combining form denoting food.
Hin: Gular, Umar
Ben: Jagya dumurMal, Tam,Kan: AthiTel: Udambaramu, PaidiGular fig, Cluster fig or Country fig, which is considered sacred, has golden coloured exudate and black bark. It is distributed all over India. Its roots are useful in treating dysentery. The bark is useful as a wash for wounds, highly efficacious in threatened abortions and recommended in uropathy. Powdered leaves mixed with honey are given in vitiated condition of pitta. A decoction of the leaves is a good wash for wounds and ulcers. Tender fruits (figs) are used in vitiated conditions of pitta, diarrhoea, dyspepsia and haemorrhages. The latex is administered in haemorrhoids and diarrhoea (Warrier et al, 1995). The ripe fruits are sweet, cooling and are used in haemoptysis, thirst and vomiting (Nadkarni, 1954; Aiyer et al, 1957; Moos, 1976). Nalpamaradi coconut oil, Candanasava, Valiya Arimedastaila, Dinesavalyadi Kuzhambu, Abhrabhasma, Valiya candanaditaila, etc. are some important preparations using the drug (Sivarajan et al, 1994).It is a moderate to large-sized spreading laticiferous, deciduous tree without many prominent aerial roots. Leaves are dark green and ovate or elliptic. Fruit receptacles are 2-5cm in diameter, sub- globose or pyriform arranged in large clusters on short leafless branches arising from main trunk or large branches. Figs are smooth or rarely covered with minute soft hairs. When ripe, they are orange, dull reddish or dark crimson. They have a pleasant smell resembling that of cedar apples. The bark is rusty brown with a fairly smooth and soft surface, the thickness varying from 0.5-2cm according to the age of the trunk or bark. Surface is with minute separating flakes of white tissue. Texture is homogeneously leathery (Warrier et al, 1995).Stem-bark gives gluanol acetate, -sitosterol, leucocyanidin-3-O- -D-glucopyrancoside, leucopelargonidin-3-O- -D-glucopyranoside, leucopelargonidin -3-O- -L-rhamnopyranoside, lupeol, ceryl behenate, lupeol acetate and -amyrin acetate. Stem- bark is hypoglycaemic and anti-protozoal. Gall is CVS active. Bark is tonic and used in rinder pest diseases of cattle. Root is antidysenteric and antidiabetic. Leaf is antibilious. Latex is antidiarrhoeal and used in piles. Bark and syconium is astringent and used in menorrhagia (Husain et al, 1992).2. Ficus microcarpa Linn. f. syn. F. retusa auct. Non. Linn.San: Plaksah; Hin,Ben: Kamarup;Mal: Ithi, Ithiyal;Tam: Kallicci, Icci;
Kan: Itti;
Tel: PlaksaPlaksah is the Ficus species with few branches and many adventitious roots growing downward. It is widely distributed throughout India and in Sri Lanka, S. China, Ryuku Isles and Britain. Plakasah is one of the five ingredients of the group panchvalkala i.e, five barks, the decoction of which is extensively used to clear ulcers and a douche in leucorrhoea in children. This decoction is administered externally and internally with satisfactory results. Plaksah is acclaimed as cooling, astringent, and curative of raktapitta doshas, ulcers, skin diseases, burning sensation, inflammation and oedema. It is found to have good healing property and is used in preparation of oils and ointments for external application in the treatment of ulcers (Aiyer and Kolammal, 1957). The stem-bark is used to prepare Usirasava, Gandhataila, Nalpamaradi taila, Valiya marmagulika, etc. (Sivarajan et al, 1994). The bark and leaves are used in wounds, ulcers, bruises, flatulent colic, hepatopathy, diarrhoea, dysentery, diabetes, hyperdipsia, burning sensation, haemaorrhages, erysipelas, dropsy, ulcerative stomatitis, haemoptysis, psychopathy, leucorrhoea and coporrhagia (Warrier et al,1995) F. microcarpa is a large glabrous evergreen tree with few aerial roots. Leaves are short- petioled, 5-10cm long, 2-6cm wide and apex shortly and bluntly apiculate or slightly emarginate. Main lateral nerves are not very prominent and stipules are lanceolate. Fruit receptacles are sessile and globose occurring in axillary pairs. It is yellowish when ripe without any characteristic smell. Bark is dark grey or brown with a smooth surface except for the lenticels. Outer bark is corky and crustaceous thin and firmly adherent to inner tissue. Inner bark is light and flesh coloured with firbrous texture (Warrier et al, 1995). It is also equated with many other species of the genus. viz. F. Singh and Chunekar, 1972; Kapoor and Mitra, 1979; Sharma, 1983).The bark contains tannin, wax and saponin. Bark is antibilious. Powdered leaves and bark is found very good in rheumatic headache. The bark and leaves are astringent, refrigerant, acrid and stomachic.3. Ficus benghalensis Linn.Eng: Banyan tree; San: Nyagrodhah, Vatah;Hin: Bat, Bargad;Ben: Bar, Bot; Mar: Vada; Mal: Peral, Vatavriksham;Tam: Alamaram, Peral;Kan: Ala;Tel: Peddamarri;Guj: VadBanyan tree is a laticiferous tree with reddish fruits, which is wound round by aerial adventitious roots that look like many legs. It is found in the Sub-Himalayan tract and Peninsular India. It is also grawn throughout India. It is widely used in treatment of skin diseases with pitta and rakta predominance. Stem-bark, root -bark, aerial roots, leaves, vegetative buds and milky exudate are used in medicine. It improves complexion, cures erysepelas, burning sensation and vaginal disorders, while an infusion of the bark cures dysentery, diarrhoea, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, nervous disorders and reduces blood sugar in diabetes. A decoction of the vegetative buds in milk is beneficial in haemorrhages. A paste of the leaves is applied externally to abcesses and wounds to promote suppuration, while that of young aerial roots cure pimples. Young twigs when used as a tooth brush strengthen gum and teeth (Nadkarni, 1954; Aiyer and Kolammal, 1957; Mooss,1976). The drug forms an important constituent of formulations like Nalpamaradi Coconut oil, Saribadyasava, Kumkumadi taila, Khadi ra gulika, Valiyacandanadi taila, Candanasava, etc. (Sivarajan et al, 1994). The aerial roots are useful in obstinate vomiting and leucorrhoea and are used in osteomalacia of the limbs. The buds are useful in diarrhoea and dysentery. The latex is useful in neuralgia, rheumatism, lumbago, bruises, nasitis, ulorrhagia, ulitis, odontopathy, haemorrhoids, gonorrhoea, inflammations, cracks of the sole and skin diseases (Warrier et al, 1995).It is a very large tree up to 30m in height with widely spreading branches bearing many aerial roots functioning as prop roots. Bark is greenish white. Leaves are simple, alternate, arranged often in clusters at the ends of branches. They are stipulate, 10-20cm long and 5-12.5cm broad, broadly elliptic to ovate, entire, coriaceous, strongly 3-7 ribbed from the base. The fruit receptacles are axillary, sessile, seen in pairs globose, brick red when ripe and enclosing male, female and gall flowers. Fruits are small, crustaceous, achenes, enclosed in the common fleshy receptacles. The young bark is somewhat smooth with longitudinal and transverse row of lenticels. In older bark, the lenticels are numerous and closely spaced; outer bark easily flakes off. The fresh cut surface is pink or flesh coloured and exudes plenty of latex. The inner most part of the bark adjoining the wood is nearly white and fibrous (Warrier et al, 1995).The bark yields flavanoid compounds A, B and C; A and C are identified as different forms of a leucoanthocyanidin and compound B a leucoanthocyanin. All the 3 were effective as hypoglycaemic agents. Leaves give friedelin, -sitosterol, flavonoids- quercetin-3-galactoside and rutin. Heart wood give tiglic acid ester of taraxasterol. Bark is hypoglycemic, tonic, astringent, antidiarrhoeal and antidiabetic. Latex is antirheumatic. Seed is tonic. Leaf is diaphoretic. Root fibre is antigonorrhoeic. Aerial root is used in debility and anaemic dysentery (Husain et al, 1992)..4. Ficus religiosa Linn.Eng:Peepal tree, Sacred fig; San:Pippalah, Asvatthah; Hin:Pippal, Pipli, Pipar; Mal:ArayalBen: Asvatha;Tam: Arasu, Asvattam;Kan: Aswatha;Tel: Ravi; Mar: Ashvata, PimpalaPeepal tree or Sacred fig is a large deciduous tree with few or no aerial roots. It is common throughout India, often planted in the vicinity of the temples. An aqueous extract of the bark has an antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It is used in the treatment of gonorrhoea, diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhoids and gastrohelcosis. A paste of the powdered bark is a good absorbent for inflammatory swellings. It is also good for burns. Leaves and tender shoots have purgative properties and are also recommended for wounds and skin diseases. Fruits are laxative and digestive. The dried fruit pulverized and taken in water cures asthma. Seeds are refrigerant and laxative. The latex is good for neuralgia, inflammations and haemorrhages (Warrier et al, 1995). Decoction of the bark if taken in honey subdues vatarakta (Nadkarni, 1954; Aiyer and Kolammal, 1957; Mooss, 1976; Kurup et al, 1979). The important preparations using the drug are Nalpamaradi taila, Saribadyasava, Candanasava, Karnasulantaka, Valiyamarma gulika etc (Sivarajan et al, 1994). branches bearing long petioled, ovate, cordate shiny leaves. Leaves are bright green, the apex produced into a linear-lanceolate tail about half as long as the main portion of the blade. The receptacles occurring in pairs and are axillary, depressed globose, smooth and purplish when ripe. The bark is grey or ash coloured with thin or membranous flakes and is often covered with crustose lichen patches. The outer bark is not of uniform thickness, the middle bark in sections appear as brownish or light reddish brown. The inner part consists of layers of light yellowish or orange brown granular tissue (Warrier et al, 1995).Bark gives -sitosterol and its glucoside. Bark is hypoglycaemic. Stem bark is antiprotozoal, anthelmintic and antiviral. Bark is astringent, antigonorrheic, febrifuge, aphrodisiac and antidysenteric. Syconium, leaf and young shoot is purgative (Husain et al, 1992).Agrotechnology: Ficus species can be cultivated in rocky areas, unused lands, or other wastelands of the farmyard. The plant is vegetatively propagated by stem cuttings. A few species are also seed propagated. Stem cuttings of pencil thickness taken from the branches are to be kept for rooting. Rooted cuttings are to be transplanted to prepared pits. No regular manuring is required. Irrigation is not a must as a plant is hardy. The plant is not attacked by any serious pests or diseases. Bark can be collected after 15 years. Ficus species generally has an economic life span of more than hundred years. Hence bark can be regularly collected from the tree. Root, bark, leaves, fruits and latex form the economic parts (Prasad et al,1995).... ficusBen: Kalmegh
Mal: Nilaveppu, Kiriyattu Tam: Nilavempu Kan: KreataImportance: Kalmegh, the Great or Green Chiretta is a branched annual herb. It is useful in hyperdipsia, burning sensation, wounds, ulcers, chronic fever, malarial and intermittent fevers, inflammations, cough, bronchitis, skin diseases, leprosy, pruritis, intestinal worms, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhoids and vitiated conditions of pitta (Warrier et al, 1993). It is used to overcome sannipata type of fever, difficulty in breathing, hemopathy due to the morbidity of kapha and pitta, burning sensation, cough, oedema, thirst, skin diseases, fever, ulcer and worms. It is also useful in acidity and liver complaints (Aiyer and Kolammal, 1962). The important preparations using the drug are Tiktakagheta, Gorocandi gulika, Candanasava, Panchatiktam kasaya, etc. (Sivarajan et al, 1994). A preparation called “Alui” is prepared by mixing powdered cumin (Cuminium cyminum) and large cardamom (Amomum subulatum) in the juice of this plant and administered for the treatment of malaria (Thakur et al, 1989). It is also a rich source of minerals.Distribution: The plant is distributed throughout the tropics. It is found in the plains of India from U.P to Assam, M.P., A.P, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, also cultivated in gardens.Botany: Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall ex.Nees belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is an erect branched annual herb, 0.3-0.9m in height with quadrangular branches. Leaves are simple, lanceolate, acute at both ends, glabrous, with 4-6 pairs of main nerves. Flowers are small, pale but blotched and spotted with brown and purple distant in lax spreading axillary and terminal racemes or panicles. Calyx-lobes are glandular pubescent with anthers bearded at the base. Fruits are linear capsules and acute at both ends. Seeds are numerous, yellowish brown and sub-quadrate (Warrier et al,1993).Another species of Andrographis is A. echioides (Linn.) Nees. It is found in the warmer parts of India. The plant is a febrifuge and diuretic. It contains flavone-echiodinin and its glucoside-echioidin (Husain et al, 1992).Agrotechnology: The best season of planting Andrographis is May-June. The field is to be ploughed well, mixed with compost or dried cowdung and seedbeds of length 3m, breadth 1/2m and 15cm height are to be taken at a distance of 3m. The plant is seed propagated. Seeds are to be soaked in water for 6 hours before sowing. Sowing is to be done at a spacing of 20cm. Seeds may germinate within 15-20 days. Two weedings, first at one month after planting and the second at 2 month after planting are to be carried out. Irrigation during summer months is beneficial. The plant is not attacked by any serious pests or diseases. Flowering commences from third month onwards. At this stage, plant are to be collected, tied into small bundles and sun-dried for 4-5 days. Whole plant is the economic part and the yield is about 1.25t dried plants/ha (Prasad et al, 1997).Properties and activity: Leaves contain two bitter substances lactone “andrographolid” and “kalmeghin”. The ash contains sodium chloride and potassium salts. Plant is very rich in chlorophyte. Kalmeghin is the active principle that contains 0.6% alkaloid of the crude plant. The plant contains diterpenoids, andrographolide, 14-deoxy-11-oxo-andrographolide, 14-deoxy-11,12-dihydroandrographolide, 14-deoxy andrographolide and neoandrographolide (Allison et al, 1968). The roots give flavones-apigenin-7,4-dio-O-methyl ether, 5-hydroxy-7,8,2’,3’- tetramethoxyflavone, andrographin and panicolin and -sitosterol (Ali et al, 1972; Govindachari et al, 1969). Leaves contain homoandrographolide, andrographosterol and andrographone.The plant is vulnerary, antipyretic, antiperiodic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, depurative, sudorific, anthelmintic, digestive, stomachic, tonic, febrifuge and cholagogue. The plant is antifungal, antityphoid, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic and cholinergic. Shoot is antibacterial and leaf is hypotensive(Garcia et al, 1980). This is used for the inflammation of the respiratory tract. In China, researchers have isolated the andrographolide from which soluble derivative such as 14-deoxy-11, 12-dehydro-andrographolide which forms the subject of current pharmacological and clinical studies. Apigenin 7,4’-O-dimethyl ether isolated from A. paniculata exhibits dose dependent, antiulcer activity in shay rat, histamine induced ulcer in guinea pigs and aspirin induced ulcers in rats. A crude substance isolated from methanolic extract of leaves has shown hypotensive activity. Pre-treatment of rats with leaf (500mg/kg) or andrographolide (5mg/kg) orally prevented the carbon tetrachloride induced increase of blood serum levels of glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase in liver and prevented hepatocellular membrane.... green chirettaHabitat: The Himalayas from Kashmir to Assam at altitudes of 1,600-4,000 m.
