The seeds contain ergoline alkaloids. The alkaloids are reported to produce vasoconstrictor, uterotonic, neurohor- monic, sympathicolytic and sedative effects.Plants of Merremia sp. are twiners and are used as diuretic, deobstruent, antirheumatic and alterative; the root is used as a mouthwash; leaves are used for burns, scalds and sores. M. vitifo- lia (Burm. F.) Hallier f. exhibits potent diuretic and antiseptic activity in strangury and urethral discharges. (Most of the twiners are known as Prasaarini in Indian medicine and are specific for rheumatic affections.)... merremia quinquefolia
Habitat: Upper Gangetic Plain, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, South India and Gujarat.
Ayurvedic: Prasaarini (Kerala and Karnataka), Tala-nili.Siddha/Tamil: Mudiyaakunthal.
Action: Laxative, astringent, anti-inflammatory. Used in piles, swellings, rheumatic affections, stiffness of the joints, hemiplegia and urinary affections.
The aerial parts contain the flavo- noids, diometin, luteolin and their 7- O-beta-D-glucosides.... merremia tridentata
Habitat: Native to tropical America; cultivated as an ornament in gardens in Mumbai, Pune and Belgaum.
English: Ololiuqui, Snake Plant.
Action: Seeds—narcotic.
The psychic effect produced by the ground seeds have been ascribed to the presence of ergot-type alkaloids (up to 0.07%) found in embryo. Among the principal alkaloids identified in the seeds are: ergine, isoergine, elymo- clavine, lysergol and chanoclavine. Er- gometrine, clymoclavine, penniclavine and ergometrinine have also been reported. Ergine has been reported to be the most and lysergol the least effective.A glucoside, turbicoryn, isolated from the seeds, was found to have a CNS stimulant action. (Doses exceeding 31.6 mg/kg proved fatal to test animals in 5-10 min.)Ergine and isoergine are present in the leaves (0.03%, dry basis) and stems (0.01%, dry basis) but not in the roots.... rivea corymbosa
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