Vondria, Vondrea, Vondreah, Vondrya... vondra
Vonnah, Vona, Vonah, Vonnia, Vonnya, Vonia, Vonya, Vonny, Vonney, Vonnie, Vonni... vonna
Aloe Vera, Balm, Boneset, Burdock, Echinacea, Elderflowers, Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Goldenseal, Liquorice, Marjoram, Pulsatilla, Queen’s Delight, St John’s Wort, Thuja, Wild Indigo, Yarrow. ... anti-virals
As the Vegan diet is deficient in Vitamin B12 which may lead to anaemia, supplements are available. Some Vegan products have this vitamin added.
Their rule is to combine legumes with other cereals, seeds or nuts at the same meal. The combination is claimed to be equal to one animal based. ... diet - vegan
Haemophilus vaccine (HiB) This vaccine was introduced in the UK in 1994 to deal with the annual incidence of about 1,500 cases and 100 deaths from haemophilus MENINGITIS, SEPTICAEMIA and EPIGLOTTITIS, mostly in pre-school children. It has been remarkably successful when given as part of the primary vaccination programme at two, three and four months of age – reducing the incidence by over 95 per cent. A few cases still occur, either due to other subgroups of the organism for which the vaccine is not designed, or because of inadequate response by the child, possibly related to interference from the newer forms of pertussis vaccine (see above) given at the same time.
Meningococcal C vaccine Used in the UK from 1998, this has dramatically reduced the incidence of meningitis and septicaemia due to this organism. Used as part of the primary programme in early infancy, it does not protect against other types of meningococci.
Varicella vaccine This vaccine, used to protect against varicella (CHICKENPOX) is used in a number of countries including the United States and Japan. It has not been introduced into the UK, largely because of concerns that use in infancy would result in an upsurge in cases in adult life, when the disease may be more severe.
Pneumococcal vaccine The pneumococcus is responsible for severe and sometimes fatal childhood diseases including meningitis and septicaemia, as well as PNEUMONIA and other respiratory infections. Vaccines are available but do not protect against all strains and are reserved for special situations – such as for patients without a SPLEEN or those who are immunode?cient.... yellow fever vaccine is prepared from
Lesions may appear on face, neck and chest. Worse in winter, better in summer. Acne vulgaris has blackheads (comedones) that distinguish it from acne rosacea. Studies show low zinc levels. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia records Poke root singularly effective. Medicines containing iodine and bromine (Kelp) should be avoided. Dr Edward Frankel, Los Angeles, warns against use of Vaseline which, through build-up of bacteria, may cause pustular reaction.
Alternatives. Teas. Agrimony, Alfalfa, Burdock leaves, Chamomile, Dandelion, Figwort, Gotu Kola, Heartsease, Hibiscus, Marigold petals, Mate tea, Nettles, Redbush (rooibos), Rose Hip, Violet, Wood Betony.
Tablets/capsules. Blue Flag, Dandelion, Echinacea, Queen’s Delight, Seaweed and Sarsaparilla, Poke root, Devil’s Claw, Goldenseal.
Formula. Echinacea 2; Blue Flag 1; Poke root half. Dose – Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 30-60 drops. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. Thrice daily before meals. Evening Primrose oil. Success reported.
Maria Treben. Nettle tea.
French traditional. Horse radish vinegar.
Greek traditional. Marigold petal poultice.
Topical. cleanse lesions with distilled extract of Witch Hazel or fresh lemon juice. Follow with Marshmallow and Slippery Elm ointment, dilute Tea Tree oil, Evening Primrose oil, Jojoba or Aloe Vera gel. Thyme Lotion (Blackmore’s).
Aromatherapy. Sandalwood oil. Or Lavender and Tea Tree oils.
Diet. Lacto-vegetarian. Low fat, low carbohydrate. Avoid chocolate, cow’s milk, sugars and drinks that induce facial flushing. Raw fruit and vegetables.
Supplements. Vitamins A, B-complex, B6, C, E. Chromium, Selenium, Zinc. ... acne, vulgaris
In the absence of sterile dressings and modern hospital amenities, powdered vegetable charcoal has an ancient reputation as an astringent dressing. It absorbs bacterial toxins and is useful for chronic bowel discharge. Powdered charcoal dressings were used during World War I. Rubbed in lard, was used for purulent foul discharging wounds to neutralise smell and promote healing.
Other indications: relaxed veins, stomach tense and full of wind, constant belching. For weak and cachetic individuals where vital powers are weak.
