Trin.Synonym: E. plantaginea R. Br. E. tuberosa Schult.Family: Cyperaceae.
Habitat: Widely cultivated in China. Sold in Kolkata under the name Singapuri Keysur.
English: Chinese Water Chestnut.Ayurvedic: Shringaataka (substitute), Kasheruka (substitute).Action: Tuber—antidysenteric, antileucorrhoeic, antibacterial.
The juice expressed from the tuber shows antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Aer- obacter aerogenes. The antibiotic principle has been designated as puchiin.In ethanolic extract, hexacosanoic acid, 5 alpha-stigmastane-3, 6-dione, betulin and tricin were present. It also contained beta-sitosterol and stigmas- terol. applied to ulcers and eczema. Roots—given to patients with heart and liver affections; topically in rheumatism. Root and leaf— used in dysuria and other urethral complaints. An infusion of the whole plant is used to stimulate diuresis, reduce fever and to eliminate bladder stones. The decoction is also used in peptic ulcers, swelling or pain in stomach. Plant is also used in piles and scabies.The plant contains germacranolide dilactones. Hydroxylated germacano- lides, molephantin and molephantinin, exhibited cytotoxic and antitumour properties.The plant also gave epifriedelanol, lupeol, stigmasterol, triacontan-l-ol and dotriacontan-l-ol.
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