English: Indian Silver Fir, The West-Himalayan High-Level Fir, The East-Himalayan Fir.Ayurvedic: Taalisa, Taalisapatra, Taalisha, Patraadhya, Dhaatriparni, Dhaatripatra.Unani: Taalisapattar.Siddha/Tamil: Taalispatri.Folk: Badar, Chilrow, Morinda, Raisalla, Taalispatra. (Tallispatra, Taalispatri and Talespattre are also equated with the leaves of Cinnamomum tamala Nees.)Action: Expectorant, bronchial sedative, decongestant, anticatarrhal, antiseptic, carminative.
Key application: Fir (Abies alba Miller) needle oil—in catarrhal illness of upper and lower respiratory tract (internally and externally); externally in rheumatic and neuralgic pains. Contraindicated in bronchial asthma and whooping cough. (German Commission E.)A biflavonoid, abiesin, n-triaconta- nol, beta-sitosterol and betuloside are present in the leaves.The essential oil from leaves contains alpha-pinene, l-limonene, delta- carene, dipentene, l-bornyl acetate and l-cardinene as major constituents.Dosage: Needles—2-6 g powder. (API Vol. IV.)... abies webbianaHabitat: Throughout the hotter and moister parts of India, from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, eastwards to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura, ascending to 1,200 m, southwards in Peninsular India.
English: Perennial Indian Hemp, Devil's Cotton.Ayurvedic: Pishaacha Kaarpaasa, Pivari.Unani: Ulat-kambal.Siddha/Tamil: Sivapputtuti.Folk: Kumal, Sanukapaasi.Action: Rootbark—emmena- gogue (used for dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea), abortifacient, galac- totrophic.
The root contains abromine (betaine), friedelin, abromasterol, abro- masterol A, choline, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and octacosanol. Leaves, reported to be useful in treating uterine disorders, contain taraxerol, its acetate and lupeol.Dosage: Leaf juice—10-20 ml. Rootbarkpowder—3-6 g. (CCRAS.)... abroma augustaHabitat: Throughout India; ascending to 1,700 m in the Himalayas.
Ayurvedic: Lataakhadira, Aadaari, Ari.Siddha/Tamil: Indan, Indu. Iyak Koluntu (tender leaves).Folk: Aila.Action: Bark—antibilious, antiasth- matic. Leaf—stomachic, styptic (for bleeding gum), antiseptic (for scalding of urine). A decoction of young leaves is taken for body pain, headache and fever.
The bark contains tannin 9%, lupe-ol and alpha-spinasterol. Stem yields sitosterol.... acacia pennataHabitat: The western Ghats, Orissa and Sikkim up to 1,500 m.
Siddha/Tamil: Thali, Paratathali.Folk: Pisaa (Maharashtra).Action: Infusion of leaves—urinary tract disinfectant, antidiabetic, spasmolytic.
The leaves contain a very small amount of an amorphous alkaloid. They also contain beta-sitosterol, hen- triacontanone, hentriacontanol and quercetin-3-rhamnoside and hydrocarbons.The bark gives an alkaloid, actino- daphnine.The roots contain a flavanone glycoside.... actinodaphne hookeriHabitat: All over India.
Ayurvedic: Shveta Shirisha (bark- white or greenish-white).Action: Bark—a decoction is given in rheumatism and haemorrhage.
The bark contains beta-sitosterol and yields 12-17% tannins.An oleanolic acid saponin, proceric acid saponin mixture from seeds and root saponin exhibit spermicidal activity.... albizia proceraHabitat: Indigenous to New Zealand. Now distributed in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Ayurvedic: Rudanti.Action: Fruit—used in puerperal sepsis and septic wounds, also for debility and cough.
EtOH (50%) extract of aerial parts is CNS depressant.Fruits contain l-stachydrine, rutin and beta-sitosterol.... capparis spinosaHin: Akasgaddah;
Mal: Kadamba, KollankovaTam: Akashagarudan, Gollankovai;Tel: Murudonda, NagadondaCorallocarpus is a prostrate or climbing herb distributed in Punjab, Sind, Gujarat, Deccan, Karnataka and Sri Lanka. It is monoecious with large root which is turnip-shaped and slender stem which is grooved, zigzag and glabrous. Tendrils are simple, slender and glabrous. Leaves are sub-orbicular in outline, light green above and pale beneath, deeply cordate at the base, angled or more or less deeply 3-5 lobed. Petiole is long and glabrous. Male flowers are small and arranged at the tip of a straight stiff glabrous peduncle. Calyx is slightly hairy, long and rounded at the base. Corolla is long and greenish yellow. Female flowers are usually solitary with short, stout and glabrous peduncles. Fruit is stalked, long, ellipsoid or ovoid. Seeds are pyriform, turgid, brown and with a whitish corded margin. It is prescribed in later stages of dysentery and old veneral complaints. For external use in chronic rheumatism, it is made into a liniment with cumin seed, onion and castor oil. It is used in case of snakebite where it is administered internally and applied to the bitten part. The root is given in syphilitic rheumatism and later stages of dysentery. The plant is bitter, sweet, alexipharmic and emetic. The root is said to possess alterative and laxative properties (Kirtikar and Basu, 1988). Root contains a bitter principle like Breyonin (Chopra et al, 1980).Agrotechnology: Cucurbits can be successfully grown during January-March and September- December. For the rainfed crop, sowing can also be started after the receipt of the first few showers.Pits of 60cm diameter and 30-45cm depth are to be taken at the desired spacing. Well rotten FYM or vegetable mixture is to be mixed with topsoil in the pit and seeds are to be sown at 4-5/pit. Unhealthy plants are to be removed after 2 weeks and retained 2-3 plants/pit. FYM is to be applied at 20-25t/ha as basal dose along with half dose of N (35kg/ha) and full dose of P (25kg) and K (25kg). The remaining dose of N (35kg) can be applied in 2 equal split doses at fortnightly intervals. During the initial stages of growth, irrigation is to be given at an interval of 3-4 days and at alternate days during flowering and fruiting periods. For trailing cucumber, pumpkin and melon, dried twigs are to be spread on the ground. Bitter gourd, bottle gourd, snake gourd and ash gourd are to be trailed on Pandals. Weeding and raking of the soil are to be conducted at the time of fertilizer application. Earthing up may be done during rainy season. The most dreaded pest of cucurbits is fruit flies which can be controlled by using fruit traps, covering the fruits with polythene, cloth or paper bags, removal and destruction of affected fruits and lastly spraying with Carbaryl or Malathion 0. 2% suspension containing sugar or jaggery at 10g/l at fortnightly intervals after fruit set initiation. During rainy season, downy mildew and mosaic diseases are severe in cucurbits. The former can be checked by spraying Mancozeb 0.2%. The spread of mosaic can be checked by controlling the vectors using Dimethoate or Phosphamidon 0.05% and destruction of affected plants and collateral hosts. Harvesting to be done at least 10 days after insecticide or fungicide application (KAU,1996).... cucurbitsHabitat: Native to tropical Africa; common along the west coast of India.
English: Baobab, Monkey Bread tree, African calabash.Ayurvedic: Sheet-phala, Ravanaam- likaa, Gorakshi, Panchparni.Unani: Gorakh Imli.Siddha/Tamil: Papparapuli.Folk: Gorakh Imli; Gorakh Chinchaa.Action: Cooling, refrigerant (allays burning sensation). Leaves— diaphoretic (used as a prophylactic against fevers). Fruit—antidysen- teric, antiseptic, antihistaminic.
The fruit pulp is a source of vitamin C (175.0-445.4 mg/100 g); dried pulp contains calcium and vitamin B1. Furfural (9.6%) is obtained after distillation of the fruit. In Africa, dried leaves provide much of the dietary calcium. Aqueous extract of the bark is used for treating sickle cell anaemia.An infusion of the leaves and flowers is given in respiratory disorders. (Powdered leaves prevented crisis in asthma induced by histamine in guinea pigs.) Dried fruit pulp also gives relief in bronchial asthma, allergic dermatitis and urticaria.Family: Leguminosae; Mimosaceae.Habitat: The western Ghats, the Andamans and sub-Himalayan tract; also cultivated.
English: Coral Wood, Red Wood.Ayurvedic: Rakta Kanchana, Rakta Kambala.Siddha/Tamil: Anai-gundumani.Folk: Ghumchi (bigger var.).Action: Astringent and styptic (used in diarrhoea, haemorrhage from the stomach, haematuria), anti-inflammatory (in rheumatic affections, gout). Seeds— anticephalgic; also used for the treatment of paralysis. A decoction is given in pulmonary affections.