Available in biscuits, tablets and capsules for its purifying properties and as an aid to digestion. Tablets containing a high sodium content should be avoided. ... charcoal, vegetable
Greater incidence of the condition is found in women. By interfering with the hormone balance The Pill raises the female body to a constant state of false pregnancy. This affects the character of vaginal secretions and favours growth of fungi. Oestrogens in contraceptive pills create a tissue climate conducive to Candida. Vaginal deodorants and scented soaps irritate. Because of its effect upon the Fallopian tubes it is a common cause of infertility.
Symptoms. Vulva itching, soreness, white discharge of watery to cheesy consistency. Urination painful, recurring cystitis, irritability, premenstrual and menstrual problems, anxiety, heartburn and dyspepsia. Alternatives. Teas. Agnus Castus, Balm, Barberry bark, Chamomile, La Pacho (Pau d’arco), Sage, Thyme.
Tablets/capsules. Agnus Castus, Goldenseal, Pulsatilla, Poke root, Thuja, Garlic, La Pacho.
Tincture Thuja. 15-30 drops in water, once daily.
Tinctures. Combination for the average case. Echinacea 30ml; Calendula 15ml; Goldenseal 15ml; Ladysmantle 15ml. Dose: one 5ml teaspoon thrice daily. (Brenda Cooke MNIMH, Mansfield, Notts) Topical. Tea Tree oil pessaries/cream. Alternative:– (1) Impregnate tampon with plain yoghurt and insert into vagina. Or: inject with spermicidal cream applicator or cardboard tampon applicator 2-3 teaspoons yoghurt into vagina 2-3 times daily. The theory is that the lacto-bacilli in the yoghurt competes with the candida and finally reduces it to normal levels.
(2) 2-3 teaspoons Distilled Extract Witch Hazel to cup of water for cooling antiseptic lotion.
(3) 1-2 drops Eucalyptus oil well-shaken in 4oz (120ml) Distilled Extract Witch Hazel. Reputed to kill colonies of candida albicans and allay irritation.
(4) Aloe Vera gel.
(5) Capricin.
(6) Cloves are anti-fungal and may be chewed.
(7) Calendula and Hydrastis pessaries.
Avoid surgical spirit antiseptics. A smear of Olive oil or yoghurt or No 3 above to allay irritation. Frequent washing, hot baths and use of soap at first soothe, but later exacerbate. Use water only. When washing, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading spores from bowel. No smoking.
Diet. Gluten-free, low fat, high fibre.
Acidophilus. A large mixed salad once daily. Cooked vegetables, seafood, Vitamin A foods. Replace salt with Celery, Garlic or Kelp powders. All meats, game and chicken to be from animals raised on steroid-free fodder. Replace alcohol with fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Eggs.
Reject: Dairy products (butter, cheese, milk). Brewer’s yeast. Foods and drinks with which yeast has been associated: bread, beer, homemade wines. Dried fruit, mushrooms, monosodium glutamate, pickles and preserves, smoked fish and meats, foods known to be allergic to the patient, sugar, syrup, sweeteners, chocolate, puddings, pastry, white flour products.
Supplements. Daily. Vitamin A 7500iu, Vitamin C 200mg. Zinc. ... candida, vaginal
Action: detoxifier, antiseptic, anti-catarrhal, bitter, stomachic, antimicrobial.
Uses: Often successful against staphylococcal and streptococcal infection (impetigo, etc). High blood pressure, dizziness, overweight, chronic headache, chronic fatigue, chronic lack of stomach acid in old age, diarrhoea, mucous colitis, diverticulosis, Crohn’s disease, nausea, vomiting, red-brick deposit in the urine. For shingles, to alleviate itching and burning: apply neat to skin, two-hourly day or night. The neat vinegar applied, freely, for ringworm, varicose veins, and burns to remove smarting. To prevent night sweats, wipe down with neat vinegar.
Dosage is an individual matter. 1, 2 or 3 teaspoons to glass of water at each meal is helpful for destroying harmful bacteria in the digestive tract and to maintain good general health. ... cider vinegar
Cause: a virus spread by field mice, rats and other rodents. Incubation period: 2-3 weeks.
Symptoms: fever, headache, backache, severe nervous prostration, low blood pressure, red patches on skin, failure of kidneys, high protein levels in urine. Small red or purple spots indicate bleeding beneath the skin.
Treatment. Traditional. Ayurvedic:– Gotu Kola, Juniper. Dr Mattiolus regards Juniper as a preventative of the pestilence.
