Indian Medicinal Plants

C.P. Khare (Ed.)
Indian Medicinal Plants
An Illustrated Dictionary
With  Pictures of Crude Herbs
123

Author
C.P. Khare
B-/, Janak Puri
New Delhi- 
India
chandrma_khare@yahoo.com
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ISBN: ---- Springer-Verlag Berlin/Heidelberg
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Dedicated to
the distinguished scientist
Dr. A. P. J. Adbul Kalam
who revived the glory of
Indian medicinal and aromatic plants
in the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Guiding Factors
First of all, let me acknowledge with gratitude the contribution of the following
reference works which synchronised the synonyms and medicinal properties of
Indian medicinal plants:
• A Catalogue of Indian Synonyms of the Medicinal Plants of India by Moodeen
Sheriff (). (The first exhaustive compilation of synonyms of Indian medic-
inal plants in  regional languages, besides Latin and English).
• Indian Medicinal Plants by Lt. Col. K.R. Kirtikar and Major B.D. Basu ().
• Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants by Col. Sir Ram Nath Chopra et al. (CSIR,
).
• Useful Plants of India (CSIR, ; based on The Wealth of India series, Vol. I
, Vol. XI ).
• Dictionary of Indian Medicinal Plants by Akhtar Husain et al. (CIMAP, ).
Based on this legacy, Indian Medicinal Plants. An Illustrated Dictionary is aimed
at bringing out an updated Active Study Dictionary of plant sources of Indian
medicine, as a companion volume of my earlier book Encyclopedia of Indian
Medicinal Plants/Indian Herbal Remedies, published by Springer.
Ayurvedic synonyms have been selected from the following sources:
• The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (Vol. I to IV).
• Standard Nomenclature of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants (CCRAS, ).
• Medicinal Plants used in Ayurveda (Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth/ National
Academy of Ayurveda, ).
• Plants of Sharangadhara Samhita by Prof. K.C. Chunekar and Dr. K. Pondel
(National Academy of Ayurveda, ).

VIII Guiding Factors
• Plants of Bhava Prakash by Prof. K.C. Chunekar and Dr. N.P. Hota (National
Academy of Ayurveda, ).
• Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS). Published
literature.
• Dravyagun Vigyaan, Vol. II (Hindi) by Dr. Priyavrata Sharma ().
Unani synonyms have been selected from the following sources:
• The National Formulary of Unani Medicine.
• Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM). Published litera-
ture.
• Unani Dravyagunaadarsh (Hindi) by Daljit Singh (Ayurvedic and Tibbi Acade-
my, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, ).
Siddha/Tamil synonyms have been selected from the following sources:
• Formulary of Siddha Medicine. (Indian Medical Practitioners’ Cooperative
Pharmacy and Store Ltd., IMPCOPS, Chennai).
• The Wealth of India (Vol. II to XI).
• Dictionary of Indian Medicinal Plants (CIMAP).
• The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (Vol. I to IV).
• Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS). Published
literature.
The medicinal plants shortlisted by the National Academy of Ayurveda and
the department of Indian Systems of Medicine (AYUSH) have been included in
the book.
Key applications of medicinal plants are based on the following sources:
• German Commission E monographs.
• ESCOP monographs.
• WHO monographs.
• Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.
• The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (Vol. I to IV) for traditionally recognised
applications.

Guiding Factors IX
• The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.
• The British Herbal Compendium.
• Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, .
For further study, all major findings and leads, including references to re-
search documents and journals, can be reached through the following books (in
sequence):
• The Wealth of India First Supplement Series (Vol. I to V).
• The Wealth of India original series (Vol. II to XI and revised Vol.  to ).
• Compendium of Indian Medicinal Plants (Vol. I to V, CDRI).
• Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations ( edn).
• Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, .
• PDR for Herbal Medicines, .
• The Treatise on Indian Medicinal Plants (Vol. I to VI).
• Additional sources, as cited at appropriate places.
Dosage of crude herbs is based on the recommendations of The Ayurvedic
Pharmacopoeia of India (Vol. I to IV) and Standard Nomenclature of Ayurvedic
Medicinal Plants (CCRAS).
Roman spellings of Ayurvedic synonyms, introduced for the first time by
Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (National Academy of Ayurveda), New Delhi-
 , have been followed. Asiatic Society’s markings are now obsolete. The
text has been formatted following the style-manual of The Wealth of India series
of CSIR.
Detailed references of research journals are beyond the purview of this project.
The text is based on authentic treatises which are the outcome of scientific
screening and critical evaluation by eminent scholars. As I have already indicated,
readers, if they so desire, can always refer back to a particular research paper
cited in the original source. I did not follow the trend of enumerating research
papers which were not actually consulted by me. Researchers should consult the
Database on Medicinal Plants used in Ayurveda series (CCRAS) and Reviews on
Indian Medicinal Plants series (ICMR) for detailed bibliography.
All Indian common names have been spelled according to their actual pro-
nunciation. The way was shown by the National Academy of Ayurveda by
introducing aa in the spellings. In The Review of Natural Products (Facts and
Comparisons)  edition., Khat, Chaat, Chat, qaad, jaad and Miraa have been

X Guiding Factors
included among the common names of Catha edulis, while the common name
of Gymnema sylvestre is spelled as Gurmar instead of Gurmaar. Perhaps the
actual pronunciation was not known to the editors. In India, O is pronounced
in a specific ascent, as in Om, that is the reason uu is used instead of oo. Simi-
larly, Sanskrit synonyms end with a, that is why aa is used for facilitating proper
pronunciation. These changes have been included so that Indian names are
pronounced correctly.
A few words of gratitude. Dr. V.K. Agarwal Ph. D. (Medicinal Chemistry), who
was the senior editor (chemistry and pharmacology) of The Wealth of India series
for  years, reviewed the entire text. He remained closely associated with all my
projects and deserves much more than a few formal words of thanks. Sarita Joshi,
my research associate, bore the brunt of the workload throughout the difficult
phases of the project. For this she also deserves a special mention.
Finally, I would like to add that a concerted effort has been made in the book
to rationalise the therapeutic coverage of Indian medicinal plants as part of my
commitment to scientific herbalism.
C.P. Khare
Society for New Age Herbals
B-/, Janak Puri, New Delhi- 

A
Abelmoschus esculentus Abies pindrow Royle.
(Linn.) Moench.
Synonym A. pindrow Spach.
Synonym Hibiscus esculentus Linn. A. webbiana Lindl. var. pindrow
Brandis.
Family Malvaceae. Pinus pindrow Royle.
Habitat Native to tropical Africa; Family Pinaceae.
cultivated throughout India, up to Habitat Kashmir, Himachal
, m. Pradesh, Tehri-Garhwal and other
areas of northern India, at altitudes
English Gumbo, Lady Finger, Okra.
of ,–, m.
Ayurvedic Bhaandi, Bhindaka, English Pindrow-Fir, Silver-Fir, The
Bhendaa. West-Himalayan Low-Level Fir.
Unani Baamiyaa. Ayurvedic Taalisha (related sp.).
Folk Badar, Morinda, Raisalla,
Siddha/Tamil Vendai.
Ransla.
Folk Bhindi, Raamturai. Action Uses similar to those of A.
webbiana.
Action Immature pods (decoc-
tion)—emollient, demulcent and Terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides
diuretic (in catarrhal affections, and steroids of the leaf were found
ardor urine, dysuria, dysentery). to have mast cell stabilizing action in
Seeds—antispasmodic. rats. Terpenoids and flavonoids of-
fered bronchoprotection against his-
Fatty fraction of the fresh watery ex- tamine challenge in guinea pigs. The
tract of the seeds causes destruction ulcer protective action of petroleum
of cancerous cell growth in vitro. The ether, benzene and chloroform frac-
pods are reported to exhibit antitu- tion has been attributed to steroidal
mour activity. An ethanolic extract contents. Terephthalic acid demethyl
of pods was effective against Gram- ester (TADE), isolated from the leaf,
positive bacteria. exhibited protection against inflamma-
The ripe fruits contain quercetin, tion and bronchospasm in guinea pigs.
hyperin (hyperoside), hydrolysate of Ethanolic extract of leaves showed sig-
precipitated mucilage, proanthocyani- nificant anxiolytic effects on all the
dins, D-glucose, D-glucuronic and paradigms of anxiety, barbiturate hyp-
galacturonic acids. nosis potentiation.
Fresh flowers contain flavonol gly- Pindrolactone, a lanostane-based
cosides and anthocyanins. triterpene lactone, isolated from the

2 Abies webbiana Lindl.
A leaves, showed mild activity against
Gram-positive bacteria but exhibit-
A biflavonoid, abiesin, n-triaconta-
nol, beta-sitosterol and betuloside are
ed potent antibacterial activity against present in the leaves.
Gram-negative bacteria E. coli. The essential oil from leaves con-
tains alpha-pinene, l-limonene, delta-
carene, dipentene, l-bornyl acetate and
l-cardinene as major constituents.
Abies webbiana Lindl.
Dosage Needles—– g powder.
Synonym A. spectabilis (D. Don) (API Vol. IV.)
Spach.
Pinus webbiana Wall.
Family Pinaceae. Abroma augusta Jacq.
Habitat The Himalayas from
Synonym Ambroma augusta
Kashmir to Assam at altitudes of
Linn. f.
,–, m.
Family Sterculiaceae.
English Indian Silver Fir, The
West-Himalayan High-Level Fir, Habitat Throughout the hotter and
The East-Himalayan Fir. moister parts of India, from Punjab
and Uttar Pradesh, eastwards
Ayurvedic Taalisa, Taalisapatra, to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam,
Taalisha, Patraadhya, Dhaatriparni, Meghalaya and Tripura, ascending
Dhaatripatra. to , m, southwards in Peninsular
Unani Taalisapattar. India.
Siddha/Tamil Taalispatri. English Perennial Indian Hemp,
Devil’s Cotton.
Folk Badar, Chilrow, Morinda,
Raisalla, Taalispatra. (Tallispatra, Ayurvedic Pishaacha Kaarpaasa,
Taalispatri and Talespattre are Pivari.
also equated with the leaves of Unani Ulat-kambal.
Cinnamomum tamala Nees.)
Siddha/Tamil Sivapputtuti.
Action Expectorant, bronchial seda- Folk Kumal, Sanukapaasi.
tive, decongestant, anticatarrhal,
antiseptic, carminative. Action Rootbark—emmena-
gogue (used for dysmenorrhoea,
Key application Fir (Abies alba amenorrhoea), abortifacient, galac-
Miller) needle oil—in catarrhal ill- totrophic.
ness of upper and lower respiratory
tract (internally and externally); The root contains abromine (be-
externally in rheumatic and neu- taine), friedelin, abromasterol, abro-
ralgic pains. Contraindicated in masterol A, choline, beta-sitosterol,
bronchial asthma and whooping stigmasterol and octacosanol. Leaves,
cough. (German Commission E.) reported to be useful in treating uterine

Abutilon indicum Linn. Sweet. 3
disorders, contain taraxerol, its acetate
and lupeol.
antibody-forming cells, bone marrow
cellularity and alpha-esterase-positive
A
bone marrow cells.
Dosage Leaf juice—– ml. Oral administration of agglutinins,
Rootbark powder—– g. (CCRAS.) isolated from the seeds, is useful in the
treatment of hepatitis and AIDS.
The seed extract exhibited antischis-
Abrus precatorius Linn. tosomal activity in male hamsters.
The methanolic extract of seeds in-
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. hibited the motility of human sperma-
Habitat Throughout the country, tozoa.
ascending to an altitude of about The roots contain precol, abrol, gly-
, m in the outer Himalayas. cyrrhizin (.%) and alkaloids—abra-
sine and precasine. The roots also con-
English Indian Wild Liquorice,
tain triterpenoids—abruslactone A,
Jequirity, Crab’s Eye, Precatory
methyl abrusgenate and abrusgenic
Bean.
acid.
Ayurvedic Gunjaa, Gunjaka, Alkaloids/bases present in the roots
Chirihintikaa, Raktikaa, Chirmi- are also present in leaves and stems.
ti, Kakanti, Kabjaka, Tiktikaa, A. fruticulosus Wall. Ex Wight and
Kaakananti, Kaakchinchi. (Not to Arn. synonym A. pulchellus Wall., A.
be used as a substitute for liquorice.) laevigatus E. May. (Shveta Gunjaa) is
Unani Ghunghchi, Ghamchi. also used for the same medicinal pur-
poses as A. precatorius.
Siddha/Tamil Kunri.
Folk Chirmiti, Ratti. Dosage Detoxified seed—– g
powder. Root powder—– g. (API
Action Uterine stimulant, abortifa- Vols. I, II.)
cient, toxic. Seeds—teratogenic. A
paste of seeds is applied on vitiligo
patches.
Abutilon indicum Linn. Sweet.
Along with other therapeutic appli-
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Synonym A. indicum G. Don.
of India has indicated the use of seeds Family Malvaceae.
in baldness. Habitat Throughout the hotter
Seeds contain abrin, a toxalbumin, parts of India. Found as a weed in
indole derivatives, anthocyanins, ste- the sub-Himalayan tract and other
rols, terpenes. Abrin causes aggluti- hills up to , m.
nation of erythrocytes, haemolysis and
enlargement of lymph glands. A non- English Country Mallow, Flowering
toxic dose of abrin (. mcg/kg body Maples, Chinese Bell-flowers.
weight), isolated from the seeds of red Ayurvedic Atibalaa, Kankatikaa,
var., exhibited a noticeable increase in Rishyaproktaa.

4 Acacia arabica Willd. var. indica Benth.
A Unani Kanghi, Musht-ul-Ghaul,
Darkht-e-Shaan.
Medic.; A. fruticosum Guill. et al.;
A. hirtum (Lam.) Sweet, synonym A.
Siddha/Tamil Thutthi. graveolens Wt. and Arn.; A. muticum
Sweet, synonym A. glaucum Sweet; and
Folk Kanghi, Kakahi, Kakahiyaa. A. polyandrum Wight and Arn., syn-
Action Dried, whole plant— onym A. persicum (Burm. f.) Mer-
febrifuge, anthelmintic, demulcent, rill (known as Naani-khapaat, Jhinaki-
diuretic, anti-inflammatory (in khapaat, Kanghi, Makhamali-khapaat
urinary and uterine discharges, and Khaajavani-khapaat, respectively,
piles, lumbago). Juice of the plant— in folk medicine).
emollient. Seeds—demulcent Dosage Root—– g powder. (API
(used in cough, chronic cystitis), Vol I.)
laxative. Leaves—cooked and
eaten for bleeding piles. Flowers—
antibacterial, anti-inflammatory.
Bark—astringent, diuretic. Root— Acacia arabica Willd. var.
nervine tonic, given in paralysis; indica Benth.
also prescribed in strangury. Synonym A. nilotica (Linn.) Delile
Along with other therapeutic appli- subsp. indica (Benth.) Brenan.
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Family Mimosaceae.
of India indicates the use of the root in Habitat Throughout the drier parts
gout, polyuria and haemorrhagic dis- of India.
eases.
The plant contains mucilage, tan- English Babul, Black Babul, Indian
nins, asparagines, gallic acid and ses- Gum arabic tree.
quiterpenes. Presence of alkaloids, Ayurvedic Babbuula, Babbuuri,
leucoanthocyanins, flavonoids, sterols, Baavari, Aabhaa, Shuulikaa,
triterpenoids, saponins and cardiac Shitaka, Kinkiraata, Yugmakantaka,
glycosides is also reported. Sukshmapatra, Pitapushpaka.
Asparagine is diuretic. Gallic acid Unani Aqaaqia, Babuul, Kikar,
is analgesic. Mucilages act by reflex, Mughilaan, Samur.
loosen cough as well as bronchial ten-
sion. Essential oil—antibacterial, anti- Siddha/Tamil Karu-velamaram,
fungal. Karuvelei. Velampisin (gum).
The drug exhibits immunological Action Stembark—astringent,
activity. It augments antibody in spasmolytic, hypoglycaemic.
animals. EtOH (%) extract of A. Gum—demulcent (soothing agent
indicum ssp. guineense Borssum, syn- for inflammatory conditions of the
onym A. asiaticum (Linn.) Sweet, ex- respiratory, digestive and urinary
hibits anticancer activity. tracts). Pods—used in urogenital
Related sp. include: Abutilon avicen- disorders. Seeds—hypoglycaemic
nae Gaertn., synonym A. theophrastii in normal rats; no such effect in

Acacia catechu (Linn. f.) Willd. 5
diabetic rats. Seed oil—antifungal.
Flowers, pods and gum resin—used
Habitat Drier regions of India,
particularly Punjab, Madhya
A
in diarrhoea and dysentery. Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar,
Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and
Along with other therapeutic appli- Rajasthan.
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of stembark English Cutch tree, Catechu.
in acute diarrhoea and helminthiasis. Ayurvedic Khadira, Kadara,
Tannin contents of the bark varies Somavalka, Gaayatri, Dantdhaavan,
considerably (–%). Several poly- Kantaki, Raktasaara (heartwood
phenolic compounds have been re- extract).
ported in the bark, also in the pods.
The whole pod contains –% tan- Unani Khair, Kaat, Katthaa
nins and –% after the removal of (heartwood extract).
seeds. Siddha/Tamil Karunkaali
The seeds of A. benthamii, A. nilotica (bark), Kalippakku, Kadiram.
ssp. subulata, probably same as ssp. in- Katthakkaambu, Kaasukkatti
dica, are considered hypoglycaemic. (heartwood extract).
Some seed components stimulate in-
sulin secretion by beta cells. Action Cutch from wood—
The gum contains galactose; l-ara- powerful astringent (in urinary and
binose, l-rhamnose and aldobiouronic vaginal discharge), antidiarrhoeal,
acids, also arabinobioses. haemostatic; used for treating
The flowers contain flavonoids— excessive mucous discharges,
kaempferol--glucoside, iso-quercitrin haemorrhages, relaxed conditions
and leucocyanidin. of gums, throat and mouth,
stomatitis, irritable bowel; also used
Dosage Stembark—– g for as an antileprotic drug.
decoction. (API Vol. I.)
Along with other therapeutic appli-
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of dried pieces
Acacia canescens Grab.
of heartwood in inflammations, skin
Family Mimosaceae. diseases and urinary disorders, recom-
Habitat Bihar and South India. mends its use as a blood purifier, in
diseases caused by lipid disorders.
Ayurvedic Aadaari (related sp.) Cutch (the concentrated extract)
Folk Ari, Araara. contains tannins –%, catechin –
Action See A. torta. %, phlobatannins including cate-
chutannic acid –%; flavonoids in-
cluding quercetin, quercitrin, fisetin;
gums, resins, pigments. The gum from
Acacia catechu (Linn. f.) Willd.
A. catechu is a good substitute for Gum
Family Mimosaceae. arabic.

6 Acacia chundra Willd.
A Seed extract—hypoglycaemic to
normal albino rats, but not effective
Andhra Pradesh on dry and rocky
soils.
in diabetic rats. The saline extract of English Red Cutch.
seeds shows leuco-agglutinating activ-
ity against leukaemic cells. It agglu- Ayurvedic Khadira (related sp.).
tinates white cells from patients with Siddha/Tamil Katthakkaambu
different types of leukaemia. The acti- (heartwood extract).
vity is inhibited by simple sugars. Root
extract shows antibacterial and fungi- Folk Laal Khair.
cidal activity. Action Uses similar to those of A.
The heartwood contains a hepato- catechu heartwood extract.
protective principle—cyanidanol.
Astringent and antibacterial prop- The bark and leaves are used for ul-
erties of catechu result from its high cerated abscesses and toothache; wood
tannin content. for leucoderma.
Gambrine in pale catechu shows hy- EtOH (%) extract—spermicidal
potensive effects. and spasmolytic.
Fisetin in black catechu and (+)-
catechin in black and pale catechu
may protect against liver damage; (+)-
Acacia concinna (Willd.) DC.
catechin is also thought to protect
against experimentally induced ulcers Synonym A sinuata (Lour.) Merrill;
in animals; (+)-catechin (cianidanol) is A. rugata (Lamk.) Ham.
associated with fatal anaemia. Methyl-
Family Mimosaceae.
catechin, one of the major metabolites
of (+)-catechin, inhibits the binding Habitat Tropical jungles throughout
of monocytes to vascular endothelial India, especially in the Deccan.
cells; thus, the catechin found in cate- Ayurvedic Saptalaa, Shitalaa,
chu may reduce atherosclerosis. (Natu- Saatalaa, Shrivalli, Kantvalli.
ral Medicines Comprehensive Database,
.) Unani Shikaakaai, Kharunb Nabti.
Siddha/Tamil Seekai, Sigakai.
Dosage Heartwood—– g for
decoction. (API Vol. I.) Folk Ban-Reethaa.
Action Febrifuge, expectorant,
emetic, spasmolytic, diuretic,
Acacia chundra Willd. antidiarrhoeal. Leaves—an infusion
is given in malarial fever. Pods and
Synonym A. sundra DC. seeds—decoction is used to remove
dandruff (known as Shikaakaai),
Family Mimosaceae. extensively used as a detergent. An
Habitat Rajasthan, Gujarat, ointment is used for skin diseases.
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Bark—extract is used in leprosy.

Acacia leucophloea Willd. 7
The bark yields a saponin which,
on hydrolysis, yields lupeol, alpha-
The ethanolic extract of unripe pods
yields a glycosidal fraction (.%)
A
spinasterol and acacic acid lactone. which exhibits anti-inflammatory ac-
Pods also yield saponins (.%). Sug- tivity. It also shows significant antibac-
ars identified are glucose, arabinose terial activity.
and rhamnose. The plant acts as an antiseptic agent
The leaves contain alkaloids, nico- for curing sores, gums and loose teeth.
tine and colycotomine, a triterpenoid The flowers are the source of Cassie
saponin and oxalic, tartaric, citric, suc- perfume.
cinic and ascorbic acids. The main constituents of the flowers
The bark saponins are spermicidal, are benzyl, anisic, decylic and cuminic
also haemolytic and spasmolytic. A de- aldehydes, as well as traces of geraniol,
coction of pods relieves biliousness and farnesol and linalool.
acts as a purgative.
Acacia leucophloea Willd.
Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd. Synonym A. alba Willd.
Family Mimosaceae. Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat Native to West Indies; now Habitat Dry regions of the country,
occurring throughout India. especially in Punjab, Rajasthan and
English Cassie Flower, Cassie Madhya Pradesh.
Absolute, Sweet Acacia. English White Babul.
Ayurvedic Arimeda, Vitkhadira. Ayurvedic Arimeda, Arimedaka,
Arimanja, Irimeda, Vitakhadir,
Unani Vilaayati Kikar, Gandbabuul,
Godhaa-skandha, Raamaka.
Guyaa Babuul, Durgandh Khair.
Unani Kath Safed, Vilaayati Babuul,
Siddha/Tamil Kastuurivel, Vedday-
Guyaa Babuul.
ala.
Siddha/Tamil Valval, Velvayalam.
Action Bark—astringent, demul-
cent, anthelmintic, antidysenteric, Folk Safed Babuul, Safed Kikar,
anti-inflammatory (used in stom- Renvaa.
atitis, ulcers, swollen gums, dental Action Bark—bitter, demulcent and
caries, bronchitis, skin diseases). cooling; used in biliousness and
bronchitis. Seeds—haemaggluti-
Ripe pods contain tannins and sev- nating activity has been reported.
eral polyphenolic compounds. Essen- Leaves—antisyphilitic and antibac-
tial oil from pods—direct muscle relax- terial. Gum—demulcent.
ant, cardiac depressant and sedative.
Various plant parts are used in in- EtOH (%) extract of aerial parts—
sanity, epilepsy, delirium and convul- hypotensive and central nervous sys-
sions. tem depressant.

8 Acacia pennata (L.) Willd.
A The rootbark contains leucophleol,
leucophleoxol and leucoxol.
Bechic, antihaemorrhagic, anti-
inflammatory. Stembark—anti-
inflammatory, spasmolytic. Root—
used for dysentery and urinary
Acacia pennata (L.) Willd. discharges.
The gum consists mainly of arabin.
Family Mimosaceae. It is the salt of an organic acid, ara-
Habitat Throughout India; ascend- bic acid, with metals such as calcium,
ing to , m in the Himalayas. magnesium and potassium.
Ayurvedic Lataakhadira, Aadaari, The stembark gives octacosanol,
Ari. beta-amyrin, uvaol, beta-stosterol and
its glucoside and erthrodiol. An al-
Siddha/Tamil Indan, Indu. Iyak kaloid, dimethyltryptamine has been
Koluntu (tender leaves). isolated from the leaves.
Folk Aila.
Action Bark—antibilious, antiasth-
matic. Leaf—stomachic, styptic Acacia suma Buch.-Ham.
(for bleeding gum), antiseptic (for Synonym A. polycantha Willd.
scalding of urine). A decoction of
young leaves is taken for body pain, Family Mimosaceae.
headache and fever. Habitat West Bengal, Bihar, western
peninsula.
The bark contains tannin %, lupe-
Ayurvedic Shveta Khadira, Kadara,
ol and alpha-spinasterol. Stem yields
Somavalkala.
sitosterol.
Unani Khor, Safed Khair.
Action Cutch is prepared from the
Acacia senegal Willd. heartwood. See A. catechu.
Acacia ferruginea DC. is also equat-
Synonym A. verek Guillem and
ed with Shveta Khadira.
Perr.
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat Native to Sudan. Cultivated Acacia torta (Roxb.) Craib.
in dry parts of western India.
Synonym A. intsia Willd.
English Gum arabic tree. A. caesia Wright and Arn. non-
Ayurvedic Shveta Babbuula. Willd.
Action The tree yields the true Gum Family Mimosaceae.
arabic of commerce. Mucilaginous, Habitat Throughout India in the dry
demulcent, emulsifying agent. Used and intermediate zones; ascending
as an ingredient in compounds for to an altitude of about , m in
treatment of diarrhoea, catarrh. the Himalayas.

Acanthospermum hispidum DC. 9
Ayurvedic Aadaari, Lataa Khadira
(related sp., see. A. pennata).
Folk Chinnivara. A
Action Leaves—stomachic, al-
Siddha/Tamil Kariyundu, Ingu. terative; prescribed in digestive
Folk Araar, Chilar (Punjab), Aila disorders, dyspepsia, colic, diar-
(Maharashtra). rhoea.
Action Flower—emmenagogue.
Bark—anti-inflammatory, antisep-
Acalypha indica Linn.
tic (in skin diseases). Bark contains
% tannins, triterpene alcohol, Family Euphorbiaceae.
saponins of acacic acid, lupeol and
Habitat Occurs throughout the
a steroid, acaciol. An alkaloid,
plains of India, ascending the hills
tryptamine, is present in the root
in Orissa up to  m.
and stem bark.
English Indian Acalypha.
Various plant parts are used in
Ayurvedic Kuppi, Muktavarchaa,
cough, bronchitis, measles, tubercular
Haritamanjari
fistula and in the treatment of men-
strual disorders. The bark is used for Siddha/Tamil Kuppaimeni.
washing the hair. Folk Khokli, Kuppi, Aamaabhaaji.
Action Antibacterial (leaf used in
scabies). Plant—emetic, expecto-
Acalypha ciliata Forsk. rant (used in bronchitis, asthma,
pneumonia). Tincture of fresh
Family Euphorbiaceae. plant is used in homoeopathy
Habitat Common in plains, for incipient phthisis with bloody
as a weed in gardens; also in expectorations, emaciation and
wastelands, especially in Bangalore arterial haemorrhage.
and Pachmarhi.
The plant contains kaempferol;
Ayurvedic Kuppi (smaller var.). leaves and twigs contain acalyphamide
Folk Daadari (Gujarat). and other amides, quinone, sterols,
Action See A. indica. cyanogenic glycoside.
The herb causes intestinal irritation.
Acalypha fruticosa Forsk.
Acanthospermum hispidum
Family Euphorbiaceae. DC.
Habitat Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Karnataka and Kerala.
Habitat Native to Brazil; found as
English Birch-leaved Acalypha. a weed throughout the greater part
Siddha/Tamil Kuppaimeni. of India.

10 Acanthus ilicifolius Linn.
A Ayurvedic Trikantaka. (Different
from Gokshura; also equated with
Habitat The western Himalayas
from Kashmir to Kumaon.
Martynia diandra, Martineacea, English Milfoil, Yarrow, Thousand
known as Kaakanaasaa.) Leaf.
Action Used in dermatological Unani Biranjaasif. National
affections. Formulary of Unani Medicine
also equates Leonurus cardica
The essential oil (yield .%) showed
Linn. (Labiatae) with Biranjaasif.
antibacterial and antifungal activity.
Folk Gandana, Rojmari.
Action Anti-inflammatory, anti-
spasmodic (used in cold, flatulent
Acanthus ilicifolius Linn.
colic, heartburn), emmenagogue,
Family Acanthaceae. cicatrizant, antidysenteric, anti-
haemorrhagic, antipyretic, diapho-
Habitat Common in tidal forests retic, diuretic, urinary antiseptic.
along the East and West coasts; also
distributed in Meghalaya and the Key application In dyspeptic
Andamans. ailments, such as mild, spastic
discomforts of the gastrointestinal
English Sea Holly. tract. As astringent, antispasmodic,
Ayurvedic Krishna Saraiyaka. choleretic, antibacterial. (German
(Blue-flowered Katasaraiyaa.) Commission E.) As diaphoretic. (The
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) In-
Siddha/Tamil Kollimulli.
ternally for feverish conditions,
Folk Hargozaa. common cold and digestive com-
Action Decoction—antacid (used plaints; topically for slow-healing
in dyspepsia with acid eructations), wounds and skin inflammations.
also diuretic (used in dropsy and (The British Herbal Compendium.)
bilious swellings). Aerial parts show The plant contains flavonoids, al-
effect on nictitating membrane. kaloids (achilleine), polyacetylenes,
The root is a cordial attenuant and triterpenes, coumarins, tannins, sal-
is used in debility associated with icylic acid, a volatile oil containing
asthma, paralysis, leucorrhoea. linalool, camphor, sabinene, chamazu-
lene and other azulenes.
The air-dried plant contains an al-
Sesquiterpene lactones are bitter and
kaloid, acanthicifoline, and a flavone.
tonic. Achilleine helps arrest internal
and external bleeding. Flavonoids con-
tribute to the antispasmodic action.
Achillea millefolium Linn. The flavonoid apigenin is anti-in-
flammatory, antiplatelet and spasmo-
Synonym A. lanulosa Nutt. lytic. Alkaloids and bases are anti-
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. inflammatory. Alkaloid betoncine is

Achyranthes aspera Linn. 11
haemostatic. Salicylic acid is anti-
inflammatory. Chamazulene is anti-
altitude of , m, in the southern
Andaman Islands.
A
inflammatory and antiallergenic. (Nat- English Prickly Chaff Flower.
ural Medicines Comprehensive Data-
base, .) Ayurvedic Apaamaarga, Chirchitaa,
An extract of the plant was found Shikhari, Shaikharika, Adahshalya,
to be rich in luteolin or luteolin - Mayura, Mayuraka, Kharamanjari,
glucoside and can be used for the treat- Kharapushpaa, Pratyakpushpaa,
ment of hyperpigmentation of skin. Aaghaat, Vashira, Kanihi.
Unani Chirchitaa.
Siddha/Tamil Naayuruvi.
Achras zapota Linn. Folk Chirchitta, Chichidaa,
Synonym Manilkara zapota (Linn.) Latjeeraa.
P. van Royan Action Astringent, pectoral (ashes
Manilkara achras (Mill.) Fosberg of the plant used in asthma and
Sapota achras Mill. cough), diuretic, hepatoprotective,
Family Sapotaceae. emmenagogue. Benzene extract of
Habitat Native to Central America. the plant exhibited abortifacient
Cultivated chiefly in Maharashtra, activity. The flowers, ground and
Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. mixed with sugar, are given for
menorrhagia. Roots—astringent,
English Sapota, Sapodilla Plum, haemostatic. Seeds—emetic; used
Chicle. for biliousness. Essential oil—
Unani Sapotaa, Cheeku. antifungal.
Siddha/Tamil Shimai eluppai. Key application As astringent,
Action Fruit—antibilious. Seed— emetic. (Indian Herbal Pharma-
diuretic. Fruit and bark—febrifuge. copoeia.)
The bark contains latex (–% Along with other therapeutic appli-
of which consists of gutta-percha-like cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
substance); also contains tannin of India indicates the use of the whole
(.%). The seeds contain quercitol. plant in lipid disorders and obesity, the
Chewing gum consists of approxi- root for its blood-purifying property.
mately % chicle, plus sugar, corn The plant juice and ash are used
syrup and flavourings. for treating bleeding piles. An alka-
line powder of the plant is used in
preparing Kshaarasutra of Ayurvedic
Achyranthes aspera Linn. medicine, which is recommended for
treating fistula-in-ano.
Family Amaranthaceae. The whole plant contains the alka-
Habitat Throughout the tropical loids achyranthine and betaine. Achy-
and subtropical regions, up to an ranthine, a water-soluble alkaloid, is

12 Achyranthes bidentata Blume
A reported to dilate blood vessels, low-
er blood pressure, decrease heart rate
three mannose units, has been isolated
from the roots. It enhanced immune
and increase the rate and amplitude of response and prolonged survival time
respiration. It also shows spasmodic of mice bearing Ehrlich carcinoma.
effects on the rectus muscle of frog, di- The roots contain free oleanolic acid
uretic and purgative action in albino (.%) and its saponins (.%). An
rats. alcoholic extract of the root showed
The presence of ecdysterone and presence of amino acids, steroids, tri-
oleanolic acid is also reported in the terpenoids, alkaloids and coumarins.
root. The seeds afforded achyranthin.
The ashes of the plant yield large Extract of the plant—antimicrobial.
quantities of potash. The seeds yield
saponins and oleanolic acid and its es-
ter.
Aconitum atrox
The presence of tannins and glyco-
(Bruchl) Mukherjee.
sides is also reported in the plant.
Dosage Whole plant—– g for Synonym Aconitum balfourii Stapf.
decoction. Root—– g. (API Family Ranunculaceae.
Vols. II, III.) Ash— mg to  g. Habitat The sub-alpine and alpine
(CCRAS.) Himalayas between , and
, m.
Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha (related
Achyranthes bidentata Blume sp.).
Family Amaranthaceae. Folk Banwaa.
Habitat The temperate and sub- Action Poisonous, highly toxic.
tropical Himalayas from Kishtwar
to Sikkim at ,–, m, Khasi Air-dried roots contain .% total
hills. alkaloids of which pseudoaconitine is
Ayurvedic Shveta Apaamaarga. .%. Pseudoaconitine is biological-
(Rakta Apaamaarga is equated ly . times as active as aconitine. (A.
with Achyranthes rubra-fusca atrox is a poisonous species and is one
Hook. f. and A. verschaffeltii Lam., of the common constituents of Aconi-
synonym Iresine herbstii Hook. f.) tum ferox of commerce.)
Siddha/Tamil Naayurivi.
Action Astringent, diuretic,
Aconitum chasmanthum
spasmolytic. Plant is given
Stapf ex Holmes.
in whooping cough, roots in
hemicrania. Family Ranunculaceae.
A water-soluble oligosaccharide, Habitat The western Himalayas
composed of six glucose units and from Hazara to Kashmir and

Aconitum falconeri Stapf. 13
Chamba in Himachal Pradesh,
between altitudes of , m and
interacts with antiarrhythmics, anti-
hypertensives, Digoxin/cardiac glyco-
A
, m. sides. (Sharon M. Herr.)
English Indian Napellus. Dosage Root—– mg powder.
Ayurvedic Visha, Shringika-Visha, (CCRAS.)
Vatsanaabha (related sp.).
Folk Mohri, Meethaa Zahar.
Action Sedative, antirheumatic, Aconitum deinorrhizum Stapf.
analgesic, antitussive, antidiar- Family Ranunculaceae.
rhoeal. Ayurvedic Formulary of
India, Part I and Part II, equated Habitat Alpine regions of Chat-
A. chasmanthum with Vatsanaabha. tadhar and Bhalesh ranges of
(See A. ferox.) It has the same uses Bhadarwah district in Jammu and
as A. ferox. The alkaloid content Kashmir.
of the root ranges from . to Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha (related
.%; includes chasmaconitine and sp.).
chasmanthinine. Folk Bashahr-Mohra, Dudhiyaa
Napellus, equated with Aconitum Bish, Safed Bikh.
napellus Linn., is indigenous to Cen- Action Roots and leaves are used in
tral Europe (named after the Black sea rheumatism, rheumatic fever and
port Aconis and known as Wolfsbane, acute headache.
Monkshood). Aconitum of homoeo-
pathic medicine is an alkaloid obtained The roots contain .% total alka-
from the roots and stems of A. nepellus. loids, of which .% is pseudoaconi-
Used as an analgesic and sedative. It tine.
contains terpenoids up to .%, includ-
ing aconitine and aconine.
Toxic constituents of A. napellus Aconitum falconeri Stapf.
are aconitine, mesaconitine, hypaconi-
tine, -acetylacoitine, lappaconitine Family Ranunculaceae.
(diterpenoid-ester alkaloids), benza- Habitat The sub-alpine and alpine
conine, benzoylaconine. zones of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Aconitine, mesaconitine and hyp- Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha (related
aconitine exert widespread effects on sp.).
cardiac, neural and muscle tissue by
activitating sodium channels. (Natu- Folk Bikh, Bis, Meethaa Telia.
ral Medicines Comprehensive Database, Action Sedative, carminative,
.) anti-inflammatory (used for the
Aconitine is absorbed through mu- treatment of nervous system,
cus membranes and the skin. (Fran- digestive system; rheumatism,
cis Brinker.) It is a cardiotoxin and fever).

14 Aconitum ferox Wall. ex Ser.
A The root alkaloids contain bishati-
sine, bishaconitine, falconitine and
cardiac depression. Topically, aconi-
tine has analgesic, anti-inflammatory
mithaconitine. Treatment with cow’s and anaesthetic activity.
milk reduces cardiotoxic effect of the
root.
Aconitum heterophyllum
Wall. ex Royle.
Aconitum ferox Wall. ex Ser. Family Ranunculaceae.
Family Ranunculaceae. Habitat Cultivated at Manali and
Rahla in Himachal Pradesh. Also
Habitat The alpine Himalayas from
found in northwestern Himalayas
Sikkim to Garhwal and Assam.
at altitudes ranging from , to
English Indian Aconite, Wolfsbane, , m.
Monkshood. English Atis Root, Aconite.
Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha, Visha, Ayurvedic Ativishaa, Arunaa,
Amrita, Vajraanga, Sthaavaravisha, Vishaa, Shuklakandaa, Bhanguraa,
Vatsanaagaka, Shrangikavisha, Ghunapriyaa, Ghunavallabhaa,
Garala. Kaashmiraa, Shishubhaishajyaa
Unani Bish, Bishnaag. (indicating its use in paediatrics),
Vishwaa.
Siddha/Tamil Vasanaavi, Karunaab-
hi. Unani Atees.
Siddha/Tamil Athividayam.
Folk Bacchanaag, Bish, Mithaa
Zahar, Telia Visha. Folk Patis.
Action Narcotic, sedative, antilepro- Action Often regarded as non-
tic, anti-inflammatory. Extremely poisosnous, antiperiodic, anti-
poisonous. (Roots possess depres- inflammatory, astringent (used
sant activity, but after mitigation in in cough, diarrhoea, dyspepsia),
cow’s milk for – days, they exhibit tonic (used after fevers), febrifuge,
stimulant activity.) antispasmodic (used in irritabil-
ity of stomach and abdominal
Key application In neuralgia. pains).
(Aconitum napellus L. has been
listed by German Commission E Along with other therapeutic appli-
among unapproved herbs.) cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of the dried,
The root contains diterpenoid alka- tuberous root in emesis and helminthi-
loids, which act as a powerful poison asis.
that affects the heart and central ner- The roots yield .% of total alka-
vous system. Aconitine has a short- loids, of which atisin is .%. Atisine
lived cardiotonic action followed by is much less toxic than aconitine and

Aconitum violaceum Jacq. ex Stapf. 15
pseudoaconitine. (The inert character
of the plant is well known to the hill
Family Ranunculaceae. A
Habitat The alpine Himalayas of
people, who often use it as a vegetable.) Sikkim, Nepal, the adjoining parts
The plant possesses potent immuno- of southern Tibet, between altitudes
stimulant properties. of , m and , m.
Dosage Root—.–. g. (API Ayurvedic Prativishaa, Shyaamkan-
Vol. I.) daa, Patis.
Folk Bikhamaa.
Action Root—antiemetic, antidiar-
Aconitum laciniatum rhoeal, antirheumatic, antiperiodic.
(Bruhl) Stapf. The root contains diterpenoid alka-
Family Ranunculaceae. loids and a nitrogenous non-alkaloid
compound, benzamide. Alkaloids in-
Habitat The sub-alpine and alpine clude vakognavine, palmatisine, vaka-
Himalayas of Sikkim between tisine, vakatisinine and vakatidine.
altitudes of , m and , m. The root is intensely bitter, like qui-
Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha (related nine, is used with Piper longum for di-
sp.). arrhoea and vomiting; used externally
Folk Kaalo Bikhmo. as an application for rheumatism.
Action Poisonous. (Found mixed
with the roots of A. ferox and
A. spicatum of commerce.) Aconitum spicatum Stapf.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat The alpine zone of the
Aconitum luridum Himalayas of Sikkim and Chumbi.
Hook. f. and Thoms. Principal source of Bikh or Bish of
Kolkata market.
Family Ranunculaceae.
English Nepal Aconite.
Habitat The Himalayas from eastern
Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha (related
Nepal to Chumbi at altitudes of
sp.).
, to , m.
Action Antipyretic, analgesic.
Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha (related
sp.). The roots yield .% of alkaloids
which contain mainly pseudoaconitine
Action As potent as Aconitum ferox.
and bikhaconitine.
Aconitum palmatum D. Don. Aconitum violaceum
Jacq. ex Stapf.
Synonym A. bisma (Buch.-Ham.)
Rapaics. Family Ranunculaceae.

16 Acorus calamus Linn.
A Habitat The alpine zone of the
Himalayas from Gilgit to Kumaon.
calamus L. var. americanus, a diploid
American var.; type II—var. vulgaris
Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha (related L. (var. calamus), a European triploid;
sp.). type III and type IV—var. augustatus
Bess. and var. versus L., subtropical
Folk Tilia Kachnaag, Dudhia. tetraploids.
Action Nervine tonic. Beta-asarone is carcinogenic in ani-
mals. Volatile oil of types II, III and
Air-dried roots of the plant are re-
IV—major constituent is usually beta-
ported to contain % indaconitine.
asarone (isoasarone), up to %. In-
dian calamus oil contains asarone up
to % and its beta-isomer. In type I,
Acorus calamus Linn. beta-asarone and other phenylpropa-
noids are absent. It is superior in spas-
Family Araceae.
molytic activity to the other types.
Habitat Wild and cultivated Indian practitioners mostly use A.
throughout India in damp marshy calamus externally. Shveta Vachaa
places from  to , m; common (Haimavati, equated with Acorus gra-
in Manipur and Naga Hills. mineus Scoland. Ex Ait., a diploid, is
English Sweet Flag, Calamus. used internally. Unani physicians use
Paris polyphylla Sim. as Khuraasaani
Ayurvedic Vachaa, Ugragandhaa,
Bach.
Ugraa, Golomi, Shadgranthaa,
The essential oil-free alcoholic ex-
Shataparvaa, Tikshnagandhaa,
tract of A. calamus possesses sedative
Kshudra-patra, Maangalyaa, Ghor-
and analgesic properties.
bach.
Alpha-asarone potentiates pento-
Unani Waj-e-Turki, Waj. barbital, accounts for some, but not all,
Siddha/Tamil Vasambu. neurodepressive activity. Beta-asarone
Action Rhizome—nervine tonic, is reportedly hallucinogenic. (Francis
hypotensive, tranquilizer, sedative Brinker.)
(with neuroleptic and antianxiety The ethanolic extract of rhizomes
properties), analgesic, spasmolytic, show significant antisecretory and an-
anticonvulsant; used for bronchial tiulcerogenic activity; also, protective
catarrh, chronic diarrhoea and effect against cytodestructive agents,
dysentery. experimentally.
Along with other therapeutic appli- Dosage Rhizome—– mg
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia powder. (API Vol. II.)
of India indicates the use of the dried
rhizomes as a brain tonic in weak mem-
ory, psychoneurosis and epilepsy. Acorus gramineus Soland. ex Ait.
Four types of Calamus are used
in herbal medicine: type I—Acorus Family Araceae.

Actinodaphne hookeri Meissn. 17
Habitat Native to Japan, occasion-
ally met within Sikkim at an altitude
Actiniopteris dichotoma Kuhn. A
of , m, in Khasi Hills up to Synonym A. australis (L. f.) Link.
, m. A. radiata (Sw.) Link.
A. dichotoma Kuhn.
Ayurvedic Haimavati (white var. of
Vachaa). Family Adiantaceae.
Action Antispasmodic (used in Habitat Throughout India, espe-
abdominal colic). See A. calamus. cially common in Kumaon Hills
and the Nilgiris, below an altitude
of , m.
English Peacock’s tail.
Actaea spicata Linn.
Ayurvedic Mayurshikhaa, Madhu-
Synonym A. acuminata Wall. ex chhadaa, Sahastrahi, Vahrishikhaa.
Royle Action Styptic, antibacterial,
Family Ranunculaceae. antipyretic.
Habitat Native to Europe; grows in The stems and leaves contain rutin,
temperate Himalayas from Hazara a styptic active principle. Anthelmintic
to Bhutan. activity, attributed to the fern, was not
English Baneberry Grapewort. observed in experiments on mice.
Folk Visha-phale (Kannada). Dosage Root—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Action Root—antirheumatic,
anti-inflammatory, nerve sedative,
emetic, purgative; used in the
treatment of rheumatic fever, Actinodaphne hookeri Meissn.
lumbago, scrofula, nervous disor-
Synonym A. angustifolia Nees.
ders, chorea.
Family Lauraceae.
The plant is reported to contain Habitat The western Ghats, Orissa
trans-aconitic acid, which shows a and Sikkim up to , m.
strong cytostatic action. Its Me ether
is active against Ehrlich’s ascites tu- Siddha/Tamil Thali, Paratathali.
mours. Folk Pisaa (Maharashtra).
In folk medicine, roots are used in Action Infusion of leaves—urinary
cases of ovarian neuralgia, uterine ten- tract disinfectant, antidiabetic,
derness and sub-involution. They are spasmolytic.
adulterant of the roots of Helleborus
niger. Berries are poisonous; used top- The leaves contain a very small
ically for skin diseases. The toxic con- amount of an amorphous alkaloid.
stituent is protoanemonin (lactone). It They also contain beta-sitosterol, hen-
is irritant to mucous membrane. triacontanone, hentriacontanol and

18 Adansonia digitata Linn.
A quercetin--rhamnoside and hydro-
carbons.
The roots contain a flavanone glyco-
side.
The bark gives an alkaloid, actino-
daphnine.
Adenanthera pavonina Linn.
Family Leguminosae; Mimosaceae.
Adansonia digitata Linn.
Habitat The western Ghats, the
Family Bombacaceae. Andamans and sub-Himalayan
Habitat Native to tropical Africa; tract; also cultivated.
common along the west coast of English Coral Wood, Red Wood.
India.
Ayurvedic Rakta Kanchana, Rakta
English Baobab, Monkey Bread Kambala.
tree, African calabash.
Siddha/Tamil Anai-gundumani.
Ayurvedic Sheet-phala, Ravanaam-
likaa, Gorakshi, Panchparni. Folk Ghumchi (bigger var.).
Unani Gorakh Imli. Action Astringent and styptic
(used in diarrhoea, haemorrhage
Siddha/Tamil Papparapuli. from the stomach, haematuria),
Folk Gorakh Imli; Gorakh anti-inflammatory (in rheumat-
Chinchaa. ic affections, gout). Seeds—
Action Cooling, refrigerant (allays anticephalgic; also used for the
burning sensation). Leaves— treatment of paralysis. A decoction
diaphoretic (used as a prophylactic is given in pulmonary affections.
against fevers). Fruit—antidysen- The seed contains an anti-inflam-
teric, antiseptic, antihistaminic. matory active principle, O-acetyletha-
The fruit pulp is a source of vita- nolamine. The leaves contain octa-
min C (.–. mg/ g); dried cosanol, dulcitol, glucosides of beta-
pulp contains calcium and vitamin B. sitosterol and stigmasterol. The bark
Furfural (.%) is obtained after dis- contains sitgmasterol glucoside.
tillation of the fruit. In Africa, dried
leaves provide much of the dietary cal-
cium. Aqueous extract of the bark is Adhatoda vasica Nees.
used for treating sickle cell anaemia.
An infusion of the leaves and flow- Synonym A. zeylanica Medic.
ers is given in respiratory disorders. Justicia adhatoda Linn.
(Powdered leaves prevented crisis in Family Acanthaceae.
asthma induced by histamine in guinea
pigs.) Dried fruit pulp also gives relief Habitat Throughout India, up to an
in bronchial asthma, allergic dermati- altitude of , m.
tis and urticaria. English Malabar Nut, Vasaca.

Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn. 19
Ayurvedic Vaasaa, Vaasaka,
Vaasikaa, Simhaasya, Simhaparni,
more powerful and active than A. vasi-
ca. Fresh leaf juice is used in haemop-
A
Simhavadanaa, Vaajidanta, Vrisha, tysis and menorrhagia, also as an anti-
Aataruushaka. asthmatic.
Jacobinia tinctoria Henl. is equated
Unani Arusaa.
with the red-flowered var. of Vaasaa.
Siddha/Tamil Aadaathodai.
Dosage Leaf—– ml juice.
Folk Vasaakaa. Dried leaves—– g for deoction.
Action Expectorant (used in Root—– g powder. (API Vols. I,
bronchial, asthmatic and pulmo- IV.)
nary affections), antispasmodic,
febrifuge.
Key application As bronchodilatory, Adiantum aethiopicum Linn.
expectorant. (Indian Herbal
Synonym A. emarginatum Bedd.
Pharmacopoeia.) The Ayurvedic
Pharmacopoeia of India indicates its Family Adiantaceae.
use in dyspnoea. Habitat North Kanara and the
Nilgiri and Palni hills at higher
The chief quinazoline alkaloid vas- elevations.
icine is reported in all parts of the
plant, the highest being in inflores- Ayurvedic Hansapadi (related sp.).
cence. It is a bitter bronchodilator, res- Action Rhizomes—decoction
piratory stimulant, hypotensive, car- abortifacient. Astringent and
diac depressant, uterotonic and aborti- emetic. Emollient in coughs and
facient. An aqueous solution of va- diseases of the chest; sudorific.
sicinone hydrochloride, when studied
in mice and dogs, was found to po-
tentiate the bronchodilatory activity Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn.
of aminophylline, also that of isopre-
naline. Vasicinone exhibited smooth- Family Adiantaceae.
muscle-relaxant properties of airways. Habitat All along the Himalayas
Alkaloids present in the plant from Kashmir to Sikkim between
showed significant protection against altitudes of , and , m.
allergin-induced bronchial obstruc-
tion in guinea pigs. English American Maidenhair
The leaves are found to activate the Fern, Venus Hair, Rock Fern.
digestive enzyme trypsin. Ayurvedic Hansaraaja, Hansapadi
An extract of the leaves showed (related sp.).
significant antifungal activity against Unani Parsiaavashaan.
ringworm.
Adhatoda beddomei C.B. Clarke, Siddha/Tamil Seruppadai.
found in Kerala, is considered to be Folk Mubaaraka.

20 Adiantum incisum Forsk.
A Action Astringent, demulcent,
expectorant, antitussive, stimulant,
English Walking Maidenhair Fern.
Black Maidenhair (A. venustum G.
emmenagogue. Fonds used in Don is also known as Hansaraaja.)
chronic catarrh (as an ingredient Ayurvedic Hansapadi, Hansapaadi,
of cough and bronchial medicines); Raktapaadi, Kitamaataa, Tri-
also in cold imposthumes of uterus, paadikaa, Hansaraaja; a substitute
hard swellings and hard tumours of for Taamrachuda-paadikaa.
spleen, liver and other viscera.
Siddha/Tamil Seruppadai.
The fern contains flavonoid gluco-
Folk Raajhans, Mubaaraka.
sides, including rutin, isoquercetin, as-
tragalin, kaempferol; hydroxycinnam- Action Febrifugal, antidysenteric,
ic acid esters; terpenoids, including soothing agent in erysipelas. The
adiantone. rhizome is also prescribed for
strangury, atrophy, emaciation or
cachexy, muscular pain; emetic in
Adiantum incisum Forsk. large doses.
Synonym A. caudatum Linn. Along with other therapeutic appli-
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
Family Adiantaceae. of India indicates the use of the dried
Habitat The plains and the lower whole plant in psychosis-related fear.
slopes of the hills in Punjab, (It is one of the ingredients of the
Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tamil classical drug Maanasamitra Vataka,
Nadu and Maharashtra. prescribed for mental disorders.)
Ayurvedic Nilakantha-shikhaa, The chemical constituents are chlo-
Mayurshikhaa, Vahrishikhaa. rophyll-degradation products and
higher carotenoids.
Action Used in hemicrania,
cough, fever; externally in skin Dosage Whole plant—- g (API
diseases; used as a substitute for Vol. III.)
A. capillus-veneris.
The fern yields adiantone, isoadian-
tone, fernene, hentriacontane, hentri- Adina cordifolia
acontanone-, beta-sitosterol. Hook. f. ex Brandis
Family Rubiaceae.
Habitat Indigenous in deciduous
Adiantum lunulatum Burm.
forests all over India.
Synonym A. philippense Linn. English Yellow Teak, Saffron Teak.
Family Adiantaceae. Ayurvedic Haridru, Haraduaa-
Habitat Throughout the greater kadamba, Gaur-kadamba,
part of India, up to an altitude of Girikadamba, Dhaaraakadam-
, m. ba, Pitadaaru, Kadambapushpa.

Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss. ex Schult. 21
Siddha/Tamil Manjakadambu. use of root in dysuria; stembark in
diabetes and lipid disorders.
A
Folk Haladu, Kheta Kadam.
Action Antibacterial, antiseptic, A number of coumarins (includ-
antidysenteric, antibilious (used ing xanthotoxol and alloimperatorin
in biliary colic), febrifuge. Root— methyl ether), flavonoids (including
astringent. rutin and marmesin), alkaloids (in-
cluding alpha-fagarine), sterols and
The heartwood contains indole al-
essential oils have been isolated from
kaloids; bark .–.% tannin. The
plant parts. Pectin is an important
leaves contain ursolic acid and querce-
constituent of the fruit.
tin.
Alkaloid aegeline, present in the
leaves, is efficacious in asthma. The
active principle in aqueous extract of
Aegle marmelos leaf shows hypoglycaemic activity sim-
(L.) Correa ex Roxb. ilar to insulin. Leaves are also given
Family Rutaceae. in jaundice. Alcoholic extract of seeds
shows antiallergic activity.
Habitat The plains and sub-
Marmin, a coumarin isolated from
mountain regions of India, ascend-
the roots, shows anti-inflammatory ef-
ing to an altitude of , m in the
fects experimentally. Marmin also in-
western Himalayas; cultivated all
hibited gastric haemorrhagic lesions
over India.
in rats and exhibited antiulcer effects.
English Bael tree, Bengal Quince. Seed oil showed beneficial effects in
Ayurvedic Bilva, Shriphala, regeneration of tumour cells.
Shaandilya, Shailuusha, Shalya, Aurapten is found to be the most
Sadaaphala, Mahaakapitha (Kapitha potent inhibitor of heart rate. Rootbark
is equated with Feronia limonia), is used for palpitation of the heart.
Maaluura, Rudrajataa, Rudranir-
Dosage Pulp of unripe or half
maalya, Shivajataakhya.
ripe fruit— g powder. Root— g
Unani Bael. powder. (API Vols. I, III.)
Siddha/Tamil Vilvam, Koovilam.
Action Stomachic, antimicrobial
(specific for diarrhoea, colitis, Aerva javanica
dysentery and enteric infections), (Burm. f.) Juss. ex Schult.
digestive, astringent, spasmolytic,
hypoglycaemic. Synonym A. persica (Burm.f.)
Merill
Key application As antidiarrhoeal. A. tomentosa Frosk.
(Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
Along with other therapeutic Family Amaranthaceae.
applications, The Ayurvedic Phar- Habitat Punjab, Central and
macopoeia of India indicates the Peninsular India.

22 Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult.
A English Javanese Wool Plant. Aerva scandens Wall., synonym A.
sanguinolenta Blume, is also known as
Siddha/Tamil Perumpoolai.
Paashaanabheda in the south.
Folk Dholphuli, Khul. Paashaanab- Species used as Paashaanabheda:
heda (southern India). Bergenia ligulata (north), Aerva lanata
Action Anti-inflammatory, diuretic, (south), Coleus amboinicus (east) and
anticalculus, insecticidal. Wooly Bryophyllum pinnatum (west).
seeds are used against rheumatism.
Dosage – ml decoction.
The plant extract contains ascor- (CCRAS.)
bic acid, kaempferol, beta-amyrin and
beta-sitosterol. The leaves also contain
sitosterol and its glucoside. Aesculus hippocastanum Linn.
Family Hippocastanaceae; Sapinda-
ceae.
Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult.
Habitat Endemic to the mountains
Family Amaranthaceae. of Balkan Peninsula and western
Habitat The warmer parts of India, Asia. Introduced into India; occa-
ascending to , m. sionally grown as an ornamental
tree.
Ayurvedic Paashaanabheda.
Gorakshaganjaa, Aadaanpaaki, English Horse Chestnut tree.
Shatkabhedi. Unani Baloot. (Quercus incana and
Siddha/Tamil Sirupeelai. Q. infectoria have also been equated
with Baloot in National Formulary
Folk Paashaanabheda (southern in Unani Medicine.)
India), Gorakhagaanjaa.
Folk Pu.
Action Anticalculus (used in
lithiasis), diuretic, demulcent, Action Anti-inflammatory, va-
anthelmintic, antidiarrhoeal, sodilator, astringent (used for
anticholerin, bechic; leaf used rheumatism, venous congestion,
in hepatitis, root in strangury. haemorrhoids), febrifuge. Leaf—
A decoction of the plant is used in used in whooping cough.
catarrh of bladder. The flowers and Key application In chronic venous
roots are used for headache. insufficiency, varicosis, nocturnal
Key application As diuretic and systremma (cramps in the calves)
lithontriptic. (The British Herbal and swelling of the legs. (Non-
Pharmacopoeia.) invasive treatment measures should
also be followed.) (German
The plant contains palmitic acid, Commission E, ESCOP, The British
beta-sitosterol and alpha-amyrin. Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)

Aframomum melegueta (Rosc.) K. Schum. 23
Horse Chestnut contains triterpe-
noid saponins (especially aescin, a
The leaves contain aescin, quercetin
and beta-sitosterol. Stems also con-
A
complex mixture composed of acylat- tain rutin, astragalin, aesculin. Seeds
ed glycosides of protoaesigenin and contain aescin, aesculuside A and B, al-
barringtogenol-C, including hippo- so aliphatic esters. Seeds possess anti-
caesculin), coumarins and flavonoids. inflammatory activity.
Aescin has been shown to eliminate The extract of seeds is considered
oedema and reduce exudation. It an- to be active against P- lymphocy-
tagonizes the effect of bradykinin, al- tic leukaemia and human epidermoid
though it is not a direct bradykinin carcinoma of nasopharynx.
antagonist. It causes an increase in
plasma levels of ACTH, corticosterone
and glucose in rats. Hippocaescu- Aframomum melegueta
lin and barringtogenol-C--angelate (Rosc.) K. Schum.
show antitumour activity in vitro.
The hydroxycoumarin aesculin Synonym Amomum melegueta
leads to increased bleeding time. Rosc.
(Roasting seems to destroy the tox- Family Zingiberaceae.
ins.) A few fruits can cause severe
Habitat Native to tropical Africa;
toxic symptoms. (Francis Brinker.) In
cultivated in Indian gardens.
some countries, an intravenous mix-
ture containing aescin is used after English Grains of Paradise, Alligator
surgery. (Natural Medicines Compre- pepper, Meleguetta pepper.
hensive Database, .) Unani Heel Habshi.
Action Roots possess cardamom-
like taste and are given as a decoction
for constipation; also as a vermifuge
Aesculus indica Hook.
for tapeworms. Juice of young
Family Sapindaceae; Hippocastana- leaves—styptic. The seeds contain
ceae. an alkaloid, piperine; also gingerol,
paradol, shogaol and zingerone.
Habitat The Himalayas from
Kashmir to western Nepal, Kulu Gingerol and shogaol suppress gas-
and Chamba in Himachal Pradesh, tric contractions; also have sedative
Tehri-Garhwal and Kumaon in and analgesic actions. Pungency of the
Uttar Pradesh at –, m. grains is due to paradol.
A decoction of the whole plant is
English Indian Horse Chestnut, taken internally as a febrifuge.
Himalayan Chestnut. High oxalic acid content in the fruit
may cause reduced function of the
Folk Bankhor.
heart.
Action Antirheumatic, galacto- Aframomum korarima K. Schum.,
genic, antileucorrhocic. native to tropical Africa, known as

24 Aganosma dichotoma (Roth) K. Schum.
A False cardamom, is also equated with
Heel Habshi.
Active principle is agaric acid (aga-
ricin), present to the extent of –%.
Aganosma dichotoma Agaricus campestris Linn.
(Roth) K. Schum.
Synonym Psalliota campestris
Synonym A. caryophyllata G. Don (Linn.) Fr.
Family Apocynaceae. Family Agaricaceae.
Habitat Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Habitat The fungi is distributed in
Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil many parts of India, particularly
Nadu; often cultivated in Indian on the hills and plains of northern
gardens. and eastern India. Grows during
the rainy weather on dead organic
Ayurvedic Madhumaalati. matter, e.g. rotting leaves and
Action Antiseptic; anodyne (an manure.
ingredient in massage oils for English Field mushroom, Edible
paraplegia, neuralgia, sciatica); also mushroom.
anthelmintic and emetic.
Ayurvedic Chhatraka, Bhuumi-
The leaves contain quercetin, kaem- chhatra.
pferol and phenolic acids. Shoot tips Unani Kammat.
and flower buds contain tannin.
Siddha Venkodiveli.
Aganosma calycina A. DC. is also
equated with Madhumaalati. Folk Khumbi.
Action A protein (.%) supple-
ment and an excellent source of
Agaricus albus Linn. vitamins of B complex. Vitamins K,
C and D are also present. Though
Family Agaricaceae. all the amino acids are reported
Habitat Punjab, Asia Minor. to be present, the concentration of
tryptophane is particularly low.
English Purging Agaric.
Extracts of A. campestris contain ty-
Unani Gharaiqoon; also equated rosinase; lowered blood pressure of hy-
with Fomes officinalis (Vill. ex Fr.) pertensive animals when administered
Lloyd. intravenously (exhibited no effect on
Action Diuretic, laxative, deob- normal animals).
structant, expectorant; purgative Fungal enzyme preparations have
and emetic in large doses; used in been used in digestive diseases.
the treatment of night sweats in Field mushroom contains amylase,
phthisis, and as a supporting drug maltase, glycogenase, protease, cata-
for asthma. lase, tyrosinase, phosphomonoesteras-

Aglaia roxburghiana Miq. Hiern 25
es, polyphosphatases, polyphenoloxi-
dase and dehydropeptidases.
Ageratum conyzoides Linn. A
Family Asteraceae, Compositae.
Habitat Throughout India, up to an
altitude of , m.
Agaricus ostreatus (Jacq.) Fries
English Goat Weed, White Weed.
Family Agaricaceae.
Ayurvedic Dochunty, Uchunti,
Habitat Artocarpus interifolia, Sahadevi (related sp.).
indigenous to the western Ghats.
Action Anti-inflammatory, antibac-
English Oyster Mushroom (grows terial, antifungal, styptic.
on Artocarpus integrifolia).
The leaf is reported to contain stig-
Action Prevents excessive salivation. masterol (.%) and beta-sitosterol
Also given internally in dysentery, (.%) as major component of sterol
diarrhoea, stomatitis; as a paste to faction. The dried flowering plant con-
gums in apthae. tains the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, lycop-
samine and echinatine.
An aqueous extract of leaves is re-
Agave americana Linn. ported to show haemostatic activity.
The plant extract exhibited muscle re-
Family Agavaceae. laxant activity experimentally. The
Habitat Native to America; grown ethanolic extract (%) of roots pos-
in gardens for ornamentation. sesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic
properties.
English Century Plant, American The aqueous extract of leaves ex-
Aloe. hibits antifungal and crude plant ex-
Ayurvedic Kaantala (related sp.). tract antibacterial properties.
Siddha/Tamil Alagai.
Folk Ban-Kevaraa.
Aglaia roxburghiana Miq. Hiern
Action Leaf juice—used for
warts, cancerous ulcers and putrid Synonym A. elaegnoidea (A. Juss.)
tumours. Leaves are also used as Benth.
a resolvant in syphilis and scrofula. Milnea roxburghiana (Miq.) Wight
and Arn.
The leaves contain ten steroidal sa- Family Meliaceae.
ponins (six of these are spirostanolic
and four furostanolic), also hecogenin Habitat Western Ghats, tropical
(.%) and piscidic acid. The seeds forests in the hills of Andhra
contain steroid sapogenins including Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and
hecogenin. The plant exhibits signifi- Andaman and Nicobar islands.
cant antibacterial activity. Ayurvedic Priyangu (var.)

26 Agrimonia eupatoria auct non L.
A Siddha/Tamil Gnaazhal. (Dried
flowers of Myristica malabarica
and discharging skin, psoriasis and
seborrhoic eczemas.
Lam. are also used as Priyangu.) Key application In mild, non-
Action Fruit—cooling (in febrile specific, acute diarrhoea and
complaints), antipyretic, astringent, in inflammation of oral and
antidiarrhoeal, antidysenteric, pharyngeal mucosa; as astringent.
anti-inflammatory (seeds used for (German Commission E, The British
painful micturition). Fruits are Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
also used for treating obstinate skin
The herb contains condensed tan-
diseases and tumours.
nins up to %, coumarins, flavonoids
Bisamide alkaloids of the leaves ex- (glucosides of luteolin, apigenin and
hibit anticancer activity (by inhibiting quercetin), polysaccharides, volatile
the growth of vinblastine-resistant KB oil. Luteolin -glucoside shows a chole-
cells). gogic action. Aqueous extracts inhibi-
ted Mycobacterium tuberculosis, also
strains resistant to streptomycin and
p-aminosalicylate. Essential oil is an-
Agrimonia eupatoria auct non L.
tibacterial, active against Bacillus sub-
Synonym A. pilosa Hook.f. non tilis.
Ledeb. The ethanolic extracts of the herb
A. pilosa Ledeb. var. nepalensis (D. are used for their antiviral proper-
Don) Nakai ties. (Natural Medicines Comprehen-
Family Rosacae. sive Database, .)
Coumarins interact with anticoagu-
Habitat The Himalayas from lants, and drugs that increase the risk
Kashmir to West Bengal at – of bleeding Furanocoumarin content
, m, and in Arunachal Pradesh, increase photosensitivity. (Sharon M.
Nagaland and Meghalaya. Herr.)
English Agrimony, Stickle Wort.
Unani Ghaafis.
Agropyron repens Beauv.
Folk Belu.
Action Astringent, anti- Synonym Triticum repens L.
inflammatory, hepatic, cholagogue, Family Gramineae; Poaceae.
diuretic, mild haemostatic, an- Habitat The western Himalayas and
tibacterial. Used for irritations and Kashmir at altitudes between ,
infections of the intestinal tract, and , m.
gallbladder diseases, hyperacidity,
colic, urinary disorders (bed- English Couch grass, dog grass,
wetting, incontinence), sluggish wheat grass.
liver, mucus membrane inflam- Action Demulcent (used in
mations; externally for ulcerated cystitis, nephritis), aperient,

Ailanthus glandulosa Desf. 27
diuretic and urinary antiseptic,
anticholesterolaemic.
Action Bark—bitter, astringent,
febrifuge, anthelminitic, antispas-
A
Key application In irrigation modic, expectorant (used in asthma,
therapy for inflammatory diseases bronchitis). Also used for dysentery
of the urinary tract and for the as a substitute for Holarrhena
prevention of kidney gravel. antidysenterica.
(German Commission E, The British Bark and leaves—used as tonic in de-
Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) It is bility, especially after childbirth.
contraindicated in oedema due to Leaves—used as adulterant for Ad-
cardiac or renal insufficiency. hatoda zeylanica leaves.
Along with other therapeutic appli-
The juice of rhizomes is used for cys-
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
titis, nephritis, scirrhous liver; decoc-
of India indicates the use of stembark
tion for tonsils and as an adjuvant for
in high fevers and giddiness.
cancer; also used for gout and rheuma-
The bark contains several quassi-
tism, and chronic skin disorders.
noids including ailanthone derivatives.
The rhizome contains triticin, a car-
They exhibit antitumour activity
bohydrate allied to starch, a fruc-
against P- lymphocytic leukaemia
tosan polysaccharide, inositol, manni-
and are cytotoxic against KB test sys-
tol; volatile oil up to about .%, con-
tem.
sisting mainly of agropyrene; vanillin
glucoside; mucilage, gum, large quan- Dosage Stembark—– g (API
tities of silica; iron, minerals, vita- Vol. III.) Decoction—– ml.
mins, K salt. Agropyrene is reported (CCRAS.)
to have broad antibiotic properties. Ex-
tracts show uric acid solvent proper-
ties. Agropyrene is antifungal.
Ailanthus glandulosa Desf.
Synonym A. altissima (Mill.)
Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. Swingle
Family Simaroubaceae.
Family Simaroubaceae.
Habitat Native of China and Japan.
Habitat Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Found in the hills of northern India
Gujarat, Orissa and southern India. up to an altitude of , m.
English Tree of Heaven, Maharukh. English Tree of Heaven, Ailanto.
Ayurvedic Aralu, Katvanga, Ayurvedic Aralu (related sp.).
Dirghavranta, Puutivrksha, Bhallu- Action Bark—astringent, anti-
ka. (Mahaanimba is a synonym of spasmodic, parasiticidal, narcotic,
Melia azedarach Linn.) cardiac depressant (exercises power-
Siddha Perru, Perumaruttu, ful depressing influence on nervous
Peruppi. system similar to that of tobacco).

28 Ailanthus malabarica DC.
A Leaves produce dermatitis; their ac-
cumulation in well-water produces
Ainsliaea aptera DC.
chronic gastritis. Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Many quassinoids and ailanthone Habitat The Himalayas from
derivatives are vermifuge and amoe- Kashmir to Bhutan at altitudes of
bicidal. Constituents of the bark and , m, extending to Khasi hills of
stem, particularly ailanthone, have an- Meghalaya.
timalarial activity in vitro against Plas- Folk Karui Buuti (Garhwal).
modium falciparum and in mice against Action Powdered roots—used for
P. berghei. (Alkaloids do not appear to quick relief from acute stomach
have these properties.) Some quassi- ache; diuretic.
noids are antineoplastic, and are re-
ported to have antileukaemic proper- A related sp., A. latifolia Sch-Bip., is
ties. used as an adulterant to Podophyllum
The rootbark is used in traditional emodi.
Chinese medicine for dysentery and
leucorrhoea. In Africa, rootbark is
used in epilepsy.
Ajuga bracteosa Wall. ex Benth.
Family Labiatae Lamiaceae.
Ailanthus malabarica DC. Habitat The sub-Himalayan tract,
plains of Punjab and the upper
Synonym A. triphysa (Dennst.)
Gangetic plain.
Alston.
Ayurvedic Neelkanthi.
Family Simaroubaceae.
Folk Ratapaati (Kumaon), Khur-
Habitat The evergreen forests
banti (Punjab).
of western Ghats from Konkan
southwards. Action Astringent, febrifugal (given
Siddha Perumaram. in intermittent fever), stimulant,
aperient, diuretic. Used for the
Folk Guggul-dhuupa. (Maharash- treatment of gout and rheumatism;
tra.) also for amenorrhoea. Juice of
Action Bark—febrifuge, carmina- the leaves—blood purifier. The
tive (given in typhoid, dyspepsia powder is used for burns and boils.
and constipation). Oleo resin— The leaves are used in fever as
used for dysentery and bronchitis. a substitute for cinchona.
The bark and roots give a number An aqueous extract of the leaves
of beta-carboline alkaloids. The resin- showed diuretic activity. An alkaloidal
uous exudates from trunk give sever- fraction showed stimulant action on
al triterpenoids, including malabaricol the perfused frog heart. The plant
and malabaricanediol. exhibited anticancer activity.

Albizia amara (Roxb.) Boivin 29
Alangium begoniaefolium hypoglycaemic. Fruits—acidic,
astringent, laxative and refrigerant.
A
(Roxb.) Baill.
Used in haemorrhages, strangury
Synonym A. chinense (Lour.) and consumption. The bark is
Harms. used as a substitute for Cephaelis
Family Alangiaceae. ipecacuanha. It is a rich source
Habitat The plains and foothills, up of alkaloids structurally related to
to an altitude of , m. ipecac alkaloids (emetin).
Ayurvedic Ankola (related sp.). The bark contains the alkaloid alan-
Folk Akhani. gine which shows a selective action of
the parasympathetic mechanism, the
Action Bark and roots—sedative,
action being more marked on gastro-
anthelmintic. intestinal tract. The root extract shows
A triterpenoid was responsible for hypotensive action. Flowers contain
the sedative effect on motor activity of deoxytubulosine, a potent antiplatelet
rat brain. aggregation component, which has
Chloroform extract of the drug, a strong binding with DNA.
which was devoid of anabasine, ex- The plant extract possesses antineo-
hibited prominent sedative effect in plastic properties.
rat. It significantly decreased concen-
tration of norepinephrine in cortex, Dosage Rootbark—– g powder.
of dopamine and serotonin (-HT) in (CCRAS.)
brain stem, but increased concentra-
tion of -HT in cortex.
Albizia amara (Roxb.) Boivin
Alangium lamarckii Thw. Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat Throughout southern India
Synonym A. salviifolium (Linn. f.)
in dry forests, up to  m, and in
Wang.
some parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Family Alangiaceae.
Ayurvedic Shirish (bark—grey or
Habitat The drier parts of India, greenish).
in plains and foothills of southern
India. Siddha/Tamil Thuringil.
Ayurvedic Ankola, Ankota, Action Leaf and flower—anti-
Taamraphala, Guptasneha, Dirgha- inflammatory, used for boils and
keelaka. ulcers. Leaf—used for erysipelas.
Seeds—astringent, antidiarrhoeal,
Siddha/Tamil Azinjil.
antibacterial.
Action Rootbark—astringent,
spasmolytic, hypotensive, also dia- The seed extract showed DNA bind-
phoretic and antipyretic. Leaves— ing activity, which has been found to

30 Albizia lebbeck (Linn.) Willd.
A be due to pithecolibine alkaloids, bud-
munchiamines. Budmunchiamines
Along with other therapeutic appli-
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
are antibacterial, and they inhibit pla- of India indicates the use of stembark
telet aggregation and human lympho- in rhinitis, sinusitis and migraine.
cyte transformation. They also show Analysis of the plant revealed the
anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activ- presence of flavonoids, triterpenoids
ity. and triterpenoid saponins; oleano-
The leaves contain prodelphinidins, lic acid, albigenic acid, albigenin and
myricitrin, hyperin, quercitrin, trans- acacic acid. The bark contains –%
p-coumaric acid, cis-p-coumaric acid condensed tannin; also d-catechin and
and trans-ferulic acid. d-leucocyanidin.
The seeds contain echinocystic acid Aqueous extract of the bark de-
and taxifolin--O-beta-D xylopyrano- creased histamine-induced broncho-
syl-beta-D-arbinopyranoside. spasm in guinea pigs.
The oil from the seeds is said to cure Alcoholic extract of stembark con-
leprosy and leucoderma. tains cardenolide glycosides of digitox-
in nature. It showed antidermatophyt-
ic activity. Anthraquinone glycosides
and its aglycone exhibited antibacteri-
Albizia lebbeck (Linn.) Willd. al activity.
Family Mimosaceae. A saponin from seeds exhibited
spermicidal activity in animals. EtOH
Habitat All over India, from the (%) extract of pods was found to
plains up to  m in the Himalayas; be spermicidal against rat and human
also in the Andamans. spermatozoa at % concentration.
English Siris tree, East Indian The therapeutic properties of Albizia
walnut. julibrissin Durazz, Pink Siris, found in
the outer Himalayas from the Indus
Ayurvedic Shirisha, Bhandi, eastwards to Sikkim, are the same as
Bhandila, Shitapushpa, Mridu- those of A. lebbeck.
pushpa, Kapitana (bark—dusty
black). Dosage Stembark—– g powder.
Unani Siras. – g for decoction. (API
Vol. III.)
Siddha/Tamil Vaagei.
Action Antiseptic, antibacteri-
al, antiallergic, antidermatosis,
Albizia procera Benth.
antidysenteric. Bark—used in bron-
chitis; bark and seeds in piles; root Family Mimosaceae.
in hemicrania; flowers in cough,
Habitat All over India.
bronchitis, tropical pulmonary
eosinophilia, and asthma. Pod— Ayurvedic Shveta Shirisha (bark—
antiprotozoal. white or greenish-white).