The seed contains an anti-inflammatory active principle, O-acetyletha- nolamine. The leaves contain octa- cosanol, dulcitol, glucosides of beta- sitosterol and stigmasterol. The bark contains sitgmasterol glucoside.... adenanthera pavoninaHabitat: The plains and the lower slopes of the hills in Punjab, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
Ayurvedic: Nilakantha-shikhaa, Mayurshikhaa, Vahrishikhaa.Action: Used in hemicrania, cough, fever; externally in skin diseases; used as a substitute for A. capillus-veneris.
The fern yields adiantone, isoadian- tone, fernene, hentriacontane, hentri- acontanone-16, beta-sitosterol.... adiantum incisumHabitat: Punjab, Central and Peninsular India.
English: Javanese Wool Plant.Siddha/Tamil: Perumpoolai.Folk: Dholphuli, Khul. Paashaanab- heda (southern India).Action: Anti-inflammatory, diuretic, anticalculus, insecticidal. Wooly seeds are used against rheumatism.
The plant extract contains ascorbic acid, kaempferol, beta-amyrin and beta-sitosterol. The leaves also contain sitosterol and its glucoside.... aerva javanicaHabitat: The warmer parts of India, ascending to 1,000 m.
Ayurvedic: Paashaanabheda. Gorakshaganjaa, Aadaanpaaki, Shatkabhedi.Siddha/Tamil: Sirupeelai.Folk: Paashaanabheda (southern India), Gorakhagaanjaa.Action: Anticalculus (used in lithiasis), diuretic, demulcent, anthelmintic, antidiarrhoeal, anticholerin, bechic; leaf used in hepatitis, root in strangury. A decoction of the plant is used in catarrh of bladder. The flowers and roots are used for headache.
Key application: As diuretic and lithontriptic. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The plant contains palmitic acid, beta-sitosterol and alpha-amyrin.Aerva scandens Wall., synonym A. sanguinolenta Blume, is also known as Paashaanabheda in the south.Species used as Paashaanabheda: Bergenia ligulata (north), Aerva lanata (south), Coleus amboinicus (east) and Bryophyllum pinnatum (west).Dosage: 50-100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)... aerva lanataHabitat: Western Ghats.
Action: Leaf—anti-inflammatory; used for contusions and swellings. Plant—vesicant.
The plant contains bicoumarins, lysocephalin and lasiocrin; a coumarin glucoside, crioside, and a bicoumarin glycoside, eriocephaloside. The plant also gave ingiresinol, syringin, gen- kwanin and its glycoside, beta-sitos- terol and its glucoside.... gnida glaucaHabitat: The temperate Himalayas from Himachal Pradesh to Bhutan and in Khasi Hills at 1,800-2,400 m.
English: Indian Pipe.Action: Root—sedative, nervine, antispasmodic.
The plant gave sitosterol, campes- terol and traces of cholesterol. The oil contained linolenic, palmitic, linoleic and hexadecenoic acids.... monotropa unifloraHabitat: The Himalayas from Kashmir to western Nepal, Kulu and Chamba in Himachal Pradesh, Tehri-Garhwal and Kumaon in Uttar Pradesh at 900-3,600 m.
English: Indian Horse Chestnut, Himalayan Chestnut.Folk: Bankhor.Action: Antirheumatic, galacto- genic, antileucorrhocic.
The leaves contain aescin, quercetin and beta-sitosterol. Stems also contain rutin, astragalin, aesculin. Seeds contain aescin, aesculuside A and B, also aliphatic esters. Seeds possess anti- inflammatory activity.The extract of seeds is considered to be active against P-388 lymphocy- tic leukaemia and human epidermoid carcinoma of nasopharynx.... aesculus indicaHabitat: Throughout India, up to an altitude of 1,800 m.
English: Goat Weed, White Weed.Ayurvedic: Dochunty, Uchunti, Sahadevi (related sp.).Action: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, styptic.
The leaf is reported to contain stig- masterol (59.9%) and beta-sitosterol (26.7%) as major component of sterol faction. The dried flowering plant contains the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, lycop- samine and echinatine.An aqueous extract of leaves is reported to show haemostatic activity. The plant extract exhibited muscle relaxant activity experimentally. The ethanolic extract (95%) of roots possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.The aqueous extract of leaves exhibits antifungal and crude plant extract antibacterial properties.... ageratum conyzoides
Habitat: Native to Central America and Brazil. Grown in Indian gardens.
English: Golden Trumpet.Folk: Zahari Sontakkaa. (Maharashtra).Action: Leaves—cathartic (in moderate doses; emetic in large doses). Bark—hydragogue, in ascites.
The purgative property of the aqueous extract of leaves was confirmed pharmacologically in rats. The extract also showed antifungal activity against ringworm causing fungi. Flower extract inhibits fungal growth.EtOH extract of roots showed in- vivo activity against P-388 leukaemia in mouse and in vitro against human carcinoma cells of nasopharynx (KB). The root contains antileukaemic iri- doid lactone, allamandin and two other iridoids, allamandicin and allamdin.The stems and leaves contain beta- amyrin, beta-sitosterol and ursolic acid. Petals gave flavonoids—kaem- pferol and quercetin.... allemanda catharticaHabitat: Throughout the hotter parts of India, especially around tanks and ponds.
Ayurvedic: Matsyaakshi, Matsyaak- shika (a multimeaning name, also indicating Braahmi, Ain- dri), Matsyagandhaa, Matsyaa- dini, Minaakshi, Bahli, Gandali, Gartkalambukaa, Vaahlikaa.Unani: Machhechhi.Siddha/Tamil: Ponnonkanni keerai.Folk: Gudari Saag.Action: Febrifuge, galactagogue, cholagogue.
Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of dried whole plant in diseases due to vitiated blood and obstinate skin diseases.Young shoots contain protein 5% and iron 16.7 mg/100 g. Leaves also contain a good amount of alpha- and beta-tocopherols.The plant gave stigmasterol, beta- sitosterol, a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon and aliphatic ester.Dosage: Whole plant—2-6 g powder. (API Vol. II.)... alternanthera sessilisHabitat: From Konkan to Kerala at 1,500-2,000 m.
Ayurvedic: Shailaja, Kiraatatikta (related species).Action: A substitute for S. chirayita and Gentiana lutea L.
The leaves and flowers contain xan- thone—swartinin, triterpenes, oleano- lic acid and beta-sitosterol. Decussatin is also present in the flowers and root.... ophelia multifloraHabitat: Coastal swamps of West Bengal (particularly Sundarbans), Orissa and the Andamans.
Ayurvedic: Hintala.Folk: Hital (Orissa), Hintalamu (Telugu).Action: Fruits—antiphlogistic, cooling; used in flatulence.
Triacontanol, beta-sitosterol have been isolated from the plant.... phoenix paludosaHabitat: Assam, Western Ghats, the Nilgiris and Palni hills above 1,500 m.
English: Nilgiri Pepper.Action: Carminative.
The neolignan schmiditin, together with lignin galgravin as well as friedelin, beta-sitosterol and its beta- O-glucoside have been isolated from the extract of aerial parts. The extract exhibited antiamoebic activity.... piper schmidtiiHabitat: Assam and Bengal.
Ayurvedic: Vana-Pippali.Folk: Pahaari Peepal.Action: Fruit—carminative. Aerial parts—diuretic.
The root yielded a lignin, sesamin; amides (including piperine, piperlon- gumine) and beta-sitosterol.... piper sylvaticumHabitat: Native to tropical Asia; cultivated throughout India.
English: Elephant-foot Yam.Ayurvedic: Suurana, Kanduula, Arshoghna, Kand-ayak, Kandala.Unani: Zamin-qand, Zamikand.Siddha/Tamil: Chenaikkizhangu. Kaathukarunai (wild var.)Action: Corm is prescribed in bronchitis, asthma, abdominal pain, emesis, dysentery, enlargement of spleen, piles, elephantiasis, diseases due to vitiated blood, rheumatic swellings.
Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of corm in prostatic hyperplasia.(The corm is irritant due to the presence of calcium oxalate. It can be con- sumedafterit iswashedwell andboiled in tamarind water or butter milk.)The corm contains an active di- astatic enzyme amylase, betulinic acid, tricontane, lupeol, stigmasterol, beta- sitosterol and its palmitate and glucose, galactose, rhamnose and xylose.Intake of 3.6-7.2 g of konjac (Amor- phophallus konjac tuber) mannan for 90 days reduced the dose of insulin or hypoglycaemic drugs (in human clinical study). (Francis Brinker.)Amorphophallus sylvatius Kunth. is equated with the wild var. of Suu- rana, used especially in the treatment of piles.Dosage: Dried corm—2-10 g powder. (API Vol. III.) 3-5 g powder. (CCRAS.)... amorphophallus campanulatusHabitat: The western Ghats from Maharashtra to Karnataka; Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
English: Malabar Catmint.Ayurvedic: Sprikkaa.Siddha/Tamil: Irattaipeyameratti.Action: Antispasmodic (used in dyspepsia, colic), antipyretic, diaphoretic, antiperiodic, emme- nagogue, antirheumatic. The oil is used externally as an embrocation in rheumatic arthritis.
The plant contains beta-sitosterol, letulinic acid, ovatodiolide and ani- somelic acid. The essential oil from tops and flowers yield a terpene hydrocarbon, citral and geranic acid.... anisomeles malabaricaHabitat: Found all over India, ascending to 300 m.
English: Elephant Creeper.Ayurvedic: Vriddhadaaruka, Vriddhadaaru, Vriddhadaaraka, Bastaantri, Sthavira, Sthaviradaaru, Atarunadaaru, Samudrashosha. (Seeds of Salvia plebeia R. Br. are also known as Samudrashosha.)Unani: Samunder sokh.Siddha/Tamil: Ambgar, Samuddira- pacchaiFolk: Bidhaaraa.Action: Root—aphrodisiac (considered as a rejuvenator), nervine (used in diseases of nervous system, sexual disorders), diuretic (used in strangury), antirheumatic. Seeds—hypotensive, spasmolytic. Leaves—used externally in skin diseases (ringworm, eczema, boils, swellings); rubefacient, topically stimulant.
The seeds contain hallucinogenic ergoline alkaloids, the main ones being ergine and isoergine. EtOH (50%) extract of seeds exhibits hypotensive activity. (Seeds of all species of Argyreia contain ergoline alkaloids and are hypotensive.) Leaves of Argyreia sp. contain sitosterol and are antiphlogistic.In Indian medicine, A. speciosa is not used as a single drug for sexual disorders in men, but as a supporting drug for exerting its antiphlogistic, spasmolytic and hypotensive actions on the central nervous system. The drug, in itself, did not show anabolic- cum-androgen-like or spermogenetic activity experimentally.Ipomoea petaloidea Chois and Ipo- moea biloba Forskofthe Convolvulacae family are also used as Vriddhadaaru.In Western herbal medicine, Hawaiian Baby Woodrose is equated with Argyreia nervosa (synonym Argyreia speciosa; grows in Florida, California and Hawaii). The seed is used for pain relief and as a hallucinogen.The seeds contain hallucinogens including ergonovine, isoergine (isoly- sergic acid amide) and ergine (lysergic acid amide). Four to eight seeds are equivalent to 10-100 mcg of LSD, a potent serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) agonist. The effects last 6-8 h. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)Dosage: Root—3-5 g powder.(CCRAS.)... argyreia speciosaHabitat: Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and western peninsular India.
English: Bracteated Birthwort.Ayurvedic: Kitamaari, Dhumrapa- traa, Naakuli.Unani: Kiraamaar.Siddha/Tamil: Aadutheendaappaalai, Kattusuragam.Action: Oxytocic, abortifacient, emmenagogue.
Leaves and fruit contain ceryl alcohol, aristolochic acid and beta-sitos- terol. Aristolochic acid is insecticidal, poisonous, nephrotoxic. Leaf juice— vermifuge. Seeds—strong purgative. Products containing aristolochic acid are banned in the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, European countries and Japan.The seed compounds, aristolochic acid and magnoflorine, induce contractions in the isolated uterus of pregnant rat and stimulate the isolated ileum of guinea pig. They also activate the muscarinic and serotoner- gic receptors in a variety of organs. Magnoflorine decreases arterial blood pressure in rabbits, and induces hypothermia in mice.See also A. longa.... aristolochia bracteolataHabitat: Cultivated throughout the hotter parts of India.