To be treated by or in liaison with a qualified medical practitioner. HARPAGOPHYTUM. See: DEVIL’S CLAW. ... hantaan virus
Failure of the left ventricle may occur in cases of pericarditis, disease of the aortic valve, nephritis or high blood pressure.
Left ventricular failure is often of sudden onset, urgent, and may manifest as “cardiac asthma”.
Causes: blood clot, anaemia, thyroid disorder, coronary disease, congenital effects, drug therapy (beta blockers, etc), and to fevers that make heavy demands on the left ventricle.
Symptoms: breathlessness, wheezing, sweating, unproductive cough, faintness, bleeding from the lungs, palpitation. Cardiac asthma at night: feels he needs air; better upright than lying flat. Exertion soon tires. Sensation as if heart would stop. Blueness of lips and ears from hold-up in circulation of the blood through the lungs. Frequent chest colds. Awakes gasping for breath. Always tired. Cold hands and feet. Symptoms abate as compensation takes place. ‘Cream and roses’ complexion. The failure of left ventricle soon drags into failure of the right ventricle.
Right ventricular failure leads to congestive heart failure, with raised venous pressure in neck veins and body generally, causing oedema, ascites and liver engorgement.
Treatment. Agents to strengthen, support, and eliminate excess fluids from the body. BHP (1983) advises four main remedies: Hawthorn, Motherwort, Broom and Lily of the Valley. The latter works in a digitaloid manner, strengthening the heart, contracting the vessels, and lessening congestion in the lungs. Tinctures. Hawthorn 2; Stone root 1. Lily of the Valley 1. Dose: 15-45 drops thrice daily.
Broom tea. 2 teaspoons flowers, or 2-3 teaspoons tops and flowers, in cup water brought to boil and simmered one minute. 1 cup freely.
To remove fluid retention in the lungs, diuretics are indicated; chief among which is Dandelion root because of its high potassium content to prevent hypokalaemia. Dandelion coffee. As urinary excretion increases, patient improves.
Vitamin E. Not to be taken in left ventricular disorders.
Diet. See entry: DIET – HEART AND CIRCULATION.
UK Research. Researchers found that left ventricular failure was reduced by a quarter when patients were given magnesium intravenously for the first 24 hours after admission to the coronary care unit. They conclude that it should be given before any other heart therapy is commenced, and that patients should receive regular infusions if no other drug treatment is used. (The Lancet, 2.4.1994). This supports the use of magnesium sulphate (Epsom’s salts) by a past generation of herbal practitioners for the condition. ... heart – left ventricular failure (lvf)
Mitral disease leads to heart failure either by a narrowing of the orifice (stenosis) or a regurgitation blocks the passage of blood from the left atrium (auricle) to the left ventricle. The left atrium enlarges (hypertrophies) in an effort to counter the impediment. Real compensation – increased thrust of the blood – is provided by the right ventricle. In order to overcome a mitral impediment the right ventricle has to enlarge.
Sooner or later the right ventricle cannot enlarge any further and general heart failure sets in. Though caused primarily by a lesion of the mitral valve, it may be secondary to left ventricular failure (LVF), thyroid disorder (thyrotoxicosis), pericarditis, congenital heart disease, or any disease which weakens ventricular muscle.
Venous congestion and back pressure of RVF leads to congestion and accumulation of fluid in the lungs, cough and spitting of blood, painful swelling of the liver, nausea, loss of appetite and severe wasting.
Where the right ventricle fails to move the blood forward as it arrives from the systemic circulation, generalised dropsy sets in. Congestion of the kidneys leads to reduced urinary excretion and presence of albumin in the urine.
The picture is well known to the cardiac practitioner: blueness of the skin, congestion of the brain circulation with sleeplessness and delirium. Soon the tension of water-logged tissues results in pain and extreme anxiety. Feet are swollen and ankles pit on pressure; chest cavities fill with fluid and the abdomen swells (ascites).
Alternatives. Cardio-tonics would be given to strengthen the ventricle and diuretics to correct fluid retention: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn, Motherwort, Broom. BHP (1983).
Due to rheumatic fever: Hawthorn.
High Blood Pressure: Mistletoe.
Effort Syndrome: Motherwort.
Tinctures. Combine, Lily of the Valley 2; Hawthorn 2; Motherwort 3. Dose: 1 teaspoon thrice daily after meals.
Diet. Low salt, low fat, high fibre. Restricted fluids, vegetarian protein foods, yoghurt. See also: DIET – HEART AND CIRCULATION.