Alhagi pseudalhagi (Bieb.) Desv. 31
Action Bark—a decoction is given
in rheumatism and haemorrhage.
Alhagi pseudalhagi (Bieb.) Desv. A
Synonym A. camelorum Fisch. ex
The bark contains beta-sitosterol DC.
and yields –% tannins. A. maurorum Medic.
An oleanolic acid saponin, proceric
acid saponin mixture from seeds and Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
root saponin exhibit spermicidal activ- Habitat The drier parts of Rajasthan,
ity. Gujarat, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
English Camel Thorn, Persian
Manna Plant.
Aleurities moluccana Ayurvedic Yavaasaka, Yavaasa,
(Linn.) Willd. Yaasa, Duhsparshaa, Duraalab-
haa, Kunaashak. Substitute for
Synonym A. triloba J. R. and G.
Dhanvayaasa. Yaasa-sharkaraa
Forst.
(Alhagi-manna).
Family Euphorbiaceae.
Unani Jawaansaa. Turanjabeen
Habitat Native to China; now (Alhagi-manna).
mostly grown on the tea estates of
Siddha/Tamil Punaikanjuri, Kan-
Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh, chori.
and also in Assam and Bengal to
provide shade for tea bushes. Action Laxative, antibilious,
diuretic, diaphoretic, expectorant.
English Candlenut tree. Leaves—used for fever, headache,
Ayurvedic Akshota, Jangali rheumatism. Flowers—blood
Akharot. coagulant, used for piles. Alhagi-
manna—expectorant, antiemetic,
Siddha/Tamil Naatuakrottu.
laxative.
Action Oil from seeds—purgative;
employed externally in rheumatism; Along with other therapeutic appli-
ulcers; also as a hair tonic. Leaves— cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
applied in acute rheumatism. of India indicates the use of dried whole
Fruit—carminative and expecto- plant in gout and haemorrhagic dis-
rant. Bark and flowers—used for orders.
asthma. The aerial parts contain flavonoids,
tannins, sterols, triterpenes, saponins
Aleurites fordii Hemsl., Tung Oil and anthroquinones.
tree, native to China, is also equated The proanthocyanidins derived
with Jangali Akharot. from the plant possess hypolipidemic
The tree was introduced on the tea and antiatherosclerotic properties. The
estates of Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Coorg compounds prevented an increase in
and Mysore. rat serum cholesterol and triglycerides,

32 Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Tausch.
A and they decreased the manifestation
of atherosclerosis.
Allemanda cathartica Linn.
A polymeric proanthocyanidin, ex- Family Apocynaceae.
tracted from the plant, improved ener-
Habitat Native to Central America
gy metabolism and increased the work
and Brazil. Grown in Indian
capacity in rats.
gardens.
Ethanolic extract of the aerial parts
produced positive inotropic effect on English Golden Trumpet.
rabbit heart.
Folk Zahari Sontakkaa. (Maha-
Dosage Whole plant—– g rashtra).
for decoction. (API Vol. II.) Action Leaves—cathartic (in
Decoction—– ml. (CCRAS.) moderate doses; emetic in large
doses). Bark—hydragogue, in
ascites.
Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Tausch.
The purgative property of the aque-
Family Boraginaceae. ous extract of leaves was confirmed
Habitat Cultivated in Central and pharmacologically in rats. The extract
southern Europe. also showed antifungal activity against
ringworm causing fungi. Flower ex-
English Alkanet, Dyers’ or Spanish tract inhibits fungal growth.
Bugloss. EtOH extract of roots showed in-
Unani Ratanjot. National Formulary vivo activity against P- leukaemia
of Unani Medicine equated Ratanjot in mouse and in vitro against human
with Onosma echioides Linn., found carcinoma cells of nasopharynx (KB).
in Kashmir and Kumaon. The root contains antileukaemic iri-
doid lactone, allamandin and two other
Siddha/Tamil Ratthapaalai, Surul- iridoids, allamandicin and allamdin.
pattai, Dineshavalli. The stems and leaves contain beta-
Action Astringent, antimicrobial amyrin, beta-sitosterol and ursolic
(used for indolent ulcers, wounds, acid. Petals gave flavonoids—kaem-
erysipelas). pferol and quercetin.
The root contains up to % alkan-
nins, which are lipophilic isohexenyl-
naphthazarin red pigments; tannins Allium ascalonicum Linn.
and wax. A pyrrolizidine (hepatotox-
ic) alkaloid has also been isolated from Fam Liliaceae; Alliaceae.
the herb. The alkannins have antimi-
Habitat Native to Palestine;
crobial and wound-healing properties
cultivated in India.
and are non-toxic in mice. They have
been used clinically for indolent ulcers. English Shellot.

Allium cepa Linn. 33
Ayurvedic Grnjana. spasmodic, diuretic, hypotensive,
antidiabetic.
A
Unani Gandanaa, Ek-daanaa
Lehsun, Ek-potia Lehsum. (Also Key application For the preven-
equated with Asphodelus tenuifolius tion of atherosclerosis (German
Cav.) Commission E) and age-dependent
changes in the blood vessels, and
Action Anticoagulant, fibrinolytic,
loss of appetite (WHO).
hypocholesterolaemic.
The official onion bulb of the Phar-
The aqueous extract of the bulbs
macopoeia of the People’s Republic of
contains mainly fructose (%), be-
China is a different species, Allium
sides glucose, arabinose, galactose,
macrostemon Bge., than that of the
mannose, rhamnose, glucosamine and
German Commission E monographs,
uronic acid. It also contains lysine, glu-
A. cepa. Chinese onion is used for
tamic acid and aspartic acid. It shows
cough, dyspnoea, angina pectoris and
significant activity against P- lym-
dysentery.
phocytic leukaemia in mice.
Scallions or Spring Onion of Chi-
In experiments on rabbits, the alco-
nese medicine are equated with Allium
holic extracts of the bulb showed sig-
fistulosum.
nificant anticoagulant, fibrinolytic and
Onion bulbs contain a volatile oil
hypocholesterolaemic properties.
with sulphurous constituents, includ-
ing allylpropyldisulphide; sulphur-
containing compounds, including al-
Allium cepa Linn. licin, alliin; flavonoids; phenolic acids
and sterols.
Family Liliaceae; Alliaceae. Hypoglycaemic activity of the onion
is attributed to the allylpropyldisul-
Habitat Cultivated as an annual
phide and allicin. Diphenylamine, iso-
all over the country. The most
lated from mature bulbs, also exhibits
important onion-growing states are
potent antihyperglycaemic activity.
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra
Alliin and allicin have an inhibito-
Pradesh., Karnataka and Madhya
ry effect on platelet aggregation. An-
Pradesh.
tibiotic activity is due mainly to alli-
English Onion. cin.
Ayurvedic Palaandu, Durgandh. Regular use of onion ( g/day) re-
duces insulin requirement of a diabetic
Unani Piyaaz. patient from  to  units a day.
Siddha/Tamil Venkaayam. Thiosulphinates, isolated from on-
ion juice, exhibited antiasthmatic acti-
Action Antibiotic, antibacteri- vity in vivo.
al, antisclerotic, anticoagulant,
anti-inflammatory, antiasthmatic, Dosage Juice of bulb—– ml.
expectorant, carminative, anti- (CCRAS.)

34 Allium macleanii Baker.
A Allium macleanii Baker. English Garlic.
Ayurvedic Lashuna, Rasona,
Family Liliaceae, Alliaceae.
Yavaneshta, Ugragandha, Ma-
Habitat Native to Afghanistan. haushadh, Arishta.
(A bulbous plant related to onion.)
Unani Seer, Lahsun.
English Oriental Royal Salep.
Siddha/Tamil Ullippoondu, Vellaip-
Unani Baadshaahi Saalab. pondu.
Action Anabolic and gastrointesti- Action Antibiotic, bacteriostatic,
nal tonic. fungicide, anthelmintic, antithrom-
bic, hypotensive, hypoglycaemic,
hypocholesterolaemic. Also used
Allium porrum Linn. for upper respiratory tract infections
and catarrhal conditions.
Synonym A. ameloprasum
Hook. f. non Linn. Key application As a supportive to
dietary measures for elevated levels
Family Liliaceae, Alliaceae. of lipids in blood; as a preventive
Habitat Native to the Mediterranean measure for age-dependent vascular
region; cultivated in India. changes. (German Commission E,
English Leek. ESCOP, WHO, The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia.) Also as an
Folk Vilaayati Piyaaz. Praan
antimicrobial. (The British Herbal
(Kashmir). Seemevangayam (Tamil
Pharmacopoeia). Garlic has been
Nadu).
shown to be effective in respiratory
Action Expectorant; used as infections and catarrhal conditions.
a substitute for garlic. (The British Herbal Compendium.)
Leek is poor in volatile oil content in The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
comparison with garlic, but it contains dia indicates the use of the bulb as
sufficient amounts of non-toxic sapo- a brain tonic in epilepsy and psychic
nins, which perhaps give it expectorant disorders.
properties. Heavy consumption of garlic pri-
The bulbs contain several thiosul- or to surgery led to increased clotting
phinates, and also potentially anticar- time or reduced platelet aggregation
cinogenic flavonoids, quercetin and (in human case reports). Garlic tablets
kaempferol. at a dose of  mg twice daily for
 weeks reduced platelet aggregation
% compared with placebo in  pa-
Allium sativum Linn. tients (in human clinical study). (Fran-
cis Brinker.)
Family Liliaceae, Alliaceae. Garlic cloves are high in sulphur-
Habitat Native to Central Asia. containing amino acids known as al-
Cultivated all over India. liin (no taste, no smell, no medicinal

Alocasia indica (Lour.) Spach. 35
action). With crushing or chewing alli-
in comes into contact with the enzyme
The aerial parts (chives) gave alliins
(alkylcysteine sulfoxides), particularly
A
alliinase. Alliinase, in less than  s, methyl alliin and pentylalliin.
transforms alliin into allicin (strong- Allium tuberosum Rottl. ex Spreng,
ly medicinal), which breaks down into found in eastern India and western
a number of sulphur compounds in- Himalayas, is equated with Chinese
cluding ajoene, vinyldithin and diallyl Chives. It is available in Meghalaya.
disulfide, and trisulfide. The antibiotic
effect is attributed to allicin; hypogly-
caemic effect to allicin and allylpro-
phyldisulphide (also to S-allyl cysteine Alocasia indica (Lour.) Spach.
sulfoxide); anticarcinogenic activity to
Synonym A. macrorrhiza (Linn.)
diallyl monosulfide; platelet aggrega-
G. Don
tion inhibitory effect to diallyl-di- and
tri-sulphides. Ajoene inactivated hu- Family Araceae.
man gastric lipase, which is involved Habitat A genus of topical Asia,
in digestion and absorption of dietary Malayasia and the Pacific. Found
fats. wild and cultivated all over India.
Diallyltetra, penta-, hexa- and hep-
tasulphides are potential antioxidants. English Giant Taro.
Allium leptophyllum Wall. is equated Ayurvedic Maanaka, Maana,
with Vana Lashuna, Jangali Lahsun. Maankanda, Kasaalu, Hastikarni.
Dosage Bulb— g (API Vol. III.) Siddha/Tamil Merukan kizhangu.
Action Rootstock—mild laxative,
diuretic (in anasarca); used in
inflammations and diseases of
Allium schoenoprasum Linn. abdomen and spleen. Leaf—astrin-
Family Liliaceae, Alliaceae. gent, styptic, antitumour. Root and
leaf—rubefacient. Tubers—used as
Habitat Native to temperate vegetable after eliminating oxalate
northern Europe and the U.S.; content.
distributed in the western Himalayas
from Kashmir to Kumaon at All parts of the plant, except tu-
altitudes of ,–, m. bers, contain cyanogenic principle,
a mixture of triglochinin and iso-
English Chives. triglochinin. The tubers contain sterols
Action Used in place of young and high concentration of soluble oxa-
onions. lates (prolonged use may lead to cal-
cium deficiency and oxaluria.) The
An alcoholic extract of the bulbs tubers contain a trypsin/chymotrypsin
exhibited hypotensive and cardiac de- inhibitor. The plant contains HCN
pressant activity. (.%). It is found to be mitogenic

36 Aloe barbadensis Mill.
A to human peripheral blood lympho-
cytes.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
India recommends the use of dried
juice of leaves in dysmenorrhoea
Dosage Tuber—– g powder. and diseases of the liver.
(CCRAS.)
Aloe vera improved the hypogly-
caemic effect of glyburide (gliben-
Aloe barbadensis Mill. clamide) when one tablespoonful aloe
juice was given orally in the morning
Synonym A. vera Tourn. ex Linn. and at bedtime to  diabetic patients
A. indica Royle for  days. The juice (same dose)
A. littoralis Koening showed antihyperglycaemic activity
Family Liliaceae; Agavaceae. (independently). (Francis Brinker.)
Anthraquinone glycosides, known
Habitat Cultivated throughout
as aloin, in small doses act as a tonic
India, wild on coasts of Maharashtra,
to the digestive system, and at high-
Gujarat and South India.
er doses become a strong purgative, as
English Curacao Aloe, Barbados well as increase colonic secretions and
Aloe, Indian Aloe, Jaffarabad Aloe. peristaltic contractions. Resin fraction
Ayurvedic Kanyaasaara, Eleyaka is also as important as aloin in cathar-
(dried juice of the leaves). Kumaari, tic action. In A. barbadensis the highest
Kumaarikaa, Kanyaa, Grihkanyaa, percentage of aloin is .%.
Ghritkumaarika (plant). Aloe produces pelvic congestion and
is used for uterine disorders, generally
Unani Gheekwaar, Sibr.
with Fe and carminatives. The pulp is
Siddha/Tamil Sotru Kattraazhai, used in menstrual suppressions.
Kumaari. Moosaambaram (dried A molecule in the Aloe vera gel, ace-
juice). mannan, stimulates macrophages and
Folk Elwaa, Musabbar (dried juice releases immune system potentiators;
of leaves). enhances function of T cells and in-
terferon production. Animal studies
Action Purgative (causes griping), have shown promising results in sar-
emmenagogue. Gel—topically coma.
emollient, anti-inflammatory, The carboxypeptidase and salicylate
antimicrobial (used for wound components of Aloe gel can inhibit
healing, sunburn). bradykinin, a pain-producing agent;
Key application In occasional C-glycosyl chromone appears to re-
constipation; contraindicated duce topical inflammation. Aloe gel
in intestinal obstruction and also slows or inhibits the synthesis
acutely inflamed intestinal diseases, of thromboxane, which may accel-
ulcerative colitis, appendicitis. erate the healing of burns. (Natu-
(German Commission E, ESCOP, ral Medicines Comprehensive Database,
WHO.) .)

Alpinia officinarum Hance 37
Dosage Leaf pulp juice—– ml.
(CCRAS.) Dried leaf pulp juice—
a significant gain in the weight of sexual
organs and increased sperm motility
A
– mg powder. (API Vol. I.) and sperm count.
Plants used as Raasnaa in Indian
medicine: Alpinia galanga Willd. (Zin-
Alpinia galanga Willd. giberaceae) in southern India; Pluchea
lanceolata C. B. Clarke (Compositae;
Family Zingiberaceae. Asteraceae) in Uttar Pradesh; Van-
Habitat The Himalayas and da roxburghii R. Br. (Orchidaceae) in
southern region of western Ghats. eastern Uttar Pradesh and West Ben-
English Greater Galangal. gal; Blepharispermum subsessile DC.
(Compositae; Asteraceae) in Madhya
Ayurvedic Kulanjana, Sthuula- Pradesh; and Dodonaea viscosa (Linn.)
granthi, Sugandhaa, Ugragandhaa, Jacq. (Sapindaceae) in Andhra Pradesh.
Malaya Vachaa, Mahaabhari-
Vachaa. Substitute for Raasnaa Dosage Rhizome—– g powder.
(Pluchea lanceolata). Decoction—– ml. (CCRAS.)
Unani Khulanjaan.
Siddha/Tamil Perarattai.
Alpinia malaccensis Rosc.
Action Rhizome—carminative (in
dyspepsia), stomachic, circulatory Family Zingiberaceae.
stimulant, diaphoretic, anti- Habitat Eastern Himalayas, Assam,
inflammatory. Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, up to
Throughout southern India, the rhi- , m, and western Ghats of
zome of Alpinia galanga is used as Kerala.
Raasnaa for rheumatism, intermittent Folk Saliyeridumpa (Tamil).
fever, dyspepsia and respiratory ail- Action Rhizome—employed to
ments. (In the north, Vanda tessellata cure sores. Fruits—emetic (used
or Pluchea lanceolata is used as Raas- with salt).
naa.)
EtOH extract of the plant shows The rhizomes yield essential oil con-
anti-inflammatory activity. The ethano- sisting of methyl cinnamate as chief
lic extract also showed significant anti- constituent.
ulcer activity in rats, which has been
attributed to the antisecretory and cy-
toprotective properties of the plant. Alpinia officinarum Hance
Major constituents of the essential Family Zingiberaceae.
oil are methyl cinnamate, cineole and
d-pinene. In moderate doses, the oil Habitat Native to China; cultivated
exhibits antispasmodic action. in northern India.
Unani physicians use A. galanga as English Lesser Galangal, Alpinia,
a sex tonic. In mice, the drug caused Catarrh Root, Chinese Ginger.

38 Alpinia speciosa (Wendl.) K.Schum.
A Ayurvedic Kulanjan (var.). Siddha/Tamil Chitraraththai.
Unani Khulanjaan (smaller var.). Action Rhizomes are used as
Siddha/Tamil Chitrarattai. a substitute for A. galanga and
even for ginger; antiulcerative,
Action Rhizome—a circulatory spasmolytic.
stimulant and carminative.
Key application As a carminative. The leaves and rhizomes yield an
(The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) essential oil which contains alpha-and
beta-pinene, borneol, campene and ci-
Aqueous and methanolic extracts of neole as major constituents.
the rhizome, on oral administration,
exhibited significant decrease in gastric
secretion in rabbits and showed an-
ticholinergic effect in pylorus-ligated Alstonia scholaris R. Br.
rats.
Family Apocynaceae.
Flavones from rhizomes are strong-
ly antifungal against a wide variety Habitat Throughout moist regions
of pathogenic fungi, responsible for of India, especially in West Bengal
major skin diseases in eastern India. and west-coast forests of southern
Flavones were also found to be active India.
against a number of Gram-positive and English Devil’s tree, Dita Bark tree.
Gram-negative bacteria.
The gingerols and diaryheptanoids Ayurvedic Saptaparna, Sapta-
constituents of the rhizome are potent chhada, Saptaparni, Saptaahvaa,
inhibitors of PG synthetase (prosta- Vishaaltvak, Shaarada, Visham-
glandin biosynthesizing enzyme); they chhada.
can also be active against -lipoxyge- Unani Chhaatim, Kaasim (Kaasim
nase, an enzyme involved in leuko- Roomi, Anjudaan Roomi is equated
triene biosynthesis. (Natural Medicines with Myrrhis odorata Scope.)
Comprehensive Database, .)
Siddha/Tamil Ezhilamippalai,
Mukkampalai.
Folk Chhitavan, Sataunaa.
Alpinia speciosa
(Wendl.) K.Schum. Action Bark—febrifuge, antiperi-
odic, spasmolytic, antidysenteric,
Synonym A. Zerumbet Burtt and uterine stimulant, hypotensive; used
R.M. Smith for internal fevers.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Along with other therapeutic appli-
Habitat Native to East Indies. cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
Occurs in the eastern Himalayas of India indicates the use of stembark
from West Bengal eastwards. in phosphaturia and recommends it as
English Light Galangal. a blood purifier.

Alternanthera sessilis (Linn.) R. Br. ex DC. 39
Alstonia sp. is known as Fever Bark.
A. constricta is native to Australia;
major alkaloid, shows monoamine
oxidase-inhibitory activity both in vit-
A
A. scholaris to Australia and South- ro and in vivo.
east Asia. The bark of both the species
contains indole alkaloids. A. constric-
ta contains reserpine (a hyptotensive Alternanthera sessilis
agent). A. scholaris contains echita- (Linn.) R. Br. ex DC.
mine, which has also demonstrated
hypotensive effects. Though A. schol- Synonym A. triandra Lam.
aris produces fall in the temperature A. denticulata R. Br.
of human patients with fever, there A. repens Gmel. Non-Link.
are conflicting reports about the activ- Family Amaranthaceae.
ity of echitamine against Plasmodium Habitat Throughout the hotter
berghei. parts of India, especially around
Dosage Stembark—– g for tanks and ponds.
decoction. (API Vol. I.) Ayurvedic Matsyaakshi, Matsyaak-
shika (a multimeaning name,
also indicating Braahmi, Ain-
Alstonia venenata R. Br. dri), Matsyagandhaa, Matsyaa-
dini, Minaakshi, Bahli, Gandali,
Family Apocynaceae. Gartkalambukaa, Vaahlikaa.
Habitat Peninsular India. Unani Machhechhi.
Folk Pazh-munipala (Tamil), Siddha/Tamil Ponnonkanni keerai.
Addasarpa (Kannada), Palamunpala
Folk Gudari Saag.
(Malyalam).
Action Febrifuge, galactagogue,
Action Stembark and fruit—
cholagogue.
antiepileptic.
Along with other therapeutic appli-
The plant is a rich source of indole
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
alkaloids. Major alkaloids in the stem-
of India indicates the use of dried whole
bark are alstovenine, venenatine, -
plant in diseases due to vitiated blood
dehydroalstovenine, reserpine (.–
and obstinate skin diseases.
.%), venoxidine and kopsinine.
Young shoots contain protein %
Alstovenine, in lower doses, exhibits
and iron . mg/ g. Leaves also
monoamine oxidase inhibitor activity;
contain a good amount of alpha- and
in higher doses, shows marked central
beta-tocopherols.
stimulant effect (reversal of reserpine
The plant gave stigmasterol, beta-
effects). Venenatine exhibits reserpine-
sitosterol, a saturated aliphatic hydro-
like profile of activity (sedation, ptosis,
carbon and aliphatic ester.
reduction in motor activity).
The fruit contains vincadifformine Dosage Whole plant—– g
type of alkaloids. Echitovenidine, the powder. (API Vol. II.)

40 Althaea officinalis Linn.
A Althaea officinalis Linn. kaempferol, quercetin and diosmetin
glucosides. Polyphenolic acids include
Family Malvaceae. syringic, caffeic, salcyclic, vanillic and
Habitat Native to eastern Europe; p-coumaric acids.
found in Kashmir and Himachal The mucilages have proven biologi-
Pradesh. cal activity including stimulation of
phagocytosis in vitro.
English Marshmallow, Hollyhock. The root counters excess stomach
Unani Khatmi, Gul-Khairu (also acid, peptic ulceration and gastritis.
equated with Althaea rosea Linn.).
Siddha/Tamil Shemai-tutti.
Altingia excelsa Noronha
Action Demulcent, emollient,
antitussive (used for cough, Family Altingiaceae.
bronchitis, gastritis, enteritis and Habitat Assam and Arunachal
cystitis), antilithic, diuretic. Pradesh.
Key application (leaf and root) In English Storax, Oriental Sweet
irritation of the oral and pharyngeal Gum.
mucosa and associated dry cough;
Ayurvedic Shilaarasa, Turushka,
in mild inflammation of the gastric
Silhaka (substitute for Liquidamber
mucosa. (German Commission E,
orientalis, Hamamelidaceae).
ESCOP.) As demulcent. (The
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) Siddha/Tamil Neriyurishippal.
In gastroenteritis, peptic and Action Resin—carminative, stom-
duodenal ulceration, common achic, antiscorbutic expectorant,
and ulcerative colitis. (The British antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-
Herbal Compendium.) Topically stress, hepatoprotective. Externally
for varicose veins, skin ulcers, used in scabies and leucoderma.
abscesses, cuts, burns.
The ethyl acetate extract of the root
Althaea rosea (L.) Cav., synonym Al- of A. excelsa was studied for antistress
cea rosea L., Hollyhock flower, is used effect in a variety of biological models
as mucilage for prophylaxis and ther- of stress; also in stress-induced ulcers
apy of diseases and discomforts of the and CCl-induced hepatotoxicity. An-
respiratory and gastrointestinal tract tistress was the most significant phar-
and for urinary complaints. (It is in- macological property of the Storax.
cluded among unapproved herbs by
German Commission E.)
The root contains starch, mucilage, Amanita muscaria Linn.
pectin, flavonoids, phenolic acids, su-
crose, tannins and asparagines. Muci- Family Agaricaceae; Amanitaceae.
lage (–%) consists of a number of English Fly Agaric (mushroom),
polysaccharides. Flavonoids include Aga, Soma.

Amaranthus spinosus Linn. 41
Ayurvedic Identified as Soma of
Rigveda (controversial). (Sushruta
Amaranthus caudatus Linn. A
described  varieties of Soma and Family Amaranthaceae.
 other drugs as its substitutes.) Habitat Grown as vegetable in
Intensely poisonous; used for northern India.
intoxication.
English Love-Lies-Bleeding, Tassel
The fungus has been used in Russia Flower.
for preparing an intoxicating drink.
Ayurvedic Raam-daanaa (grain).
Toxic principles arecholine, mus-
carine and mycetoatropine (muscari- Siddha/Tamil Pungikeerai, Siru-
dine). Muscarine stimulates postgan- keerai.
glionic, cholinergic and neuroeffector Folk Chuko.
junctions. The isoxazole constituents
Action Blood-purifier, diuretic;
are psychoactive.
used in piles, strangury, dropsy
– Fly Agaric (more than  g fresh)
and anasarca; tea has been used
are toxic;  (more than  g fresh) are
for relieving pulmonary conditions;
lethal. (Francis Brinker.)
also given in scrofula and applied
A. pantherina is used in Japan for
to scrofulous sores. Antimicrobial
intoxication.
peptides have been isolated from
Aga is not a true hallucinogen. The
seeds.
illusions are a misinterpretation of sen-
sory stimuli due to isoxazole, ibotenic In Western herbal medicine, Love-
acid, muscimol, muscazone and traces Lies-Bleeding is equated with Amaran-
of muscarine. (Natural Medicines thus hypochondriacus, and is used for
Comprehensive Database, .) ulcers, diarrhoea, as well as inflamma-
tion of the mouth and throat.
Preliminary evidence suggests that
Amaranthus blitum Linn. var. Amaranth seed can reduce total choles-
oleraceus Duthie terol and LDL, while increasing HDL,
but Amaranth muffins failed to re-
Family Amaranthaceae. duce cholesterol levels in hypercholes-
Habitat Throughout India. terolemic adults beyond the reduc-
English Trailing Amaranth, Wild tion achieved by low-fat diet. (Natu-
Blite. ral Medicines Comprehensive Database,
.)
Ayurvedic Maarisha.
Siddha/Tamil Aarumathathandu,
Kiraitandu.
Amaranthus spinosus Linn.
Folk Marasaa.
Action Cooling, stomachic, Family Amaranthaceae.
emollient. Used in biliousness, Habitat Cultivated fields, waste
haemorrhagic diathesis. places and along roadsides.

42 Amaranthus tricolor Linn.
A English Spiny Amaranth, Thorny
Amaranth, Spiny Pigweed.
Folk Laal Shaak, Laal Marashaa.
Action Astringent (in menorrhagia,
Ayurvedic Tanduliya, Tandulaka, leucorrhoea, dysentery, diarrhoea,
Meghnaad, Megharava, Vishaghn, haemorrhagic colitis); also used in
Alpamaarish. cough, bronchitis and consumption;
Siddha/Tamil Mullukkeerai. externally emollient.
Folk Katili-chaulai. The plant contains amarantin, isoa-
marantin, betaine, amino acids, sterols.
Action Galactogenic, laxative,
emollient, spasmolytic, diuretic. Dosage Leaf, seed, root—– ml
Pollen extract—used for allergic juice. (API Vol. III.) Powder—–
asthma and allergic rhinitis. Root—  g. (CCRAS.)
used in menorrhoea.
Plant contains sterols. Leaves and
stems contain alpha-spinasterol and Amberboa divaricata Kuntze
hentriacontane. Leaves also contain
amino acids with high content of ly- Synonym Volutarella divaricata
sine. Benth. and Hook. F.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Dosage Whole plant—– ml
juice; – mg powder. Habitat Distributed in the Mediter-
(CCRAS.) ranean region, extending to Central
Asia and India.
Ayurvedic Brahmadandi (Tri-
cholepis glaberrima DC. of the
Amaranthus tricolor Linn.
same family is also equated with
Synonym A. gangeticus Linn. Brahmadandi.)
A. melancholicus Linn. Unani Baadaavard.
A. polygamus Linn. Hook. f. in part.
A. tristis Linn. Action Deobstruent, aperient,
febrifuge, nervine (used in debility),
Family Amaranthaceae. antiseptic (used in leucoderma).
Habitat Cultivated throughout
India.
English Chinese Spinach, Garden Ammannia baccifera Linn.
Amaranth, Fountain Plant.
Family Lythraceae.
Ayurvedic Maarisha-rakta (red
var.). Habitat Marshy areas throughout
India, as a weed.
Siddha/Tamil Arai-keerai, Siru-
keerai, Thandu-keerai, Mulakkerai English Blistering Ammannia.
(Tamil). Ayurvedic Agnipatri.

Ammi visnaga (Linn.) Lam 43
Folk Daadmaari. (Also known as
Paashaanabheda.)
Ammi visnaga (Linn.) Lam A
Synonym Daucus visnaga Linn.
Action Stomachic, laxative, Visnaga daucoides Gaertn.
antirheumatic, febrifuge. Leaves—
used externally for ringworm, Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
herpic eruptions and other skin Habitat Cultivated as a garden
diseases; rubefacient. ornamental; runs wild at many
places in Jammu region.
Leaves contain lawsone. Plant ex-
tract—antibacterial. Extracts of stem, English Khella.
leaf and inflorescence are more effec- Folk Paashaanabhedi (controversial;
tive as compared with the seed and root Bergenia ligulata has been equated
extract. with the classical Paashaanabheda).
Action Antispasmodic in renal
colic, bronchial asthma, whooping
Ammi majus Linn. cough (used by Unani physicians),
vasodilator (in angina pectoris).
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. Key application German
Habitat Cultivated in Jammu and Commission E approved the
Himachal Pradesh. herb on  March , but due to
information on potential risks, its
English Biship’s Weed-Amee, status was changed to unapproved
Greater Ammi. on  April .
Unani Itarilaal, Khalah. Khella contains khellin (%), vis-
Action Source of xanthotoxin, nagin, khellol glycoside, flavonoids,
a drug employed in the treatment of sterols, volatile oil (.%). Khellin and
leucoderma. Dried fruit powder or visnagin exert a powerful antispas-
extract of the plant is used topically modic effect on the smaller bronchial
in vitiligo. muscles, the coronary arteries and on
the urinary tubules. Khellin provides
The fruits contain ammoidin (xan- relief to asthmatic patients. The drug
thotoxin), ammidin (imperatorin) and also relieves painful spasm of stone in
majudin (bergapten). All the three kidney and bladder (no more used for
compounds are used in leucoderma. expelling kidney stones).
Maximum xanthotoxin content (%) is Khella does not reduce blood pres-
found in green fruits from Jammu. sure in spite of being a vasodilator.
The -MOP, methoxypsoralen con- Khellin is toxic at  mg. (Francis
stituent of the weed is one of the first Brinker.)
agents used along with UVA radiation Khella is used topically for vitili-
to treat psoriasis. (Natural Medicines go and psoriasis. The Khellin con-
Comprehensive Database, .) stituent is similar to the psoralen nucle-

44 Amomum aromaticum Roxb.
A us and might be useful as a photosensi-
tizer in patients with psoriasis. (Natu-
Unani
Kubaar.
Heel Kalaan, Qaaqule
ral Medicines Comprehensive Database, Siddha/Tamil Peria Elam, Kattu
.) Elam, Beraelam.
(Several modern drugs including
amiodarone, nifedipine and cromolyn Action Stomachic, antiemetic, an-
have been developed from Khella.) tibilious, astringent, alexipharmic;
used for the treatment of indi-
gestion, biliousness, abdominal
pains, vomiting, in congestion of
Amomum aromaticum Roxb. liver. Pericarp—in headache and
Family Zingiberaceae. stomatitis.
Habitat North Bengal and Assam. The seeds contain a chalcone (carda-
English Bengal Cardamom, monin), a flavonoid (alpinetin), petu-
Cardamom. nidin-, -diglucoside and leucocyani-
din glucocide; also a aurone glycoside
Ayurvedic Sthula-elaa (var.) subulin. The essential oil (.%) con-
Siddha/Tamil Perelam. tains cineole.
Folk Morang-elaaichi. Dosage Seed–– g powder.
Action Similar to that of A. subula- (CCRAS.)
tum.
The seeds yield on essential oil (.–
.%) containing cineole as the princi- Amoora cucullata Roxb.
pal constituent.
Chinese practitioners avoid the use Family Meliaceae.
of cardamom in conditions marked by Habitat Coastal forests of West
symptoms of excessive heat. Bengal and Andaman Islands.
Folk Amur, Latmi, Natmi (Bengal).
Action Leaf—anti-inflammatory.
Amomum subulatum Roxb.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in swampy Amphicome emodi Lindl.
places in Bengal, Sikkim, Assam
Family Bignoniaceae.
and Tamil Nadu.
English Greater or Nepal Car- Habitat Temperate Himalaya from
Kashmir to Kumaon at – m.
damom.
Ayurvedic Sthula-elaa, Bhadraa, Folk Kaur (Kashmir).
Bhadrailaa, Bahulaa, Prithivikaa, Action Plant—febrifuge; used as
Triputaa, Truti. a substitute for Swertia chirayita.

Amygdalus persica Linn. 45
An iridoid glycoside named amph-
icoside is reported from the plant.
Amorphophallus sylvatius Kunth. is
equated with the wild var. of Suu-
A
rana, used especially in the treatment
of piles.
Amorphophallus campanulatus Dosage Dried corm—– g
(Roxb.) Blume ex Decne. powder. (API Vol. III.) – g
powder. (CCRAS.)
Family Araceae.
Habitat Native to tropical Asia;
cultivated throughout India.
Amygdalus communis Linn.
English Elephant-foot Yam.
Synonym Prunus amygdalus Baill.
Ayurvedic Suurana, Kanduula,
A. communis var. dulcis (sweet
Arshoghna, Kand-ayak, Kandala.
almond).
Unani Zamin-qand, Zamikand. A. communis var. amara (bitter
Siddha/Tamil Chenaikkizhangu. almond).
Kaathukarunai (wild var.) Family Rosaceae.
Action Corm is prescribed in Habitat Native to Asia Minor and
bronchitis, asthma, abdominal pain, Persia; cultivated in India in cooler
emesis, dysentery, enlargement of parts of Punjab and Kashmir.
spleen, piles, elephantiasis, diseases
English Almond
due to vitiated blood, rheumatic
swellings. Ayurvedic Vaataama, Vaataada.
Unani Badaam, Loz.
Along with other therapeutic appli-
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Siddha/Tamil Vaadumai.
of India indicates the use of corm in Action Sweet almonds—nutrient,
prostatic hyperplasia. nervine tonic, demulcent. Oil—
(The corm is irritant due to the pres- externally for skin. Bitter almonds—
ence of calcium oxalate. It can be con- not used medicinally.
sumed after it is washed well and boiled
in tamarind water or butter milk.) Almond flour and almond butter are
The corm contains an active di- free from starch and used in foods for
astatic enzyme amylase, betulinic acid, diabetics and for patients with peptic
tricontane, lupeol, stigmasterol, beta- ulcers. Chief protein in kernels is glob-
sitosterol and its palmitate and glucose, ulin.
galactose, rhamnose and xylose.
Intake of .-. g of konjac (Amor-
phophallus konjac tuber) mannan for Amygdalus persica Linn.
 days reduced the dose of insulin or
hypoglycaemic drugs (in human clini- Synonym Prunus persica Batsch.
cal study). (Francis Brinker.) Family Rosaceae.

46 Anacardium occidentale Linn.
A Habitat Native to China; cultivated
in Himalayan regions; grows in
of heart, rheumatic pericarditis,
sexual debility.
tropical and semi-tropical regions
and temperate climates. The nut contains % fat and %
protein. Leaves contain flavonoids,
English Peach tree. mainly glycosides of quercetin and
Ayurvedic Aaruka. kaempferol, and hydroxybenzoic acid.
The bark contains a balsam-containing
Unani Aaaduu, Khokh.
anacardic acid, anacardol, cardol and
Action Leaves and bark—expec- ginkgol. The caustic liquid in the
torant (used in cough, whooping shell contains about % anacardic
cough, and chronic bronchitis), acid, a mixture of alkyl salicylic acid
sedative, stomachic, demulcent, derivatives. The leaves are febrifuge.
antiscorbutic, diuretic. Fresh Anacardic acid is bactericidal, fungici-
leaves—anthelmintic. Powder of dal, vermicidal and protozoicidal. The
leaves—styptic (externally). Fruit— leaves and bark exhibited hypotensive
stomachic, antiscorbutic. activity in rats.
The phenolics of the cashew-nut
shell oil have inhibited the enzymic
activity of alpha-glucosidase, invertase
Anacardium occidentale Linn.
and aldose reductase (anacardic acids
Family Anacardiaceae. being the most potent). Cardols have
also shown antifilarial activity in vitro.
Habitat Native to tropical America,
Anacardic acids, cardols and methyl
from Mexico to Peru and Brazil.
cardols have been found to exhibit
Cultivated largely in Malabar,
moderate cytotoxic activity.
Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
and Andhra Pradesh, and to some
extent in Maharashtra, Goa, Orissa
and West Bengal. Anacyclus pyrethrum DC.
English Cashew Nut.
Synonym A. officinarum Hayne
Unani Kaaju.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Siddha/Tamil Mindiri.
Habitat Native to the Mediterranean
Action Leaves and bark—fungi- region; cultivated in Algeria.
cidal, vermicidal, protozoicidal,
antimicrobial (used for toothache, English Spanish, Pellitory,
sore gums). Karnel—eaten for Pyrethrum Root.
its high protein content. Cashew Ayurvedic Aakaarakarabha,
apple—antiscorbutic. Resinous Aakallaka, Aakulakrit, Agragraahi.
juice contained in the seeds—used
Unani Aaqarqarhaa.
in cases of mental derangement,
memory disturbances, palpitation Siddha/Tamil Akkiraakaaram.

Anamirta cocculus (Linn.) Wight and Arn. 47
Action Stimulant, cordial, rubefa-
cient.A gargle of infusion is pre-
English Bird’s Eye, Bird’s Tongue,
Blue Pimpernel, Scarlet Pimpernel.
A
scribed for relaxed vulva. Root— Unani Anaaghaalis.
used for toothache, rheumatic and
neuralgic affections and rhinitis. Folk Jonkmaari (Maharashtra),
Roots, along with the root of Witha- Dhabbar (Punjab), Jighanaa,
nia somnifera and Vitis vinifera, are Jenghani.
used in epilepsy. Action Plant—anti-inflammatory,
Along with other therapeutic ap- astringent, deobstructant, an-
plications, Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia tifungal, nematocidal; toxic to
of India indicates the use of the root leeches.
in sciatica, paralysis, hemiplegia and The plant yields anagalligenone B.
amenorrhoea. The presence of quaternary alkaloids,
The root contains anacycline, isobu- gluco-fructoside and tannin have been
tylamide, inulin and a trace of essential reported. The root yields glycosidic
oil. saponins, including cyclamin. An
The local anaesthetic activity of the acetyl saponin, isolated from the plant,
alcoholic (%) extract of the root was was found to possess marked taenici-
found to be comparable to that of xy- dal activity but had no effect on round-
locaine hydrochloride (%) in dental worms.
patients. A methanolic extract of the aerial
Use of the drug in patients with parts showed activity against herpes
insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus simplex I, adenovirus type II and po-
reduces the dose of insulin. It de- lio type II. Triterepene saponins have
creased the plasma glucose and serum oestrogenic activity.
cholesterol levels after oral adminis-
tration for – weeks. (The plant is
mixed with Helleborus nigar in a ra-
tio of :.) The plant extract inhibited Anamirta cocculus
tobacco-induced mutagenesis by .% (Linn.) Wight and Arn.
at a concentration of  mg/plate.
Synonym A. paniculata Colebr.
Dosage Root— mg to  g Family Menispermaceae.
powder. (CCRAS.)
Habitat The Khasi Hills, Orissa and
peninsular India.
Anagallis arvensis Linn. English Fish Berry, Levant Berry,
Poison Berry, Crow Killer.
Family Primulaceae.
Ayurvedic Kaakaadani, Kaakamaari.
Habitat Northwestern Himalayas
from Kashmir eastwards to Nepal, Siddha/Tamil Kaakkaikkollividai.
hills of West Bengal; Central and Action Insecticide, antifungal;
southern India. highly valued in skin diseases; used

48 Ananas comosus (Linn.) Merrill
A externally to kill lice and other
parasites.
Key application Bromelain, the
proteolytic enzyme, is used in acute
postoperative and post-traumatic
The leaves and fruit contain picro- conditions of swellings, especially
toxin (up to %) and alkaloids. Pi- of the nasal and paranasal sinuses.
crotoxin (sesquiterpene glycoside) is (German Commission E.) In Europe,
a powerful poison and nerve stimulant. a patented tape that contains
It is rarely taken internally. Coccu- bromelain is used for debriding
lus (a tincture prepared from the pow- escharotic skin. (Internally,
dered seeds of Cocculus indicus) is used bromelain’s bioavailability has been
internally as a homoeopathic medicine questioned.)
for convulsions, neurological disorders
and psychosis-related fear.
Picrotoxin at  mg is toxic, and
two to three berries are lethal. (Francis Anaphalis neelgerriana DC.
Brinker.) Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat The Nilgiri Hills at ,–
, m.
Ananas comosus (Linn.) Merrill
Ayurvedic Raktaskandana.
Family Bromeliaceae. Folk Kaatplaaster (Nilgiri hills).
Habitat Native to South America; Action Antiseptic. Fresh leaves are
cultivated mostly in Tamil Nadu, bruised and applied to wounds and
coastal Andhra Pradesh, Assam, cuts as plaster.
Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal,
Tripura and Orissa. An acyl flavonoid glycoside, ana-
English Pineapple. phaloside, along with isoquercitrin and
astragalin, has been isolated from the
Ayurvedic Anaanaasa, Bahunetra. flowers of a related sp. Anaphalis con-
Unani Anannaas. torta, used as an antibacterial and styp-
Siddha/Tamil Annanshippazham, tic.
Annasi.
Action Anti-inflammatory (fresh
Anastatica hierochuntica Linn.
juice used as a gargle for sore
throat). A proteolytic enzyme, Family Cruciferae.
bromelain, is derived from the
Habitat Arabia, Palestine, Syria.
stem—anti-inflammatory, smooth
muscle relaxant, digester, inhibitor English Jericho Rose.
of blood platelet aggregation. (It is Unani Kafemariyam, Kafe-aaishaa.
used for cellulitis, post-operative
oedema, sinusitis and for promoting Folk Garbha-phool.
digestion of proteins.) Action Used in difficult labour.

Andrographis panicultata Wall. ex Nees 49
Anchusa italica Retz. Andrographis panicultata A
Wall. ex Nees
Synonym A. azurea Mill.
Family Boraginaceae. Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat Indian gardens, and hills. Habitat Throughout India, from
Himachal Pradesh to Assam and
English Cow’s Tongue Plant.
Mizoram, and all over southern
Ayurvedic Gojihvikaa (considered India.
as a vegetable, equated with Launaea
English Creat.
asplenifolia Hook. f., Compositae,
Asteraceae.) Unani Gaozabaan is Ayurvedic Kaalmegha, Bhuunimba,
a different drug. Bhuuminimbaka, Vishwambharaa,
Unani Gaozabaan. (Now equated Yavtikta, Kalpanaatha, Kiraata-tikta
with species of Boraginaceae, (var.).
particularly Borago officinalis Linn. Unani Kiryaat.
Imported Unani drug Gaozabaan Siddha/Tamil Nilavembu.
consists of the leaves and nutlets of
Anchusa strigosa Labill and Echium Action Hepatoprotective, cholin-
amoenum Fisch. and Mey.) ergic, antispasmodic, stomachic,
anthelmintic, alterative, blood
Action Stimulant, tonic, demulcent; purifier, febrifuge. It acts well on
used in bilious complaints, fever, the liver, promoting secretion of
cough, asthma; as diuretic in bile. Used in jaundice and torpid
bladder and kidney stones. Oil—a liver, flatulence and diarrhoea of
rich source of vitamin E (.%), children, colic, strangulation of
more than that of wheat-germ oil intestines and splenomegaly; also
(.%). The nutlets show positive for cold and upper respiratory tract
tests for alkaloids and tannins. The infections.
flowers yield anthocyanins and the
leafy stems yield bornesitol. Key application As bitter tonic,
febrifuge and hepatoprotective.
(Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
Andrographis echioides Nees Kaalmegha, officinal in IP, consists
of dried leaves and tender shoots,
Family Acanthaceae.
which yield not less than % andro-
Habitat Warmer parts of India. grapholide on dry-weight basis.
Folk Ranchimani (Maharashtra). Several active constituents have been
identified from the leaf and rhizome,
Action Febrifuge, diuretic.
including andrographolide, deoxyan-
The plant contains a flavone, echio- drographolide and other diterpenes.
dinin, and its glucoside, echioidin. Andrographolide exhibited strong
EtOH (%) extract of the plant exhib- choleretic action when administered
ited diuretic activity in animal studies. i.p. to rats. It induces increase in bile

50 Andropogon muricatus Retz.
A flow together with change in physi-
cal properties of bile secretion. It was
Unani Khas.
Siddha Vettiveru.
found to be more potent than sily-
marin. Action Roots—refrigerant,
Andrographolide was found to be febrifuge, diaphoretic, stimu-
almost devoid of antihepatitis-B virus lant, stomachic and emmenagogue;
surface antigen-like activity (when used in strangury, colic, flatulence,
compared with picroliv.) obstinate vomiting; paste used as
The leaf and stem extracts of Kaal- a cooling application in fevers.
megha/andrographolide given s.c. or Major constituents of the essential
orally did not change blood sugar level oil are vetiselinenol and khusimol. Sev-
of normal or diabetic rats. eral sesquiterpenoids, including vetid-
Alcoholic extract of the plant ex- iol, are also present. The two types of
hibited antidiarrhoeal activity against oils, laevorotatory and dextrorotatory,
E. coli enterotoxins in animal models. from northern India and southern In-
Clinical evidence of effectiveness of dia, respectively, are biochemically dif-
andrographis in humans is limited to ferent.
the common cold. Preliminary evi- Andropogon sp.: see Cymbopogon
dence suggests that it might increase sp.
antibody activity and phagocytosis by
macrophages, and might have mast
cell-stabilizing and antiallergy activi-
ty. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Anemone obtusiloba D. Don
Database, .) Synonym A. pulsatilla Linn.
The herb is contraindicated in bleed-
ing disorders, hypotension, as well as Family Ranunculaceae.
male and female sterility (exhibited in- Habitat Native to Europe; thrives
fertility in laboratory animals). in dry grassland in central and
northern parts of the continent.
Dosage Whole plant—– ml
juice; – ml decotion; – g English Wind-Flower, Wood
powder. (CCRAS.) Anemone, Pasque Flower, Pulsatilla.
Unani Gul-laalaa, Shaqaaq-un-
Nomaan.
Andropogon muricatus Retz. Action Nervine and sedative
(used for anxiety neurosis, nervous
Synonym Vetiveria zizanioides exhaustion, tension, headache,
(Linn.) Nash. migraine, insomnia), antispasmodic
Family Poaceae. (in catarrh); used for amenorrhoea,
Habitat All over India. inflammation of ovaries, painful
menstruation and genito-urinary
English Vetiver, Cuscus. infections. The rootstock is given
Ayurvedic Ushira. with milk for concussions. The

Angelica archangelica Linn. var. himalaica (C. B. Clarke) Krishnaand Badhwar 51
seeds cause vomiting and purging.
The seed oil is used in rheumatism.
among unapproved herbs by German
Commission E.)
A
An aqueous dill extract, adminis-
Pulsatilla contains ranunculin, tered intravenously, lowers blood pres-
which hydrolyzes to a toxic, unsta- sure, dilates blood vessels, stimulates
ble compound protoanemonin, which respiration and slows heart rate in an-
readily dimerizes to non-toxic ane- imals. (Natural Medicines Comprehen-
monin. sive Database, .)
Anemonin and protoanemonin ex- Dill seeds contain up to % volatile
hibit sedative and antipyretic activity. oil (about half of which is carvone),
Protoanemonin is also antimicrobial. flavonoids, coumarins, xanthones and
(Topically, Pulsatilla is used for infec- triterpenes. The yield of the oil from
tious diseases of the skin.) Indian A. sowa varies from . to .%.
Carvone is the major constituent (.–
.%). The oil from seeds is used for
Anethum sowa Roxb. ex Flem. flatulence in children and enters into
the preparations of gripe water. The oil
Synonym A. graveolens Linn. var. is also antimicrobial and antifungal.
sowa Roxb. Dill apiol is considered undesir-
A. graveolens DC. able and toxic. Vizag fruit var. from
Peucedanum sowa Roxb. Andhra Pradesh is dill-apiol-free and
Peucedanum graveolens Benth. with –%, carvone content having
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. same flavonoid pattern as A. sowa.
Habitat Cultivated all over India. Dosage Dried fruit—– g powder.
English Indian Dill, Sowa. (API Vol. III.) Fruit, leaf—– g
powder. (CCRAS.)
Ayurvedic Shataahvaa. Shata-
pushpaa (also accepted as Foenicu-
lum vulgare Mill., equated with
Mishreya, Mishi, Madhurikaa). Angelica archangelica Linn. var.
himalaica (C. B. Clarke) Krishna
Unani Shibt, Soyaa. and Badhwar
Siddha/Tamil Sadakuppai.
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Action Carminative, stomachic,
Habitat Native to Syria; now grown
antispasmodic.
in Kashmir at ,–, m.
Key applicationIn dyspepsia. Ayurvedic Chandaa, Chandaam-
(German Commission E.) shuka, Kathachoraa.
The fresh and dried leaf is used for Action Expectorant, carminative,
prevention and treatment of diseases digestant, cholagogue, antispas-
and disorders of the gastrointestinal modic, diaphoretic, diuretic,
tract, kidney and urinary tract, for anti-inflammatory, smooth muscle
spasms and sleep disorders. (Included relaxant, antifungal, antibacterial.

52 Angelica glauca Edgew.
A Key application In flatulence and
peptic discomforts. The root
Angelica glauca Edgew.
is a component in numerous Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
gastrointestinal, cholagogue and Habitat Kashmir and Chamba in
biliary remedies in Germany. Himachal Pradesh, between ,–
(Angelica root is an approved herb, , m.
whereas the seed and above-ground
English Angelica.
parts have been included among
unapproved herbs by German Ayurvedic Choraka, Chorakaa,
Commission E.) Kopanaa, Chorakaakhya,
Nishaachara, Dhanhar, Taskara,
Chinese angelica root, Dong Quai, Kshemaka.
is equated with Angelica sinensis. It Action Root—cordial and stimu-
is prescribed internally for menstrual lant, carminative (used in constipa-
irregularity, lack of menstruation and tion), expectorant, diaphoretic.
painful menstruation.
The roots from Kashmir yield furo- The root contains furocoumarins,
coumarins, phenol compounds and also dimeric, lingusticum lactone.
flavonoids.
Dosage Root—– g powder.
Xanthotoxol exhibited antihista-
(CCRAS.)
mintic and antinicotinic activities on
guinea-pig ileum. The dry extract has
been shown to have anti-inflammatory
activity. Anisochilus carnosus Wall.
The root is reported to inhibit bac- Family Labiatae; Lamiaceae.
terial and fungal growth.
Furocoumarins, especially psoralen Habitat The western Himalayas,
and -methoxypsoralen, are used in Central and southern India.
the photochemotherapy of psoriasis Folk Karpuravalli (southern
and vitiligo. The biological activi- region).
ty is due to covalent linkage formed Action Stimulant, expectorant and
with DNA by irradiation with long- diaphoretic. Juice of fresh leaves is
wavelength UV light. used in urticaria and other allergic
Most of the coumarins have shown conditions; a domestic remedy for
significant calcium antagonistic activi- coughs and cold. Alcoholic extract
ty in vitro. of the whole plant—antibacterial.
Angelicin, a resin, is stimulating to Essential oil—antitubercular.
the lungs and skin. contraindicated in
bleeding disorders, peptic ulcers and The oil exhibits antihistaminic prop-
pregnancy. (Sharon M. Herr.) erty in vitro on smooth muscles of the
uterus and the intestines. It also pos-
Dosage Root—– g powder. sesses muscle-relaxant action; bacteri-
(CCRAS.) cidal and fungicidal properties. The

Annona squamosa Linn. 53
leaves contain glucosides of luteolin
and apigenin.
Action Leaves—insecticide, an-
thelmintic, styptic, externally used
A
as suppurant. Unripe and dried
fruit—antidysenteric. Bark—
powerful astringent, used as
Anisomeles malabarica antidysenteric and vermifuge.
(Linn.) R. Br. ex Sims
Rootbark, leaves and stems gave iso-
Family Labiatae; Lamiaceae.
quinoline alkaloids. Two acetogenins,
Habitat The western Ghats from annoreticuin and isoannoreticuin, iso-
Maharashtra to Karnataka; Andhra lated from the leaves, were found to be
Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. selectively cytotoxic to certain human
English Malabar Catmint. tumours.
The leaves and stems also gave al-
Ayurvedic Sprikkaa. kaloids—dopamine, salsolinol and co-
Siddha/Tamil Irattaipeyameratti. claurine.
Annona reticulata, Annona muri-
Action Antispasmodic (used
cata, Annona squamosa and Annona
in dyspepsia, colic), antipyretic,
cherimola are known as Raampha-
diaphoretic, antiperiodic, emme-
la, Lakshman-phala, Sitaa-phala and
nagogue, antirheumatic. The oil is
Hanumaan-phala, respectively.
used externally as an embrocation
in rheumatic arthritis.
The plant contains beta-sitosterol, Annona squamosa Linn.
letulinic acid, ovatodiolide and ani-
somelic acid. The essential oil from Family Annonaceae.
tops and flowers yield a terpene hydro- Habitat A native to South America
carbon, citral and geranic acid. and the West Indies; now cultivated
throughout India.
English Custard Apple, Sugar
Annona reticulata Linn. Apple, Sweet-sop.
Family Annonaceae. Ayurvedic Gandagaatra, Sitaa
phala (also equated with Curcurbita
Habitat Native to the West Indies.
maxima).
Cultivated in Bengal, Assam, Khasi
Hills and southern India. Unani Sharifaa.
English Bullock’s Heart, Common Siddha/Tamil Sitaaphalam, Atta.
Custard Apple. Action Leaves—insecticide (seed
Ayurvedic Raamphala. powder, mixed with leaf juice is
used for removing lice from scalp).
Siddha/Tamil Aninuna. Seeds—abortifacient. Root—
Folk Luvuni. purgative, used in blood dysentery.

54 Anogeissus latifolia Wall. ex Bedd.
A Fruit—invigorating, sedative to
heart, antibilious, antiemetic,
The leaves, bark and heartwood
yield quinic and shikmik acids; leaves
expectorant. Dried, powdered contain gallotannin (–% of the
unripe fruits—used for treating tannins). The young leaves and shoots
ulcers. Ripe fruit made into paste contain % tannins (dry basis). The
with betel leaves is applied to bark contains –% tannins. Heart-
tumour to hasten suppuration. wood contains gallic acid, ellagic acid,
Leaves, bark, unripe fruit—strongly its derivatives, quercetin and myricetin.
astringent; used for diarrhoea and The gum is mainly the calcium salt
dysentery. of a complex, high molecular weight
polysaccharic acid (ghattic acid). The
A fraction of total alkaloid from gum is a substitute for Gum arabic.
roots exhibits antihypertensive, anti-
spasmodic, antihistaminic and bron-
chodilatory properties. Leaves con-
tain a cardiotonic alkaloid, quinoline. Anthemis nobilis Linn.
Squamone and bullatacinone were se-
lectively cytotoxic to human breast car- Synonym Chamaemelum nobile (L.)
cinoma. Allioni.
In Cuban medicine, leaves are taken Family Asteraceae.
to reduce uric acid levels. Habitat The temperate regions of
the Himalayas. Wild at several
places.
Anogeissus latifolia
EnglishRoman Chamomile, Double
Wall. ex Bedd.
Chamomile.
Family Combretaceae. Unani Gul-e-Baabuuna.
Habitat Central and southern India. Siddha/Tamil Shimai chamantipu.
English Axle-wood, Button tree, Action Mild sedative, anticon-
Ghatti tree. vulsant, antispasmodic, anti-
Ayurvedic Dhava, Dhurand- inflammatory, mild analgesic;
hara, Shakataahya. Indravrksha used externally for skin disorders,
(A. acuminata Wall. ex Bedd. is poultice of flowers in sprains and
a related sp. of Dhava). rheumatism.
Unani Dhaawaa. Key application Used mainly
Siddha/Tamil Vellaynaga. in France for mild spasmodic
gastrointestinal disturbances and
Folk Ghatti (Gum). sluggishness of bowels, also for
Action Astringent, cooling, used nervousness. (PDR.) (German
in diarrhoea, dysentery, ulcers, Chamomile has been included
piles, urinary disorders and dysuria. by German Commission E among
Gum—used as a tonic after delivery. approved herbs, whereas Roman

Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. 55
chamomile remains unapproved
due to lack of clinical evidence.)
Flowers and root—abortifacient.
Leaves—astringent. A decoction is
A
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia used for gargling in stomatitis and
recognizes antispasmodic activity aphthae.
of Anthemis nobilis.
Along with other therapeutic appli-
The flower heads contain volatile cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
oil (including azulenes and bisabolol); of India indicates the use of dried stem-
sesquiterpene lactone (nobilin); flavo- bark in disorders of female genital tract
noids, cyanogenic glycoside, bitter glu- and bleeding disorders.
coside (anthemic acid); acetylenic sali- The dried bark contains alkaloids,
cylic derivatives, coumarins (including steroids, reducing sugars and also tan-
scopolin), valerianic acid; tannins. nins (.%). The ether-soluble alka-
Azulenes and bisabolol are anti- loid of the bark shows antibacterial ac-
inflammatory and antispasmodic, re- tivity.
ducing histamine-induced reactions,
including hay fever and asthma. Flavo- Dosage Stembark—.–. g
noids, especially anthemidin, are also powder. (API Vol. II.)
antispasmodic. Valerianic acid and
cyanogenic glycosides are sedative.
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch.
Anthocephalus cadamba Miq. Family Moraceae.
Habitat Western Ghats from
Synonym A. indicus A. Rich. Konkan southwards to Trivandrum,
A. chinensis (Lam.) A. Rich. ex up to  m.
Walp.
English Sacking tree, Upas tree.
Family Rubiaceae.
Ayurvedic Valkala vrksha.
Habitat Assam, Bengal, southwards
to Andhra Pradesh and western Siddha/Tamil Aranthelli, Mara-uri,
Ghats. Nettavil.
English Kadam. Folk Jangali Lakuch, Jasund,
Chaandakudaa.
Ayurvedic Kadamba, Priyaka,
Vrtta-pushpa, Nipa, Halipriya. Action Seed—febrifuge, antidysen-
Kadambaka is equated with Adina teric (in minute doses). Latex—
cordifolia. circulatory stimulant (in minute
Siddha/Tamil Venkadambu, Vellai doses.)
Kadambam. The latex contains a series of poi-
Action Stembark—febrifugal, sonous cardenolides, of which alpha-
antidiuretic, anthelmintic, hypo- and/or beta-antiarin are the main com-
glycaemic. Fruit—cooling; anti- ponents. The total amount of crys-
catarrhal, blood purifier, analgesic. talline cardiac glycosides in the latex

56 Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) Parker.
A ranges from . to .%; alpha-antiarin
from . to .% and beta-antiarin
An aqueous extract of the bark,
when injected i.p. in normal guinea
from . to .%. Antiarins are said pigs, showed reduction in absolute
to act on the heart more powerfully lymphocyte count and an increase in
than digitalin. Beta-antiarin is more spleen weight. The bark appears to be
potent than alpha-antiarin. an effective immunosuppressive drug
Latex, in small quantities, is a mild similar to prednisolone.
cardiac and circulatory stimulant, The stembark contains a limonoid,
whereas in large quantities it acts as ammorinin and a saponin, poriferas-
a myocardial poison. It stimulates in- terol--rhamnoside.
testinal and uterine contractions.
As many as  Kedde-positive sub-
stances were reported in the seed sam-
ple from Indonesia. The latex sam- Apium graveolens Linn.
ple showed the presence of  Kedde- Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
positive substances.
Habitat Native to Europe; cultivated
in northwestern Himalayas and in
hills of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal
Aphanamixis polystachya Pradesh and southern India.
(Wall.) Parker.
English Celery.
Synonym Amoora rohituka W. and
Ayurvedic Ajmodaa, Ajmoda,
A.
Ajmodikaa, Dipyaka.
Family Meliaceae.
Unani Karafs.
Habitat The sub-Himalayas tracts,
Sikkim, Assam, Bengal, western Siddha/Tamil Celery-keerai.
Ghats and the Andamans. Folk Ajmodaa.
Ayurvedic Rohitaka, Daadima- Action Anti-inflammatory (used in
chhada, Daadima-pushpaka, rheumatic disorders, inflammation
Plihaghna. Tecoma undulata G. of the urinary tract), diuretic,
Don., Bignoniaceae, is also equated carminative, nervine, sedative,
with Rohitaka. antiemetic, antispasmodic, antisep-
Siddha/Tamil Malampuluvan. tic (used in bronchitis, asthma, as
well as liver and spleen diseases),
Action Bark—strongly astringent,
emmenagogue. Essential oil from
used in the diseases of the liver and
seeds—tranquilizer, anticonvulsant,
spleen, and for tumours, enlarged
antifungal. Seeds are used in the
glands. Seed oil—used in muscular
treatment of chronic skin disorders
pains and rheumatism. All parts
including psoriasis.
of the plant exhibit pesticidal
activity. Seed extract—antibacterial, Key application As diuretic. (The
antifungal. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)

Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. 57
Celery yields an essential oil (%),
major constituent being d-limonene
Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. A
(%) and phathalides and beta-seli- Synonym A. malaccensis Lamk.
nene; coumarins, furanocoumarins Family Thymelaceae.
(bergapten); flavonoids (apiin and api-
genin). Alkaloid fraction of seeds Habitat The hills of Assam,
showed tranquilizing activity in ani- Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur and
mals. The phthalides are sedative in Tripura.
mice and exhibit antiepileptic activity English Aloewood, Eaglewood,
in rats and mice. The aqueous ex- Agarwood.
tract of the celery has been shown to Ayurvedic Aguru, Krimij, Krish-
reduce adjuvant-induced arthritis in naaguru, Jongaka, Maaliyaka, Loha,
rats, and to be hypotensive in patients Kaalaloha, Asitaka.
as well as animals. The tincture of the
plant exhibits drop in blood pressure Unani Ood-ul Hindi, Ood Gharqi.
accompanied by an increase in urine Siddha/Tamil Akil kattai, Agil.
output.
Action Heartwood—astringent,
carminative, antiasthmatic, anti-
diarrhoeal, antidysenteric; used in
Apium leptophyllum gout, rheumatism and paralysis; as
(Pers.) F. Muell. ex Benth. a stimulant in sexual debility; as
a liniment in skin diseases.
Family Umbelliferae.
The agarwood or eaglewood of com-
Habitat Native to America; culti-
merce is derived from the fungus-
vated in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat,
infected tree through wounds caused
Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka.
by the species of Aspergillus, Fusarium,
Ayurvedic Ajmodaa, Dipyaka. Penicillium, and also by some of Fungi
Unani Ajmod, Karafs-e-Hindi. Imperfecti. Agarwood on distillation
yields an essential oil, known as Agar
Siddha Omam. Oil.
Action See Apium graveolens. The essential oil yields a number
of agarofurans, sesquiterpene alcohols
The essential oil contains Meethers and spirosesquiterpene alcohols.
of thymol, carvacrol and thymoquinol; The stemwood yields sesquiterpe-
used as a carminative. The oil shows noids—gmelofuran and agarol; also
strong antifungal activity against Can- a coumarinolignan—aquillochin.
dida albicans, and moderate activi- (Agar is a different drug—extract of
ty against Gram-positive and Gram- a seaweed, Gelidium Amansii, used as
negative bacteria. a mild laxative.)
Dosage Dried fruit—– g powder. Dosage Heartwood—– g powder.
(API Vol. II.) (API Vol. IV.)

58 Arachis hypogaea Linn.
A Arachis hypogaea Linn. Folk Taapamaari (Maharashtra).
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae Action Stimulant, aphrodisiac,
antipyretic, dyspeptic, expectorant.
Habitat Native to Brazil, but widely
grown for its pods in southern
India, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
English Groundnut, Peanut, Arctium lappa Linn.
Monkeynut. Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Ayurvedic Mandapi, Tailamudga,
Bhuumimudga. Habitat Native to northern Europe;
now found in western Himalayas,
Unani Moongphali. Kashmir and Simla.
Siddha/Tamil Nelakadalai, English Common or Great Burdock.
Verkadalai.
Folk Phaggarmuul (Kashmir).
Action Kernels—contain pro-
tease inhibitors. Peanut skin— Action Hypoglycaemic (plant
haemostatic. extract caused reduction of blood
sugar with an increase in carbohy-
There is a haemostatic principle in drate tolerance). Roots—inhibitory
the peanut flour, which is said to im- of tumour growth, cardiac stimu-
prove the condition of haemophiliacs. lant, diuretic, spasmolytic. Leaves
The protease inhibitor acts on the fib- and seeds—anticutaneous (used in
rinolytic system, primarily as an an- psoriasis, seborrhoic eczema).
tiplasmin. It is reported to form com-
plexes not only with the enzymes, but Key application As dermatolog-
also with the corresponding zymogens. ical agent. (The British Herbal
The peanut (red) skin contains bio- Pharmacopoeia.)
flavonoids, which possess vitamin–
P activity; tannins; a lipoxidase and Important constituents of Burdock
a protease inhibitor. Capric acid, ob- roots are fatty acids, organic acids, phe-
tained from the (red) skin, showed nolic acids, lignans, sesquiterpenes,
antifungal activity against Aspergillus tannin, inulin and mucilage.
niger. Extracts of the fruit are reported to
have hypoglycaemic activity in rats.
Arctigenin (lignan) is a weak inhibitor
of experimental tumour growth. The
Aralia binnatifida (Seem.) Clarke. antimicrobial properties are due to
Synonym A. pseudo-ginseng Wall. polyacetylenes (of the root). The root
ssp. himalaicus Hara. exhibits antibiotic activity against
Staphylococcus, and is used for fungal
Family Araliaceae. and bacterial infections. A flavonoid,
Habitat Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan, arctiin, shows smooth muscle relaxant
Khasi Hills. properties.

Areca catechu Linn. 59
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Spreng. Action Taeniacide (confined to
veterinary medicine), astringent,
A
Family Ericaceae. stimulant.
Habitat Native to North America,
Europe and Asia. Along with other therapeutic appli-
cation, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
English Bearberry. of India indicates the use of dried ripe
Unani Inbud-dub, Angur-e-khiras, seed in leucorrhoea and vaginal laxity.
Reechh Daakh. Arecanut contains several alkaloids
Action Astringent, dirutic; used for belonging to pyridine group, the most
urinary tract infections, dysuria, important being arecoline (.–.%).
cystitis, urethritis, pyelitis. Arecaidine, guvacine and isoguvacine
are also present. Arecoline is an-
The leaves gave .–% of a flavanol thelmintic (in animals, not in hu-
glucoside, isoquercitin, arbutin and mans). Arecaidine has no parasympa-
methyl arbutin. Total arbutin content thomimetic effects, but only stimulat-
varies from . to .%; tannins  ing properties; sedative in higher dos-
to %. Arbutin hydrolyses to hydro- es. Isoguvacine produces hypotension.
quinone, a urinary antiseptic. Contraindicated in asthma due to
Arbutin is antimicrobial, but the bronchoconstrictive effects of the al-
crude extract of uva-ursi is more effec- kaloid arecoline (human case reports).
tive than isolated arbutin. In rats, uva- (Francis Brinker.)
ursi showed anti-inflammatory activi- Arecanut tannins (.–.%) are
ty against experimentally induced in- predominantly catechol tannins which
flammation. (Natural Medicines com- closely resemble Mimosa bark tan-
prehensive Database, .) nins. Powdered nuts are prescribed in
diarrhoea and urinary disorders. In
combination with other astringent and
styptic herbs, arecanut is used as a ma-
Areca catechu Linn.
jor constituent in confections of Indian
Family Palmae; Arecaceae. medicine for gynaecological disorders.
Aqueous extract of the nut exhibits
Habitat Native to Malaysia; now
direct vasoconstriction and adrenaline
grown along the coasts of Karnataka,
potentiation in rats. Antimicrobial
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal,
activity is due to polyphenolic frac-
Assam and Maharashtra.
tion. Tannins potentiated the action of
English Arecanut, Betel Nut. acetylcholine in ileum and uterus of rat
Ayurvedic Puuga, Puugi, Kramuka, and noradrenaline on seminal vesicle
Ghontaa, Guwaak, Ghorant. at low concentration.
Due to increased incidence of oral
Unani Fufal, Chhaalia, Supaari. cancer associated with betel chewing,
Siddha/Tamil Kottai Paakku, the use of arecanut as a masticatory is
Kamugu. being discouraged.

60 Argemone mexicana Linn.
A Seeds are toxic at – g, fluid extract
at . ml; and arecoline hydrobromide
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat Found all over India,
at .–. mg. (Francis Brinker.)
ascending to  m.
Dosage Dried ripe fruit—– g English Elephant Creeper.
powder. (API Vol. I.)
Ayurvedic Vriddhadaaruka,
Vriddhadaaru, Vriddhadaaraka,
Bastaantri, Sthavira, Sthaviradaaru,
Argemone mexicana Linn. Atarunadaaru, Samudrashosha.
Family Papaveraceae. (Seeds of Salvia plebeia R. Br. are
also known as Samudrashosha.)
Habitat Native to America;
naturalized throughout India. Unani Samunder sokh.
English Prickly Poppy, Mexican Siddha/Tamil Ambgar, Samuddira-
Poppy. pacchai
Ayurvedic Katuparni, Svarnkshiri, Folk Bidhaaraa.
Kaanchan-kshiri, Pitadugdhaa.
Hemaahvaa, Himaavati, Hemavati. Action Root—aphrodisiac (con-
(Not to be equated with Brah- sidered as a rejuvenator), nervine
madandi—Tricholepis glaberrima.) (used in diseases of nervous sys-
tem, sexual disorders), diuretic
Unani Satyaanaashi. (used in strangury), antirheumatic.
Siddha/Tamil Piramathandu, Seeds—hypotensive, spasmolytic.
Kudiyotti. Leaves—used externally in skin
Action Seed—responsible for diseases (ringworm, eczema, boils,
epidemic dropsy. Causes diarrhoea swellings); rubefacient, topically
and induces toxicity. Oil, leaf stimulant.
juice and root—used externally for
The seeds contain hallucinogenic
indolent ulcers and skin diseases.
ergoline alkaloids, the main ones be-
The herb contains isoquinoline alka- ing ergine and isoergine. EtOH (%)
loids. The fresh latex contains protein- extract of seeds exhibits hypotensive
dissolving constituents and is used ex- activity. (Seeds of all species of Ar-
ternally to treat warts, tumours and gyreia contain ergoline alkaloids and
cancer. Latex contains alkaloid berber- are hypotensive.) Leaves of Argyreia
ine (.%), protopine (.%) and free sp. contain sitosterol and are antiphlo-
amino acids. Sanguinarine is the toxic gistic.
factor in seeds. In Indian medicine, A. speciosa is
not used as a single drug for sexual
disorders in men, but as a support-
Argyreia speciosa Sweet. ing drug for exerting its antiphlogistic,
spasmolytic and hypotensive actions
Synonym A. nervosa (Burm. f.) Boj. on the central nervous system. The

Aristolochia indica Linn. 61
drug, in itself, did not show anabolic-
cum-androgen-like or spermogenetic
Leaves and fruit contain ceryl alco-
hol, aristolochic acid and beta-sitos-
A
activity experimentally. terol. Aristolochic acid is insecticidal,
Ipomoea petaloidea Chois and Ipo- poisonous, nephrotoxic. Leaf juice—
moea biloba Forsk of the Convolvulacae vermifuge. Seeds—strong purgative.
family are also used as Vriddhadaaru. Products containing aristolochic acid
In Western herbal medicine, Hawai- are banned in the U.S., Canada, Great
ian Baby Woodrose is equated with Britain, European countries and
Argyreia nervosa (synonym Argyreia Japan.
speciosa; grows in Florida, California The seed compounds, aristolochic
and Hawaii). The seed is used for pain acid and magnoflorine, induce con-
relief and as a hallucinogen. tractions in the isolated uterus of preg-
The seeds contain hallucinogens in- nant rat and stimulate the isolated
cluding ergonovine, isoergine (isoly- ileum of guinea pig. They also acti-
sergic acid amide) and ergine (lyser- vate the muscarinic and serotoner-
gic acid amide). Four to eight seeds gic receptors in a variety of organs.
are equivalent to – mcg of LSD, Magnoflorine decreases arterial blood
a potent serotonin-A (-HTA) ago- pressure in rabbits, and induces hypo-
nist. The effects last – h. (Natu- thermia in mice.
ral Medicines Comprehensive Database, See also A. longa.
.)
Dosage Root—– g powder.
(CCRAS.) Aristolochia indica Linn.
Family Aristolochiaceae.
Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. Habitat Throughout the country,
mainly in the plains and lower hilly
Synonym A. bracteata Retz.
regions.
Family Aristolochiaceae.
English The Indian Birthwort.
Habitat Uttar Pradesh, Bengal,
Madhya Pradesh and western Ayurvedic Ishvari, Gandhnaakuli,
peninsular India. Naagadamani, Arkamuula.
English Bracteated Birthwort. Unani Zaraavand-Hindi.
Ayurvedic Kitamaari, Dhumrapa- Siddha/Tamil Adagam.
traa, Naakuli.
Folk Isarmuula, Isrola.
Unani Kiraamaar.
Action Oxytocic, abortifacient,
Siddha/Tamil Aadutheendaappaalai,
emmenagogue.
Kattusuragam.
Action Oxytocic, abortifacient, Aristolochia sp. contain aristolochic
emmenagogue. acids and aristolactams.