English: Jackfruit, Jack tree.Ayurvedic: Panasa, Kantakiphala, Ativrihatphala, Aamaashayaphala.Siddha/Tamil: Murasabalam.Folk: Katahal, Phanasa.Action: Latex—bacteriolytic, promotes healing of abscesses. Juice of the plant—applied to glandular swellings and abscesses for promoting suppuration. Root— used for diarrhoea, asthma, skin diseases. Unripe fruit—acrid, astringent. Ripe fruit—cooling, laxative, difficult to digest. Seeds— diuretic. Lactin extraction showed potent and selective stimulation of distinct human T and B cells.
The seed extract stimulates the heart and causes a fall in arterial blood pressure of experimental animals pretreat- edwithphysostigmine. The seeds show equal inhibitory activity against trypsin and chymotrypsin. (The activity is destroyed when the seeds are boiled or baked.)The leaves and stems show presence of sapogenins, and exhibit estrogenic activity.An aqueous extract of mature leaves exhibited hypoglycaemic activity in experimental animals. Leaves contain cycloartenone, cycloartenol and beta-sitosterol. Heartwood contains flavonoids, artocarpesin and norarto- carpetin and their structures.Dosage: Fruit—50-100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)... artocarpus integrifoliaHabitat: Native to Europe and West Asia.
English: Asparagus, Sparrow grass.Ayurvedic: Shataavari, Vari, Shatviryaa, Shatmuuli, Shatpadi, Bhiru, Naaraayani, Bahusutaa, Atirasaa.Unani: Haliyun.Family: Asparagaceae.Habitat: Found wild in tropical and subtropical parts of India, including the Andamans and ascending in the Himalayas to 1,500 m.
English: Indian asparagus.Ayurvedic: Shataavari, Shatmuuli, Atirasaa, Bahusutaa, Shatpadi, Shatviryaa, Bhiru, Indivari, Vari. (Substitute for Medaa, Mahaamedaa.)Unani: Sataavar.Siddha/Tamil: Thanneervittan kizhangu, Sataavari Kizhangu.Action: Used as a galactagogue and for disorders of female genitourinary tract; as a styptic and ulcer-healing agent; as an intestinal disinfectant and astringent in diarrhoea; as a nervine tonic, and in sexual debility for spermatogenesis.
Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of the tuberous root in gout, puerperal diseases, lactic disorders, haematuria, bleeding disorders and also recommends it for hyperacidity.The plant contains saponins—sha- tavarins I-IV. Shatavarin IV is a glycoside of sarsasapogenin. The saponin in doses of 20-500 mcg/ml produces a special blockade of syntocinon (oxy- tocin)-induced contraction of rat, guinea-pig and rabbit uteri in vitro and in situ. It also blocks the uterine spontaneous motility.The dried root yields sitosterol; 4,6- dihydroxy-2-O-(2' hydroxyisobutyl) benzaldehyde and undecanyl cetano- ate, and contains a large amount of saccharine matter, mucilage and miner- als—Ca (0.172), Cu (0.033), Na (14.60), K (8.32), Mg (0.169), Mn (0.0074), Ni (0.105) and Zn (0.072) mg/g(dry weight).The root was found to reduce gastric emptying time comparable to that of metoclopramide. (J Postgrad Med, 1990, 36(2), 91-94).The root extracts exhibited antiallergic activity in animal studies.The root, when fed orally, acted as immunomodulator against induced sepsis and peritonitis in rats and mice.... asparagus racemosusHabitat: Most parts of the plains from West Bengal westwards to Punjab and Gujarat, as a field weed.
English: Asphodel. Unani: Piyaazi, Khunsaa, Asraash. (Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. is equated with Shellot, Gandanaa.)Folk: Bokat.Action: Seeds—diuretic; applied externally to ulcer and inflamed parts.
Seeds contain an ester, 1-O-17-me- thylstearylmyoinositol. The seed oil yields myristic, palmitic, oleic, linole- ic, linolenic acids, beta-amyrin and beta-sitosterol. The oil, due to its high linolenic content (62.62%), may be of therapeutic value in preventing atherosclerosis.The mineral elements present in the weed are iron 178.4, zinc 44.5 and copper 6.4 ppm. A triterpenoid, lupeol and quercetin are also present.... asphodelus fistulosusHabitat: A tree occurring in salt marshes and tidal creeks.
English: White mangrove.Ayurvedic: Tuvara.Siddha/Tamil: Kandal.Folk: Tivaria (Gujarat), Upattam (Tamil Nadu).Action: Stem/bark—astringent. Pulp of unripe fruit—used for healing skin lesions of smallpox; fruits and immature seeds, used as cicatrizant of abscesses and ulcers.
The bark contains 5% tannin, tri- acontanol and triterpenoids. Kernels contain lapachol, which possesses an- titumour activity. Aerial parts yield beta-sitosterol, friedelin, lupenone, lu- peol, betulinic and ursolic acids.... avicennia officinalisHabitat: Throughout the hotter parts of India. Also, commonly grown as a hedge plant in gardens.
English: Common Yellow Nail Dye Plant.Ayurvedic: Sahachara, Baana, Kurantaka, Kuranta, Koranda, Korandaka, Shairiya, Pita-saireyaka(yellow-flowered var.). Also equated with Vajradanti.Unani: Piyaabaansaa.Siddha/Tamil: Chemmulli.Folk: Piyaabaasaa, Jhinti, Kat- saraiyaa.Action: Leaf—juicegiveninstomach disorders, urinary affections; mixed with honey and given to children with fever and catarrh; leaf juice is applied to lacerated soles of feet in the rainy season, mixed with coconut oil for pimples. Leaves and flowering tops—diuretic. Bark—diaphoretic and expectorant. Roots—paste is applied over boils and glandular swellings. Plant (Vajradanti)—antidontalgic, used for bleeding gums in Indian medicine. Ash, obtained from the whole plant, mixed with honey, is given in bronchial asthma.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends oil extract of the plant for arresting greying of hair.The leaves and flowering tops are diuretic, rich in potassium salts. Leaves and stems showed presence of iridoid glucosides, barlerin and acetylbarlerin. Flowers gave the flavonoid glycoside, scutellarein-7-neohesperidoside. The presence of beta-sitosterol is reported in the plant.In the south, Nila Sahachara is equated with Ecbolium linneanun Kurz. (known as Nilaambari), and Shveta Sa- hachara with Justica betonica Linn.Ecbolium linneanun plant is used for gout and dysuria; the root is prescribed for jaundice.Dosage: Whole plant—50-100 g for decoction. (API Vol. III.)... barleria prionitisHabitat: The Himalayas from Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal, up to an altitude of 1,200 m.
Ayurvedic: Sahachara (blue- flowered var.).Siddha/Tamil: Nili.Folk: Koilekhaa.Action: Mild antiseptic, expectorant (given in spasmodic cough); also used as an antianaemic.
The plant gave beta-and gamma- sitosterol.... barleria strigosaHabitat: Sub-Himalayan tracts from Ravi eastwards, ascending to 1,000 m. in the Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Central and South India.
Ayurvedic: Ashmantaka, Kanchini.Unani: Kachnaar.Folk: Aapataa (Maharashtra), Kachnaala.Action: Bark—highly astringent, anti-inflammatory (used in glandular inflammations, skin diseases, ulcers), cholagogue. Leaves—anthelmintic; with onion for diarrhoea. Flowers—used in haemorrhages, piles; also in cough. Seed—antibacterial.
Octacosane, beta-amyrin and beta- sitosterol have been isolated from the bark. EtOH (50%) extract of seeds exhibited anticancer activity.... bauhinia racemosaHabitat: 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 variegataHabitat: Cultivated largely in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Bihar.
English: Ash Gourd, White Gourd, Wax Gourd, White Pumpkin.Ayurvedic: Kuushmaanda, Kuush- maandaka, Kuushmaandanaadi.Unani: Pethaa, Mahdabaa, Kaddu- e-Roomi.Siddha/Tamil: Ven-poosani, Saambalpushani.Action: Leaves—cooling, juice rubbed on bruises. Fruit decoction—laxative, diuretic, nutritious, styptic (given for internal haemorrhages and diseases of the respiratory tract.) Juice of fruit— used for treating epilepsy, insanity and other nervous diseases. The ash of fruit rind—applied on painful swellings. Seeds—anthelmintic.
The fruits contain lupeol, beta-sitos- terol, their acetates and several amino acids. The fruit juice produces tran- quilizing activity and mild CNS depressant effect in mice.The roots of mature plant contain a pentacyclic triterpene, which exhibits antiallergic activity against both homologous passive cutaneous ana- phylaxis and delayed hypersensitivity in mice. The fruit beverage contains pyrazine compounds.Isomultiflorenol acetate, a penta- cyclic triterpene, has been isolated as the major constituent of wax coating of fruits.Dosage: Dried pieces of the fruit— 5-10 g (API Vol. IV.) Fruit juice— 10-20 m (CCRAS.)... benincasa hispidaHabitat: Temperate Himalaya from Kashmir to Bhutan, between altitudes of 900 and 3,000 m.
Ayurvedic: Paashaanabheda, Ashmaribhedikaa, Ashmaribhit, Ashmghna, Shilaabhit, Shilaabheda. (These synonyms are also equated with Aerva lanata Juss.)Siddha/Tamil: Padanbethi.Action: Leaf and root—antiscorbutic, astringent, spasmolytic, antidiarrhoeal. Used in dysuria, spleen enlargement, pulmonary affections as a cough remedy, menorrhagia, urinary tract infections. Alcoholic extract of roots— antilithic. Acetone extract of root- bark—cardiotoxic, CNS depressant and anti-inflammatory; in mild doses diuretic but antidiuretic in higher doses. Anti-inflammatory activity decreases with increasing dosage.
Due to its depressant action on the central nervous system, the drug is used against vertigo, dizziness and headache in moderate or low dosage.Key application: In lithiasis, dysuria, polyuria. (The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The rhizome contains an active principle bergenin (0.6%), gallic acid, glucose (5.6%), tannins (14.2-016.3%), mucilage and wax; a C-glycoside and beta-sitosterol.Bergenin prevented stress-induced erosions in rats and lowered gastric outputs.(Paashaanabheda indicates that the plant grows between rocks appearing to break them; it does not necessarily mean that it possesses lithotriptic property.)Dosage: Rhizome—20-30 g for decoction. (API Vol. I)... bergenia ligulataHabitat: Tropical Himalayas, and throughout the plains of Assam and Penninsular India.
Ayurvedic: Kukundara (var.).Unani: Kakarondaa.Action: Plant—diuretic. Essential oil—CNS depressant.
The steam non-volatile fraction of plant extract contained a mixture of n-alkanes.Blumea lacera.Family: Compositae; Asteraceae.Habitat: Throughout the plains of India, ascending to 700 m.
Ayurvedic: Kukundara, Kukuradru, Taamrachuuda.Unani: Kakarondaa.Siddha/Tamil: Narakkarandai, Kaatu Mullangi.Folk: Kakranda.Action: Plant—antipyretic. Leaf— astringent, febrifuge, diuretic, deobstruent, anthelmintic (particularly in case of thread worm). Root—anticholerin. Essential oil— antibacterial, antifungal.
The leaves on steam distillation yield 0.5% essential oil from which camphor is isolated.The oil contains cineol 66, d-fen- chone 10 and citral about 6%. The plant gave a diester of coniferyl alcohol, acetylenic compounds, a thiophene derivative; aerial parts gave campes- terol, hentriacontane, hentriacontanol, alpha-amyrin and its acetate, lupeol and its acetate and beta-sitosterol.The alcoholic extract of the plant showed marked anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenin and bradykinin- induced inflammation in rats.Dosage: Root—5-10 g paste. (CCRAS.)... blumea fastulosaHabitat: Throughout India, as a weed in cultivated and sallow lands and pastures.