Supplements. Potassium (bananas), Vitamin B6.
General. Stop smoking. Correction of overweight. Complete bed-rest with legs raised above level of the abdomen and patient propped-up to relieve difficult breathing. ... heart – right ventricular failure (rvf)
Five viruses that attack the liver as their primary target have been identified.
They cause hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E.... hepatitis, viral
Since 1542 there have been many attempts to expunge this law from the Statute Book. A formidable attack was launched by the Pharmacy and Medicines Bill, 1941, which was fought so vigorously by a Mr Montgomery and Mrs Hilda Leyel that herbalists won the concession to continue the right to practise. ... henry viii
Constituents: cardioactive glycosides, flavonoid glycosides.
Action: increases force of the heart, regularises the beat for distension of the ventricles. Restores an irritable heart. Increases size and strength of the pulse; slows down a rapid feeble pulse; restores regular deep breathing. Is a secondary diuretic which eliminates fluid retained in the tissues (oedema), leaving no depression or depletion of potassium. Cardiac stimulant. Mild gastric tonic.
Uses: Left ventricular failure, mitral insufficiency, sense that “the chest is held in a vice”. Congestive heart failure, endocarditis, cardiac dropsy with swollen ankles, cardiac asthma, renal hypertension. Effective in painful and silent ischaemic episodes. Bradycardia.
Combines well with Motherwort and Selenicereus grandiflorus for heart disease BHP (1983). With Echinacea and Poke root for endocarditis. Never combine with Gotu Kola. (Dr John Heinerman, Texas, USA)
Preparations: Maximum dose: 150mg dried leaf. Thrice daily.
Tea: 1 teaspoon shredded leaves to each cup water gently simmered 10 minutes. One-third of a cup. Liquid Extract BPC 1934: dose: 0.3-0.6ml (5 to 10 drops).
Tincture BHP (1983): 1:5 in 40 per cent alcohol; dose – 0.5 to 1ml (8 to 15 drops).
Juice. Fresh leaves passed through a juicer. 3-5 drops thrice daily.
Contra-indicated in high blood pressure. Sale: Pharmacy Only. ... lily of the valley
Treatment: directed towards stomach, liver and alimentary canal.
Teas: Centuary, Holy Thistle, Meadowsweet, Wormwood, Balmony, Agrimony, Chiretta.
Formula. Tea: equal parts, Agrimony, Meadowsweet, Dandelion root. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup thrice daily.
Decoction. 1 teaspoon Barberry bark steeped overnight in large cup cold water. One-third cup before meals, thrice daily.
Formula. Equal parts: Meadowsweet, Fringe Tree, Echinacea. Dose: Liquid Extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily.
Diet. See: DIET – GENERAL DIET. ... muscae voltantes
Mild fever, rash, and malaise may occur after vaccination. In 1 per cent of cases, mild, noninfectious swelling of the parotid glands develops 3–4 weeks after vaccination. There is no evidence for a link between and Crohn’s disease or autism.... mmr vaccination
These people include health workers, contacts of people who have tuberculosis, and immigrants (including children) from countries with a high rate of tuberculosis.
Infants born to immigrants in this category are immunized, without having a tuberculin test, within a few days of birth.
The vaccine is also recommended for children aged 10–14 years for whom the test is negative.... bcg vaccination
between about 400 and 700 nanometres. Different wavelengths produce sensations of violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red when they fall on the retina and stimulate nerve signals, which are processed in the brain.
As light falls on the retina, it strikes light-sensitive cells called rods and cones. The rods can detect all visible light, but only the cones can distinguish colour. There are 3 types of cones: red-sensitive, blue-sensitive, and green-sensitive. Each responds more strongly to a particular part of the light spectrum. Because the cones are most concentrated in a central area of the retina called the fovea, colour vision is most accurate for objects viewed directly and is poor at the edges of vision. When light hits a cone, it causes the cone to emit an electrical signal, which passes to the brain via the optic nerve. Colour perception requires a minimum level of light, below which everything is seen as shades of grey. (See also colour vision deficiency; eye; perception; vision.)... colour vision
Protection against pertussis and tetanus gradually wanes. In adults, pertussis is mild but can be transmitted to children. Since tetanus is serious at any age, boosters are recommended at the time of any dirty, penetrating injury if there has not been a vaccination in the past 10 years.
Reactions to the diphtheria and tetanus parts of the vaccine are rare.
The pertussis vaccine often causes slight fever and irritability for a day or so.