62 Aristolochia longa Linn.
A Aristolochia longa Linn. English Horseradish.
Action Circulatory stimulant,
Family Aristolochiaceae. diaphoretic, diuretic, antibiotic.
English European Birthwort. Used for both urinary and respira-
tory tract infections. Root—liver,
Unani Zaraawand Taweel.
spleen and pancreatic stimulant;
Action Oxytocic, abortifacient, an alternative to Cayenne pepper;
emmenagogue. urinary antiseptic; diuretic; used
in the treatment of gout, increases
Aristolochic acid and its Me es- excretion of uric acid; also for
ter—strongly abortifacient, showed proteinura and vaginal discharges.
damage to liver and kidney. Roots— An infusion is used for hepatitis.
anti-oestrogenic. A cytotoxic lignan,
savinin, has been isolated from the Key application In catarrhs of the
roots. respiratory tract and as a supportive
Aristolochic acid also has an effect therapy for infections of the urinary
against adenosarcoma and HeLa cells tract; externally for catarrhs of the
in culture; however, it is suspected to respiratory tract and hyperaemic
be carcinogenic. treatment of minor muscle aches.
Aristolochia extracts show a pro- (German Commission E.) It is
nounced enhancement of phagocytosis contraindicated in stomach and
by leucocytes, granulocytes and peri- intestinal ulcers and kidney
toneal macrophages, due to the pres- disorders; not to be administered to
ence of aristolochic acids. children under  years.
Tardolyt-coated tablets, which con- The root contains glucosinolates,
tain . mg of aristolochic acid, in- mainly sinigrin, which releases allyl
crease phagocytosis in healthy men. isothiocyanate on contact with the en-
Aristolochic acid also exhibits re- zyme myrosin during crushing. The
duction of some of the toxic effects oil exhibits broad-spectrum antibiot-
of prednisolone, chloramphenicol and ic activity due to allyl isothiocyanates
tetracycline in experiments in vitro, and allied compounds; used internal-
and a reduction in the rate of recur- ly as stimulant, sudorific and diuretic.
rent herpes lesions in vivo. Antibiotic activity is stronger against
Gram-positive bacteria than against
Gram-negative bacteria. The oil also
exhibits cytotoxic activity.
Armoracia lapathifolia Gilib.
The root produces an inhibitory ef-
Synonym A. rusticana Gaertn et al. fect on the growth of Gram-negative
bacteria of the typhoid-paratyphoid-
Family Cruciferae; Brassicaceae. entertitis group.
Habitat Native to Europe; grown Kaempferol, a component of Horse-
in gardens in northern India and in radish, inhibits thyroid peroxidase,
hill stations of southern India. which is involved in the biosynthe-

Artemisia absinthium Linn. 63
sis of thyroid hormone. (Sharon M.
Herr.)
The extract of the pericarp showed
a positive ionotropic and chronotropic
A
effect on all types of experimental an-
imals. The cardiac stimulant and uter-
ine stimulant activity is attributed to
Arnebia benthamii
the glycosides, whereas the relaxant ac-
(Wall. ex G. Don) Johnston.
tion on plain muscles and hypotensive
Synonym Macrotomia benthamii A. effect, which could be partly choliner-
DC. gic and partly resulting from vasodila-
tory action, are probably due to the
Family Boraginaceae.
presence of the volatile oil.
Habitat The alpine Himalayas from The leaves are found to contain an
Kashmir to Kumaon, at altitude of antifertility principle. The root con-
,–, m, and in Nepal. tains an antimalarial agent.
Folk Kashmiri Gaozabaan, Kash-
miri Kahzabaan.
Action Stimulant, cardiac tonic, Artemisia absinthium Linn.
expectorant, diuretic (syrup and
Synonym Absinthium vulgare
jam, used in diseases of the mouth
Gaertn.
and throat, also in the treatment
A. officinale Lam.
of fevers and debility.) The roots
possess antiseptic and antibiotic Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
properties. Habitat Kashmir at altitudes of
– m.
English Wormwood, Maderwood.
Artabotrys hexapetalus
Unani Afsanteen, Vilaayati Afsan-
(Linn. f.) Bhandari.
teen.
Synonym A. odoratissimus R. Br. Siddha/Tamil Machipatri.
Family Annonaceae. Folk Mastiyaaraa (Punjab), Titween
Habitat Southern India, largely (Kashmir).
grown in gardens. Action Choleretic (bile and gastric
Ayurvedic Panasagandhi, (Harit) juice stimulant), anthelmintic,
Champaka. stomachic, carminative, antispas-
modic, anti-inflammatory, emme-
Siddha/Tamil Manoranjidam. nagogue, mild antidepressant; used
Folk Haraa champaa (north), in chronic fevers.
Kathari champaa; Hirvaa champaa Key application In loss of appetite,
(Maharashtra). dyspepsia, biliary dyskinesia. (Ger-
Action Cardiac stimulant, uterine man Commission E.) In anorexia,
stimulant, muscle relaxant. for example, after illness, and

64 Artemisia maritima Linn.
A dyspeptic complaints. (ESCOP.)
It is contraindicated in gastric
Folk Kirmaani Ajawaayin,
Kirmaani-owaa, Kirmaani-ajmo.
and duodenal ulcers. Excessive Action Deobstructant, stomachic,
doses may cause vomiting, severe anthelmintic (effective against
diarrhoea, retention of urine or roundworms), antifungal.
dazed feeling and central nervous
system disturbances. (ESCOP.) A decoction of the fresh plant is giv-
en in cases of intermittent and remit-
The herb contains a volatile oil of tent fever.
variable composition, with alpha- and A. maritima var. thomsoniana C. B.
beta-thujone as the major compo- Clarke is a santonin-yielding var.; A.
nent, up to about %; sesquiterpene maritima var. fragrans (Willd.) Ledeb.
lactones (artabasin, absinthin, anab- is a non-santonin var.
sinthin); azulenes; flavonoids; pheno- Immature flowerheads and leaves
lic acids; lignans. contain santonin. Roots, stems and
Thujone is a toxic constituent which twigs are devoid of santonin. San-
shows hallucinogenic and addictive ac- tonin, a sesquiterpene lactone, is used
tivity found in Indian hemp. It stim- for the treatment of ascaris and oxyuris
ulates the brain; safe in small doses, infections. Large doses (. g is adults
toxic in excess. The azulenes are anti- and . in children) are toxic.
inflammatory. The sesquiterpene lac- Beta-santonin is less anthelmintic in
tones exhibit an antitumour effect and action than santonin; pseudosantonin
are insecticidal and anthelmintic. is devoid of anthelmintic property.
Essential oil from leaves—antibac- Studies is albino mice revealed that
terial, antifungal. The oil is toxic at santonin had no androgenic, estro-
 ml. genic, antiestrogenic, progestational
and antiprogestational effects.
Santonin is toxic at  mg in chil-
Artemisia maritima Linn. dren;  mg in adults. (Francis
Brinker.)
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Dosage Whole plant—– g
Habitat The western Himalayas powder. (CCRAS.)
from Kashmir to Kumaon.
English Wormseed, Santonica.
Ayurvedic Chauhaara, Kirmaani Artemisia vestita Wall. ex DC.
Yavaani, Chuhaari Ajawaayin; not Family Compositae, Asteraceae.
related to Ajawaayin.
Habitat Western Himalayas at
Unani Dirmanah, Kirmaalaa, ,–, m.
Afsanteen-ul-bahar. (Dirmanah
Turki is equated with A. stechmani- Ayurvedic Gangaa Tulasi.
ana Besser.) Folk Kundiyaa, Chamariyaa.

Artocarpus integrifolia Linn. f. 65
Action Leaf—haemostatic. Essen-
tial oil—antibacterial, antifungal (in
An infusion of flower tops is admin-
istered in nervous and spasmodic
A
: dilution). affections. The herb is also used
as an antilithic. Oil from leaves—
The major components of the essen- antibacterial, antifungal in :
tial oil from leaves and flowering tops dilution.
are alpha-terpinene, thujyl alcohol, ter-
penyl acetate, nerol, phellandrene, ci- Key application As emmenagogue.
neol, neral, thujyl acetate, beta-thujone (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
and artemisol. The plant yields about .% of an
Related sp., known as Gangaa Tu- essential oil. Plants at lower altitude
lasi, are Artemisia lacrorum Ledeb. and had more percentage of cineol, thu-
A. parviflora Wight. jone, thujyl and citral, whereas from
higher altitude terpenes are in high-
er percentage. The highest amount of
Artemisia vulgaris Linn. var. cineol was reported to be %.
nilagirica Clarke. The plant is also used as an inferior
substitute for cinchona in fevers.
Synonym A. nilagirica (Clarke)
Pamp.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. Artocarpus integrifolia Linn. f.
Habitat The hilly regions of India, Synonym A. heterophyllus Lam.
also in Mount Abu in Rajasthan, in Family Moraceae.
western Ghats, and from Konkan
southward to Kerala. Habitat Cultivated throughout the
hotter parts of India.
English Indian Wormwood,
Fleabane, Dungwort, Mugwort, English Jackfruit, Jack tree.
Wild Wormwood. Ayurvedic Panasa, Kantakiphala,
Ayurvedic Damanaka, Pushpachaa- Ativrihatphala, Aamaashayaphala.
mara, Gandhotkata. (Related sp.: Siddha/Tamil Murasabalam.
A. siversiana Ehrh. ex Willd.) Folk Katahal, Phanasa.
Unani Afsanteen-e-Hindi. (Na- Action Latex—bacteriolytic,
tional Formularly of Unani Medicine promotes healing of abscesses.
clubbed it with Baranjaasif.) Juice of the plant—applied to
Siddha/Tamil Maasipattiri. glandular swellings and abscesses
for promoting suppuration. Root—
Folk Daunaa, Damanaa. used for diarrhoea, asthma, skin
Action Leaf—emmenagogue, men- diseases. Unripe fruit—acrid,
strual regulator, nervine, stomachic astringent. Ripe fruit—cooling,
(in anorexia and dyspepsia), an- laxative, difficult to digest. Seeds—
thelmintic, choleretic, diaphoretic. diuretic. Lactin extraction showed

66 Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham.
A potent and selective stimulation of
distinct human T and B cells.
matter; heals boils, cracked skin
and pimples. Seeds—purgative,
haemagglutinating. Stems—
The seed extract stimulates the heart vermifuge.
and causes a fall in arterial blood pres-
sure of experimental animals pretreat- The stembark contains oxyresvera-
ed with physostigmine. The seeds show trol, used for tapeworm.
equal inhibitory activity against trypsin A lectin, artocarpin, isolated from
and chymotrypsin. (The activity is de- seeds, precipitates several galactoman-
stroyed when the seeds are boiled or nans. It agglutinates rat lymphocytes
baked.) and mouse ascites cells.
The leaves and stems show presence
of sapogenins, and exhibit estrogenic Dosage Fruit—– ml juice.
activity. (CCRAS.)
An aqueous extract of mature leaves
exhibited hypoglycaemic activity in
experimental animals. Leaves con-
tain cycloartenone, cycloartenol and Arundo donax Linn.
beta-sitosterol. Heartwood contains Family Gramineae; Poaceae.
flavonoids, artocarpesin and norarto-
carpetin and their structures. Habitat Native to Mediterranean
region; found in Kashmir, Assam
Dosage Fruit—– ml decoc- and the Nilgiris, also grown in
tion. (CCRAS.) hedges.
English Great Reed, Spanish-
Bamboo-Reed, Giant-Bamboo-
Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham. Reed.
Synonym A. lakoocha Roxb. Ayurvedic Nala, Potgala, Shuunya-
madhya, Dhamana.
Family Moraceae.
Habitat Cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, Siddha/Tamil Korukkai.
Bengal, Khasi Hills and western Action Rhizome—sudorific,
Ghats. emollient, diuretic, antilactant,
English Monkey Jack. antidropsical; uterine stimulant
(stimulates menstrual discharge),
Ayurvedic Lakuch, Kshudra Panas, hypotensive.
Granthiphala, Pitanaasha.
Siddha/Tamil Ilangu, Irapala, The rhizome yields indole--alkyl-
Ottipilu (Tamil). amine bases, including bufotenidine
and dehydro-bufontenine. The leaves
Folk Badhar. yield sterols and triterpenoids.
Action Bark—when applied Bufotenidine possesses antiacetyl-
externally, draws out purulent choline properties, histamine release

Asclepias curassavica Linn. 67
activity and is a uterine stimulant. Al-
kaloids from the flowers produced cu-
.%) with methyl eugenol (an impor-
tant constituent of A. europaeum), and
A
rarimetic effect of the non-polarizing also aristolochic acid. (Aristolochic
type. acid is carcinogenic and nephrotoxic.)
Asarum sp. are not used as a substitute
Dosage Root—– ml decoc- for ginger.
tion. (CCRAS.)
Asclepias curassavica Linn.
Asarum europaeum Linn.
Family Asclepiadaceae.
Family Aristolochiaceae.
Habitat Naturalized in many parts
Habitat Indigenous to the northern of India as an ornamental.
parts of southern Europe, Central
English Curassavian Swallow-
and East-Central Europe; cultivated
Wort, West Indian Ipecacuanha,
in the United States. A related
Blood-Flower.
sp., Asarum himalaicum, synonym
A. canadense, is reported from the Ayurvedic Kaakanaasikaa (substi-
eastern Himalayas. tute).
English Asarbacca, Hazelwort, Wild Folk Kaakatundi (Kashmir).
Nard. Action Spasmogenic, cardiotonic,
Unani Asaaroon, Subul-e-Barri, cytotoxic, antihaemorrhagic,
Naardeen-Barri. styptic, antibacterial. Various
plant parts, as also plant latex,
Folk Tagar Ganthodaa.
are used against warts and cancer.
Action Brain and nervine tonic, Root—used as an astringent in
diuretic, deobstructant and anti- piles. Leaves—juice, antidysenteric,
inflammatory; used in bronchial also used against haemorrhages.
spasm and in preparations of Flowers—juice, styptic. Alcoholic
cephalic snuffs. extract of the plant—cardiotonic.
The volatile oil (.–%) consists of An alcoholic extract of the Indi-
asarone up to %, asaraldehyde –%, an plant has been reported to contain
methyleugenol –%, with bornyl a number of cardenolides, including
acetate, terpenes and sesquiterpenes. calactin, calotropin, calotropagenin,
Asarone and its beta-isomer is found coroglaucigenin, uzarigenin, asclepin,
to be carcinogenic in animals. The rhi- its glucosides and uzarin. Asclepin, the
zome, in addition, contains caffeic acid chief active principle, is spasmogenic
derivatives and flavonoids. and a cardiac tonic, having longer du-
A related sp., Asarum canadense ration of action than digoxin ( h in
L., indigenous to North America and cat, as opposed to the  h of digoxin).
China, contains a volatile oil (.– Calotropin exhibits cytotoxic activity.

68 Asparagus adscendens Roxb.
A Pleurisy root of the U.S. is equat-
ed with Asclepias tuberosa. It is used
Action Diuretic, laxative, car-
diotonic, sedative, galactagogue;
for cold, flu and bronchitis in Western used for neuritis and rheumatism,
herbal medicine. as well as for cystitis and pyelitis.
Toxic principles of the herb include Key application In irrigation
galitoxin and similar resins, and glu- therapy for inflammatory diseases
cofrugoside (cardenolide). Toxicity is of the urinary tract and for
reduced by drying. prevention of kidney stones.
(German Commission E.). It is
contraindicated in kidney diseases
Asparagus adscendens Roxb. and oedema because of functional
heart.
Family Asparagaceae.
The root contains steroidal glyco-
Habitat The western Himalayas and
sides (asparagosides) and bitter glyco-
Punjab, from Himachal Pradesh to
sides; asparagusic acid and its deriva-
Kumaon, up to , m.
tives; asparagines, arginine and ty-
Ayurvedic Mushali, (white var.), rosine; flavonoids, including rutin,
Mahaashataavari. The black kaempferol and quercetrin; polysac-
variety is equated with Taalamuuli, carides and inulin. Asparagine is
Chlorophytum arundinaceum Baker. a strong diuretic source of folic acid
Unani Shaqaaqul-e-Hindi. and selenium.
A spirostanol glycoside, isolated
Action A substitute for A. officinalis. from the methanolic extract of the
The root yields asparagin. Sapoge- fruits, has shown % immobiliza-
nins A and B, isolated from the root, tion of human spermatozoa.
were identified as stigmasterol and Dosage Root—– g powder.
sarsasapogenin.
(CCRAS.)
Asparagus officinalis Linn. Asparagus racemosus willd.
Family Asparagaceae. Family Asparagaceae.
Habitat Native to Europe and West Habitat Found wild in tropical and
Asia. subtropical parts of India, including
English Asparagus, Sparrow grass. the Andamans and ascending in the
Ayurvedic Shataavari, Vari, Himalayas to , m.
Shatviryaa, Shatmuuli, Shatpadi, English Indian asparagus.
Bhiru, Naaraayani, Bahusutaa, Ayurvedic Shataavari, Shatmuuli,
Atirasaa. Atirasaa, Bahusutaa, Shatpadi,
Unani Haliyun. Shatviryaa, Bhiru, Indivari,

Asphodelus fistulosus Linn. 69
Vari. (Substitute for Medaa,
Mahaamedaa.)
The root extracts exhibited antialler-
gic activity in animal studies.
A
Unani Sataavar. The root, when fed orally, acted
as immunomodulator against induced
Siddha/Tamil Thanneervittan sepsis and peritonitis in rats and mice.
kizhangu, Sataavari Kizhangu. Asparagus sarmentosus Linn. has
Action Used as a galactagogue been equated with Mahaa-shataavari.
and for disorders of female Other related sp. are Asparagus curillus
genitourinary tract; as a styptic and Buch.-Ham., A. filicinus Buch.-Ham.
ulcer-healing agent; as an intestinal and A. gracilis Royle.
disinfectant and astringent in Dosage Dried root—– g powder.
diarrhoea; as a nervine tonic, and in (API Vol. IV.)
sexual debility for spermatogenesis.
Along with other therapeutic appli-
Asphodelus fistulosus Linn.
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of the tuber- Synonym A. tenuifolius Cav.
ous root in gout, puerperal diseases, Family Liliaceae.
lactic disorders, haematuria, bleeding
disorders and also recommends it for Habitat Most parts of the plains
hyperacidity. from West Bengal westwards to
The plant contains saponins—sha- Punjab and Gujarat, as a field weed.
tavarins I–IV. Shatavarin IV is a gly- English Asphodel.
coside of sarsasapogenin. The saponin Unani Piyaazi, Khunsaa, Asraash.
in doses of – mcg/ml produces (Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. is
a special blockade of syntocinon (oxy- equated with Shellot, Gandanaa.)
tocin)-induced contraction of rat, gui- Folk Bokat.
nea-pig and rabbit uteri in vitro and
in situ. It also blocks the uterine spon- Action Seeds—diuretic; applied
taneous motility. externally to ulcer and inflamed
The dried root yields sitosterol; ,- parts.
dihydroxy-–O-(’ hydroxyisobutyl) Seeds contain an ester, -O--me-
benzaldehyde and undecanyl cetano- thylstearylmyoinositol. The seed oil
ate, and contains a large amount of sac- yields myristic, palmitic, oleic, linole-
charine matter, mucilage and miner- ic, linolenic acids, beta-amyrin and
als—Ca (.), Cu (.), Na (.), beta-sitosterol. The oil, due to its
K (.), Mg (.), Mn (.), high linolenic content (.%), may
Ni (.) and Zn (.) mg/g(dry be of therapeutic value in preventing
weight). atherosclerosis.
The root was found to reduce gas- The mineral elements present in the
tric emptying time comparable to that weed are iron ., zinc . and cop-
of metoclopramide. (J Postgrad Med, per . ppm. A triterpenoid, lupeol
, (), –). and quercetin are also present.

70 Aspidopterys indica Hochr.
A Aspidopterys indica Hochr. the treatment of enlarged spleen, in in-
contenence of urine, in calculus, jaun-
Synonym A. roxburghiana A. Juss. dice and malaria); A. nidus Linn. syn-
Family Malpighiaceae. onym Thamnopteris nidus (L.) C. Presl.,
known as Bird’s Nest Fern (used as
Habitat Eastern Himalayas, Assam,
a depurative and sedative).
Meghalaya, Orissa and peninsular
India.
Folk Chuttakulaa-tigaa (Telugu).
Asteracantha longifolia Nees.
Action The extract of aerial parts—
hypotensive. Synonym Hygrophila spinosa T.
Anders
Family Acanthaceae.
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Habitat Common in moist places,
Linn. paddy fields, throughout India and
Sri Lanka.
Family Aspleniaceae.
Ayurvedic Kokilaaksha, Kokilaak-
Habitat Kashmir at – m shi, Ikshura, Ikshuraka, Kaakekshu,
and extending to Dalhousie and Kshurak, Bhikshu.
Chamba in Himachal Pradesh.
Unani Taalmakhaanaa. (Wrongly
English Black Spleenwort. equated with Euryale ferox Salisb.
Folk Krishna fern. (Fox Nut) in National Formulary of
Action Fond—expectorant, pec- Unani Medicine, Part I, first edn.,
toral, emmenagogue. Rhizome— .)
anthelmintic. Plant—bitter, diuret- Siddha/Tamil Neermulli, Nerugobbi.
ic, laxative, anti-inflammatory. It Action Diuretic, used for catarrh of
is used for diseases of spleen and the urinary organs, also for dropsy
in jaundice; produces sterility in when accompanied by hepatic
women. obstruction.
The fonds contain aliphatic hydro- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
carbons, the chief one being hentri- dia recommends the seed in lithiasis;
acontane, non-acosane and triterpe- the whole plant and root for gout.
noid hydrocarbons, mainly of  ()- Aqueous extract of herb ash—di-
hopene. uretic in albino rats. EtOH (%)—
Alcohols, sterols and fatty acids are spasmolytic and hypotensive. The
also reported. herb exhibits antihepatotoxic activi-
Related sp. include: A. laciniatum D. ty in dogs. Essential oil from whole
Don (vitamin K and phthiocol have plant—antibacterial.
been isolated for the first time from The plant gave lupeol, stigmasterol
the plant); A. adiantoides (L.) C. Chr., and hydrocarbons; seed gave sterols;
synonym A. falcatum Lam. (used in flowers, apigenin glucuronide.

Astragalus hamosus Linn. 71
Aqueous extract decreased fasting
glucose and improved glucose toler-
Tragacanthin is water-soluble, consist-
ing of an arbinogalactan and traga-
A
ance in rats. (Sharon M. Herr.) canthic acid. Bassorin is an insoluble
methylated fraction (gel). The polysac-
Dosage Whole plant—– g, charides have been shown to have im-
powder; dried seed—– g powder; munostimulating activity (stimulation
dried root—– g for decoction. of phagocytosis and an increase in plas-
(API Vol. II.) Herb ash—– g ma cell counts of T-lymphocytes.
(CCRAS.) Although tragacanth increases
weight of stool and decreases gastroin-
testinal transit time, it does not ap-
Astragalus candolleanus Royle. pear to affect cholesterol triglyceride
or phospholipid levels as other soluble
Family Fabaceae; Papilionaceae. fibres do. (Natural Medicines Compre-
Habitat The western Himalayas. hensive Database, .)
Tragacanth has been shown to be
Ayurvedic Rudanti, Rudravanti. active against a variety of tumours. It
Action Depurative, bechic, blood appears to inhibit growth of cancer
purifier (used in skin diseases). cells.
Root powder and decoction also
used as an adjunct in tuberculo-
sis. Astragalus hamosus Linn.
Dosage Fruit—– g powder. Family Fabaceae; Papilionaceae.
(CCRAS.)
Habitat Found in the plains of
Punjab.
Astragalus gummifer Labill. English Tonkin bean, Melilot,
King’s crown, King’s clover.
Family Fabaceae; Papilionaceae. Unani Naakhunaa, Ikil-ul-Malik.
Habitat Highlands of Asia Minor, (It is also equated with Melilotus
Iran, Greece, Syria and Russia. alba Desv. and Trigonela uncata
Boiss. in National Formulary of
English Tragacanth Gum.
Unani Medicine.)
Unani Katiraa, Kataad (Gum) Action Nervine tonic (used in
Action Demulcent, emollient (used nervous and catarrhal affections),
for irritation of the internal mucosa, antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory,
colitis, dry coughs), laxative. emollient, diuretic, galactogenic.
Mucilage used as an application to
burns. The callus of the plant contains
amino acids; roots contain saponins
The gum contains polysaccharides and sterols. The leaves yield -nitro-
and proteinaceous polysaccharides. propionic acid.

72 Astragalus sarcocola Dymock.
A Astragalus sarcocola Dymock. The rootbark yields alkaloids, atala-
phylline and its N-methyl derivatives
Family Fabaceae; Papilionaceae. and atalaphyllidine, which have close
Habitat The mountainous regions structural similarities with the antitu-
from Asia Minor to Iraq and Iran. mour alkaloid, acronycine, and its co-
geners. The rootbark also contains the
English Sarcocola.
limonoid, atalantin.
Ayurvedic Rudanti (substitute). The leaf juice forms an ingredient of
Unani Anzaroot, Kohal Kirmaani a compound liniment used in hemiple-
(Gum). gia. The essential oil is used in paraly-
Action Gum—antirheumatic, sis. The oil contains higher terpene es-
aperient, anthelmintic, emollient. ters belonging to azulene group (%).
(Azulenes impart anti-inflammatory
activity.)
Astragalus strobiliferus Royle.
Family Fabaceae; Papilionaceae. Atropa acuminata Royle ex Lindl.
Habitat The western Himalayas at
,–, m, and Kashmir. Synonym A. belladonna auct. non
L.
English Indian Gum tragacanth.
Family Solanaceae.
Action Gum—an Indian substitute
for tragacanth (A. gummifer gum). Habitat Kashmir and Himachal
Pradesh up to , m.
English Indian Belladonna, Indian
Atalantia monophylla Atropa.
(L.) Correa. Ayurvedic Suuchi.
Synonym A. floribunda Wt. Unani Luffaah, Luffaah-Barri,
Family Rutaceae. Yabaruj, Shaabiraj.
Habitat Throughout India, espe- Action Highly poisonous; seda-
cially in Assam, Meghalaya and tive, narcotic, anodyne, nervine,
Andaman Islands. antispasmodic (used in paralysis);
parkinsonism; encephalitis; car-
English Wild Lime.
cinoma; spastic dysmenorrhoea;
Siddha/Tamil Kattu Narangam, whooping cough, spasmodic asth-
Kattu Elumichai. ma; colic of intestines, gall bladder
Folk Jungli Nimbu. or kidney, spasm of bladder and
Action Oil from leaves and berry— ureters; contraindicated in enlarged
antibacterial, antifungal. Leaves— prostate.
a decoction is applied to cutaneous Key application In spasm and
affections. Fruit—juice, antibilious. colic-like pain in the areas of

Avena sativa Linn. 73
the gastrointestinal tract and bile
ducts. (German Commission E, The
Habitat Subtropical tract of Assam,
Maharashtra and Kerala, up to
A
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) It  m.
is contraindicated in tachycardiac Ayurvedic Maashaparni (substi-
arrhythmias, prostate adenoma, tute).
glaucoma, acute oedema of lungs.
Siddha/Tamil Peruvidukol.
A. belladonna L. (European sp. Bel- Action Febrifuge, antibilious, an-
ladonna, Deadly Nightshade) is culti- tirheumatic (used in consumption
vated in Kashmir and Himachal Pra- and swellings).
desh.
The herb contains tropane (tropine)
or solanaceous alkaloids (up to .%),
including hyoscamine and atropine; Atylosia scarabaeoides (L.)
flavonoids; coumarins; volatile bases Benth.
(nicotine).
Tropane alkaloids inhibit the para- Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
sympathetic nervous system, which Habitat Throughout India; up to
controls involuntary bodily activities; , m in the western Himalayas.
reduces saliva, gastric, intestinal and Ayurvedic Vana-kulattha.
bronchial secretions, and also the ac-
tivity of urinary tubules. Tropane al- Folk Jangli Tur, Kulthi.
kaloids also increase the heart rate Action Antidysenteric, anticholerin,
and dilate the pupils. These alkaloids febrifuge; also used in anaemia,
are used as an additive to compound anasarca and hemiplegia. Seeds—
formulations for bronchitis, asthma, taeniafuge.
whooping cough, gastrointestinal hy-
permotility, dysmenorrhoea, noctur- A flavone glucoside, atyloside, has
nal enuresis and fatigue syndrome. been isolated from the leaves.
Atropine provides relief in parkin-
sonism and neurovegetative dystonia.
The root is the most poisonous, the Avena sativa Linn.
leaves and flowers less, and the berries
the least. (Francis Brinker.) Family Gramineae; Poaceae.
Habitat A cereal and fodder crop of
Dosage Leaf, root—– mg
Europe and America; also cultivated
powder. (CCRAS.)
in India.
English Oat, Common oat.
Atylosia goensis Dalz. Ayurvedic Yavikaa. (Indian sp. is
equated with A. byzantina C. Koch.)
Synonym A. barbata Baker Unani Sult (Silt), Jao Birahnaa, Jao
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. Gandum.

74 Averrhoa bilimbi Linn.
A Action Nervine tonic (used
in spermatorrhoea, palpitation,
fresh Avena alcoholic extract of mature
plants; however, a few studies gave dis-
sleeplessness), cardiac tonic (used in appointing results. (Francis Brinker.)
debility), stimulant, antispasmodic, Oat polyphenol composition pre-
thymoleptic, antidepressant (used vented the increase of cholesterol and
in menopausal phase). Also used beta-lipoprotein of blood serum of
in diarrhoea, dysentery, colitis. fasting rabbits. Antioxidant proper-
Externally, emollient. ty of the oat flour remains unaffect-
Key application Oat straw— ed by heat. Homoeopathic tincture
externally in baths for inflammatory of seeds is used as a nervine tonic.
and seborrhoeic skin diseases. Beta-glucan from the oats stimulated
(German Commission E.) The effect immune functions.
on blood sugar is less than that from Avenacosides exhibit strong anti-
most of the fiber-containing herbs fungal activity in vitro.
and foods. (Sharon M. Herr.)
The seeds contain proteins and pro- Averrhoa bilimbi Linn.
lamines (avenins); C-glycosyl flavones;
avenacosides (spirostanol glycosides); Family Oxalidaceae; Averrhoaceae.
fixed oil, vitamin E, starch. Habitat Native to Malaysia;
Silicon dioxide (%) occurs in the cultivated throughout the country.
leaves and in the straw in soluble form
English Bilimbi, Tree Sorrel.
as esters of silicic acid with polyphenols
and monosaccharides and oligosaccha- Ayurvedic Karmaranga (var.).
rides. Unani Belambu (a variety of
Oat straw contains a high content of Kamrakh).
iron ( mg/kg dry weight), manganese
Siddha/Tamil Pilimbi, Pulichakkai.
(. mg) and zinc (. mg).
In an experimental study, oat straw Action A syrup made from the
stimulated the release of luteinizing fruits is used in febrile excitement,
hormone from the adenohypophysis of haemorrhages and internal haem-
rats. (Expanded Commission E Mono- orrhoids; also in diarrhoea, bilious
graphs.) colic and hepatitis. The fruit is used
An alcoholic extract of green oats for scurvy. An infusion of flowers is
was tried on opium addicts. Six chron- given for cough.
ic opium addicts gave up opium com-
pletely, two reduced their intake and
two showed no change following regu- Averrhoa carambola Linn.
lar use of  ml three times daily (human
clinical study). A significant diminish- Family Oxalidaceae; Averrhoaceae.
ment of the number of cigarettes used Habitat Native to Malaysia;
by habitual tobacco smokers resulted cultivated throughout the warmer
from using  ml (four times daily) of parts of India, especially in Kerala.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss. 75
English Carambola, Star Fruit,
Chinese Gooseberry.
Action Stem/bark—astringent.
Pulp of unripe fruit—used for
A
Ayurvedic Karmaranga. healing skin lesions of smallpox;
fruits and immature seeds, used as
Unani Khamraq, Karmal. cicatrizant of abscesses and ulcers.
Siddha/Tamil Tamarattai.
The bark contains % tannin, tri-
Folk Kamarakh.
acontanol and triterpenoids. Kernels
Action Root—antidote in poi- contain lapachol, which possesses an-
soning. Leaf and shoot—applied titumour activity. Aerial parts yield
externally in ringworm, scabies, beta-sitosterol, friedelin, lupenone, lu-
chickenpox. Flower—vermicidal. peol, betulinic and ursolic acids.
Fruit—laxative, antidysenteric,
antiphlogistic, febrifuge, anti-
inflammatory, antispasmodic (used
in hepatic colic, bleeding piles). Azadirachta indica A. Juss.
Seeds—galactogenic; in large doses
Synonym Melia azadirachta Linn.
act as an emmenagogue and cause
abortion. Family Meliaceae.
The fruits are a fairly good source Habitat Native to Burma; found all
of iron but deficient in calcium. They over India.
also contain oxalic acid and potassi- English Neem tree, Margosa tree.
um oxalate. The presence of fluorine
is also reported. A wide variation of Ayurvedic Nimba, Nimbaka,
vitamin-C content (.–. mg/ g) Arishta, Arishtaphala, Pichumarda,
is recorded from different places in In- Pichumanda, Pichumandaka,
dia. Sugar (.%) consists mainly of Tiktaka, Sutiktak, Paaribhadra.
glucose (.%). Unani Aazaad-Darakht-e-Hindi.
Siddha/Tamil Vemmu, Veppu,
Veppan, Arulundi.
Avicennia officinalis Linn.
Action Leaf, bark—antimicrobial,
Synonym A. alba Blume antifungal, anthelmintic, insecti-
Family Verbenaceae; Avicenniaceae. cidal, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-
malarial, antiperiodic, mosquito
Habitat A tree occurring in salt larvicidal, anti-inflammatory,
marshes and tidal creeks. antifertility, spermicidal, hypogly-
English White mangrove. caemic; used in inflammation of
Ayurvedic Tuvara. gums, gingivitis, periodonitis, sores,
boils, enlargement of spleen, malar-
Siddha/Tamil Kandal. ial fever, fever during childbirth,
Folk Tivaria (Gujarat), Upattam measles, smallpox, head scald and
(Tamil Nadu). cutaneous affections. Oil—used

76 Azima tetracantha Lam.
A as a contraceptive for intravaginal
use, for the treatment of vaginal
Dosage Dried leaf—– g powder;
– g for decoction; stembark—
infections, and as a mosquito – g powder decoction for external
repellent. use. (API Vol. II.) Leaf juice—
– ml; oil—– drops; bark
Plant tetranortriterpenoids have decoction—– ml. (CCRAS.)
been examined extensively for their an-
tibiotic, antitumour, insecticidal, an-
tibacterial and antifungal activities. Azima tetracantha Lam.
The methanolic extract of the bark
shows antimalarial activity against Family Salvadoraceae.
Plasmodium falciparum. Habitat Peninsular India, Orissa,
The aqueous extract of leaves exhib- West Bengal.
ited antiulcer and anti-inflammatory English Mistletoe Berrythorn.
activity.
The water-soluble portion of alco- Siddha/Tamil Mulchangan.
holic extract of leaves reduces blood Folk Kundali.
sugar in glucose-fed and adrenaline- Action Root—diuretic (used in
induced hyperglycaemic rats (but not Siddha medicine for dropsy and
in normal and streptozotocin-induced rheumatism). Leaves—stimulant
diabetic rats). (used in rheumatism); expectorant,
A volatile fraction of the Neem oil antispasmodic (used in cough and
is reported to be responsible for sper- asthma); given to women after
micidal activity at a dose of  mg/ml confinement. Bark—antiperiodic,
for human sperm. The oil has been astringent, expectorant.
found to retard the growth of human
immunodeficiency virus. The leaves contain the alkaloids az-
Neem oil has caused mitochondri- imine, azcarpine and carpine. EtOH
al injury in mice; poisonous in high (%) extract of aerial parts exhibited
doses. (Sharon M. Herr.) spasmogenic activity.

B
Bacopa monnieri (Linn.) Penn. in GABA level. It is assumed that en-
dogenous increase in brain glutamine
Synonym Herpestis monnieria may be helpful in the process of learn-
(Linn.) H. B. & K. Moniera ing.
cuneifolia Michx. The herb contains the alkaloids
brahmine, herpestine, and a mixture
Family Scrophulariaceae.
of three bases. Brahmine is highly tox-
Habitat Throughout the plains of ic; in therapeutic doses it resembles
India in damp marshy areas. strychnine. The herb also contains
the saponins, monnierin, hersaponin,
English Thyme-leaved Gratiola. bacosides A and B. Bacosides A and
Ayurvedic Braahmi, Aindri, Nir- B possess haemolytic activity. Her-
braahmi, Kapotavankaa, Bhaarati, saponin is reported to possess car-
Darduradalaa, Matsyaakshaka, diotonic and sedative properties. It
Shaaluraparni, Mandukaparni (also was found, as in case of reserpene,
equated with Centella asiatica Linn., to deplete nor-adrenaline and -HT
synonym Hydrocotyle asiatica Linn. content of the rat brain.
Umbelliferae, Apiaceae). An alcoholic extract of the plant in
a dose of  mg/kg produced tranquil-
Unani Brahmi. izing effect on albino rats and dogs,
Siddha/Tamil Piramivazhukkai, but the action was weaker than that
Neerbrami. produced by chlorpromazine.
Folk Jalaneem, Safed-Chammi. Dosage Whole plant—– g
powder. (API Vol. II.)
Action Adaptogenic, astringent,
diuretic, sedative, potent nervine
tonic, anti-anxiety agent (improves
mental functions, used in insanity, Balanites aegyptiaca
epilepsy), antispasmodic (used in (Linn.) Delile,
bronchitis, asthma and diarrhoea).
Synonym B. roxburghii Planch.
Key application In psychic disorders
and as a brain tonic. (The Ayurvedic Family Simaroubaceae; Balani-
Pharmacopoeia of India; Indian taceae.
Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) Habitat Drier parts of India,
particularly in Rajasthan, Gujarat,
B. monnieri has been shown to cause
Madhya Pradesh and Deccan.
prolonged elevated level of cerebral
glutamic acid and a transient increase English Desert Date.

78 Balanophora involucrata Hook. f.
Ayurvedic Ingudi, Angaar Vrksha, Habitat The Himalayas from
Taapasadrum, Taapasa vrksha, Kashmir to Sikkim and Darjeeling
B Dirghkantaka. at altitudes of ,–, m
Unani Hingan, Hanguul. Ayurvedic Chavya (tentative
Siddha/Tamil Nanjunda. synonym).
Folk Hingol, Hingota, Hingothaa. Action Astringent. Used in piles,
also in rheumatism.
Action Seed—expectorant, bechic.
Oil—antibacterial, antifungal. A related species, B. polyandra Griff.,
Fruit—used in whooping cough; found in Nagaland, Manipur, West
also in leucoderma and other skin Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Andhra Pra-
diseases. Bark—spasmolytic. desh at , m, gave a phenolic gly-
coside, coniferin. The plant is used as
The plant is reported to be a po- an antiasthmatic.
tential source of diosgenin (used in
oral contraceptives). The fruit pulp
contains steroidal saponins. The dios-
genin content of the fruit varies from Baliospermum montanum
. to .%. Aqueous extract of fruits (Willd.) Muell.-Arg.
showed spermicidal activity without Synonym B. axillare Bl.
local vaginal irritation in human up to
B. polyandrum Wt.
%; sperms became sluggish on con- Croton polyandrus Roxb.
tact with the plant extract and then
became immobile within  s; the ef- Family Euphorbiaceae.
fect was concentration-related. Habitat The Himalayas, Assam,
Protracted administration of the Khasi Hills, Bengal, Madhya
fruit pulp extract produced hypergly- Pradesh, Bihar and Peninsular
caemia-induced testicular dysfunction India, ascending to , m.
in dogs. An aqueous extract of meso-
carp exhibited antidiabetic activity in Ayurvedic Danti, Nikumbha,
streptozotocin-induced diabetes in Udumbarparni, Erandphalaa,
mice. Shighraa, Pratyak-shreni, Vishaalya.
The seed contains balanitins, which Baliospermum calycinum Muell-
exhibit cytostatic activity. Arg. is considered as Naagadanti.
Siddha/Tamil Neeradimuthu, Danti.
Dosage Leaf, seed, bark, fruit—
– ml decoction. (CCRAS.) Folk Jangli Jamaalgotaa.
Action Seed—purgative. Leaves—
purgative (also used in dropsy),
Balanophora involucrata antiasthmatic (decoction is given in
Hook. f. asthma). Latex—used for body ache
and pain of joints. Root and seed
Family Balanophoraceae. oil—cathartic, antidropsical.

Balsamodendron myrrha Nees. 79
Along with other therapeutic appli- Guggulipid is hypocholesteremic.
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Guggul resin contains steroids—gug-
of India indicated the use of dried glsterones Z and E, guggulsterols I– B
root in jaundice, abdominal lump and V, diterpenoids; volatile oil, including
splenomegaly. other constituents, contains a terpene
The presence of steroids, terpenoids hydrocarbon cembrene A. E- and Z-
and flavonoids is reported in the leaves. guggulsterones are characteristic con-
The root contains phorbol derivatives. stituents, which distinguish C. mukul
EtOH extract of roots showed in vivo from other Commiphore sp.
activity in P- lymphocytic leukae- Guggul resin increases catechola-
mia. mine biosynthesis and activity in cho-
lesterol-fed rabbits, inhibits platelet ag-
Dosage Root— g powder. (API gregation, exhibits anti-inflammatory
Vol. III.) activity and appears to activate the
thyroid gland in rats and chicken. Z-
guggulsterone may increase uptake of
Balsamodendron mukul iodine by thyroid gland and increase
Hook. ex Stocks oxygen uptake in liver and bicep tis-
sues. (Planta Med , , –.)
Synonym Commiphora mukul
The gum is also used in hemiplegia
(Hook. ex Stocks) Engl.
and atherosclerotic disorders; as a gar-
C. wightii (Arn.) Bhandari.
gle in pyrrhoea aveolaris, chronic ton-
Family Burseraceae. silitis and pharyngitis. Fumes are rec-
Habitat Rajasthan, Madhya ommended in hay fever, chronic bron-
Pradesh, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, chitis and nasal catarrh.
Karnataka. Oleo-gum resin of Balsamodendron
English Indian Bdellium, Gum caudatum is also equated with Guggul
Guggul. in Siddha medicine.
Ayurvedic Guggul, Devadhoop, Dosage Oleo-gum-resin—– g
Kaushika, Pur, Mahishaaksha, (API Vol. I.)  mg to  g (CCRAS.)
Palankash, Kumbha, Uluukhala.
Unani Muqallal yahood, Muql,
Bu-e-Jahudaan Balsamodendron myrrha Nees.
Siddha/Tamil Erumaikan
Synonym Commiphora molmol
Kungiliyam.
Engl.
Action Oleo-gum-resin—used for C. abyssinica (Berg.) Engl.
reducing obesity and in rheumatoid
arthritis, osteoarthritis, sciatica. Family Burseraceae.
Key application In the treatment Habitat Arabia, Somaliland.
of hyperlipidemia, hypercholestero- Ayurvedic Bola, Hiraabola, Surasa,
laemia and obesity. (WHO.) Barbara, Gandharasa.

80 Balsamodendron opobalsamum Kunth.
Unani Murmakki, Bol. Balsamodendron
opobalsamum Kunth.
B Siddha/Tamil Vellaibolam.
Action Oleo-gum-resin—em- Synonym Commiphora opobalsa-
menagogue (used for irregular mum (L.) Engl.
menstruation and painful periods), Family Burseraceae.
anti-inflammatory (on pharyngitis
Habitat Found in countries on
and gingivitis), antiseptic, bac-
both sides of Red Sea.
teriostatic, antiviral, astringent,
stimulant, expectorant, stomachic, English Balsam tree, Balsam of
carminative (in dyspepsia), a leuco- Mecca, Balsam of Gilead.
cytogenic agent (increases number
Unani Balsaan, Roghan-e-Balsaan
of white cells in the blood). Used
(oil), Hab-e-Balsaan (fruit). Ood-e-
externally for treating acne, boils
Balsaan (wood).
and pressure sores, internally as
a blood purifier. Action Used in diseases of the
urinary tract. Balsams are diuretic
Key application In topical treatment and stimulate mucous tissues in
of mild inflammations of the oral small doses (nauseatic and purgative
and pharyngeal mucosa. (German in large doses).
Commission E.) As a gargle or
mouth rinse for the treatment In Unani medicine, the fruit is used
of aphthous ulcers, tonsillitis, as an expectorant and emmenagogue,
common cold and gingivitis. (The also for neurological affections. The
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, wood is also used as an ingredient
ESCOP.) in compounds for epilepsy and other
nervine disorders. The oil is used ex-
The gum (–%) contains acidic ternally for its anti-inflammatory and
polysaccharides, volatile oil (–%) revitalizing properties.
including other constituents, heer-
abolene, eugenol, furanosequiterpenes
and monoterpenes.
Myrrh is taken as a powder or a tinc- Bambusa bambos (L.) Voss.
ture, rather than as an infusion; used
generally externally or as a gargle. Synonym B. arundinaceae (Retz.)
Aqueous suspension of the gum Roxb.
resin decreased ethanol-induced and Arundo bambos L.
indomethacin-induced ulcer in rats. Family Gramineae; Poaceae.
(J Ethnopharmacol, , Jan (), –
Habitat Wild throughout India,
.)
especially in the hill forests of
Western and Southern India.
Dosage Gum-resin—– g
(CCRAS.) English Spiny or Thorny Bamboo.

Barleria buxifolia Linn. 81
Ayurvedic Vansha, Venu, Kichaka, Dosage Manna—– g (CCRAS.)
Trinadhwaj, Shatparvaa, Yavphala.
Vanshalochana, Vansharochanaa, B
Shubhaa, tugaa, Tugaakshiri, Tvak- Barbarea vulgaris R. Br.
kshiri (Bamboo-manna). Starch
of Curcuma angustifolia Roxb., Family Brassicaceae, Cruciferae.
Zingiberaceae, was recommended Habitat Subalpine and temperate
a substitute for Vanshalochana Himalayas, at altitudes of ,–
(Ayurvedic Formularly of India, Part , m.
I, First edn).
English Bitter Cress, Hedge
Unani Qasab, Tabaashir (Bamboo- Mustard, Yellow Rocket, Winter
manna). Cress.
Siddha/Tamil Moongil; Moongilup- Folk Cress.
pu, (Bambo-manna.)
Action Diuretic, anthelmintic,
Action Leaf bud and young stomachic, antiscorbutic, (leaves are
shoots—used in dysmenorrhoea; rich in vitamin C  mg/ g).
externally in ulcerations. Leaf—em- Pulverised herb is used as an agent
menagogue, antileprotic, febrifuge, for stimulating spermatogenesis.
bechic; used in haemoptysis. Stem
and leaf—blood purifier (used The roots contain sinigrin; seeds
in leucoderma and inflammatory contain a glucoside, glucobarbarin,
conditions). Root—poisonous. and myrosin.
Burnt root is applied to ringworm, The protein and phosphorus con-
bleeding gums, painful joints. tents of the plant decrease with the
Bark—used for eruptions. Leaf maturity, whereas the calcium con-
and Bamboo-manna—emmena- tents increase (tender stems are eaten
gogue. Bamboo-manna—pectoral, as a salad). The leaves and buds are
expectorant, carminative, cooling, a rich source of provitamin A (beta-
aphrodisiac, tonic (used in debili- carotene).
tating diseases, urinary infections,
chest diseases, cough, asthma).
Barleria buxifolia Linn.
The plant gave cyanogenic glu-
coside—taxiphyllin. Bamboo-manna Family Acanthaceae.
contains silicious crystalline substan- Habitat Peninsular India from
ces. Maharashtra southwards up to an
The starch obtained from Maran- altitude of , m. An ornamental
ta arundinacea Linn., Marantaceae, is hedge plant in gardens.
also used as Bamboo-manna (known
as Koovai Kizhangu, Kookaineer and Ayurvedic Sahachara (purple, blue,
Araroottu Kizangu in Siddha medi- rose or white-flowered var.)
cine). Folk Jhinti.

82 Barleria cristata Linn.
Action Roots and leaves are used (yellow-flowered var.). Also equated
in cough, bronchitis, inflammations with Vajradanti.
B (applied to swellings).
Unani Piyaabaansaa.
Siddha/Tamil Chemmulli.
Barleria cristata Linn. Folk Piyaabaasaa, Jhinti, Kat-
saraiyaa.
Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat Subtropical Himalaya, Action Leaf—juice given in stomach
Sikkim, Khasi Hills, Central and disorders, urinary affections; mixed
Southern India at , m. with honey and given to children
with fever and catarrh; leaf juice
Ayurvedic Sahachara, Shveta- is applied to lacerated soles of feet
Rakta-pushpa Saireyaka (white- in the rainy season, mixed with
and red-flowered var.). coconut oil for pimples. Leaves
Siddha/Tamil Ottamulli. and flowering tops—diuretic.
Bark—diaphoretic and expectorant.
Folk Katsaraiyaa. Raktajhinti.
Roots—paste is applied over boils
Action Extract of the plant— and glandular swellings. Plant
sasmogenic and hypoglycaemic. (Vajradanti)—antidontalgic, used
Root extract—given in anaemia. for bleeding gums in Indian
The leaves are chewed in toothache. medicine. Ash, obtained from the
Roots and leaves are applied to whole plant, mixed with honey, is
swellings. An infusion is given in given in bronchial asthma.
cough.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
The roots contain anthraquinones; dia recommends oil extract of the plant
flowers gave apigenin, naringenin, for arresting greying of hair.
quercetin and malvindin. The leaves and flowering tops are
diuretic, rich in potassium salts. Leaves
and stems showed presence of iridoid
Barleria prionitis Linn. glucosides, barlerin and acetylbarlerin.
Flowers gave the flavonoid glycoside,
Family Acanthaceae. scutellarein--neohesperidoside. The
Habitat Throughout the hotter presence of beta-sitosterol is reported
parts of India. Also, commonly in the plant.
grown as a hedge plant in gardens. In the south, Nila Sahachara is
equated with Ecbolium linneanun Kurz.
English Common Yellow Nail Dye (known as Nilaambari), and Shveta Sa-
Plant. hachara with Justica betonica Linn.
Ayurvedic Sahachara, Baana, Ecbolium linneanun plant is used for
Kurantaka, Kuranta, Koranda, gout and dysuria; the root is prescribed
Korandaka, Shairiya, Pita-saireyaka for jaundice.

Basella alba Linn. var. rubra Stewart. 83
Dosage Whole plant—– g for Rhus parviflora Roxb. in National
decoction. (API Vol. III.) Formulary of Unani Medicine.)
Siddha/Tamil Kadappai, Samudra-
B
phullarni.
Barleria strigosa Willd.
Action Leaf juice—given in
Family Acanthaceae. diarrhoea. Fruit—bitter, acrid,
Habitat The Himalayas from Uttar anthelmintic, haemolytic, vulner-
Pradesh to West Bengal, up to an ary; prescribed in gingivitis as an
altitude of , m. expectorant. Powdered seeds—
emetic and expectorant. Bark—
Ayurvedic Sahachara (blue- astringent, used in diarrhoea and
flowered var.). blennorrhoea. Febrifuge. Wood—
Siddha/Tamil Nili. haemostatic (in metrorrhagia).
Folk Koilekhaa.
Along with other therapeutic appli-
Action Mild antiseptic, expectorant cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
(given in spasmodic cough); also of India indicated the use of the fruit in
used as an antianaemic. goitre; also in psychological disorders.
The plant gave beta-and gamma- The bark contains tannins (%), al-
sitosterol. so ellagic acid.
The fruits contain triterpenoid sa-
pogenins. Saponins possess haemolyt-
Barringtonia acutangula ic properties.
(Linn.) Gaertn. A related sp. B. racemosa (L.) Roxb.,
found in Assam, eastern and west-
Synonym Eugenia acutangula L. ern coasts of India and the Andaman
Family Lecythidaceae; Barringtoni- Islands, is also equated with Samu-
aceae. draphala and Hijjala.
European Oak (Quercus robur) con-
Habitat Sub-Himalayan tracts from tains –% tannins, consisting of
the Ganges eastwards to Assam and phlobatannin, ellagitannins and gallic
Madhya Pradesh. acid. The bark is used as astringent,
English Indian Oak. (Oak is antiseptic and haemostatic.
equated with Quercus robur L.)
Ayurvedic Nichula, Hijjala, Ijjala, Dosage Fruit—– g (API Vol. III.)
Vidula, Ambuj. (Central Council for
Research in Ayurveda & Siddha has
wrongly equated Hijjala, Nichula Basella alba Linn. var.
and Vidula with Argyreia nervosa, rubra Stewart.
Elephant Creeper.)
Unani Samandarphal. (Saman- Synonym B. rubra Linn.
darphal is also equated with Family Basellaceae.

84 Bassia longifolia Koen.
Habitat Grown as a pot herb in Family Sapotaceae.
almost every part of India, except
B hills. Habitat South India; common in
the monsoon forests of Western
English Indian Spinach. Ghats.
Ayurvedic Upodikaa, Potaki,
Maalvaa, Amritvallari. English Mowra Butter tree, South
Indian Mahua.
Siddha/Tamil Vaslakkirai.
Folk Poi. Siddha/Tamil Illupei, Elupa, Naatu,
Iluppei, Iruppei.
Action Demulcent, diuretic,
laxative (a good substitute for Action Flowers—laxative, bechic
spinach and purslane). Used as (used in coughs, colds and bron-
a cooling medicine in digestive chitis), stimulant and nervine
disorders. Leaf juice is used in tonic. Seed oil—galactogenic,
balanitis and catarrhal affections. anticephalalgic, laxative in cases
Externally applied in urticaria, of habitual constipation and piles;
burns, scalds. Root—decoction is used externally in rheumatism and
given to stop bilious vomiting and skin affections. Bark, seed oil and
in intestinal complaints. Used as gum—antirheumatic.
poultice to reduce local swellings;
sap is used in acne. The herb contains % tannins and
Used for checking malnutrition in is used for bleeding and spongy gums,
children. tonsillitis, ulcers, rheumatism and di-
The essential amino acids are argi- abetes mellitus. Roots are applied to
nine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, threo- ulcers.
nine and tryptophan. The plant con- Seed kernel gave protobassic acid (a
tains several vitamins and minerals, is sapogenol) and two major saponins—
rich in calcium and iron compounds Mi-saponins A and B. Mi-saponins
and contains a low percentage of sol- (bisdesmosides of protobassic acid)
uble oxalates. The leaves also contain exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in
carotenoids, organic acids and water- rheumatism.
soluble polysaccharides, bioflavonoids The carollas are a rich source of sug-
and vitamin K. ars and contain an appreciable amount
of vitamins and calcium (total sugars
Dosage Whole plant—– ml .%, calcium  mg/ g). Sug-
juice. (CCRAS.) ars are identified as sucrose, maltose,
glucose, fructose, arabinose and rham-
nose. Flowers are largely used in the
Bassia longifolia Koen. preparation of distilled liquors. They
constitute the most important raw ma-
Synonym Madhuca longifolia terial for fermentative production of
(Linn.) Macbride. alcohol.

Bauhinia racemosa Lamk 85
Bauhinia acuminata Linn. Habitat The Himalayas, and
distributed in Northern India,
Family Caesalpiniaceae. Assam, Khasi Hills. Also cultivated B
Habitat Central India. in gardens.
English Dwarf White Bauhinia. English Camel’s Foot tree, Pink
Bauhinia, Butterfly tree, Geramium
Ayurvedic Kaanchnaara, Kovidaara tree, Orchid tree.
(white-flowered var.)
Ayurvedic Kovidaara, Rakta
Unani Kachnaal. Kaanchanaara.
Siddha/Tamil Vellaimandarai. Unani/Siddha Sivappu mandaarai.
Action Bark and leaves—a Siddha Mandarai.
decoction is given in biliousness,
stone in bladder, venereal diseases, Folk Koilaara, Khairwaal, Kaliaar,
leprosy and asthma. Root—boiled Rakta Kanchan.
with oil is applied to burns. Action Bark—astringent, antidiar-
rhoeal. Flower buds and flowers,
fried in purified butter, are given to
Bauhinia malabarica Roxb. patients suffering from dysentery.
Extract of stems are used inter-
Family Caesalpiniaceae. nally and externally for fractured
Habitat South India, Assam and bones. Plant is used in goitre. It
Bengal. exhibited antithyroid-like activity
in experimental animals.
English Malabar Mountain Ebony.
Ayurvedic Ashmantaka var., The flowers contain astragalin, iso-
Kaanchanaara var. (in the South). quercitrin and quercetin, also antho-
cyanins. Seeds contain chalcone gly-
Siddha/Tamil Malaiyatti. cosides.
Folk Aapataa (Maharashtra), Amli,
Amlosaa.
Action Antidysenteric. Bauhinia racemosa Lamk
The plant contains flavonoid gly- Family Caesalpiniaceae.
cosides—quercitroside, iso-quercitro- Habitat Sub-Himalayan tracts
side, rutoside, taxifoline rhamnoside, from Ravi eastwards, ascending
kaempferol glycosides and quercetol to , m. in the Uttar Pradesh,
glycoside. West Bengal and Central and South
India.
Ayurvedic Ashmantaka, Kanchini.
Bauhinia purpurea Linn. Unani Kachnaar.
Family Caesalpiniaceae Siddha/Tamil Kokku mandarai.

86 Bauhinia retusa Roxb.
Folk Aapataa (Maharashtra), Habitat Southern India, Assam
Kachnaala. and Bihar.
B Action Bark—highly astrin- English Yellow Bauhinia, St.
gent, anti-inflammatory (used Thomas tree, Bell Bauhinia.
in glandular inflammations, skin Ayurvedic Pita Kovidaara (yellow-
diseases, ulcers), cholagogue. flowered var.), Pita Kanchana.
Leaves—anthelmintic; with onion
for diarrhoea. Flowers—used in Siddha/Tamil Kokkumandarai,
haemorrhages, piles; also in cough. Tiruvaatti, Kanjani.
Seed—antibacterial. Folk Kachnaar.
Octacosane, beta-amyrin and beta- Action Antidysenteric. Fruit—
sitosterol have been isolated from the diuretic. Bark—astringent. Root
bark. EtOH (%) extract of seeds ex- bark—vermifuge. A decoction of
hibited anticancer activity. the root bark is prescribed for liver
diseases. Seed—used for wound
healing.
Bauhinia retusa Roxb. Seeds yield a fatty oil called ebony
Synonym B. semla Wunderlin. oil, a water soluble mucilage and sapo-
nins. Flowers gave isoquercitrin (%),
Family Caesalpiniaceae.
rutin (.%) and quercetin (small
Habitat Northwestern Himalayas amounts).
up to  m, also in Orissa, Madhya
Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
Siddha Nirpa (Telugu). Bauhinia variegata Linn.
Folk Semalaa, Kathmahuli. Gum—
Thaur Synonym B. candida Roxb.
Action Gum—emmenagogue, Family Caesalpiniaceae.
diuretic. (Gum resembles Gum ara- Habitat Punjab, Western Peninsula
bic; used as an external application and Assam. Also cultivated in
for sores). Protein isolated from gardens.
seeds—hypoglycaemic, hypoc- English Mountain Ebony, Buddhist
holesterolaemic in young, normal Bauhinia.
as well as alloxan-induced diabetic
albino rats. Ayurvedic Kaanchanaara, Kaan-
chanaaraka, Kanchanak, Kaan-
The bark contains quercetin--O- chana, Gandhaari, Sonapushpaka,
beta-D-glucoside and rutin. Ashmantaka.
Siddha/Tamil Sivappumanchori.
Action Buds—a decoction is given
Bauhinia tomentosa Linn.
in piles (also used against tumours),
Family Caesalpiniaceae. haematuria, menorrhagia. Dried

Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC. 87
buds are used in diarrhoea, English Beefsteak Geraniums,
dysentery, worm infestation, Elephant’s Ear.
piles and tumours. Root—
Folk Hooirjo (West Bengal), Teisu
B
carminative, used in dyspepsia
and flatulence (a decoction is (Nagaland).
reported to prevent obesity). Action A decoction of the root is
Bark—astringent, anthelmintic; given for liver diseases and fever.
used externally in scrofula and skin The extract from succulent stalks is
diseases. Seeds—possess human used for venereal diseases in folk
blood agglutinating activity. Leaf— medicine. Fresh shoots are chewed
antifungal. for tooth troubles. Aqueous extracts
of the leaves and flowers of Begonia
Along with other therapeutic appli-
sp. are active against Gram-positive
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
and Gram-negative bacteria.
of India indicated the use of the stem
bark in lymphadenitis and goitre. (Ka-
Hooirjo and Teisu are also equated
anchnaar Guggulu is prescribed for
with B. palmata D. Don var. gamblei
glandular swellings and goitre.)
Hara, found in northeastern regions of
Water-soluble portion of alcoholic
India.
extract of the plant showed preventive
effect against goitre in rats.
Flowers gave flavonoids, kaempfe-
rol--galactoside and kaempferol--
rhamnoglucoside. The stem bark Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC.
yields hentriacontane, octacosanol and Family Iridaceae.
stigmasterol. Stem contains beta-sitos-
terol, lupeol and a flavanone glyco- Habitat Introduced from China;
side. cultivated all over India, up to an
altitude of , m.
Dosage Stem bark—– g for
decoction. (API Vol. I.) Folk Surajkaanti (Assam), Dasbaha,
Dasbichandi (Bengal).
Action Rhizomes—expectorant,
Begonia laciniata Roxb. var. deobstruent, resolvent, used in
nepalensis A. DC. tonsillitis, chest and liver complaints
(antiviral against pneumonia).
Family Begoniaceae.
Habitat Tropical and sub-tropical Presence of alkaloids is reported
regions, especially in America. from the plant, glucoside, belamcan-
Found in Sikkim, Arunachal din from the roots. The leaves and
Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, flowers contain a glycoflavone. The
Nagaland and Manipur, ascending seeds tested positive for leucoantho-
to an altitude to , m. cyanins.

88 Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.
Benincasa hispida Isomultiflorenol acetate, a penta-
(Thunb.) Cogn. cyclic triterpene, has been isolated as
B the major constituent of wax coating
Synonym B. cerifera Savi. of fruits.
Cucurbita hispada Thunb.
Dosage Dried pieces of the fruit—
Family Cucurbitaceae. – g (API Vol. IV.) Fruit juice—
Habitat Cultivated largely in Uttar – m (CCRAS.)
Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and
Bihar.
English Ash Gourd, White Gourd, Berberis aristata DC.
Wax Gourd, White Pumpkin.
Sub sp. B. asiatica Roxb. ex DC.
Ayurvedic Kuushmaanda, Kuush-
Substi. B. lycium Royle & other
maandaka, Kuushmaandanaadi.
species.
Unani Pethaa, Mahdabaa, Kaddu- Family Berberidaceae.
e-Roomi.
Habitat Northwestern Himalayas,
Siddha/Tamil Ven-poosani, Nilgiris, Kulu and Kumaon.
Saambalpushani.
English Indian Barberry.
Action Leaves—cooling, juice
rubbed on bruises. Fruit decoc- Ayurvedic Daaruharidraa, Daaru,
tion—laxative, diuretic, nutritious, Daarvi, Daarunishaa, Daarura-
styptic (given for internal haem- jani, Vrahitaphala, Valliphala,
orrhages and diseases of the Sthirphala. Pushpaphala, Somakaa,
respiratory tract.) Juice of fruit— Parjanyaa, Parjani, Kantkateri,
used for treating epilepsy, insanity Taarthya, Pachampachaa. Kaaliyaka
and other nervous diseases. The ash is now equated with Pita Chandana
of fruit rind—applied on painful (Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.)
swellings. Seeds—anthelmintic. Colebr., Menispermaceae). Ex-
tract—Rasaanjana.
The fruits contain lupeol, beta-sitos- Unani Daarhald. Rasaut (extract).
terol, their acetates and several amino Zarishk (fruit).
acids. The fruit juice produces tran-
quilizing activity and mild CNS de- Siddha/Tamil Marmanjal.
pressant effect in mice. Action Rasaut, Rasasranjana
The roots of mature plant contain (extract)—bitter, cholagogue,
a pentacyclic triterpene, which ex- antidiarrhoeal, stomachic, lax-
hibits antiallergic activity against both ative, diaphoretic, antipyretic,
homologous passive cutaneous ana- antiseptic. Used externally in
phylaxis and delayed hypersensitivity opthalmia,conjunctivitis, ulcers,
in mice. The fruit beverage contains sores, swollen gums. Root bark—
pyrazine compounds. anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic

Berberis vulgaris Linn. 89
hypotensive, antiamoebic, anti- Action Same as that of Berberis
coagulant, antibacterial. Bark— aristata.
used in liver complaints, diarrhoea,
The root and stem bark contain al-
B
dysentery, cholera, gastric disor-
ders, enlargement of spleen and for kaloids ( and .% respectively, calcu-
regulating metabolism. Berries— lated as berberine.)
antiscorbutic, laxative. The alcoholic extract of the roots was
found to be better antimicrobial agent
Berberine hydrochloride and sul- than the aqueous extract. The alka-
phate help in the diagnosis of latent loid palmitine hydroxide possesses an-
malaria by releasing the parasites into tispermatogenic properties.
the blood stream. See B. aristata and B. vulgaris.
Alkaloid berberine possesses an- Berberis ulicina Hook, known as
tibacterial and anti-inflammatory ac- Khicharmaa in Tibet, is also equated
tivities. It is used as an intestinal an- with Daaruharidraa.
tiseptic and bitter stomachic. It also
exhibits antineoplastic properties. (Its
synthetic derivative dihydroberberine Berberis vulgaris Linn.
is used in brain tumour.)
Berberine has been found to inhibit Family Berberidaceae.
the activity of enzymes trypsin (%) Habitat Distributed in Northwest-
and chymotrypsin (%) in in-vitro ern Himalayas.
studies.
English Common Barberry, True
B. asiatica Roxb.ex Dc. is found in
the Himalaya at –, m, Assam Barberry.
and Bihar. Ayurvedic Daruharidraa (var.).
See B. vulgaris. Folk Chatrod, Kashmal.
Dosage Extract—– g (CCRAS.); Action Root and bark—used
dried stem—– ml decoction. for ailments of gastrointestinal
(API Vol. II.) tract, liver, gallbladder, kidney and
urinary tract, respiratory tract, also
as a febrifuge and blood purifier.
Berberis chitria Lindl. Key application Listed by German
Commission E among unapproved
Synonym B. aristata auct.
herbs.
Hook. f. & Thoms.
Family Berberidaceae. An extract with % berberine and
Habitat The Himalayas from additional alkaloids stimulated the bile
Kashmir to Nepal, at altitudes of secretion of rats by %. (PDR.) As
,–, m. cholagogue. (The British Herbal Phar-
macopoeia.)
Ayurvedic Daaruharidraa (var.). The main alkaloid is berberine (well
Folk Totaro, Kintodaa (Garhwal). tolerated up to . g). Berries are safe.

90 Bergenia ligulata (Wall.) Engl.
Bererine in small doses stimulates Family Saxifragaceae.
the respiratory system; poisonings Habitat Temperate Himalaya
B have been observed from overdoses. from Kashmir to Bhutan, between
Poisonings from the total herb have altitudes of  and , m.
not been reported. (German Commis-
Ayurvedic Paashaanabheda,
sion E.)
Ashmaribhedikaa, Ashmaribhit,
Berberine is bactericidal, amoebici-
Ashmghna, Shilaabhit, Shilaabheda.
dal and trypanocidal. Berberine is an-
(These synonyms are also equated
tidiarrhoeal, as it enters into the cytosol
with Aerva lanata Juss.)
or binds to the cell membrane and in-
hibits the catalytic unit of andenylate Siddha/Tamil Padanbethi.
cyclase. It is active in vitro and in ani- Action Leaf and root—anti-
mals against cholera. scorbutic, astringent, spasmolytic,
Berberine stimulates bile secretion antidiarrhoeal. Used in dysuria,
and shows sedative, hypotensive, anti- spleen enlargement, pulmonary
convulsant and uterine stimulant activ- affections as a cough remedy,
ity in animals. Alkaloid bermarine is menorrhagia, urinary tract infec-
also strongly antibacterial. It has been tions. Alcoholic extract of roots—
shown to increase white blood cell and antilithic. Acetone extract of root-
platelet counts in animals with iatro- bark—cardiotoxic, CNS depressant
genic leukocytopaenia. and anti-inflammatory; in mild
Berberine, berbamine and jatror- doses diuretic but antidiuretic in
rhizine are hypotensive and sedative. higher doses. Anti-inflammatory
Many of the alkaloids are antineo- activity decreases with increasing
plastic. dosage.
The alkaloid berbamine ( mg Due to its depressant action on the
three times daily for – weeks) helped central nervous system, the drug
reverse leukopaenia induced by ben- is used against vertigo, dizziness
zene, cancer chemotherapy or radio- and headache in moderate or low
therapy in a clinical study. (Francis dosage.
Brinker.)
Key application In lithiasis,
Berberine, when combined with
dysuria, polyuria. (The Ayurvedic
pyrimethamine, was more effective
Pharmacopoeia of India; Indian
than combinations with other antibi-
Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
otics in treating chloroquine-resistant
malaria. (Sharon M. Herr.) The rhizome contains an active prin-
ciple bergenin (.%), gallic acid, glu-
cose (.%), tannins (.–.%),
mucilage and wax; a C-glycoside and
Bergenia ligulata (Wall.) Engl. beta-sitosterol.
Bergenin prevented stress-induced
Synonym B. ciliata Sternb. erosions in rats and lowered gastric
Saxifraga ligulata Wall. outputs.

Betula utilis D. Don. 91
(Paashaanabheda indicates that the administration. (J Ethnopharmacol,
plant grows between rocks appearing , : –.)
to break them; it does not necessar- Beets are used orally as a supportive B
ily mean that it possesses lithotriptic therapy in the treatment of liver dis-
property.) eases and fatty liver (possibly due to
betaine). Ingestion of large quantities
Dosage Rhizome—– g for might worsen kidney disease. (Natu-
decoction. (API Vol. I) ral Medicines Comprehensive Database,
.)
Beta vulgaris Linn. subsp. cicla
(L.) Moq. Betula alnoides
Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don.
Synonym B. vulgaris auct. non L.
Synonym B. acuminata Wall.
Family Chenopodiacae.
Family Betulaceae.
Habitat Native to Mediterranean
region; cultivated in North India, Habitat The temperate and
Maharashtra and South India. subtropical Himalayas, Khasi Hills
and Manipur.
English Beet Root, Garden Beet,
Chard. English Indian Birch, Naga Birch.
Ayurvedic Bhojapatra (var.).
Ayurvedic Palanki.
Action Used in supportive therapy
Folk Chukandar.
of rheumatic ailments.
Action Leaf—used in burns
and bruises, also for diseases of Methyl salicylate (.%) has been
spleen and liver. Tuber and seed— reported from the essential oil of the
expectorant. Leaf and seed— bark (of the plant growing in north-
diuretic. Leaf, tuber and seed— eastern region of India).
anti-inflammatory. Seed oil—
analgesic.
Betula utilis D. Don.
Beet roots are eaten raw as salad or
cooked. The leaves are nutritionally Synonym B. bhojpattra Wall.
superior to roots and are a good source Family Betulaceae.
of vitamins and minerals. Habitat Temperate Himalaya from
The plant contains alkaloids of which Kashmir to Bhutan.
betaine is a mild diuretic and emme-
nagogue. English Himalayan Silver Birch,
In research, using rats, chard in- Indian Paper tree.
creased regeneration of beta cells in Ayurvedic Bhuurja, Bahulvalkala,
pancreas. Maximum reduction of Bahuputa, Lekhyapatraka, Charmi,
blood glucose was after  days of Chitrapatra, Bhutahaa.

92 Bidens pilosa Linn.
Folk Bhojapatra. Folk Phutium (Gujarat), Kuri
Boorjapattram (Garhwal).
B Siddha/Tamil
(leaves). Action Plant—cytotoxic. Leaf—
Action Resin—laxative. Leaves— applied to ulcers and swollen glands.
diuretic; used in the form of infusion The plant contains a number of poly-
in gout, rheumatism, dropsy, and as acetylenes which are toxic to bacte-
a solvent of stones in the kidneys; ria, fungi and human fibroblast cells.
used in skin affections, especially Phenylheptatriyne is the major con-
eczema. Bark—used in convulsions. stituent of the leaves and stems.
Oil—astringent, antiseptic. B. pilosa Linn. var. minor (Blume)
Key application (B. pendula) In Sherff, synonym B. pilosa Linn. var. bi-
irrigation therapy for bacterial pinnata Hook. f. in part, gave phytos-
and inflammatory diseases of the terin-B, which like insulin, showed hy-
urinary tract and for kidney gravel; poglycaemic activity both in normal
supportive therapy for rheumatic and diabetic rats. B. pilosa auct. non
ailment. (German Commission E, Linn., synonym B. chinensis Willd., is
ESCOP.) used for leprosy, fistulae, pustules, tu-
mours.
European Silver Birch is equated
with Betula alba L., synonym B. pen-
dula Roth. Astringent, diuretic, anti-
inflammatory, bitter, cholagogue; con- Biophytum sensitivum
tains salicylates. Used for kidney and (Linn.) DC.
bladder complaints, sluggish kidney Synonym Oxalis sensitiva Linn.
functions, rheumatism and gout.
Methyl salicylate is obtained by distil- Family Oxalidaceae.
lation of the twigs. In an Indian sp., B. Habitat Throughout tropical India.
acuminata, methyl salicylate (.%) Ayurvedic Lajjaalu (var.) Vipareet
has been reported in the essential oil Lajjaalu (non-classical), Alam-
of the bark. B. utilis is also a close bushaa (Hindi commentators have
relative of B. pendula. equated it with Gorakh Mun-
Dosage Bark—– g powder; di, Sphaeranthus indicus Linn.,
decoction—– ml (CCRAS.) Asteraceae.)
Folk Lajoni, Jhalai, Lakajana.
Action Plant—used in in-
Bidens pilosa Linn. somnia, convulsions, cramps,
chest-complaints, inflammations,
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. tumours, chronic skin diseases.
Habitat Throughout India in Ash—in stomachache. Leaves—
gardens, waste places and tea diuretic, astringent, antiseptic.
plantations. Paste is applied to burns, contusions

Blepharis edulis Pers. 93
and wounds. Decoction is given Bixin, the main constituent of seed
in strangury, asthma and phthisis. coat, shows cytostatic effect on the
Roots—decoction is given in lithia- growth of human lymphoma cells. Bix- B
sis. Mature leaves are recommended in also has a hyperglycaemic effect and
in diabetes; contain an insulin-like may disturb blood glucose control.
principle.
A saline extract of leaves showed hy-
poglycaemic activity in rabbits. Blepharis edulis Pers.
Synonym B. persica (Burm.f.)
Kuntze.
Bixa orellana Linn.
Family Acanthaceae.
Family Bixaceae.
Habitat Punjab and western
Habitat Native to Central America, Rajasthan.
often cultivated in Madhya Pradesh
English Acanthus.
and South India.
English Annatto. Ayurvedic Utangana, Kaamavridhi,
Chatushpatri, Ucchataa (equated
Ayurvedic Sinduri, Sinduriyaa. with Scirpus or Cyperus sp. during
Siddha/Tamil Jabara, Manjitti. the classical period; with Shveta
Action Plant—astringent, antibil- Gunjaa, Abrus sp. during the
ious, antiemetic, blood purifier. medieval period.)
Leaves—infusion is given in jaun- Unani Utangan.
dice, also in dysentery. Externally,
Folk Karadu (Maharashtra).
scar-preventive. Root bark—
febrifuge, antiperiodic. Seed pulp— Action Roots—diuretic. Used
haemostatic, antidysenteric, diure- for urinary discharges and dys-
tic, laxative. Fruit—antidysenteric. menorrhoea. Seeds—deobstruent,
resolvent, diuretic (used in stran-
An antimicrobial constituent, mas- gury and sexual debility). Powdered
linic acid, alongwith gallic acid and plant is applied locally on infections
pyrogallol, has been isolated from the of the genitals and on burns.
leaves. Alcoholic extract of the leaves
completely inhibited Micrococcus pyo- Key application Seed in dysuria
genes, but was inactive against E. coli. and impotency. (The Ayurvedic
The aqueous extract, however, showed Pharmacopoeia of India.)
partial inhibition against E. coli. The A benzoxazine glucoside, blephar-
aqueous extract also showed potent in- in, has been isolated from seeds, and
hibitory activity towards lens aldose re- a saponin, which on hydrolysis gave
ductase, which plays an important role lupeol.
in the management of diabetic com-
plications. The activity is attributed to Dosage Dried seed—– g powder.
a flavonoid, isoscutelarein. (API Vol. IV.)

94 Blepharis linariaefolia Pers.
Blepharis linariaefolia Pers. Ayurvedic Kukundara, Gangaapa-
tri.
B Synonym B. sindica T. Anders.
Unani Kakarondaa.
Family Acanthaceae.
Action Tranquilizer (used in
Habitat Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan excitement and insomnia), expec-
and Gujarat. torant, sudorific. Given in intestinal
Ayurvedic Ushtrakaandi, Utangan diseases, colic, diarrhoea. Essential
(var.). oil from leaves—hypotensive.
Folk Utangana (Sindh). Asad. The plant is a source of Ngai or
Action Seeds, boiled in milk, are Blumea Camphor. Camphor occurs in
taken as an invigorating tonic. all parts of the plant, but is generally ex-
tracted from leaves. Ngai Camphor oil
Blepharis molluginifolia Pers., used consists almost entirely of l-borneol. It
for urinary discharges, is also equated is redistilled to obtain the refined cam-
with Utangana. phor for use in medicine.
The dried leaves contain sesquiter-
pene lactones. These lactones exhib-
it antitumour activity against Yoshida
Blepharispermum subsessile
sacoma cells in tissue culture.
DC.
The plant exhibits moderate antibac-
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. terial activity against E. coli.
Habitat Madhya Pradesh, Maha-
rashtra, Karnataka.
Ayurvedic Used as a substitute for Blumea densiflora DC.
Raasnaa in Madhya Pradesh. Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Action Anti-inflammatory (used Habitat Sub-tropical Himalayas,
internally and externally for Nepal, Sikkim, Assam and Khasia
rheumatic affections). hills.
English Ngai Camphor.
Blumea balsamifera DC. Ayurvedic Kukundara (var.).
Action Juice of fresh leaves—
Synonym B. densiflora Hook. f. in insecticidal, mosquito repellant.
part. The plant yields an essential oil
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. which yields camphor.
Habitat Subtropical Himalayas, Aerial part contains sesquiterpene
Nepal, Sikkim, Assam and Khasi lactones, tagitinin A, tirolundin ethyl
Hills at –, m. ether and iso-alantolactone deriva-
English Ngai Camphor. tives.