English: Shaggy Button Weed.Ayurvedic: Madana-ghanti.Siddha/Tamil: Nathaichoori.Folk: Ghanti-chi-bhaaji (Maharashtra), Gatbhanjan, Satgathiyaa.Action: Herb—used in the treatment of headache. Root—prescribed as a mouthwash in toothache. Leaf— juice is given as an astringent in haemorrhoids. Seeds—used as demulcent in diarrhoea and dysentery.
The weed contains beta-sitosterol, ursolic acid and D-mannitol. It is rich in calcium and phosphorus. Isorham- netin, a flavonoid, is reported in the seeds.... borreria articularisHabitat: The sub-Himalayan tract from Kashmir eastwards to Assam, and in Bihar, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.
Ayurvedic: Ekaviraa.Siddha/Tamil: Venge-maram.Folk: Gondni, Asaanaa (Maharashtra).Action: Bark and Root—astringent, anthelmintic. Used in the treatment of bone fracture.
The root contains 5.7% tannins.The leaves contain beta-sitosterol, its beta-D-glucoside and a triterpe- noid. Fructose, glucose and sucrose were identified as the components of the glycoside.... bridelia montanaHabitat: Throughout India up to an altitude of 1,000 m, except in very dry regions.
Ayurvedic: Mahaaviraa, Asana (Asana is equated with Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb., the Indian Kino tree.)Siddha/Tamil: Mulluvengai.Folk: Gondani, Gondui, Khaajaa.Action: Bark—astringent, used in the form of a liniment in rheumatism. Paste of the stem bark is applied to wounds.
The bark contains 16-40% tannin. Presence of a triterpene ketone in the bark is reported. The bark exhibited hypotensive properties in pharmacological trials. The extract of the bark significantly increased the mean survival time of mice infected intracere- brally with vaccinia virus. Ripe fruit pulp contains beta-sitosterol and gallic and ellagic acids.... bridelia retusaHabitat: 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 in gardens throughout India.
English: Barbados Pride, Peacock Flower.Ayurvedic: Padangam, Ratnagandhi, Krishnachuudaa.Siddha/Tamil: Mayirkonrai, Nalal.Folk: Guleturaa, Sankeshwara.Action: Leaves—laxative, antipyretic. Used in Eastern India as a substitute for senna. Dried and powdered leaves are used in erysipelas. Flowers—anthelmintic. Also used for cough and catarrh. Root—a decoction is prescribed in intermittent fevers. Bark— emmenagogue, abortifacient.
The plant contains a flavonoid, my- ricitroside. The leaves, flowers and fruits contain tannins, gums, resin, benzoic acid. Presence of cyanidin- 3,5-diglucoside is also reported from the flowers, hydrocyanic acid from the leaves. The root contains caesalpin type diterpenoids along with sitosterol.The leaves have displayed anticancer activity in laboratory animals. A diter- penoid, isolated from the root, also showed anticancer activity.In Pakistan, the leaf and flower extract exhibited activity against Grampositive bacteria.... caesalpinia pulcherrimaHabitat: Sub-Himalayan tracts, from Hazara eastwards to Assam, up to 1,500 m.
English: Perfumed Cherry.Ayurvedic: Priyangu, Priyan- gukaa, Priyaka, Gandhphali, Gandhpriyangu, Phalini, Vanitaa, Kaantaa, Kaantaahvaa, Shyamaa, Anganaapriya.Unani: Habb-ul-Mihlb (Prunus mahaleb Linn., Rosaceae).Siddha/Tamil: Gnazhal, Chokkala. (Fruits of Aglaia roxburghiana Miq. are used as Priyangu.)Action: Leaves—applied hot in rheumatic pains. Smoked to relieve headache. Seed—paste used in stomatitis. Wood—paste used in mouth and tongue sores. Seeds and roots—employed as stomachic. Bark—used in rheumatism and diseases of genitourinary tract. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the use of the fruit in emesis and giddiness.
The seeds and leaves contain cal- literpenone and its monoacetate; the former also contain fatty acids, beta- sitosterol and its beta-D-glucoside.Synonym: C. wightianum T. Anders.Family: Guttiferae; Clusiaceae.Habitat: The evergreen forests of Western Ghats up to 330 m.
Siddha/Tamil: Shirupinnai.Action: Resin—antiphlogistic, anodyne. Seed oil—antileprotic.
The leaves, stem, bark and root contain friedelin. Leaves also contain canophyllol and a triterpene lactone; stem, beta-amyrin; bark, apetalic acid. Heartwood contains a clathrate named wightianone palmitic acid. Wood contains mesoinositol.... calophyllum apetalumHabitat: Rajasthan, Punjab and Sindh; southward to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
English: Caper Berry.Ayurvedic: Karira, Krakar, Apatra, Granthila, Marubhoo-ruuha, Niguudhapatra, Karila.Unani: Kabar, Kabar-ul-Hind, Kabar-e-Hindi; Tenti.Siddha/Tamil: Chhengan.Folk: Tenti.Action: Anti-inflammatory (used for enlarged cervical glands, sciatica, rheumatoid arthritis; externally on swellings, skin eruptions, ringworm). Fruits and seeds—used for urinary purulent discharges and dysentery. Flowers and seeds— antimicrobial. The fruit is used as a pickle.
The root bark contains spermidine alkaloids, used for inflammations, asthma and gout.Activity of the seed volatiles against vibro cholerae has been recorded.Aqueous extract of the plant exhibits anthelmintic activity; seeds contain antibacterial principles—glucocapparin; isothiocynate aglycone of glucocap- parin.The blanched fruits, when fed to rats at 10% dietary fibre level, showed a significant hypocholesterolaemic effect, which is attributed to its hemicel- lose content.Pickled fruits are use for destroying intestinal worms.Dosage: Leaf, root—50-125 mg (CCRAS.)Folk: Hains, Kanthaar.Action: Antiseptic, antipyretic. Used for eczema and scabies.
Leaves contain taraxasterol, alpha- and beta-amyrin and beta-sitosterol, erythrodiol and betulin.Dosage: Root—5-10 g powder. (CCRAS.)... capparis aphyllaHabitat: Throughout the plains of India, as a wild climber.
English: Ballon Vine, Winter Cherry, Heartseed.Ayurvedic: Kaakatiktaa, Kaakaadani, Karnsphotaa, Shatakratulataa.Unani: Habb-e-Qilqil.Siddha/Tamil: Mudukottan, Kottavan.Folk: Kanphotaa, Kanphuti, Lataaphatakari. Used as Jyotishmati in Bengal.Action: Used in rheumatism, lumbago, skeletal fractures, nervous diseases, amenorrhoea, haemorrhoids, erysipelas. The herb is used in hairoils for treating dandruff, alopecia and for darkening hair.
The plant extract showed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity and sedative effect on CNS. The drug also showed (transient) vasode- pressant activity.The leaves contain beta-sitosterol and its D-glucoside, an alkaloid, oxalic acid and amino acids. The presence of a saponin and quebrachitol is reported in the plant.The leaves and stem are used in preparations used against common cold. Alcoholic extract of the plant exhibits antisickling and antiarthritic activity. Seeds have positive anabolic activity and increase body weight by inducing a positive nitrogen balance.The alkaloid fraction from the seeds showed hypotensive activities and cardiac inhibition in anaesthetized dogs; blocked spasmogenic effects of acetyl- choline, histamine and 5-HT on guinea pig ileum, biphasic effort on frog rec- tus abdominis muscle. The seeds also showed antibacterial activity.Dosage: Whole plant—50-100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)... cardiospermum halicacabumHabitat: Sub-Himalayan tract, from Jammu eastwards to West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
English: Kumbi, Slow-Match tree.Ayurvedic: Katabhi, Kumbhi- ka, Kumbhi, Kumbi, Kaitrya, Kumudikaa.Siddha/Tamil: Kumbi, Ayma.Action: Bark—demulcent (in coughs and colds), antipyretic and antipruritic (in eruptive fevers), anthelmintic, antidiarrhoeal. An infusion of flowers is given after child birth.
Seeds contain triterpenoid sapo- genols, sterols; leaves contain a tri- terpene ester, beta-amyrin, hexaco- sanol, taraxerol, beta-sitosterol, quer- cetin and taraxeryl acetate.Careya herbacea Roxb., a related species, is known as Kumbhaadu-lataa in Bengal.Dosage: Bark—50-100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)... careya arboreaHabitat: Peninsular India, up to 1,800 m.
Ayurvedic: Saptachakraa.Siddha/Tamil: Kakkaipilai, Kilar, Kottargovai.Folk: Saptrangi (root and root bark).Action: Root—antidiabetic (used in milder chronic diabetic cases), astringent, liver tonic. Frequently adulterated with the roots of Salacia chinensis Linn. and S. macrosperma Wight.
The crude aqueous extract of the roots has shown hypoglycaemic activity.The root gave leucopelargonidin, beta-sitosterol, dulcitol, a flavonoid and arabinose.... casearia esculentaHabitat: Throughout India.
Ayurvedic: Chakshushyaa, Aranya- kulathhikaa, Kataka.Unani: Chaaksu.Siddha/Tamil: Muulaipalyirai, Kaattukollu.Folk: BanKulathi.Action: Seed—bitter, blood-purifier, astringent, stimulant, diuretic. Used topically for leucoderma, ringworm, venereal ulcers and other skin diseases. Roots—purgative.
Seeds gave sitosterol-beta-D-gluco- side and alkaloids—chaksine and iso- chaksine. Chaksine is found to be antibacterial against Micrococcus pyo- genes var. aureus and Streptococcus haemolyticus. It stimulates contraction of different tissues of plain muscles, like uterus, intestine, bladder, and muscles in blood vessels. It depresses the parasympathetic nerve- endings of certain organs like intestineFamily: Caesalpiniaceae.Habitat: Native to the West Indies. Found wild almost throughout India.
English: Ringworm Cassia.Ayurvedic: Dadrughna, Dadrumar- dana.Siddha: Malanthakerai, Seemai agathi (Tamil).Folk: Daadmaari.Action: Leaf—used in skin diseases like herpes, blotch, eczema, mycosis (washerman's itch). Dried leaves— in leprosy. A strong decoction is used for ringworm, eczema and herpes. Leaves are also used as a purgative.
Young pods contain rhein, emodin and aloe-emodin. The antibacterial activity of the leaves is reported to be due to rhein. The roots contain an- thraquinone. Emodin, aloe-emodin and anthraquinone contribute to the purgative activity of the leaves and roots. Crushed leaves or roots are rubbed on to the skin to cure ringworm and to control Tinea imbricata, a skin fungus.... cassia alataHabitat: Throughout India, up to an altitude of 1,500 m.
English: Coffee Senna, Foetid Cassia, Negro Coffee.Ayurvedic: Kaasamarda, Kaasaari.Unani: Kasondi.Siddha/Tamil: Paeyaavarai, Thagarai.Folk: Kasondi (bigger var.).Action: Purgative, diuretic, febrifugal, expectorant, stomachic. Leaves—used internally and externally in scabies, ringworm and other skin diseases. A hot decoction is given as an antiperiodic. Seeds— used for cough, whooping cough and convulsions. Roasted seeds (roasting destroys the purgative property) are mixed with coffee for strength.
The pods contain sennosides and anthraquinones; seeds polysacchari- des, galactomannan; leaves dianthron- ic hetroside; pericarp apigenin; roots emodol; plant xanthone—cassiolin; seeds phytosterolin; flowers physcion and its glucosides, emodin and beta- sitosterol.The volatile oil obtained from the leaves, roots and seeds showed antibacterial and antifungal activity.The seeds, when fed to animals, resulted in weight loss and also were found to be toxic to experimental animals. Leaves are preferred to quinine as a tonic, seeds are considered as a hae- mateinic toxic and root is used as a hepatic tonic.Dosage: Seed—3-6 g powder; leaf—10-20 ml juice; root bark— 50-100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)... cassia occidentalisHabitat: In gardens as hedge throughout India.
English: Sophera Senna.Ayurvedic: Kaasamarda.Unani: Kasondi.Siddha/Tamil: Ponnaavaarai.Action: Leaves, seeds, bark— cathartic; considered specific for ringworm and other skin diseases (bark may cause dermatitis); used for bronchitis and asthma.