More serious reactions are extremely rare and include seizures and an allergic reaction, which may lead to sudden breathing difficulty and shock.
Permanent damage from the vaccine is even rarer.
Doctors are now agreed that for most children, the benefits of outweigh the minimal risk from the vaccine.
The pertussis element of the vaccine should not be given to children who have reacted severely to a preceding dose of the vaccine, or who have a progressing brain abnormality.... dpt vaccination
Any of the 4 heart valves may be affected by stenosis (narrowing), which causes the heart to work harder to force blood through the valve, or by incompetence or insufficiency (leakiness), which makes the valve unable to prevent backwash of blood. These defects cause characteristic heart murmurs.
Heart-valve defects may be present at birth (see heart disease, congenital), or they may be acquired later in life. The most common congenital valve defects are aortic stenosis and pulmonary stenosis. Acquired heart-valve disease is usually the result of degenerative changes or ischaemia affecting part of the heart and leading to aortic stenosis or mitral incompetence. Rheumatic fever can cause mitral stenosis, mitral incompetence, aortic valve defects, tricuspid stenosis and tricuspid incompetence. The heart valves may also be damaged by bacterial endocarditis.
Heart-valve disorders commonly lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, or symptoms resulting from reduced blood supply to body tissues.
Heart-valve defects may be diagnosed by auscultation, chest X-ray, ECG, or echocardiography and may be corrected by heart-valve surgery.... heart valve
A diagnosis is made by doppler ultrasound scanning.
Treatment depends on the site and extent of the clots.
Small clots may not need treatment if they are confined to the calf and the patient is mobile.
Otherwise, anticoagulant drugs or thrombolytic drugs are given.
If there is a high risk of a pulmonary embolism, thrombectomy may be performed.... thrombosis, deep vein
The vacuum extraction instrument consists of a suction cup connected to a vacuum bottle. The suction cup is placed on the baby’s head in the birth canal, and the vacuum machine sucks the baby’s scalp into the cup. The obstetrician draws the baby out of the mother’s vagina by gently pulling on the cup with each uterine contraction.
The baby is born with a swelling on the scalp, but this disappears after a few days, usually without treatment.... vacuum extraction
Discharge may be abnormal if it is excessive, offensive-smelling, yellow or green, or if it causes itching. Abnormal discharge often accompanies vaginitis, and may be the result of infection, as in
candidiasis or trichomoniasis, or may be due to a foreign body, such as a forgotten tampon, in the vagina.... vaginal discharge
The pain may occur with breathlessness and palpitations.
The cause is thought to be narrowing of the coronary arteries by muscular spasm in their walls.
Treatment with calcium channel blockers or nitrates is usually effective.... variant angina
Vasodilation under the skin occurs in response to hot weather and increases heat loss from the body.... vasodilation
Vasodilator drugs include ACE inhibitors, alphablockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrate drugs, and sympatholytic drugs.
They are used to treat disorders in which abnormal narrowing of blood vessels reduces blood flow through tissues, impairing the supply of oxygen.
Such disorders include angina pectoris and peripheral vascular disease.
Vasodilators are also used to treat hypertension and heart failure.
All vasodilator drugs may cause flushing, headaches, dizziness, fainting, and swollen ankles.... vasodilator drugs
Ventricular ectopic beats may be detected on an ECG.
If there are frequent abnormal beats that cause symptoms, or beats that arise from more than 1 site in the ventricles, treatment with an antiarrhythmic drug may be required.... ventricular ectopic beat
(See also gingivitis, acute ulcerative.)... vincent’s disease
A single virus particle (virion) consists of an inner core of nucleic acid, which may be either DNA or RNA, surrounded
by 1 or 2 protective protein shells (capsids). Surrounding the outer capsid may be another layer, the viral envelope, which consists mainly of protein. The nucleic acid consists of a string of genes that contain coded instructions for making copies of the virus.
Common viral diseases include the common cold, influenza, and chickenpox (caused by the varicella–zoster virus). AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).... viruses
The viscosity of blood affects its ability to flow through small vessels.
An increase in the viscosity of blood increases the risk of thrombosis.... viscosity
Progressive loss of visual clarity is common with advancing age and may be due to a number of disorders (see vision, disorders of).
Sudden loss of vision may be caused by disorders such as hyphaema, severe uveitis, vitreous haemorrhage, or retinal haemorrhage.
Optic neuritis can reduce vision in 1 eye.