Blumea lacera. 95
Blumea eriantha DC. The steam non-volatile fraction of
plant extract contained a mixture of
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. n-alkanes. B
Habitat Uttar Pradesh, Maha-
rashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
Kerala. Blumea lacera.
Ayurvedic Kukundara (var.). Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Unani Kakarondaa. Habitat Throughout the plains of
Folk Nirmudi (Maharashtra). India, ascending to  m.
Action Juice of the herb— Ayurvedic Kukundara, Kukuradru,
carminative. A warm infusion Taamrachuuda.
of leaves is given as a sudorific, Unani Kakarondaa.
while a cold infusion is considered
diuretic and emmenagogue. The oil Siddha/Tamil Narakkarandai, Kaatu
possesses significant antibacterial Mullangi.
and antifungal properties. The oil Folk Kakranda.
also shows insecticidal activity.
Action Plant—antipyretic. Leaf—
The essential oil contains % ke- astringent, febrifuge, diuretic,
tones, the chief constituent of which are deobstruent, anthelmintic (partic-
d-carvotanacetone and l-tetrahydro- ularly in case of thread worm).
carvone and an alcohol. Root—anticholerin. Essential oil—
The plant contains a flavonol, cri- antibacterial, antifungal.
anthin (isolated from the flowers). It
The leaves on steam distillation yield
is identical to artemetin, isolated from
.% essential oil from which camphor
Artemisia absinthium.
is isolated.
The oil contains cineol , d-fen-
chone  and citral about %. The
Blumea fastulosa (Roxb.) Kurz. plant gave a diester of coniferyl alcohol,
acetylenic compounds, a thiophene
Synonym B. glomerata DC. derivative; aerial parts gave campes-
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. terol, hentriacontane, hentriacontanol,
alpha-amyrin and its acetate, lupeol
Habitat Tropical Himalayas, and
and its acetate and beta-sitosterol.
throughout the plains of Assam and
The alcoholic extract of the plant
Penninsular India.
showed marked anti-inflammatory ac-
Ayurvedic Kukundara (var.). tivity in carrageenin and bradykinin-
Unani Kakarondaa. induced inflammation in rats.
Action Plant—diuretic. Essential Dosage Root—– g paste.
oil—CNS depressant. (CCRAS.)

96 Boerhavia diffusa Linn.
Boerhavia diffusa Linn. The chloroform and methanolic ex-
tracts of the roots and aerial parts of
B Synonym B. repens Linn. B. diffusa also exhibited antihepatotox-
B. procumbens Roxb. ic activity against carbon tetrachloride-
Family Nyctaginaceae. induced intoxication in rats.
Habitat Throughout India as Punarnavaa is official in IP as a di-
a weed. uretic. The diuretic action of the drug is
attributed to the presence of xanthone,
English Horse-purslane, Hogweed. beta-ecdysone. Flavonoid, arbinofura-
Ayurvedic Rakta-punarnavaa, noside, present in the drug, was found
Punarnavaa, Katthilla, Shophaghni, to lower serum uric acid in experimen-
Shothaghni. Varshaabhu (also tal animals, as also in humans.
equated with Trianthema portu- Punarnavaa has been reported to
lacastrum Linn., which exhibits increase serum protein level and re-
anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and duce urinary protein extraction in clin-
analgesic activity). ical trials in patients suffering with
Unani Itsit, Bishkhaparaa. nephrotic syndrome. The activity is
attributed to the presence of rotenoids
Siddha/Tamil Mookkirattai.
in various parts of the plant.
Folk Gadaha-purnaa. An antifibrinolytic agent, punar-
Action Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, navoside, has been found to stop
antiarthritic, spasmolytic, antibac- IUCD-induced bleeding in monkeys.
terial (used for inflammatory renal The drug contains quinolizidine alka-
diseases, nephrotic syndrome, in loids.
cases of ascites resulting from Dosage Whole plant—– g for
early cirrhosis of liver and chronic decoction (API Vol. I); root—– g
peritonitis, dropsy associated with powder; – ml fresh juice. (API
chronic Bright’s diseases, for serum Vol. III.)
uric acid levels). Root—anticon-
vulsant, analgesic, expectorant,
CNS depressant, laxative, diuretic, Boerhavia verticillata Poir.
abortifacient. Family Nyctaginaceae.
Key application As diuretic, Habitat Throughout plains of
hepatoprotective. (Indian Herbal India.
Pharmacopoeia.) Ayurvedic Shveta Punarnavaa,
B. repanda, synonym B. chinensis Vrshchiva, Vrshchiraka. (Vrishchira
Linn., roots exhibited antihepatotox- is also equated with Trianthema sp.)
ic activity against carbon tetrachlo- B. erecta, synonym B. punarnava
ride galactosamine-and paracetamol- Saha and Krishnamurthy, is also
induced intoxication in rats. Powdered equated with the white-flowered
root gave encouraging results in sper- species of Boerhavia.
matorrhoea and leucorrhoea. Action See B. diffusa.

Borassus flabellifer Linn. 97
Bombax ceiba Linn. mucilage. These saline qualities are
mainly responsible for the wholesome
See Salmalia malabarica Schott & Endl. invigorating properties of Borage. B
Borage imparts pleasant flavour and
cooling effect to beverages. In India,
Borago officinalis Linn. squashes and syrups, sold during sum-
mer, contain Borage extract.
Family Boraginaceae. Borage contains ascorbic acid
Habitat The Mediteranean region, ( mg/ g). Flowers contain cholin,
Europe and Asia. glucose, fructose, amino acids, tan-
nin (about %). Seeds contain protein
English Borage, Cow’s Tongue
(.%) and an oil (.%). The seed
Plant.
oil is one of the important sources of
Unani Gaozabaan (Onosma gamma-linoleic acid and linoleic acid.
bracteatum Wall. has also been Borage oil, combined with Evening
equated with Gaozabaan). Primrose oil, is used in hypercholes-
Action Fresh herb (compounded terolaemia.
with water)—refreshing, restora- Borage seed oil is used for rheuma-
tive and nervine tonic. Leaves toid arthritis, atopic eczema, infantile
and flowers—diuretic, febrifuge, seborrhoeic dermatitis, neurodermati-
expectorant, demulcent, emollient; tis, also for PMS and for preventing
promote the activity of kidneys; heart disease and stroke. Only UPA
alleviate pulmonary affections. (unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids)
free oil is given internally.
The drug strengthens adrenal glands Listed by German Commission E
and is given for stress, mental exhau- among unapproved herbs.
sion and depression; provides support It has been suggested that borage not
to stomach and intestines in cases of be used with drugs known to lower the
infection and toxicity. Used as a ton- seizure threshold such as tricyclic an-
ic to counteract the lingering effects of tidepressants and phenothiazines due
steroid therapy. Seeds relieve irritable to GLA content (only borage seed oil
bowel syndrome and regulate menstru- contains significant amounts of GLA).
ation. (Francis Brinker.)
The leaves contain lycopsamine and
supindine viridiflorate as the predom-
inant unsaturated pyrrolizidine alka-
Borassus flabellifer Linn.
loids. Due to low concentration of
these alkaloids Borage is not toxic. Family Palmae; Arecaceae.
The drug contains potassium and
calcium, combined with mineral acids. Habitat Coastal areas of Bengal,
The fresh juice affords %, the dried Bihar and Western and Eastern
herb % of nitrate of potash. The Peninsula.
stems and leaves supply much saline English Palmyra Palm, Brab tree.

98 Borreria articularis (Linn. f.) F. N. Williams.
Ayurvedic Taala, Taada, Trinraj, Family Rubiaceae.
Mahonnata, Lekhyapatra.
B Siddha/Tamil Panai, Panaimaram.
Habitat Throughout India, as
a weed in cultivated and sallow
Action Fresh sap—diuretic, cooling, lands and pastures.
antiphlegmatic, laxative, anti- English Shaggy Button Weed.
inflammatory. Slightly fermented
juice is given in diabetes. Palm- Ayurvedic Madana-ghanti.
jaggery—used as an energy food Siddha/Tamil Nathaichoori.
for convalscents. Ash of dry
spadix—antacid, antibilious (used Folk Ghanti-chi-bhaaji (Maha-
in heartburn). Young root, terminal rashtra), Gatbhanjan, Satgathiyaa.
buds, leaf-stalks—used in gastritis Action Herb—used in the treatment
and hiccups. of headache. Root—prescribed as
The sap is given as a tonic to asth- a mouthwash in toothache. Leaf—
matic and anaemic patients. Jaggery is juice is given as an astringent
given for anaemia, for diseases charac- in haemorrhoids. Seeds—used
terized by a marked loss of potassium. as demulcent in diarrhoea and
Palm candy is used in coughs and pul- dysentery.
monary affections and as a laxative for
The weed contains beta-sitosterol,
children.
ursolic acid and D-mannitol. It is rich
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
in calcium and phosphorus. Isorham-
dia recommends dried male inflores-
netin, a flavonoid, is reported in the
cence in dysuria.
seeds.
Jaggery solution may be used in hy-
pertension and oedema due to heart
and liver diseases, also as a food for
typhoid patients. Boswellia serrata Roxb.
The sap is an excellent source of bi-
Family Burseraceae.
ologically available riboflavin.
Aqueous MeOH extract of young Habitat The drier parts of
shoots contains heat-stable toxin; edi- Peninsular India.
ble part of young shoot, neurotoxic to English Indian Frankincense,
rats, but not hepatotoxic. Indian Olibanum.
Dosage Dried male inflorescence—
Ayurvedic Shallaki, Susravaa,
– g (API Vol. III.)
Gajabhakshyaa, Salai. Gum—
Kunduru.
Borreria articularis Unani Kundur (gum).
(Linn. f.) F. N. Williams. Siddha/Tamil Parangisambirani,
Synonym B. hispada (L.) K. Sch. Kungli.
Spermacoce hispida Linn. Folk Salai Guggul.

Brassica campestris Linn. var. rapa (L.) Hartm. 99
Action Gum-resin—antiseptic, Ayurvedic Siddhaartha, Shveta
anti-inflammatory, antiatheroscle- Sarshapa, Sarshapa-Gaura.
rotic, emmenagogue, analgesic, Unani Khardal Safed. B
sedative, hypotensive. Also used
in obesity, diarrhoea, dysentery, Siddha/Tamil Venkadugu.
piles, urinary disorders, scrofulous Folk Safed Raai.
affections. Oil—used topically in Action Stimulant to gastric mucosa,
chronic ulcers, ringworm. increases pancreatic secretions;
emetic (used in narcotic poisoning),
Nonphenolic fraction of gum-resin
diaphoretic, rubefacient. (As
exhibited marked sedative and anal-
a counter-irritant it increases
gesic effect in rats. It produced a
flow of blood to a specific area.)
marked and long-lasting hypotension
Used externally as a poultice in
in anaesthetized dogs.
bronchitis, pleurisy, intercostal
Many derivatives of -keto-methyl-
neuralgia, chilbains.
beta-boswellic ester, isolated from the
gum-resin., have been prepared; a py- Seeds contain glucosinolates.
razoline derivative exhibited maxi- Sinalbin in B. alba and sinigrin in B.
mum anti-inflammatory activity. juneja oil are toxic constituents. The
(Gum-resin is used in osteoarthri- oil with toxic constituents should be
tis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, soft avoided in gastrointestinal ulcers and
tissue fibrositis and spondylitis, also kidney disorders. When moistened,
for cough, bronchitis, asthma, mouth sinigrin in the seeds is degraded to
sores.) allyl isothiocyanate, a potent irritant
Essential oil from gum-resin—anti- volatile oil. (Francis Brinker.)
fungal. Glucosinolates are goitrogenic. Ex-
Gum-resin contains triterpenes of cessive consumption of Brassica sp.
oleanane, ursane and euphane series. vegetables may alter absorption of thy-
Stem and fruit—hypoglycaemic. roid hormone in G tract. (Sharon M.
Herr.)
Dosage Gum-resin—– g (API
Vol. IV.)
Brassica campestris Linn. var.
rapa (L.) Hartm.
Brassica alba (L.) Boiss.
Family Cruciferae; Brassicaceae.
Synonym Sinapis alba L. Habitat Cultivated as an oil-yielding
Family Cruciferae; Brassicaceae. crop.
Habitat Native of Europe and West English Field Mustard, Turnip
Asia. Cultivated in North India as Rape.
a crop. Ayurvedic Sarshapa, Siddhaartha.
English White Mustard. Unani Sarson.

100 Brassica juncea (Linn.) Czern. & Coss.
Siddha/Tamil Kadugu. Brassica juncea
Action Stimulant, diuretic, emetic, (Linn.) Czern. & Coss.
B rubefacient, counter-irritant. Used
externally for bronchitis and Family Cruciferae; Brassicaceae.
rheumatic pains (increases flow of Habitat Cultivated in Punjab, West
blood to a specific area). Powdered Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
seeds are used as a tea for colds, English Chinese Mustard, Brown
influenza and fever. Mustard.
The seeds contain glycosinolates Ayurvedic Raajikaa, Aasuri Raai,
(the derivatives are responsible for tox- Tikshnagandhaa.
icity). The concentration of the major Siddha/Tamil Kadugu.
glucosinolate, gluco-napin, varies from
. to .% in the oil-free meal of Folk Raai
Indian brassicas. The glucosinolates Action Raai is a substitute for
in rapeseed meal split upon enzymatic Mustard. Antidysenteric, stom-
hydrolysis to produce glucose, potassi- achic, diaphoretic, anthelmintic.
um, hydrogen sulphate and a sulphur- Increases pancreatic secretions.
containing compound which under- A decoction of seeds is given in
goes intramolecular rearrangement to indigestion, cough. Used externally
give rise to the antinutritional factors, as a counter-irritant in several
isothiocyanates or thiocyanates. complaints of nervous systems.
The volatile oil of mustard is given
internally in colic; in overdoses it is
highly poisonous and produces gastro- Brassica napus Linn.
enteric inflammations. It is employed
externally as a liniment for rheumatic Family Cruciferae; Brassicaceae.
pains. Habitat Cultivated in Punjab,
Adulteration of mustard oil with Bengal and Bihar.
argemone oil (Argemone mexicana is
English Mustard, Indian Rape.
frequently found growing in brassica
fields), by accident or by design, has led Ayurvedic Krishna-Sarshapa,
to the widespread epidemics of drop- Raajakshavaka, Kattaka, Katus-
sy and glaucoma due to an alkaloid neha, Tantubha, Siddhaartha,
sanguinarine. Siddhaarthaka, Siddhaartha-sita,
Black mustard contains sinigrin, Rakshogna. (White variety of
which on hydrolysis by enzyme my- Sarshapa is also equated with
rosin, produces allyisothiocynate; the Siddhaartha. Asita and Rakta seed
white mustard contains sinalbin, which varieties are reddish; Gaur and
produces p-hydroxybenzyl isothiocy- Siddhaartha are whitish.)
nate. Mucilage contains sinapine. Unani Kaali Sarson.
Dosage Seed— mg to  g paste. Action Emollient, diuretic,
(API Vol. III.) anticatarrhal.

Bridelia montana Willd. 101
The oil gave brassino steroid—brasi- English Cusso, Brayera.
nolide. Seeds gave a antithyroid com- Folk Kusso.
pound, -vinyl--oxazolidinethone;
Action Anthelmintic. Adminis-
B
thioglucosides and thioglucosinolates.
The seed oil is said to dissolves gall- tered in the form of an infusion
stone. for the expulsion of tapeworm
(ineffective against hookworm,
roundworm, whipworm). Irritant
to mucous membrane; produces
Brassica nigra (Linn.) Koch. nausea, vomiting and colic in large
Family Cruciferae; Brassicaceae. doses.
Habitat Cultivated in Punjab, Uttar
Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Breynia retusa (Dennst.) Alston.
English Black Mustard.
Synonym B. patens Benth.
Ayurvedic Banarasi Raai, Raajika
Family Euphorbiaceae.
(var.).
Habitat The tropical Himalayas
Unani Khardal Siyah. and Deccan peninsula.
Siddha/Tamil Kadugu. Ayurvedic Bahuprajaa, Kaamboji
Folk Raai. (doubtful synonym).
Action Seeds are used for treating Folk Kaali Kamboi (Gujarat).
coryza with thin excoriating dis- Action Used as a galactagogue (as
charge with lacrimation, sneezing a supporting drug in herbal com-
and hacking cough, nostril block- pound formulations). Spasmogenic.
age and dry and hot feeling of
pharyngitis.
The seeds contain glucosinolate sin- Bridelia montana Willd.
igrin, which produces allyl isothio- Family Euphorbiaceae.
cyanate when mixed with warm water.
Allyl isothiocynate acts as a counterir- Habitat The sub-Himalayan tract
ritant when diluted (:). from Kashmir eastwards to Assam,
and in Bihar, Orissa and Andhra
Pradesh.
Ayurvedic Ekaviraa.
Brayera anthelmintica Kunth.
Siddha/Tamil Venge-maram.
Synonym Hagenia abyssinica
Folk Gondni, Asaanaa (Maharash-
(Bruce) J. F. Gmelin.
tra).
Family Rosaceae. Action Bark and Root—astringent,
Habitat Indigenous to north-east anthelmintic. Used in the treatment
Africa. Imported into Mumbai. of bone fracture.

102 Bridelia retusa (Linn.) Spreng.
The root contains .% tannins. Nasturtium officinale, found in Eu-
The leaves contain beta-sitosterol, rope, is known as watercress. Indian
B its beta-D-glucoside and a triterpe- cress is cultivated in gardens as a creep-
noid. Fructose, glucose and sucrose er. Brucea is a totally different species
were identified as the components of (Simaroubaceae). Taraamirra of Unani
the glycoside. medicine should be equated with Eru-
ca sativa and not with Brucea sativa.
Action Taraamiraa (Jirjeer)—
Bridelia retusa (Linn.) Spreng. used in Unani medicine as a sper-
matic tonic (powder of seeds is
Family Euphorbiaceae. administered with a half-fried egg),
Habitat Throughout India up to an also as a blood purifier, diuretic,
altitude of , m, except in very emmenagogue and deobstruent.
dry regions. Leaf juice—used as a lotion for
blotches, spots and blemishes.
Ayurvedic Mahaaviraa, Asana
(Asana is equated with Pterocarpus Nasturtium officinale (Brassicaceae):
marsupium Roxb., the Indian Kino Antiscorbutic and stimulant. A rich
tree.) source of vitamins A and E, also of
Siddha/Tamil Mulluvengai. ascorbic acid. Seeds contain glucon-
Folk Gondani, Gondui, Khaajaa. casturtin. Used for metabolic disor-
ders, anaemia, strangury, kidney and
Action Bark—astringent, used bladder disorders and catarrh of the
in the form of a liniment in respiratory tract.
rheumatism. Paste of the stem bark Eruca sativa Mill.: Cultivated in
is applied to wounds. North India; known as Taraamiraa,
The bark contains –% tannin. Siddhaartha, Bhutaghna. Seeds are
Presence of a triterpene ketone in the used like mustard. Seeds—antibacte-
bark is reported. The bark exhibited rial. Crude juice of the plant inhibited
hypotensive properties in pharmaco- E. coli, S. typhi and B. subtlis. Seeds
logical trials. The extract of the bark contain (-Me-thio)-Bu-glucosinolate
significantly increased the mean sur- (glucoerucin) as K and tetra-Me-N
vival time of mice infected intracere- salts. A composition is used in indura-
brally with vaccinia virus. Ripe fruit tion of liver.
pulp contains beta-sitosterol and gallic
and ellagic acids.
Brugmansia suaveolens
Bercht. & Presl.
Brucea sativa
Synonym Datura suaveolens Humb.
National Formulary of Unani Medicine,
& Bonpl. ex Willd.
Part I, equated Jirjeer with Brucea sati-
va Mill. or Nasturtium officinale R. Br. Family Solanaceae.

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz. 103
Habitat Native to Mexico; grown stearic, palmitic, myristic, oleic and
in Indian gardens. linoleic acids.
English Angel’s Trumpet. B
Action Leaf and flower—used
Bryonopsis laciniosa
to treat asthma; to induce hal-
(Linn.) Naud.
lucinations. Can cause severe
toxicity. Synonym Bryonia laciniosa Linn.
Diplocyclos palmatus Jeff.
All parts of the plant contain tropane
alkaloids (concentration highest in Family Cucurbitaceae.
the foliage and seeds), particularly Habitat Throughout India.
atropine, hyoscyamine and hyoscine English Bryony.
(scopolamine.)
Ayurvedic Lingini, Shivalingi,
Chitraphalaa.
Siddha/Tamil Iyaveli, Iyaviraali.
Brunella vulgaris Linn.
Folk Lingadonda (Telugu).
Synonym Prunella vulgaris Linn.
Action Seeds—anti-inflammatory,
Family Labiatae; Lamiaceae. spasmolytic. Used for vaginal
Habitat The Himalayas from dysfunctions, as a fertility promot-
Kashmir to Bhutan at altitudes of ing drug. Powdered seeds, also
,–, m, in Khasi Hills and roots, are given to help conception
hills of South India. in women. Plant is also used in
venereal diseases.
English Self-heal.
Unani Substitute for Ustukhudduus.
(Lavandula stoechas Linn.) Bryophyllum pinnatum
Folk Dhaaru. (Lam.) Kurz.
Action Wound healing, ex- Synonym B. calycinum Salisb.
pectorant, antiseptic, astringent, Kalanchoe pinnata Pers.
haemostatic, antispasmodic. Leaf—
Family Crassulaceae.
used in piles; and as a cooling herb
for fevers. Habitat Throughout the warm
and moist parts of India, especially
The herb contains vitamins A, B, C abundant in West Bengal.
and K; flavonoids; rutin. Flower spikes Ayurvedic Parnabija, Airaavati.
are liver-restorative, hypotensive, an- (Also known as Paashaanabheda.)
tioxidant.
Lupeol, stigmasterol and beta-sitos- Unani Zakhm-e-Hayaat.
terol are obtained from the unsapo- Action Leaf—disinfectant, antibac-
nifiable fraction from the leaves, the terial (used for boils, insect bites,
saponifiable fraction gave lauric, swellings, burns, wounds).

104 Buchanania axillaris (Desr.) Ramam.
Leaves, mixed with those of Aegle English Almondette tree, Cheron-
marmelos, are given in blood and jee, Buchanan’s Mango.
B amoebic dysentery. Leaves are also
Ayurvedic Priyaala, Piyaala,
eaten to control diabetes.
Kharskandha, Bahulvalkala, Taa-
Leaves yield glycosides of querce-
paseshtha, Sannakadru Dhanush-
tin and kaempferol, and fumaric acid.
pat, Chaar.
Plant extracts—antifungal.
Unani/Tamil Saaraapparuppu.
Dosage Leaf—– ml juice.
(CCRAS.) Siddha Mudaima, Morala (Tamil).
Action Kernel—laxative, febrifuge.
An ointment made out of the
Buchanania axillaris kernels is used to cure itch of
(Desr.) Ramam. the skin and to remove blemishes
from the face. Oil from kernels—
Synonym B. angustifolia Roxb. substitute for almond oil. Applied
Family Anacardiaceae. to glandular swellings of the neck.
Habitat Dry deciduous forests in The oil is a promising source of
peninsular India. palmitic and oleic acids.
English Buchanan’s Mango, Kernel lipids (.%), comprised
Cuddapah Almond. mainly of neutral lipids (.%), con-
Ayurvedic Priyaal (var.). sist mostly of triacylglycerol (.%),
free fatty acids (.%) and small amount
Unani Habb-us-Simanaa.
of diacylglycerols, monoacylglycerols
Siddha/Tamil Mudaima, Saaraap- and sterols.
paruppu. The kernels are used in Indian medi-
Action Kernel of seeds are cine as a brain tonic. The leaves are
considered best among Buchanania valued as a cardiotonic.
sp. Uses similar to those of B. The leaves contain .% tannins
lanzan. (.% gallo-tannins). The presence
of triterpenoids, saponins, flavonoids
An ethanolic extract (%) of the and reducing sugars are also reported.
aerial part showed CNS-depressant ac- Powdered or crushed leaves are applied
tivity in mice. to wounds.
The bark contains .% tannins.
The presence of alkaloids, saponins and
reducing sugars is also reported.
Buchanania lanzan Spreng.
Gum (stem exudate) is antidiar-
Synonym B. latifolia Roxb. rhoeal. Used internally in rheumatism.
Family Anacardiaceae. Dosage Stem bark—– g (API
Habitat Drier parts of India. Vol. IV.)

Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. 105
Bupleurum flacutum Linn. Several sterols, possessing metabol-
ic activities and plasma cholesterol-
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. lowering activity, have also been iso- B
Habitat The Himalayas from lated from the root.
Kashmir to Bhutan and the Khasi
Hills, at ,–, m.
Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub.
English Hare’s Ear.
Folk Shingu (Himachal Pradesh),
Synonym B. frondosa Koenig ex
Sipil (Punjab), Thaanyo (Garhwal).
Roxb.
Action Roots—anti-inflammatory, Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
haemolytic, antipyretic. Used in
inflammations, muscle stiffness, Habitat Throughout India, up to
neurosis, pain and pyrexia. Roots , m except in very arid regions.
resolve inflammations of costal English Flame of the Forest, Butea
margin and diaphragm. Gum, Bengal Kino.
Key application Extracts have Ayurvedic Paalasha, Kimshuka,
been used for the treatment Raktapushpaka, Kshaarshreshtha,
of chronic hepatitis, nephrotic Brahmavriksha, Samidvar.
syndrome and auto-immune Unani Dhaak, Samagh Dhaak,
diseases (WHO.). Kamarkas.
Therapeutic properties are attribut- Siddha/Tamil Palasam, Purasus.
ed to saikoside or saikosaponins (yield Folk Tesu.
from roots .–.%), a complex Action Bark—astringent, styptic
mixture of triterpenic saponins. Sapo- (prescribed in bleeding piles,
nin content varies with age. Saikos- ulcers, haemorrhages, menstrual
aponins are analgesic, antipyretic as disorders), anthelmintic. Flowers—
well as antitussive; anti-inflammatory astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue
on oral administration. In Japan and (also given for leucorrhoea).
China, roots have been used tradition- A decoction of flowers is given in
ally in auto-immune diseases. Saikos- diarrhoea and haematuria, also to
aponins form an ingredient of anti- puerperal women. Seeds—clinical
tumour pharmaceuticals. A water- use of seeds as an anthelmintic drug
soluble crude polysaccharide fraction, is not considered safe in humans.
prepared from the root, was reported to
prevent HCl/ethanol-induced ulcero- Leaves—antibacterial. Stem bark—
genesis in mice significantly. Saiko- antifungal.
saponin-d, at a concentration of more An aqueous extract of flowers has
than  μm, inactivated measles virus shown hepatoprotective activity against
and herpes simplex virus at room tem- CCl-induced liver injury in albino
perature. rats.

106 Butea superba Roxb.
Extracts of flowers have exhibited cells. Roots—hypotensive. Watery
significant anti-oestrogenic activity in sap from stems is used for drinking
B mice. The seed suspension, on oral purposes. Bark is used in tonics and
administration to albino rats ( and elixirs.
 mg/kg body weight), showed .
and .% cases, respectively, where White-flowered var. is equated with
pregnancy was not interrupted but foe- Butea parviflora Roxb.
tus was malformed.
Alcoholic extract of the whole plant
produced persistent vasodepression in Buxus wallichiana Baill.
cats.
The plant contains flavonoids and Synonym B. sempervirens Linn.
glucosides—butin, butrin, isobutrin Family Buxaceae.
and palastrin. Flowers contain butrin, Habitat The Western and Central
coreopsin, monospermoside and their Himalayas and Punjab.
derivatives and sulphurein; also chal-
cones. English Himalayan Boxwood tree.
Folk Chikri, Shamshaad. Paapari
Dosage Stem bark—– g powder
(Garhwal).
(API Vol. II); flower—– g powder;
seed— g powder; gum—.–. g Action Wood—diaphoretic. Bark—
(API Vol. IV.) febrifuge. Leaves—purgative,
diaphoretic; used in rheumatism.
Poisonous. Not a safe drug for
Butea superba Roxb. “purifying blood”. Symptoms of
poisoning are severe—abdominal
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. pain, vomiting, convulsions and
Habitat Central and Southern death.
India.
The mixture of alkaloids is referred
Ayurvedic Lataa-Palaash (orange to as buxine. Buxenine-G is cytotoxic.
or orange scarlet-flowered var.). There is preliminary evidence that
Action Seeds—sedative and a specific Boxwood leaf extract (SVP
anthelmintic; decoction emollient ) might delay disease progression in
and used topically for piles. Seed HIV-infected patients. The extract is
oil—anthelmintic and hypotensive. available through internet sources or
Seeds exhibit haemagglutinating AIDS Buyers’ Clubs. (Natural Medi-
activity against human ABO red cines Comprehensive Database, .)

C
Caccinia crassifolia O. Kuntze. Habitat Common in Punjab,
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya
Synonym C. glauca Savi. Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Family Boraginaceae. Siddha/Tamil Kattagatti, Vilivi,
Villi.
Habitat Native to Baluchistan.
Available in Indian market as Folk Kodhab.
Gaozabaan. Action Root and leaves—
Unani Gaozabaan. (Accord- deobstruent, emmenagogue; used
ing to National Formulary of for uterine obstructions.
Unani Medicine, Borago officinalis
The leaves and stem bark gave alka-
Linn. and other species of Boragi-
loids, L-stachydrine and L--hydroxy-
naceae are used as Gaozabaan.)
stachydrine. Presence of quercetin,
Action Leaf—diuretic, anti- isoorientin, hydroxybenzoic acid, sy-
inflammatory, demulcent; used for ringic acid, vanillic acid and -hydro-
strangury, asthma and cough. xy--methoxy benzoic acid has also
been reported. The stembark contains
The stems and leaves gave sapoge- an alkaloid cadabicine, and dry pods
nins—caccigenin, caccigenin lactone contain cadabalone.
and -deoxycaccigenin; rutin and
a saponin derived from caccigenin.
The leaves also gave a glucoside, cac-
cinin. Caccinin and its aglucone cac- Caesalpinia bonduc
cinetin (which is the dimethylallyl es- (L.) Roxb. Dandy & Exell.
ter of caffeic acid) is diuretic; saponins Synonym C. bonducella Flem.
exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. C. crista Linn.
Flowers contain pyrrolizidine alka-
loid, the diester of retronecine. Ben- Family Caesalpiniaceae.
zoic acid has also been isolated from Habitat Throughout the hotter
the flowers. parts of India. Common in West
Bengal and South India. Often
grown as hedge plant.
Cadaba fruticosa (L.) Druce. English Fever Nut, Bonduc Nut,
Nikkar Nut.
Synonym C. farinosa Forsk.
Ayurvedic Puutikaranja, Lataa-
C. indica Lam.
karanja, Kantaki Karanja, Karanjin,
Family Capparidaceae. Kuberaakshi (seed).

108 Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.) Willd.
Unani Karanjwaa. Caesalpinia coriaria
(Jacq.) Willd.
Siddha/Tamil Kazharchikkaai.
Caesalpiniaceae.
C Action Seed—antiperiodic,
Family
antirheumatic. Roasted and used Habitat Grows abundantly in
as an antidiabetic preparation. South India, also cultivated in
Leaf, bark and seed—febrifuge. North-western India and West
Leaf and bark—emmenagogue, Bengal.
anthelmintic. Root—diuretic, English American Sumac, Divi-divi
anticalculous. Plant.
Siddha/Tamil Kodivelam.
The seeds contain an alkaloid cae-
Folk Libi-dibi; Divi-divi.
salpinine; bitter principles such as bon-
ducin; saponins; fixed oil. Action Bark—febrifuge, antiperi-
The seed powder, dissolved in wa- odic. Pod—astringent (in piles).
ter, showed hypoglycaemic activity in Fruit—semen coagulant.
alloxanized hyperglycaemic rabbits.
Aqueous extract of the seeds produced All parts of the plant contain tan-
similar effects in rats. The powder nin, the maximum amount occurring
forms a household remedy for treat- in the pods (.%). The tannins from
ment of diabetes in Nicobar Islands. pods comprise pyrogallol type of hy-
In Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, roots drolysable tannins and consists of gal-
are used in intermittent fevers and di- lotannin and ellagitannin. Divi-divi
abetes. closely resembles myrobalans both in
In homoeopathy, the plant is consid- nature and contents of tannins. Seeds
ered an excellent remedy for chronic contain little or no tannin.
fever. The plant is used for treating freck-
(Three plant species—Pongamia les. Leaves contain ellagic and gallic
pinnata Pierre, Holoptelea integrifo- acids, catechol and tannins.
lia (Roxb.) Planch. and Caesalpinia Ethanolic extract of the leaves
bonduc (L.) Roxb. are being used as showed antifungal activity.
varieties of Karanja (because flowers
impart colour to water). P. pinnata
is a tree and is equated with Karanja, Caesalpinia digyny Rottl.
Naktamaala and Udakirya; H. integri-
folia, also a tree, with Chirabilva, Puti- Family Caesalpiniaceae.
ka (bad smell) and Prakiryaa; and C. Habitat Bengal, Assam and
bonduc, a shrub, with Kantaki Karanja Andamans up to , m.
or Lataa Karanja.)
English Teri Pods.
Dosage Seed kernel—– g powder. Ayurvedic Vaakeri.
(CCRAS.) Siddha/Tamil Nunigatcha.

Caesalpinia sappan Linn. 109
Action Root—astringent and fruits contain tannins, gums, resin,
antipyretic, used in phthisis and benzoic acid. Presence of cyanidin-
scrofulous affections. ,-diglucoside is also reported from
The roots gave a phenolic compound
the flowers, hydrocyanic acid from the
leaves. The root contains caesalpin type
C
vakerin, identical with bergenin. The diterpenoids along with sitosterol.
ethanol-water extract of roots inhibits The leaves have displayed anticancer
the growth of Mycobacterium tubercu- activity in laboratory animals. A diter-
losis. penoid, isolated from the root, also
The pods contain % tannin (with- showed anticancer activity.
out seeds, more than %). The bark In Pakistan, the leaf and flower ex-
contains % tannin (without seeds, tract exhibited activity against Gram-
more than %). The tannin is pure positive bacteria.
gallo-tannin and gallic acid.
Dosage Root—– g powder.
(CCRAS.) Caesalpinia sappan Linn.
Family Caesalpiniaceae.
Caesalpinia pulcherrima Sw. Habitat Native to India and
Malaysia. Cultivated in Bengal and
Family Caesalpiniaceae. South India, also grown as a hedge
Habitat Cultivated in gardens plant.
throughout India. English Sappan.
English Barbados Pride, Peacock Ayurvedic Pattanga, Patanga,
Flower. Pattraanga, Raktasaara, Ranjana,
Ayurvedic Padangam, Ratnagandhi, Pataranjaka, Suranga, Kuchandana.
Krishnachuudaa. Unani Bakam.
Siddha/Tamil Mayirkonrai, Nalal. Siddha/Tamil Patangam, Anaikun-
Folk Guleturaa, Sankeshwara. trumani.
Action Leaves—laxative, an- Folk Patang.
tipyretic. Used in Eastern India Action Wood decoction—
as a substitute for senna. Dried emmenagogue, antidiarrhoeal; used
and powdered leaves are used in in skin diseases.
erysipelas. Flowers—anthelmintic.
Also used for cough and catarrh. The heartwood gave an anti-inflam-
Root—a decoction is prescribed matory principle brazilin; amyrin glu-
in intermittent fevers. Bark— coside, amino acids and carbohydrates.
emmenagogue, abortifacient. EtOH (%) extract of stem exhibited
semen coagulant activity.
The plant contains a flavonoid, my- Aqueous and chloroform extracts of
ricitroside. The leaves, flowers and the wood exhibited inhibitory action

110 Cajanus cajan (Linn.) Millsp.
on cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. The lipid disorders and obesity; external-
methanolic extract of the sappan lignan ly for promoting breast development,
showed sleep-time-elongation effect and attributed blood purifying proper-
C in mice. Significant anti-hypercholes-
terolaemic activity is attributed to ben-
ties to the root.
Amino acid analysis of the seed ex-
zilic compounds. tract showed that phenylalanine
The oil exhibited antibacterial and (.% of the total amino acids) is
antifungal activity. responsible for about % of the anti-
Plant pigments find use in facials sickling potency of the seed extract.
which are resistant to light, heat and Seeds also contain riboflavin and
water and are non-irritating. pyridoxine. Root bark contains isofla-
vones, sterols, triterpenoids, flavones,
Dosage Heartwood—– g (API
anthraquinone derivatives. Plant also
Vol. IV.)
contains an isoflavone, cajanol.
The aqueous extract of leaves
showed vasodilatory effect in exper-
Cajanus cajan (Linn.) Millsp. imental animals.
Synonym C. indicus Spreng. Unroasted nuts had hypoglycaemic
effect in mice; roasted seeds, in con-
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. trast, had a hyperglycaemic effect.
Habitat Cultivated as pulse crop, (Sharon M. Herr.)
chiefly in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar,
Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Dosage Root—– g powder. (API
Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. Vol. III.)
English Pigeon Pea, Red Gram.
Ayurvedic Aadhaki, Tuvari, Tuvara,
Shanapushpikaa. Calamus rotang Linn.
Unani Arhar. Synonym C. roxburghii Griff.
Siddha/Tamil Thuvarai.
Family Palmae; Arecaceae.
Action Green leaves are considered
hypocholesterolaemic. Pulse shows Habitat Central and South India.
cholesterol and phospholipid English Rotang, Rattan, Chair
lowering effect (reported to cause Bottom Cane.
flatulence). A paste of leaves with
salt and water, is taken on an empty Ayurvedic Vetra, Abhrapushpa.
stomach for jaundice. Leaves are Siddha/Tamil Pirambu.
used in diseases of the mouth, and
Action Astringent, antidiarrhoeal,
topically for treating measles and
anti-inflammatory (used in chronic
other eruptions.
fevers, piles, abdominal tumours,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In- strangury), antibilious, spasmolytic.
dia indicated the use of the seed in Wood—vermifuge.

Calendula officinalis Linn. 111
The plant is used in convulsions and Unani Zergul.
cramps. The presence of a saponin in Siddha/Tamil Thulvkka Saamanthi.
the stem, an alkaloid in the leaves and
Action Flowers—anti-inflam-
a flavonoid in the root is reported.
matory, antiseptic, stimulant, C
antispasmodic, emmenagogue,
antihaemorrhagic, styptic. Used
Calamus tenuis Roxb.
in gastric and duodenal ulcers
Synonym C. amarus Lour. and dysmenorrhoea; externally
Family Palmae; Arecaceae. for cuts, bruises, burns, scalds.
Plant—antiprotozoal. Flower—
Habitat The sub-Himalayan tract antimicrobial. Essential oil—
from Dehra Dun to Assam. antibacterial.
English Bareilly Cane.
Key application In inflammation of
Ayurvedic Vetra (var.) (Vetasa, the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, in-
Salix caprea Linn., is a different ternally and externally. Externally,
drug). on poorly healing wounds, ul-
Action See C. rotang. cuscruris. (German Commission E,
WHO, ESCOP.) Anti-inflammatory,
vulnerary. (The British Herbal
Calamus travancoricus Pharmacopoeia.)
Bedd. ex Hook. f. The flowers contain triterpenes,
Family Palmae; Arecaceae. sterols, flavonoids, carotenes, bitter
Habitat Deccan peninsula, from glycosides, resins, volatile oil, mucilage
Malabar to Travancore. (do not contain tannins). Polysaccha-
rides from flowers exhibited immuno-
English Cane. stimulating and antitumour activity in
Ayurvedic Vetra. several in vitro test systems.
Siddha/Tamil Pirambu. An alcoholic extract has been shown
to have antitrichomonal activity.
Action Tender leaves are used in Wound healing and anti-inflam-
dyspepsia, biliousness and as an matory properties are attributed to Mn
anthelmintic. See C. rotang. and carotene. An aqueous alcoholic ex-
tract of florets showed CNS inhibitory
effect with marked sedative activity in
Calendula officinalis Linn. experimental animals.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. The extract of flower-heads exhibit-
ed estrogenic activity (reduces period
Habitat Throughout India; wild in pains and regulates menstrual bleed-
Punjab. ing).
English Pot-Marigold, Marigold; Calephlone, the extract containing
Calendula. the total polyphenols of the inflores-

112 Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl.
cence, has a marked cholagogic effect Dosage Dried inflorescences
in rats and has been found helpful in powder—– g (API Vol. II); fruit
the treatment of CCl-induced hepati- powder—– g. (API Vol. IV.)
C tis. A hypocholesterolaemic saponin
has been extracted from the plant.
Calophyllum apetalum Willd.
Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl. Synonym C. wightianum T. Anders.
Family Guttiferae; Clusiaceae.
Synonym C. incana Roxb.
Habitat The evergreen forests of
Family Verbenaceae.
Western Ghats up to  m.
Habitat Sub-Himalayan tracts,
Siddha/Tamil Shirupinnai.
from Hazara eastwards to Assam,
up to , m. Action Resin—antiphlogistic,
anodyne. Seed oil—antileprotic.
English Perfumed Cherry.
Ayurvedic Priyangu, Priyan- The leaves, stem, bark and root con-
gukaa, Priyaka, Gandhphali, tain friedelin. Leaves also contain
Gandhpriyangu, Phalini, Vanitaa, canophyllol and a triterpene lactone;
Kaantaa, Kaantaahvaa, Shyamaa, stem, beta-amyrin; bark, apetalic acid.
Anganaapriya. Heartwood contains a clathrate named
Unani Habb-ul-Mihlb (Prunus wightianone palmitic acid. Wood con-
mahaleb Linn., Rosaceae). tains mesoinositol.
Siddha/Tamil Gnazhal, Chokkala.
(Fruits of Aglaia roxburghiana Miq.
Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.
are used as Priyangu.)
Action Leaves—applied hot in Family Guttiferae; Clusiaceae.
rheumatic pains. Smoked to relieve Habitat Coastal regions, particular-
headache. Seed—paste used in ly Orissa, Karnataka, Maharashtra
stomatitis. Wood—paste used in and the Andamans. Also cultivated
mouth and tongue sores. Seeds as an ornamental tree.
and roots—employed as stomachic.
Bark—used in rheumatism and English Indian Laurel, Alexandrian
diseases of genitourinary tract. Laurel.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of Ayurvedic Punnaaga, Tunga,
India indicated the use of the fruit Sultaan champaa, Naagchampaa,
in emesis and giddiness. Raajchampaa.
The seeds and leaves contain cal- Siddha/Tamil Punnai, Punnagam.
literpenone and its monoacetate; the Action Oil of seeds—specific for
former also contain fatty acids, beta- scabies and other skin diseases,
sitosterol and its beta-D-glucoside. and for rheumatism. Used in the

Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br. 113
treatment of genitourinary and Unani Madaar, Aak.
venereal diseases. Bark—juice is Siddha/Tamil Erukku.
taken as purgative; pounded with
Action Flowers—stomachic,
water is applied in orchitis, and
for dressing ulcers. Root bark— bechic, antiasthmatic. Milky juice— C
antibacterial, used for indolent purgative (gastrointestinal irritant).
ulcers. Leaf—used in vertigo and Roots—used in lupus, tuberculous
migraine, also for chicken pox, skin leprosy, syphilitic ulceration.
inflammations, scabies, sunburn. Leaves—juice poisonous. Used in
Flowers and stamens—used as external swellings. All parts—used
a substitute for Naagakesara (Mesua against bronchitis and asthma.
ferrea Linn.) The leaf extract showed antitussive
The root bark and heartwood con- activity due to the presence of alkaloids
tain xanthones. The xanthones exhib- and glycosides. The root contains gly-
ited anti-inflammatory activity in rats cosides .–.% on dry basis. The
against carrageenan-induce oedema; latex contains akudarin. Flowers con-
also CNS depressant activity. Jaca- tain beta-amyrin and stigmasterol.
reubin and -deoxy derivatives exhib- Dosage Milky juice— mg; leaf,
ited antiulcer activity in rats. flower, root bark—– g powder.
Calophyllolide, a complex -Ph- (CCRAS.)
coumarin isolated from nuts, showed
antiarrhythmic (as effective as quini-
dine), bradycardiac coronary dilator,
and anticoagulant, also anti-inflam- Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br.
matory and antiarthritic activity. Family Asclepiadaceae.
Dosage Leaf, flower, bark—– g Habitat An evergreen shrub
powder; – ml decoction. distributed in West and Central
(CCRAS.) India.
English Swallow-Wart, Milk Weed,
(purple-flowered), King’s Crown.
Calotropis gigantea
Ayurvedic Alarka, Surya, Su-
(Linn.) R.Br. ex.Ait.
uryaahvya, Vikirna, Vasuka,
Family Asclepiadaceae. Tapana, Tuulaphala, Kshirparna,
Habitat Throughout India. Arkaparna, Aasphota.
English Madar (white-flowered), Unani Aakh, Madaar, Ashar.
Giant Milk-weed. Siddha/Tamil Vellerukku, Erukku.
Ayurvedic Alarka, Raajaarka, Action The plant is used against
Shvetaarka, Vasuka, Mandaar, bronchial asthma (especially flowers
Bhaasvanmuula, Dinesh, Prab- with black pepper). Leaves—used
haakara, Ravi, Bhaanu, Tapana. for treating chronic cases of

114 Caltha palustris Linn.
dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation Action Anti-inflammatory. Root—
and mucus in stool. Seed oil— hypocholesterolaemic. Poisonous
geriatric and tonic. Leaves, flowers to human beings in mature stages.
C and root-bark oil—antimicrobial
(maximum activity in leaves). The flowers contain flavonoids, -
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of rhamnosides, -glucosides and -glu-
India indicated the use of the root co--rhamnosides of kaempferol and
and leaf in asthma and dyspnoea; quercetin. Roots gave triterpenoid
stem bark in diseases of the spleen. glycosides, which decreased serum
cholesterol and total protein and in-
Root bark contains benzoylline- creased blood sugar equivalent to bu-
olone and benzolisolineolone. Root, tadione in rats.
stem and leaves, also latex contain EtOH (%) extract of the plant ex-
beta-amyrin. Flowers contain evanidin hibits CNS depressant and hypotensive
-rhamnoglucoside. The plant con- activity in rat.
tains a cardenolide, proceragenin, an
antibacterial principle.
The latex is given for treating epilep-
sy, also in painful, joints and swellings. Calycopteris floribunda Lam.
The latex exhibited anti-inflammatory Family Combretaceae.
activity in carrageenan-and formalin-
induced rat paw oedema model. Habitat Madhya Pradesh, Penin-
The herb can alter menstrual cycle sular India and Assam.
and temporarily inhibit ovulation. Car- Ayurvedic Sushavi, Paaniyavalli.
diac glycosides may be additive when Siddha/Tamil Minnargodi.
combined with Digoxin. (Sharon M.
Herr.) Action Leaf—antidysenteric; used
externally for ulcers. Fruit—used in
Dosage Leaf—– mg powder; jaundice.
root—– g for decoction (API Vol.
I); stem bark—.– g powder (API Leaves contain flavanol calycopterin;
Vol. III). Milky juice— mg to  g flowers calycopterin and quercetin.
(CCRAS.)
Camellia sinensis
Caltha palustris Linn. (Linn.) O. Kuntze.
Family Ranunculaceae. Family Theaceae.
Habitat Western temperate Habitat Cultivated in Assam,
Himalayas from , to , m. Darjeeling, Travancore, the Nilgiris,
English American cowslip, Marsh Malabar, Bengal, Dehra Dun and
Marigold, Water Buttercup. Kumaon.
Folk Mamiri (Punjab). English Tea.

Canarium strictum Roxb. 115
Unani Chaai, Shaahi, Shaayi. Green tea, when added to a lard-
Siddha/Tamil Thaeyilai. cholesterol diet, decreased the choles-
terol and triglyceride levels in fowls.
Action Stimulant, diuretic,
astringent. In China, used for
Tea polyphenols exhibit hypocholes-
terolaemic activity.
C
diarrhoea and dysentery (causes
Tea polyphenols—(−)-epicatechin
gastrointestinal upsets and nervous
gallate, (−)-epigallocatechine galate,
irritability when consumed in
theaflavin monogallate A or B, and
excess). Green tea: anticancer
or theaflavin digallate—are used for
effects have been observed in
treating hyperglycaemia.
Chinese green tea, Camellia thea,
Saponins from tea are used as an-
extract; the extract of Japanese green
tiulcer agents.
tea showed antihepatotoxic effects.
Concurrent use of tea and beta-
Important constituents of leaf buds adrenergic agonists may increase the
and very young leaves are: caffeine, risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Caffeine,
with a much smaller amount of oth- a component of tea, may increase in-
er xanthines (theophylline and theo- sulin resistance. (Sharon M. Herr.)
bromine); tannins (the main tannin
in green tea is (−)-epigallocatechin);
flavonoids, quercetin, kaempferol. The
Canarium commune Linn.
stimulant and diuretic are due to caf-
feine content, the astringency due to Synonym C. vulgare Leench.
the tannins.
Family Burseraceae.
Drinking tea lowers thiamine and
thiamine diphosphate losses in urine Habitat A tree indigenous to
and blood serum respectively but in- Malaysia. Now grown in South
creases niacin losses. Hot water extract India, particularly in Kerala and
of black tea facilitates Ca absorption in Tamil Nadu.
the body experimentally. Tea may de- English Java Almond, Kenari Nut.
crease zinc bioavailability.
The tea, if added to the meal, sig- Folk Jangali Baadaam.
nificantly lower the availability of iron. Action Fruit—laxative. Resin—
Milk is as effective as ascorbic acid in anti-inflammatory. Tuber—styptic,
countering the depressing effect of tea bechic, diaphoretic.
on iron availability (in vitro).
The green tea catechin inhibited car- The essential oil from oleoresin con-
cinogenesis in small intestines when tain % anethole and a small quantity
given during or after carcinogen treat- of terpenes.
ment to experimental rats. (−)-epi-
gallocatechin gallate and theaflavin di-
gallate from green tea inhibited the in- Canarium strictum Roxb.
fectivity of both influenza A and B virus
(in vitro). Synonym C. sikkimense King

116 Cannabis sativa Linn.
Family Burseraceae Unani Bhang, Charas, Qinnab.
Habitat A large, deciduous tree Siddha/Tamil Ganja.
distributed in West Ghats, Assam Folk Bhaanga.
C and Sikkim.
Action Hallucinogenic, hyp-
English Black Dammar.
notic, sedative, analgesic, anti-
Ayurvedic Raal Dhuup, Mand inflammatory, Hemp derivatives
Dhuup. are suggested for treating glaucoma
Siddha/Tamil Karunkungiliyam and as an antiemetic in cancer
(gum). chemotherapy. All variants produce
Action Resin—used for chronic initial excitement followed by
cutaneous diseases, such as pso- depression.
riasis, pityriasis; as a linament in Cannabis yields  chemicals of
rheumatic affections. Dammer various classes—cannabinoids, canna-
Oil—used for rheumatism, asthma, bispirans and alkaloids. More than
venereal diseases.  cannabinoids have been isolated,
Black dammer resin contains (+)- the most important one is delta--
junenol, canarone and epikhusinal. tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The plant contains a sesquiterpene Toxic constituents are readily ab-
ketone—canarone. sorbed, excreted in urine and feces,
Canarium sikkimense King is known stored in lipid tissues, especially CNS,
as Gogul Dhuup in Nepal. crosses placenta. High doses in ani-
mals have damaged developing em-
bryos and resulted in birth defects.
(Francis Brinker.)
Cannabis sativa Linn.
Synonym C. indica Linn. Dosage Dried leaves, after
removing turbity—– mg
Family Cannabinaceae. powder. (API Vol. I.)
Habitat Cultivated all over the
country. Commonly occurs in
waste grounds, along road side,
Canscora decussata Schult.
often becoming gregarious along
the irrigation channels of gardens. Family Gentianaceae.
English Hemp, Indian Hemp. Habitat Throughout India,
Ayurvedic Vijayaa, Bhangaa, ascending to , m.
Maadani, Maatulaani, Indraasana, Ayurvedic Daakuni (used as
Trailokya-vijayaa, Tribhuvana- a substitute for Shankhapushpi in
vijayaa, Shukranaashana, Ganjaa, West Bengal)
Bhangaa. (Bhangaa is consumed
orally; Ganjaa and charas are usually Unani Sankhaahuli.
smoked.) Folk Daankuni.

Capparis aphylla Roth. 117
Action Anticonvulsant, CNS against cough. A decoction of
depressant, anti-inflammatory, the root and leaves is given in flu.
hepatoprotective. Bark—antidysenteric.
The plant contains calcium .; The plant contains mannitol (.%) C
magnesium .; potassium . and and alkaloids. Canthium umbellatum
iron . g/ g; copper ., zinc Wight is also known as Kaari.
.; manganese ., cobalt . and
chromium . mcg/g.
Roots contain beta-amyrin, friede- Capparis aphylla Roth.
lin, genianine and  xanthones includ-
ing mangiferin. Mangiferin is protec- Synonym C. decidua Edgew.
tive activity against induced liver injury Family Capparidaceae.
in albino rats. Xanthones also showed Habitat Rajasthan, Punjab and
activity against Mycobacterium tuber- Sindh; southward to Karnataka and
culosis. Tamil Nadu.
Dried crude powder of the whole English Caper Berry.
plant exhibited anticonvulsant activity
in albino rats. Ayurvedic Karira, Krakar, Apatra,
Canscora diffusa (Vahl) R. Br. ex Granthila, Marubhoo-ruuha,
Roem. & Schultes (synonym C. lawii Niguudhapatra, Karila.
Wt.), found throughout India at Unani Kabar, Kabar-ul-Hind,
, m, is used as a substitute for Kabar-e-Hindi; Tenti.
C. decussata. Siddha/Tamil Chhengan.
Folk Tenti.
Action Anti-inflammatory (used for
Canthium parviflorum Lam.
enlarged cervical glands, sciatica,
Synonym Plectronia parviflora rheumatoid arthritis; externally
(Lam.) Bedd. on swellings, skin eruptions,
ringworm). Fruits and seeds—used
Family Rubiaceae.
for urinary purulent discharges and
Habitat Throughout the Deccan dysentery. Flowers and seeds—
Peninsula, from Gujarat and antimicrobial. The fruit is used as
Maharashtra southwards, and in a pickle.
Bihar and Orissa.
The root bark contains spermidine
English Wild Jasmine. alkaloids, used for inflammations,
Folk Kaari. asthma and gout.
Activity of the seed volatiles against
Siddha/Tamil Karai, Kadan Karai, vibro cholerae has been recorded.
Nalla Karai, Kudiram. Aqueous extract of the plant exhibits
Action Leaves and fruits— anthelmintic activity; seeds contain an-
astringent, antispasmodic; used tibacterial principles—glucocapparin;

118 Capparis moonii Wight.
isothiocynate aglycone of glucocap- Folk Hains, Kanthaar.
parin. Action Antiseptic, antipyretic.
The blanched fruits, when fed to Used for eczema and scabies.
C rats at % dietary fibre level, showed
a significant hypocholesterolaemic ef- Leaves contain taraxasterol, alpha-
fect, which is attributed to its hemicel- and beta-amyrin and beta-sitosterol,
lose content. erythrodiol and betulin.
Pickled fruits are use for destroying
intestinal worms. Dosage Root—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Dosage Leaf, root—– mg
(CCRAS.)
Capparis spinosa Linn.
Capparis moonii Wight. Family Cappariadaceae.
Family Capparidaceae. Habitat Native to the Mediter-
ranean region. Distributed in
Habitat Indigenous to New North-west India, Rajasthan, and
Zealand. Now distributed in Peninsular India.
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
English Caper Bush.
Ayurvedic Rudanti.
Ayurvedic Himsraa, Kaakdaani,
Action Fruit—used in puerperal
Kabara.
sepsis and septic wounds, also for
debility and cough. Unani Kabar.
EtOH (%) extract of aerial parts Action Anti-inflammatory, deob-
is CNS depressant. struent to liver and spleen, diuretic,
Fruits contain l-stachydrine, rutin anthelmintic, vasoconstrictive.
and beta-sitosterol. Bark—given in splenic, renal and
hepatic complaints. Juice of leaves
and fruits—anticystic, bactericidal
and fungicidal. Dried flower buds—
Capparis sepiaria Linn. used in scurvy.
Family Capparidaceae.
Plant gave glucosinolates—glucoi-
Habitat Dry regions of the country, berin, glucocapparin, sinigrin, gluco-
also planted as a hedge plant. cleomin and glucocapangatin. Rutin
English Indian Caper. has also been reported from plant.
The root bark, cortex and leaves gave
Ayurvedic Himsraa, Gridhnakhi, stachydrine. Stachydrine, when given
Duh-pragharshaa, Kaakdaani, to dogs, rabbits and rats, quickened the
Kabara, Kanthaari. coagulation of blood and reduced loss
Siddha/Tamil Karunjurai. of blood.

Capsicum annuum Linn. 119
Capparis zeylanica Linn. and haemorrhages from renal and
genitourinary tract. Also used in
Synonym C. horrida Linn.f. diarrhoea and dysentery and as
Family Cappariadaceae. a diuretic.
C
Habitat Common in plains as Key application In symptom-based
a hedge plant. treatment of mild menorrhagia
and metrorrhagia. (German Com-
English Ceylon Caper.
mission E.) The British Herbal
Ayurvedic Ahimsra (Himsraa Pharmacopoeia reported antihaem-
and Ahimsra are synonyms). orrhagic action.
Vyaaghranakhi.
Aerial parts contain flavonoids,
Siddha/Tamil Aathondai. polypeptides, choline, acetylcholine,
Folk Kareruaa. histamine and tyramine.
Action Root bark—sedative, The extract of dried or green plant
stomachic, anticholerin, diuretic causes strong contraction of the small
febrifuge. Leaves—applied as intestines and uterus of guinea pigs.
poultice to piles, swellings, boils. A quarternary ammonium salt has
been isolated from the herb which
The plant contains a saponin and p- is reported to be responsible for its
hydroxybenzoic, syringic, vanillic, fer- pharmacological activity.
ulic and p-coumaric acids. The leaves Young leaves contain vitamin A
contain beta-carotene. The leaves and (, IU/ g) and ascorbic acid
seeds contain glucocapparin, alpha- ( mg/ g); among other constit-
amyrin, n-triacontane and a fixed oil. uents are hesperidin and rutin, which
Aerial parts exhibited spasmolytic reduced permeability of blood vessel
activity. walls in white mice. A neoplasm in-
hibitory substance has been identified
as fumaric acid. An inhibitory effect
Capsella bursa-pastoris of the extracts of the herb on Ehrlich
(Linn.) Moench. solid tumour in mice was found to be
due to the fumaric acid.
Family Cruciferae; Brassicaceae. Major constituent of the essential oil
Habitat Throughout India as is camphor.
a weed in cultivated areas and waste
places, particularly in the temperate
regions up to an altitude of , m. Capsicum annuum Linn.
English Shepherd’s Purse, St. Family Solanaceae.
James’s Wort.
Habitat Native to the West
Folk Mumiri. Indies and tropical America; now
Action The herb or its juice extracts cultivated throughout tropical
are employed to check menorrhagia regions of India.

120 Capsicum frutescens Linn.
English Chilli, Red Pepper. Capsaicin exhibited a hypoglycae-
mic effect in dogs; insulin release was
Ayurvedic Raktamaricha, Lankaa,
increased. (Phytother Res, , Aug
Katuviraa.
C Unani Mirch, Filfil-e-Ahmar,
(), –.)
Dosage Fruit—– mg powder.
Filfl-e-Surkh, Surkh Mirch. (CCRAS.)
Siddha/Tamil Milagay.
Action Stimulant, accelerates
oxygenation of cells, encourages Capsicum frutescens Linn.
adrenal glands to produce corticos- Family Solanaceae.
teroids, increases gastrointestinal
Habitat Cultivated as a condiment
secretion. Carminative, antispas-
crop.
modic, antiseptic. Used externally
for rheumatism, backache, lum- English Bird Chilli.
bago, neuralgia, painful muscle Ayurvedic Katuviraa.
spasm. Unani Surkh Mirch.
Red chilli contains capsaicin (.– Siddha/Tamil Musi Milagay.
.%), carotenoids, flavonoids, volatile Action See Capsicum annuum.
oil; steroidal saponins (capsicidins, on- Key application Externally, in
ly in seeds). painful muscle spasms in areas
Capsaicin stimulates the circulation of shoulder, arm and spine; for
and alters temperature regulation; top- treating arthritis, rheumatism,
ically desensitizes nerve endings and neuralgia, lumbago and chilbains.
acts as a local analgesic. (German Commission E.) The
Capsaicin produces a protective ef- British Pharmacopoeia reported
fect in rat lung and liver by strength- rubefacient and vasostimulant
ening the pulmonary antioxidant en- action.
zyme defence system. Acute capsaicin
treatment causes release of substance The plant contains hydroxybenzoic
desensitization of the respiratory tract acid, hydroxycinnamic acid and ascor-
mucosa to a variety of lung irritants. bic acid. Fruits contain up to % of
Red pepper or an equivalent amount capsaicin.
of capsaicin, when fed along with
cholesterol-containing diets to female
albino rats, prevented significantly the Carallia brachiata (Lour.) Merr.
rise of liver cholesterol levels.
Vitamin P has been isolated from the Synonym C. integerrima DC.
chillies. Vitamin C gradually increases C. lucida Roxb. ex Kurz.
during maturation and reaches maxi- Habitat Throughout India, up to
mum at the semi-ripe or pink coloured an altitude of , m, and in the
stage and decreases thereafter. Andamans.

Careya arborea Roxb. 121
Folk Karalli, Kierpa. Varanga The leaves contain beta-sitosterol
(Malyalam). and its D-glucoside, an alkaloid, oxalic
Action Leaves—used in the acid and amino acids. The presence of
treatment of sapraemia. Bark—used a saponin and quebrachitol is reported
in the plant.
C
for treating oral ulcers, stomatitis,
inflammation of the throat. The leaves and stem are used in
preparations used against common
The leaves contain alkaloids (.% cold. Alcoholic extract of the plant
dry basis), the major being (+)-hygro- exhibits antisickling and antiarthritic
line. activity. Seeds have positive anabolic
activity and increase body weight by
inducing a positive nitrogen balance.
Cardiospermum halicacabum The alkaloid fraction from the seeds
Linn. showed hypotensive activities and car-
diac inhibition in anaesthetized dogs;
Family Sapindaceae. blocked spasmogenic effects of acetyl-
Habitat Throughout the plains of choline, histamine and -HT on guinea
India, as a wild climber. pig ileum, biphasic effort on frog rec-
tus abdominis muscle. The seeds also
English Ballon Vine, Winter showed antibacterial activity.
Cherry, Heartseed.
Ayurvedic Kaakatiktaa, Dosage Whole plant—– ml
Kaakaadani, Karnsphotaa, decoction. (CCRAS.)
Shatakratulataa.
Unani Habb-e-Qilqil.
Careya arborea Roxb.
Siddha/Tamil Mudukottan,
Kottavan. Family Barringtoniaceae.
Folk Kanphotaa, Kanphuti, Habitat Sub-Himalayan tract, from
Lataaphatakari. Used as Jyotishmati Jammu eastwards to West Bengal,
in Bengal. Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Action Used in rheumatism, English Kumbi, Slow-Match tree.
lumbago, skeletal fractures, nervous Ayurvedic Katabhi, Kumbhi-
diseases, amenorrhoea, haemor- ka, Kumbhi, Kumbi, Kaitrya,
rhoids, erysipelas. The herb is used Kumudikaa.
in hairoils for treating dandruff, Siddha/Tamil Kumbi, Ayma.
alopecia and for darkening hair.
Action Bark—demulcent (in
The plant extract showed significant coughs and colds), antipyretic and
analgesic and anti-inflammatory activ- antipruritic (in eruptive fevers),
ity and sedative effect on CNS. The anthelmintic, antidiarrhoeal. An
drug also showed (transient) vasode- infusion of flowers is given after
pressant activity. child birth.

122 Carica papaya Linn.
Seeds contain triterpenoid sapo- research indicate that papain may
genols, sterols; leaves contain a tri- be effective (in the treatment of
terpene ester, beta-amyrin, hexaco- inflammations) in high doses (daily
C sanol, taraxerol, beta-sitosterol, quer-
cetin and taraxeryl acetate.
dose  mg corresponding to
 FIP units).
Careya herbacea Roxb., a related
species, is known as Kumbhaadu-lataa Unripe fruit—emmengagogue and
in Bengal. abortifacient. Latex—applied topically
on eczema, ringworm, psoriasis, corns,
Dosage Bark—– ml decoc- warts, sloughing wounds, carbuncles
tion. (CCRAS.) and eschar of burns.
Green parts of the plant and seed
contain an alkaloid carpaine. Seeds
Carica papaya Linn. also contain carpasemine.
Latex contain enzymes—papain and
Family Caricaceae. chymopapain and alkaloids carpaine
Habitat Native to West Indies and and pseudocarpaine. A proteinaceous
Central America; now cultivated in material from latex showed anticoag-
Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, ulant activity; in higher doses it is
Gujarat, Maharashtra and South heart depressant and as a spasmogen
India. on smooth muscle of guinea pig ileum.
English Papaya, Papaw. An alkaloid solution showed depres-
sant action on heart, blood pressure
Ayurvedic Erand-karkati, Papitaa. and intestine.
Unani Papitaa Desi. The anthelmintic action of seeds
Siddha/Tamil Pappaali, Pappayi. against Ascaris lumbricoides is due to
carpasemine.
Action Ripe fruit—stomachic, Papain, an enzyme mixture pre-
digestive, carminative, diuretic, pared from the fruit, seeds and leaf,
galactagogue. Useful in bleeding hydrolyses polypeptides, amides and
piles, haemoptysis, dysentery esters, particularly when used in an
and chronic diarrhoea. Seeds— alkaline environment, and is used in
emmengagogue, abortifacient, digestive disorders.
vermifuge. Juice of seeds is Papain inhibits platelet aggregation,
administered in enlarged liver which may further increase the risk of
and spleen, and in bleeding bleeding in patients also taking anti-
piles. coagulants. Concurrent administra-
Key application Papain, the tion of cyclophosphamide with papain
enzyme mixture extracted from raw caused sever damage to lung tissues in
papain (latex of Carica papaya), has rats. (Sharon M. Herr.)
been included among unapproved Chymopapin C is an immunosup-
herbs by German Commission E. pressive enzyme from plant extract.
Experiment-based as well as clinical Carpaine, extracted from the plant,

Carthamus tinctorius Linn. 123
exhibited anti-tubercular activity, also Carissa opaca Stapf. Ex Haines.
antitumour in vitro, and hypotensive.
Synonym C. spinarum auct. non L.
Dosage Leaf—– ml infusion;
latex—– g (CCRAS.) Family Apocynaceae. C
Habitat Throughout the country
in dry regions, especially in Punjab
Carissa carandas Linn. var. and Kashmir.
congesta (Wt.) Bedd. Ayurvedic Karamardikaa.
Family Apocynaceae. Siddha/Tamil Chirukila Chiru.
Habitat Throughout India. Folk Jangali Karondaa. Garnaa
English Christ’s Thorn, Bengal (Punjab).
Currant. Action Plant—cardiotonic. Root—
Ayurvedic Karinkaara, Karamarda, purgative.
Krishnapaakphal, Kshirphena,
The root contains caffeic acid, car-
Sushena, (Karamardakaa is equated
diac glycosides—odorosides B, C, G
with C. spinarum Linn.)
and H, and evomonoside.
Unani Karondaa. Carissa paucinervia A. DC. is also
Siddha/Tamil Kalakke. equated with the wild var. of Karondaa.
Action Used for acidity, flatulence,
poor digestion, as a slimming diet.
Juice of the fresh plant is used for Carthamus tinctorius Linn.
infected wounds that refuse to heal.
Root—paste used for diabetic ulcer. Family Asteraceae.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In- Habitat Cultivated mainly as an
dia indicated the stem bark in obstinate oil-seed crop in Madhya Pradesh,
skin diseases, and the root in urinary Maharashtra.
disorders. English Safflower.
Alcoholic extract of roots exhibit Ayurvedic Kusumbha, Vahin-
hypotensive activity. Roots yield car- shikhaa, Vastraranjaka, Kusum.
dioactive compounds; cardiotonic ac-
tivity is due to glucoside of odoroside Unani Qurtum.
H. Siddha/Tamil Chendurakam.
Fresh fruits are rich in ascorbic acid
Action Oil—aids prevention of
( g/ g fruit juice). The seeds are
arteriosclerosis, coronary heart
rich in potassium ( mg/ g fresh
disease and kidney disorders as
matter).
a polyunsaturated fat. Flowers—
Dosage Stem bark— g for stimulant, sedative, diuretic,
decoction. (API Vol. II); root— emmenagogue; used in fevers and
– g (API Vol. III). eruptive skin conditions, measles.

124 Carum bulbocastanum W. Koch.
Charred safflower oil is used in Wild and thorny Safflower, grow-
rheumatism and for healing sores. ing in the arid tract of Haryana and
Punjab (locally known as Kantiaari,
Key application Dried flowers—
C in cardiovascular diseases, amen-
Poli, Poiyan) is equated with C. oxy-
cantha Bieb. The plant is diuretic.
orrhoea, dysmenorrhoea and Seed oil is applied topically to ulcers.
retention of lochia; also in wounds The plant contains a sesquiterpene gly-
and sores with pain and swelling. coside. Aerial parts contain hinesol-
(Pharmocopoeia of the People’s beta-D-fucopyranoside. The plant also
Republic of China, .) contains luteolin--glucoside.
Safflower contains carthamone, lig- Dosage Leaf—– g powder.
nans and a polysaccharide. The poly- (CCRAS.)
saccharide, composed of xylose, fruc-
tose, galactose, glucose, arabinose,
rhamnose and uronic acid residues, Carum bulbocastanum W. Koch.
stimulates immune function in mice.
It induced antibody formation in mice Synonym Bunium persicum (Boiss.)
following peritoneal injection. Ex- Fedts.
tracts of flowers have also been tested Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae
in China on blood coagulation, where Habitat Cultivated in the hills and
a prolongation of clothing time was ob- plains of North India and in the
served and platelet aggregation inhib- hills of South India.
ited. Chinese research indicates that
Safflower flowers can reduce coronary English Black Caraway.
artery disease, and lower cholesterol Ayurvedic Krishna jiraka, Kaash-
levels. Flowers and seeds exhibit lipase mira jirak.
activity. The flower extract also exhib- Unani Jiraa Siyaah, Kamoon-
ited anti-inflammatory, sedative and armani.
analgesic effect and inhibitory effect
Siddha/Tamil Shemai-shiragam,
on spontaneous motor activity.
Pilappu-shiragam.
The plant contains a propanetriol
derivative, which can be used for the Action See C. carvi.
treatment of circulatory disorders.
Recent research suggests that im-
proving the lipid profile might not Carum carvi Linn.
be as important to reducing the risk
of cardiovascular disease as suggest- Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
ed. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Habitat Native to Europe and
Database, .) West Asia. Now cultivated in Bihar,
Safflower is contraindicated in preg- Orissa, Punjab, Bengal, Andhra
nancy, gastric disorders, excessive Pradesh, and in the hills of Kumaon,
menstruation, haemorrhagic diseases. Garhwal, Kashmir and Chamba.

Casearia tomentosa Roxb. 125
Also found wild in the North Dosage Seed—– g powder.
Himalayan regions. (CCRAS.)
English Caraway.
Ayurvedic Krishna jiraka, Jiraa, C
Kaaravi, Asita Jiraka, Kaashmira- Casearia esculenta Roxb.
jiraka, Prithvikaa, Upakunchikaa, Synonym C. ovata (Lamk) Willd.C.
Sugandha Udgaar, Shodhana. zeylanica (Gaertn.) Thw.
Unani Zeeraa Siyaah, Kamoon, Family Samydaceae; Flacourtiaceae
Kamoon-roomi.
Habitat Peninsular India, up to
Siddha/Tamil Shimai-shembu, , m.
Semai Seearagam, Karamjiragam.
Ayurvedic Saptachakraa.
Action Carminative, antispas-
Siddha/Tamil Kakkaipilai, Kilar,
modic, antimicrobial, expectorant,
Kottargovai.
galactagogue, emmenagogue.
Folk Saptrangi (root and root
Key application Seed oil—in
bark).
dyspeptic problems, such as mild,
sapstic conditions of the gastroin- Action Root—antidiabetic (used
testinal tract, bloating and fullness. in milder chronic diabetic cases),
(German Commission E, ESCOP, astringent, liver tonic. Frequently
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) adulterated with the roots of Salacia
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of chinensis Linn. and S. macrosperma
India recommended the seed in Wight.
chronic fevers.
The crude aqueous extract of the
The fruit contains a volatile oil con- roots has shown hypoglycaemic activ-
sisting of carvone (–%) and limo- ity.
line with other constituents; flavonoids, The root gave leucopelargonidin,
mainly quercetin derivatives, polysac- beta-sitosterol, dulcitol, a flavonoid
charides and a fixed oil; also calcium and arabinose.
oxalate.
The antispasmodic and carminative
effects have been confirmed experi- Casearia tomentosa Roxb.
mentally. The caraway has shown to
reduce gastrointestinal foam. Synonym C. elliptica Willd.
Both the seeds and the essential oil Family Samydaceae; Flacourtiaceae.
are classed as carminative in I.P. Habitat The Himalayas from
The essential oil shows moderate Kashmir to Nepal, ascending to
antibacterial and antifungal activity , m; throughout tropical India.
against several bacteria and fungi.
Mixed with alcohol and castor oil, it is Ayurvedic Chilhaka.
used for scabies. Siddha/Tamil Kadichai.

126 Cassia absus Linn.
Folk Chillaa, Saptrangi. and bladder. Chaksine has ganglion-
Action Root—hypoglycaemic. blocking property. Chaksine and iso-
Root bark is used as a tonic in chaksine possess a local anaesthet-
C anaemic conditions. ic effect intradermally. It produces
a sustained fall in blood pressure of
Fruit pulp—diuretic, purgative, anaesthetized animals and produces
Leaves—anti-inflammatory. Fruit pulp a weak anti-acetylcholine effect. Roots
—diuretic. also contains anthraquinones and aloe-
Ethanolic (%) extract of the leaves emodin.
showed significant anti-inflammatory
activity in rats. Oil extracted from the Dosage Seed—– g powder.
seeds in rubbed on sprains. Various (CCRAS.)
plant parts are used in neuralgia.
Cassia alata Linn.
Cassia absus Linn. Family Caesalpiniaceae.
Family Caesalpiniaceae. Habitat Native to the West Indies.
Habitat Throughout India. Found wild almost throughout
India.
Ayurvedic Chakshushyaa, Aranya-
kulathhikaa, Kataka. English Ringworm Cassia.
Unani Chaaksu. Ayurvedic Dadrughna, Dadrumar-
dana.
Siddha/Tamil Muulaipalyirai,
Kaattukollu. Siddha Malanthakerai, Seemai
Folk Ban Kulathi. agathi (Tamil).
Action Seed—bitter, blood-purifier, Folk Daadmaari.
astringent, stimulant, diuretic. Used Action Leaf—used in skin diseases
topically for leucoderma, ringworm, like herpes, blotch, eczema, mycosis
venereal ulcers and other skin (washerman’s itch). Dried leaves—
diseases. Roots—purgative. in leprosy. A strong decoction is
used for ringworm, eczema and
Seeds gave sitosterol-beta-D-gluco- herpes. Leaves are also used as
side and alkaloids—chaksine and iso- a purgative.
chaksine. Chaksine is found to be
antibacterial against Micrococcus pyo- Young pods contain rhein, emodin
genes var. aureus and Streptococcus and aloe-emodin. The antibacterial
haemolyticus. It stimulates contrac- activity of the leaves is reported to be
tion of different tissues of plain mus- due to rhein. The roots contain an-
cles, like uterus, intestine, bladder, thraquinone. Emodin, aloe-emodin
and muscles in blood vessels. It de- and anthraquinone contribute to the
presses the parasympathetic nerve- purgative activity of the leaves and
endings of certain organs like intestine roots. Crushed leaves or roots are

Cassia auriculata Linn. 127
rubbed on to the skin to cure ring- Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) ,-
worm and to control Tinea imbricata, dihydoxy-anthracene derivatives
a skin fungus. have a laxative effect. This effect is
due to the sennosides, specifically,
due to their active metabolite in
C
Cassia angustifolia Vahl. the colon, rheinanthrone. The
effect is primarily caused by the
Synonym C. senna Linn. var. senna. influence on the motility of the
Family Caesalpiniaceae. colon by inhibiting stationary and
stimulating propulsive contractions.
Habitat Native to Sudan and (German Commission E, ESCOP,
Arabia. Now cultivated mainly in WHO.) Seena has been included in
Tirunelveli and Ramnathpuram I.P. as a purgative.
districts and to a lesser extent in
Madurai, Salem and Tiruchirapalli Most of the Senna sp. contain rhein,
districts of Tamil Nadu. Also grown aloe-emodin, kaempferol, isormam-
on a small scale in Cuddapah netin, both free and as glucosides,
district of Andhra Pradesh and together with mycricyl alcohol. The
certain parts of Karnataka. purgative principles are largely attribut-
English Indian Senna, Tinnevelly ed to anthraquinone derivatives and
Senna. their glucosides.
Senna is an Arabian name. The drug
Ayurvedic Svarna-pattri, was brought into use by Arabian physi-
Maarkandikaa, Maarkandi. cians for removing capillary congestion
Unani Sannaa, Sanaa-makki, (pods were preferred to leaves).
Senaai, Sonaamukhi, Sanaa-Hindi. The active purgative principle of
Siddha/Tamil Nilaavaarai. senna was discovered in .
Cassia acutifolia Delile is also equat-
Folk Sanaai. ed with Maarkandikaa, Svarna-pattri,
Action Purgative (free from Sanaai.
astringent action of rhubark
type herbs, but causes gripe), Dosage Leaves— mg to  g
used in compounds for treating (API Vol. I.)
biliousness, distention of stomach,
vomiting and hiccups. Also used as
a febrifuge, in splenic enlargements, Cassia auriculata Linn.
jaundice, amoebic dysentery.
Contraindicated in inflammatory Family Caesalpiniaceae.
colon diseases. Habitat Wild in dry regions of
Key application Leaf and dried Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and
fruit—in occasional constipation. Rajasthan. Cultivated in other parts
(German Commission E.) As of India.
a stimulant laxative. (The British English Tanner’s Cassia.