A paste of leaves is used for treating piles. An infusion of fresh leaves, with sugar, is given in jaundice. Plant is spasmolytic. Alcoholic extract of leaves is intestinal and bronchial muscle relaxant.The leaves contain a flavone glyco- side and sennoside. Root bark contains anthraquinones, chrysophanol, physcion and beta-sitosterol. Heart- wood gave isomeric derivatives, 1,2, 7-trihydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone, along with sopheranin, beta-sitosterol, chrysophanol, physcion, emodin, 1- octadecanol and quercetin.... cassia sopheraHabitat: North-western Himalayas from Kashmir to Garhwal, from 1,000 to 3,500 m.
English: Himalayan Cedar, Deodar.Ayurvedic: Devadaaru, Suradru- ma, Suradaaru, Devakaashtha, Devadruma, Saptapatrika, Daaru, Bhadradaaru, Amarataru, Ama- radaaru, Daaruka, Devaahvaa, Surataru, Surabhuruha.Unani: Deodaar.Siddha/Tamil: Thevathaaram.Action: Bark—decoction is used internally as astringent, antidiarrhoeal and febrifuge. Essential oil—antiseptic (used in skin diseases).
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the use of the heart- wood in puerperal diseases.The wood contains sesquiterpeno- ids; exhibits sapasmolytic activity. Alcoholic extract of the wood showed marked anti-inflammatory activity in mice; alcoholic extract showed antibacterial activity.The wood possesses diaphoretic, diuretic and carminative properties, and is used in fevers and in pulmonary and urinary disorders.Himalayan Cedarwood Oil contains two major sesquiterpenoids—alpha- and beta-himchalenes. Presence ofbu- tyric and caproic acids is also reported. The oil shows in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity. It increases vascular permeability. Needles, on steam distillation, yield a volatile oil, rich in borneol and its esters. An alcoholic extract of the needles shows significant antibacterial activity against diptheria bacteria. The juice shows antiviral activity against tobacco mosaic virus and potato virus.The bark contains 8-C methyltaxi- foline, dihydroquercetin, 8-C methyl- quercetin, quercetin, sitosterol, and tannins 8.25%, non-tannins 6.95% (varies with the age of the tree). An alcoholic extract of the bark shows significant activity against diptheria bacteria; aqueous extract of the dried bark showed anti-inflammatory activ ity against acute and chronic inflammations. Aqueous extract of the bark is found effective in reducing sugar content of diabetic patient's urine and blood to normal levels.Dosage: Heartwood—3-6 g powder. (API Vol. IV.)... cedrus deodaraHabitat: Muddy shores and tidal creeks of India.
English: Compound Cymed Mangrove.Folk: Kirrari (Sindh, Maharashtra). Chauri (Maharashtra). Goran (Bengal, Sundarbans).Siddha/Tamil: Pandikutti, Pavrikutti, Pavrikutti, Kandal, Chira.Action: Plant—astringent. Stem bark—hypoglycaemic. Bark— haemostatic. A decoction is used to stop haemorrhage and is applied to malignant ulcers; also given after child birth.
Shoots—used as a substitute for quinine.The leaves (dry basis) gave 15.45% tannin, 19.99% non-tannin; twig bark 25.89%, tannin, 9.8% non-tannin; bole bark 41.42% tannin, 10.58% non-tannin.Presence of sitosterol, cholesterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, 28-isofu- costerol and a hydrocarbon, squalene, is reported in the leaves.... ceriops candolleanaHabitat: Hills of Sikkim, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and the Andamans.
English: Bastard Cedar, White Cedar, Indian Red Wood.Siddha/Tamil: Aglay, Melei Veppu.Folk: Chikrassy.Action: Bark—astringent, febrifuge, antidiarrhoeic, spasmolytic, diuretic. The plant is used in skeltal fractures.
The bark contains sitosterol, melia- none, scopoletin and 6,7-di-MeO- coumarin. The leaves gave querce- tin galactoside, galloyl glucocide and tannic acid. The bark and young leaves contain 15 and 20% tannin respectively. Seeds contain tetranortriterpenoids.EtOH (50%) extract of the stem bark exhibited spasmolytic, hypoten- sive and diuretic activity. The saline extract of seeds showed haemaggluti- nating activity.... chukrassia tabularisSynonym: Vitis quadrangula Wall.
Family: Vitaceae.Habitat: Throughout the warmer parts of India, also cultivated in gardens.
English: Square Stalked Vine, Adamant Creeper.Ayurvedic: Asthisamhaara, Asthisamhrita. Asthi-samyojaka, Vajravalli, Chaturdhaaraa.Unani: Hadjod.Siddha/Tamil: Perandai.Action: The anabolic and steroidal principles of the aerial part showed a marked influence in the rate of fracture-healing. The drug exerts influence both on the organic and mineral phase of fracture-healing. Stem—alterative in scurvy (the plant is rich in vitamin C) and irregular menstruation.
The plant contains phytogenic steroid, ketosteroids, sitosterol, alpha- amyrin, alpha-ampyrone and tetra- cyclic triterpenoids. Phytogenic ste- riods showed bone healing properties. Coloside-A possesses smooth muscle relaxant effect. The total alcoholic extract of the plant neutralizes the anti- anabolic effect of the cortisone in healing of fractures. The aqueous extract of... cissus quadrangulaHabitat: North-eastern region up to 1,500 m in Assam and Tripura.
English: Pummelo, Shaddock.Ayurvedic: Madhukarkatikaa.Unani: Chakotra.Siddha/Tamil: Pambalimasu.Folk: Mahaa-nibu, Sadaaphal.Action: Fruit—cardiotonic. Leaves, flowers and rind—used as a sedative in nervous affections. Leaves— used in convulsive cough, chorea, epilepsy, also in the treatment of haemorrhagic diseases. A lotion of boiled leaves used hot in painful swellings. The essential oil from fresh leaves exhibits dermatophytic, and fungistatic activity.
The root-bark contains beta-sitos- terol and acridone alkaloids. It also contains several coumarins. The alkaloids and coumarins show antimicrobial acitivity.The essential oil from the leaves and unripe fruits contain 20% limonin, 30% nerolol, 40% nerolyl acetate and 3% geraniol. diosmin, beta-sitosterol and beta-D- glucoside. The roots contain campes- terol, stigmasterol, sitosterol and cholesterol.Aqueous extract of the peel showed hypotensive action in dogs.The fruits and seeds are a cardioton- ic; found useful in palpitation.Dosage: Fruit—10-20 ml juice. (API Vol. III.) Leaf, flower, fruit, root— 50-100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)... citrus maximaHabitat: Cultivated as an ornamental throughout India, especially in South and Eastern India.
English: Turk's Turban, Tube- Flower.Ayurvedic: Vaamana-haati (a substitute for Bhaarangi).Siddha/Tamil: Kavalai, Narivalai.Action: Root—used for asthma, cough, scrofulous affections. Leaf— vermifuge. Resin—antirheumatic. The plant is also used in fever, atrophy, emaciation of cachexia and consumption.
The leaves contain flavonoids—scu- tellarein (0.5%), hispidulin (0.1%) and their 7-O-glucuronides; also sterols. Flowers contain beta-sitosterol and tri- terpenoids. The bark yields hexitol and sorbitol.The flavone, pectolinarin and a di- terpene, oncinotine, exhibit antifee- dant activity.... clerodendrum indicumHabitat: Throughout India, in the drier parts.
Ayurvedic: Agnimantha, Tarkaari, Vikraantaa, Jayanti, Jai, Jayaa, Ganikaarikaa, Vaijayanti, Bigger var. is equated with Premna integri- folia Linn., Shriparni, Naadeyi.Siddha/Tamil: Tazhuthaazhai.Folk: Laghu Arni.Action: Plant parts used in dyspepsia, stomachache, colic, cholera, dysentery, postnatal fever, during convalscence from measles. Root and bark—bitter tonic, used in debility and nervous disorders.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the use of root in dysuria and retention of urine.Flavonoids, scutellarein and pec- tolinarin, have been isolated from the leaves. Stems gave d-mannitol, beta- sitosterol, its glucosides and ceryl alcohol. The roots contain ceryl alcohol, clerodin, clerosterol and clerodendrin A.The ethanolic extract of leaves exhibited hepatoprotective activity. The aqueous extract of leaves exhibited in vitro anthelmintic activity. The plant also exhibited antidiabetic activity.Dosage: Root—12-24 g for decoction. (API Vol. III.)... clerodendrum phlomidisHabitat: Throughout tropical and sub-tropical tracts of India.
English: Broom-Creeper, Ink-Berry.Ayurvedic: Chhilihinta, Paataala- garuda, Mahaamuulaa, Dirghavalli, Jalajamani.Siddha/Tamil: Kattukodi.Action: Root—laxative, sudorific, alterative, antirheumatic. Leaf— used externally for eczema, prurigo and inpetigo. A decoction of leaves is taken in eczema, leucorrhoea and gonorrhoea.
Aqueous extract of stem and root— sedative, anticonvulsant, hypotensive, bradycardiac, cardiotonic and sapas- molytic. Roots are used as a substitute for Sarsaparilla in chronic rheumatism gout, and syphilitic cachexia.The stem contains cyclopeptide alkaloids. The plant contains coclaurine, magnoflorine, beta-sitosterol, ginnol and a monomethyl ether of inositol.C.pendulus (Forsk.) Diels, synonym C. leaeba (Del.) DC. (Punjab, Gujarat and South India) is known as Parwati (Gujarat, Sindh) and Ullar-billar (Punjab).Ethanolic extract of the leaves and stem showed anticancer and hypoten- sive activities associated with the al- kaloidal fraction which contains bis- benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (including pendulin and cocsulin). Presence of quercitol is reported from non- alkaloidal fraction.Dosage: Root—50-100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)... cocculus hirsutusHabitat: Andhra Pradesh, Karnata- ka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar; cultivated at Agartala in Tripura.
English: Golden Silk tree, White Silk Cotton tree.Unani: Samagh, Kateeraa (substitute for gum tragacanth).Siddha/Tamil: Kongilam (flower juice), Tanaku.Action: Gum—cooling, sedative, bechic, useful in coughs, hoarse throat, diarrhoea, dysentery, scalding urine. Dried leaves and flowers—stimulant.