Damage to the nerve connections between the eyes and brain, or to the visual area of the brain, can cause loss of peripheral vision and may be a result of embolism, ischaemia, tumour, inflammation, or injury.... vision, loss of
In rare cases, the vomiting becomes severe and prolonged. This can cause dehydration, nutritional deficiency, alterations in blood acidity, and weight loss. Immediate hospital admission is then required to replace lost fluids and chemicals by intravenous infusion, to rule out any serious underlying disorder, and to control the vomiting.... vomiting in pregnancy
Thiamine plays a role in the activities of various enzymes involved in the utilization of carbohydrates and thus in the functioning of nerves, muscles, and the heart. Sources include whole-grain cereals, wholemeal breads, brown rice, pasta, liver, kidney, pork, fish, beans, nuts, and eggs.
Those susceptible to deficiency include elderly people on a poor diet, and people who have hyperthyroidism, malabsorption, or severe alcohol dependence. Deficiency may also occur as a result of severe illness, surgery, or injury.
Mild deficiency may cause tiredness, irritability, and loss of appetite. Severe deficiency may cause abdominal pain, constipation, depression, memory impairment, and beriberi; in alcoholics, it may cause Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome. Excessive intake is not known to cause harmful effects.
Riboflavin is necessary for the activities of various enzymes involved in the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; the production of energy in cells; the utilization of other B vitamins; and hormone production by the adrenal glands. Liver, whole grains, milk, eggs, and brewer’s yeast are good sources. People who are susceptible to riboflavin deficiency include those taking phenothiazine antipsychotic drugs, tricyclic antidepressant drugs, or oestrogen-containing oral contraceptives, and those with malabsorption or severe alcohol dependence. Riboflavin deficiency may also occur as a result of serious illness, surgery, or injury.
Prolonged deficiency may cause soreness of the tongue and the corners of the mouth, and eye disorders such as amblyopia and photophobia.
Excessive intake of riboflavin is not known to have any harmful effects.
Niacin plays an essential role in the activities of various enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, the functioning of the nervous and digestive systems, the manufacture of sex hormones, and the maintenance of healthy skin. The main dietary sources are liver, lean meat, fish, nuts, and dried beans. Niacin can be made in the body from tryptophan (an amino acid). Most cases of deficiency are due to malabsorption disorders or to severe alcohol dependence. Prolonged niacin deficiency causes pellagra. Excessive intake is not known to cause harmful effects.
Pantothenic acid is essential for the activities of various enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, the manufacture of corticosteroids and sex hormones, the utilization of other vitamins, the functioning of the nervous system and adrenal glands, and growth and development. It is present in almost all vegetables, cereals, and animal foods. Deficiency of pantothenic acid usually occurs as a result of malabsorption or alcoholism, but may also occur after severe illness, surgery, or injury. The effects include fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, numbness and tingling, muscle cramps, and susceptibility to respiratory infections. In severe cases, a peptic ulcer may develop. Excessive intake has no known harmful effects.Pyridoxine aids the activities of various enzymes and hormones involved in the utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, in the manufacture of red blood cells and antibodies, in the functioning of the digestive and nervous systems, and in the maintenance of healthy skin. Dietary sources are liver, chicken, pork, fish, whole grains, wheatgerm, bananas, potatoes, and dried beans. Pyridoxine is also manufactured by intestinal bacteria. People who are susceptible to pyridoxine deficiency include elderly people who have a poor diet, those with malabsorption or severe alcohol dependence, or those who are taking certain drugs (including penicillamine and isoniazid). Deficiency may cause weakness, irritability, depression, skin disorders, inflammation of the mouth and tongue, anaemia, and, in infants, seizures. In very large amounts, pyridoxine may cause neuritis.
Biotin is essential for the activities of various enzymes involved in the breakdown of fatty acids and carbohydrates and for the excretion of the waste products of protein breakdown. It is present in many foods, especially liver, peanuts, dried beans, egg yolk, mushrooms, bananas, grapefruit, and watermelon. Biotin is also manufactured by bacteria in the intestines. Deficiency may occur during prolonged treatment with antibiotics or sulphonamide drugs. Symptoms are weakness, tiredness, poor appetite, hair loss, depression, inflammation of the tongue, and eczema. Excessive intake has no known harmful effects.