128 Cassia fistula Linn.
Ayurvedic Aaavartaki, Aaadaari. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
Unani Tarwar. India indicated the fruit pulp for con-
stipation, colic, chlorosis and urinary
Siddha/Tamil Aavaarai.
C Folk Tarwar.
disorders.
Pulp of the pod contains anthraqui-
none glycosides, sennosides A and
Action Roots—used in skin
B, rhein and its glucoside, barbaloin,
diseases and asthma. Flowers
aloin, formic acid, butyric acid, their
enter into compounds for diabetes,
ethyl esters and oxalic acid. Presence
urinary disorders and nocturnal
of pectin and tannin is also reported.
emissions.
Seeds gave galactomannan free sug-
Pod husk contains nonacosane and ars and free amino acids; extract lax-
nonacosan--one, chrysophanol, ative, carminative, cooling and anti-
emodin and rubiadin. pyretic properties.
Flowers gave ceryl alcohol, kaem-
Dosage Whole plant—– ml pferol, rhein and a bianthraquinone
(CCRAS.) glycoside, fistulin.
Leaves gave free rhein, its glyco-
sides—sennosides A and B.
Cassia fistula Linn. Cassia javanica L., a related species
found in West Bengal, Maharashtra
Synonym C. rhombifolia Roxb. and Tamil Nadu, is used as a substitute
Family Caesalpiniaceae. for Cassia fistula.
Habitat Cultivated as an ornamental Dosage Fruit pulp—– g powder.
throughout India. (API Vol. I.)
English Indian Laburnum, Purging
Cassia, Golden Shower.
Ayurvedic Aaragvadha, Chatu- Cassia obovata (L.) Collad.
raangula, Kritamaala, Kritmaalaka,
Karnikaara, Shampaaka, Praagra- Synonym C. obtusa Roxb.
ha, Raajvrksha, Nripapaadapa,
Family Calsalpiniaceae.
Raajadruma, Vyaadhighaataka,
Aarevata. Habitat Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan,
Unani Amaltaas, Khyaarshambar. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Ma-
harashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and
Siddha/Tamil Sarakkonrai. Tamil Nadu.
Folk Amaltaasa. English Spanish, Sudan Senna.
Action Flowers and pods—
Ayurvedic Maarkandikaa, Svarna-
purgative, febrifugal, astringent,
pattri. (related species)
antibilious. Seed powder—used in
amoebiasis. Folk Sonaamukhi, Sanaai.

Cassia sophera Linn. 129
Action An adulterant of the true is given as an antiperiodic. Seeds—
senna. Leaves and seeds—purgative used for cough, whooping cough
and anthelmintic. and convulsions. Roasted seeds
(roasting destroys the purgative
property) are mixed with coffee for
C
Cassia obtusifolia Linn. strength.
Family Calsalpiniaceae. The pods contain sennosides and
anthraquinones; seeds polysacchari-
Habitat From Jammu and Himachal des, galactomannan; leaves dianthron-
Pradesh to West Bengal, also in ic hetroside; pericarp apigenin; roots
central and western India, up to an emodol; plant xanthone—cassiolin;
altitude of , m. seeds phytosterolin; flowers physcion
Ayurvedic Chakramarda, Prapun- and its glucosides, emodin and beta-
naada. sitosterol.
Folk Chakondaa, Chakwar, The volatile oil obtained from the
Pumariaa. leaves, roots and seeds showed antibac-
terial and antifungal activity.
Action Pods—Antidysenteric, The seeds, when fed to animals, re-
antibacterial, antifungal. Seeds— sulted in weight loss and also were
used for ringworm and skin diseases found to be toxic to experimental ani-
also for cough, cold, asthma, and as mals. Leaves are preferred to quinine as
a mild purgative in liver complaints. a tonic, seeds are considered as a hae-
mateinic toxic and root is used as a hep-
atic tonic.
Cassia occidentalis Linn. Dosage Seed—– g powder;
Family Calsalpiniaceae. leaf—– ml juice; root bark—
– ml decoction. (CCRAS.)
Habitat Throughout India, up to
an altitude of , m.
English Coffee Senna, Foetid Cassia sophera Linn.
Cassia, Negro Coffee.
Family Calsalpiniaceae.
Ayurvedic Kaasamarda, Kaasaari.
Habitat In gardens as hedge
Unani Kasondi.
throughout India.
Siddha/Tamil Paeyaavarai, Thagarai.
English Sophera Senna.
Folk Kasondi (bigger var.). Ayurvedic Kaasamarda.
Action Purgative, diuretic, Unani Kasondi.
febrifugal, expectorant, stomachic.
Leaves—used internally and Siddha/Tamil Ponnaavaarai.
externally in scabies, ringworm and Action Leaves, seeds, bark—
other skin diseases. A hot decoction cathartic; considered specific for

130 Cassia tora Linn.
ringworm and other skin diseases equal parts of leaves and seeds is
(bark may cause dermatitis); used given for jaundice. Pods are used in
for bronchitis and asthma. dysentery.
C A paste of leaves is used for treat- Along with other therapeutic appli-
ing piles. An infusion of fresh leaves, cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
with sugar, is given in jaundice. Plant of India indicated the use of the seed in
is spasmolytic. Alcoholic extract of paralysis and hemiplegia as a support-
leaves is intestinal and bronchial mus- ing drug.
cle relaxant. The leaves contain chrysophanol,
The leaves contain a flavone glyco- aloe-emodin, rhein and emodin. Ma-
side and sennoside. Root bark con- ture leaves possess purgative properties
tains anthraquinones, chrysophanol, and are sometimes utilized to adulter-
physcion and beta-sitosterol. Heart- ate the true senna; also used as an
wood gave isomeric derivatives, ,, antiperiodic and anthelmintic.
-trihydroxy--methylanthraquinone, The leaf extract exhibited antifungal
along with sopheranin, beta-sitosterol, activity against the ringworm fungus
chrysophanol, physcion, emodin, - Microsporon nanum.
octadecanol and quercetin. Seeds contain anthraquinone glyco-
sides, naptho-pyrone glycosides, cas-
siaside and rubrofusarin--beta-genti-
obioside. These constituents showed
Cassia tora Linn.
significant hepatoprotective activity.
Family Calsalpiniaceae. Thrachrysone, isolated from seeds,
Habitat Throughout India as showed stronger antioxidant activity
a weed. than tocopherol and BHA.
Chrysophanic acid--anthrone, ex-
English Sickle Senna, Ringworm tracted from the seed, was found to be
Plant. active against ringworm fungi.
Ayurvedic Chakramarda, Chakri,
Dosage Seed—– g powder. (API
Prapunnaada, Dadrughna, Me-
Vol. III.)
shalochana, Padmaata, Edagaja.
Unani Penwaad Taarutaa.
Siddha/Tamil Ushittgarai. Cassytha filiformis Linn.
Folk Chakavad, Daadamaari. Family Lauraceae
Action Leaves—taken internally Habitat Throughout the greater
to prevent skin diseases; applied parts of India.
against eczema and ringworm;
pounded and applied on cuts, act English Doddar-Laurel, Love-Vine.
like tincture of iodine. Seeds, Ayurvedic Amarvalli, Aakaashbel.
soaked in water, are taken for (Cuscuta reflexa is also known as
spermatorrhoea. A paste made of Amarvalli.)

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. 131
Siddha/Tamil Erumaikkottan. calcium, phosphorus, thiamine, ribo-
Action Astringent, diuretic (given flavin and niacin; also tocopherols.
in dropsy and anasarca, also in Nuts, crushed with vinegar and barley
biliousness, chronic dysentery, flour, are used against indurations of
breast. The extract of nuts exhibits pos-
C
haemoptysis and for supressing
lactation after still-birth); piscicidal sibility of its use as a platelet inhibitor in
and insecticidal (used as a hair-wash thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Leaves
for killing vermin). are inhibitors of pectinolytic enzymes.
American chestnut and European
The plant contains aporphine alka- chestnut are equated with Castanea
loids. dentata and C. sativa,respectively. Both
are used for respiratory ailments.
Castanea sativa Mill.
Synonym C. vulgaris Lam. Casuarina equisetifolia Linn.
Family Fagaceae. Family Casuarinaceae.
Habitat Darjeeling, Khasi Hills, Habitat Cultivated in coastal
Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. regions of Peninsular India.
English Spanish Chestnut, Sweet English Casuarina, She-Oak,
Chestnut. Australian or Whistling Pine,
Folk Singhaaraa (not to be confused Beefwood.
with water-chestnut, Tripa natans Ayurvedic Jhaau, Vilaayati Jhaau.
L.)
Siddha/Tamil Savukku.
Action Leaves—astringent,
Action Bark—astringent, an-
antitussive and febrifuge (used
tidiarrhoeal. Leaf—antispasmodic,
for fevers and diseases of the
used in colic. Aerial parts—
respiratory tract). An infusion is
hypoglycaemic.
used as a gargle in pharyngitis,
proxysmal coughs, catarrh and The plant contains kaempferol gly-
whooping cough. Nuts—extract, as coside, quercetin glycoside, cupressu-
platelet inhibitor in thrombosis and flavone, tannins, shikimic acid, quinic
atherosclerosis. acid, amino acids, sugars.
The leaves contain tannins (–%)
flavone glycosides, triterpenoids, urso-
lic acid, lupeol and betulin. Heartwood Catharanthus roseus
contains .% tannins and .% non- (L.) G. Don.
tannins. The wood and bark contain –
 and –% tannins respectively. Synonym Vinca rosea L.
Nuts are eaten raw, roasted or boiled Lochnera rosea (L.) Reichub.
like potatoes. Nuts contain protein, Family Apocynaceae.

132 Cayratia carnosa (Wall.) Gagnep.
Habitat Commonly grown in Cayratia carnosa (Wall.) Gagnep.
Indian gardens.
Synonym C. trifolia (L.) Domin.
English Madagascar Periwinkle Vitis carnosa Wall.
C (Vinca major L. Pich. and Vinca V.trifolia Linn.
minor Linn. are known as Greater
Family Vitaceae.
Periwinkle and Lesser Periwinkle
respectively). Habitat Throughout the warmer
parts of India, from Jammu and
Folk Sadaabahaar, Nayantaaraa, Rajasthan to Assam and up to
Nityakalyaani.  m.
Action The cytotoxic dimeric Ayurvedic Gandira.
alkaloids, present in Madagascar Siddha/Tamil Tumans.
Periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus L. Action Leaves, seeds, roots—
Don, Vincea rosea L., and used for astringent, applied to ulcers
the treatment of certain type of and boils. Leaves—diaphoretic
cancer, have not been found in V. (recommended in high fever). Root-
major. given in anaemic conditions. Aerial
parts—CNS active, hypothermic.
Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar The stems, leaves and roots
Periwinkle) : cytostatic, anti-neoplas- contain hydrocyanic acid. Presence
tic, slows down growth of cells by su- of delphinidin and cyanidin is
pressing immune response. Vinblas- reported in the leaves.
tine and Vincristine are said to prolong
remission of leukaemia to more than
five years. These chemotherapeutic Cayratia pedata (Wall.) Gagnep.
agents are toxic to the nervous sys-
tem. Vinblastine is also used for breast Synonym Vitis pedata Vahl ex Wall.
cancer and Hodgkin’s disease. Family Vitaceae.
Vinca major L. Pich. (Greater Peri-
Habitat Bihar, West Bengal and
winkle): astringent, anti-haemorrha-
Assam, up to  m.
gic; used for menorrhagia and leu-
corrhoea. Contains indole alkaloids Ayurvedic Godhaapadi.
including reserpinine and serpentine; Siddha/Tamil Kattuppirandai.
tannins. Action Leaves—astringent and re-
Vinca minor Linn. (Lesser Periwin- frigerant (used for ulcers, diarrhoea,
kle): astringent; circulatory stimulant. uterine and other fluxes).
Leaves—stomachic and bitter. Root—
hypotensive. Used for gastric catarrh, Aerial parts—diuretic, spasmolytic.
chronic dyspepsia, flatulence; also for
headache, dizziness, behaviours disor- Cedrela toona Roxb.
ders. A homoeopathic tincture is given
for internal haemorrhages. Synonym Toona ciliata M. Roem.

Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. 133
Family Meliaceae. Siddha/Tamil Thevathaaram.
Habitat Sub-Himalayan tract, Action Bark—decoction is
Assam and throughout hilly regions used internally as astringent,
of Central and South India. antidiarrhoeal and febrifuge. C
English Red Cedar, Toon, Indian Essential oil—antiseptic (used in
Mahogany tree. skin diseases).
Ayurvedic Tuunikaa, Nandi Vrksha. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
Siddha/Tamil Tunumaram, India indicated the use of the heart-
Santhana Vembu. wood in puerperal diseases.
The wood contains sesquiterpeno-
Folk Toonaa. ids; exhibits sapasmolytic activity. Al-
Action Bark—astringent, an- coholic extract of the wood showed
tidysenteric, antiperiodic. Flow- marked anti-inflammatory activity in
ers—emmenagogue. Leaf— mice; alcoholic extract showed an-
spasmolytic, hypoglycaemic, an- tibacterial activity.
tiprotozoal. The wood possesses diaphoretic, di-
uretic and carminative properties, and
Bark and heartwood yielded tetra- is used in fevers and in pulmonary and
nortriterpenoids, including toonacilin. urinary disorders.
Heartwood also gave a coumarin, ger- Himalayan Cedarwood Oil contains
anylgernalol and its fatty esters. Toona- two major sesquiterpenoids—alpha-
cilin and its -hydroxy derivatives are and beta-himchalenes. Presence of bu-
antifeedant. tyric and caproic acids is also reported.
The oil shows in vitro antibacterial and
antifungal activity. It increases vascu-
Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. lar permeability. Needles, on steam
Synonym C. libani Barrel. var. distillation, yield a volatile oil, rich in
deodara Hook. f. borneol and its esters. An alcoholic ex-
tract of the needles shows significant
Family Pinaceae. antibacterial activity against diptheria
Habitat North-western Himalayas bacteria. The juice shows antiviral ac-
from Kashmir to Garhwal, from tivity against tobacco mosaic virus and
, to , m. potato virus.
English Himalayan Cedar, Deodar. The bark contains -C methyltaxi-
foline, dihydroquercetin, -C methyl-
Ayurvedic Devadaaru, Suradru- quercetin, quercetin, sitosterol, and
ma, Suradaaru, Devakaashtha, tannins .%, non-tannins .%
Devadruma, Saptapatrika, Daaru, (varies with the age of the tree). An
Bhadradaaru, Amarataru, Ama- alcoholic extract of the bark shows
radaaru, Daaruka, Devaahvaa, significant activity against diptheria
Surataru, Surabhuruha. bacteria; aqueous extract of the dried
Unani Deodaar. bark showed anti-inflammatory activ-

134 Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn.
ity against acute and chronic inflam- Habitat Sub-Himalayan tract up to
mations. Aqueous extract of the bark , m and South Indian hills.
is found effective in reducing sugar English Staff tree, Intellect tree.
C content of diabetic patient’s urine and
blood to normal levels. Ayurvedic Jyotishmati, Paaraavat-
padi. Kangunikaa, Kanguni, Vegaa,
Dosage Heartwood—– g Maalkaanguni, Svarnalatikaa,
powder. (API Vol. IV.) Kaakaandaki, Katuveekaa.
Unani Maalkangani.
Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn. Siddha/Tamil Vaaluluvai.
Synonym Eriodendron anafractuo- Action Seeds—nervine and
sum DC. brain tonic, diaphoretic, febrifugal,
emetic. Seed-oil—used for treating
Family Bombacaceae. mental depression, hysteria and for
Habitat West and South India. improving memory; also used for
Often found planted around villages scabies, eczema, wounds, rheumatic
and temples. pains, paralysis. A decoction of
English Kapok, White Silk Cotton. seeds is given in gout, rheumatism,
paralysis and for treating leprosy
Ayurvedic Kuuta-Shaalmali, Shveta
and other skin diseases. Leaves—
Shaalmali.
antidysenteric, emmenagogue.
Siddha/Tamil Ielavum (Tamil). Root—a paste of root-bark is
Action Gum—laxative, astringent, applied to swollen veins and
demulcent (given in painful mic- pneumonic affections.
turition). Unripe fruit—astringent. Key application As a tranquilizer
Root—diuretic, antidiabetic, an- (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia)
tispasmodic (used in dysentery). and brain tonic (The Ayurvedic
Flowers—laxative; used in lochi- Pharmacopoeia of India). The
orrhoea. Unripe pods—used in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
vertigo and migraine. Seed oil— indicated the use of ripe seed in
used in rheumatism. leucoderma and vitiligo.
The plant contains linarin (acacetin
-rutinoside). Seeds contain fatty acids, The seeds are reported to contain the
diglycerides and phospholipids. Leaves alkaloids, celastrine and paniculatine,
are considered a good source of iron which are the active principles of the
and calcium. Stem-bark extract—an- drug.
timicrobial. In experimental animals, the drug
showed lowering of leptazol toxicity,
motor activity and amphetamine toxi-
city, and raising the capacity for learn-
Celastrus paniculatus Willd.
ing process. It showed significant CNS
Family Celastraceae. depressant effect and a clear synergism

Centaurea behen Linn. 135
with pentobarbital. The seed extract Tender leaves are rich in potassium
showed hypolipidaemic effect and pre- and in B and B. An alcoholic extract
vented atherogenesis in rabbits. of the leaves and its flavonoids showed
The seed oil showed tranquilliz-
ing effect and hastened the process
antibacterial activity, which was com-
parable to ampicillin and streptomycin.
C
of learning in experimental animals. The seeds contain .–% of pro-
It produced fall in blood pressure in tein and .–.% of a fatty oil. The
anaesthetized dog, depressed the heart seeds and roots yield triterpenoid sapo-
of frog, and was found to be toxic to nins. An alcoholic extract of the seeds
rats. possess significant diuretic activity.
In addition to the seed, % alco-
holic extract of the plant showed seda-
tive, anti-inflammatory and antipyret- Celosia cristata Linn.
ic, anti-ulcerogenic effect in experi-
mental animals. Family Amaranthaceae.
Methanolic extract of flowers Habitat Indian gardens, as
showed both analgesic and anti- ornamental.
inflammatory activities experimental-
English Cock’s Comb.
ly.
Ayurvedic Jataadhaari.
Dosage Ripe seed, devoid of Folk Laal Murgaa.
capsule wall—– g; oil—–
drops. (API Vol. II.) Action Seeds—demulcent; used
for painful micturition, dysentery.
Flowers—used in menorrhagia and
diarrhoea.
Celosia argentea Linn.
The plant contains betanin, and sev-
Family Amaranthaceae. eral sterols. The inflorescence contain
amarantin, isoamarantin, celosianin
Habitat A common weed, and isocelosianin. The seeds contain
occurring throughout India. .–.% of protein and yield .–
English Wild Cock’s Comb. .% of a fatty oil.
Choline esters of hyaluronic acid
Ayurvedic Shitivaaraka, Vitunna. from the plant, when fed to rats,
Siddha/Tamil Pannaikeerai. showed antiulcer and gastro-protective
effect.
Folk Shveta-murga, Sarvari,
Sarvali, Surali.
Action Flowers—used in menor- Centaurea behen Linn.
rhagia, blood-dysentery. Seeds—
antidiarrhoeal, also used in stom- Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
atitis. Whole plant—antibacterial, Habitat Indigenous to Iran.
antiscorbutic and cooling. Imported into India.

136 Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban.
English White Rhapontic. and post trauma wounds; also
Unani Behman Safed, Behman- to treat second and third degree
abyaz. burns. Patients suffering from
C Action Root—nervine and anabolic
venous insufficiency were treated
with a titrated extract of the drug.
tonic, strengthens central nervous (WHO.)
system; also used in jaundice and Used in Indian medicine as a brain
affections of the kidney. tonic and sedative. (Indian Herbal
The roots contain taraxasterol, its ac- Pharmacopoeia.)
etate and myristate.
Major constituents of the plant are:
triterpenoid saponins—brahmoside,
asiaticoside, thankuniside; alkaloids
Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban. (hydrocotyline); bitter principles (vel-
larin).
Synonym Hydrocotyle asiatica
Brahmoside, present in the plant, is
Linn.
reported to exhibit tranquilizing and
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. anabolic activity. Raw leaves are eaten
Habitat In marshy places through- or plant decoction is drunk to treat
out India up to  m. hypertension.
Asiaticoside, extracted from leaves,
English Asiatic Pennywort, Indian gave encouraging results in leprosy. It
Pennywort. dissolves the waxy covering of Bacil-
Ayurvedic Manduukaparni, lus leprae. Centelloside has also been
Manduukaparnikaa, Maanduuki, found useful in leprosy. Asiaticoside
Saraswati, Brahma-manduuki. reduced the number tubercular lesions
Siddha/Tamil Vallaarai. in the liver, lungs, nerve ganglia and
spleen in experimental animals. An-
Action Adaptogen, central other derivative of asiaticoside, oxyasi-
nervous system relaxant, peripheral aticoside, inhibits growth of Tubercle
vasodilator, sedative, antibiotic, bacillus at a concentration of . ml/ml
detoxifier, blood-purifier, laxative, Asiaticosides are also hyperglycaemic.
diuretic, emmenagogue. Used The asiatic acid acts against resis-
as a brain tonic for improving tant bacteria, particularly Mycobacteri-
memory and for overcoming um tuberculosis and M. leprae as well as
mental confusion, stress, fatigue, Gram-positive cocci.
also used for obstinate skin diseases Asiaticosides elevate blood glucose,
and leprosy. triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
Key application Extracts orally They seem to decrease blood urea
to treat stress-induced stomach nitrogen and acid phosphatase lev-
and duodenal ulcers; topically to els. (Pharmacological findings. Natu-
accelerate healing, particularly ral Medicines Comprehensive Database,
in cases of chronic postsurgical .)

Centratherum anthelminticum Kuntze. 137
Boiled leaves are eaten for urinary Centratherum anthelminticum
tract infections, and unfiltered juice for Kuntze.
scrofula and syphilis.
Extract of the fresh plant significant-
ly inhibits gastric ulceration by cold re-
Synonym
Willd.
Vernonia anthelmintica C
straint stress in rats.
In research, using rats, the herb Family Asteraceae.
exhibited protective effect against al- Habitat Throughout India up to
cohol-induced and aspirin-induced ul- , m in the Himalayas and Khasi
cers. (J Exp Biol, , Feb, (), – Hills.
.)
English Purple Flea-bane, Achenes.
Dosage Whole plant—– g (API
Vol. IV.) Ayurvedic Aranya-Jiraka, Vanajira-
ka, Kaalijiri, Karjiri. Somaraaji (also
equated with Psoralea corylifolia
Linn., Papilionaceae).
Centipeda orbicularis Lour.
Unani Kamoon barri.
Synonym C. minima (Linn.) A.Br.
Siddha/Tamil Kaattu seerakam.
& Asch.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. Action Anthelmintic (against
earthworms and tapeworms),
Habitat In damp places throughout stomachic, diuretic; used in skin
the plains and low hills in India. diseases.
English Sneezewort.
Delta--avenasterol is the main ac-
Ayurvedic Kshavaka, Chhikkini, tive principle of seeds. Seed oil con-
Chhikkikaa. tains vernasterol. Seeds bitter principle
Folk Nak-chhikani. is a demanolide lactone. Centratherin
Action Used for the treatment of and germacranolide from the leaves
rhinitis, sinusitis, nasopharyngeal and stem have been isolated. Leaves
tumors and obstructions, asthma contain abscisic acid. EtOH extract of
and cold; also used in hemicrania. achenes exhibited good results in giar-
diasis. Various plant parts are used in
The plant extract showed a good an- syphilis. Clinical studies on vircarcika
titussive and expectorant activity on eczema validated the use of the drug in
mice. The flavonoids, sesquiterpenes skin diseases.
and amide exhibited significant antial- The drug exhibited smooth muscle-
lergy activity in passive cutaneous ana- relaxant and hypotensive activity in an-
phylaxis (PCA) test. imals.
Dosage Seed—– g powder. Dosage Seed—– g powder.
(CCRAS.) (CCRAS.)

138 Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Brot.) A. Rich.
Cephaelis ipecacuanha Ceratonia siliqua Linn.
(Brot.) A. Rich.
Family Caesalpinaceae.
Psychotria ipecacuanha
C Synonym
Stokes.
Habitat Cultivated in Punjab.
English Locust Bean; St. John’s
Family Rubiaceae. Bread, Carob tree.
Habitat Native to tropical America. Unani Kharnub Shaami.
Now cultivated in Darjeeling, Action Pod and husk from seed—
Assam, in the Nilgiris, and in antidiarrhoeal (stools in gastro-
Sikkim. enteritis and colitis are known to
English Ipecac, Ipecacuanha. solidify within  h).
Action Root—Antiprotozal, The pods contain tannin from .
expectorant (in low doses), diapho- to .%.
retic, emetic (in high doses); used in Pulp of the pod contains –%
amoebic dysentery, stubborn cough, sugars, fats, starch, protein, amino
whopping cough (for liquefying acids, gallic acid; leucoanthocyanins
bronchial phlegm). and related phenolics. Leaves contain
Key application As expecto- catechols.
rant, emetic. (The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia.)
Ceratophyllum demersum Linn.
The root contains isoquinoline al-
kaloids (consisting mainly of emetine
and cephaeline); tannins (ipecacuan- Family Ceratophyllaceae.
ha and ipecacuanhic acid; glycosides Habitat All over India from
including a monoterpene isoquinoline temperate to tropics, in ponds and
derivative); saponins; a mixture of gly- lakes.
coproteins; starch; choline; resins. English Coontail, Hornwort.
The alkaloids are clinically useful in
the treatment of amoebiasis. Ayurvedic Shaivaala (also equated
Emetine and cephaeline are emetic with Vallisneria spiralis Linn.,
due to their irritating effect on stom- Hydrocharitaceae), Jalnili, Jalaja.
ach; cephaeline is more toxic. Emetine Unani Tuhlub, Pashm Vazg.
is a standard antiamoebic principle. In Siddha/Tamil Velampasi.
smaller doses, both are expectorant. Folk Sevaar.
The fluid extract is  times stronger
than the syrup of the crude drug. The Action Purgative, antibilious,
powder is toxic at – g. antibacterial.
Emetine accumulates in liver, lungs, The herb is rich in protein, calci-
kidneys and spleen; traces are de- um and magnesium; contains ferre-
tectable after – days. (Francis doxin and plastocyanin. EtOH (%)
Brinker.) extract—antimicrobial.

Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb. 139
Dosage Whole plant—– Folk Kirrari (Sindh, Maharashtra).
 ml juice; – ml decoction. Chauri (Maharashtra). Goran
(CCRAS.) (Bengal, Sundarbans).
Siddha/Tamil Pandikutti, Pavrikutti, C
Pavrikutti, Kandal, Chira.
Cereus grandiflorus Mill. Action Plant—astringent. Stem
Family Cactaceae. bark—hypoglycaemic. Bark—
haemostatic. A decoction is used
Habitat Indian gardens. to stop haemorrhage and is applied
English Cereus, Night Blooming to malignant ulcers; also given after
Cereus, Sweet Scented Cactus. child birth.
Folk Nivadung Paanchkoni Shoots—used as a substitute for qui-
(Maharashtra). nine.
Action Fresh, young shoots—car- The leaves (dry basis) gave .%
diac stimulant, anti-inflammatory. tannin, .% non-tannin; twig bark
.%, tannin, .% non-tannin; bole
The plant contains glucose, fructose, bark .% tannin, .% non-tan-
starch, amino acids and citric, fumar- nin.
ic, maleic, malonic and oxalic acids. Presence of sitosterol, cholesterol,
Tyramine, a cardiotonic amine, can campesterol, stigmasterol, -isofu-
strengthen heart muscle action. costerol and a hydrocarbon, squalene,
The flower, stem and young shoots of is reported in the leaves.
cereus can stimulate heart and dilate
peripheral vessels, as well as stimu-
late spinal cord motor neurons. The
reputed digitalis effect of cereus is Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb.
claimed to be non-cumulative. (Natu- Family Asclepiadacae.
ral Medicines Comprehensive Database,
.) Habitat Punjab and South India.
Folk Khappar-kaddu, Bhuu-tumbi,
Paataal-tumbi. Gilothi. Galot
Ceriops candolleana Arn. (Punjab). Gilodya.
Action Tuberous root—used for
Synonym C. tagal (Perr.)
diarrhoea and dysentery.
C.B. Robins.
Family Rhizophoraceae. The fresh tubers are eaten after
removing the bitterness by boiling.
Habitat Muddy shores and tidal The bitter principle is an alkaloid,
creeks of India. ceropegine. The tuber contains .%
English Compound Cymed starch and possesses refrigerant prop-
Mangrove. erty.

140 Ceropegia juncea Roxb.
The aqueous extract of edible Cero- Folk Charela (black var.)
pegia sp. contains steriods, polyphe-
Action A food and tonic in
nols, sugars and potassium. It potenti- convalescence and exhausting
C ated pentobarbitone hypnosis and ex-
hibited analgesic and diuretic activities.
diseases. Used for chronic catarrh
and bronchitis.
It also antagonized histamine-induced
asphyxia in guinea pigs. Key application In irritation of
C. candelabrum L. var. biflora (L.) the oral and pharyngeal mucous
M. Y. Ansari, synonym C. biflora L., membrane and accompanying
C. tuberosa Roxb., C. intermedia auct. dry cough. (German Commission
non-Wt., are also equated with Bhuu- E, ESCOP.) As demulcent. (The
tumbi, Paataal-tumbi. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) As
a bitter remedy for lack of appetite.
(ESCOP.)
Ceropegia juncea Roxb. The moss contains lichen acids (dep-
Family Asclepiadaceae. sidones); mainly cetraric, protoce-
traric, fumarprotocetraric, lichesteric
Habitat Peninsular India. and usnic acids; polysaccharides about
Folk Kanvel (Maharashtra). Bella- %—lichenin % and isolichenin
gada (Telugu, Andhra Pradesh). %; also furan derivatives, fatty acid
(Soma is a disputed synonym) lactones and terpenes. Lichenin is
a moss-starch. Demulcent, expecto-
Action The plant extract exhibits
rant and antiemetic properties are due
tranquilizing, hypotensive, hepa-
mainly to the polysaccharides.
toprotective, antiulcer, antipyretic,
The usnic acid and protolichesteri-
topically anaesthetic activities in
nic acid in the lichen and its crude,
experimental animals.
aqueous extract showed antibacterial
A pyridine alkaloid, cerpegin, to- activity against several pathogenic bac-
gether with a triterpene, lupeol has teria.
been isolated from the plant from Contraindicated in gastric or duode-
Tiruneveli, Tamil Nadu. nal ulcers due to its mucosa irritating
properties. (Sharon M. Herr.)
Lozenges containing  mg of an
aqueous extract of Iceland moss, were
Cetraria islandica (Linn.) Ach. determined to be positive in % cases
Family Parmeliaceae. with good gastric tolerance. (ESCOP
.)
Habitat Lichen found in the hills
from Tehri Garhwal to East Nepal.
English Cetraria, Iceland Lichen,
Iceland Moss. Cheiranthus cheiri Linn.
Ayurvedic Shaileya (black var.) Family Cruciferae; Brassicaceae.

Chenopodium ambrosioides Linn. 141
Habitat Native to South Europe, Folk Bathuaa, Chilli, Chilli-shaak.
grown as an ornamental.
Action Laxative, anthelmintic
English Wall-flower, Gilli Flower. against round-and hookworms,
Unani Tudri (Surkh, Safed, Zard) blood-purifier, antiscorbutic. C
Action Flowers—cardioactive, An infusion is used for hepatic
tonic, antispasmodic, purgative, disorders, spleen enlargement,
emmenagogue, deobstruent (used biliousness, intestinal ulcers. Used
in liver diseases and sexual debility). for treating burns.
Seeds— stomachic, diuretic, The leaves yield ascaridole, used for
expectorant (in bronchitis and treating round-and hookworms. The
asthma); also goitrogenic. Juice of oil also contain traces of ascaridole.
leaves and seeds—antibacterial. Plant contains % saponins. Cryp-
Flowers contain flavonoids (querce- tomeridiol, isolated from the seeds,
tin and rhamnetin derivatives); seeds showed significant growth promoting
contain high levels of cardiac aglycones activity.
( cardiac glycosides have been isolat-
ed); oil contains cherinine, a glucoside
of the digitalis group.
In Unani medicine, the drug is used Chenopodium ambrosioides
as a tonic to the male reproductive sys- Linn.
tem, but recent findings do not vali-
Family Chenopodiaceae.
date its therapeutic use. The flavonoid,
kaempferol, isolated from the young Habitat Native to West Indies and
plant, inhibits spermatogenesis and al- South America. Now distributed
ters leydig cell number and diameter, in South India, Bengal, Kashmir
affecting the fertility. and Maharashtra in wet places with
cultivated lands.
English Indian Wormseed, Sweet
Chenopodium album Linn. Pigweed, Mexican Tea.
Family Chenopodiaceae. Ayurvedic Sugandh-vaastuuka,
Habitat A common herb. Its Kshetra-vaastuuka.
leaves and tender twigs are used as Siddha/Tamil Kattasambadam.
vegetable and fodder.
Folk Khatuaa.
English Fat Hen, Lamb’s Quarter,
White Goosefoot, Wild Spinach, Action Antispasmodic, pectoral,
Pigweed. haemostatic, emmenagogue.
Ayurvedic Vaastuuka. Employed in treating nervous
affections, particularly chorea.
Unani Bathuaa, Baathu. Dried herb—anthelmintic against
Siddha/Tamil Paruppukeerai. round and hookworms.

142 Chenopodium botrys Linn.
Ascaridole, an active constituent of Chloris gayana Kunth.
the oil, is highly active against round-
worms, hookworms and small, but not Family Poaceae, Gramineae.
C large, tapeworms. It is highly toxic and
can cause serious side effects.
Habitat Annual grass introduced
into India from South Africa;
The oil has been found useful in cultivated in tropical and subtropical
amoebic dysentery and intestinal in- low-lying areas where rainfall is less
fections (should be used with caution). than  cm.
Leaves contain kaempferol--rham-
English Giant Rhodes, Rhodes-
noside and ambroside.
Grass.
A decoction of the herb is given as an
internal haemostatic and the infusion Folk Rhoolsoohullu (Karnataka).
as an enema for intestinal ulceration. Action A proteinaceous factor,
The infusion is sudorific and diuretic. phytotrophin, isolated from the
The oil exhibits antimicrobial and grass, was found to have antigenic
strong antifungal activity against hu- properties similar to those of animal
man pathogenic fungi. sex hormones and human chorionic
gonadotrophin.
A related species, Chloris incompleta
Chenopodium botrys Linn. Roth., known as Bamnaa in Rajasthan
and Mathania in Uttar Pradesh, has
Family Chenopodiaceae. been equated with Ayurvedic classi-
Habitat The Himalaya, from cal herbs Manthaanak and Trnaaddhip.
Kashmir to Sikkim. Another species, C. virgata Benth. &
Hook. f., known as Gharaniyaa-ghass
English Feather Geramium, in Rajasthan, is used for the treatment
Jerusalem-Oak. of colds and rheumatism.
Folk Jangaddi (Tibbet). Sahanik,
Vaastuuka (Ladakh).
Action Stimulant, diuretic, Chlorophytum arundinaceum
carminative, antispasmodic, emme- Baker.
nagogue, pectoral. Used in asthma, Family Liliaceae.
catarrh; diseases of the stomach and
Habitat The Himalaya from Nepal
liver. Seeds are considered toxic.
to Bhutan, Assam and Bihar.
The herb contains flavonoids (in- Ayurvedic Shveta-Musali. (Con-
cluding chrysoeriol and quercetin), al- sidered different from Asparagus
so several sesquiterpenoids. Betaine is adscendens Roxb.)
found in all parts of the plant. Unani Musali Safed, Biskandri.
Fresh herb yields an essential oil; In-
dian oil is reported to be devoid of as- Siddha/Tamil Vallaimusali.
caridole, the anthelmintic principle. Folk Nising, Tibbati Ginseng.

Chondodendron tomentosum Ruiz et Par. 143
Action Tuber—nervine and Chloroxylon swietenia DC.
general tonic. The plant is used as
a substitute for onion. Fried powder Family Rutaceae.
of the root is chewed in aphthae of
mouth and throat. A decoction of
Habitat Dry, deciduous forests,
throughout Peninsular India.
C
the root with turmeric is given in English Indian Satinwood tree.
rheumatism.
Ayurvedic Provisionally equated
The roots contain a bibenzyl xylo- with Bhillotaka.
side, the steroidal sapogenins, besides Siddha/Tamil Karumboraju,
stigmasterol and its glucoside, nona- Kudavuboraju, Poraju.
cosane and tetracosanoic, and triacon-
Folk Bhirraa, Bharahula, Raktaro-
tanoic acids.
hidi.
The root extract exhibited good
adaptogenic properties. The fruits Action Leaves—anti-inflammatory,
yield a polysaccharide, galactoglucan. antiseptic. A paste is applied
to wounds; also in rheumatism.
Bark—astringent. A decoction is
used in contusions and for painful
Chlorophytum tuberosum joints. (The wood, its dust, moist
Baker. dust of freshly cut wood, cause skin
irritation and dermatitis.)
Family Liliaceae.
The bark contains the alkaloids—
Habitat Central and Peninsular
skimmianine, swietenidins A and B,
India up to , m.
chloroxylin and chloroxylonine.
Ayurvedic Musali, Mushali. Chloroxylonine is a powerful irritant.
Unani Musali. The bark also contains the coumarins
and lignans.
Siddha Vallaimusali. The leaves yield an essential oil
Action Dried tubers are used as which shows antibacterial and anti-
tonic. fungal activity.
The commercial drug, Safed Musali,
contains the tubers of C. arundinaceum Chondodendron tomentosum
Baker, C. tuberosum Baker and C. in- Ruiz et Par.
dicum (Willd.) Dress, synonym C. at-
tenuatum Baker. Family Menispermaceae.
C. indicum is found on the hills in Habitat A native of Peru and Brazil.
Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and on
English False Pareira Brava.
the hills near Udaipur in Rajasthan.
Ayurvedic Paatha, Ambashthaa
Dosage Dried tuber—– g (true Pareira is equated with
powder. (CCRAS.) Cissampelos pareira root).

144 Chonemorpha macrophylla (Roxb.) G. Don.
Action Diuretic (used for chronic nas vaginalis. It proved efficacious
inflammation of urinary passages, against hepatic amoebiasis in golden
calculus affections, jaundice, hamsters and intestinal amoebiasis in
C dropsy); also for leucorrhoea,
rheumatism.
Wister rats.
Roots and stem contain alkaloids,
Chrozophora plicata Hook. f.
including delta-tubocurarine and l-
curarine. Tubocurarine is a potent Synonym C. rottleri Klotzsh.
muscle relaxant. The plant contains
Family Euphorbiaceae.
toxic derivatives and must be used in
medicinal doses with caution. Habitat Throughout India except
Tubocurarine alkaloid is used as Jammu & Kashmir and north-
tubocurarine chloride to paralyse eastern India as a weed.
body’s muscles during operations. Ayurvedic Suuryaavart.
Folk Nilakanthi.
Action Ash of root—bechic. Leaf—
Chonemorpha macrophylla depurative. Seed—cathartic.
(Roxb.) G. Don.
Roots contain xanthone glycosides
Synonym C. fragrans (Moon) and a chromone glycoside. Seeds gave
Alston. oil rich in linoleate. The plant contains
Family Apocynaceae. .% tannin.
Habitat Dense moist forests
throughout India up to , m
altitude. Chrysanthemum indicum Linn.
English Wood Vine. Synonym Pyrethrum indicum L.
Ayurvedic Used in the Southern Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
states as Muurvaa. Habitat Native to China and Japan.
Action Powdered root and stems— Cultivated as an ornamental.
laxative, antibilious. English Chrysanthemum.
A lignan derivative has been isolated Ayurvedic Shatapatri.
from the stem. It accelerated uptake of Unani Guldaaudi.
low density lipoprotein by Hep G cell
by .%. Siddha/Tamil Samanthipoo,
The root bark contains .% of Akkarakkaram.
total alkaloids consisting mainly of Action Flowers—stomachic, ape-
chonemorphine. Chonemorphine di- rient, anti-inflammatory. Leaves—
hydrochloride is an anti-amoebic prin- prescribed in migraine (as circula-
ciple. It showed in vitro activity against tory stimulant). Uses same as those
Entamoeba histolytica and trichomo- of chamomile.

Cicer arietinum Linn. 145
The flowers contain daucosterol, English Bastard Cedar, White
cumambrin-A, glyceryl-l-monobehe- Cedar, Indian Red Wood.
nate and palmitic acid. The flowers also Siddha/Tamil Aglay, Melei Veppu.
contain chrysanthemol which showed
strong anti-inflammatory activity in Folk Chikrassy. C
mice. The flavones, apigenin and lu- Action Bark—astringent, febrifuge,
teolin, are reported to exhibit marked antidiarrhoeic, spasmolytic, di-
antitumour activity. uretic. The plant is used in skeltal
Flowers yield an essential oil con- fractures.
taining camphor (.%), trans-cara-
ne-trans--ol (.%), bornyl acetate The bark contains sitosterol, melia-
(.%) and sabinene (%). none, scopoletin and ,-di-MeO-
A related species C. parthenium coumarin. The leaves gave querce-
(Linn.) Berhh., Feverfew, synonym tin galactoside, galloyl glucocide and
Tanacetum parthenium, used for the tannic acid. The bark and young leaves
management of migraine in Western contain  and % tannin respectively.
herbal, is found in Jammu and Kash- Seeds contain tetranortriterpenoids.
mir. The plant extracts have a power- EtOH (%) extract of the stem
ful and prostaglandin-independent in- bark exhibited spasmolytic, hypoten-
hibitory effect on the secretion of gran- sive and diuretic activity. The saline
ule content by leucocytes and platelets. extract of seeds showed haemaggluti-
The inhibition of the agonist-induced nating activity.
serotonins release by platelets could be
accounted for the benefit in migraine.
The compound responsible for the Cicer arietinum Linn.
anti-secretory activity has been identi-
fied as sesquiterpene alpha-methylene- Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
gamma-lactone derivatives; partheno- Habitat Cultivated in most parts of
lide being the main constituent of the India.
lactones. (Two fresh or frozen leaves
a day are chewed or capsules or pills English Bengal Gram, Chick pea.
containing  mg of the leaf material Ayurvedic Chanaka, Chanakaa,
is taken for migraine. Fresh leaves may Harimantha, Vajimantha, Jivan,
cause mouth sores.) Sakal-priya.
Unani Nakhud.
Siddha/Tamil Kadalai, Mookkuk-
Chukrassia tabularis A. Juss. kadalai.
Action Antibilious, hypoc-
Family Meliaceae.
holesteremic, antihyperlipidemic,
Habitat Hills of Sikkim, Ma- antistress. Acid exudate from
harashtra, Tamil Nadu and the the plant—used in indigestion,
Andamans. diarrhoea, dysentery. Seed coat

146 Cichorium endivia Linn.
extract—diuretic, antifungal (exter- Cichorium intybus Linn.
nally). Dry leaf—refrigerant.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Supplementation of gram in wheat
C based diet helps in lysine absorption Habitat Native to Europe;
which is otherwise a limiting amino commonly occurs in North West
acid in cereal based diets. Germina- India, Tamil Nadu and parts of
tion improves mineral bioavailability. Andhra Pradesh.
In germinated gram flour, there is sig- English Chicory, Indian Endive.
nificant increase in nutritional quality
of protein and very significant increase Ayurvedic Kaasani.
in ascorbic acid. Unani Kaasani Dashti (Barri).
The seeds contain pangamic acid,
the stemina building, antistress and Siddha/Tamil Kasinikkeerai.
antihyperlipidemic principle of gram. Action Diuretic, laxative, chol-
Gram is given as preventive diet to agogue, mild hepatic. Excites
atherosclerosis patients because of its peristalsis without affecting the
rich phosphorus content. functions of the stomach. Used
Isoflavones, biochanin A and for- in liver congestion, jaundice,
monetin exhibited hypolipidermic ac- rheumatic and gouty joints.
tivity in rats. Total flavonoids reduced
serum and liver cholesterol in rats. Key application (herb and root) In
Seeds reduced postprandial plasma loss of appetite, dyspepsia. (German
glucose in human. Commission E.)
The herb contains inulin (up to %
in the root); sesquiterpene lactones
Cichorium endivia Linn. (including lactucin and lactucopicrin);
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. coumarins (chicoriin, esculetin, es-
culin, umbelliferone and scopoletin);
Habitat Native to the Mediter- the root includes a series of glucofruc-
ranean region, cultivated mainly in tosans. Raw chicory root contains
Northern India. only citric and tartaric acids; roasted
English Succory, Endive. chicory contains acetic, lactic, pyru-
Unani Kaasani, Bustaani (Baaghi). vic, pyromucic, palmitic and tartaric
acids. The carcinogenic hydrocarbons
Action Plant—antibilious. Root—
and floranthene are also reported in
demulcent, febrifuge, diuretic; used
the chicory (a potent carcinogen ,-
in dyspepsia; as a tonic for liver
benzpyrene has been detected).
and digestive system. Milder than
Added to coffee, chicory root coun-
C. intybus.
teracts caffeine and helps in digestion.
Roots contain sesquiterpene lac- An alcoholic extract of the plant was
tones. found effective against chlorproma-
See C. intybus. zine-induced hepatic damage in adult

Cinchona officinalis Linn. 147
albino rats. The cholagogue activity is ones (including formononetin; isofer-
attributed to polyphenols. ulic acid; volatile oil, tannin.
The sedative effect of chicory is at- Pharmacological studies have
tributed to lactucopicrin. The sedative
effect antagonizes the stimulant effect
shown that the menthol extract binds
to oestrogen receptors in vitro and in
C
of tea and coffee. (Natural Medicines rat uteri; this activity is thought to be
Comprehensive Database, .) due to the presence of formononetin.
The extracts of roots were found to Racemoside exhibited antiulcer activ-
be active against several bacteria. ity in mice. Isoferulic acid lowered
body temperature in rats.
Dosage Seed—– g powder; The rhizome is hypotensive in ani-
leaf—– ml juice; root—– mals; a central nervous system depres-
 ml. (CCRAS.) sant and antispasmodic in mice; caus-
es peripheral vasodilation in human.
Also exhibits anti-inflammatory (The
Cimicifuga racemosa British Herbal Pharmacopoeia) and hy-
(Linn.) Nutt. poglycaemic activity.
Actein has been studied for use
Family Ranunculaceae. in treating peripheral arterial disease.
(Expanded Commission E Monographs.)
Habitat Temperate Himalayas
Clinically, the rhizome and root
from Kashmir to Bhutan up to at
constituents of Black Cohosh does
,–, m.
not seem to affect hormonal levels,
English Black Cohosh Root, Black such as estradiol, LH, FSH and pro-
Snake Root. lactin. (Natural Medicines Comprehen-
Folk Cohosh, Jiuenti (Punjab). sive Database, .)
Cimicifuga foetida L. root is used
Action Sedative, anti-inflammatory, in bronchial and rheumatic diseases.
antitussive, diuretic, emmenagogue. Aqueous EtOH extract is used in cos-
Used in homoeopathy for rheumatic metic preparations for protecting skin;
diseases of nervous, hysterical also used for preventing oral diseases
women, suffering from uterine and bad breath.
affections; also for locomotor White Cohosh, used for urinogen-
ataxia. ital disorders, is equated with Actea
Key application In climacteric pachypoda, synonym A. alba, A. rubra.
(menopausal), neurovegetative Blue Cohosh has been identified as
ailments, premenstrual discomfort Caulophyllum thalictroides. It is toxic
and dysmenorrhoea. (German and abortifacient.
Commission E, ESCOP.)
The rhizome contains triterpene gly- Cinchona officinalis Linn.
cosides (including actein, cimigoside,
cimifugine and racemoside; isofla- Synonym C. robusta How.

148 Cinnamomum camphora (Linn.) Nees & Eberm.
Family Rubiaceae. (Nilgiris and Annamalis in Tamil
Habitat Cultivated in West Bengal Nadu, Sikkim and West Bengal).
and Tamil Nadu. The bark of all the species contain
C English Crown or Loxa Bark.
quinine, quinidine, cinchonine and
cinchonidine and exhibit antimalar-
Ayurvedic Quinine. ial activity. The alcoholic extract of
C. ledgeriana Moens ex Trimen bark
Unani Al-keenaa, Kanakanaa.
exhibits antibacterial activity against
Action Antimalarial, febrifuge, as- Gram-positive bacteria comparable to
tringent, orexigenic, sapasmolytic. sodium penicillin. The extract, how-
Also prescribed in amoebic dysen- ever, exhibits lesser activity than di-
tery, jaundice, atonic dyspepsia, hydrostreptomycin sulphate against
night cramps. Sometimes causes Gram-negative bacteria.
gastric and intestinal irritation.
Key application In peptic dis-
comforts such as bloating and
Cinnamomum camphora
fullness, loss of appetite. (German
(Linn.) Nees & Eberm.
Commission E.)
Family Lauraceae.
The bark contains alkaloids quinine
(.–.%); quinidine (.–.%); Habitat A tree native to China and
cinchonine (.–.%); cinchoni- Japan and often grown as a hedge
dine (.–.%) and other alkaloids, plant.
quinamine, javanine (.–.%). English Camphor tree.
The leaves contain quercetin, kaem-
pferol and avicularin. Ayurvedic Karpura, Ghanasaara,
Quinine is antimalarial; quinidine is Chandra, Chandra Prabhaa,
antiarrhythmic and cardiac tonic, also Sitaabhra, Hima-valukaa, Hi-
used in psychic treatments. mopala, Himakara, Shashi, Indu,
The bark shows potent inhibitory ac- Tushaara, Gandhadravya, Shital-
tivity against polymorphonuclear leu- raja.
cocytes; the activity is attributed to the Unani Kaafoor.
alkaloids of the bark. Cinchona may
Siddha/Tamil Indu, Karupporam.
potentiate coumarin derivatives. In
large doses, it is sedative to CNS and Action Camphor taken internally in
cardiac plexus. small doses (toxic in large doses) acts
Quinine is toxic at over  g, quini- as a carminative, reflex expectorant
dine at  g. and reflex stimulant of heart and
Related Cinchona sp.: C. calisaya circulation as well as respiration.
Wedd. (Nilgiris and Sikkim); C. cal- Also used as a sedative and nervous
isaya Wedd. var. ledgeriana How. depressant in convulsions, hysteria,
(West Bengal, Khasi Hills and Tamil epilepsy, chorea. Topically used as
Nadu); and C. succirubra Pav. ex Klotz. a rubefacient and mild analgesic.

Cinnamomum cassia Blume. 149
Key application Externally in Siddha/Tamil Lavangappattai.
catarrhal diseases of the respiratory Action Antispasmodic, carmina-
tract and muscular rheumatism; tive, antiputrescent, antidiarrhoeal,
internally in hypotonic circulatory
regulation disorders, Catarrhal
antiemetic, antimicrobial, mild C
analgesic. Used for flatulent
diseases of the respiratory tract. dyspepsia, colic, irritable bowel,
(German Commission E.) diverticulosis; also for influenza
The plant contains a volatile oil and colds.
comprising camphor, safrole, linalool, Key application In loss of appetite,
eugenol and terpeneol. It also con- dyspeptic complaints such as mild
tains lignans (including secoisosolari- spasma of gastrointestinal tract,
ciresinol dimethyl ether and kusunoki- bloating, flatulence. (German
ol). Safrole is thought to be carcino- Commission E, The British Herbal
genic. Pharmacopoeia, ESCOP.)
The leaf oil is a natural source of
The bark yields an essential oil con-
linalool (.%); also contained cit-
taining cinnamaldehyde (.%) and
ronellal (.%).
eugenol (.%) as major constituents.
Camphor in concentration of 
Cinnamaldehyde is a weak CNS
mcg/ml completely inhibits the growth
stimulant at low doses and a depres-
of vibro parahaemolyticus, one of the
sant at high doses and has spasmolytic
causative agents of diarrhoea and dys-
activity. It is hypotensive, hypogly-
entery. Ethanolic extract (%) of
caemic and increases peripheral blood
fruits show antibacterial activity
flow; it reduces platelet aggregability
against several Gram-positive and
by inhibiting both cyclooxygenase and
Gram-negative bacteria. The essential
lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic
oil from the plant possesses antifungal
acid metabolism.
activity against many fungi.
Aqueous extract of the bark shows
Camphor is toxic at – g.
significant antiallergic activity in
Dosage Concentrate—– mg guinea pig. Diterpenes (Cinncassi-
(CCRAS.) ols) are thought to be responsible for
atleast some of the antiallergic effects.
The herb inhibited ulcers induced
Cinnamomum cassia Blume. by ethanol, also ulcers induced by
phenylbutazone; failed to prevent ul-
Synonym C. aromaticum Nees. cers induced by indomethacin. (Planta
Family Lauraceae. Med , (), –.)
Habitat Native to China, Indonesia The extract, when administered
and Vietnam. orally to rats with nephritis, prevents
the increase of protein level in urine.
English Chinese Cinnamon, Cassia The bark markedly reduces blood
Bark. pressure in experimental rats; exhibits
Ayurvedic Tvak, Daalchini (bark). tranquilizing effect and is used as

150 Cinnamomum tamala.
an antiepileptic and sedative agent in (the Central and Eastern Himalayas up
drugs of TCM. to , m, Assam and Andaman Is-
lands) are related species of Cinnamo-
C mum.
The leaves and bark contain cin-
Cinnamomum tamala.
namaldehyde.
Family Lauraceae.
Dosage Dried leaves—– g
Habitat The subtropical Himalayas,
powder. (API Vol. I.)
Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
English Indian Cassia, Lignea.
Ayurvedic Tejapatra, Patra,
Patraka, Utkat, Tamaalpatra, Cinnamomum zeylanicum.
Naalukaa, Naalikaa. Synonym C. verum Persl.
Unani Saleekhaa, Saazaj Hindi (Al- Family Lauraceae.
so equated with Zarnab/Telispattar
by National Formulary of Unani Habitat Western Ghats at low
Medicine, Part I.) levels. Plantations of cinnamon are
confined to Kerala State.
Siddha/Tamil Talishpattiri (now
equated with the leaf of Abies English Cinnamon, Ceylon
webbiana); Lavangappattiri. Cinnamon.
Folk Tejpaata. Ayurvedic Tvak, Daaruchini,
Action Leaf—Carminative, Chochaa, Choncha, Varaanga,
antidiarrhoeal, spasmolytic, an- Utkata, Daarusitaa (bark).
tirheumatic, hypoglycaemic. Unani Daarchini (bark).
Essential oil—fungicidal.
Siddha/Tamil Elavangappattai.
The oil from bark contains cin-
Folk Daalchini.
namaldehyde (–%) as major con-
stituent. (See.C.cassia.) Leaves from Action Bark—carminative, astrin-
Nepal yield a volatile oil, containing gent, antispasmodic, expectorant,
mainly linalool .%; cinnamalde- haemostatic, antiseptic. Leaf—
hyde .%, alpha-and beta-pinene, p- antidiabetic. Ground cinnamon is
cymene and limonene. used in diarrhoea and dysentery;
Cinnamomum wighti Meissn. is al- for cramps of the stomach, gastric
so equated with Tejapatra. The bud, irritation; for checking nausea
known as Sirunaagappoo in Siddha/ and vomiting; used externally in
Tamil, is used as Naagakeshara (black toothache, neuralgia and rheuma-
var.). (Naagakeshara is obtained from tism. The bark is included in
Mesua ferra and Dillenia pentagyne.) medicinal preparations for indiges-
C. impressinervium Meissn. (Sik- tion, flatulence, flu, mothwashes,
kim) and C. obtusifolium (Roxb.) Nees gargles, herbal teas.

Cissampelos pareira Linn. 151
Key application As antibacterial Dosage Dried inner bark—– g
and fungistatic. Internally, for loss of powder. (API Vol. I.)
appetite, dyspeptic complaints such
as mild spastic conditions of the
gastrointestinal tract, bloating and
C
flatulence. (German Commission Cissampelos pareira Linn.
E, ESCOP.) Contraindicated in Family Menispermaceae.
stomach and duodenal ulcers.
(WHO.) Habitat The tropical and sub-
tropical parts of India.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In- English Velvet-Leaf Pareira, Pareira
dia indicated the use of dried mature Brava.
leaves of Cinnamomum tamala and
dried inner bark of C. zeylanicum in Ayurvedic Paathaa, Ambashthaa,
sinusitis. Varatiktaaa, Vriki, Aviddhakarni,
Cinnamaldehyde is the major con- Piluphalaa, Shreyashi.Bigger var.,
stituent (%) of the essential oil from Raaja Paathaa, is equated with
bark. Stephania hernandifolia Walp.)
Major constituent of the leaf oil is Unani Paathaa.
eugenol (–%) and that of root-
bark oil camphor (%). Siddha/Tamil Paadakkizhangu,
Cinnamaldehyde is hypotensive, Appatta.
spasmolytic and increases peripheral Action Root astringent, an-
blood flow; and it inhibits cyclooxy- tispasmodic (used for cramps,
genase and lipoxygenase enzymes of painful menstruation), analgesic,
arachidonic acid metabolism. antipyretic, diuretic, antilithic and
Cinnamaldehyde exhibits CNS stim- emmenagogue. Prescribed for
ulant effects at high doses. (Natu- diarrhoea, dysentery, piles, urogen-
ral Medicines Comprehensive Database, ital affections (cystitis, nephritis,
.) menorrhagia) Root paste is applied
The bark oil and extracts exhibit an- topically on scabies and erup-
tibacterial, antifungal and antiviral ac- tions on the body. Also used for
tivities, and enhance trypsin activity. preventing miscarriage.
Eugenol content of the leaf oil is an-
tiseptic and anaesthetic. It is not inter- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
changable with the bark oil. dia attributed blood purifying proper-
Root bark oil acts as a stimulant in ties to the root and indicated it in lactal
amenorrhoea. The bark contains tan- disorders.
nins (.%) consisting of tetrahydrox- Hayatine (dl-beberine) is the prin-
yflavandiols; diterpenes, cinnzeylanin cipal alkaloid of the root. Its deriva-
and cinnzeylanol. tives, methiodide and methochloride
C. malabatrum (Burm. f.) Blume is are reported to be potent neuromus-
equated with Jangali Daarchini. cular-blocking agents.

152 Cissus quadrangula Linn.
Not to be confused with Abuta gran- the plant hastens fracture-healing by
diflora, a South American medicinal reducing the total convalescent period
plant. by % in experimental rats and dogs;
C Dosage Root—– g powder. (API
it aids in recovery of the strength of
the bones up to % in  weeks.
Vol. I.)
Dosage Stem—– ml juice.
(API Vol. III.)
Cissus quadrangula Linn.
Synonym Vitis quadrangula Wall.
Citrullus colocynthis Schrad.
Family Vitaceae.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Throughout the warmer
parts of India, also cultivated in Habitat Throughout India.
gardens. English Colocynth Bitter Apple.
English Square Stalked Vine, Ayurvedic Indravaaruni, Indraval-
Adamant Creeper. li, Indravaarunikaa, Gavaakshi,
Ayurvedic Asthisamhaara, Chitraa, Chitraphalaa, Indraasuri,
Asthisamhrita. Asthi-samyojaka, Mrigaani, Mrigairvaaru, Vishaalaa,
Vajravalli, Chaturdhaaraa. Vishaalyka, Indraayana. Ain-
Unani Hadjod. dri (also equated with Bacopa
monnieri).
Siddha/Tamil Perandai.
Unani Hanzal.
Action The anabolic and steroidal
principles of the aerial part showed Siddha/Tamil Kumatti.
a marked influence in the rate of Action Dried pulp of ripe fruit—
fracture-healing. The drug exerts cathartic, drastic purgative, irritant
influence both on the organic and and toxic. The pulp is used for
mineral phase of fracture-healing. varicose veins and piles. A paste
Stem—alterative in scurvy (the of root is applied to various
plant is rich in vitamin C) and inflammations and swellings. The
irregular menstruation. cataplasm of leaves is applied in
migraine and neuralgia.
The plant contains phytogenic ste-
roid, ketosteroids, sitosterol, alpha- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
amyrin, alpha-ampyrone and tetra- India indicated the use of the fruit in
cyclic triterpenoids. Phytogenic ste- jaundice; the root in diseases of the liv-
riods showed bone healing properties. er and spleen and the leaf in cutaneous
Coloside-A possesses smooth muscle affections and alopecia.
relaxant effect. The total alcoholic ex- Colocynth contains up to % cucur-
tract of the plant neutralizes the anti- bitacin. The drug and its preparations
anabolic effect of the cortisone in heal- cause drastic irritation of the gastroin-
ing of fractures. The aqueous extract of testinal mucosa and haemorrhages.

Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle. 153
Cucurbitacins include cucurbitacin strangury and urinary complaints,
E-, J-, L-glucosides. In addition, the also in hepatic congestion and
pulp contains caffeic acid derivatives intestinal catarrh. Seeds—cooling,
(chlorogenic acid).
Roots contain aliphatic compounds.
purgative, diuretic, demulcent (used
in urinary infections). Leaves—
C
Ethanolic extract (%) shows signif- febrifuge. The pericarp is given in
icant anti-inflammatory activity in al- diarrhoea.
bino rats.
Leaves and flowers contain querce- Watermelon juice contains citrullin
tin and kaempferol. The ethanolic ex- (.%) and arginine, which are
tract of leaves and flowers exhibits an- thought to increase urea production
tibacterial activity against a number in the liver, thus increasing the flow of
of Gram-positive and Gram-negative urine.
bacteria. The seeds possess a high lipase activ-
The powder is toxic at .–. g. The ity comparable to that of wheat germ, in
fruit exhibited carcinogenic activity in addition to high lipoxygenase, urease
animal studies. and trypsin-inhibitor activities. Aque-
ous extract of the seeds also exhibit
Dosage Dried fruit—– mg amylase inhibitor activity. The seed oil
powder. (API Vol. III.) Root—– is used as a substitute for almond oil.
 g. powder. (CCRAS.) Dried leaf— The roots of mature plant contain
for external use. (API Vol. II.) a triterpene, bryonolic acid. Bryono-
lic acid possesses a stronger antiallergic
activity with lesser side effects than that
Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. of glycyrrhetinic acid, the aglycone of
glycyrrhizin, used clinically in Japan
Synonym C. lanatus (Thunb.) for the treatment of allergy and hepati-
Matsumura & Nakai. tis.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Cultivated throughout
India on sandy river beds, up to an Citrus aurantifolia
altitude of , m. (Christm.) Swingle.
English Watermelon. Synonym C. medica L. var. acida
Ayurvedic Kalinga. (Roxb.) Hook. f.
Unani Tarbuz. Family Rutaceae.
Siddha Poiychaviral, Tharbuza- Habitat Wild in the warm valleys
palam (Tamil. of the outer Himalayas. Cultivated
in the plains.
Action Pulp—cooling and
refreshing, a rich source of pectin, English Acid or Sour Lime,
carotenoids, surcose (as major Country Lime.
sugar). Fruit juice is prescribed in Ayurvedic Nimbuka.

154 Citrus aurantium Linn.
Unani Limu Kaghzi. fever and in cases of enlarged
Siddha/Tamil Elummichhai, spleen. Dried rind—used in atonic
Thurinjippazham. dyspepsia.
C Folk Kaagazi Nimbu. Key application Cut peel—in loss
of appetite and dyspeptic ailments.
Action Antiscorbutic, stomachic,
(German Commission E.). As a bitter
appetizer, refrigerant. Used in tonic. (British Pharmacopoeia.)
bilious vomiting. Leaves—an
infusion is given for fever in The main constituents of the peel in-
jaundice, for sore throat, thrush. clude the alkaloid synephrine and N-
Root—an infusion is given for colic methyltyramine. Synephrine, an alpha
and dysentery, also as febrifuge. -adrenergic agonist, stimulates a rise
in blood pressure through vasocon-
Limes are rich in vitamins, minerals
striction. N-methyltyramine also rais-
and alkaline salts, but not in fruit sug-
es blood pressure.
ars. Lime peel contains ergosterol. An
The root gave xanthyletin.
enzyme, ,-beta-glucan hydrolase has
The essential oil exhibits antifun-
been reported from the bark and leaf
gal activity, it was found effective in
extract. See C. limon.
treatment-resistant fungal skin dis-
eases. (Expanded Commission E Mono-
graphs.)
Citrus aurantium Linn. Commercially available Citrus vul-
Family Rutaceae. garis (bitter orange) extracts are often
promoted for weight loss due to pur-
Habitat Cultivated in Khasi
ported thermogenic effects. In animal
hills and Cachar. Also in Guntur
models, synephrine causes weight loss,
(Andhra Pradesh). Found in semi-
but also increases cardiovascular toxic-
wild state in the Naga and Khasi
ity. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive
hills.
Database, .)
English Citrus dulcis, Sour Orange,
Sweet Orange.
Folk Khattaa. Citrus limon (Linn.) Burm.f.
Siddha/Tamil Mallikanarangi.
Family Rutaceae.
Action Peel—laxative, feeble stom-
achic, emmenagogue. Leaves— Habitat Cultivated all over India.
prescribed in the treatment of English Lemon.
arthritis and bronchitis. Flowers—
aqueous extract is employed in Ayurvedic Jambira, Jambh, Jambhir,
scurvy, fever, inflammation, ner- Jaamphal, Nimbu, Nimbuka,
vous and hysterical cases. Fruit— Naaranga, Limpaka, Dantashatha,
a decoction is used to recover Airaavata, Neebu (bigger var.).
from cachexia left by intermittent Unani Utraj.

Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merrill. 155
Siddha/Tamil Periya elumuchhai. Major flavonoid glycosides, isolated
from citrus peels and juices, include
Action Fruit—antiscorbutic, carmi- hesperidin (with properties of vitamin
native, stomachic, antihistaminic,
antibacterial. Used during coughs,
P). Rutin and other flavanones, isolated
from citrus fruits, form the principal
C
colds, influenza and onset of fever components of vitamin P. Flavanone
(juice of roasted lemon), hiccoughs, glycosides contained in lemon and lime
biliousness. Fruit juice—used ex- juices are eriocitrin  and ; hes-
ternally for ringworm (mixed with peridin  and  mg/l, respectively.
salt), erysipelas, also in the treat- The composition of cold pressed
ment of leprosy and white spots. lime oil is quite similar to lemon oil,
Leaves and stems—antibacterial. but citral content of lime oil is higher.
Monoterpene alcohols and their es-
All parts of the plants of citrus ters, aldehydes—geraniol, geranial and
sp. contain coumarins and psoralins. neral, contribute to the characteristic
The fruits contain flavonoids and li- aroma of lemon and lime.
monoids. The flavonoids comprise
three main groups—flavanones, fla- Dosage Fruit—– g (Juice—–
vones and -hydroxyflavylium (antho-  ml). (API Vol. IV.)
cyanins); flavanones being predomi-
nantly followed by flavones and antho-
cyanins. Bitter flavonoids do not occur Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merrill.
in lemon and lime.
Synonym C. decumana Watt.
Lemon juice is a richer source of
C. grandis (L.) Osbeck.
antiscorbutic vitamin (contains –
 mg/ g of vitamin C) than lime, Family Rutaceae.
and a fair source of carotene and vita- Habitat North-eastern region up
min B. Volatile oil (about .% of the to , m in Assam and Tripura.
peel) consists of about % limonene, English Pummelo, Shaddock.
alpha-and beta-pinenes, alpha-ter-
pinene and citral. The fruit juice also Ayurvedic Madhukarkatikaa.
contains coumarins and bioflavonoids. Unani Chakotra.
The acid content of the fruit, once di- Siddha/Tamil Pambalimasu.
gested, provides an alkaline effect with-
in the body and is found useful in con- Folk Mahaa-nibu, Sadaaphal.
ditions where acidity is a contributory Action Fruit—cardiotonic. Leaves,
factor (as in case of rheumatic condi- flowers and rind—used as a sedative
tions). The bioflavonoids strengthen in nervous affections. Leaves—
the inner lining of blood vessels, es- used in convulsive cough, chorea,
pecially veins and capillaries, and help epilepsy, also in the treatment of
counter varicose veins, arteriosclerosis, haemorrhagic diseases. A lotion of
circulatory disorders and infections of boiled leaves used hot in painful
liver, stomach and intestines. swellings. The essential oil from

156 Citrus medica Linn.
fresh leaves exhibits dermatophytic, diosmin, beta-sitosterol and beta-D-
and fungistatic activity. glucoside. The roots contain campes-
terol, stigmasterol, sitosterol and chol-
The root-bark contains beta-sitos-
C terol and acridone alkaloids. It also
esterol.
Aqueous extract of the peel showed
contains several coumarins. The alka-
hypotensive action in dogs.
loids and coumarins show antimicro-
The fruits and seeds are a cardioton-
bial acitivity.
ic; found useful in palpitation.
The essential oil from the leaves
and unripe fruits contain % limonin, Dosage Fruit—– ml juice. (API
% nerolol, % nerolyl acetate and Vol. III.) Leaf, flower, fruit, root—
% geraniol. – ml decoction. (CCRAS.)
Citrus medica Linn. Citrus paradisi Macf.
Family Rutaceae. Family Rutaceae.
Habitat Khasi Hills, submountain- Habitat Native to the West Indies.
ous Himalayan ranges in Garhwal, Commercialized in the USA.
Kumaon in U.P., Maland areas Cultivated mainly in Punjab.
of South, Pachmarhi (Madhya English Grapefruit, ‘Marsh’
Pradesh), Sikkim and Western Grapefruit.
Ghats.
Folk Chakotraa. Chima Bombili-
English Citron. maas (Tamil Nadu).
Ayurvedic Maatulunga, Lunga, Action Young leaves—decoction
Maatulaka, Mahaalunga, Bijpuura, is used to relieve cold or headache.
Bijaahva. Fruit—used for developing resis-
Unani Turanj. tance against colds and influenza.
Siddha/Tamil Kadaranrathai, Grapefruit is rich in vitamins, min-
Naarthankai, Thurinjippazham. erals, potassium and pectin, which bal-
Folk Bijoraa. ance the acid reaction in the stomach
and stimulate appetite. Half grape-
Action Fruit—antiscorbutic,
fruit contains vitamin A  IU, vita-
refrigerant, astringent, carminative,
min C . mg, niacin . mg, potas-
stomachic, antibacterial. Used
sium  mg. The fruit contains beta-
for dyspepsia, bilious vomiting,
carotene and cartenoid lycopene. Ly-
cold, fever, hiccough. Root—
copene is especially noted for reduc-
anthelmintic. Flowers and buds—
ing the risk of prostate cancer. The
astringent.
fruit juice contains furanocoumarins,
The peel contains coumarins, limet- including bergamottin, also naringin,
tin, scoparone, scopoletin and um- naringenin, limonin, quercetin, kaem-
belliferon; besides nobiletin, limonin, pferol and obacunone.

Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul. 157
For drug interactions with grape- anticonvulsant agent has been found
fruit juice, see Natural Medicines Com- to be heliettin, extracted from the stem
prehensive Database, . bark and roots.
Grapefruit is not to be confused with
grape (Vitis vinifera).
C
Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul.
Family Hypocreaceae.
Clausena pentaphylla Habitat A fungous parasite on
(Roxb.) DC. a number of grasses particularly in
Family Rutaceae. rye, cultivated in the Nilgiris and at
Chakrohi farm in Jammu.
Habitat The sub-Himalayan tract
from Garhwal to Sikkim; also in English Ergot of Rye. Fungus of
Chakrata range. Rye.
Folk Ratanjot (var.), Rowana. Ayurvedic Annamaya, Sraavikaa.
Surasi is a doubtful synonym. Unani Argot.
Action Bark—anti-inflammatory, Siddha/Tamil Ergot.
spasmolytic; used in veterinary Action Uterine stimulant. Oxy-
medicine for wounds and sprains. tocic, abortifacient, parturient,
vasoconstrictor, haemostatic. Used
Aerial parts contain coumarins—
in obstetrics (difficult childbirth,
clausmarins A and B. Coumarins ex-
for exciting uterine contractions in
hibit spasmolytic activity. The root al-
the final stages of parturition). Also
so contains coumarins. Root and stem
used after abortion for removal of
bark of Clausena excavata Burm. f.
the placenta. It is no more employed
Eastern sub-Himalayan tract, Orissa
in internal haemorrhages, as it has
and Bihar) also contain coumarins—
been found to raise blood pressure
clausenin and clausenidin. The root
in pulmonary and cerebral haemor-
bark exhibits antibacterial activity
rhage. Included among unapproved
against both Gram-positive and Gram-
herbs by German Commission E.
negative bacteria.
A related species, C. anisata (Willd.) The fungus gave indole alkaloids.
Oliver, is reported from Uttar Pradesh. The ergometrine or ergonovine group
Ethanolic extract of the aerial parts includes ergometrine and ergometri-
exhibited spasmolytic activity. The fu- nine. The ergotamine group includes
ranocoumarins, anisolactone, xantho- ergotamine and ergotaminine. The er-
toxol, indicolactone, imperatorin and gotoxine group includes ergocristine,
 ,  -epoxy-anisolactone have been ergocristinine, ergocryptine, ergo-
isolated from the extract. cryptinine, ergocornine and ergo-
In West African traditional medi- corninine. The fungus also contains
cine, the decoction of the root is given histamine, tyramine and other amines,
to control convulsions in children. The sterols and acetylcholine.

158 Clematis gouriana Roxb.
The alkaloids of ergot are being A related species, C. napaulensis
used independently (not as a herbal DC. is used in leprosy. C. recta (Up-
medicine). Ergotamine is used to re- right Virgin’s Bower) is used in ho-
C lieve migrainous headaches as it is
a vasoconstrictor and has antisero-
moeopathic medicine for cancerous
and foul ulcers; orally for rheumat-
tonin activity. Ergometrine is used ic pains, varicose veins, gout and as
after childbirth in the third stage of a diuretic.
labour and for post-partum haem-
orrhage, as it is a powerful uterine
stimulant, particularly of the puerper- Cleome brachycarpa Vahl ex DC.
al uterus. (Both the constituents are
used under medical supervision). Er-
gocornine significantly inhibited the Synonym C. vahliana Farsen.
development of induced mammary tu- Family Capparidaceae.
mours in rats. The derivatives of ergot
Habitat Northwestern Rajasthan,
alkaloids are known to have suppress-
Punjab plains and Delhi.
ing effect on human breast cancer in
initial stages. This activity is linked to Unani Panwaar.
prolactin inhibitory action. Folk Madhio (Rajasthan).
The extract is toxic at .–. g,
Action Anti-inflammatory,
ergot alkaloids at  g in adults,  mg
antirheumatic, antidermatosis (used
in infants. (Francis Brinker).
in scabies, also in leucoderma).
Dosage Whole plant—– ml
infusion. (CCRAS.) The plant contains trinortriterpe-
noids and cabralealactone, besides ur-
solic acid.
Clematis gouriana Roxb.
Family Ranunculaceae. Cleome icosandra Linn.
Habitat Throughout India in Synonym C. viscosa Linn.
plains.
Family Capparidaceae.
English Commercially known as
Muurvaa. Habitat Throughout India; Tripura,
West Bengal and Gangetic valley, as
Folk Belkangu (used as substitute
a weed.
for Muurvaa in Maharashtra).
English Wild Mustard.
Action Leaf and stem—vesicant,
poisonous. Ayurvedic Tilaparni, Hurhur
(yellow var.), Aadityabhakta.
Aerial parts and roots contain a qua-
ternary aporphine alkaloid, magnoflu- Unani Panwaar, Hulhul.
orine. The leaves yield protoanemonin, Siddha/Tamil Nayikkadugu,
a fungitoxic compound. Nalvellai.