The leaves contain terpenoids, saponins and tannins. Flowers contain naringenin and beta-sitosteryl-gluco- side (0.3%). The gum, after hydrolysis, furnished a mixture of acidic oligosac- charides.... cochlospermum gossypiumHin: Patharchur;
Ben: Paterchur;Mal: Panikkurkka, kannikkurkka;Tam: Karpuravalli;Kan: karpurahalli;Tel: Sugandhavalkam.It is found through out the tropics and cultivated in homestead gardens. It is a large succulent aromatic perennial herb with hispidly villous or tomentose fleshy stem. Leaves are simple, opposite, broadly ovate, crenate and fleshy. Flowers are pale purplish in dense whorls at distant intervals in a long slender raceme. Fruits are orbicular or ovoid nutlets. The leaves are useful in cephalagia, otalgia, anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, diarrhoea, cholera, halitosis, convulsions, epilepsy, cough, asthma, hiccough, bronchitis, strangury, hepatopathy and malarial fever (Warrier et al,1995).2. Coleus vettiveroides K.C. Jacob, syn. Plectranthus vettiveroides (Jacob) Singh & Sharma.San: Valakam, Hriberam;Hin: Valak;Mal: Iruveli;Tam: Karuver;Tel: Karuveru,It is seen in tropical countries and cultivated in gardens. It is a small profusely branched, succulent aromatic herb with quadrangular stems and branches and deep straw coloured aromatic roots. Leaves are glandular hairy, broadly ovate with dentate margins and prominent veins on the bark. Blue flowers are borne on terminal racemes. Fruits are nutlets. The whole plant is useful in hyperdipsia, vitiated conditions of pitta, burning sensation, strangury, leprosy, skin diseases, leucoderma, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, ulcers and as hair tonic.3. Coleus forskohlii Briq. syn. C. barbatus Benth.Hin: Garmai
Kan: Maganiberu, MakandiberuGuj: MaimulIt is a perennial aromatic herb grown under tropical to temperate conditions for its carrot-like tubers which are used as condiments in the preparation of pickles. Its tuberous roots are an exclusive source of a diterpenoid forskolin which has the unique property of activating almost all hormone sensitive adenylate cyclase enzymes in a biological system. It is useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure, glaucoma, asthma, cancer and in preventing immature greying of hair (Hegde,1997).Agrotechnology: The Coleus group of plants grows in tropical to subtropical situations and in warm temperate climatic zone on mountains of India, Nepal, Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Africa. It comes up well on the sun exposed dry hill slopes from 300m to 1800m altitude. A well drained medium fertile soil is suitable for its cultivation. it is propagated vegetatively through stem and root cuttings. Vine cuttings to a length of 10-15cm from the top portion are most ideal for planting. The land is ploughed or dug to a depth of 15-20cm and ridges are formed 30cm apart. Vine cuttings are planted on the ridges at 30cm spacing after incorporating basal manure. 10t of FYM and NPK at 50:50:50kg/ha are incorporated into the soil. Top dressing of N and K is also suggested for improved yields. Weeding and earthing up at 45 days after planting along with topdressing is highly beneficial. Bacterial wilt and root knot nematode are reported in the crop. Drenching the soil with fungicide, deep ploughing in the summer, burning of crop residues and crop rotation are helpful to tide over the disease and pest problem. The crop can be harvested after 5-6 months.Properties and activity: The medicinal property of Coleus amboinicus is attributed to codeine, carvacrol, flavones, aromatic acids and tannins present in the plant. The essential oil from the plant contains carvacrol, ethyl salicylate, thymol, eugenol and chavicol. Leaves also contain cirsimaritin, -sitosterol- -D-glucoside and oxalacetic acid. Leaves are bitter, acrid, thermogenic, aromatic, anodyne, appetising, digestive, carminative, stomachic, anthelmintic, constipating, deodorant, expectorant, diuretic and liver tonic.Coleus vettiveroides is bitter, cooling, diuretic, trichogenous and antipyretic.Coleus forskohlii roots are rich in diterpenoids like forskolin, coleonols, coleons, barbatusin, cyclobutatusin, coleosol, coleol, coleonone, deoxycoleonol, 7-deacetylforskolin and 6-acetyl-7-deacetylforskolin. Its root is spasmolytic, CNS active, hypothermic and diuretic. Forskolin is bronchodialative and hypotensive (Hussain et al,1992). Forskolin is also useful in preventing the clotting of blood platelets, in reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma and as an aid to nerve regeneration following trauma (Sharma, 1998)... coleusHabitat: Native to Indonesia.
English: Indian Borage.Ayurvedic: Parna-yavaani.Siddha/Tamil: Karpoorvalli.Folk: Pattaa Ajawaayin. Pattharachuur (Bengal).Action: Leaf—used in urinary diseases, vaginal discharge, colic and dyspepsia. Stimulates the function of liver. Also given in epilepsy and other convulsive affections, asthma, bronchitis, cold and chronic cough. Bruised leaves are applied to burns; leaf juice to chapped lips.
The leaf extract has shown regulatory influence on calcium oxalate stone formation in experimental rats. In folk medicine, leaves are used internally for expelling kidney stone (the herb is also known as Paashaanbhedi).Homoeopathic medicine, prepared from fresh leaves, is used in the affections of urinary organs, especially in difficult urination or in burning pains during and after urination.The aerial parts from Pakistan yield an essential oil (0.1%) which contains thymol (79.6%); whereas in Fijian sample of leaves carvacrol and camphor are major constituents. Leaves contain a large amount of oxalacetic acid, flavonoid, cirsimaritin and beta- sitosterol.Dosage: Leaf—5-10 ml juice. (CCRAS.)... coleus amboinicusHabitat: Cultivated throughout India.
English: Taro, EdibleYam.Ayurvedic: Pindaaluka, Aaluki.Siddha/Tamil: Chaembu, Shaeppam- kizhangu.Folk: Arvi, Ghuiyaa.Action: Juice from petiole—styptic, rubefacient. Juice of corn—used in alopaecia.
The leaves contain flavones, api- genin and luteolin, also anthocyanins. Leaves cause severe irritation in mouth. Cooked leaves are a source of dietary fibre for diabetics helping in lowering post-prandial blood glucose level. A significant increase in total lipids, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels was observed in hypercholesterolaemic rats when fed with dried leaf powder.The pressed juice of the petioles is used as an astringent and styptic. All parts of the plant show an acridity. The acridity is removed by boiling and by addition of baking soda.From the tubers two dihydroxys- terols, besides beta-sitosterol and stig- masterol, have been isolated. Five novel aliphatic compounds have been reported. Trypsin inhibitors are isolated from the tubers.The total amino acids recorded in the tubers range from 1380 to 2397 mg/ 100 g. The lysine concentration was relatively low. Besides starch, the tubers contain natural polysaccharides with 56% neutral sugars and 40% anionic components. Steamed corms contain 30% starch and 3% sugar.... colocasia esculentaHabitat: Throughout India in moist places.
Ayurvedic: Kanchata, Karnamorata, Karnasphota.Siddha/Tamil: Kanavazhai, Kanana- gakarai.Folk: Kenaa (vegetable) (Maharashtra).Action: Emollient, demulcent, laxative, diuretic, antileprotic.
The rhizomes are starchy and mucilaginous.The plant contains n-octacosanol, n- triacontanol, n-dotriacontanol. stig- masterol, beta-sitosterol and campes- terol.... commelina benghalensisHabitat: Throughout India, Ascending To 2,000 M In The Himalayas.
Ayurvedic: Shankhapushpi, Shankhaahvaa, Kshirapushpi, Maangalya Kusuma (White- Flowered). Blue-Flowered Var., Vishnukraanti, Vishnukraantaa, Vishnugandhi Is Equated With Evolvulus Alsinoides Linn.Unani: Sankhaahuli (Blue-Flowered)Siddha/Tamil: Sivakraandi (White- Flowered), Vishnukraandi (Blue- Flowered).Action: Plant—Brain Tonic, Tranquilizer Used In Nervine Disorders, Mental Aberration, Anxiety Neurosis, Internal Haemorrhages, Spermatorrhoea. Also Astringent, Antidysenteric, Antispasmodic, Antiphlogistic, Febrifuge, Alterative. Flowers—Styptic, Used For Uterine Bleeding. Leaf—Antiasthmatic, Used In Chronic Bronchitis. Root— Used In Gastric And Duodenal Ulcers, Uterine Affections And For Promoting Fertility.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India Recommends The Plant For Epilepsy. The Plant Contains Sankhpushpine Alkaloids.The Alcoholic (50%) Extract Of The Plant, When Administered To Rats (Through Gastric Intubation At Different Intervals), Has Shown Enhanced Neuropeptide Synthesis Of The Brain. It Induces An Increase In Brain Protein Content And Increases Acquisition Efficiency.Evolvulus Alsinoides Contains Pen- Tatriacontane, Triacontane And Beta- Sitosterol.Shankhapushpi Syrup (A Compound Containing C. Pluricaulis, Centella Asiatica, Nardostachys Jatamansi, Nepeta Hindostana, Nepeta Elliptica And Onos- Ma Bracteatum), When Administered With Phenytoin, A Modern Antiepilep- Tic Drug, Reduced Not Only Antiepileptic Activity Of Phenytoin But Also Lowered Plasma Phenytoin Levels.Dosage: Whole Plant—3-6 G Powder. (Api Vol. III.)... convolvulus pluricaulisHabitat: Throughout the warmer parts of India, as a weed.
English: White Jute. (Tossa Jute is equated with C. olitorius Linn.).Ayurvedic: Chunchu, Chanchu, Chinchaa. (bigger var. is equated with C. olitorius; smallar var. with C. capsularis.)Folk: Chench shaaka, Titapat (Bengal).Action: Seeds and aerial parts— stomachic, anti-inflammatory. Used in pneumonia.
The seeds contain cardenolides, beta-sitosterol, ceryl alcohol, oligosaccharides. The aerial parts contain triterpenoidal glycosides—corchoru- sins. Corchorusins have similar structural similarity with saikosaponins (isolated so far from Bupleurum sp. of Japan, China and Korea) and some of them exhibit antiviral, anti-inflam matory and plasma-cholesterol lowering activities.The alcoholic extract of the entire plant was found to have anticancer activity against epidermal carcinoma of nasopharynx in tissue culture. Alcoholic extract and glycosides of seeds exhibit cardiotonic activity. Digitox- ose containing glycosides are reported to be present in Corchorus sp.C. olitorius Linn. is known as Jew's Mallow (Pattaa Shaaka or Patuaa Shaa- ka).Corchorosid A, reported from the plant, improved cardiac competence experimentally.The leaf extracts may be used as moisturizers in skin cosmetics. The extracts consist of uronic acid containing muco-polysaccharide, Ca, K and P, among others, which act as effective moisturizers.... corchorus aestuansHabitat: Throughout warmer parts of India; extensively cultivated in West Bengal.
English: White Jute.Ayurvedic: Kaala shaaka.Siddha/Tamil: Pirattai-keerai.Folk: Naadi shaaka, Narichaa. Titapat (Bengal).Action: Leaves—stomachic, carminative, diuretic, antidysenteric (dried leaves). Seeds—purgative.
Seeds contain cardiac glycosides. These include two monosides, helveti- coside and corchoroside A and two polar glycosides, erysimoside and olitori- side. Leaves contain beta-sitosterol- glucoside. Corchoroside A exhibited cardiotonic properties.The aqueous/alcoholic extracts, containing polysaccharides, may be used in preparations of skin cosmetics or hair preparations for their moisturizing effect.... corchorus capsularisHabitat: Throughout warmer parts of India.
Ayurvedic: Chanchuka, Chanchu.Folk: Chanchu shaaka, Baaphali.Action: Astringent, spasmolytic, restorative, mucilaginous.
The plant contains betulinic acid and beta-sitosterol. Seeds yield cardeno- lides including trilocularin. The glyco- sides of the plant were found to be devoid of any effect of its own on smooth muscle of guinea pig ileum, but produced spasmolytic effect against acetyl- choline, histamine and bradykinin. Direct action of the drug was observed on rabbit intestines. Slight cardiac depressant effect was found on isolated amphibian heart preparation.Corchorus depressus (L.) Christensen, found in drier parts of North India, is known as Bhauphali (Delhi).The Plant is used as a cooling medicine in fevers; its mucilage is prescribed in gonorrhoea, also for increasing the viscosity of seminal fluid. An extract of the plant is applied as a paste to wounds.The plant contains alpha-amyrin derivatives, together with apigenin, luteolin, sitosterol and its glucoside. Presence of quercetin and kaempferol has been reported in leaves and flowers.The plant exhibits antimicrobial and antipyretic activities.... corchorus fascicularisHabitat: Native to Europe and Western Asia; common in gardens on hill-station in India.
English: European Hazel, Filbert.Unani: Funduq, Bunduq.Action: Kernel—nutritive, astringent; used as an anabolic tonic and in sexual debility in Unani medicine. The oil is used to reduce cholesterol and as an antioxidant.
The kernel of the European Hazel Nut contains protein 12.7%, carbohydrate 17.7%, fat 60.9% and phosphorus 0.35%. The fatty acid components of the kernel oil are : oleic 88.1%, linoleic 2.9%, palmitic 3.1%, stearic 1.6% and myristic 2.2%.The stem bark contains a biologically active cyanidanol glycoside.The Turkish Hazel Nuts are rich in mono and polysaturated fatty acids— oleic 82% and linoleic 9%; also gave beta-sitosterol.The Turkish Hazel Nuts are imported into India during the winter season.... corylus avellanaHabitat: Assam, North Bengal, Khasi and Jaintia Hills, sub Himalayan tracts of Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh and Western Ghats.