Folic acid is vital for various enzymes involved in the manufacture of nucleic acids and consequently for growth and reproduction, the production of red blood cells, and the functioning of the nervous system. Sources include green vegetables, mushrooms, liver, nuts, dried beans, peas, egg yolk, and wholemeal bread. Mild deficiency is common, but can usually be corrected by increasing dietary intake. More severe deficiency may occur during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in premature or low-birthweight infants, in people undergoing dialysis, in people with certain blood disorders, psoriasis, malabsorption, or alcohol dependence, and in people taking certain drugs. The main effects include anaemia, sores around the mouth, and, in children, poor growth. Folic acid supplements taken just before conception, and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, have been shown to reduce the risk of a neural tube defect.... vitamin b complex
Treatment is by surgical removal of the affected area.
The outlook depends on how soon the cancer is diagnosed and treated.... vulva, cancer of
Treatment may be with antibiotics or hormones, depending on the cause.... vulval itching
For example, vitamin D is used to treat osteomalacia, and vitamin A derivatives are given for severe acne.... vitamin supplements
The cause of vomiting blood is investigated by endoscopy of the oesophagus and stomach, or by barium X-ray examinations. If blood loss is severe, blood transfusion, and possibly surgery to stop the bleeding, may be required.... vomiting blood
b... azygos vein
EAR estimated average requirement: the amount of energy or a nutrient that will meet the needs of 50% of the population.
RDA recommended daily amount: the average amount of a nutrient that should be provided per head of a group of people if the needs of practically all members of the group are to be met.
LRNI lowest recommended nutrient intake: the amount of a nutrient that provides only 2.5% of the population with their requirements.
RNI reference nutrient intake: the amount that is sufficient for almost 97.5% of individuals in a population. It is the term usually used when expressing dietary requirements.
safe level: used when there is insufficient data to determine the RNI, set as the average requirement plus 20%.
RI reference intake: a guide to how many calories and nutrients an average person can consume each day for a healthy balanced diet. This is used in labelling information for energy, protein, carbohydrate, sugars, fat, saturated fat, fibre, and salt.... dietary reference values
Negative-pressure ventilation involves the use of devices that draw air into and out of the lungs noninvasively by applying negative pressure in a cyclical way (see ventilator).... noninvasive ventilation
FAMILY: Cupressaceae
SYNONYMS: Red cedar, eastern red cedar, southern red cedar, Bedford cedarwood (oil).
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A coniferous, slow-growing, evergreen tree up to 33 metres high with a narrow, dense and pyramidal crown, a reddish heartwood and brown cones. The tree can attain a majestic stature with a trunk diameter of over 1.5 metres.
DISTRIBUTION: Native to North America, especially mountainous regions east of the Rocky Mountains.
OTHER SPECIES: There are many cultivars of the red cedar; its European relative is the shrubby red cedar (J. sabina) also known as savin – see entry. It is also closely related to the East African cedarwood (J. procera).
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: The North American Indians used it for respiratory infections, especially those involving an excess of catarrh. Decoctions of leaves, bark, twigs and fruit were used to treat a variety of ailments: menstrual delay, rheumatism, arthritis, skin rashes, venereal warts, gonorrhoea, pyelitis and kidney infections.
It is an excellent insect and vermin repellent (mosquitoes, moths, woodworm, rats, etc.) and was once used with citronella as a commercial insecticide.
ACTIONS: Abortifacient, antiseborrhoeic, antiseptic (pulmonary, genito-urinary), antispasmodic, astringent, balsamic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insecticide, sedative (nervous), stimulant (circulatory).
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the timber waste, sawdust, shavings, etc. (At one time a superior oil was distilled from the red heartwood, from trees over twenty five years old.)
CHARACTERISTICS: A pale yellow or orange oily liquid with a mild, sweet-balsamic, ‘pencil wood’ scent. It blends well with sandalwood, rose, juniper, cypress, vetiver, patchouli and benzoin.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Mainly cedrene (up to 80 per cent), cedrol (3–14 per cent), and cedrenol, among others.
SAFETY DATA: Externally the oil is relatively non-toxic; can cause acute local irritation and possible sensitization in some individuals. Use in dilution only with care, in moderation. ‘The oil is a powerful abortifacient … use of the oil has been fatal.’. Avoid during pregnancy. Generally safer to use Atlas cedarwood.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE
Skin Care: Acne, dandruff, eczema, greasy hair, insect repellent, oily skin, psoriasis.
Circulation, Muscles And Joints: Arthritis, rheumatism.
Respiratory System: Bronchitis, catarrh, congestion, coughs, sinusitis.
Genito-Urinary System: Cystitis, leucorrhoea.
Nervous System: Nervous tension and stress-related disorders.