Clerodendrum inerme (L.) Gaertn. 159
Action Seed—carminative, Action Root—used for asthma,
antiseptic, anthelmintic (for round cough, scrofulous affections. Leaf—
worms). Leaf—sudorific. Bark— vermifuge. Resin—antirheumatic.
externally rubefacient, vesicant.
Root—vermifuge.
The plant is also used in fever,
atrophy, emaciation of cachexia and
C
consumption.
The aerial parts contain a macro-
cyclic diterpene, cleomaldeic acid, and The leaves contain flavonoids—scu-
a bicyclic diterpene, cleomeolide. The tellarein (.%), hispidulin (.%) and
seeds contain coumarino-lignans, their -O-glucuronides; also sterols.
cleomiscosin A,B,C and D. The leaf Flowers contain beta-sitosterol and tri-
extract exhibited fungitoxicity against terpenoids. The bark yields hexitol and
ringworm causing fungi with reported sorbitol.
mycelian inhibitions. The flavone, pectolinarin and a di-
The aqueous extract of seeds ex- terpene, oncinotine, exhibit antifee-
hibited significant analgesic and lo- dant activity.
cal anaesthetic activities in mice and
guinea pigs, respectively. It failed to
protect rats against convulsions in- Clerodendrum inerme
duced by picrotoxin, though it poten- (L.) Gaertn.
tiated the barbiturate sleeping time.
The purple var. of Hurhur is equat- Family Verbenaceae.
ed with Cleome monophylla L. (Bihar, Habitat Throughout India in tidal
Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil forests, wild all over coastal areas;
Nadu). planted in gardens in Tamil Nadu.
English Smooth Volkameria.
Ayurvedic Putigandhaa, Kundali,
Clerodendrum indicum Vanajai.
(Linn.) Kuntze.
Siddha/Tamil Peenaari, Sangan-
Synonym Clerodendron siphonan- kuppi.
thus (R. Br.) C. B. Clarke. Folk Lanjai.
Family Verbenaceae. Action Leaf—febrifuge, alterative.
Habitat Cultivated as an ornamental Used as a substitute for Swertia
throughout India, especially in chirayita and quinine in remittent
South and Eastern India. and intermittent fevers. The leaf
juice is taken orally to relieve
English Turk’s Turban, Tube- muscular pains and stiffness of legs
Flower. (in tetanus).
Ayurvedic Vaamana-haati (a The leaves and stem contain a num-
substitute for Bhaarangi). ber of triterpenes, neolignans, diter-
Siddha/Tamil Kavalai, Narivalai. penoids, sterols and flavones.

160 Clerodendrum infortunatum auct. non Linn. C.B.Clarke.
The roots are prescribed in venere- Family Verbenaceae.
al diseases. The methanolic extract of Habitat Throughout India, in the
the roots contains verbascoside which drier parts.
C exhibits analgesic and antimicrobial
properties. Ayurvedic Agnimantha, Tarkaari,
Vikraantaa, Jayanti, Jai, Jayaa,
Ganikaarikaa, Vaijayanti, Bigger
Clerodendrum infortunatum var. is equated with Premna integri-
auct. non Linn. C.B.Clarke. folia Linn., Shriparni, Naadeyi.
Family Verbenaceae. Siddha/Tamil Tazhuthaazhai.
Habitat Throughout India.
Folk Laghu Arni.
Ayurvedic Bhaandira, Bhaandi,
Kaari. Also known as Bhaarangi Action Plant parts used in
(C. serratum). dyspepsia, stomachache, colic,
cholera, dysentery, postnatal fever,
Siddha/Tamil Karukanni, Perugilai. during convalscence from measles.
Action Leaves—used as a substitute Root and bark—bitter tonic, used
for Chiretta. Leaves and roots— in debility and nervous disorders.
employed externally for skin
diseases and alopecia. Leaves are The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
prescribed in headache. Roots are dia indicated the use of root in dysuria
given in cramps and rheumatism. and retention of urine.
Flavonoids, scutellarein and pec-
In homoeopathy, the fresh leaves are
tolinarin, have been isolated from the
employed for colic due to worms, diar-
leaves. Stems gave d-mannitol, beta-
rhoea associated with nausea, chronic
sitosterol, its glucosides and ceryl al-
fever with loss of appetite and in en-
cohol. The roots contain ceryl alcohol,
largement of liver and spleen with in-
clerodin, clerosterol and clerodendrin
digestion and constipation.
A.
The alcoholic extract of the whole
The ethanolic extract of leaves ex-
plant showed antiprotozoal activity
hibited hepatoprotective activity. The
against Entamoeba histolytica. It al-
aqueous extract of leaves exhibited in
so exhibited hypoglycaemic activity in
vitro anthelmintic activity. The plant
albino rats. The leaves exhibit antifun-
also exhibited antidiabetic activity.
gal activity.
Dosage Leaf—– ml juice. Dosage Root—– g for
(CCRAS.) decoction. (API Vol. III.)
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Linn.f. Clerodendrum serratum
(Linn.) Moon.
Synonym C. multiflorum (Burm. f.)
O. Kuntze. Family Verbenaceae.

Clitoria ternatea Linn. 161
Habitat A shrub distributed English Butterfly Pea, Winged-
throughout the country, especially leaved Clitoria, Mezereon.
common in Assam and Bengal.
Ayurvedic Girikarnikaa, Aparaa-
English Blue-flowered Glory tree, jitaa, Aasphota, Girimallikaa, C
Beetle Killer. Girikanyaa, Kokilaa,Yonipushpaa,
Ayurvedic Bhaargi, Bhaaran- Vishnukraantaa. (Evolvulus alsi-
gi, Angaarvalli, Phanji, Braah- noides Linn. is also known as
manyashtikaa, Kharshaak, Padma, Vishnukraantaa, Vishnukranti).
Bhragubhavaa, Brahmayashtikaa. Used as Shankhapushpi in the
Siddha/Tamil Kandoorbarangi South.
(root), cherutekku. Unani Mezereon Hindi.
Action Root—Antiasthmatic, Siddha/Tamil Kakkanam.
antihistaminic, antispasmodic,
antitussive carminative, febrifuge. Folk Koyal (Punjab).
Leaf—febrifuge. Action Root—cathartic like
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of jalap. Roots cause gripe and
India indicated the use of the dried tenesmus, hence not recommended
roots in cough, bronchitis, dyspnoea, as purgative. Used in ascites. Root
chest diseases and sinusitis. bark—diuretic (infusion used in
The bark contains triterpenoids— irritation of bladder and urethra).
serratagenic, oleanolic and queretaric Root juice—given in cold milk
acids; leaves contain alpha-spinasterol to liquefy phlegm in chronic
and flavonoids, including luteolin, api- bronchitis. The root, bark, seeds
genin, baicalein, scutellarein, phenolic and leaves—used for gastric acidity.
acids—caffeic and ferulic acids. The root is administered with honey
EtOH (%) extract of the plant ex- as a general tonic to children for
hibited hypotensive and spasmolytic improving mental faculty.
activity. Polyhydric property on iso-
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
lated guinea pig ileum. Antiasthmatic
India recommends the dried leaf in
effect was also observed pharmacolog-
migraine, psychoneurosis and mania.
ically.
An alcoholic extract of the plant
Dosage Root—– g powder; – showed sedative and hypothermic ef-
 g for decoction. (API Vol. III.) fect in rodents.
Rats, fed with ethanol extract of
flowers, showed a significantly lowered
Clitoria ternatea Linn. serum sugar level in experimentally in-
duced diabetes.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. The seeds contain a nucleoprotein
Habitat Throughout India in with its amino acid sequence similar
tropical areas; also cultivated in to insulin, but for the absence of his-
hedges. tidine, threonine, proline and crystine.

162 Coccinia indica W. & A.
Seeds gave cinnamic acid, flavonol gly- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
coside. Leaves contain glycosides of dia recommends the whole plant for
kaempferol. oedema, anaemia, disorders due to vi-
C In South India, the seeds and roots
constitute the drug Shankhapushpi,
tiated blood, cough and dyspnoea.
The fruit yielded beta-amyrin and its
used as a nervine tonic. In other re- acetate, lupeol and cucurbitacin B.
gions, Canscora decussata, Convolvu-
lus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides and Dosage Whole plant—– g
Lavendula bipinnata are used as Shan- powder; – ml juice. (API Vol.
khapushpi. III.)
Dosage Root—– g powder (API
Vol. II); dried leaf—– g; seed—– Cocculus hirsutus (Linn.) Diels.
 g. (API Vol. IV.)
Synonym C. villosus (Lam.) DC.
Family Menispermaceae.
Coccinia indica W. & A. Habitat Throughout tropical and
sub-tropical tracts of India.
Synonym C. cordifolia Cogn.
Cephalandra indica Naud. English Broom-Creeper, Ink-Berry.
Family Cucurbitaceae. Ayurvedic Chhilihinta, Paataala-
garuda, Mahaamuulaa, Dirghavalli,
Habitat Cultivated in Assam, West Jalajamani.
Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Maharashtra,
Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu; wild Siddha/Tamil Kattukodi.
in many parts of India. Action Root—laxative, sudorific,
English Ivy-Gourd. alterative, antirheumatic. Leaf—
used externally for eczema, prurigo
Ayurvedic Bimbi, Tundi, Tundikaa, and inpetigo. A decoction of leaves
Tundikeri, Kunduru, Raktaphala, is taken in eczema, leucorrhoea and
Piluparni, Dantchhadaa. gonorrhoea.
Unani Kanduri.
Aqueous extract of stem and root—
Siddha/Tamil Kovvai. sedative, anticonvulsant, hypotensive,
Action Carminative, antipyretic, bradycardiac, cardiotonic and sapas-
galactagogue. Powder of root is molytic. Roots are used as a substitute
taken with water to stop vomiting. for Sarsaparilla in chronic rheumatism
Juice of leaves—antispasmodic and gout, and syphilitic cachexia.
expectorant. Applied externally The stem contains cyclopeptide al-
in eruptions of the skin. Root— kaloids. The plant contains coclaurine,
antiprotozoal. Fruit, leaf and root— magnoflorine, beta-sitosterol, ginnol
antidiabetic. Various plant parts are and a monomethyl ether of inositol.
used in slow pulse and convulsions, C. pendulus (Forsk.) Diels, synonym
also against infective hepatitis. C. leaeba (Del.) DC. (Punjab, Gujarat

Cocos nucifera Linn. 163
and South India) is known as Parwati and lower Gangetic valleys), is used
(Gujarat, Sindh) and Ullar-billar (Pun- for fevers.
jab).
Ethanolic extract of the leaves and
stem showed anticancer and hypoten-
C
Cochlospermum gossypium
sive activities associated with the al- DC.
kaloidal fraction which contains bis-
benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (includ- Synonym C. religiosum (Linn.)
ing pendulin and cocsulin). Presence Alston.
of quercitol is reported from non-
Family Cochlospermaceae.
alkaloidal fraction.
Habitat Andhra Pradesh, Karnata-
Dosage Root—– ml decoc- ka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh
tion. (CCRAS.) and Bihar; cultivated at Agartala in
Tripura.
English Golden Silk tree, White
Cochlearia armoracia Linn. Silk Cotton tree.
Synonym Armoracia rusticana Unani Samagh, Kateeraa (substitute
Gilib. for gum tragacanth).
Family Cruciferae, Brassicaceae. Siddha/Tamil Kongilam (flower
juice), Tanaku.
Habitat Eastern Europe; cultivated
in Britain and the USA. Grown to Action Gum—cooling, sedative,
a small extent in North India and bechic, useful in coughs, hoarse
hill stations of South India. throat, diarrhoea, dysentery,
scalding urine. Dried leaves and
English Horseradish.
flowers—stimulant.
Action Root—used for catarrhs of
the respiratory tract. Antimicrobial The leaves contain terpenoids, sapo-
and hyperemic. nins and tannins. Flowers contain
naringenin and beta-sitosteryl-gluco-
The root contains glucosinolates, side (.%). The gum, after hydrolysis,
mainly sinigrin, which releases allyl- furnished a mixture of acidic oligosac-
isothiocyanate on contact with the en- charides.
zyme myrosin during crushing and
-phenylethylglucosinolate. Crushed
horseradish has an inhibitory effect on
Cocos nucifera Linn.
the growth of micro-organisms.
Fresh root contains vitamin C on an Family Palmae; Arecaceae.
average  mg% of ascorbic acid.
A related species, C. cochlearioides Habitat Cultivated chiefly in
(Roth) Sant & Mahesh, synonym C. Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
flava Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb. (upper English Coconut Palm.

164 Coffea arabica Linn.
Ayurvedic Naarikela, Naalikera, Habitat Grown in Tamil Nadu,
Laangali, Tunga, Skandhaphala, Karnataka and Kerala.
Sadaaphala, Trnaraaja, Kuurch-
English Arabian coffee.
C shirshaka.
Unani Kahvaa.
Unani Naarjeel, Naariyal.
Siddha/Tamil Thenkai. Kopparai Siddha/Tamil Kaapi, Bannu.
(kernel of ripe coconut). Action Diuretic, antinarcotic,
Action Water from tender fruit— psychotropic agent, direct heart
cooling, used in thirst, fever, urinary stimulant (raises blood pressure).
disorders, gastroenteritis, and as Neutralizes therapeutic effects of
a source of K for cholera patients. many herbs; potentiates the action
Fruit—stomachic, laxative, diuretic, of aspirin and paracetamol; depletes
styptic, sedative; useful in dyspepsia the body of B-vitamins. Charcoal
and burning sensation. Oil from of the outer seed parts—astringent,
endosperm—antiseptic; used in absorbent.
alopecia. Root—astringent; used in Key application Powdered coffee
urinary and uterine and disorders. charcoal—in nonspecific, acute
Tender coconut water is rich in diarrhoea; local therapy of mild
potassium and other minerals and vita- inflammation of oral and pharyngeal
mins. It contains reducing sugars .– mucosa (average daily dose  g).
.%, total sugars .–.%; brix .– (German Commission E.)
.%. It is used as a substitute for nor-
According to WHO, coffee drinking
mal saline in cases of dehydration.
is not responsible for breast cancer and
Alcoholic extract of coconut shell
may protect against cancer of colon and
(% in petroleum jelly, externally) was
rectum. Caffeic and chlorogenic acids
found very effective in dermatophyto-
in coffee act as anticarcinogens.
sis. Lighter fractions of the tar oil are
Bronchial asthma is less frequent
used as antiseptics.
among coffee drinkers due to caffeine
Flowers, mixed with oil, are applied
and theophylline.
to swellings, leaves to treat abscesses,
The aroma components include sev-
shoots and ashes of dry meat to deep
eral furfuryl methyl mercaptan deriva-
cuts, grated meat to burns, roots to
tives. Coffee extracts yielded organic
wounds and gonorrhoea.
acids. Atractyloside, several sterols and
Shell and fibre—antimicrobial.
acids, as well as alkaloids, have been
Dosage Dried endosperm—– reported. Caffeine is the major alka-
 g powder. (API Vol. III.) loid of coffee. One cup of coffee con-
tains approx. – mg caffeine; other
active constituents include chlorogenic
Coffea arabica Linn. acid, caffeol and diterpenes.
Chlorogenic acid in coffee might
Family Rubiaceae. inhibit glucose--phosphatase, which

Colchicum luteum Baker. 165
might lower hepatic glucose produc- Colchicum luteum Baker.
tion caffeine seems to stimulate pancre-
atic beta cells to secrete insulin. (Natu- Family Liliaceae.
ral Medicines Comprehensive Database,
.)
Habitat The temperate Himalayas
from Kashmir to Chamba. Major
C
supplies of the drug are received
from Kashmir.
Coix lacryma-jobi Linn. English Hermodactyls, Colchicum,
Meadow Saffron, Golden Collyrium
Synonym C. lachryma Linn. (Indian substitute). (C. luteum is
Family Gramineae; Poaceae. a good substitute for C. autumnale
Habitat Warm and damp areas up L. which is official in the B.P.)
to about , m, both wild and Ayurvedic Hiranyatuttha.
cultivated as an annual grass. Unani Suranjaan Talkh.
English Job’s Tears. Action Non-steroidal anti-
Ayurvedic Gavedhukaa. inflammatory, anti-gout (relieves
Siddha/Tamil Kaatu Kunthumani. inflammation and pain of acute gout
but does not increase expulsion
Folk Garaheduaa, Gargari. of uric acid, is used with an
Action Fruits—a decoction is alkaline diuretic), emetic, cathartic.
used for catarrhal affections of Anti-chemotactic, antiphlogistic,
the air passage and inflammation inhibitor of mitosis. Highly toxic.
of the urinary tract. Seed— Used for external application to
diuretic. Root—used in menstrual lessen inflammation and pain.
disorders. Leaves—used as a drink Key application In acute gout
for inducing fertility in women. attack. (German Commission E.)
The seeds contain trans-ferulyl stig- The fresh corms and aerial parts of
mastanol and trans-ferulyl campes- a sample from Jammu yielded .%
tanol, which form part of an ovulation- and % of total alkaloids, the ma-
inducing drug. Seed extract—immu- jor being colchicine .% and .%
no-enhancer, used for the prevention respectively. Colchicine analogs—
of cancer and infections. Seeds exhib- decteyl thiocolchicine (DTC), decetyl-
it anti-tumour and anticomplimenta- methylcolchicine (DMC) and tri-
ry activities. Seeds contain coixeno- methylcolchicinic acid (TMCA) were
lides, a mixed ester of palmitoleic and effective in the treatment of gout; DTC
vaccenic acids, which is an anticancer may elicit agranulocytosis.
agent. Colchicine binds to tubulin, the pro-
The bigger var. of the grass is equat- tein subunit of microtubules. Its most
ed with Coix gigantea Koenig ex Roxb., important biological effect is the in-
also known as Gavedhukaa and Gar- hibition of processes that depend up-
gari. on microtubule function by blocking

166 Coleus amboinicus Lour.
polymerization. In preventing micro- The leaf extract has shown regulato-
tubule formation, colchicine has been ry influence on calcium oxalate stone
shown to inhibit catecholamine se- formation in experimental rats. In folk
C cretion from adrenal medulla, iodine
secretion from thyroid gland and pro-
medicine, leaves are used internally for
expelling kidney stone (the herb is also
lactin secretion from pituitary tumour known as Paashaanbhedi).
cells. It inhibits stimulated insulin Homoeopathic medicine, prepared
secretion from isolated perfused pan- from fresh leaves, is used in the affec-
creas and islets in vitro. tions of urinary organs, especially in
The use of Colchicum for long peri- difficult urination or in burning pains
ods is not recommended owing to its during and after urination.
toxicity in larger doses (even  mg of The aerial parts from Pakistan yield
colchicine has caused death) and its de- an essential oil (.%) which contains
pressant action upon central nervous thymol (.%); whereas in Fijian
system. sample of leaves carvacrol and cam-
Prolonged use of Colchicum autum- phor are major constituents. Leaves
nale may cause agranulocytosis, aplas- contain a large amount of oxalacetic
tic anaemia and peripheral nerve in- acid, flavonoid, cirsimaritin and beta-
flammation. (Sharon M. Herr.) sitosterol.
Dosage Leaf—– ml juice.
(CCRAS.)
Coleus amboinicus Lour.
Synonym C. aromaticus Benth.
Coleus barbatus Benth.
Family Lamiaceae.
Habitat Native to Indonesia. Synonym C. forskohlii Briq.
Plectranthus barbatus Andr.
English Indian Borage.
Family Lamiaceae.
Ayurvedic Parna-yavaani.
Habitat The sub-tropical Himalayas
Siddha/Tamil Karpoorvalli. of Kumaon and Nepal; cultivated in
Folk Pattaa Ajawaayin. Andhra Pradesh.
Pattharachuur (Bengal). Ayurvedic Gandira (Achyranthes
Action Leaf—used in urinary aquatica Br. is also equated with
diseases, vaginal discharge, colic Gandira). (Doubtful synonym.)
and dyspepsia. Stimulates the Folk Garmar (Gujarat), Gurmal.
function of liver. Also given in Action Root and leaf—spasmolytic,
epilepsy and other convulsive antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory,
affections, asthma, bronchitis, cold lipolytic.
and chronic cough. Bruised leaves
are applied to burns; leaf juice to In experimental amoebiasis of rats,
chapped lips. the root powder and ethanolic extract

Colocasia esculenta (Linn.) Schott. 167
showed amoebicidal activity against application in weight-loss program-
Entamoeba histolytica. mes. (Michael T. Murray.)
An alcoholic extract of the roots and Studies on forskolin and some 
essential oil from it, were found to in-
hibit passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in
derivatives of the compound indicate
that the natural product is more active
C
the mouse and rat. than the analogs prepared from it.
The plant produces the labdane The wild var. is known as Kaffir
diterpenoid, forskolin in its tuberous Potato.
roots.
Forskolin was discovered during
a screening of medicinal plants by Coleus vettiveroides K. C. Jacob.
Central Drug Research Institute, Luc-
know, India, in . (Planta Medi- Family Lamiaceae.
ca, , , –.) The screening Habitat Native to Sri Lanka. Now
revealed the presence of a hypoten- under cultivation in Kerala and
sive and spasmolytic principle, named Tamil Nadu.
coleonol (later the name was changed Ayurvedic Hrivera, Hiruberaka,
to forskolin). The basic mechanism Ambu, Ambhas, Udaka, Udichya,
of forskolin is the activation of an Jala, Vaari, Toya, Vaalaka, Baalaa,
enzyme, adenylate cyclase, which in- Baalaka, Baala. (Also equated with
creases the amount of cyclic adeno- Pavonia odorata Willd.)
sine monophosphate (cAMP) in cells.
Raised intracellular cAMP level ex- Siddha/Tamil Kuruver.
hibits following physiological effects Folk Iruveli (Kerala).
: inhibition of platelet activation and Action Leaves—cooling and
degranulation; inhibition of mast cell carminative, used for indigestion,
degranualation and histamine release; dyspepsia, dysentery, also for ulcers,
relaxation of the arteries and other bleeding disorders, dermatitis.
smooth muscles; increased insulin se-
cretion; increased thyroid function; C. zeylanicus (Benth.) Cramer (syn-
increased lipolysis. onym Plectranthus zeylanicus Benth.)
Forskolin, in clinical studies, re- has been identified as a source of Ayur-
duced intraocular pressure when it vedic drug Hrivera. The juice of stem
was applied to the eyes for treating and leaves, mixed with honey, is pre-
glaucoma. It has been shown to be scribed for diarrhoea.
a direct cerebral vasodilator. It has The plant afforded abietane type
also been studied as a possible bron- diterpenoides and a stereoisomer.
chodilator (in the treatment of asthma)
and has been shown to effectively re-
verse methacholine-induced broncho Colocasia esculenta
constriction in extrinsic asthmatics. (Linn.) Schott.
Standardized Coleus extracts con-
taining forskolin (% in  mg) find Synonym C. antiquorum Schott.

168 Commelina benghalensis Linn.
Family Araceae. Commelina benghalensis Linn.
Habitat Cultivated throughout Family Commelinaceae.
India.
C English Taro, EdibleYam.
Habitat
places.
Throughout India in moist
Ayurvedic Pindaaluka, Aaluki. Ayurvedic Kanchata, Karnamorata,
Siddha/Tamil Chaembu, Shaeppam- Karnasphota.
kizhangu. Siddha/Tamil Kanavazhai, Kanana-
Folk Arvi, Ghuiyaa. gakarai.
Action Juice from petiole—styptic, Folk Kenaa (vegetable) (Maharash-
rubefacient. Juice of corn—used in tra).
alopaecia. Action Emollient, demulcent,
laxative, diuretic, antileprotic.
The leaves contain flavones, api-
genin and luteolin, also anthocyanins. The rhizomes are starchy and mu-
Leaves cause severe irritation in mouth. cilaginous.
Cooked leaves are a source of dietary The plant contains n-octacosanol, n-
fibre for diabetics helping in lower- triacontanol, n-dotriacontanol. stig-
ing post-prandial blood glucose level. masterol, beta-sitosterol and campes-
A significant increase in total lipids, terol.
total cholesterol and triglyceride levels
was observed in hypercholesterolaemic
rats when fed with dried leaf powder. Commelina nudiflora Linn.
The pressed juice of the petioles is
Family Commelinaceae.
used as an astringent and styptic. All
parts of the plant show an acridity. The Habitat Throughout India.
acridity is removed by boiling and by Ayurvedic Kanchata (var.).
addition of baking soda. Folk Kenaa (vegetable) (Maharash-
From the tubers two dihydroxys- tra).
terols, besides beta-sitosterol and stig-
masterol, have been isolated. Five nov- Action Antidermatosis. The plant
el aliphatic compounds have been re- is used as a blood purifier.
ported. Trypsin inhibitors are isolated Commelina diffusa Burm f; C. palu-
from the tubers. dosa Blume synonym C. obliqua Buch.-
The total amino acids recorded in Ham. and C. salicifolia Roxb. are relat-
the tubers range from  to  mg/ ed species of Kanchata and are known
 g. The lysine concentration was rel- as Kenaa vegetable.
atively low. Besides starch, the tubers
contain natural polysaccharides with
% neutral sugars and % anionic Commiphora sp. (Burseraceae).
components. Steamed corms contain
% starch and % sugar. Refer to Balsamodendron sp.

Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy. 169
Conium maculatum Linn. Ayurvedic Bhadrabalaa, Hiranpadi.
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. Unani Lablaab.
Habitat North temperate regions. Folk Hirankhuri, Haranpagaa.
C
English Spotted Hemlock, Poison Action Plant—cooling, anticonvul-
Hemlock. sant. Root—cathartic.
Unani Khardmaanaa, Shuk.
Plant extract—hypotensive in cats;
Action Sedative, anodyne, raises coronary rate. Alkaloids—hy-
antispasmodic. Used for relief in potensive, without vasodilation. EtOH
whooping cough, asthma; paralysis; extract—anticonvulsant in rats. Aque-
epilepsy. Antidote to strichnine ous extract—exhibited muscarinic and
poisoning and other poisons of the micotinic activity.
same class. Highly toxic. Mother The dried rhizome contains .%
tincture of Hemlock is used in resin. The cathartic action of the
homoeopathy for prevention of resinous substance is about one third
immature cataract. of that of jalap (Ipomoea purga Hayne)
All parts of the plant contain alka- resin.
loids—highest in aerial parts (.%) All parts of the plant contain beta-
and lowest in stems. Gamma-conice- Me-esculetin; aerial parts n-alkanes,
ine is the principal alkaloid in the n-alkanols, alpha-amyrin and sterols;
leaves, whereas N-methylconiine is the roots gave cuscohygrine.
major
alkaloid in mature fruits. Beside
the alkaloids, a flavone glycoside, dios-
min and chlorogenic acid have been re- Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy.
ported in the leaves and inflorescence.
Synonym C. microphyllus Sieb.
Ripe seeds yield coumarins, bergapten
C. prostratus Forsk.
and xanthotoxin. Experimentally, the
plant exhibited teratogenic properties. Family Convolvulaceae.
(Rarely used today.)
Habitat Throughout India,
Berries are toxic at  g, leaves at
ascending to , m in the
 g and coniine at  mg. (Francis
Himalayas.
Brinker.)
Ayurvedic Shankhapushpi,
Shankhaahvaa, Kshirapushpi,
Convolvulus arvensis Linn. Maangalya Kusuma (white-
flowered). Blue-flowered var.,
Family Convolvulaceae. Vishnukraanti, Vishnukraantaa,
Habitat Throughout India, up to Vishnugandhi is equated with
, m in the Himalayas. Evolvulus alsinoides Linn.
English Deer’s Foot. Unani Sankhaahuli (blue-flowered)

170 Convolvulus scammonia Linn.
Siddha/Tamil Sivakraandi (white- Convolvulus scammonia Linn.
flowered), Vishnukraandi (blue-
flowered). Family Convolvulaceae.
C Action Plant—brain tonic, tran- Habitat A native to the Mediter-
quilizer used in nervine disorders, ranean region.
mental aberration, anxiety neu- English Scammony.
rosis, internal haemorrhages,
spermatorrhoea. Also astringent, Unani Saqmunia.
antidysenteric, antispasmodic, Action Resin from rhizomes—hy-
antiphlogistic, febrifuge, alterative. dragogue, Cathartic, administered
Flowers—styptic, used for uterine in dropsy and anascara.
bleeding. Leaf—antiasthmatic,
used in chronic bronchitis. Root— Most of the resin available in India
used in gastric and duodenal ulcers, is imported from Syria and Asia Minor
uterine affections and for promoting and is grossly adulterated.
fertility. The roots contain on an average %
resin together with dihydroxy cinnam-
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of ic acid, beta-methyl-esculetin, ipu-
India recommends the plant for epilep- ranol, surcose, a reducing sugar and
sy. The plant contains sankhpushpine starch. The resin consists of the glyco-
alkaloids. sides and methylpentosides of jalapi-
The alcoholic (%) extract of the nolic acid and its methyl ester.
plant, when administered to rats Large doses cause acute gastro-in-
(through gastric intubation at differ- testinal irritation, and, if absorbed,
ent intervals), has shown enhanced produce cystitis and nephritis.
neuropeptide synthesis of the brain.
It induces an increase in brain pro-
tein content and increases acquisition
efficiency. Coptis teeta Wall.
Evolvulus alsinoides contains pen-
Family Ranunculaceae.
tatriacontane, triacontane and beta-
sitosterol. Habitat Mishmi Hills in Arunachal
Shankhapushpi Syrup (a compound Pradesh. Cultivated commercially
containing C. pluricaulis, Centella asi- in China.
atica, Nardostachys jatamansi, Nepeta Ayurvedic Mamira, Maamiraa,
hindostana, Nepeta elliptica and Onos- Tiktamuulaa. (Pita-muulikaa
ma bracteatum), when administered and Hem-tantu are provisional
with phenytoin, a modern antiepilep- synonyms.)
tic drug, reduced not only antiepileptic
activity of phenytoin but also lowered Unani Maamisaa, Maamiraa.
plasma phenytoin levels. Folk Titaa (Bengal and Assam).
Dosage Whole plant—– g Action Stomachic, antiperiodic,
powder. (API Vol. III.) antibacterial, antifungal. Prescribed

Corchorus aestuans Linn. 171
in debility, convalescence, intermit- (Cocculus hirsutus is used as
tent fevers, dyspepsia, dysentery Paataala-garudi).
and intestinal catarrh. Used as Siddha/Tamil Kollankovai,
a local application in thrush. Aaakaasagarudam. C
The rhizomes contains berberine Action Laxative. Root used during
(%) as the major alkaloid; other alka- later stages of dysentery and chronic
loids present are: coptin (.%), cop- mucous enteritis; also in syphilitic
tisin .%) and jatrorrhizine (.%). rheumatism. The herb shows no
Samples from China contained .– apparent effect on acute dysentery.
.% berberine, .–.% coptisin
and .–.% jatrorrhizine. In Chi- The root contains a bitter principle
na, the herb is used as an antidiabetic; allied to bryonin.
the ethanolic (%) extract exhibited
hypoglycaemic and hypotensive activ-
ity. Corchorus aestuans Linn.
The drug due to berberine and its
related alkaloids promoted reticuloen- Synonym C. acutangulus Lam.
dothelium to increased phagocytosis of Family Tiliaceae.
leucocytes in dog blood in vitro and in Habitat Throughout the warmer
vivo. parts of India, as a weed.
Coptis chinensis (Huang Lian) inhib-
ited erythrocyte haemolysis, decreased English White Jute. (Tossa Jute is
lipid peroxidation in brain and kid- equated with C. olitorius Linn.).
ney, decreased generation of super- Ayurvedic Chunchu, Chanchu,
oxide peroxidation and decreased hy- Chinchaa. (bigger var. is equated
droxyl radicals in rats. (Life Sci, , with C. olitorius; smallar var. with
(), –.) C. capsularis.)
Dosage Root—– g powder. Folk Chench shaaka, Titapat
(CCRAS.) (Bengal).
Action Seeds and aerial parts—
stomachic, anti-inflammatory. Used
Corallocarpus epigaeus in pneumonia.
Benth. ex Hook. f. The seeds contain cardenolides,
Family Cucurbitaceae. beta-sitosterol, ceryl alcohol, oligosac-
charides. The aerial parts contain
Habitat Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, triterpenoidal glycosides—corchoru-
Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat, sins. Corchorusins have similar struc-
Madhya Pradesh and Peninsular tural similarity with saikosaponins
India. (isolated so far from Bupleurum sp. of
Ayurvedic Shukanaasaa, Nahikaa, Japan, China and Korea) and some
Katunaahi, Paataala-garudaa. of them exhibit antiviral, anti-inflam-

172 Corchorus capsularis Linn.
matory and plasma-cholesterol lower- coside and corchoroside A and two po-
ing activities. lar glycosides, erysimoside and olitori-
The alcoholic extract of the entire side. Leaves contain beta-sitosterol-
C plant was found to have anticancer ac-
tivity against epidermal carcinoma of
glucoside. Corchoroside A exhibited
cardiotonic properties.
nasopharynx in tissue culture. Alco- The aqueous/alcoholic extracts,
holic extract and glycosides of seeds containing polysaccharides, may be
exhibit cardiotonic activity. Digitox- used in preparations of skin cosmetics
ose containing glycosides are reported or hair preparations for their moistur-
to be present in Corchorus sp. izing effect.
C. olitorius Linn. is known as Jew’s
Mallow (Pattaa Shaaka or Patuaa Shaa-
ka).
Corchorosid A, reported from the Corchorus fascicularis Lam.
plant, improved cardiac competence
Family Tiliaceae.
experimentally.
The leaf extracts may be used as Habitat Throughout warmer parts
moisturizers in skin cosmetics. The of India.
extracts consist of uronic acid contain- Ayurvedic Chanchuka, Chanchu.
ing muco-polysaccharide, Ca, K and
P, among others, which act as effective Folk Chanchu shaaka, Baaphali.
moisturizers. Action Astringent, spasmolytic,
restorative, mucilaginous.
Corchorus capsularis Linn. The plant contains betulinic acid and
beta-sitosterol. Seeds yield cardeno-
Family Tiliaceae. lides including trilocularin. The glyco-
Habitat Throughout warmer parts sides of the plant were found to be de-
of India; extensively cultivated in void of any effect of its own on smooth
West Bengal. muscle of guinea pig ileum, but pro-
duced spasmolytic effect against acetyl-
English White Jute. choline, histamine and bradykinin. Di-
Ayurvedic Kaala shaaka. rect action of the drug was observed
on rabbit intestines. Slight cardiac de-
Siddha/Tamil Pirattai-keerai.
pressant effect was found on isolated
Folk Naadi shaaka, Narichaa. amphibian heart preparation.
Titapat (Bengal). Corchorus depressus (L.) Christen-
Action Leaves—stomachic, sen, found in drier parts of North In-
carminative, diuretic, antidysenteric dia, is known as Bhauphali (Delhi).
(dried leaves). Seeds—purgative. The Plant is used as a cooling medi-
cine in fevers; its mucilage is prescribed
Seeds contain cardiac glycosides. in gonorrhoea, also for increasing the
These include two monosides, helveti- viscosity of seminal fluid. An extract

Cordia wallichii G. Don. 173
of the plant is applied as a paste to The seeds contain alpha-amyrin and
wounds. taxifolin-, -dirhamnoside, which
The plant contains alpha-amyrin showed significant anti-inflammatory
derivatives, together with apigenin,
luteolin, sitosterol and its glucoside.
activity. EtOH (%) of leaves and
stems—antimicrobial; aerial parts—
C
Presence of quercetin and kaempferol diuretic and hypothermic.
has been reported in leaves and flowers.
The plant exhibits antimicrobial and
antipyretic activities.
Cordia rothii Roem. & Schult.
Family Boraginaceae.
Cordia myxa Roxb. non Linn. Habitat Rajasthan, Gujarat, Deccan
and Karnataka.
Synonym C. dichotoma Forst. f.
C. obliqua Willd. English Sebestan (smaller var.)
Family Boraginaceae. Ayurvedic Laghu-shleshmaataka,
Lisodaa.
Habitat Throughout India, wild
and often planted. Siddha/Tamil Naruvili.
English Sabestan Plum. Folk Gondi.
Ayurvedic Shleshmaataka, Shelu, Action See C. myxa.
Bahuvaara, Bahuvaaraka, Bhutvrk- Bark—astringent; decoction is used
shak, Uddaalaka Shita, Picchila, as a gargle.
Lisodaa.
Unani Sapistaan, Lasodaa.
Siddha/Tamil Naruvili. Cordia wallichii G. Don.
Action Fruit—astringent, de-
Synonym C. oblique Willd.
mulcent, expectorant, diuretic,
var. wallichii.
anthelmintic, mucilaginous. Used
in the diseases of the chest and Family Boraginaceae.
urinary passage. Bark—used in Habitat Gujarat, North Kanara and
dyspepsia and fevers. Kernels— Deccan.
externally applied to ringworm. English Sebestan (bigger var.).
Leaf—decoction used in cough and
Ayurvedic Shleshmaataka
cold.
(bigger var.), Uddaalaka, Bahu-
The fruits contain Ca , P , Zn , vaaraka.
Fe , Mn , Cr . and Cu . mg/ g
Siddha/Tamil Perunaruvili.
(Chromium is of therapeutic value in
diabetes). Folk Gondi.
Antinutritional factors are—phytic Action Fruit—astringent, demul-
acid , phytate phosphorus  and cent, expectorant.
oxalic acid  mg/ g. See C. myxa.

174 Coriandrum sativum Linn.
Coriandrum sativum Linn. Coriandrin, an antiviral agent, has
been synthesized from the aerial parts.
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. The plant forms an ingredient of a Pak-
C Habitat Cultivated chiefly in istani herbal drug (Intellan) which is
considered to be a neuro-energizer.
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil In Unani medicine, an infusion of
Nadu, Karnataka and Bihar. fruits is also used in bleeding piles,
neuralgia, cephalalgia and spermator-
English Coriander. rhoea.
Ayurvedic Dhaanyaka, Kustum-
buru, Dhaanyeyaka, Dhanika, Dosage Fruit—– g powder. (API
Dhanikaa, Dhaanaa, Dhaanya, Vol. I.)
Dhaniyaa, Kunati, Chhatraa,
Vitunnaka.
Unani Kishneez. Corydalis govaniana Wall.
Siddha/Tamil Kotthamalli. Family Papaveraceae.
Action Stimulant, stomachic, Habitat The West Himalayas, from
carminative, antispasmodic, di- Kashmir to Kumaon.
uretic; also hypoglycaemic and Ayurvedic Bhootakeshi (a doubt-
anti-inflammatory. Oil—bacterici- ful substitute for Bhootajataa,
dal and larvicidal. Used in China Nardostachys jatamansi DC.)
as a remedy for measles, diabetes, Species of Selinum are also used as
aerophagy and gastroenteritis. Bhootakeshi.
Key application In dyspeptic Action Sedative, spasmolytic,
complaints, loss of appetite. hypotensive, nervine, antiseptic.
(German Commission E, British Used in cutaneous and scrofulous
Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Indian affections, chronic fever and liver
Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) complaints.
Coriander contains .–% volatile The roots contain phthalide iso-
oil, consisting mainly of delta-linalool quinoline alkaloids. In addition, stems
(–%), alpha-pinene and terpinine. and leaves contain tetrahydroproto-
It also contains flavonoids, coumarins, berberines.
phthalides and phenolic acids (includ- A related species, C. solida, indige-
ing caffeic and chlorogenic). nous to Siberia, northern China and
Aqueous extract of the roasted seeds Japan, contains alkaloids including
contains large amounts of acetylcho- corydalmine, tetrahydropalmatine,
line and its precursor choline. (Choline protoberberine-type alkaloid lenticin.
is found useful in preventing and cur- The alkaloids are analgesic and sedative
ing certain liver disorders.) The extract and have been shown to work, at least
shows cholinomimetic effects experi- in part, by blocking the dopamine re-
mentally. ceptors in the central nervous system.

Coscinium fenestratum Colebr. 175
The powdered rhizome of Corydalis Kumaon; common in Kashmir
possesses one-hundredth of the anal- forests.
gesic potency of morphine. English Turkish Hazel.
Folk Virin (Kashmir). Thangi, C
Urni (Punjab). Kapaasi, Bhotiaa
Corylus avellana Linn. Badaam (Kumaon).
Family Betulaceae. Action A mixture of flavonoids,
isolated from the leaves, has shown
Habitat Native to Europe and potent antiperoxidative and oxygen
Western Asia; common in gardens radical scavenging properties. It
on hill-station in India. exhibits very low toxicity and can
English European Hazel, Filbert. be used as an alternative to the toxic
Unani Funduq, Bunduq. synthetic antioxidants used for the
treatment of free radical-mediated
Action Kernel—nutritive, astrin- injuries. See also C. avellana.
gent; used as an anabolic tonic
and in sexual debility in Unani Himalayan Hazel, occurring in cen-
medicine. The oil is used to reduce tral and eastern Himalayas, locally
cholesterol and as an antioxidant. known as Curri and Langura, is equat-
ed with Corylus ferox Wall.
The kernel of the European Hazel
Nut contains protein .%, carbohy-
drate .%, fat .% and phosphorus
Coscinium fenestratum Colebr.
.%. The fatty acid components of
the kernel oil are : oleic .%, linoleic Family Menispermaceae.
.%, palmitic .%, stearic .% and Habitat South India, particularly
myristic .%. in Western Ghats.
The stem bark contains a biologically
active cyanidanol glycoside. English False Calumba.
The Turkish Hazel Nuts are rich in Ayurvedic Pitachandana, Pitasaara,
mono and polysaturated fatty acids— Harichandana, Kaaliyaka, Kalam-
oleic % and linoleic %; also gave baka.
beta-sitosterol. Siddha/Tamil Maramanjal, Man-
The Turkish Hazel Nuts are import- jalkodi.
ed into India during the winter season.
Folk Jharihaldi.
Action Root—stomachic, diuretic,
hypotensive, antidysenteric, an-
Corylus colurna Linn. tibacterial, antifungal, bitter tonic
Family Betulaceae. in dyspepsia and debility.
Habitat Western temperate The stems and roots of Kalambaka
Himalayas from Kashmir to contain alkaloids including berberine

176 Costus speciosus (Koenig) Sm.
.–% and jatorrhizine. Stems contain CNS-depressant, diuretic and hydro-
ceryl palmitic acid and oleic acid. choleretic activities. Saponins show
The plant is also used against frac- significant anti-inflammatory and an-
C tures; for dressing wounds and ulcers
and in cutaneous leishmaniasis.
tiarthritic activity.
The seeds also contain saponins and
The stems are used in South India as exhibit potent and sustained hypoten-
a substitute for Berberis (Daaruhari- sive and bradycardiac activities in dogs
draa); also as an Indian substitute with low toxicity and without any
for True Calumba (Jateorhiza palmata haemolytic activity; also weak spas-
Miers). molytic activity on isolated guinea-pig
ileum.
Dosage Root—– g powder; All parts of the plant yield steroidal
decoction—– ml. (CCRAS.) sapogenin, diogenin (quantity varies
from . to %).
(Not to be confused with Kushtha of
Costus speciosus (Koenig) Sm. Indian medicine, Saussurea lappa.)
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Assam, North Bengal, Crataegus crenulata Roxb.
Khasi and Jaintia Hills, sub
Himalayan tracts of Uttar Pradesh Family Rosaceae.
and Himachal Pradesh and Western Habitat The Himalayas from
Ghats. Sutluj to Bhutan at altitudes of –
English Canereed, Wild Ginger. , m.
Ayurvedic Kebuka, Kembuka. Folk Ghingaaru.
Siddha/Tamil Krrauvam, Malai Action See Cratageus oxyacantha.
Vasambu, Ven Kottam.
Folk Kebu.
Action Astringent, purgative, Crataegeus oxyacantha Linn.
depurative, anti-inflammatory
Family Rosaceae.
(used in gout, rheumatism; bron-
chitis, asthma, catarrhal fevers, Habitat British and European
dysuria), anthelmintic, antivermin, hedge plant, met with in the
maggoticide, antifungal. temperate Himalayas of Kashmir
and Himachal Pradesh at an altitude
The rhizomes contain saponins— of ,–, m. (The plant does
dioscin, gracillin and beta-sitosterol- not thrive in the plains of India.)
beta-D-glucoside. The alkaloids show
papaverine-like smooth-muscle-re- English English Hawthorn.
laxant activity, cardiotonic activity like Folk Ring, Ringo, Pingyat, Phindak,
that of digitalis and antispasmodic, Ban Sanjli (Punjab hills).

Cressa cretica Linn. 177
Action Coronary vasodilator Unani Baranaa.
(strengthens heart muscle without Siddha/Tamil Maavilingam.
increasing the beat in coronary
Action Bark—diuretic (finds
arteries), antispasmodic, antihyper-
tensive, sedative to nervous system, application in urinary disorders, C
diuretic. including urolithiasis, prostatic
hypertrophy, neurogenic bladder
Key application In cases of and urinary infections; uterine and
cardiac insufficiency Stage II as gastro-intestinal problems). Juice
defined by NYHA (New York Heart of the bark is given to women after
Association). An improvement of childbirth. Extract of root bark,
subjective findings as well as an mixed with honey, is applied to
increase in cardiac work tolerance, scrofulous enlargements of glands.
a decrease in pressure/heart rate Whole plant powder—cholinergic
product, an increase in the ejection in smooth muscles including
fraction and a rise in the anaerobic urinary bladder.
threshold have been established in
human pharmacological studies. Key application As antiurolithiatic.
(German Commission E, WHO.) (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
The active principles include oligo- The antiurolithic activity of the
meric procyanidins and flavonoids. stem-bark is attributed to the presence
The drug is official in Homoeopathic of lupeol. Lupeol not only prevented
Pharmacopoeia of India. the formation of vesical calculi, but
Contraindicated in low blood pres- also reduced the size of the preformed
sure, chest pain, bleeding disorders. stones in the kidneys of calculogenic
The herb may interfere with therapeu- rats. It also reversed the biochemical
tic effect of cardiac drugs. (Sharon M. parameters in urine, blood and serum
Herr.) Preparations based on hydroal- towards normal.
coholic extracts of Crataegus monogy- The stem bark also exhibit anti-
na or C. laevigata are used as Hawthorn inflammatory activity, and is reported
in the Western herbal. to stimulate bile secretion, appetite and
bowel movement.
Dosage Stem bark—– g for
Crataeva nurvala Buch.-Ham. decoction. (API Vol. I.)
Synonym C. magna (Lour.) DC.
Family Capparidaceae. Cressa cretica Linn.
Habitat Wild as well as cultivated
in gardens all over India. Family Convolvulaceae.
Ayurvedic Varuna, Varana, Barnaa, Habitat Costal regions of India.
Setu, Ashmarighna, Kumaarak, Ayurvedic Rudanti, Rudantikaa,
Tiktashaaka. Rudravanti.

178 Crinum asiaticum Linn.
Siddha/Tamil Uppu Sanaga. Habitat Wild as well as cultivated
Folk Khardi. as an ornamental.
Action Expectorant, stomachic, English Wide-leaved Crinum.
C antibilious, alterative. Ayurvedic Sudarshana, Sukhadar-
Air-dried, powdered whole plant shana, Chakraangi, Somvalli,
gave n-octacosanol, scopoletin, um- Madhuparnikaa.
belliferone, isopimpinellin, beta-sitos- Siddha/Tamil Vishamoongil.
terol and its –D(+)-glucoside and quer- Action Bulb—rubefacient, an-
cetin. tirheumatic. Also used for piles and
tubercular fistula.
Crinum asiaticum Linn. The alkaloids, crinafoline and crina-
folidine, have been isolated from the
Family Amaryllidaceae.
plant. These along with crinafoline
Habitat Wild as well as cultivated methochloride exhibited significant
as an ornamental. tumour-inhibiting activity in vivo. The
English St. John’s Lily, Poison Bulb. plant extract in also used in allergic
Ayurvedic Naagadamani, Naa- condition. This activity is attributed
gapatra, Sudarshana (var.). C. to the presence of glucan A and phos-
defixum Ker.-Gawl, is equated with phatidyllycorine.
Sukhadarshana. A related species, C. zeylanicum, is
known as Milk-and-Wine Lily.
Siddha/Tamil Vishamoongil.
Action Bulb—laxative (a substitute Dosage Leaf, root—– g paste.
for ipecacuanha), expectorant. Used (CCRAS.)
in biliousness, and in strangury
and other urinary affections. Also
used for the treatment of burns, Crocus sativus Linn.
whitlow and carbuncle. Fresh
root—diaphoretic, emetic. Leaves— Family Iridaceae.
expectorant; externally, anti- Habitat Cultivated in Kashmir up
inflammatory (used in skin diseases to , m and in Chaubattia in
and for reducing inflammations). Uttar Pradesh.
Seed—emmenagogue, diuretic.
English Saffron, Crocus.
The bark gave sterols and triter-
Ayurvedic Kumkuma, Rudhira,
penoids. Seeds contain alkaloids—
Vadrika, Kaashmira, Kaashmiraka,
lycorine, crinamine and crinasiatine.
Vaalhika, Agnishikhaa, Ghrusrrn,
Rakta, Kshataja. Keshara (usually
Keshara indicates Naagakeshara,
Crinum latifolium Linn. Mesua ferrea Linn.)
Family Amaryllidaceae. Unani Zaafraan.

Crotalaria juncea Linn. 179
Siddha/Tamil Kumgumappoo mour activity against ascites tumours
(dried stigma). in mice. Chemical analysis indicat-
Action Stigma and style—nervine ed that the naturally occurring crocin
tonic, sedative, antispasmodic ex- may be the active principle responsible
for the observed anticancer activity.
C
pectorant (in dry cough, whooping
cough, bronchitis), stomachic, A xanthone, carotenoid glycosidic
diaphoretic, emmenagogue. conjugate, mangi-crocin, isolated from
saffron, showed significant adapto-
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In- genic activity. A natural antioxidant,
dia indicated the use of the stigma and isolated from saffron stem callus,
style in migraine, chronic sinusitis, and showed better antioxidant activity than
in urinary obstruction, inflammation vitamin E. Saffron bulbs are toxic, stig-
of the urinary tract. mas in overdoses narcotic.
The saffron is used in Chinese The dose of stigma and styles at .–
medicine for melancholia, depression, . g is toxic. (Recommended dose :
shock and menstrual disorders. .–. g per day).
Saffron contains a volatile oil com-
posed of terpenes, terpene alcohols and Dosage Dried style and stigma—
esters. The herb also contains crocin, – mg (API Vol. IV.)
picrocrocin, crocetin, carotenoids and
riboflavin and thiamine.
Preliminary evidence suggests that
crocetin may improved atherosclero- Crotalaria juncea Linn.
sis by increasing plasma oxygen dif-
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
fusion and decreasing cholesterol and
triglyceride levels. In addition, cro- Habitat Throughout the plains of
cetin binds to albumin, potentially in- India, especially in South India.
creasing oxygen diffusion and improv-
English Sun Hemp.
ing atherosclerosis. (Natural Medicines
Comprehensive Database, .) Ayurvedic Shana, Shanapushpi,
The stigma showed remarkable in- Malyapushpa.
hibitory effect on blood coagulation
Unani Sunn.
due to the presence of platelet aggrega-
tion inhibitor containing adenosine. It Siddha/Tamil Sanal, Manji,
accelerated in vitro fibrinolytic activity Sannappu.
of urokinase and plasmin.
Folk Jhanjhaniaa.
Small amounts of Saffron stimulate
gastric secretion; larger amounts stim- Action Leaf—demulcent, purgative,
ulate uterine smooth muscle and ex- emetic, emmenagogue, abortifa-
hibit emmenagogue and abortifacient cient, ant-implantation. Given in
effects. diarrhoea, dysentery and bleeding
Saffron extract showed cytotoxic disorders. Seeds—used in psoriasis
and antimutagenic activity and antitu- and impetigo.

180 Crotalaria verrucosa Linn.
Seeds—hepatotoxic. Seed oil gave Ayurvedic Naagadanti. (Danti
fatty acids—linoleic, linolenic and is equated with Baliospermum
oleic. montanum Muell., Dravanti with
C Pyrrolizidine alkaloids—junceine,
tricodesmine, riddelline, seneciphyl-
Jatropha curcas Linn. and Croton
tiglium Linn.)
line and senecionine were also ob- Action Same as that of C. tiglium.
tained.
Dosage Seed—– g powder. (API
Vol. III.) Croton tiglium Linn.
Family Euphorbiaceae.
Crotalaria verrucosa Linn. Habitat Native to South-East Asia.
Now cultivated in Assam, Bengal
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. and South India.
Habitat Tropical regions of India English Purging Croton.
from Himalayas to Sri Lanka. Ayurvedic Jayapaala, Dravanti,
Ayurvedic Shanapushpi. Shana Dantibija, Tintidiphala.
(var.). Unani Habb-us-Salaateen, Jamaal-
Siddha/Tamil Sanal, Sannappu. gotaa, Hubb-ul-Malook.
Folk Sanai, Jhanjhaniaa. Siddha/Tamil Nervaalam.
Action Juice of leaves—used Action Cathartic, rubefacient,
for biliousness, dyspepsia, blood irritant. Used in ascites, anasar-
impurities, scabies and impetigo, ca, dropsy and enlargement of
both internally and externally. abdominal viscera.
Taraxerol, beta-sitosterol and linole- The seed oil is purgative. It produces
ic, palmitic, stearic, lauric, oleic, lino- severe symptoms of toxicity when tak-
lenic, arachidic, myristic and ricinoleic en internally or applied externally to
acids have been isolated from fixed oil the skin.
of the stem. Croton oil showed tumour-pro-
moting activity on mouse skin. The
Dosage Seed—– g powder. skin irritant and tumour promoting
(CCRAS.) diterpene esters of the tigliane type
(phorbol esters) and toxins have been
isolated from the seeds. (In China,
Croton oblongifolius Roxb. where the herb is employed for the
treatment of gastro-intestinal distur-
Family Euphorbiaceae. bances, the highest incidence of naso-
Habitat Central, Western and pharyngeal cancer has been report-
Southern India, also eastwards to ed.)  ml oil is usually fatal. Phorbols
Bengal. (terpenoids) from nonvolatile oil are

Cucumis prophetarum Linn. 181
toxic. Crotin, a toxic albuminous sub- Ctenolepis cerasiformis Naud.
stance, is not extracted in the oil. The
plant caused haematuria and swelling Family Cucurbitaceae.
of lymph glands in animals. Habitat
Gujarat.
Wild on wastelands in C
Dosage Seed—– mg powder.
(API Vol. IV.) Ayurvedic Shankhini.
(Also equated with Corivolvulus
arvenis L.)
Cryptolepis buchanani Folk Aankha-phuutaa-mani
Roem. & Schult. (Gujarat).
Action Emetic, drastic purgative.
Family Asclepiadaceae; Periplo-
Used for internal tumours and
caceae.
abscesses. (C.R.A.V.)
Habitat Throughout India.
English Indian Sarsaparilla (black
var.). Cucumis melo
Ayurvedic Krishna Saarivaa, Linn. var. utilissimus Duth. & Fuller.
Jambupatraa Saarivaa, Karantaa, Synonym C. utilissimus Roxb.
Shyamalataa, Shyaama, Gopi,
Gopavadhu, Kaalghatika. Family Cucurbitaceae.
Siddha/Tamil Maattan-kodi, Habitat Cultivated in Punjab and
Paal-Kodi, Kattupala. Uttar Pradesh.
Folk Karantaa, Anantamuula English Snake Cucumber.
(Varanasi). Ayurvedic Ervaaru, Ervaaruka,
Action Blood-purifier, alterative. Urvaaru, Bahukanda, Karkati.
Used for rickets in children. Unani Kakari.
In combination with Euphorbia Siddha/Tamil Kakkarikkay,
microphylla, the herb is used as Vellarikkai.
a galactagogue. A decoction of the Action Seeds—cooling, diuretic;
stem is used as a supporting drug used in painful micturition and
in paralysis; of the root bark in suppression of urine.
rheumatism.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
The major constituent of the root ex- India recommends the seed in dysuria
tract is germanicol docosanoate. The and lithiasis.
roots contains cryptanoside C. The
leaves gave cryptanoside A and B and Dosage Seed—– g. (API Vol. II.)
a cardenolide, cryptosin.
Dosage Root—– g (API
Cucumis prophetarum Linn.
Vol. IV.); infusion—– ml.
(CCRAS.) Synonym C. myriocarpus Naud.

182 Cucumis sativus Linn.
Family Cucurbitaceae. Cucumber contains rutin; seeds glu-
Habitat Wild on wastelands of cosides including cucurbitaside; leaves
Sindh, Baluchistan, Rajasthan; in free cucurbitasides B & C, ferredox-
C dry districts of Bellary in the South. in, alpha-spinasterol. Free and bound
sterols are found in seedlings and in
English Wild Cucumber. male and female flowers.
Ayurvedic Indravarruni (var.). Presence of proteolytic enzymes,
Folk Khar-indraayana. ascorbic acid oxidase and succinic and
malic dehydrogenases has been report-
Action Emetic, purgative. Toxic. ed.
Fruit pulp—a bitter resinous body, Dosage Seed—– g powder; fruit
myriocarpin, produces nausea and is juice—– ml. (CCRAS.)
slightly purgative.
The fruit contain cucurbitacin B,C,D
and Q, and propheterosterol and its Cucumis trigonus Roxb.
acetate. Cucurbitacin Q is an anti-
tumour agent. Amino acids from the Synonym C. pseudo-colocynthis
fruits are leucine, iso-leucine, pheny- Royle.
lalanine, valine, tryptophan, tyrosine, C.callosus (Rottl.) Congn.
proline, alanine threonine, glycine, Bryonia callosa Rottl.
arginine, crystine and aspartic acid. Habitat Wild throughout the drier
upland tracts of India.
Ayurvedic Indravaaruni (var.).
Cucumis sativus Linn. Siddha/Tamil Kattutumatti.
Folk Vishlumbha, Bhakuraa.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Action Pulp of fruit—drastic
Habitat Cultivated for its edible purgative. Decoction of roots—
fruits which are usually used as milder in purgative action. Seeds—
salad vegetable. cooling, astringent; useful in bilious
English Cucumber. disorders. The fruit is used as
Ayurvedic Trapusha, Traapusha, a substitute for Colocynth.
Trapushi, Tiktakarkatikaa (bitter The fruits contain steroid and tri-
var.). terpenoid compounds, cucurbitacin
Unani Khiyaar, Khiraa. B and proteolytic enzymes. EtOH
extract exhibits analgesic and anti-
Siddha/Tamil Vellarikkai. inflammatory activity; stimulates iso-
Folk Khiraa. lated uterus of guinea pigs.
Action Seed—used in dysuria,
irritation of the urinary tract,
Cucurbita maxima Duchesne.
cystitis. Reduces specific gravity of
urine. Also used for tapeworms. Family Cucurbitaceae.

Cucurbita pepo Linn. 183
Habitat Cultivated throughout Habitat Native to Central America.
India. Cultivated in warmer climate than
English Red Gourd, Red Pumpkin. that required for C. maxima.
Ayurvedic Peeta Kuushmaanda, English Squash. C
Kuushmaandaka, Kuusmaandi, Ayurvedic Kumshmaanda.
Karkaaruka, Seetaaphal.
Action Fruit—used in headache,
Unani Kaddu-e-Sheerin, Aqteen. bronchitis, asthma; as diuretic
Siddha/Tamil Parangikayi. in genitourinary disorders; as
Action Fruit pulp—sedative, anthelmintic against tapeworms.
emollient and refrigerant; used Dried pulp is administered in
as poultice, applied to burns, haemptysis.
inflammations, boils, and burns. The lipids isolated from the seeds
Seeds—diuretic, anthelmintic (for included glycerides, sterol esters, phos-
tapeworm). Because of their zinc phatidylcholine and phosphatidylinos-
content and antimitotic effect, seeds itol. The aqueous extract of seeds
are used to arrest enlargement of showed potent gastroprotective activ-
prostate gland. Also used in cystitis ity against ethanol-induced gastric le-
and minor kidney dyfunction. sions in rats.
Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima and C. In Chinese medicine, Cucurbita mo-
pepo) seeds contain B vitamins, Vita- schata flower is used in jaundice, dysen-
min A; minerals—calcium, iron, phos- tery and cough; the root in jaundice,
phorus, zinc; cucurbitacins; linonelic strangury, galactostasis and dysentery;
acid. An infusion of seeds (– tea- the stem in irregular menstruation and
spoons) is taken as a diuretic and in scalds.
hypertrophy of prostate.
Seeds of C. maxima contain sterol
glycosides and sterol fatty acid esters Cucurbita pepo Linn.
which showed antitumour activity in
mice. Family Cucurbitaceae.
The leaves contain calcium .; Habitat Native to N. Mexico and
magnesium .; iron .; zinc .; eastern U.S.A. Now commonly
and copper . (mg/ g). cultivated in Northern India.
The seed oil contains sterols and tri-
English Pumpkin, Marrow.
terpenoids. The oil is used in migraine
and neuralgia. Unani Safed Kaddu, Kumhraa.
Siddha Suraikayi (Tamil).
Action See C. maxima.
Cucurbita moschata
Duch. ex Poir. Key application Seeds—in irritated
bladder condition, micturition
Family Cucurbitaceae. problems of benign prostatic

184 Cuminum cyminum Linn.
hyperplasia stages  and . (German flavonoid glycosides;  belong to api-
Commission E, The British Herbal genin,  to luteolin and  to chrysoeri-
Pharmacopoeia.) In childhood ol group. Major constituents of the es-
C enuresis noctruna. (Expanded
Commission E.)
sential oil include cuminaldehyde (–
% of the oil) and p-cymene.
EtOH (%) extract of the fruit ex-
The roasted and fresh seeds yield hibits spasmolytic and hypotensive ac-
. and .% of fatty oil respectively. tivity.
The oil filled capsules were adminis- Cumin is considered superior is
tered to patients suffering from hyper- comforting carminative qualities to
trophy of the prostate. Results showed Fennel or Caraway. Due to its disagree-
that the frequent urge to urinate de- able flavour it has been replaced by
creased and the urine residues were Caraway in European herbal medicine.
minimized. Cumin oil and cuminaldehyde have
The oil consists of the glycerides been reported to exhibit strong larvi-
of linoleic , oleic , palmitic and cidal and antibacterial activity.
stearic acids %. Sterols have been Fine grinding of the seed can cause
isolated. loss of % of volatile oil, most within
one hour. (Natural Medicines Compre-
hensive Database, .)
Cuminum cyminum Linn.
Dosage Fruit—– g powder. (API
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. Vol. I.)
Habitat Native to the Mediter-
ranean region; now cultivated in
Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Cupressus sempervirens Linn.
English Cumin.
Family Cupressaceae.
Ayurvedic Shveta-jiraka, Ajaaji,
Shukla-ajaaji. The three jirakas Habitat Native to Asia Minor,
mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts Syria and North Persia. The tree
are: Jiraka, Krishna Jiraka (Carum is a variety only known in the
bulbocastanum W. Koch.) and cultivated state in North-West
Kaaravi (Carum carvi Linn.). India. (Chopra RN.)
Unani Safed Jeeraa, Kamun. English Mediterranean Cypress.
Siddha/Tamil Cheerakam. Ayurvedic Suraahva.
Action Carminative, antispasmodic Unani Saro.
(used in dyspepsia and diarrhoea), Siddha/Tamil Suram, Churam.
stimulant, diuretic, antibacterial,
emmenagogue, galactagogue. Action Tincture—vasoconstrictor,
antiseptic, sedative, antispasmodic,
Cumin seeds contain up to .% diuretic. Used for cough, cold,
lipids. They are reported to contain  bronchitis, varicose veins, piles,

Curcuma amada Roxb. 185
menopausal cramps, leg-cramps. sapogenins; phenolic glycosides, a tri-
Essential oil—used only externally. terpene alcohol; a pentacyclic triter-
Used in aromatherapy for massage pene, an aliphatic compound, hen-
( drops in  teaspoonful of almond
oil).
triacontanol, sitosterol, stigmasterol,
cycloartenol and sucrose. A pep-
C
tide, Curculin C, containing  amino
The essential oil from the plant gave acids, has been isolated from the fruit.
 compounds; major compound was In traditional Chinese medicine,
alpha-pinene (.–.%); among dried rhizome, containing curculigo-
others—D-camphane, D-silvestren, p- side is used as a tonic for its immuno-
cymene, L-cadinenes, cedrol, terpine- logical and protective property.
ol, acetyl-and isovalerianyl monoter- In Indian medicine, powdered rhi-
pene ester. zomes with milk are taken as a restora-
No longer taken internally as a di- tive tonic, also for sexual debility.
luted essential oil. Medicinal parts are EtOH (%) of the plant exhibited
cones, branches and oil. hypoglycaemic property.
Dosage Dried rhizome—– g
powder. (API Vol. IV.)
Curculigo orchioides Gaertn.
Family Amaryllidaceae; Hypoxi-
daceae. Curcuma amada Roxb.
Habitat Sub-tropical Himalayas Family Zingiberaceae.
from Kumaon eastwards; Western
Ghats from Konkan Southwards. Habitat Cultivated in Gujarat;
wild in parts of West Bengal, Uttar
Ayurvedic Taalmuuli, Taalpatri, Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil
Krishna Mushali, Bhuumitaala. Nadu.
Unani Musli Siyaah. English Mango-ginger, Wild
Siddha/Tamil Nilappanan kizhangu. Turmeric.
Action Nervine, adaptogenic, seda- Ayurvedic Aamra Haridraa, Aam-
tive, anticonvulsive, androgenic, ragandhi Haridraa, Surabhidaaru,
anti-inflammatory and diuretic. Karpuraa.
Used in Jaundice, urinary disor- Unani Aambaa Haldi, Daarchob.
ders, skin diseases and asthma. Siddha/Tamil Mangaiinji.
Mucilaginous.
Action Carminative, stomachic,
The rhizome contains saponins (cur- appetizer, expectorant, antipyretic,
culigosaponin C and F promoted pro- anti-inflammatory. Specific in
liferation of spleen lymphocytes very rheumatism and inflammation of
significantly; F and G increased the liver; rheumatism; in contusions
weight of the thymus in vitro in mice); and sprains.

186 Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.
Presence of curcumin and a phytos- Dosage Rhizome—– g powder.
terol is reported in the rhizome. The (CCRAS.)
essential oil exhibited antimicrobial,
C antifungal and anthelmintic activity
against tape worms.
Significant decrease was observed Curcuma aromatica Salisb.
in liver total lipids and serum trigly-
Family Zingiberaceae.
cerides of adult female rat when fed
% Mango-ginger or % curcumin Habitat Cultivated chiefly in West
along with normal diet or a surcose- Bengal and Kerala.
based hypertriglyceridaemic diet. English Wild turmeric, Yellow
Dosage Rhizome—– g powder; Zedoary.
– ml juice. (CCRAS.) Ayurvedic Karpuraa, Aranya-rajani
kanda, Van Haridraa.
Unani Daarchob.
Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.
Siddha/Tamil Kastoori Manjal.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Action Uses similar to those of C.
Habitat Central Himalaya, Bihar, longa. Essential oil from rhizomes—
West Bengal, Maharashtra and antimicrobial, antifungal and
South India. anthelmintic. The tubers are applied
English East Indian Arrowroot, externally to bruises and sprains,
Travancore Starch. to skin eruptions and infections.
Ayurvedic Tvakshira, Tvakshiri. A decoction is administered in
biliary gastritis.
Unani Tikhur, Tabaasheer.
Siddha/Tamil Ararut-gaddalu. Fresh rhizomes contain a number
Action Starch—Cooling, demul- of sesquiterpenes including curdione
cent, nutritious; used for asthma and cerumol. Curcumol and curdione
and bronchitis, as a substitute for showed inhibitory activity on sarcoma
Vansalochana (Bamboo-manna).  in mice.
Oil—antibacterial, antifungal, The rhizomes yield .% of an es-
anthelmintic against tape worms. sential oil with d-camphene ., d-
Rhizome—used for fever, diarrhoea, camphor ., sesquiterpenes ., ses-
gravel, swellings and skin diseases. quiterpene alcohols ., acids .%.
The essential oil shows high amounts
The rhizomes yield .% of an essen- of ar-curcumene (.%), beta-cur-
tial oil containing alpha-pinene ., cumene (.%) and xanthorrhizol
beta-pinene ., d-ar-curcumene (.%).
., d-camphor ., d-alpha-terpi- The oil, on intraperitoneal adminis-
neol ., borneol ., zingiberol . tration, partly reversed toxipathic hep-
and a sesquiterpene alcohol .%. atitis in mice induced by CCl.

Curcuma longa Linn. 187
Dosage Rhizome—– g powder. Action Anti-inflammatory,
(CCRAS.) cholagogue, hepatoprotective,
blood-purifier, antioxidant, detoxi-
fier and regenerator of liver tissue,
antiasthmatic, anti-tumour, anticu-
C
Curcuma caesia Roxb.
taneous, antiprotozoal, stomachic,
Family Zingiberaceae. carminative. Reduces high plasma
Habitat Cultivated mainly in West cholesterol. Antiplatelet activity of-
Bengal. fers protection to heart and vessels.
Also protects against DNA damage
English Black Zedorary. in lymphocytes.
Ayurvedic Rajani, Nishaa, Nishi,
Raatri, Kaali Haldi, Nilkanth, Key application In dyspeptic
Narkachura. conditions. (German Commis-
sion E, ESCOP, WHO.) As anti-
Unani Zarambaad. inflammatory, stomachic. (Indian
Siddha/Tamil Manupasapu. Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
Action Carminative. Used
externally for bruises and sprains. The rhizomes gave curcuminoids,
the mixture known as curcumin, con-
The essential oil contains camphor sisting of atleast four phenolic diaryl-
as main constituent; others are cam- heptanoids, including curcumin and
phane, bornylene and sesquiterpene monodesmethoxycurcumin; volatile
hydrocarbons. oil (–%), containing about % of
turmerones which are sesquiterpene
ketones, and bitter principles, sugars,
Curcuma longa Linn. starch, resin.
Curcumin related phenolics pos-
Synonym C. domestica Valeton. sess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
Family Zingiberaceae. gastroprotective and hepatoprotective
activities. The antioxidant activity of
Habitat Cultivated all over India, curcumin is comparable to standard
particularly in West Bengal, Tamil antioxidants—vitamin C and E, BHA
Nadu and Maharashtra. and BHT.
English Turmeric. The volatile oil, also curcumin, ex-
Ayurvedic Haridraa, Priyaka, hibited anti-inflammatory activity in
Haridruma, Kshanda, Gauri, a variety of experimental models (the
Kaanchani, Krimighna, Varavarni- effects were comparable to those of
ni, Yoshitapriyaa, Hattavilaasini, cortisone and phenylbutazone). Used
Naktaahvaa, Sharvari. orally, curcumin prevents the release
of inflammatory mediators. It depletes
Unani Zard Chob. nerve endings of substance P, the neu-
Siddha/Tamil Manjal. rotransmitter of pain receptors.

188 Curcuma zedoaria Rosc.
Curcumin’s cholesterol-lowering Action Carminative, stomachic,
actions include interfering with in- gastrointestinal stimulant, diuretic,
testinal cholesterol uptake, increasing expectorant, demulcent, rube-
C the conversion of cholesterol into bile
acids and increasing the excretion of
facient. Used in flatulence and
dyspepsia. Fresh root is used for
bile acids via its choleretic effects. checking lecorrhoeal discharge; also
Curcuminoids prevent the increases for blood purification. Zedoary’s
in liver enzymes, SGOT and SGPT; this effect on digestive organs is similar
validates the use of turmeric as a he- to ginger but milder.
patoprotective drug in liver disorders.
Curlone, obtained from the dried rhi-
zome, is used against hepatitis. Along with other therapeutic appli-
Turmeric and curcumin increase cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
the mucin content of the stomach and of India indicated the use of the rhi-
exert gastroprotective effects against zome in goiter.
stress, alcohol, drug-induced ulcer The rhizomes are a source of Shoti
formation. (Curcumin at doses of Starch, used as a food for babies and
 mg/kg weight exhibited ulcero- convalescents, recovering from chron-
genic activity in rats.) ic stomatitis. It is cooling and demul-
The ethanolic extract of the rhizome cent.
exhibited blood sugar lowering activity Zedoary, dried rhizomes, contains
in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. a number of terpenoids, including
Piperine (a constituent of black and curcumene, curcumenone, curdione,
long pepper) enhances absorption and curcumenol. Curzerenone, furanoger-
bioavailability of curcumin. menone, germacrone, germacrone
epoxide; a volatile oil (.–.%) re-
Dosage Cured rhizome—– g sembling ginger oil, and starch (%).
powder. (API Vol. I.) Zedoary is thought to stimulate bile
production (due to sesquiterpene ke-
tones) and gall bladder emptying (due
Curcuma zedoaria Rosc. to cucuminoid constituents).
The sesquiterpenes, germacrone,
Family Zingiberaceae. germacrone epoxide, curzerenone and
Habitat Cultivated throughout curcumenol showed CNS depressant
India; wild in Eastern Himalaya. properties. Curzerenone also showed
a potent protective effect against in-
English Zedoary, Zerumbet. duced lesions in rats. Both curz-
Ayurvedic Karchuura, Draavida, erenone and curcumenol showed
Palaashi, Kachura, Gandhmuulaka, a moderate analgesic action.
Shati. The terpenoid furanogermenone ex-
hibits antiallergic activity. (Powdered
Unani Zarambaad. zedoary, mixed with fructose, is used
Siddha/Tamil Kichhilikkizhangu. as an antiallergant in Japan.)

Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Linn.) Taub. 189
Curcumenol and curdione are Used in urinary, spleen and liver dis-
shown to possess tumour-inhibiting orders.
property. The rhizome is used in China
for extradural haematomas and certain
types of tumours. It has been reported
C
Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.
in China that zedoary reduced cervi-
cal cancer and increased the effects of Family Convolvulaceae.
chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The volatile oil of zedoary exhibits Habitat A parasitic climber
antimicrobial and antifungal activity. common throughout India up to
The antifungal constituent of the oil has , m.
been reported as methyl-p-methoxy- English Doddar.
cinnamate.
Ayurvedic Amarvalli.
Dosage Dried rhizome—– g
Unani Kasoos.
powder. (API Vol. IV.)
Action See C. epithymum.
The seeds contain amarbelin and
Cuscuta epithymum Linn. kaempferol; stem gave cuscutin, cuscu-
Family Convolvulaceae. tatin, beta-sitosterol, luteolin, bergenin
and kaempferol. The parasitic plant
Habitat A parasitic climber, accumulates alkaloids from the host
occuring in Europe, Asia, South plant. The climber growing on Mangi-
Africa. era indica has been found to contain
English Lesser Doddar, Hellweed, mangiferin.
Devil’s Guts.
Ayurvedic Aakaashvalli, Amarvalli,
Amarvela.
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba
Unani Aftimoon. (Linn.) Taub.
Folk Sitammapogunalu (Telugu).
Family Fabaceae; Papilionaceae.
Action Hepatic, laxative, carmina-
tive. Habitat Cultivated throughout
India, particularly in Haryana,
The parasitic plant accumulates al- Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh
kaloids from the host plant. It con- and Orissa.
tains flavonoids, including kaempferol
and quercetin, hydroxycinnamic acid English Cluster bean, Guar.
derivatives. Cuscutalin (%) and cus- Ayurvedic Kshudra Shimbi,
cutin (.%) are main active princi- Gorakshaphalini, Guaar, Gwaalin.
ples of the plant. Seeds contain amar-
Unani Guaar phali.
velin, resins, oil (%) and reducing sug-
ars. Siddha/Tamil Kothaveray.