English: Canereed, Wild Ginger.Ayurvedic: Kebuka, Kembuka.Siddha/Tamil: Krrauvam, Malai Vasambu, Ven Kottam.Folk: Kebu.Action: Astringent, purgative, depurative, anti-inflammatory (used in gout, rheumatism; bronchitis, asthma, catarrhal fevers, dysuria), anthelmintic, antivermin, maggoticide, antifungal.
The rhizomes contain saponins— dioscin, gracillin and beta-sitosterol- beta-D-glucoside. The alkaloids show papaverine-like smooth-muscle-relaxant activity, cardiotonic activity like that of digitalis and antispasmodic,CNS-depressant, diuretic and hydro- choleretic activities. Saponins show significant anti-inflammatory and an- tiarthritic activity.The seeds also contain saponins and exhibit potent and sustained hypoten- sive and bradycardiac activities in dogs with low toxicity and without any haemolytic activity; also weak spasmolytic activity on isolated guinea-pig ileum.All parts of the plant yield steroidal sapogenin, diogenin (quantity varies from 0.32 to 4%).(Not to be confused with Kushtha of Indian medicine, Saussurea lappa.)... costus speciosusHabitat: Costal regions of India.
Ayurvedic: Rudanti, Rudantikaa, Rudravanti.Siddha/Tamil: Uppu Sanaga. Folk: Khardi.Action: Expectorant, stomachic, antibilious, alterative.
Air-dried, powdered whole plant gave «-octacosanol, scopoletin, um- belliferone, isopimpinellin, beta-sitos- terol and its -D(+)-glucoside and quer- cetin.... cressa créticaHabitat: 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: Sub-tropical Himalayas from Kumaon eastwards; Western Ghats from Konkan Southwards.
Ayurvedic: Taalmuuli, Taalpatri, Krishna Mushali, Bhuumitaala.Unani: Musli Siyaah.Siddha/Tamil: Nilappanan kizhangu.Action: Nervine, adaptogenic, sedative, anticonvulsive, androgenic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic. Used in Jaundice, urinary disorders, skin diseases and asthma. Mucilaginous.
The rhizome contains saponins (cur- culigosaponin C and F promoted proliferation of spleen lymphocytes very significantly; F and G increased the weight of the thymus in vitro in mice); sapogenins; phenolic glycosides, a tri- terpene alcohol; a pentacyclic triter- pene, an aliphatic compound, hen- triacontanol, sitosterol, stigmasterol, cycloartenol and sucrose. A pep- tide, Curculin C, containing 114 amino acids, has been isolated from the fruit.In traditional Chinese medicine, dried rhizome, containing curculigo- side is used as a tonic for its immuno- logical and protective property.In Indian medicine, powdered rhizomes with milk are taken as a restorative tonic, also for sexual debility.EtOH (50%) of the plant exhibited hypoglycaemic property.Dosage: Dried rhizome—3-6 g powder. (API Vol. IV.)... curculigo orchioidesHabitat: A parasitic climber common throughout India up to 3,000 m.
English: Doddar.Ayurvedic: Amarvalli.Unani: Kasoos.Action: See C. epithymum.
The seeds contain amarbelin and kaempferol; stem gave cuscutin, cuscu- tatin, beta-sitosterol, luteolin, bergenin and kaempferol. The parasitic plant accumulates alkaloids from the host plant. The climber growing on Mangi- era indica has been found to contain mangiferin.... cuscuta reflexaHabitat: Throughout India, as a weed upto 2,000 m.
English: Nut Grass.Ayurvedic: Musta, Mustaa, Mus- taka, Abda, Ambuda, Ambhoda, Ambodhara, Bhadra, Bhadraa, Bhadramusta, Bhadramustaa, Bhadramustaka, Ghana, Jalada, Jaldhara, Meghaahvaa, Nirada, Vaarida, Vaarivaaha, Payoda, Balaahaka. Ganda-Duurvaa (var.).Unani: Naagarmothaa, Saad-e-Kufi.Siddha/Tamil: Koraikkizhangu.Folk: Mothaa.Action: Carminative, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antirheumat- ic, hepatoprotective, diuretic, antipyretic, analgesic, hypoten- sive, emmenagogue and nervine tonic.
Used for intestinal problems, indigestion, sprue, diarrhoea, dysentery, vomiting and fever; also as a hypoc- holesterolaemic drug and in obesity.Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the use of the rhizome in rheumatism, inflammations, dysuria, puerperal diseases and obesity.The tuber is rich in Cu, Fe, Mg and Ni. Beta-sitosterol, isolated from the tubers, exhibits significant anti- inflammatory activity against carra- geenan- and cotton pellet-induced oedema in rats; the activity is comparable to hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone when administered intraperi- toneally.The alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the tubers possess lipolytic action and reduce obesity by releasing enhanced concentrations of biogenic amines from nerve terminals of the brain which suppress the appetite centre. Presence of eudalne group of ses- quiterpenic compounds of sesquiter- pene alcohol, isocyperol is said to play an important role in lipid metabolism.An alcoholic extract of the plant exhibits liver-protective activity against CCL4-induced liver damage in mice.Methanolic extract of the plant stimulates the production of melanin in cultured melanocytes. (Plant extract is used in preparations used for pigmentation of skin and hair, also in suntan gels.) Aqueous-alcoholic extract of the tuber exhibited hypotensive, diuretic, antipyretic and analgesic activities. These are attributed to a triterpenoid.The essential oil (0.5-0.9%) from the tubers contains mainly sesquiterpenes.C. platystilis Br. is equated with Kaivarta-mustaka.Dosage: Rhizome—3-6 g powder; 20-30 ml decoction. (API Vol. III.)... cyperus rotundusHabitat: Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Western Peninsula.
English: East Indian Rosewood, Bombay Blackwood.Ayurvedic: Shimshapaa (related sp.)Unani: Sheesham.Siddha/Tamil: Itti, Eravadi, Karun- doroiral.Folk: Sisu.Action: Stimulant, appetiser, anthelmintic, spasmogenic. Used in dyspepsia, diarrhoea; also in obesity, cutaneous affections and leprosy.
The bark contains hentriacontane, latifolin, beta-sitosterol and tannins. EtOH (50%) extract of the bark exhibits spasmogenic, and anthelmintic activity against Ascaridia galli.... dalbergia latifoliaHabitat: Native to Madagascar; grown in gardens and avenues for ornamental purposes and for shade.
English: Flamboyant Flame tree, Gold Mohur.Ayurvedic: Gulmohar (var.) White Gold Mohur is equated with Delonix elata Gamble, synonym Poinciana elata Linn.Siddha: Vadanarayana, Pe- rungondrai, Mayarum. White Gulmohar. (Tamil)Action: Bark—antiperiodic, febrifuge. Plant—antirheumatic, spasmogenic. Flowers (aqueous and alcoholic extract)—active against roundworm.
White Gulmohar trunk-bark yielded asparagine and aspartic acid. Flowers gave iso-quercetin.Delonix regia bark gave leucocyani- din; bark and leaves contain tannin, lu- peol and beta-sitosterol, and free OH- proline as major amino acid. Flower anthers are a rich source of zeaxanthin.... delonix regiaHabitat: The temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon at altitudes of 2,400-3,600 m.
English: Larkspur. Ayurvedic: Nirvishaa, Nirvishi. (Kyllinga triceps Rottb. is used as a substitute for Nirvishaa.)Unani: Jadwaar Khataai, Maatiryaaq.Folk: Root—astringent, vulnerary, deobstruent, alterative. Used for painful piles, muscular atrophy, gout and as a nervine tonic. Also used as an adulterant for aconite.Oral administration of the aqueous extract of the plant to rats with CCl4- induced hepatotoxicity revealed hepa- toprotective property of the plant.The roots contain campesterol, stig- masterol, sitosterol, cholesterol, delta- avenasterol and alkaloids including de- nudatine, denudatidine, condelphine, talatizidine and iso-talatizidine.... delphinium denudatumHabitat: 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: Northwestern and Central India, Maharashtra, from North Karnataka southwards.
Ayurvedic: Virataru, Vellantaru, Viravrksha.Siddha/Tamil: Vidathalai.Folk: Varatuli, Khairi.Action: Root—astringent and diuretic; used in renal affections, urinary calculi, also in rheumatism. Tender shoots—applied externally for ophthalmia.
The plant foliage contain tannin— 2.40, 5.60 and 4.40 mg/100 g during February, June and November respectively. Roots afforded n-octacosanol, beta-amyrin, friedelan-3-one, friede- lan-3-beta-olandbeta-sitosterol. Flowers contain cyanidin and quercetin.Dosage: Root, bark—50-100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)... dichrostachys cinereaHabitat: The Himalayas from Nepal to Bhutan; north Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.
English: Elephant Apple.Ayurvedic: Bhavya.Folk: Uva, Chaaltaa.Action: Fruit—laxative, carminative, bechic, febrifuge, antispasmodic (used for abdominal pains). Bark and leaves—astringent.
The sepals contain (on dry weight basis): tannin 0.37, glucose 2.92 and malic acid 0.51%. The bark and leaves contain about 10% and 9% tannin (on dry weight basis) respectively.The fruit yielded a polysaccharide, arabingalactan.The leaves yielded cycloartenone, n-hentriacontanol, betulin, betulinic acid and beta-sitosterol. The bark gave iso-rhamnetin, naringenin, quercetin derivatives and kaempferol.... dillenia indicaHabitat: The Himalaya from Nepal to Bhutan, up to 1,500 m, also in Naga Hills.
Ayurvedic: Neelaalu.Action: Tuber—antiphthiriac.
The rhizomes are used as a hair wash for killing lice. They contain diogenin (on dry basis) 2.5%. Also obtained are steroidal sapogenins, sito- sterol glucoside, prazerigenin-A gluco- side, prazerigenin-A bioside and 9,10- dihydrophenanthrenes.... dioscorea prazeriHabitat: Throughout India in shady wet places and near streams.
English: Gaub Persimmon, Riber EbonyAyurvedic: Tinduka, Tinduki, Sphu- urjaka, Kaalaskandha, Asitkaaraka. Nilasaara.Unani: Tendu.Siddha/Tamil: Tumbika, Kattatti.Action: Fruit and stem bark— astringent. Infusion of fruits—used as gargle in aphthae and sore throat. Fruit juice—used as application for wounds and ulcers. Oil of seeds— given in diarrhoea and dysentery Ether extract of fruit—antibacterial. Bark—astringent and styptic, used in menorrhagia, diarrhoea, dysentery and intermittent fevers.
A paste is applied to boils and tumours. The ethyl acetate extract showed antistress and anti-ulcerogenic activity. It also prevented hepatotoxi- city and leucocytosis in experimental animals.The bark contains betulinic acid, myricyl alcohol, triterpenoids and sa- ponin. The leaves gave beta-sitosterol, betulin and oleanolic acid. Fruit pulp and seeds contain lupeol, betulin, gallic acid, betulinic acid, hexacosane, hex- acosanol, sitosterol, beta-D-glucoside of sitosterol and a triterpene ketone.Stem bark—antiprotozoal, antiviral, hypoglycaemic, semen-coagulant. Stems yielded nonadecan-7-ol-one.Dosage: Bark—50-100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)... diospyros embryopterisHabitat: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Peninsula.
English: Coromandel Ebony, Persimmon.Ayurvedic: Tinduka (var.), Dirgha- patrakaa.Siddha/Tamil: Karum Dumbi, Thumbi, Beedi-elai.Action: Leaves—carminative, laxative, diuretic, styptic. Bark— astringent. Used in dyspepsia and diarrhoea. Unripe fruit— carminative and astringent. Ripe fruit—antibilious. Dried flowers— used in anaemia, inflammation of spleen, also in leucorrhoea. Leaf and dried flower—used in dyspepsia and diarrhoea, topically in scabies. Aerial parts—hypotensive.
Half-ripe fruit contains 23, ripe fruit 15 and bark 19% tannin.The bark and sapwood extracts yield beta-sitosterol, lupeol, betulin and be- tulinic acid. Leaves contain hentria- contane, hentriacontanol, alpha-amy- rin, baurenol, ursolic, oleanolic and be- tulinic acids.... diospyros melanoxylon
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