OTHER USES: Extensively used in room sprays and household insect repellents. Employed as a fragrance component in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes. Used as the starting material for the isolation of cedrene.... cedarwood, virginian
FAMILY: Verbenaceae
SYNONYMS: A. citriodora, Verbena triphylla, Lippia citriodora, L. triphylla, verbena, herb Louisa.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A handsome deciduous perennial shrub up to 5 metres high with a woody stem, very fragrant, delicate, pale green, lanceolate leaves arranged in threes, and small, pale purple flowers. Often grown as an ornamental bush in gardens.
DISTRIBUTION: Native of Chile and Argentina; cultivated (and found semi-wild) in the Mediterranean region – France, Tunisia, Algeria – as well as Kenya and China. The oil is mainly produced in southern France and North Africa.
OTHER SPECIES: Botanically related to the oregano family – see Botanical Classification section. Not to be mistaken for the so-called ‘Spanish verbena’ or ‘verbena’ oil (Spanish) (Thymus hiamalis), nor confused with the herb ‘vervain’ (Verbena officinalis). This is further confused since the French name for verbena is verveine (Verveine citronelle, Verveine odorante).
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: ‘The uses of lemon verbena are similar to those of mint, orange flowers and melissa.’. It is indicated especially in nervous conditions which manifest as digestive complaints. The dried leaves are still used as a popular household tea especially on the Continent, both as a refreshing, uplifting ‘pick-me-up’ and to help restore the liver after a hang-over.
ACTIONS: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, detoxifying, digestive, febrifuge, hepatobiliary stimulant, sedative (nervous), stomachic.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the freshly harvested herb.
CHARACTERISTICS: A pale olive or yellow mobile liquid with a sweet, fresh, lemony, fruity-floral fragrance. It blends well with neroli, palmarosa, olibanum, Tolu balsam, elemi, lemon and other citrus oils.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Citral (30–35 per cent), nerol and geraniol, among others.
SAFETY DATA: Possible sensitization; phototoxicity due to high citral levels. Other safety data is unavailable at present – however, true verbena oil is virtually non-existent. Most so-called ‘verbena oil’ is either from the Spanish verbena (an inferior oil), or a mix of lemongrass, lemon, citronella, etc.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE
Digestive system: Cramps, indigestion, liver congestion.
Nervous system: Anxiety, insomnia, nervous tension and stress-related conditions.
OTHER USES: Used in perfumery and citrus colognes – ‘eau de verveine’ is still popular in France, Europe and America.... verbena, lemon
FAMILY: Poaceae (Gramineae)
SYNONYMS: Andropogon muricatus, vetivert, khus khus.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A tall, tufted, perennial, scented grass, with a straight stem, long narrow leaves and an abundant complex lacework of undergound white rootlets.
DISTRIBUTION: Native to south India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Also cultivated in Reunion, the Philippines, the Comoro Islands, Japan, West Africa and South America. The oil is mainly produced in Java, Haiti and Reunion; some is distilled in Europe and the USA.
OTHER SPECIES: Botanically related to lemongrass, citronella, litsea cubeba and flouve oil (also from the roots of a tropical grass).
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: The rootlets have been used in the East for their fine fragrance since antiquity. They are used by the locals to protect domestic animals from vermin, and the fibres of the grass are woven into aromatic matting. It is grown in India to protect against soil erosion during the tropical rainy season.
In India and Sri Lanka the essence is known as ‘the oil of tranquillity’.
ACTIONS: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, depurative, rubefacient, sedative (nervous system), stimulant (circulatory, production of red corpuscles), tonic, vermifuge.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the roots and rootlets washed, chopped, dried and soaked. (A resinoid is also produced by solvent extraction for perfumery work.)
CHARACTERISTICS: A dark brown, olive or amber viscous oil with a deep smoky, earthy woody odour with a sweet persistent undertone. The colour and scent can vary according to the source – Angola produces a very pale oil with a dry-woody odour. It blends well with sandalwood, rose, violet, jasmine, opopanax, patchouli, oakmoss, lavender, clary sage, mimosa, cassie and ylang ylang.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Vetiverol, vitivone, terpenes, e.g. vetivenes, among others.
SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE
Skin care: Acne, cuts, oily skin, wounds.
Circulation muscles and joints: Arthritis, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, sprains, stiffness.
Nervous system: Debility, depression, insomnia, nervous tension – ‘Vetiver is deeply relaxing, so valuable in massage and baths for anybody experiencing stress.’.
OTHER USES: Employed as a fixative and fragrance ingredient in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes, especially oriental types. The oil is used in food preservatives, especially for asparagus.... vetiver
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