190 Cyclea arnotii Miers.
Action Laxative, antibilious. Ayurvedic Raaj-Paathaa (bigger
Gum—hypoglycaemic, hypolipi- var. of Paathaa, Cissampelos pareira
daemic, appetite depressor (weight Linn.).
C loss not observed), reduces glyco-
suria during gum supplementation.
Siddha/Tamil Para.
Action Roots—used in smallpox,
The administration of Guar gum bone fractures, malarial fever,
( g/day) with normal diet for  weeks jaundice, stomachache.
produced significant reduction in plas-
The root yielded tetrandrine as the
ma, total cholesterol and LDL-choles-
major alkaloid. Tetrandrine (. g/day)
terol. The gum ( g daily) is reported
was found effective in the treatment of
to decrease blood-glucose level in nor-
chloroquine resistant malaria.
mal and diabetic volunteers. The sup-
Tetrandrine possesses cytotoxic and
plementation of the gum in the diet of
immunomodulatory properties and is
insulin-dependent diabetics failed to
indicated in the treatment of chronic
improve the long-term diabetic con-
inflammatory diseases. It shows an-
trol, but significantly reduced serum
tihypertensive, cardiac depressant and
cholesterol levels.
vasodilator effect. It also exhibits an-
Taking Guar gum orally with meals
tiallergic activity.
was found to lower post-prandial glu-
cose levels in patients with type  dia-
betes. (Am J clin Nutr, , , –
.) Cydonia oblonga Mill.
Oral administration of an ethanol
extract of powdered pods has shown Synonym C. vulgaris Pers.
significant antiulcer, antisecretory and Family Rosaceae.
cytoprotective effects on various ex- Habitat Cultivated in Punjab,
perimentally-induced gastric lesions in Kashmir and the Nilgiri hills.
rats.
Guarmeal contains galactomannan, English Quince Fruit.
-epikatonic acid and a saponin. Ayurvedic Amritaphala, Paatalaa,
Simbitikaa.
Unani Bihi, Bihidaanaa.
Cyclea arnotii Miers. Siddha/Tamil Shimaimathala.
Action Fruit pulp and seeds—
Synonym C. peltata Hook. F & soothing and demulcent; used
Thoms. in irritable bowel syndrome,
Family Menispermaceae. diarrhoea, dysentery, constipation,
and in irritable conditions of the
Habitat Throughout South and mucous membrane. Leaf, bud
East India and in the Andaman and and bark—astringent. Fruit—
Nicobar Islands. expectorant. Mucilage—used

Cymbopogon jwarancusa (Jones) Schult. 191
externally for scalds, ulcers and depressant, analgesic, antipyretic,
burns. antibacterial, antifungal.
The seed kernel contains the gly- The lemongrass contains a volatile
coside amygdalin, tannin, mucilage oil, with citral (about %), citronellal, C
(about %), ash (.%) and fatty oil geraniol and myrcene as its main con-
(–%). stituents. Cetral and citronellal exhibit
In Greece, a tea prepared by boiling marked sedative activity.
dry seeds in water is given in cysti- The lemongrass is taken as a tea for
tis. The major water-soluble polysac- digestive problems; it relaxes muscles
charide in the mucilage of seeds con- of the stomach and gut, relieves spasm
tains a high proportion of glucuronic and flatulence. In catarrhal conditions,
acid residues. it is taken as a febrifuge.
The fruit contains pectin (yield An infusion of fresh leaves on oral
.% fresh weight) and is similar to administration has been found to pro-
that of apple. Ionone glycosides, along duce dose-dependent analgesia in rats.
with octadienoic acid and its diol, have This analgesic acitivity is caused by
been isolated from the fruit. myrcene present in the leaf.
Fruit juice contains thiamine, ri- Geraniol and d-limonene from the
boflavin, nicotinic acid, vitamin B, essential oil induce activity of glu-
inositol, pantothenic acid, folic acid tathione S-transferase, a detoxifying
and biotin. enzyme, which is believed to be a major
The essential oil also gave a num- factor for chemical carcinogen detoxi-
ber of ionone-related compounds. The fication.
buds contain a cyanogenetic glycoside.
The bark and shoots yield hydrocyanic
acid on distillation.
Cymbopogon jwarancusa
(Jones) Schult.
Cymbopogon citratus Synonym Andropogon jwarancusa
(DC.) Stapf. Jones.
Family Poaceae.
Synonym Andropogon citratus DC.
Habitat Himalayas from Kashmir
Family Poaceae. to Assam, ascending up to more
Habitat Grown in Punjab, Maha- than  m and in the north-western
rashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka. plains.
English Lemongrass. Ayurvedic Bhuutikaa, Laamajja-
Ayurvedic Bhuutika, Bhuutikaa. ka, Laamajja. (Subs. Vetiveria
zizanioides (L.) Nash.)
Action Leaf—stimulant, sudorific,
antiperiodic, anticatarrhal. Essen- Unani Izkhar.
tial oil—carminative, anticholerin, Siddha/Tamil Vilaamichhan.

192 Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats.
Action Blood purifier, bechic, er geraniol. It is known as Gingergrass
anticholerin, emmenagogue, Oil.
febrifuge, antirheumatic (also used
C in gout). Flower—styptic. Essential
oil—antimicrobial. Cymbopogon nardus
(Linn.) Rendle.
Major constituent of the essential oil
is piperitone (.%) others include Synonym Andropogon nardus Linn.
borneol, cadinene, camphene, cam- Family Poaceae.
phor, farnesene, geraniol, alpha-and
Habitat Mainly in South India;
beta-pinene. The antibacterial activity
cultivated to a small extent in
is attributed to piperitone.
warmer parts of India.
English Ceylon Citronella Grass.
Cymbopogon martinii Ayurvedic Jambir-trn (var.).
(Roxb.) Wats. Siddha/Tamil Kamachipillu.
Synonym Andropogon martinii Action Leaf—stomachic, carmina-
Roxb. tive, spasmolytic, mild astringent.
Family Poaceae. Essential oil—stimulant, carmi-
native, diaphoretic, rubefacient,
Habitat In drier parts of India; antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal,
in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, larvicidal.
Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh
and Uttar Pradesh. The most Lemongrass and lemongrass oil pre-
important centers of Rosha Grass parations are used almost exclusively
oil production are Betul and Mimar in combinations for disorders and dis-
in Madhya Pradesh and Nasik in comforts of gastrointestinal tract, mus-
Maharashtra. cle pain and neuralgia, colds, various
English Rosha Grass, Palmarosa. nervous disturbances and for condi-
tions of exhaustion.
Ayurvedic Rohisha-trn, Dhyaama- Major constituents of the essential
ka. oil are: citronellal ., neral ., cit-
Siddha/Tamil Kavathampillu. ronellol ., elemicine ., geranyl ac-
Action Essential oil is used etate ., elemol ., limonene . and
externally for stiff joints and isopulegol .%.
lumbago, skin diseases, and in Citronella oil is also used as an insect
the treatment of baldness. Given repellent.
internally in small doses in bilious
complaints.
Cymbopogon schoenanthus
The essential oil obtained from mo- Spreng.
tia var. is rich in geraniol (–%).
The oil is known as Palmarosa, also Synonym Andropogon schoenan-
Rusa. Sofia var. yields an oil with less- thus Linn.

Cynodon dactylon Pers. 193
Family Poaceae. (flow of bile increases up to  per
Habitat Warmer parts of India, cent). Artichokes assist digestion of
from Punjab to Bengal and in South fats, are known as diabetic’s potato
India. in Europe.
C
English Camel-Hay. Key application In dyspeptic
problems. (German Commission E.)
Ayurvedic Rohisha (var.). The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia
Unani Rusaa Ghaas, Izkhar. reported hepatic action.
Siddha/Tamil Karpurapul, Rohisha- All parts of the plant contains ses-
trna. quiterpene lactone cynaropecrin and
Action Roots and rhizome— inulin. The leaves contain cynarin.
carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, Hepatic activity of the leaves is due
emmenagogue; used for fever, cold to polyphenols such as cynarin, caf-
and genitourinary affections. feoylquinic acid derivatives and flavon-
oids. Cynarin and caffeic acid ex-
Fresh leaves yield an essential oil hibited hepatoprotective activity in
(yield .%). It contains a series of CCl-treated rats. (A minimum of
methyl ketones, along with limonene % polyphenols and .% flavonoids
., camphene .%, and a group of in the dried leaves is required for the
oxygenated sesquiterpenes, the major activity.)
being elemol .%. The plant is included in indigenous
The fragrant oil is known as Rusa compound formulations recommend-
or Geranium Oil and is used as a sub- ed for viral and drug-induced hepatitis.
stitute for rose oil. It exhibits stimu- All parts of the plant stimulate diges-
lant, carminative, antispasmodic and tive secretions, especially bile, and are
diaphoretic properties. It is applied ex- used for the treatment of gallbladder
ternally in rheumatism and neuralgia. problems. Plant is used as a diuret-
ic in dropsy. The plant is also used
against atherosclerosis and for lower-
Cynara scolymus Linn. ing cholesterol levels.
The extract gave mixed results in
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. preventing alcohol-induced hangover.
Habitat Monastery gardens of (CMAJ, , , –; Natu-
Europe. Now cultivated in India. ral Medicines Comprehensive Database,
.)
English Globe Artichoke.
Unani Harshaf.
Action Herb—antitoxic, liver Cynodon dactylon Pers.
restorative, hypocholesterolaemic.
Water soluble extract is used for Family Gramineae; Poaceae.
liver and renal diseases for its Habitat Throughout India up to
cholagogic and choleretic action , m.

194 Cyperus articulatus Linn.
English Bermuda Grass, Bahama Ayurvedic Kronchaadana.
Grass, Couch Grass.
Action Carminative, antiemetic
Ayurvedic Duurvaa, Bhaargavi, (useful in vomiting of pregnancy),
C Shatvalli, Shatparvaa, Tiktaparvaa, sedative (in dyspeptic disorders).
Shatviryaa, Sahastravirya, Shitaa,
Anantaa, Golomi. The root contains a sesquiterpene
Unani Duub. ketone, articulone, which is identi-
cal to cyperone. Volatile oil con-
Siddha/Tamil Arugampallu. tains sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and
Action The grass is a reputed as sesquiterpene alcohols, including cy-
a remedy in epitaxis, haematuria, perenone.
inflammed tumours, whitlows Cypress is a totally different herb.
fleshy excrescences, cuts, wounds, See Cupressus sempervirens.
bleeding piles, cystitis, nephritis and
in scabies and other skin diseases. It
is credited with astringent, diuretic,
antidiarrhoeal, anticatarrhal, styptic Cyperus esculentus Linn.
and antiseptic properties.
Family Cyperaceae.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
dia recommended the dried fibrous Habitat Indigenous to West
root in menorrhagia, metrorrhagia Asia and North Africa; occurring
and burning micturation. scattered from Punjab to Nilgiri
hills as a grass-like sedge.
Phenolic phytotoxins—ferulic, sy-
ringic, p-coumaric, vanillic, p-hydro- English Earth Almond, Chufa,
xybenzoic and O-hydroxyphenyl ace- Rush Nut, Tiger Nut. (Tuber is
tic acids, are reported from the plant. called Nut.)
The leaves contain tricin, flavone C- Ayurvedic Chichoda.
glycosides and a flavonoid sulphate.
Folk Chichodaa, Kaseru (Punjab).
Dosage Whole plant—– ml Also equated with Naagaramustaka.
juice (API Vol. IV.); root—– ml
juice (API Vol. III.) Action A digestive tonic (used
for indigestion, flatulence, colic,
diarrhoea, dysentery); promotes
diuresis and menstruation. The
Cyperus articulatus Linn. juice is taken for treating ulcers of
Family Cyperaceae. the mouth and gums.
Habitat Native to Turkey; found Tiger Nut is used in debility and as
in warm regions from Bengal to Sri a nervine tonic due to its high crude
Lanka in standing water of ponds lipid and carbohydrate contents and
and canals. fairly good essential amino acid com-
English Guinea Rush, Ardue. position.

Cyperus scariosus R.Br. 195
Cyperus rotundus Linn. butazone when administered intraperi-
toneally.
Family Cyperaceae. The alcoholic and aqueous extracts
Habitat Throughout India, as of the tubers possess lipolytic action
and reduce obesity by releasing en-
C
a weed upto , m.
hanced concentrations of biogenic
English Nut Grass.
amines from nerve terminals of the
Ayurvedic Musta, Mustaa, Mus- brain which suppress the appetite cen-
taka, Abda, Ambuda, Ambhoda, tre. Presence of eudalne group of ses-
Ambodhara, Bhadra, Bhadraa, quiterpenic compounds of sesquiter-
Bhadramusta, Bhadramustaa, pene alcohol, isocyperol is said to play
Bhadramustaka, Ghana, Jalada, an important role in lipid metabolism.
Jaldhara, Meghaahvaa, Nirada, An alcoholic extract of the plant ex-
Vaarida, Vaarivaaha, Payoda, hibits liver-protective activity against
Balaahaka. Ganda-Duurvaa (var.). CCL-induced liver damage in mice.
Unani Naagarmothaa, Saad-e-Kufi. Methanolic extract of the plant stim-
ulates the production of melanin in
Siddha/Tamil Koraikkizhangu. cultured melanocytes. (Plant extract is
Folk Mothaa. used in preparations used for pigmen-
Action Carminative, astringent, tation of skin and hair, also in suntan
anti-inflammatory, antirheumat- gels.)
ic, hepatoprotective, diuretic, Aqueous-alcoholic extract of the
antipyretic, analgesic, hypoten- tuber exhibited hypotensive, diuret-
sive, emmenagogue and nervine ic, antipyretic and analgesic activities.
tonic. These are attributed to a triterpenoid.
The essential oil (.–.%) from the
Used for intestinal problems, indi- tubers contains mainly sesquiterpenes.
gestion, sprue, diarrhoea, dysentery, C. platystilis Br. is equated with
vomiting and fever; also as a hypoc- Kaivarta-mustaka.
holesterolaemic drug and in obesity. Dosage Rhizome—– g powder;
Along with other therapeutic appli-
– ml decoction. (API Vol. III.)
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicated the use of the rhi-
zome in rheumatism, inflammations,
dysuria, puerperal diseases and obesi- Cyperus scariosus R.Br.
ty. Family Cyperaceae.
The tuber is rich in Cu, Fe, Mg
Habitat Damp situations in Uttar
and Ni. Beta-sitosterol, isolated from
Pradesh and eastern and southern
the tubers, exhibits significant anti-
parts of India.
inflammatory activity against carra-
geenan- and cotton pellet-induced English Nut grass.
oedema in rats; the activity is com- Ayurvedic Bhadramustaa, Musta,
parable to hydrocortisone and phenyl- Amoda, Naagaramustaka. (Naagara

196 Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link.
is a different drug, equated with and functional palpitation. (The
Zingiber officinale Rosc.) action of the whole plant is stated
Siddha Korai-kilangu (Tamil). to be different from that of isolated
C Folk Naagara-mothaa.
alkaloids.) The whole herb has been
used to treat tumours.
Action Essential oil—hypotensive, Key application For functional
anti-inflammatory, CNS stimulant, heart and circulatory disorders.
antimicrobial. Rhizome—stom- Aqueous-ethanolic extracts are
achic, cordial, antidiarrhoeal and used internally. Simultaneous
diuretic. administration of MAO-inhibitors
See C. rotundus. contraindicated due to the tyramine
content. (German Commission E.)
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia
Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link. reported antiarrhythmic and
diuretic action of the herb.
Synonym Sarothamnus scoparius
(L.) Koch. The herb contains quinolizidine al-
kaloids; main alkaloids are (−)-spar-
Family Papilionaceae, Fabaceae. teine, lupanine, ammodendrine and
Habitat Mild climatic regions of various derivatives; biogenic amines,
south and central Europe, north including tryramine, epinine, dopa-
Africa and West Asia. C. scoparius mine; isoflavone glycosides including
is fairly common in and around genistein, scoparin; flavonoids; essen-
Oatacmund (Nilgiris) and is found tial oil; caffeic acid and p-coumaric
wild as a garden escape. It grows also acids; tannins. Seeds contain lectins
in Simla and neighbouring places. (phytohaemagglutinins).
An allied species, C. monspessulanus The herb contains over % tyramine.
Linn., White Broom, also occurs in Tyramine acts as an indirect sympa-
the Nilgiri hills. thomimetic, vasoconstrictive and hy-
English Broom, Scotch Broom, potensive.
Yellow Broom. The herb is contraindicated in high
blood pressure, A-V block and preg-
Folk Broom. nancy.
Action Green twigs of the plant, Scoparin’s action on renal mucous
collected before flowering, either membrane is similar to that of Buchu
fresh or after drying, are used as and Uva-ursi. (A decoction or infu-
diuretic and cathartic. Emetic in sion of broom is used in dropsical com-
large doses. The seeds are also used plaints of cardiac origin.)
similarly. The herb is used chiefly in Sparteine produces a transient rise
the form of sulphate in tachycardia in arterial pressure followed by a longer

Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link. 197
period of decreased vascular tension large doses, it is highly toxic and im-
(contradictory observations have been pairs the activity of respiratory organs.
recorded). Some researchers are of the C. monopessulanus (a related spe-
opinion that sparteine is a regulator
in chronic vulvar disease. It showed
cies) contains. % alkaloids.
Sparteine is toxic at more than
C
no cumulative action like digitalis. In  mg dose. (Francis Brinker.)

D
Dactyloctenium aegyptium Ayurvedic Raktaniryaas, Khoon-
Beauv. kharaabaa, Heeraadokhi.
Unani Damm-ul-Akhwain.
Synonym Eleusine aegyptiaca Desf.
Action Astringent. Used for
Family Gramineae, Poaceae. diarrhoea, dysentery. Also used
Habitat Common throughout against malignant tumours.
the plains of India (a very variable
The resin contains red tannin deriva-
grass).
tives—drocoresinotannols, dracoresen
Ayurvedic Takraa, Takraahvaa, and flavone quinones.
Panchaanguli, Nrityakaundaka.
(Classical synonyms.) (Takra is the Dosage Resin—– g. (CCRAS.)
classical name of buttermilk.)
Folk Makaraa, Makari (Bihar,
Orissa), Timidaa (Tamil Nadu) Daemonorops jenkinsianus
Mart.
Action Astringent, bitter tonic,
anthelmintic. Used for polyurea; Synonym Calamus jenkinsianus
externally for wounds and ulcers. Griff.
Family Palmae; Aracaceae.
The grass growing is New South
Wales is reported to contain cyano- Habitat Assam, Khasi Hills and
genetic glycosides. Sikkim.
In Indian medicine, the grass is used Ayurvedic Vetra (related species of
for imparting medicinial properties of Calamus tenuis Roxb.)
Takra (buttermilk) in intestinal, biliary
Action Used as a vegetable
and urinary diseases.
for oedema, also in intrinsic
haemorrhage.
Daemonorops draco Blume.
Synonym Calamus draco Willd. Dalbergia lanceolaria Linn.f.
Family Palmae; Aracaceae. Synonym D. frondosa Roxb.
Habitat Indo-Malayan region. The Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
resin is imported into India mostly Habitat The sub-Himalayan
from Sumatra and Borneo. tract, ascending up to  m, and
English East Indian Dragon’s throughout India.
Blood. Siddha/Tamil Erigai, Navelangu.

200 Dalbergia latifolia Roxb.
Folk Gorakh, Takoli, Bithuaa. obesity, cutaneous affections and
Action A decoction of bark— leprosy.
used in dyspepsia. Oil—applied to The bark contains hentriacontane,
rheumatic affections, and cutaneous latifolin, beta-sitosterol and tannins.
diseases. Leaf—in leprosy and allied
D obstinate skin diseases.
EtOH (%) extract of the bark ex-
hibits spasmogenic, and anthelmintic
Baptigenin from leaves and flowers activity against Ascaridia galli.
possesses properties to treat arthrit-
ic affections and inflammations. An
isoflavone glycoside of biochanin Dalbergia sissoides Grah.
(lanceolarin) has been obtained from
the root bark. Ether, EtOH and aque- Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
ous extract of leaves exhibited an- Habitat Throughout India,
tiarthritic activity in rats. especially in the South.
The heartwood of Dalbergia sp. con- English Malabar Blackwood.
tains quinones. Bark and pods contain
tannins. Ayurvedic Kushimshapaa.
Root bark gave isoflavone glycosides (Shimshapaa related species).
and lanceolarin. Siddha/Tamil Vel-itti.
Dosage Whole plant—– ml Folk Sisam.
decoction. (CCRAS.) Action Anti-inflammatory.
The root contains isoflavones. The
alcoholic extract of the root exhibited
Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. anti-inflammatory activity in carrage-
Synonym D. emerginata Roxb. enan-induced hind paw oedema of
male albino rats.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. A quinone, sissoidenone and dal-
Habitat Bengal, Bihar, Madhya bergion, latifolin and dalbergin have
Pradesh and Western Peninsula. been isolated from the heartwood; al-
English East Indian Rosewood, so oleanolic acid, liquiritigenin and
Bombay Blackwood. isoliquiritigenin. The sapwood and
young leaves gave sissotrin. Biochanin
Ayurvedic Shimshapaa (related sp.) A, isolated from young leaves, inhibit-
Unani Sheesham. ed both serum and epidermal growth
Siddha/Tamil Itti, Eravadi, Karun- factor (EGF)—stimulated growth of
doroiral. human prostate cancer cell lines.
Folk Sisu.
Action Stimulant, appetiser, Dalbergia sissoo Roxb ex DC.
anthelmintic, spasmogenic. Used
in dyspepsia, diarrhoea; also in Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.

Daphne oleoides Schreb. 201
Habitat The sub-Himalayan tract, Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
up to , m from Indus to Assam Habitat Common in Maharashtra
and in plains throughout India. and Karnataka.
English Sissoo, South Indian
Folk Tibali (Goa), Pentagul
Redwood, Sissoo.
Ayurvedic Shimshapaa, Krishna-
(Maharashtra). D
shimshapaa, Picchilaa. Action Bark—used as a paste for
pimples. Leaf—alterative. Aerial
Unani Seesham. part—spasmolytic, CNS active,
Siddha/Tamil Irupoolai. hypothermic.
Action Leaves—bitter, and
stimulant. Leaf mucilage, mixed
with sweet oil, is applied to
Dalbergia volubilis Roxb.
excoriations. Wood—anthelmintic,
alterative, emetic, stomachic, Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
antileprotic; used in diseases due to
vitiated blood. Bark—anticholerin. Habitat Central and Eastern
Root—astringent. Himalayas, Uttar Pradesh and
Orissa.
Along with other therapeutic appli-
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Ayurvedic Gorakhi.
of India indicated the use of the heart- Siddha/Tamil Punali.
wood in turbity of the urine, calculus
Folk Bankharaa, Bhatiaa.
and lipuria.
The leaves gave isoflavone sissotrin; Action Leaves—used in aphthae.
flowers , -di-Me-tectorigenin. Seed Root—genitourinary tract disinfec-
oil (.%) contained fatty acids com- tant; used in scalding of urine, also
posed of palmitic (.), stearic (.%), in foetid discharges.
oleic (.), linolenic (.) and linole-
ic (.) acids and lipids comprising The stem bark afforded isoflavo-
neutral lipids (.), glycolipids (.) noids, dalbergio, tectorigenin. The
and phospholipids (.%). Pods con- leaves gave flavonoid glycosides. The
tain % tannins. wood gave friedelin.
Dosage Heartwood—.– g
powder; – g for decoction.
(API Vol. III.) Daphne oleoides Schreb.
Family Thymelaeaceae.
Dalbergia sympathetica Habitat The Western Himalayas
Nimmo ex Grah. and Kashmir at ,–, m.
Synonym D. multiflora Heyne ex English Mezereon.
Prain. Folk Kutilal, Kanthan (Punjab).

202 Datisca cannabina Linn.
Action Active principles are marked sedative, highly anti-inflam-
attracting scientific interest. The matory, mild analgesic, antipyretic and
orthoesters are co-carcinogenic diuretic activity in rats.
and mezerein antileukaemic in
experimental studies. Bark—
D used as an ointment for inducing
Datura alba Nees.
discharge from indolent ulcers.
Bark, root and root bark—used Family Solanaceae.
mainly for obstinate cutaneous
diseases, especially for eczema Habitat Throughout India in
with severe itching and copious plains; wastelands, roadsides and
exudation (weeping eczema). gardens.
Ayurvedic Dhattuura (white var.).
As the plant is poisonous, it is used
(Dhattura consists of dried seeds of
in homoeopathic dilutions internally
Datura sp.)
and topically.
The bark gave diterpenes including Unani Dhaturaa.
mezerein, daphnetoxin (.%). Mez- Action See D. Metel Linn.
erein is anti-inflammatory and anticar-
cinogenic. Daphnetoxin is poisonous.
Seeds contain daphnane ester (.%)
and daphnetoxin (.%). Datura innoxia Mill.
EtOH extract showed significant ac- Synonym D. metel auct. non Linn.
tivity against P- lymphocytic leu-
kemia and L- leukemia in mice, Family Solanaceae.
due to mezerein. Habitat Western Himalayas and
hilly regions of the western parts
of Peninsular India, abundantly in
Datisca cannabina Linn. Maharashtra.
Family Datiscaceae. English Thornapple.
Habitat Temperate and subtropical Ayurvedic Dhattuura.
Himalaya from Kashmir to Nepal at Unani Dhaturaa, Joz Maasil.
–, m.
Action The plant is the source
English False Hemp.
of alkaloid scopolamine which is
Folk Akal-ber. Bhang-jala (Punjab). used as a pre-anaesthetic in surgery
Action Diuretic, purgative, and childbirth, in ophthalmology
expectorant. Used in fevers, and and for the prevention of motion
gastric and scrofulous ailments. sickness.
The plant contains flavonoids, datis- Hyoscyamine and hyoscine and me-
cin and datiscanin. EtOH (%) ex- teloidine were found in the leaves, flow-
tract of seeds and flowers exhibited ers, pericarp and seeds of the plant. The

Datura stramonium Linn. 203
root gave tropane, tropine and pseu- content of dried leaves and flowering
dotropine. tops—between .–.%. Alkaloid
content of leaves—.%; stem—.%;
seeds—.%; pericarps—.%; root
Datura metel Linn. at flowering of the plant—.%.
Hyoscine in large doses causes delir- D
Synonym D. fastuosa Linn. ium and coma.
Family Solanaceae. Dosage Seed—– mg. (API
Habitat Throughout India, Vol. III.)
particularly in waste place.
English Thornapple, Downy
Datura. Datura stramonium Linn.
Ayurvedic Dhattuura, Dhuurta,
Synonym D. tatula Linn.
Dhastura, Unmatta, Shivapriya,
Harapriya, Hema, Haatta, Dhustuu- Family Solanaceae.
ra, Dhustuuraka, Kanaka, Maatula. Habitat The Himalaya from
Also equated with Raaj-dhatuura. Kashmir to Sikkim up to , m,
(white var.) hilly districts of Central and South
Unani Dhaturaa. India.
Siddha/Tamil Oomatthai, Karu- English Thornapple, Jimsonweed,
voomatthai. Stramonium.
Action Various plant parts are used Ayurvedic Krishnadhattuura,
in headache, hemiplegia, epilepsy, Dhuurta (black seed var.), Unmatta,
delirium, convulsions, cramps, rigid Kitav, Tuuri, Maatul, Madan.
thigh muscles, rheumatism. Leaf— Unani Dhaturaa.
antitumour, antirheumatic. Leaf
and corolla—anti-inflammatory. Action Spasmolytic, antiasthmatic,
Flower—antiasthmatic. Seed, leaf anticholinergic, cerebral depressant,
and root—anticatarrhal, febrifuge, nerve-sedative. Controls spasms of
antidiarrhoeal, antidermatosis; also bronchioles in asthma. Anticholin-
used in cerebral complications. ergic. Effects of overdose are similar
Seeds—used in asthma. Limited use to those of atropine. Temporary
in kinetosis (excessive salivation, relief from Parkinsonian tremor
nausea and vomiting). recorded. (Contraindicated with
depressant drugs.) Applied locally,
Along with other therapeutic appli- stramonium palliates the pain of
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia muscular rheumatism, neuralgia,
of India indicated the use of the whole also pain due to haemorrhoids,
plant in dysuria and alopecia. fistula, abscesses and similar in-
The plant accumulates more hyos- flammations. Prevents motion
cine than hyoscyamine. Hyoscine sickness.

204 Daucus carota Linn. var. sativa DC.
Key application In diseases of var.: the root, small and white),
the autonomic nervous system. Queen Anne’s Lace, Bird’s Nest.
(Included among unapproved Bees’ Nest Plant.
herbs by German Commission E.) Ayurvedic Gaajara, Garjara,
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia Granjana.
D reported antispasmodic action of the
leaf; Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia Unani Gaajar.
accepted it as expectorant and Action Roasted roots—prescribed
antispasmodic. in palpitation, burning micturation,
Whole plant contains .% alka- cough and bronchitis. Carrot
loids (seeds .% and stem .%); increases the quantity of urine
also flavonoids, withanolides, cou- and helps the elimination of uric
marins and tannins; the major alkaloid acid; also lowers blood sugar.
is hyoscyamine (–%), hyoscine Juice—a rich source of carotene.
(.–.%) and atropine (.–.%). Seeds—diuretic, emmenagogue,
The tropane alkaloids are similar to spasmolytic (prescribed in anuria
those found in Atropa belladonna. and sexual debility). Wild carrot—
Hyoscine is five times as active as diuretic and antilithic (used for
atropine in producing mydriasis, but kidney stones, cystitis and in gout).
its main use is as antimotion sickness Seeds—emmenagogue. Also used
drug; and in combination as a sedative. for hot flushes of the menopause.
Toxic constituents include anti- In cooked (orange) carrots beta-
cholinergic alkaloids. carotene content ( mcg) was found
Dosage Leaf—– mg powder; much higher than in raw carrots-
seed—– mg powder (CCRAS.) ( mcg/ g). Heat processing of
carrots affected alpha- and beta-caro-
tene contents; their value decreased
(.; .) in water blanching, whereas
Daucus carota Linn. var. increased (.; .) in steam blanching
sativa DC. compared to that in fresh carrots (.;
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. . mg/ g) respectively.
An interferon inducer has been iso-
Habitat Native to Europe and the lated from carrot. It stimulates cells
Mediterranean region; extensively to produce the protein that increases
cultivated in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar human resistance to virus infections.
Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh for Aqueous extract of carrots showed
its fleshy tap roots which are eaten hepatoprotective activity against CCl-
raw or cooked. Wild Carrot: Native induced hepatic damage in mice liver.
to Europe, Africa and Asia. Grows The ethanolic extract exhibits direct
at ,–, m in the Himalayas. relaxant action on cardiac and smooth
English Carrot, Cultivated Carrot. muscle preparation and this action
Wild carrot (D. carota Linn.wild may be responsible for its hypotensive

Delonix regia Rafin. 205
action. (Gently heated peeled roots, croorganisms and insects, apparent-
mixed with sugar candy, are given as ly due to the presence of the volatile
a hypotensive drug.) principle which possesses bacteriostat-
The ethanolic extract of seeds exhib- ic and toxic properties.
ited diuretic effect in dogs. The root, on steam distillation, gave
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia -O-methyl-resorcylaldehyde in a con- D
recommends Daucus carota Linn. centration of .%. (The growth of E.
(wild carrot) for its diuretic activi- coli was arrested by the aldehyde in
ty. Wild carrot contains flavones in- .% concentration; fish died within
cluding apigenin, chypsin, luteolin;  min in .% solution.) The sterols
flavonols including kaempferol, quer- consists mainly of stagma and brassica
cetin and various glycosides. The fura- sterols. Alpha-amyrin and lupeol, both
nocoumarins, -methoxypsoralen and free and as esters are also present in the
-methoxypsoralen are found in the root.
plant. The seed oil contains terpinen- The plant contains lupeol, beta-
-ol, a renal irritant. It is believed to amyrin -hydroxy, -methoxy ben-
cause diuretic activity. zaldehyde, and ferulic acid.
Decalepis hamiltonii Delima scandens Burkill.
Wight & Arn. Synonym Tetracera scandens
Family Asclepiadaceae. Merrill.
Habitat Deccan Peninsula; Family Dilleniaceae.
common in the forest areas of Habitat Forests of Bengal, Assam
Western Ghats. and the Andamans.
Unani Desi Ushbaa. Ayurvedic Paaniya Valli.
Siddha/Tamil Mahali kizhangu. Action A decoction of the plant
is given in dysentery and coughs.
Action Root—appetizer, blood
Leaves—used for the treatment of
purifier, bacteriostatic. Used as boils. Root—astringent, used as
a substitute for Shveta Saarivaa external application for burns.
(Hemidesmus indicus). Sold as
Saarivaa in Kerala, Tamil Nadu
and Karnataka. The root powder is
given to diabetics. Delonix regia Rafin.
Synonym Poinciana regai Bojer ex
The root contains quercetin, kaem-
Hook.
pferol, coumarin and rutin. It has
a sweet sarsaparilla-like taste; contains Family Caesalpiniaceae.
% fleshy matter and % woody core. Habitat Native to Madagascar;
The root can be stored for longer grown in gardens and avenues for
periods and remains unaffected by mi- ornamental purposes and for shade.

206 Delphinium brunonianum Royle.
English Flamboyant Flame tree, medicine for destroying maggots
Gold Mohur. in wounds, particularly in sheep.
Ayurvedic Gulmohar (var.) White The flowers are considered acrid,
Gold Mohur is equated with Delonix bitter and astringent; seeds are
elata Gamble, synonym Poinciana cathartic, anthelmintic, emetic and
D elata Linn. insecticidal.
Siddha Vadanarayana, Pe-
rungondrai, Mayarum. White
Delphinium cashmirianum
Gulmohar. (Tamil)
Royle.
Action Bark—antiperiodic,
febrifuge. Plant—antirheumatic, Family Ranunculaceae.
spasmogenic. Flowers (aqueous and Habitat Kashmir (Himalayan
alcoholic extract)—active against species).
roundworm.
English Kashmir Larkspur.
White Gulmohar trunk-bark yield- Ayurvedic Used as a substitute for
ed asparagine and aspartic acid. Flow- Tagara (valerian).
ers gave iso-quercetin.
Action See D. brunonianum.
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 Delphinium consolida Linn.
anthers are a rich source of zeaxanthin. Synonym D. ajacis Linn.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Delphinium brunonianum Habitat Cultivated in gardens.
Royle. English Forking Larkspur, Larkspur,
Lark’s Claw, Knight’s Spur.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Action Parasiticide. A tincture is
Habitat Native to China; distributed used to destroy lice in hair.
in West Himalayas.
English Musk Larkspur. The toxicity of the seeds is due to
diterpene alkaloids (delcosine, delso-
Ayurvedic Sprikkaa. (Melilotus line, consolidine). Delsonine and an-
officinalis, known as Aspurka or thranoyllycoctonine are amorphous al-
Naakhunaa, is also equated with kaloids.
Sprikkaa.) Used as a substitute for The alkaloids lead to bradycardia,
Tagara (valerian). lowering of blood pressure, and car-
Action Himalayan species act as diac arrest. Also, they have a central
cardiac and respiratory depressant. paralyzing and curare-like effect on the
All the species of Delphinium are respiratory system. (German Commis-
poisonous; find use in indigenous sion E.)

Delphinium vestitium Wall. ex Royle. 207
Entire plant, including roots and Habitat Native to Mediterranean
seeds, is used topically. Not to be used region.
on abraded skin. English Stavesacre.
Seeds contain .–.% alkaloids
and .% of a fixed oil. A digly- Unani Muvizaj.
coside pigment, delphonin and kaem- Action Parasiticide. Used for D
pferol have been isolated from the flow- destroying lice. Contains poisonous
ers. alkaloids. Seeds are violently
emetic and cathartic; used as an
external application in obstinate
Delphinium denudatum Wall. skin diseases and eruptions under
Synonym D. pauciflorum Royle. medical supervision.
Family Ranunculaceae. Seeds contain diterpene alkaloids;
Habitat The temperate Himalayas delphidine, delphinine, delphirine, del-
from Kashmir to Kumaon at phisine and neoline.
altitudes of ,–, m. Stavesacre has a similar effect to aco-
nitine. Extract from the seeds is used
English Larkspur.
in homoeopathic dilutions.
Ayurvedic Nirvishaa, Nirvishi.
(Kyllinga triceps Rottb. is used as
a substitute for Nirvishaa.)
Unani Jadwaar Khataai, Delphinium vestitium
Maatiryaaq. Wall. ex Royle.
Folk Root—astringent, vulnerary, Synonym Delphinium elatum auct.
deobstruent, alterative. Used for non Linn.
painful piles, muscular atrophy, D. speciosum Janka ex Nym.
gout and as a nervine tonic. Also Family Ranunculaceae.
used as an adulterant for aconite.
Habitat The temperate Himalaya
Oral administration of the aqueous from Kashmir to Nepal to ,–
extract of the plant to rats with CCl- , m.
induced hepatotoxicity revealed hepa-
toprotective property of the plant. English Candle Larkspur, Bee
The roots contain campesterol, stig- Larkspur.
masterol, sitosterol, cholesterol, delta- Ayurvedic Nirvisha.
avenasterol and alkaloids including de-
Action Whole plant—cardiac
nudatine, denudatidine, condelphine,
and respiratory depressant, emetic,
talatizidine and iso-talatizidine.
diuretic, anthelmintic. Seed—
insecticidal. Used in skin eruptions.
Powdered flowers, mixed with
Delphinium staphisagria Linn.
mustard oil, are used for destroying
Family Ranunculaceae. lica.

208 Delphinium zalil Aitch. & Hemsl.
The plant contains beta-sitosterol Habitat The Western Ghats.
and alkaloid delpheline; aerial parts Ayurvedic Jivanti (substitute.)
contain an alkaloid, elatine.
Seeds are very poisonous; contain Folk Nagli (Maharashtra)
several aconitine-like alkaloids. Del- Action Juice of fresh plant—stom-
D phinidine, isolated from seeds, causes achic, carminative, antispasmodic,
drastic gastro-enteric irritation. laxative, liver tonic. (excites the
bile). A related species, Dendrobium
crumenatum Sw., occurs in And-
Delphinium zalil Aitch. & Hemsl. aman Islands. Pounded leaves are
used in Malaya for poulticing boils
Synonym D. semibarbatum Blenert and pimples. Traces of alkaloids
ex Boiss. have been reported to be present in
Family Ranunculaceae. the pseudobulbs and leaves.
Habitat Persia and Afghanistan. D. macraei Lindl. and D. normale
English Zalil Larkspur. Face. are also known as Jivanti.
Ayurvedic Sprikkaa. (Melilotus
officinalis, known as Aspurka or
Naakhunaa, is also equated with Dendrophthoe falcata
Sprikkaa.) (Linn. f.) Etting.
Unani Zarir, Zalil, Asbarg,
Gul-Zalil (flower). Family Loranthaceae.
Action Diuretic, anodyne, anti- Habitat Throughout India.
inflammatory, detergent. Used in Ayurvedic Bandaaka, Vrkshaadani,
jaundice, dropsy and diseases of the Vrkshruuhaa.
spleen. Ash—used externally on
wounds and skin diseases. Siddha Pulluri, Plavithil (Tamil).
The seeds contain norditerpenoid Folk Baandaa.
alkaloid, zaliline, besides anhweidel- Action Bark—astringent and
phinine, browniine, desacetylnudi- narcotic; used in menstrual
cauline, lycoctonine, methyllycaconi- disorders, consumption, asthma,
tine and nudicauline. The medicinal also for treating wounds.
properties of the plant are attributed to
desacetylnudicauline, methyllycaconi- The plant contains several flavo-
tine and nudicauline. noids. Being parasitic, different flavo-
noids have been recorded in plants
growing on different host plants. Quer-
Dendrobium ovatum citrin has been found to be the major
(Willd.) Kranzl. common constituent. The plant also
contains gallic, ellagic and chebulinic
Family Orchidaceae. acids.

Descurainia sophia (Linn.) Webb ex Prantl. 209
Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Essential oil from leaves—antibac-
the plant were tested in rats for their terial, antifungal.
diuretic and anti-lithiatic activities. Al-
coholic extract was found to be more Dosage Bark—– ml de-
effective than aqueous extract. coction; leaf—– ml juice.
Dosage Leaf, flower—– ml
(CCRAS.) D
juice. (CCRAS.)
Derris uliginosa Benth.
Derris indica (Lamk.) Bennet. Synonym D. trifoliate Lour.
Family Fabaceae.
Synonym Pongamia pinnata Pierre.
Habitat Costal forests of India and
Family Fabaceae.
the Andamans.
Habitat Native to the Western
Ghats. Found all over India on the Folk Paan-lataa (Bengal), Kitani
banks of rivers and streams. (Maharashtra).
English Indian Beech. Pongamia Action Stimulant, antispasmodic,
oil tree. counter-irritant. Bark—alterative in
rheumatism. An oil prepared from
Ayurvedic Naktmaal, Guchpush- the plant is used externally as an
pak, Ghritpuur, Udkirya, Karanja. embrocation.
Siddha/Tamil Pungu.
The roots contain dehydrorotenone,
Action Used for skin diseases— lupeol and a ketone. Bark contains
eczema, scabies, leprosy, and for .% tannic acid. Stems contain tan-
ulcers, tumours, piles, enlargement nic acid, hexoic, arachidic and stearic
of spleen, vaginal and urinary acids, ceryl alcohol, isomerides of
discharges. Juice of root—used cholesterol, potassium nitrate, gums
for closing fistulous sores and and resins.
cleaning foul ulcers. Flowers—
used in diabetes. Powder of seeds—
used for whooping and irritating
coughs of children. Seed oil—used Descurainia sophia
in cutaneous affections, herpes and (Linn.) Webb ex Prantl.
scabies. Synonym Sisymbrium sophia L.
The tree is rich in flavonoids and re- Family Brassicaceae.
lated compounds. These include sim- Habitat Temperate Himalaya from
ple flavones, furanoflavonoids, chro- Kashmir to Kumaon at ,–,,
menoflavones, chromenochalcones, also in eastern Himalaya.
coumarones, flavone glucosides, ste-
rols, triterpenes and a modified pheny- English Flix Weed, Flax Weed.
lalanine dipeptide. Folk Khaakasi, Khuubkalaan.

210 Desmodium gangeticum DC.
Action Leaf and flower—astringent, Roots—carminative, mildly purga-
antiscorbutic. Seed—expectorant, tive, stomachic, emmenagogue,
anti-inflammatory, febrifuge, diuretic. Leaves—galactagogue;
antidysenteric. Aerial parts— a poultice of leaves is used for
antiviral, hypoglycaemic. lumbago. Bark—used in diarrhoea
D The plants has been used external-
and haemorrhages.
ly for ulcers, seeds are used as sub- Roots afforded pterocarpanoids—
stitute or adulterant of the seeds of gangetin, gangetinin, desmodin and
Sisymbrium iro Linn. (The source of several alkaloids. The aerial portion
Khaakasi, Khubb, Tukhm-e-Shahuh, gave indole--alkylamines and their
Khuubkalaan of Unani medicine, derivatives.
known as Hedge Mustard or London Gangetin showed significant anti-
Rocket.) inflammatory activity in  and
 mg/kg p.o. in rats.
Dosage Root—– g powder; –
Desmodium gangeticum DC.  g for decoction. (API Vol. III.)
Synonym Hedysarum gangeticum
Linn.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. Desmodium triflorum
(Linn.) DC.
Habitat Ascending to , m on
the Himalaya; common on lower Synonym Hedysarum triflorum
hills and plains throughout India. Linn.
Ayurvedic Shaaliparni, Shaalaparni, Family Fabaceae.
Sthiraa, Somyaa, Guhaa, Triparni, Habitat Throughout India, in
Vidaarigandha, Anshumati. Also the plains ascending to , m in
used as Prshniparni. (Uraria picta Kumaon and , m in Kashmir.
Desv., Prshniparni, is used as
Ayurvedic Tripaadi, Hamsapaadi
a substitute for Shaalaparni.)
(Kerala).
Siddha/Tamil Pulladi, Sirupulladi Siddha/Tamil Seruppadi.
Moovilai (root).
Folk Jangali Methi, Ran-methi.
Folk Sarivan.
Action Fresh leaves—used
Action Root—antipyretic, di- internally as galactagogue and for
uretic, astringent (used in irritable diarrhoea; applied externally to
bowel syndrome, diarrhoea and wounds and abscesses. Root—
dysentery), anticatarrhal (used diuretic. Also used for cough,
in post-natal care, chronic fever, asthma.
cough, biliousness, vomiting),
diuretic, anthelmintic, laxative and The leaf contains alkaloids (.–
nervine tonic. Desmodium spp.: .%), major being beta-phenylethyl-

Dicentra canadensis Walp. 211
amine; also contains tyramine and hy- English Carnation, Clove Pink.
paphorine. Hypaphorine is present Action Flowers—diaphoretic,
in roots as well. Root contains .– alexiteric, cardiac tonic. whole
.% alkaloids. plant—vermifuge. Juice of plant—
antiviral.
D
Desmostachya bipinnata Stapf. Leaves contain glucoproteins.
A related species, Dicentra anatoli-
Synonym Eragrostis cynosuroides cus Boiss, found in the Western Hi-
Beauv. malayas, is used as an antiperiodic in
intermittent fevers.
Family Gramineae; Poaceae.
Habitat Throughout the plains of
India in dry and hot areas and in
Dicentra canadensis Walp.
sandy deserts.
English Sacrificial Grass (smaller Family Papaveraceae.
var.) Habitat The Himalayas from
Ayurvedic Kusha, Suuchyagra, Kumaon to Khasia Hills. Cultivated
Yagyabhuushana, Kshurapatra. in Indian gardens.
Siddha/Tamil Tharubai. English Squirrel Corn. (A related
species, Corydalis cucullaria, known
Action Root—cooling, diuretic, as Turkey Pea, occurs in Canada
galactagogue, astringent. Used for and the USA.)
urinary calculi, and other diseases
of the bladder. Clums—used in Action Diuretic, alterative, anti-
menorrhagia, dysentery, diarrhoea scrofula. Used for torpid and
and in skin diseases. sluggish conditions, menstrual
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of disorders and diseases due to
India recommended the use of vitiated blood. Also employed as
the rootstock in dysuria, vaginal a sedative for the relief of paralysis
discharges and erysipelas. agitans and other muscular tremors.
Dosage Rootstock—– g for A large number of physiological-
decoction. (API Vol. III.) ly active isoquinoline alkaloids have
been isolated from the tubers of many
species of Dicentra, but the use of
Corydalis is not linked with the alka-
Dianthus carophyllus Linn. loids they contain, only bulbocapnine,
present in the tubers, exhibits thera-
Family Caryophyllaceae. peutic activity. It produces catalepsy
Habitat Kashmir; commonly in mammals and possesses sympathe-
grown in gardens, especially on the tic as well as parasympathetic central
hills. effects.

212 Dichroa febrifuga Lour.
It has been employed for the relief Clinical trials with febrifugine indi-
of paralysis agitans and other muscu- cated that the drug given in four oral
lar tremors, vesticular nystagmus and doses totalling – mg/day reduces the
similar conditions. parasite count.
The root contains protopine, cory-
D deline, bulbocapnine, cancentrine, de-
hydrocancentrines A and B. Bicucul-
Dichrostachys cinerea W. & A.
line (an isoquinoline alkaloid) isolated
from the tuber of Dicentra cucullaria, Synonym Cailliea cinerea Macb.
is a centrally-acting, spasmogenic an-
Family Mimosaceae.
tagonist of GABA.
Habitat Northwestern and Central
India, Maharashtra, from North
Dichroa febrifuga Lour. Karnataka southwards.
Ayurvedic Virataru, Vellantaru,
Family Saxifragaceae. Viravrksha.
Habitat The temperate Himalayas
Siddha/Tamil Vidathalai.
from Nepal to Bhutan and Khasi
Hills. Folk Varatuli, Khairi.
Folk Basak. Action Root—astringent and
Action Febrifuge, antipyretic, diuretic; used in renal affections,
antiparasitic (used for malarial urinary calculi, also in rheumatism.
fever). Dried roots, known as Tender shoots—applied externally
Chang Shan, dried leafy tops, for ophthalmia.
known as Shu Chi, in Chinese The plant foliage contain tannin—
medicine, are used for malarial ., . and . mg/ g during
fever. Dried roots (Chang Shan) February, June and November respec-
contain the alkaloid dichroine tively. Roots afforded n-octacosanol,
A and B, dichrin A and B. beta-amyrin, friedelan--one, friede-
The active principle febrifugine lan--beta-ol and beta-sitosterol. Flow-
compared to quinine was estimat- ers contain cyanidin and quercetin.
ed to be  to  times more effica-
cious against Plasmodium gallinaceum Dosage Root, bark—– ml
in chicks, about  times against Plas- decoction. (CCRAS.)
modium lophurae in ducks also against
Plasmodium relictum in canaries. The
aqueous extract of the plant inhibited Dicoma tomentosa Cass.
the infecting rate of the parasite Plas-
modium berghei up to  days and in- Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
creased the mean survival time to twice Habitat Native to Africa and
that of untreated control at . g/kg Asia, found in north-western and
dose. southern India.

Digitalis lanata Ehrh. 213
Folk Navananji (Maharashtra), Didymocarpus pedicellata R.Br.
Vajradanti (Punjab).
Synonym D. macrophylla auct.
Action Febrifuge (used in febrile non-Wall. ex D. Don.
attacks after childbirth. Applied
locally to putrescent wounds. Family Gesneriaceae.
Habitat Sub-tropical Himalaya D
In Indian medicine, Vajradanti, from Himachal Pradesh to Aruna-
equated with Potentilla arbuscula D. chal Pradesh at –, m.
Don and its related species (Rosaceae),
Ayurvedic Kshudra-Paashaana-
is used topically for strengthening
bheda, Shilaa-valkaa, Shilaa-
gums and teeth.
pushpa.
Action Leaf—antilithic. Used for
stones in kidney and bladder.
Dictamnus albus Linn.
The leaves contain a number of chal-
Family Rutaceae. cones, quinochalcones and flavanones.
Habitat Western Himalayas from Pediflavone has also been isolated from
Kashmir to Kunawar, common in young leaves.
Pangi.
English Gas Plant, Dittany, Burning
Bush. Digera muricata (Linn.) Mart.
Action Root bark—used in nervous Synonym D. arvensis Forsk.
diseases, hysteria, intermittent Desmochaeta muricata (L.) DC.
fevers, urinogenital disorders, and Family Amaranthaceae.
amenorrhoea; a decoction for Habitat Throughout the plains of
scabies and other skin affections. India, as a weed in cultivated fields.
Toxic.
Ayurvedic Katthinjara, Kunanjara.
Dittany stimulates the muscles of Siddha/Tamil Thoyya-keerai.
the uterus, while its effect on the
Folk Lat-mahuriaa, Lahsuvaa.
gastro-intestinal tract is antispasmod-
ic, it relaxes the gut. (The plant is Action Astringent, antibilious.
used in Greek folk medicine as anti- Laxative in large doses. Flowers and
spasmodic.) The herb contains furo- seeds—diuretic; given for urinary
quinoline alkaloids (including dictam- discharges.
nine), furococumarins, limonoids, and The plant contains alpha-and beta-
flavonoids (including rutin). spinasterol.
Volatile oil contains estragol, anet-
hole, and a toxic alkaloid dictamnine.
Flowers yield .% essential oil con-
Digitalis lanata Ehrh.
taining methylchavicol and anethole.
Leaves yield .% essential oil. Family Scrophulariaceae.

214 Digitalis purpurea Linn.
Habitat Native to Europe. Now Dillenia indica Linn.
cultivated mainly in Kashmir
(Yarikhah), also occurs wild. Synonym Dillenia speciosa Thunb.
English Grecian Foxglove. Family Dilleniaceae.
D Ayurvedic Hritpatri, Tilapushpi
(non-classical). (Yellow var.)
Habitat The Himalayas from Nepal
to Bhutan; north Bengal, Bihar,
Action See D. purpurea. Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.
Earlier, the herb was used to treat English Elephant Apple.
ulcers, boils, abscesses, headaches and Ayurvedic Bhavya.
paralysis. William Withering, an th Folk Uva, Chaaltaa.
century English country doctor, ex-
plored the plant’s hidden properties. Action Fruit—laxative, carminative,
His work led to the production of bechic, febrifuge, antispasmodic
digoxin, a life-saving medicine. (used for abdominal pains). Bark
Safety of the herb cannot be estab- and leaves—astringent.
lished due to variable amounts of car-
The sepals contain (on dry weight
diac glycosides. The powder is toxic at
basis): tannin ., glucose . and
 mg.
malic acid .%. The bark and leaves
contain about % and % tannin (on
dry weight basis) respectively.
Digitalis purpurea Linn. The fruit yielded a polysaccharide,
Family Scrophulariaceae. arabingalactan.
The leaves yielded cycloartenone,
Habitat Native to West Europe. n-hentriacontanol, betulin, betulinic
Cultivated in Tangmarg and acid and beta-sitosterol. The bark gave
Kishtawar in Kashmir, Darjeeling iso-rhamnetin, naringenin, quercetin
and the Nilgiris. derivatives and kaempferol.
English Digitalis, Foxglove.
Ayurvedic Hritpatri, Tilapushpi
(non-classical). (Purple var.) Dillenia pentagyna Roxb.
Action Main source of digoxin
for the pharmaceutical industry. Family Dilleniaceae.
Digitalis glycosides increase the Habitat The Himalayan terai from
force of contraction of heart without Punjab to Assam, and South India
increasing the oxygen consumption and the Andamans.
and slow the heart rate when Folk Dillenia. Agai (Bihar), Agachi
auricular fibrillation is present. To (Maharashtra).
be used only under strict medical
supervision. Action See D. indica.
Not used as a herbal drug. The bark contains % tannin.

Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. 215
Dioscorea alata Linn. Mouldy yams are reported to con-
tain a compound ipomeanol which is
Synonym D. atropurpurea Roxb. being tested against human lung can-
D. globosa Roxb. cer. (J. Am Med Assoc, , , .)
D. purpurea Roxb. Diosgenin obtained from Dioscorea
Family Dioscoreaceae. species was used in the first commer- D
cial production of oral contraceptives,
Habitat Native to East Asia; topical hormones, systemic corticos-
cultivated in Assam, Vadodara, teroids, androgens, estrogens, pro-
Tamil Nadu, Bengal and Madhya gestogens and other sex hormones.
Pradesh. The chemical transformation of di-
English Wild Yam, Greater Yam, osgenin to estrogen, progesterone or
Asiatic Yam. any other steroidal compound does not
occur in human body. Topically ap-
Ayurvedic Kaashthaaluka. Aaluka plied Wild Yam does not appear to
(var.). Aalukas (yams) of Ayurvedic cause changes in serum FSH, estradi-
texts, belong to Dioscorea spp. ol or progesterone. (Natural Medicines
Siddha/Tamil Perumvalli kizhangu. Comprehensive Database, .)
Folk Kathaalu. Diosgenin, combined with the drug
clofibrate, caused a greater decrease in
Action Even the best among the LDL than either substance alone in rats.
cultivated yams causes irritation (Sharon M. Herr.)
in the throat or a feeling of
discomfort when eaten raw. Wild
yams—cholagogue, antispasmodic, Dioscorea anguina Roxb.
anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic,
diuretic. Also used for painful Synonym D. puber Blume.
periods, cramps and muscle Family Dioscoreaceae.
tension.
Habitat Wet regions of the
Key application Dioscorea villosa Himalayas from Central Nepal,
L., Wild Yam—as spasmolytic, eastwards to northern Bengal,
anti-inflammatory. (The British Assam and Chittagong.
Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
Ayurvedic Kaasaalu, Kasaalu.
The edible tubers of Dioscorea alata Folk Koshakanda (Bengal).
are purple-coloured and contain an- Action See D. alata.
thocyanins, cyanidin and peonidin-
-gentiobioside acylated with sinapic
acid. The tubers contain surcose, while Dioscorea bulbifera Linn.
leaves contain large quantities of D-
fructose, D-glucose and the polyols, Synonym D. sativa Thumb auct.
-deoxyribitol, -deoxysorbitol and non L.
glycerol. D. versicolor Buch.-Ham ex Wall.

216 Dioscorea daemona Roxb.
Family Dioscoreaceae. Ayurvedic Hastyaaluka.
Habitat Throughout tropical India, Siddha/Tamil Peiperendai.
at ,–, m. Folk Karukandu, Kolo (Bihar).
English Patoto Yam, Bulb-bearing
Action Tubers—used for ulcer, to
D Yam, Air Potato, Dog Yam.
kill worms in wounds. Plant parts—
Ayurvedic Vaaraahi, Vaaraahikan- used in whitlow, sores, boils.
da, Grshti, Banaaalu, Suraalu,
Raktaalu. Substitute for Vriddhi. The tubers contain .–.%
carbohydrates, .–.% albumino-
Unani Baraahikand.
ids. The toxic principle is dioscorine
Siddha/Tamil Kodi-kilangu, which is distributed throughout the
Pannu-kilangu. plant.
Action Dried and pounded tubers
are used as an application for
swellings, boils and ulcers; roasted Dioscorea deltoidea
tubers are used in dysentery, piles, Wall ex Griseb.
venereal sores. Leaf—febrifuge.
Synonym D. nepalensis Sweet ex
The raw tubers are bitter due to Bernardi.
the presence of furanoid norditerpenes
(they lose their bitterness on roasting Family Dioscoreaceae.
and are then eaten). The wild tubers Habitat The Himalaya from
contain nearly % starch and possess Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh and
hunger-suppressing property. They in Assam at –, m.
contain certain poisonous alkaloids.
Ayurvedic Vaaraahikanda (var.),
The rhizomes afforded D-sorbitol,
Grishti.
furanoid norditerpenes—diosbulbins
A-D, ,,,-tetrahydroxy-,-dihy- Folk Gun, Kris (Punjab).
drophenanthrene and ,,,,-tetra- Action Tuber—antipthiriac. Leaf—
hydroxyphenanthrene, diosgenin, lu- febrifuge. The rhizomes are a rich
cein, neoxanthine, violaxanthin, zeax- source of diogenin and its glycoside.
anthin, auroxanthin and cyrptoxan- Steroidal saponins have also been
thin. isolated. Diogenin is used in the
preparation of various steroidal
drugs.
Dioscorea daemona Roxb.
Synonym D. hispada Dennst.
D. hirsuta Dennst. Dioscorea esculenta Burkill.
Family Dioscoreaceae. Synonym D. aculeata Linn.
Habitat Sikkim, the Himalayas, D. faciculata Roxb.
Khasi Hills. D. spinosa Roxb ex Wall.

Dioscorea prazeri Prain & Burkill. 217
Family Dioscoreaceae. Habitat South India; throughout
Habitat Madhya Pradesh, Uttar the hills of Deccan.
Pradesh, Orissa, Bengal, Assam and Ayurvedic Amlikaakanda (contro-
the Andamans. versial synonym).
English Lesser Yam, Karen Potato. Siddha Kavala-kodi, Venilai Valli. D
Ayurvedic Madhvaaluka. Folk Aambaalio Kanda (Gujarat).
Siddha/Tamil Musilam, Valli Action Used externally for reducing
kilangu, Siruvalli Kilangu. swellings.
Folk Suthani.
Action Tubers are starchy and free
from dioscorine, contain .% Dioscorea pentaphylla Linn.
carbohydrates, .% albuminoids.
Synonym D. triphylla var. doemona
Prain & Burkill.
Dioscorea glabra Roxb. Family Dioscoreaceae.
Family Dioscoreaceae. Habitat Native to tropical Asia;
distributed throughout India.
Habitat Assam, Bengal, Bihar,
Orissa and Andaman and Nicobar Ayurvedic Vaaraahikanda (var., dry
Islands. pieces are sold as Vidaarikanda).
Ayurvedic Shankhaaluka. Folk Kaantaalu.
Action Tubers contain .– Action Tubers contain .–
.% carbohydrates, .–.% .% carbohydrates, .–.%
albuninoids. albuminoids. Tubers are used to
disperse swellings.
Dioscorea hamiltonii Hook. f.
Family Dioscoreaceae. Dioscorea prazeri
Habitat The Western Ghats, Prain & Burkill.
Sikkim, Assam, Orissa and Bengal. Synonym D. Clarkei Prain & Burkill
Ayurvedic Vaaraahi (var.). D. deltoidea Wall. var. sikkimensis
Folk Naagar-kanda (Bihar). Prain
Action Tubers contain .% Family Dioscoreaceae.
carbohydrates, .% albuminoids. Habitat The Himalaya from Nepal
to Bhutan, up to , m, also in
Naga Hills.
Dioscorea oppositifolia Linn. Ayurvedic Neelaalu.
Family Dioscoreaceae. Action Tuber—antiphthiriac.

218 Diospyros ebenum Koenig.
The rhizomes are used as a hair English Gaub Persimmon, Riber
wash for killing lice. They contain Ebony.
diogenin (on dry basis) .%. Also ob- Ayurvedic Tinduka, Tinduki, Sphu-
tained are steroidal sapogenins, sito- urjaka, Kaalaskandha, Asitkaaraka.
sterol glucoside, prazerigenin-A gluco- Nilasaara.
D side, prazerigenin-A bioside and ,-
Unani Tendu.
dihydrophenanthrenes.
Siddha/Tamil Tumbika, Kattatti.
Action Fruit and stem bark—
Diospyros ebenum Koenig. astringent. Infusion of fruits—used
as gargle in aphthae and sore throat.
Synonym D. hebecarpa A. Cunn ex Fruit juice—used as application for
Benth. wounds and ulcers. Oil of seeds—
Family Ebenaceae. given in diarrhoea and dysentery.
Ether extract of fruit—antibacterial.
Habitat Orissa and South India. Bark—astringent and styptic,
English Ebony Persimmon, used in menorrhagia, diarrhoea,
Malabar Ebony, Ceylon Ebony. dysentery and intermittent fevers.
Ayurvedic Tinduka. A paste is applied to boils and tu-
Unani Aaabnuus. mours. The ethyl acetate extract
showed antistress and anti-ulcerogenic
Siddha/Tamil Acha-Thumbi.
activity. It also prevented hepatotoxi-
Action Plant—astringent, attenu- city and leucocytosis in experimental
ant, lithontriptic. animals.
The bark contains betulinic acid,
The heartwood contains  beta-
myricyl alcohol, triterpenoids and sa-
naphthalhydes,  naphthoic acid deri-
ponin. The leaves gave beta-sitosterol,
vatives; ceryl alcohol, betulin, alpha-
betulin and oleanolic acid. Fruit pulp
amyrin, ursolic acid, baurenol and
and seeds contain lupeol, betulin, gallic
stigmasterol. The leaves contain ur-
acid, betulinic acid, hexacosane, hex-
solic acid, alpha-amyrin, betulin and
acosanol, sitosterol, beta-D-glucoside
lupeol.
of sitosterol and a triterpene ketone.
Stem bark—antiprotozoal, antivi-
ral, hypoglycaemic, semen-coagulant.
Diospyros embryopteris Pers. Stems yielded nonadecan--ol-one.
Synonym D. peregrina (Gaertn.) Dosage Bark—– ml decoc-
Gurke tion. (CCRAS.)
D. malabarica (Desr.) Kostel.
Family Ebenaceae.
Diospyros kaki Linn. f.
Habitat Throughout India in shady
wet places and near streams. Family Ebenaceae.

Diospyros montana Roxb. var. cordifolia Hiem. 219
Habitat Native to China; now galin and isoquercitrin have been iso-
grown in Himachal Pradesh, lated from leaves.
Kumaon, the Nilgiris and West
Bengal for edible fruits.
Japanese Persimmon. Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.
English
Synonym D. dubia Wall. ex A. DC.
D
Ayurvedic Tinduka (var.).
Family Ebenaceae.
Action Hypotensive, hepatopro-
tective, antidote to poisons and Habitat Madhya Pradesh, Maha-
bacterial toxins. Calyx and pedun- rashtra, Orissa, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh
cle of fruit—used in the treatment and West Peninsula.
of cough and dyspnoea. Roasted English Coromandel Ebony,
seeds—used as a substitute for Persimmon.
coffee. Ayurvedic Tinduka (var.), Dirgha-
The fruit, in addition to sugars, glu- patrakaa.
cose, fructose, ascorbic acid, citric acid, Siddha/Tamil Karum Dumbi,
contains (% of fresh weight) .–. Thumbi, Beedi-elai.
tannins, .–. total pectins, . Action Leaves—carminative,
pentosans and .–. polyphenols. laxative, diuretic, styptic. Bark—
The fruit also contains . mg/ g astringent. Used in dyspepsia
carotenoids; carotene expressed as vi- and diarrhoea. Unripe fruit—
tamin A – IU. The carote- carminative and astringent. Ripe
noids identified in the pulp include fruit—antibilious. Dried flowers—
cryptoxanthine, zeaxanthin, antherax- used in anaemia, inflammation of
anthin, lycopene and beta-carotene. spleen, also in leucorrhoea. Leaf
(Many carotenoids originally present and dried flower—used in dyspepsia
in the fruit decompose during ripen- and diarrhoea, topically in scabies.
ing. Aerial parts—hypotensive.
The fruit pulp is an antidote to bac-
Half-ripe fruit contains , ripe fruit
terial toxins and is used in the prepa-
 and bark % tannin.
ration of a vaccine for pertussis.
The bark and sapwood extracts yield
Condensed tannins from the fruits
beta-sitosterol, lupeol, betulin and be-
effectively inhibited -nitrofluorene
tulinic acid. Leaves contain hentria-
mutagen.
contane, hentriacontanol, alpha-amy-
The immature leaves contain a ster-
rin, baurenol, ursolic, oleanolic and be-
oidal saponin, lignin and phenolic
tulinic acids.
compounds. Eugenol and dihydroac-
tinidiolide are reported from fresh
leaves.
Diospyros montana Roxb. var.
The leaves are reported to exhibit
cordifolia Hiem.
hepatoprotective activity. Leaves also
contain hypotensive principles. Astra- Family Ebenaceae.

220 Diospyros tomentosa Roxb.
Habitat Throughout the greater Action Astringent, anti-
part of India. inflammatory, styptic. Various
English Mountain persimmon. plant parts are used for dry cough,
bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia,
Ayurvedic Visha-tinduka, Kaaka- dysuria, fistula, tumours, bleeding
D tinduka. gums, haemorrhagic conditions.
Siddha/Tamil Vakkanai,
The leaves and stems gave beta-
Vakkanatan.
sitosterol, lupeol, betulin, betulinic and
Folk Timru. oleanolic acids.
Action Various plant parts are Unsaponifiable matter of seeds
used in fever, puerperal fever, showed CNS depressant activity.
neuralgia, pleurisy, pneumonia,
menorrhagia, dysurea. Fruits are
applied externally to boils. Dipterocarpus alatus Roxb.
Bark extract—anti-inflammatory, Synonym D. incanus Roxb.
antipyretic and analgesic. Leaves and
Family Dipterocarpaceae.
seeds—antibacterial.
Diospyrin occurs in the bark and Habitat The Andamans.
wood. Leaves contain hentriacon- English Gurjun.
tane, hentriacontanol, beta-sitosterol, Ayurvedic Ashwakarna, Garjan,
alpha-and beta-amyrin, lupeol, taraxe-
Shveta-Garjan, Jarandruma.
rol and ursolic acid.
Alcoholic extract of the plant showed Action Decoction of the bark is
CNS depressant and spasmolytic activ- prescribed in rheumatism. Oil—
ity and also produced bradycardia and applied to ulcerated wounds.
hypertension. Balsam—applied externally in
gonorrhoea.
Dipterocarpus resin gave sesquiter-
Diospyros tomentosa Roxb. penoids. The essential oil contains 
sesquiterpenoids of eudesmane series.
Synonym D. exsculpta Buch.-Ham.
Family Ebenaceae.
Habitat Sub-Himalayan tract from Dipterocarpus turbinatus
Ravi to Nepal, also in Rajasthan, Gaertn. f.
Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Orrisa.
Synonym D. indicus Bedd.
English Nepal Ebony Persimmon.
Family Dipterocarpaceae.
Ayurvedic Viralaa, Tinduka (var.). Habitat The Andamans and Assam.
Siddha/Tamil Tumbi. English Common Gurjun tree,
Folk Ebony. Wood Oil tree.

Dolichandrone falcate Seem. 221
Ayurvedic Ajakarna, Chhaagakar- leaves is applied to sprains. Bark—
na, Ashwakarna. astringent and anti-inflammatory.
Siddha/Tamil Enney, Saara. Aerial parts—hypoglycaemic.
Folk Gurjan. The plant contains bioflavonoids (vi-
Action Oleo-resin (known as tamin P) which are biologically active D
Gurjan Oil or Gurjan Balsam)— in improving blood circulation and
stimulant to genitourinary sys- strengthening capillaries. Aqueous
tem, diuretic, spasmolytic; used and alcoholic extracts of the plant ex-
externally on ulcers, ringworm hibited cardioinhibitory and coronory
and other cutaneous affections. constricting, also spasmolytic, sedative
Bark—a decoction is prescribed and hypotensive activity.
rheumatism. The leaves and pods gave iso-rham-
netin--O-rutinoside, quercetin--O-
Essential oil from oleo-resin con- galactoside and quercetin--O-rutino-
tained humulene, beta-caryophyllene, side. Resin gave a diterpene carboxylic
a bicyclic sesquiterpene hydrocarbon acid (hautriwaic acid). Flowers gave
and a sesquiterpene alcohol. kaempferol.
The twig bark contains % tannin
and .% soluble non-tans.
Dosage Oil—– ml. (CCRAS.)
Dolichandrone falcate Seem.
Family Bignoniaceae.
Dodonaea viscosa Linn. Jacq.
Habitat Moist forests of central
Family Sapindaceae. and southern India.
Habitat North-western Himalaya Ayurvedic Mesha-shringi (also
up to , m, in Punjab, South equated with Gymnena sylvestre R.
India, ascending to , m on Br.), Vishaanikaa.
Nilgiris. Also planted as a hedge
plant in Northern India. Siddha/Tamil Kattu Varsana,
Kaddalatti, Kaliyacca.
English Jamacia Switch Sorrel.
Ayurvedic Raasnaa (substitute, Action Fruits—bitter, carminative,
used in Andhra Pradesh). (Raasnaa used in diabetes, urinary disorders,
is equated with Pluchea lanceolata bronchitis and skin diseases.
C. B. Clarke.) Leaves—applied externally to
swollen glands. Abortifacient.
Siddha/Tamil Virali, Velari.
Action Leaves—anti-inflammatory The leaves yield luteolin, chrysin and
and antibacterial (used in the its -rutinoside and glucoside.
treatment of swellings, burns, Fruits are also known as Rshabhaka
wounds), febrifuge, embrocation of in the South.

222 Dolichos biflorus Linn.
Dolichos biflorus Linn. Presence of vitamin A in the green
pods makes them a valuable diet for
Synonym Vigna unquiculata (L.) children; green leaves may be used in
Walp. vitamin C deficiency syndrome, due to
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. the presence of ascorbic acid and cal-
D Habitat A pulse crop, particularly
cium. The seeds contain several com-
mon phytosterols.
in Madras, Mysore, Mumbai and Strepogenin—several times higher
Hyderabad. than in casein.
English Horsegram. A decoction of seeds (soaked or
Ayurvedic Kulattha, Kulittha, boiled in water) is prescribed as di-
Khalva, Vardhipatraka. uretic and antilithiatic and has been
clinically established.
Unani Kulthi. Diuretic activity of a dipeptide (py-
Siddha/Tamil Kollu, Kaanam. roglutamylglutamine) has been found
Action Plant—used in measles, to be – times that of acetazolamide
smallpox, adenitis, burns, sores. in albino rats.
Seeds—astringent, antipyretic, Globulin fraction of the seeds
diuretic. Decoction or soup is used showed hypolipidaemic effects in rats.
in affections of the liver and spleen, A lectin-like glycoprotein from
intestinal colic, in leucorrhoea stems and leaves possesses carbohy-
and menstrual dissorders, urinary drate- binding activity.
discharges. A valuable protein Dosage Seed— g powder;
supplement. decoction – ml. (CCRAS.)
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
India recommends the decoction
of dry seeds in calculus and Dolichos falcatus Seem Klein.
amenorrhoea.
Family Papilionaceae.
The seeds contain crude protein Habitat The Himalayas from
., pentosan . and water-soluble Kumaon to Khasi Hills and in
gum .%. The presence of antinu- Western Peninsula.
tritional components such as haemag- Ayurvedic Kulatthikaa.
glutinin and a protease inhibitor has
been reported. The inhibitor activity Action Root—prescribed for
decreased during germination. constipation and skin diseases.
The mean protein value of the seeds A decoction of seeds is used for
is .% which is more or less equiva- rheumatism.
lent to soybean, winged bean and gram.
Nutritionally, the horsegram seeds are
Dolichos lablab Linn. var.
richer in lysine content when com-
typicus Prain.
pared to Cajanus cajan (Arhar) pulse
and gram pulse. Synonym Lablab purpureus Linn.

Doronicum hookeri Hook. f. 223
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. Habitat Persia, South-West Asia,
Habitat Cultivated throughout Southern Siberia.
India. English Ammoniacum, Gum
English Indian Butter Bean, Lablab ammoniac.
Bean, Horsebean. Ayurvedic Uushaka, Ushaka. D
Ayurvedic Nishpaav, Sem.
Unani Ushaq, Ushah, Kandal.
Unani Lab Laab, Semphali.
Action Gum-resin—antispas-
Siddha/Tamil Avarin.
modic, expectorant, diaphoretic,
Action Seeds—febrifuge, stom- emmenagogue, used in cough,
achic, antispasmodic, antifungal. asthma, bronchitis and catarrh,
Key application As expectorant. especially when the secretion is
(The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) tough and viscid. Also used in
enlargement of liver and spleen.
Lablab pods contain protein ., car-
bohydrates ., calcium .%; vita- Gum-resin from the flowering and
min C (. to . mg/g in cooked fruiting stems contain resin (–%),
samples; .–. mg/ g in un- consisting mainly of amino-resinol;
cooked samples) increases on cooking. gum; volatile oil, about .%, contain-
Enzyme liberation of essential amino ing ferulene as major component; free
acids from protein is slower than from salicylic acid; coumarins (umbellifer-
casein and wheat. one is absent).
Callus tissue of Dolichos lablab Linn. Ammoniacum is similar to asafoeti-
(Horsebean) showed presence of beta- da in medicinal properties.
sitosterol, stigmasterol, lanosterol and
cholesterol. The isolated flavonoids
show antifungal activity (the maxi-
mum amount of flavonoids was found Doronicum hookeri Hook. f.
in the flowers). The plant contains the
alkaloid, trigonelline, which exhibits Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
hypoglycaemic activity. The maxi- Habitat The Himalayas at Lachen
mum alkaloid was found in the seeds and Tungu, and Sikkim.
(. mg/g dry weight). In tissue cul-
tures raised from seedlings, the maxi- English Leopard’s Bane. (Arnica
mum amount was present in the tissue montana Linn. is also known as
at the age of  weeks (. mg/g dry Leopard’s Bane.)
weight).
Unani Daarunaj Aqrabi.
Action Root—used as a constituent
Dorema ammoniacum D. Don. of cardiac and nervine tonics. Used
as exhilarant. Acts as a stomachic
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. and dissolves trapped gases.

224 Doronicum pardalianches Linn.
Doronicum pardalianches Linn. The root yields a gum-resin, used
in gargle water as stimulant, astrin-
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. gent and in toothpaste. Root—used
Habitat Native to Europe. in rheumatism. Leaves—carminative.
D Unani Daarunaj Aqrabi.
Action Used in nervous depression, Dracocephalum moldavica Linn.
melancholia and as a constituent of
Family Lamiaceae.
cardiac tonic preparations.
Habitat The temperate Western
The plant contains photoactive thio- Himalaya in Kashmir from ,–
phenes, in amounts reported to be , m.
toxic. Roots and aerial parts yield Ayurvedic Raam Tulasi.
sesquiterpene alcohol, paralianchol
and its aetophenone derivatives. Unani Feranjmushk.
Action Seeds—Febrifuge, carmi-
native, astringent, demulcent,
vulnerary. Used is cephalalgia,
Doronicum roylei DC. neurological disorders, as a cardiac
tonic, brain tonic and deobstruent
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
in Unani medicine.
Habitat The Western Himalayas
from Kashmir to Garhwal. Citral and geranyl acetate are major
constituents of the essential oil. Oth-
Unani Daarunaj Aqrabi Hindi. ers include alpha-pinene, nerol, cit-
Action The root is reported to ronellol, linalool, geraniol, limonene
prevent giddiness caused during and caproic acid. Flavonoids, includ-
high attitude ascents. ing moldavoside, have been isolated
from the plant.
Dracaena cinnabari Balf. f. Dracontium polyphyllum Linn.
Family Liliaceae. Family Araceae.
Habitat Native to East Africa and Habitat Maharashtra and Karnata-
Saudi Arabia. ka; cultivated in the South.
English Dragon’s Blood. Siddha/Tamil Kattu Karunayikki-
langu.
Ayurvedic Khoonkharaabaa,
Heeraadokhi. Folk Jangali Suuran.
Action Root—antidiarrhoeal,
Unani Dammul-Akhwain.
anti-inflammatory (prescribed for
Action See Daemonorops draco. haemorrhoids), antispasmodic

Drosera peltata Sm. 225
(used in asthma), emmenagogue, Ayurvedic Brahma-suvarchalaa
abortifacient. (doubtful synonym).
Folk Mukhjali. (Drosera burmannii
Vahl is also known as Mukhjali.)
Dregea volubilis
(Linn. f.) Benth. ex Hook. f. Action Resin from plant—used D
in bronchitis and whooping cough.
Synonym Wattakaka volubilis Plant—antisyphyilitic. Bruised
(Linn. f.) Stapf. leaves, mixed with salt are applied
Family Asclepiadaceae. for treating blisters.
Habitat Konkan and Maharashtra, Key application Drosera rotundifo-
also in Bengal and Assam. lia—in dry cough and coughing fits,
Ayurvedic Suparnikaa, Madhu- as bronchoantispasmodic. (German
maalati. Muurvaa (substitute). Commission E.).
Nak-chhikkini.
The leaves contain napthaquinones,
Siddha/Tamil Kodippalai.
plumbagin (.%), droserone (-hy-
Action Root and tender stalks— droxyplumbagin) and hydroxydro-
emetic and expectorant, cause serone (.%), and the flavonoids,
sneezing, used in colds, sinusitis, quercetin, gossypetin, gossypin and
and biliousness. Leaves—used as an isogossypitrin. The antispasmodic ac-
application to boils and abscesses. tion of the herb has been attribut-
ed to naphthoquinones. Plumbagin
The stems and leaves contain a pig- is antimicrobial in vitro against some
ment taraxerol, a triterpenoid, kaem- Gram-positive and Gram-negative bac-
pferol, a glucoside of kaempferol and teria, influenza virus, pathogenic fungi
saponins. Seeds contain a number of and parasitic protozoa, and is active
pregnane glycosides which do not ex- against some species of Leishmania. In
hibit digitalis-like action. Root con- large doses plumbagin is cytotoxic, but
tains a glucoside which lowered carotid in small doses exhibits immunostimu-
blood pressure in mice and dogs when lating activity in vitro.
administered intravenously. A related species, Drosera indica
Linn., is found in Deccan peninsula,
particularly in the West coast. Plum-
Drosera peltata Sm. bagone, isolated from the plant, de-
presses the isolated intestine of the
Synonym D. lunata Buch.-Ham. guinea-pig and suppresses the effect of
Family Droseraceae. acetylcholine. In Indo-China, a mac-
eration of the plant is applied topically
Habitat Throughout India, up to to corns.
, m. In Western herbal, Sundew is ob-
English Sundew. tained from the aerial parts of Drosera

226 Drynaria quercifolia (Linn.) J. Smith.
rotundifolia which grows throughout Action See Cinnamomum campho-
Europe. ra.
Drynaria quercifolia Dryopteris dentata
D (Linn.) J. Smith. (Forsk.) C. Chr.
Synonym Polypodium quercifolium Synonym Cyclosorus dentatus.
Linn. Family Polypodiaceae.
Family Polypodiaceae. Habitat Throughout India in the
Habitat Throughout India, in plains, also on the hills.
plains and low mountains. Action Aqueous extracts—
Ayurvedic Ashvakatri (non- antibacterial against Staphylococcus
classical). aureus.
Folk Baandar-Baashing (Maha-
rashtra).
Dryopteris
Action Pectoral, expectorant. filix-mas(Linn.) Schoutt
anthelmintic. Used in the treatment
of chest diseases, cough, hectic fever, Synonym Aspidium filix-mas Linn.
dyspepsia, loss of appetite, chronic Family Polypodiaceae.
jaundice and cutaneous affections.
Habitat Temperate regions of
Pounded fonds are used as poultice
America, Europe, Asia, near damp
for swellings. Peeled rhizome with
and shady terrains.
sugar is prescribed for urinary
disorders and in spermatorrhoea. English Male Fern, Aspidium.
Unani Sarakhs, Sarakhs Muzakkar.
Aqueous extracts possess antibacte-
rial properties. Siddha/Tamil Iruvi.
Action Taenifuge, vermifuge
(normally used in conjunction with
Dryobalanops camphora a saline purgative, not used with
Colebr. castor oil.) Also, deobstruent, abor-
tifacient.Externally for rheumatism,
Synonym D. aromatica Gaertn. f. sciatica and neuralgia. No more
Family Dipterocarpaceae. in use as an anthelmintic as better
alternatives are available.
Habitat From Borneo to Sumatra
islands. Rhizomes and fonds contain filicin
English Borneo or Barus Camphor. (%), a mixture of dimeric, trimer-
ic and tetrameric butanone chloroglu-
Ayurvedic Bhimseni Kapoor. cosides, that kills tapeworms. Exces-
Folk Baraas Kapoor. sive dose of filicin may cause intestinal

Durio zibethinus Linn. 227
cramps and blindness, also liver dam- The fruit pulp contains a large pro-
age. portion of mannitol and small quanti-
Related Himalayan species include: ties of a saponin glucoside and alkaloid.
D. odontoloma (Kashmir valley), D. The alkaloid is also present in a small
marginata, D. barbigera (Kashmir to quantity in the stones of the fruit.
Sikkim), D. schimperiana (Mussoorie)
Dosage Seed, leaf, bark—– g
D
and D. blanfordii (Chattri, Cham-
ba).The ferns gave filicin ., ., ., powder. (CCRAS.)
. and .%, respectively.
Duranta plumieri Jacq.
Drypetes roxburghii Synonym Duranta repens Linn.
(Wall.) Hurusawa. Family Verbenaceae.
Synonym Putranjiva roxburghii Habitat Cultivated as a hedge plant.
Wall.
Folk Durantaa.
Family Euphorbiaceae. Action Antifungal (topically).
Habitat Wild and cultivated
throughout tropical India. The leaves contain a saponin and
fruits an alkaloid analogous to narco-
Ayurvedic Putrajivaka, Sutajva, tine. Macerated fruits, which even in
Putrakamanjari. dilutions of  :  parts of water, is
Siddha/Tamil Karupali, Irukolli. lethal to mosquito larvae (the action is
less marked on Culicine larvae.
Action Leaves, fruits and stones
of fruits are given in colds and
fevers, also in rheumatic affections.
Rosaries, made of hard stones of the Durio zibethinus Linn.
fruit, are placed around the necks Family Bombacaceae.
of children to protect them from
diseases. Habitat Native to Malaysia;
cultivated in South India for its
The seed kernel yield .% of a sharp- edible fruit, in lower elevations of
smelling essential oil of the mustard oil the Nilgiris and some parts of the
type. The oil contains isopropyl and West Coast.
-butyl isothiocyanates as the main English Durian, Civet Fruit.
constituents and -methyl-butyl isoth-
iocyanate as minor component. An ad- Folk Durio
ditional glucoside, glucocleomin, has Action Fruit—reduces lethality of
been found in the seed kernels. A glu- alcohol. Leaves and roots—used in
cosidic pattern similar to that in the a prescriptions for fever. Leaves—
seeds is reported in the shoots and used in medicinal bath during fever.
roots. Fruit-walls—used externally for

228 Dysoxylum binectariferum Hook. f.
skin diseases. Ashes of the skin— Siddha/Tamil Agunivagil, Cembil.
given after childbirth. Folk Lassuni (West Bengal).
The edible pulp of the fruit contains Action Fruit—anti-inflammatory,
about % total sugars and an equal diuretic, CNS depressant.
D amount of starch; crude protein ., fat
The bark from mature trees contain
., total carbohydrates ., mineral
matter .%; carotene , vitamin C % tannin and that from young trees
 mg/ g. %.
The seeds are edible like chestnuts EtOH (%) extract of fruit—anti-
after roasting. inflammatory, diuretic and CNS de-
pressant.
The fruit contains a tetranortriter-
Dysoxylum binectariferum penoid, dysobinin, a potential CNS de-
Hook. f. pressant and inflammation inhibitor.
The stem bark contains an alkaloid,
Family Meliaceae. rohitukine, which exhibited anti-in-
Habitat Assam, Sikkim, Bengal flammatory and immunomodulatory
and the Western Ghats. property.

E
Ecballium elaterium A. Rich. The leaves, flowers and roots yield
orientin, vitexin and their isoflavones.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Mediterranean region and
Western Asia. Echinochloa colonum
English Squirting Cucumber. (Linn.) Link.
Ayurvedic Kantaki Indravaaruni Synonym Panicum colonum Linn.
(non-classical).
Family Gramineae; Poaceae.
Folk Kateri Indryaayana, Kitran.
Habitat Cultivated in Maharashtra,
Action Hydragogue; employed for
Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh,
the evacuation of dropsy, especially
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and
in nephritic patients. Root—used
Andhra Pradesh.
to treat skin diseases and parasitic
scalp diseases; also for scirrhous English Shama millet.
eruptions. Ayurvedic Varaka.
Roots, leaves and fruits yield cucur- Siddha/Tamil Karumpul, Varsanam-
bitacins C, D, E, G, H and I. Fruit pillu.
juice gave cucurbitacins B, L and R and Folk Jangali sawuk, Shamaa,
their derivatives. Cucurbitacins (tetra- Saanvaa.
cyclic triterpene glycosides) are toxic
constituents of the fruit. Action Diuretic.
The protein content of the dehusked
millet is higher when compared to
Ecbolium linneanum Kurz. rice. Except for lysine all other es-
Synonym E. viride (Forsk.) Alston. sential amino acids are present in fair
Justica ecbolium Linn. quantity. The grains are a rich source
of zinc and iron.
Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat Northeastern Peninsular
India.
Echinochloa crus-galli
English Blue Fox Tail Nail Dye. (Linn.) Beauv.
Siddha/Tamil Nilambari.
Synonym Panicum crus-galli Linn.
Action Plant—used in gout and
dysuria; decoction of leaves for Family Gramineae; Poaceae.
stricture. Roots—given in jaundice, Habitat Cultivated mainly in
menorrhagia and rheumatism. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh,

230 Echinochloa frumentacea Link.
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra lysine. Glutelin is the major constituent
Pradesh. of protein.
English Barnyard Millet.
Ayurvedic Ambah Shyaamaaka.
Echinops echinatus Roxb.
Siddha/Tamil Oathupul.
E Folk Samak.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Throughout India.
Action Whole plant—used for
diseases of the spleen and for English Globe-Thistle, Camel’s
checking haemorrhage. Thistle.
Ayurvedic Utkantaka, Uttundaka,
The grains are rich in carbohydrates
Brahmadandi.
(. wt %) and trace elements (Cu,
Cd, Cr, Ni, Fe, Mn, Sn). The total Folk Uunta-Kateraa.
protein content is . wt% and the total Action Alterative, diuretic, nerve
lipids .%. A hormone, oestrogen, is tonic (used in hoarse cough,
reported from the lipid. dyspepsia, scrofula, hysteria.)
A polysaccharide extracted from the
endosperm and composed of glucose Aerial parts of the plant contain
was identified as a phytoglycogen. alkaloids, echinopsine, echinopsidine
and echinozolinone. Taraxasterol ace-
tate, isolated from the plant, is a po-
tent anti-inflammatory constituent;
Echinochloa frumentacea Link. the ethanolic extract of the whole
Synonym Panicum frumentaceum plant is more effective when admin-
Roxb. istered parenterally than orally. Api-
genin and its derivatives, echinacin and
Family Gramineae; Poaceae. echinaticin show antifungal activity.
Habitat Cultivated mainly in
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar
Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Eclipta alba (Linn.) Hassk.
English Japanese Barnyard Millet.
Synonym E. prostrata Roxb.
Ayurvedic Shyaamaaka.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Siddha Kudrraivali pillu (Tamil).
Habitat Throughout India, up to
Folk Shamaa, Saanvaa. , m on the hills.
Action Plant—cooling and English Trailing Eclipta Plant.
digestible, considered useful in Ayurvedic Bhringaraaja, Bhringa,
biliousness and constipation. Bhringaja, Bhrngaaraka, Bhrngaara,
The millet has a well balanced amino Maarkava, Kesharaaja, Keshranjana.
acid composition, but is deficient in Unani Bhangraa.

Ehretia laevis Roxb. var. aspera (Willd.) C.B. Clarke. 231
Siddha/Tamil Karisalaankanni. Dosage Whole plant—– ml fresh
Folk Bhangaraa. juice; – g for decoction. (API
Vol. II.)
Action Deobstruent, antihepato-
toxic, anticatarrhal, febrifuge. Used
in hepatitis, spleen enlargements,
chronic skin diseases. Leaf—pro- Ehretia buxifolia Roxb.
motes hair growth. Its extract in oil E
is applied to scalp before bed time Synonym Carmona microphylla
in insomnia. The herb is also used (Lam.) G. Don.
as an ingredient in shampoos. Family Ehrethiaceae.
Key application As hepatoprotec- Habitat Common in dry scrub
tive. (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia; forests of the Deccan Peninsula.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
Siddha/Tamil Kuruvingi, Kattuvet-
India.)
tilai.
The herb should be dried at room Folk Pala.
temperature under shade. Its active
principles are lost due to aerial oxida- Action Root—alterative in cachexia
tion during sun drying or drying under and syphilis; an antidote to vegetable
reduced pressure below °C. The herb poisoning. Dried leaves—pectic
contains wedelolactone and demethyl- and stomachic.
wedelolactone, which showed a dose-
The plant contains microphyllone.
dependent effect against CCl, d-galac-
EtOH (%) extract of aerial parts
tosamine- or phalloidin-induced cyto-
showed low anti-inflammatory and
toxicity in primary cultured rat hep-
cardiovascular activities.
atocytes, and exhibited potent anti-
hepatotoxic property. The whole plant
shows effect on liver cell regeneration.
Immunoactive property has been ob- Ehretia laevis Roxb. var.
served against surface antigen of hep- aspera (Willd.) C.B. Clarke.
atitis B-virus. The plant is also reported
to be effective in the treatment of peptic Synonym E. aspera Willd.
ulcer, inflammatory diseases, includ- E. obtusifolia Hochst. ex DC.
ing rheumatoid arthritis, diseases of Family Ehretiaceae.
the gallbladder and skin infections.
Aqueous extract of leaves exhibits Habitat Throughout India, also
myocardial depressant and hypoten- grown along roadsides.
sive activity (unrelated to cholinergic Ayurvedic Charmi-vrksha.
and histaminergic effects).
Siddha/Tamil Addula.
The roots are very rich in thio-
phene acetylenes. Thiophene deriva- Folk Chamror (Punjab). Kuptaa,
tives show activity against nematodes. Datarangi (Maharashtra.)

232 Eichhornia crassipes Solms Laub.
Action Root—used in venereal arsenic effectively. It can be used in
diseases. A decoction of bark is purification of silver-containing waste
used internally and as gargle in water, also for the treatment of low-
throat infections. level liquid radioactive wastes and
mercurial waste water. The plant has
The plant contains tannins, sapo- a strong capacity for removing phenol.
nins and allantoin, and monomethyl
E ethers of cyclitols. Leaves yielded
Biomass of non-living dried water Hy-
acinth roots showed high absorption
a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, creatinine. of copper from aqueous solutions.
The plant exhibits antifungal activity
against Candida albicans.
Eichhornia crassipes Solms Laub.
Synonym E. speciosa Kunth. Elaeocarpus ganitrus
Family Pontederiaceae. Roxb. ex G. Don.
Habitat Native to tropical South Synonym E. sphaericus K. Schum.
America; naturalized all over India. Ganitrus sphaericus Gaertn.
English Water-Hyacinth, Bengal Family Elaeocarpaceae.
Terror, Blue Devil, The Million Habitat West Bengal, Madhya
Dollar Weed. Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa,
Ayurvedic Wrongly equated with Andhra Pradesh, Western Ghats.
Jalakumbhi (Pistia stratiotes Linn., English Utrasum Bead tree.
Tropical Duckweed.)
Ayurvedic Rudraaksha, Panch-
Siddha/Tamil Akasa thammarai.
mukhi.
Action Flower—antifungal. Used
Siddha/Tamil Rudraaksham.
in skin diseases.
Action Fruit—used for epileptic
The plant gave stigmasterol, roots fits and headache. Powdered
gibberellins, flowers delphinidin glu- fruits (. g) mixed with warm
coside. water are given two/three times
The leaves contain a good amount daily in asthma. Stem bark—
of protein (% on dry wt basis). The hypoglycaemic.
content of water soluble pectins in leaf,
petiole and root is: .–., .–. and The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
.–.% respectively. dia indicated the use of the seed in hy-
Research shows that Water-Hyacinth pertension, insomnia, psychoneurosis
can be used as a source to remove and mental diseases.
minerals, organic substances and even The fruits contain palmitic, iso-
heavy metals like Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn and Ni palmitic, linoleic and myristic acids.
present as pollutants from domestic or Leaves gave alkaloids—rudrakine, (+)-
industrial effluents. It can also remove elacocarpine and (+)-iso-elacocarpine;

Eleocharis dulcis Trin. 233
phenolics—quercetin, gallic acid and Siddha/Tamil Ruthracham,
ellagic acid. EtOH (%) extract of Pagumbar.
stem bark—hypoglycaemic. Aque- Folk Rudirak, Bhutali.
ous extract of fruits—sedative, hy-
potensive, spasmolytic, anticonvul- Action Bark—stomachic, antibil-
sant, choleretic, bronchodilatory and ious. Used in haematemesis. Nut—
antiepileptic, antirheumatic.
cardiostimulant.
The fruit of E. oblongus Mast. non- The leaves gave quercetin, kaempfer-
E
Gaertn., synonym E. glandulosus Wall. ol, gallic acid and ethylgallate.
ex Merrill (Western Ghats) is used in
mental disorders and tetanus.
Elaeodendron glaucum Pers.
Dosage Seed—– g. (API Vol. IV.)
Synonym Cassine glauca (Rottb.)
Ktze.
Elaeocarpus serratus Linn. Family Celastraceae.
Synonym E. cuneatus Wt. Habitat Throughout India, also
Family Elaeocarpaceae. planted as an ornamental.
Habitat Eastern Himalayas and Ayurvedic Krishnamokshaka.
Western Ghats up to , m. Siddha/Tamil Selluppaimaram.
English Wild Olive tree, Ceylon Folk Kaalaa-mokhaa, Ratangaruur.
Olive. Jamrasi (gum).
Ayurvedic Rudraaksha (var.). Action Astringent, anti-
Siddha/Tamil Uttraccham, inflammatory, emetic.
Ulankarei. The bark and the leaves contain –
Action Leaf—antirheumatic. . and –% tannin respectively.
Fruit—antidysenteric. Aerial Powdered leaves have a sternutatory
parts—CVS and CNS active. action and are used as snuff to relieve
The leaves gave ellagic acid, myric- headache and as a fumigatory in hyste-
itrin, myricetin and mearnsetin. Fruit ria (in folk medicine it is believed that
pulp gave citric acid and D-galactose. the smoke wards off ghosts.)
It contains pectin (.% fresh weight Fresh root bark is rubbed into a paste
basis). with water and applied to swellings.
A cold water extract of the crushed
roots is used as an emetic (fatal in over-
Elaeocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. doses).
Family Elaeocarpaceae.
Habitat Western Ghats from Eleocharis dulcis Trin.
Kanara southwards. Synonym E. plantaginea R. Br.
Ayurvedic Rudraaksha (var.). E. tuberosa Schult.

234 Elephantopus scaber Linn.
Family Cyperaceae. applied to ulcers and eczema.
Habitat Widely cultivated in China. Roots—given to patients with
Sold in Kolkata under the name heart and liver affections; topically
Singapuri Keysur. in rheumatism. Root and leaf—
used in dysuria and other urethral
English Chinese Water Chestnut. complaints. An infusion of the
E Ayurvedic Shringaataka (substi-
tute), Kasheruka (substitute).
whole plant is used to stimulate
diuresis, reduce fever and to
eliminate bladder stones. The
Action Tuber—antidysenteric,
decoction is also used in peptic
antileucorrhoeic, antibacterial.
ulcers, swelling or pain in stomach.
The juice expressed from the tu- Plant is also used in piles and
ber shows antibiotic activity against scabies.
Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Aer- The plant contains germacranolide
obacter aerogenes. The antibiotic prin- dilactones. Hydroxylated germacano-
ciple has been designated as puchiin. lides, molephantin and molephantinin,
In ethanolic extract, hexacosanoic exhibited cytotoxic and antitumour
acid,  alpha-stigmastane-, -dione, properties.
betulin and tricin were present. It also The plant also gave epifriedelanol,
contained beta-sitosterol and stigmas- lupeol, stigmasterol, triacontan-l-ol
terol. and dotriacontan-l-ol.
Elephantopus scaber Linn. Elettaria cardamomum Maton.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Throughout warmer parts Habitat Cultivated either as pure
of India. plantation crop, or as subsidiary
Ayurvedic Mayura-shikhaa, to coffee and arecanut in hilly
Gojihvaa. (Actinopteris dichotoma forests regions of Western Ghats
Bedd. and Celosia cristata Linn. are in Karnataka and Kerala, and in
also used as Mayura-shikhaa. parts of Madurai, the Nilgiris and
Anchusa strigosa Lebill., and other Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu.
Boraginaecae sp. are used as English Lesser Cardamom.
Gojihvaa.) Ayurvedic Elaa, Sukshmailaa,
Siddha/Tamil Yaanaichhuvadi. Kshudrailaa, Bhrngaparnikaa,
Tutthaa, Draavidi, Prithvikaa,
Folk Mayurjuti, Maaraajuti.
Triputaa, Truti, Upkunchikaa.
Action Plant—astringent, cardiac Unani Heel Khurd.
tonic, diuretic, mucilaginous,
emmolient (used in dysuria, Siddha/Tamil Yelakkai, Ilam.
diarrhoea, dysentery. Leaves— Folk Ilaayachi.

Eleusine coracana Gaertn. 235
Action Carminative antiemetic, Dosage Seed of dried fruit—– g
stomachic, orexigenic, anti-gripe, powder. (API Vol I.)
antiasthmatic, bechic, Oil—
antispasmodic, antiseptic. Used for
flatulence, loss of appetite, colic,
bronchitis, asthma. Paste used Eleusine coracana Gaertn.
as balm for headache, husk for
rheumatism.
Family Gramineae; Poaceae. E
Habitat A grain crop of Karnataka;
Key application In dyspepsia; also grown on large scale in
also as cholagogue. (German Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and
Commission E.) Maharashtra.
English Finger Millet, African
The seeds yield an essential oil (– millet, Ragi.
% dry basis). The major constituents
Ayurvedic Madhuuli, Markata-
are, ,-cineole and alpha-terpinylace-
hasta-trna.
tate, with limonene, alpha-terpineol,
sabinene and linalool. The seeds con- Siddha/Tamil Ragi, Kezhvaregu.
tain palmitic and oleic as dominant fat- Action Seeds—cooling, astringent.
ty acids, besides linoleic and linolenic Nutritive value of ragi is higher
acids, along with alpha-tocopherol, than that of rice and equal to that
desmosterol and campesterol. of wheat. White ragi is superior to
The extracts of cardamom cause the pigmented type. A nourishing
a significant decrease in gastric secre- food for infants, growing children,
tion after  h of treatment. The effect of expectant mothers and aged people.
methanol extract is primarily observed Ragi is considered an ideal food for
as decreased pepsin output. diabetics because of slow release of
Terpineol and acetylterpineol, the sugars to the body. A decoction of
active principles of cardamom seeds, leaves and stems is drunk to ease
showed greater penetration enhanc- vaginal bleeding.
ing capacities than Azone which was
used as a comparative penetration The protein content of ragi is –
enhancer for the diffusion of Pred- %, with P , Fe ., thiamine .—
nisolone through mouse skin in vitro. and riboflavin . mg/ g. Ragi has
Volatile components exhibit antimi- high glycemic index value. It reduced
crobial activity. The oil inhibits afla- plasma cholesterol, total serum choles-
toxin synthesis. terol and LDL cholesterol by % each,
The cardamom seed can trigger gall- and triglycerides by %, and increased
stone colic (spasmodic pain) and is HDL cholesterol, thus exhibited a sig-
not recommended for self-medication nificant beneficial effect on plasma pro-
in patients with gallstone. (German file. The lipemic index for ragi is ,
Commission E, PDR, Natural Medicines taking isocaloric wheat-supplemented
Comprehensive Database, .) background diet (control) at .

236 Eleusine indica Gaertin.
Eleusine indica Gaertin. of intoxication. Used for abdom-
inal pains, nausea, bleeding nose.
Family Gramineae, Poaceae. Fresh plants from Uttaranchal
Habitat Australia, North America; gave .% essential oil having
throughout the warmer parts of the dehydroelsholtzia ketone .% as
world. In India, in wet plains and the main constituent, followed by
E low hills and pasture grounds. humulene .% and caryophyllene
.% (the oil composition of the
English Crowfoot Grass, Crab
species which grow in Japan and
Grass.
Kashmir is different.)
Ayurvedic Nandimukha (var.).
Plant contains linarin, apigenin and
Folk Nandiaa (Orissa), Mahaar
-O-glucosides of apigenin and lute-
Naachni (Maharashtra), Thippa
olin.
Ragi (Tamil Nadu).
The Japanese species, used for hang-
Action Used for biliary disorders. overs, gave compounds including tri-
In Vietnamese traditional medicine, terpenoids, steroids and flavonoids.
a decoction of the whole plant Elsholtzia blenda Benth., synonym
is used as stomachic, diuretic, Perilla elata D. Don, is also equated
febrifuge, and in sprains. with Ban-Tulasi. Major constituent
of the essential oil is geranyl acetate.
Aerial parts contain vitexin, -O- Other constituents are p-cymene, sa-
beta-D-glucopyranosyl-beta-sitosterol binene, borneol, geraniol, linalyl ac-
and its  -O-palmitoyl derivatives. etate, fernesol, limonene, linalool, cit-
ronellol, thymol and nerolidol.
Elsholtzia cristata Willd.
Synonym E. ciliata (Thunb.) Elytraria crenata Vahl.
Hyland. Synonym E. acaulis Lindau.
Perilla polystachya D. Don. Tubiflora acaulis Kuntze.
Family Labiatae; Lamiaceae. Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat The Himalayas and Assam Habitat The Deccan Peninsula,
up to , m, introduced into the extending northwards to eastern
Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu). Himalayas.
Ayurvedic Ajagandhaa (controver- Folk Patharchattaa, Dasmori. (Also
sial synonym). known as Shat-muuli.)
Folk Ban-Tulasi, Bovai, Phoot- Action Leaves—decoction pre-
Kanda. scribed in fever, also in venereal
Action Carminative, stomachic, diseases. Root—used in mammary
astringent. Leaf—diuretic, an- tumours and abscesseses, pneumo-
tipyretic. Neutralizes after effects nia and infantile diarrhoea. Plant

Embelia robusta C. B. Clarke, non-Roxb. 237
infusion is used as a cough remedy the level of infertility. The antisper-
for infants. matogenic changes are found to be
reversible without any toxic effects.
Aqueous and EtOH extract of the
fruit—anthelmintic against earth-
Embelia ribes Burm. f. worms. Fruit powder ( mg/kg),
Family Myrsinaceae. taken with curd on empty stomach,
expelled tapeworm within – h.
E
Habitat Throughout India. The treatment was also found effec-
English Embelia. tive in giardiasis. EtOH (%) of
the plant was found slightly active
Ayurvedic Vidanga, Krmighna, against E.coli. Di-salts of embelin—an-
Krmihara, Krmiripu, Chitratandula, thelmintic. Amino salts exhibited less
Jantughna, Jantunaashana, Vella, side effects than embelin. The effect of
Amogha. di-isobutyl amino derivatives lasted up
Unani Baobarang, Barang Kaabuli. to  h, also showed anti-inflammatory,
hypotensive and antipyretic activities.
Siddha/Tamil Vaayuvidangam. Berries gave quinones—embelin, ra-
Action Ascaricidal, anthelmintic, panone, homoembelin, homorapnone
carminative, diuretic, astringent, and vilangin.
anti-inflammatory, antibacterial,
Dosage Fruit—– g powder.
febrifuge. Used in diseases of chest
(API Vol. I.)
and skin. Active principles are
found to be oestrogenic and weakly
progestogenic. Root—bechic,
antidiarrhoeal. Seed—spermicidal, Embelia robusta
oxytocic, diuretic. The plant is C. B. Clarke, non-Roxb.
also used for its blood purifying
properties. It is an ingredient Synonym E. tsjeriam-cottam A.
in cough syrups, preparations DC.
for anaemia, genitourinary tract Family Myrsinaceae.
infections, diarrhoea and diseases
of the liver. Habitat Throughout greater part of
India.
Embelin, isolated from the berries, Ayurvedic Vidanga (allied species)
shows significant anti-implantation Substitute for Embelia ribes.
and post-coital antifertility activity.
(Successful trials have been carried out Folk Baayabirang.
at the National Institute of Immuno- Action Fruit—antispasmodic,
logy, New Delhi on human beings.) It carminative, anthelmintic, antibac-
is found to be a potential male antifer- terial. Powdered fruit—used in
tility agent. Spermatogenesis has been dysentery. Plant—used in weak
impaired and sperm count reduced to pulse rate.

238 Emblica officinalis Gaertn.
EtOH (%) extract of aerial parts The fruit is an important source of
exhibit slightly hypotensive activity. vitamin C, minerals and amino acids.
Stem contains embelin. See Embelia The edible fruit tissue contains protein
ribes. concentration threefold and vitamin C
(ascorbic acid) concentration -fold
than those of apple. The fruit also
E Emblica officinalis Gaertn. contains considerably higher concen-
tration of most minerals and amino
Synonym Phyllanthus emblica acids than apple.
Linn. The fruit gave cytokinine-like sub-
Family Euphorbiaceae. stances identified as zeatin, zeatin ribo-
side and zeatin nucleotide; suspension
Habitat Native to tropical Southeast culture gave phyllembin. Phyllem-
Asia; distributed throughout India; bin exhibits CNS depressant and spas-
also planted in public parks. molytic activity, potentiates action of
English Emblic, Indian gooseberry. adrenaline and hypnotic action of
Nembutal.
Ayurvedic Aaamalaki, Aaamalaka,
The leaves contain gallic acid (.
Dhaatri, Kaayasthaa, Amoghaa,
mg/g dry basis), besides ascorbic and
Amritaphala, Amla, Aaamalaa,
music acid. The methanol extract of
Dhaatriphala, Vayasyaa, Vrshya,
the leaves is found to be effective in rat
Shiva, Hattha.
paw inflammation.
Unani Aamalaa, Amlaj. The bark contains tannin identified
Siddha/Tamil Nellikkaai, Nelli. as mixed type of proanthocyanidin.
The fruit contains superoxide dis-
Action Fruit—antianaemic, anabol- mutase . units/g fresh weight and
ic, antiemetic, bechic, astringent, exhibits antisenescent (anti-aging) ac-
antihaemorrhagic, antidiarrhoeal, tivity. Fruit, juice, its sediment and
diuretic, antidiabetic, carminative, residue are antioxidant due to gal-
antioxidant. Used in jaundice, lic acid. EtOH (%) extract—anti-
dyspepsia, bacillary dysentery, eye viral.
trouble and as a gastrointestinal Aqueous extract of the fruit increas-
tonic. Juice with turmeric powder es cardiac glycogen level and decreases
and honey is prescribed in diabetes serum GOT, GPT and LDH in rats hav-
insipidus. Seed—antibilious, an- ing induced myocardial necrosis.
tiasthmatic. Used in bronchitis. Preliminary evidence suggests that
Bark—astringent. Leaf—juice is the fruit and its juice may lower serum
given in vomiting. cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and
A decoction of powdered pericarp phospholipids without affecting HDL
is prescribed for paptic ulcer. levels and may have positive effect on
atherosclerosis. (Eur J clin Nutr, ,
Key application As an antacid. , –; Phytother Res, , ,
(Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.). –.)

Enicostemma littorale auct. non-Bl. 239
An aqueous extract of the fruit has Action Plant—sudorific, febrifuge,
been reported to provide protection antiseptic. Used in infantile
against radiation-induced chromoso- tympanitis and bowel complaints.
mal damage in both pre-and post- Root—antidiarrhoeal. Leaf—used
irradiation treatment. The fruit is re- for otitis media under medical
ported to enhance natural killer cell ac- supervision.
tivity and antibody dependent cellular
cytotoxicity in mice bearing Dalton’s The aerial parts contain pyrrolizi- E
lymphoma ascites tumour. The extract dine alkaloids, senkirkine and doro-
of the fruit and ascorbic acid prevent- nine. Presence of simiaral, beta-sitos-
ed hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic ef- terol, stigmasterol, palmitic and tria-
fects induced by lead and aluminium. contannic acids is also reported.
The toxicity could be counteracted to
a great extent by the fruit extract than
by an amount of ascorbic acid alone Enhydra fluctuans Lour.
equivalent to that contained in fruits.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
(The fruit can be used as a dietary
supplement to counteract prolonged Habitat Hills of Bihar, West Bengal
exposure to metals in population in and Assam.
industrial areas.) English Marsh Herb, Water Cress.
The fruits are reported to activate
Ayurvedic Hil-mochikaa.
trypsin (proteolytic enzyme) activity.
The fruits can be used as coagulant Folk Harakuch.
in the treatment of water and can purify Action Leaf—antibilious, laxative,
low turbidity water. demulcent, antidermatosis. Used in
The fruits can be consumed safely dyspepsia, diseases of the nervous
all round the year. system and cutaneous affections.
Dosage Fresh fruit—– g; pulp The plant is a good source of beta-
juice—– ml. (API Vol. I.) carotene (.–. mg/ g fresh basis)
which is lost during cooking. Used as
a leafy vegetable.
Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. Enicostemma littorale
auct. non-Bl.
Habitat Throughout India,
ascending to , m in the hills. Synonym E. hyssopifolium (Willd)
Ayurvedic Shash-shruti (non- I. C. Verdoorn.
classical). E. axillare (Lam.) Raynal.
Exacum hyssopifolium Willd.
Unani Hirankhuri. Adenema hyssopifolium G. Don.
Folk Sadamandi. Family Gentianaceae.

240 Entada scandens auct. non-Benth.
Habitat Throughout India, from Entada scandens
Punjab and Gangetic Plain to auct. non-Benth.
Kanyakumari up to  m.
English Indian Gentian. Synonym E. phaseoloides Merrill.
E. pursaetha DC.
Ayurvedic Naagjhvaa, Maamajjaka, Mimosa entada Linn.
Naahi, Tikshnapatra.
E Unani Naai, Naahi.
Family Momosaceae.
Habitat Eastern Himalayas, hills of
Siddha/Tamil Vellargu. Bihar, Orissa and South India.
Folk Chhotaa Chirayataa. English Garbee Bean, Mackay
Action Bitter tonic, carminative, Bean, Elephant Creeper.
blood purifier, antirheumatic, Ayurvedic Gil.
anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic,
anthelmintic, cardiostimulant. Siddha/Tamil Chillu, Vattavalli.
Folk Gil-gaachh.
The plant is used as a substitute
for Swertia chirayita, and is reported Action Seed—carminative,
to be effective against malaria. The anodyne, spasmolytic bechic,
plant contains ophelic acid which is anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic,
also present in chiretta as a hydrolytic antiperiodic. Used in liver com-
product of chiratin. The root extract plaints, glandular swellings, debility,
showed antimalarial activity both in skin diseases. The seed, stems
vitro and in vivo. and bark are poisonous. A paste
Whole plant gave alkaloids—gen- of the seeds is applied locally for
tianine, erythrocentaurin, enicoflavine inflammatory glandular swellings.
and gentiocrucine; flavonoids—api- The juice of wood and bark is used
genin, genkwanin iso-vitaxin, swer- as an external application for ulcers.
tisin, saponarin and -O-glucoside The leaves are reported to be free
derivatives of sylwertisin and isoswer- from the toxic saponins. After
tisin; glucosides—swertiamarin, a tri- soaking in water and roasting toxic
terpene betulin. Swertisiode exhibited principles can be removed from the
hypotensive activity. white kernels of the seeds.
The plant extracts inhibited carrage-
enan-induced oedema and its anti- The seeds gave saponins of entagenic
inflammatory activity was found com- acid; a triterpenoid glucoside entanin;
parable to that of hydrocortisone. beta-sitosterol, alpha-amyrin, querce-
Enicostema verticellatum Blume, the tin, gallic acid, cyamidin chloride, lu-
smallar var. of Kiryaata, is also equated peol and a saponin mixture which gave
with Vellargu (Siddha/Tamil). prosapogenin A. Entanin exhibits anti-
tumour activity. It inhibits Walker 
Dosage Whole plant—– g tumours in rats without deaths.
powder; – ml decoction. Entadamide A (the sulphur-contai-
(CCRAS.) ning amide from the seed) is a -lipo-

Equisetum arvense Linn. 241
xygenase inhibitor and is found to be adenoma of prostate with residual
effective in the treatment of bronchial urine accumulation, pheochromocy-
asthma. The bark is used for hair wash. toma, thyrotoxicosis. (German Com-
Entagenic acid, a sapogenin of enta- mission E.)
da saponin IV, imparts antifungal ac- Ephedra is official in the national
tivity to the bark. pharmacopoeias of China, Japan and
Germany. The herb is listed in Ayur-
vedic Pharmacopoeia. Only its isolated
E
derivatives, ephedrine and ephedrine
Ephedra gerardiana
hydrochloride are official in Indian
Wall. ex Stapf.
Pharmacopoeia.
Family Ephedraceae. Ephedrine is toxic at more than
 mg in  day (Francis Brinker.)
Habitat The drier regions of the
Aerial parts yielded ephedrine and
temperate and alpine Himalayas
ephedroxane. Pseudoephedrine is the
from Kashmir to Sikkim from ,
most active anti-inflammatory princi-
to , m.
ple of Ephedra sp., it exhibited inhibito-
English Ephedra (Ephedra sinica ry action on a number of acute in-
Stapf.) flammations. Ephedroxane possesses
Ayurvedic Soma, Soma-valli a minor anti-inflammatory principle.
(substitute). Among the Indian species, Ephedra
major, found in Lahul, contains over
Folk Asmaaniyaa, Budaagur .% alkaloids of which nearly three
(Punjab); Tipat, Traani (Himalayan fourths is ephidrine. Ephedra gerar-
region). diana contains .% total alkaloids
Action Circulatory stimulant, bron- and .% ephedrine.
chodilator, vasodilator, antiallergic, On  December , the FDA
antiasthmatic (usualy given with banned ephedra products in the US.
expectorants), diaphoretic. Not
prescribed with antidepressants.
Key application Ephedra sinica— Equisetum arvense Linn.
in diseases of the respiratory tract
Family Equisetaceae.
and mild bronchospasms. Also in
acute coryza, allergic rhinitis and Habitat The Himalayas at high
sinusitis. (German Commission E.) altitudes.
In the treatment of nasal congestion English Field Horsetail.
due to hay fever, allergic rhinitis, Ayurvedic Ashwa-puchha (non-
acute coryza, cold, sinusitis and as classical).
a bronchodilator. (WHO.)
Action Haemostatic, haemopoietic,
Contraindicated in anxiety, restless- astringent, diuretic. Used for genito-
ness, high blood pressure, glucoma, urinary affections (urethritis,
impaired circulation of the cerebrum, enuresis, cystitis, prostatitis),

242 Erigeron canadensis Linn.
internally as an antihaemorrhagic Ayurvedic Jaraayupriya,
and externally as a styptic. Makshikaa-visha, Palit (non-
classical).
The ashes of the plant are beneficial
in acidity of the stomach and dyspep- Action Astringent, haemostatic,
sia. antirheumatic, diuretic. Used
for diarrhoea, kidney disorders,
E Key application Internally in irri-
gation therapy for post-traumatic
bronchitis and for bleeding piles,
wounds, bruises. Essential oil—
and static inflammation, and for
used in bronchial catarrh and
bacterial infections and inflamma-
cystitis.
tion of the lower urinary tract and
renal gravel. The extracts of the plant gave ses-
The British Herbal Compendium re- quiterpenes, beta-santalen, beta-hima-
ported weak diuretic, haemostyptic, chalene, cuparene, alpha-curcumene,
vulnerary and mild leukocytosis caus- gamma-cadinene.
ing actions. The petroleum ether and ethanolic
The haemostatic substance has been extracts of aerial parts exhibit signifi-
shown to act orally, it has no effect on cant anti-inflammatory activity.
blood pressure and is not a vasocon- Aqueous extract of powdered plant
strictor. produces fall in blood pressure, de-
The herb contains –% min- presses the heart and increases respi-
erals, of which over % are silicic ration in animals.
acids and silicates; alkaloids, including The essential oil, obtained from aeri-
nicotine, palustrine and palustrinine; al parts in Japan, is found to contain 
flavonoids, such as iso-quercitrin and volatile compounds of which .% are
equicertin; sterols, including choles- terpenoids. The leaves contain cumu-
terol, isofucosterol, campesterol; a sa- lene derivatives.
ponin equisitonin, dimethyl-sulphone, For preparing plant extract as a drug,
thiaminase and aconitic acid. Diuret- the volatile oil is removed from a hot
ic action of the herb is attributed to aqueous extract and the residue is fil-
its flavonoid and saponin constituents, tered and concentrated to % or %
Silicic acid strengthens connective tis- of dry matter content. The % dry
sue and helps in healing bones. matter extract contains flavones .,
tannins ., reducing sugars . and
total sugars .%. The extract is anti-
inflammatory, analgesic, bactericidal
Erigeron canadensis Linn.
and fungicidal.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Punjab, Upper Gangetic
Plain, Assam, Western Ghats and
Western Himalayas. Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.
English Canadian Fleabane. Family Rosaceae.

Eruca sativa Mill. 243
Habitat Native to China; now Hot aqueous extract of the leaves
cultivated mainly in Saharanpur, showed hepatoprotective activity ex-
Dehradun, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, perimentally.
Kanpur, Bareilly districts of Uttar The leaves yield an essential oil con-
Pradesh, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and taining nerolidol (–%).
Hoshiarpur districts of Punjab. The presence of an antifungal com-
English Loquat, Japanese Medlar. pound, eriobofuran, is also reported.
The methanolic extract of the plant
E
Ayurvedic Lottaaka (non-classical). exhibits antioxidant and radical scav-
Unani Lokaat. enging activity.
Siddha Ilakotta, Nokkotta (Tamil).
Action Leaves—used in China and
India for the treatment of diabetes Eruca sativa Mill.
mellitus and skin diseases. Fruit— Family Cruciferae; Brassicaceae.
sedative, antiemetic. Flower—
expectorant. Habitat Cultivated in Uttar
Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi and Madhya
The plant contains lipopolysaccha- Pradesh.
rides (LPS), which exhibit antirheu- English Rocket-Salad.
matic activity. LPS is also found use-
ful for treating diabetes mellitus and Ayurvedic Tuvari, Tuvarikaa,
lowering high cholesterol level. The Shveta-sursaa, Bhuutaghna, Darad-
ethanolic extract of the leaves showed harsha, Siddaartha.
anti-inflammatory activity on carra- Unani Jirjeer, Taraamiraa.
geenan-induced oedema in rats and Folk Safed Sarson.
significant hypoglycaemic effect in
Action Tender leaf—stimulant,
normal rabbits like the standard drug
stomachic, diuretic, antiscorbutic,
tolbutamide. The sesquiterpene gly-
rubefacient. Seed—vesicant,
coside and polyhydroxylated triterpe-
antibacterial.
noids showed a marked inhibition of
glycosuria in genetically diabetic mice; Seeds and fresh plant gave glu-
also reduced blood glucose level in nor- coerucin (-methylthiobutyl glucosi-
moglycaemic rats. The hypoglycaemic nolate); leaves yielded iso-rhamnetin-
effect is mediated through the release -glucoside and iso-rhamnetin. The
of insulin from pancreatic beta cells. volatile oil of the seeds contains isoth-
The leaves gave ionone-derived gly- iocyanate derivatives. The oil at .
cosides and triterpenes. Maslinic and and . ml/kg exhibits diuretic activ-
ursolic acids have also been isolat- ity. The ethanolic extract of the seeds
ed. Maslinic acid possesses significant is diuretic at  and  mg/kg Seeds
anti-inflammatory activity. It also ex- are used to induce vomiting in place of
hibits inhibitory effect on histamine- ipecac.
induced contraction in isolated ileum Crude juice of the plant inhibited E.
of guinea pig. coli, S. typhi and B. subttis.

244 Ervataemia coronaria staff.
For eating purposes, the plant Habitat Throughout India,
should be gathered before flowering; common in Uttar Pradesh.
for medicinal use when in flower. Ayurvedic Ashoka-rohini (non-
classical).
Ervataemia coronaria staff. Siddha/Tamil Unamkodi.
E Synonym E. divaricata (L.) Alston.
Action Bark—anticholerin. Ripe
fruit eaten in constipation. Pounded
Tabernaemontana coronaria R.Br.
root prescribed internally in fever.
Family Apocynaceae. Bark is used in cholera.
Habitat Throughout the sub-
Himalayan tract from Garhwal EtOH (%) extract of aerial parts
eastwards to Assam and Bengal, exhibit diuretic and hypotensive activ-
extending southwards to North ity.
Circars.
English East Indian Rosebay.
Ayurvedic Nandivrksha, Tagar. Eryngium caeruleum Bieb.
Siddha/Tamil Nandiyaavattam. Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Action Topically anodyne; chewed Habitat Kashmir and Western
for relief of toothache; administered Himalayas.
as a vermicide. Various parts of the
Folk Pahaari Gaajar, Dudhali
plant are used in the indigenous
(Punjab), Saleli-misri.
system of medicine for skin diseases
and cancer. Action Root—nervine, stimulant,
haematinic, diuretic, diaphoretic,
The plant from Sri Lanka and Pak- expectorant. Ash of the plant—
istan contains several indole alkaloids, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory (used
including voacristine. in haemorrhoids).
Isovoacristic hydrochloride caused
bradycardia in frogs and rabbits. The Leaves and flowers contain d-man-
decoction of leaves exhibits antihyper- nitol. Underground parts yield sapo-
tensive and diuretic activity. Taberson- nins.
ine, reported in the flowers, showed hy-
potensive effect on anaesthetized cats.
The most abundant alkaloids in
Eryngium foetidum Linn.
stem cortex are tabernaemontanine,
dregamine and -epi ervatamine. Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Habitat Assam up to , m,
found as a garden plant in Dehra
Erycibe paniculata Roxb. Dun.
Family Convolvulaceae. English Sea Holly.

Erythrina indica Lam. 245
Folk Brahma-Dhaniyaa, Jangali Key application Erythraea cen-
Gaajar (var.). taurium—in loss of appetite and
peptic discomfort. (German
Action Root—stomachic. Plant—
Commission E.)
galactagogue, diuretic. Fresh
leaves are used as a vegetable and
flavouring agent.
Erythrina indica Lam. E
Hot aqueous extract of the plant
possesses anticonvulsant property. The Synonym E. variegata Linn. var.
ethanolic extract (%) of aerial parts orientalis (Linn.) Merril.
showed cardiovascular, diuretic and Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
antistrychnine activity. The plant is Habitat Grown as an ornamental.
CVS an CNS active and hypothermic.
Sea Holly, found in sandy soils near English Indian Coral tree.
the sea in Britain and Europe, is equat- Ayurvedic Paaribhadra, Paarib-
ed with Eryngium maritimum Linn. hadraka, Paarijaataka, Mandaara,
The root possesses diuretic and anti- Dadap. Kantaki-palaasha, Kant-
inflammatory properties and is used kimshuka, Raktapushpa; Nimba-
for urinary tract infections (urethritis, taru. (Erythrina suberosa Roxb. is
cystitis, polyurea, renal colic, prostatic also equated with Paaribhadra.)
affections). Siddha/Tamil Kaliyanamurukkan.
The root gave coumarins, saponins,
flavonoids, plant acids and polyphe- Folk Farhad.
nolic acids. Saponins are haemolytic, Action Leaf—cathartic, diuretic,
rosmarinic acid is known for its anti- antiseptic, anti-inflammatory.
inflammatory activity. Applied externally for dispersing
venereal buboes. Bark—antibilious,
anthelmintic, febrifuge, astringent,
expectorant. (E. variegata is an
Erythraea roxburghii G. Don. adulterant to the Ayurvedic drug
Synonym Centaurium roxburghii Rohitaka.) Different parts of
(G. Don) Druce. the plant are used as nervine
sedative, antiepileptic, astringent,
Family Gentianaceae. antiasthmatic and antiseptic. Bark
Habitat Sub-tropical and temperate is used in liver ailments, fever and
regions. rheumatism.
Ayurvedic Kiraat-tikta (related A number of tetracyclic alkaloids
species), Yavatiktaa (related species) have been isolated from the plant.
(A substitute for Swertia chirayita.) The alkaloids showed a muscle re-
laxant activity and increased the seda-
Folk Khet-chiraayataa.
tive effects of hexabarbital. The alka-
Action Bitter tonic. loids extracted from the leaves are re-

246 Erythrina stricta Roxb.
ported to have anti-inflammatory ac- Erythroxylum coca Lam.
tivity. Bark alkaloids are neuromus-
cular blocking, smooth muscle relax- Family Erythroxylaceae.
ant, CNS depressant, hydrocholeretic Habitat Indigenus to Peru
and anticonvulsant. The bark contains and Bolivia, introduced and
.% alkaloids. experimentally cultivated in Assam,
E The root extracts exhibited antimi-
crobial activity in vitro against Staphy-
West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
lococcus aureus and Mycobacterium
smegmatis. English Coca, Cocaine Plant.
The seeds of many of the species Siddha/Tamil Sivadari.
of Erythrina contain alkaloids with
Action Mydriatic and toxic. (Coca
curare-like activity. Clinical trials on
leaf extract, after removing cocaine,
biologically standardized beta-ery-
is used as a flavouring agent for
throidine hydrochloride and dihydro-
soft drinks. Maximum use level:
beta-erythroidine hydrochloride have
.%.)
shown promising results in the treat-
ment of conditions involving certain Coca leaves contain a large number
types of muscular rigidity. of alkaloids including cocaine, tropa-
cocaine, cinnamoylcocaine, truxillines
Dosage Stem bark—– g powder;
and benzoylecgonine. (alkaloid con-
– g for decoction. (API Vol. II.)
tent varies from . to .%). The bark
and seeds also contain cocaine.
Coca is subject to restrictions in
Erythrina stricta Roxb. most countries.
Not to be confused with Cocoa seed
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. (Theobroma cacao.)
Habitat Assam, Manipur, West
Bengal and South India.
Ayurvedic Muraa (controversial). Erythroxylum monogynum
Roxb.
Siddha/Tamil Mullu-murukku.
Synonym E. indicum (DC.) Bedd.
Action Bark—antibilious, an-
tirheumatic, febrifuge, antiasth- Family Erythroxylaceae.
matic, antiepileptic, antileprotic. Habitat South India, up to , m.
Flowers—antidote to poison. In
Assam, the juice of the root bark English Bastard Sandal, Red Cedar.
is given to children in threadworm Ayurvedic Kattuchandanam
infection. (Kerala).
The plant gave tetracyclic alkaloids— Siddha/Tamil Devadaram.
(+)-erythraline and (+)-erythrinine. Folk Gandh-giri (Maharashtra).

Eugenia uniflora Linn. 247
Action Leaf—diaphoretic, stimu- gastrointestinal tract, bile ducts, and
lant, diuretic, stomachic. A decoc- in severe liver diseases. (German
tion is used for malarial fever. Bark Commission E.) Oil—internally
and wood—febrifuge. as adjuvant treatment of chronic
obstructive respiratory complaints,
The wood yields diterpenes, includ- including bronchitis and bronchial
ing monogynol, OH-ogynol, devada-
rool; d-hibaene, its epoxide and an
asthma, also for symptomatic relief
of colds and catarrh of the upper
E
olefinic hydrocarbon. respiratory tract; externally for
Biological activity of the plant is hy- symptomatic treatment of colds and
pothermic and CNS active. rheumatic complaints. (ESCOP.)
Leaf—antiseptic. (The British
Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
Eucalyptus globules Labill.
E. globulus is the main commercial
Family Myrtaceae. source of Eucalyptus leaf oil; yield is
Habitat Native to Australia; now .%; ,-cineole exceeds % (phar-
cultivated mainly at the hill-stations maceutical grade oil requires a mini-
of India. mum cineole content of %).
Several potent euglobals, having
English Blue-Gum tree, Australian closely related acyl-phloroglucinol-
Gum tree. monoterpene (or sesquiterpene) struc-
Ayurvedic Tilaparna, Tailaparna, tures, are isolated from the leaves
Sugandhapatra, Haritaparna Neela- and flower buds. These compounds
niryaasa, Tribhandi, Triputaa, Sar- showed strong granulation-inhibiting
alaa, Suvahaa, Rechani, Nishotraa. activity and inhibition of TPA induced
Unani Neelgiri oil. EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) activation.
Phloroglucin derivatives, isolated
Siddha/Tamil Karpooramaram. from leaves, showed better anti-inflam-
Action Essential oil from leaves— matory activity than indomethacin.
antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, Natural antioxidants have also been
antifungal, antispasmodic, decon- isolated from the plant.
gestant, antiasthmatic, expectorant,
antirheumatic, diaphoretic. Used Dosage Leaf—– ml infusion.
in chronic, bronchitis, migraine, (CCRAS.)
congestive headache, neuralgia and
ague, as an inhalant or internal
medicine. Root—purgative. Eugenia uniflora Linn.
Key application Leaf tea for catarrhs
of the respiratory tract. Oil used Family Myrtaceae.
externally for rheumatic complaints, Habitat Native to South Amer-
contraindicated internally in ica; cultivated in gardens; now
inflammatory diseases of the naturalized in some parts of In-

248 Eulaliopsis binata (Retz.) C. E. Hubbard.
dia at medium elevations under Ayurvedic Amrita, Sudhaa-muuli,
sub-tropical conditions. Munjaataka (Salep var.) Saalam-
English Pitaanga, Surinam Cherry. misri (substitute). Munjaataka and
Saalam-misri have been equated
Action Fruit—used as a source with Orchis latifolia Linn. of the
of carotenoids (. mcg/g) same family.
and provitamin A ( RE/g).
E Leaves—diuretic, antirheumatic, Action Tubers—used in stamatitis,
antifebrile. Used for lowering blood purulent cough and as a cardiac
pressure, blood cholesterol, uric and nervine tonic. Also used in
acid level, also for reducing body scrofulous diseases and dyscrasia.
weight. Essential oil— digestive, Used a substitute for Salep.
carminative.
The leaves gave flavonoids, querci-
trin, quercetin, myricitrin and myrice- Eulophia herbacea Lindl.
tin as major constituents. Family Orchidaceae.
The bark contains .% tannins.
Habitat Western Himalayas,
Bengal and Western parts of Deccan
Peninsula.
Eulaliopsis binata
(Retz.) C. E. Hubbard. English Salep (var.).
Synonym Pollinidium angustifolium Ayurvedic Munjaataka (substitute),
Haines. Saalam-misri (substitute).
Family Gramineae; Poaceae. Action Tubers—used as a substitute
for Salep.
Habitat Many parts of North India.
English Baib grass, Sabai grass.
Ayurvedic Balvaja. Eulophia nuda Lindl.
Folk Bhaabar.
Family Orchidaceae.
Action Diuretic. Used for treating
lithiasis. Habitat Tropical Himalayas from
Nepal eastward to Assam, and in
EtOH (%) extract of the plant is Deccan from Konkan southwards.
sasmogenic.
Ayurvedic Baalakanda, Amarkan-
da, Maalaakanda.
Folk Ambarkanda (Maharashtra).
Eulophia campestris Wall.
Action Tubers—used for bronchitis,
Family Orchidaceae. diseases due to vitiated blood,
Habitat Throughout greater part of tumours, scrofulous glands. Also
India, mostly in the plains. used as vermifuge.

Eupatorium cannabinum Linn. 249
The tubers yield two phenanthrene Key application Bark—as laxative.
derivatives, eulophiol and nudol, along (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
with n-hexacosyl alcohol and lupeol.
The plant yielded triterpenes—epi-
friedelinol, taraxerol, dulcitol, pris-
timerin and tingenins A and B. Pris-
Eulophia pratensis Lindl. timerin exhibited antitumour activity.
Synonym E. ramentaceae Lindl. ex
Only bark and root bark is used E
medicinally. The seeds are poisonous.
Wt.
Toxic constituents of E. atropur-
Family Orchidaceae. pureus are furan-a-carboxylic acid; d-
Habitat Pasture lands of Deccan phenyl-glucosone (sterol glucoside);
from Konkan southwards. euatroside; euatromonoside (steroid
glycosides). (Francis Brinker.)
English Salep (var.).
Folk Sataavari (Maharashtra).
Action Tuber—used for scrofulous Eupatorium cannabinum Linn.
glands.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat The temperate Himalayas
Euonymus tingens Wall. up to , m and in Khasi Hills
between , and , m.
Family Celastraceae. English Hemp Agrimony, Water
Habitat Tropical Himalayas from Hemp, Hemp Eupatorium.
Simla to Bhutan between , and Folk Bundaar (Maharashtra),
, m, and in Assam. Tongollati (Assam).
English Spindle Wood, Wahoo. Action Diuretic, cathartic,
(Euonymus atropurpureus, found anti-tumoral. Used under strict
in Eastern and Central USA and medical supervision for blood
Canada, is equated with Wahoo and impurities and tumours. Internal
Spindle tree. administration is not advised
Ayurvedic Bhillotaka. unless the hepatotoxic alkaloids
Folk Chopra, Mermahaul, Kunku, are shown to be absent from the
Barphali. sample.
Action Cholagogue, laxative, The herb contains volatile oil (about
diuretic, circulatory stimulant. .%); sesqiterpene lactones, the major
Used for constipation, torpid- one being eupatoriopicrin; flavonoids,
ity of liver, gall bladder disor- pyrrolizidine alkaloids; immunoactive
ders, jaundice and dyspepsia. polysaccharides.
Bark is used in diseases of the Eupatoriopicrin has shown to be cy-
eye. tostatic as well as cytotoxic; it delayed

250 Eupatorium triplinerve Vahl.
transplanted tumour growth in mice in The leaves contain ayapanin and
a dose-dependent manner. ayapin, with pronounced haemostat-
An aqueous extract of the plant ex- ic properties. The leaves also contain
hibited anti-necrotic activity against carotene and free vitamin C ( mg/
carbon tetrachloride-induced hepato-  g); there is % increase in vita-
toxicity in rats. The effect is attributed min C content on frying the leaves in
E to the presence of flavonoids, rutoside,
hyperoside and quercetin; phenolic
oil.
A aqueous extract of dried leaves
acids, caffeic and chlorogenic; and not and shoots exhibits cardiac stimulant
due to the presence of eupatoriopicrin. activity, increasing the force of the
Acrylic acid and the lactic, malic and heartbeat but diminishing its frequen-
citric acids, present in the plant, also cy.
exhibited protective effect against acute The plant is comparable to chamo-
toxicity induced by ethanol in mice. mile (Anthemis sp.).
The polysaccharides have immuno-
stimulatory activity and enhance pha-
gocytosis in a number of immunolog-
ical tests. The leaf oil is reported to Euphorbia antiquorum Linn.
exhibit fungicidal effect.
Family Euphorbiaceae.
A related species, Eupatorium odor-
um Linn., is known as Gondri in Ori- Habitat The warmer regions of
ssa. India; often cultivated for hedges.
English Triangular Spurge.
Eupatorium triplinerve Vahl. Ayurvedic Snuhi (Substitute),
Vajra-kantaka, Vajratundi
Synonym E. ayapana Vent.
Siddha/Tamil Chathurakkali.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Folk Tridhaari, Tidhaaraa Sehunda.
Habitat Native to Brazil; naturalized
in many parts of India; grown in Action Latex—purgative. Applied
gardens of Maharashtra. on burns. Plant—used in dropsy,
anasarca, sores, venereal sores,
English Ayapana Tea.
syphilis; also in dysentery, bronchi-
Ayurvedic Vishalyakarani, Ayaa- tis, asthma. Root—anthelmintic.
paana. Fresh stems—used for skin sores
Siddha/Tamil Ayapanai. and scabies. A decoction of stems is
given in gout.
Folk Ayapani (Maharashtra).
Action Cardiac stimulant, laxative, The stems yielded friedelan- alpha-
emetic, expectorant, bechic, ol and  beta-ol, taraxerol and taraxe-
antiscorbutic, alterative. Used in rone. The roots yielded taraxerol. Latex
ague, also in dyspepsia. Leaf— gave beta-amyrin, cycloartenol, euphol
anticholerin, haemostatic. (%) and alpha-euphorbol.

Euphorbia hirta Linn. 251
Euphorbia dracunculoides Habitat Throughout warmer
Lamk. regions of India.
Family Euphorbiaceae. English Euphorbia, Australian
Asthma Weed, Pill-bearing Spurge.
Habitat Throughout India in the
plains and low hills. Ayurvedic Dudhi, Dudhikaa,
Ayurvedic Saatalaa, Saptalaa,
Naagaarjuni, Vikshirini. E
Sapralaa, Viduraa, Charmasaahvaa, Unani Dudhi Khurd.
Charmakashaa.
Siddha/Tamil Amman pachharisi.
Unani Thuhar.
Action Pectoral, antiasthmatic,
Siddha/Tamil Tillakada, Thusimul- antispasmodic. Used for asthma,
lai. laryngitis, chronic nasal and
Folk Titali. bronchial catarrh; diarrhoea,
dysentery, intestinal parasitosis
Action Fruit—removes warts
Also used in postnatal complaints,
topically. Plant extract—choliner-
failure of lactation. Latex—
gic. The aerial parts are used as
vermifuge. Used in diseases of
a vegetable for maintaining smooth
urinogenitory tract.
and regular movement of bowels.
The alcoholic and aqueous extracts The herb contains several terpenes,
of aerial parts showed significant ac- anthocyanins, alcohols and steroids.
tion on gastro-intestinal motility in Aerial parts also gave shikimic acid,
rats. The activity is more pronounced choline, L-inositol and free sugars.
in alcoholic extract than in aqueous Antiasthmatic activity is attributed
extract. to choline and shikimic acid. Shikimic
The extract of air-dried plant ex- acid and choline showed relaxant and
hibits cholinergic action and direct contracting properties on guinea-pig
stimulation of different muscle prepa- ileum.
rations. Plant gave euphorbol, surcose, The aqueous extract of the herb ex-
glycosides, sterols and kaempferol. hibited sedative, anxiolytic, analgesic,
antipyretic and anti-inflammatory ac-
Dosage Root—– g powder. tivities; exerted an inhibitory effect on
(CCRAS.) platelet aggregation.
Quercitrin is reported to be respon-
sible for antidiarrhoeal activity.
Methanolic extract of the leaves ex-
Euphorbia hirta Linn. hibits antibacterial and antifungal ac-
tivities.
Synonym E. pilulifera auct. non
Dimeric hydrolysable tannins, eu-
Linn.
phorbains, have been isolated from the
Family Euphorbiaceae. plant.

252 Euphorbia hypericifolia auct. non Linn.
Euphorbia hypericifolia anasarca, chlorosis, tympanitis;
auct. non Linn. externally on warts, cutaneous
eruptions, scabies, unhealthy ulcers.
Synonym E. indica Lam.
Family Euphorbiaceae. A succus compounded of equal parts
of the juice and simple syrup is said to
Habitat Throughout warmer
be used for giving relief in asthma.
E regions of India, up to , m in
The triterpenoids, euphol, -meth-
the Himalaya.
ylenecycloartenol, euphorbol hexa-
Ayurvedic Dugdhikaa. cosonate, glut- ()-en--one, glut--
Action Plant—used in colic, en- beta-yet-acetate, taraxerol, friede-
diarrhoea and dysentery. Leaf— lan- alpha-ol and – beta-ol have been
astringent, antidysenteric, antileuc- reported from the plant.
orrhoeic (also used in menorrhagia).
The plant contains taraxerol, oc-
tacosanol, campesterol, stigmasterol,
beta-sitosterol, quercetin, quercitrin, Euphorbia nivulia Buch.-Ham.
ellagic acid, rhamnetin--galactoside, Family Euphorbiaceae.
rhmnetin--rhamnoside and kaem-
pferol. Habitat Northern and central
India, often planted in dry areas.
Ayurvedic Snuhi (substitute),
Euphorbia neriifolia auct. non Patra-Snuhi.
Linn.
Siddha/Tamil Kalli, Naga-kalli.
Synonym E. ligularia Roxb.
Action Latex—used for treating
Family Euphorbiaceae.
jaundice, dropsy, enlargement of
Habitat Grown as a field and liver and spleen; colic; syphilis,
boundary fence and as curious on leprosy; applied to haemorrhoids.
rockeries in gardens. Coagulated latex is used for
English Holy Milk Hedge, Dog’s bronchitis. Leaf—juice is used as
Tongue. a purgative. Warmed in mustard
Ayurvedic Snuhi, Samant-dugdhaa, oil, applied in cold and headache.
Sehunda, Singhtunda, Snuk, Gudaa,
Sudhaa, Vajra, Vajjri, Vajjradram, The latex gave cycloart--en-
Thuuhar. beta-ol, and cyclolaudenol; stem con-
tained cyclolaudenol and sitosterol;
Siddha/Tamil Ielaikkali, Perumbu- leaves gave sitosterol. (None of these
kalli. triterpenes have been reported from E.
Action Latex—purgative, diuretic, neriifolia.) These triterpenes exhibited
antiasthmatic, expectorant, rube- antimicrobial activity against Staphy-
facient. Used in ascites, polyuria, lococcus aureus and E. coli.

Euphorbia thomsoniana Boiss. 253
Euphorbia pilosa Linn. of Ayurvedic medicine and Bana-
muuli of folk medicine have been
Family Euphorbiaceae. equated with Euphorbia acaulis
Habitat Western Himalayas from Rox.)
Garhwal, westwards to Kashmir. Unani Thuuhar
Ayurvedic Saatala, Saptalaa. Folk Thor, Surai.
(Substitute). Action Latex—cathartic, an-
E
Action Purgative, emetic. Root— thelmintic.
used in fistulous sores.
The latex yield euphol, cycloeu-
Prostratin, isolated from the roots of calenol, an inseparable mixture of four
var. cornigeria Hook. f., was found to tetra-and four tri-esters of macrocyclic
be pro-inflammatory. diterpene ingenol, octacosanol, tetra-
cosanol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol,
alpha-amyrin and campesterol. The
plant gave ingenol.
Euphorbia resinifera Berg. The latex is a valuable source of in-
Family Euphorbiaceae. genol esters. Ingol is a macrocyclic
diterpene and is of therapeutic inter-
Habitat Native to Morocco. est due to its antileukemic properties.
English Euphorbium. Fractionation of the latex gave ingol-
Unani Farfiyuun, Afarbiyuun. -acetate and -tigloyl--acetate. The
acylation of ingol--acetate yielded
Action A drastic purgative, derivatives which inhibit the growth of
irritant, vesicant and toxic, pro- the basophilic leukaemia cells in rats.
inflammatory. Internal use of the
drug has been abandoned.
Dried latex gave diterpene esters; Euphorbia thomsoniana Boiss.
derivatives of -deoxyphorbol, which
are pro-inflammatory, tumour pro- Family Euphorbiaceae.
moting and cause platelet aggregation; Habitat Kashmir, above , m.
exhibit co-carcinogenic activity. Ayurvedic Hiyaavali, Svarnakshiri
(also equated with Argemone
mexicana L., Papaveraceae.),
Euphorbia royleana Boiss. Kanchanakshiri, Pitadugdhaa,
Katuparni.
Family Euphorbiaceae. Folk Hiravi (Kashmir). Titari
Habitat Western Himalaya from (Himachal Pradesh).
Kumaon to Nepal. Action Root—purgative. Latex—
Ayurvedic Snuhi, Snuk, Sehunda, used in eruptions and other skin
Gudaa (Substitutes.) (Adhogudaa diseases.

254 Euphorbia thymifolia Linn.
Dosage Latex—– mg Euphorbia tirucalli Linn.
(CCRAS.)
Family Euphorbiaceae.
Habitat Native to Africa; nat-
uralized in the warmer parts of
Euphorbia thymifolia Linn. India.
E Family Euphorbiaceae. English Milk-Bush, Milk Hedge, In-
dian tree Spurge, Aveloz, Petroleum
Habitat Smaller var., equated
Plant
with E. thymifolia, is found in
tropical plains and low hills of Ayurvedic Saptalaa, Saatalaa.
India, ascending to , m. Bigger Siddha/Tamil Tirukalli.
var., E. pilulifera/E. hirta Linn. is
Folk Angulia-thuuhar.
found in warmer parts of India from
Punjab eastwards, and southwards Action Purgative, emetic, antiasth-
to Kanyakumari. matic, bechic. Used for whooping
cough, asthma, dyspepsia, bil-
Ayurvedic Dudhi (smaller iousness, jaundice, enlargement of
var.), Dugdhikaa, Naagaarjuni, spleen, leucorrhoea. Latex—applied
Swaaduparni. externally on warts.
Siddha/Tamil Sittrapaladi.
Used as a purgative and for rheuma-
Action Plant—antispasmodic, tism and neuralgia. Stem bark—used
bronchodilator, antiasthmat- for gastralgia, colic, asthma.
ic (used in bronchial asthma), The latex contains an ingol ester be-
galactagogue (also used for sper- sides triterpenoids, euphorbinol and
matorrhoea). Root—used in cycloeuphordenol.
amenorrhoea. Latex—used in Presence of a number of ingenol and
ringworm, dandruff. Leaf, seed and phorbol esters (diterpenoids), and tri-
latex—purgative. A decoction of terpenoids are reported from the plant.
the plant, with honey, is given to The stem gave hentriacontane, hentri-
treat haematuria. acontanol, beta-sitosterol, Me-ellagic
and ellagic acids and kaempferol glu-
Aerial parts gave epitaraxerol, n- coside.
hexacosanol, euphorbol, two deriva- The latex is a weak tumour promoter.
tives of deoxyphorbol-OAC, -meth-
ylene cycloartenol and quercetin galac-
toside. Co-carcinogenic activity is due
Euphoria longan Steud.
to phorbol derivatives. The plant ex-
hibits antimicrobial activity due to al- Family Sapindaceae.
kaloids.
Habitat South India, Assam and
Dosage Whole plant—– g Bengal.
paste. (CCRAS.) English Longan

Euryale ferox Salisb. 255
Ayurvedic Aakshiki (non-classical). Orally, Eyebright is used to treat al-
Siddha/Tamil Puvatti, Shempuvan. lergies, common cold, bronchial con-
ditions and sinusitis. Ophthalmic ap-
Folk Aashaphala (Bengal), Naag- plication is not recommended. Eye-
lichi (Assam). bright has been used in a British herbal
Action The aril of the fruit is tobacco product, which was smoked
used in prescriptions of Chinese
traditional medicine for treating
for cold and chronic bronchial condi-
tions.
E
insomnia, neurosis, palpitation, Aerial parts showed presence of
amnesia and anaemia. phenol, carboxylic acid, flavones and
methyl flavone derivatives. Plant gave
It has been found to ameliorate the
quercetin glucoside, diosmetin, kaem-
impaired learning process in mice.
pferol, caffeic and ferulic acids, stig-
An aqueous extract of the fruit pulp
masterol and beta-sitosterol. Iridoid
showed stimulating effect on superox-
glycosides, including aucubin, are also
ide dimutase activity in red blood cells
present. Tannins include both con-
of mice., indicating its possible use in
densed and hydrolysable gallic acid
delaying the aging process.
type.
The seeds contain antimutagens,
amino-hydroxy-hexynoic acid, hypo-
glycin A (which causes hypoglycaemia)
and amino-hydroxy-heptynoic acid. Euryale ferox Salisb.
Family Nymphaeaceae.
Habitat Kashmir, Bihar, Rajasthan,
Euphrasia simplex D. Don. Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Bengal
Synonym E. officinalis Linn. and Uttar Pradesh, in lakes and
ponds.
Family Scrophulariaceae.
English Gorgan Nut, Fox Nut.
Habitat The Temperate Himalaya
from Kashmir to Sikkim, from , Ayurvedic Makhaann, Paaniyapha-
to , m. la, Padma-bijaabha, Ankalodya.
English Eyebright. Unani Makhaanaa.
Action Plant—astringent, antial- Action Seed—deobstruent,
lergic, bechic, anticatarrhal. astringent, nervine tonic. Used
in spermatorrhoea and sexual
Key application Externally as
affections (restrains seminal gleet)
lotions, eye-baths, poultices, for
and debility.
eye complaints associated with
inflammatory conditions, and as Edible parts of the seeds gave the fol-
a preventive measure against mucus lowing values: moisture ., protein
of the eyes, “glued” and inflammed ., fat ., mineral matter ., carbo-
eyes. (Traditional uses mentioned hydrates ., calcium ., and phos-
by German Comission E.) phorus .%; iron . mg/ g.

256 Evolvulus alsinoides Linn.
Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. Habitat A weed of grassy lawns.
Ayurvedic Aakhukarni,
Synonym E. hirtus Lam.
Muusaakarni (substitute for
E. angustifolius Roxb.
Merremia emarginata (Burm. f.)
Convolvulus alsinoides L.
Hallier f., synonym Ipomoea
Family Convolvulaceae. reniformis Choisy).
E Habitat Throughout India, as Folk Muusaakaani, Chhinipatra
a common weed in open and grassy (Bihar).
places; ascending to , m in the Action Weak sedative, anthelmintic.
Himalayas.
Ayurvedic Shankapushpi (blue-
flowered var., Convolvus pluricaulis: Exacum bicolor Roxb.
white-flowered var.)
Synonym E. tetragonum Roxb.
Unani Shankhaahuli.
E. perrottetii Griseb.
Siddha/Tamil Vishnukrandi
Family Gentianaceae.
(blue-flowered), Shivakrandi
(white-flowered). Habitat Upper Gangetic plains and
tropical Himalaya, also in South
Action Brain tonic, an aid in India.
conception, astringent, antidysen-
teric. Leaf—antiasthmatic. Used in Ayurvedic Ava-chiraayataa (bigger
nervine affections (epilepsy, insani- var. of chiraayataa).
ty, spermatorrhoea), and duodenal Folk Titakhana, Uudakiraayita
ulcers, also for uterine affections. (Maharashtra).
Flowers—used for uterine bleed- Action Stomachic,febrifuge,
ing and internal haemorrhages. antifungal, bitter tonic.
A decoction of the herb is given as
a blood purifier. The leaves gave apigenin, luteolin,
vanillic, p-hydroxybenzoic, protocate-
The plant contains alkaloid evolvine, chuic and p-coumaric acids.
beta-sitosterol, stearic, oleic, linoleic A related species. Exacum pedun-
acids, pentatriacontane and triacon- culatum L., found throughout India,
tane. The alkaloid evolvine exhibited ascending up to , m, is also used
powerful stimulant activity on respi- as a substitute for Swertia chirayita and
ration and blood pressure (possibly Gentiana lutea. Pounded plant is ap-
analeptic). plied externally in rheumatism and
Aqueous extract of the petal showed gout. It also gave luteolin, diosmetin
antifungal property. and phenolic acids.
Evolvulus nummularius Linn. Excoecaria agallocha Linn.
Family Convolvulaceae. Family Euphorbiaceae.

Exogonium purga Benth. 257
Habitat The coastal and tidal Exogonium purga Benth.
forests of India.
Synonym Ipomoea purga Hayne.
English Blinding tree.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Siddha/Tamil Kampetti, Tillai, Agil,
Ambala-vrksham. Habitat Native to Amercia. Grows
in Southern and Eastern India.
Folk Gevaa, Huraa (Maharashtra).
English Jalap. E
Gangawaa.
Unani Jalaapaa.
Action Latex—antileprotic. The
latex blisters the skin and is reported Action Tuber—drastic hydr-
to cause blindness if it enters the agogue cathartic, acts briskly,
eye. The juice, boiled in oil, is causes watery evacuations. Over-
applied in rheumatism, paralysis doses produce hypercatharsis.
and leprosy. Contraindicated in inflammatory
conditions of the bowels. (The
The leaves are toxic and contain gal- roots of Operculina turpethum
lo tannins (. mg/g dry weight). synonym Ipomoea turpethum
Fresh twigs and bark contain a piscici- are used as a substitute for
dal component. The latex is biocidal. jalap.)

F
Fagonia cretica Linn. The fruits are rich in ascorbic acid.
Synonym F. arabica Linn. (Correct Dosage Whole plant—– ml
name for Indian sp. is Fagonia decoction. (CCRAS.)
schweifurthii Hadidi. F. bruguieri
DC. is not a synonym of F. cretica,
according to CDRI.) Fagopyrum esculentum
Family Zygophyllaceae. Moench.
Habitat Western India, upper Family Polygonaceae.
Gangetic plains and Peninsular
Habitat Native to Central Asia;
India.
now grown as minor grain-crop in
Ayurvedic Dhanvayaasa, Dhan- hilly regions of North India and the
vayavaasa, Dhanvayaasaka, Duraal- Nilgiris.
abhaa, Samudraantaa. Gaandhaari,
English Buckwheat.
Kachhuraa, Anantaa, Duhsparshaa.
(Alhagi pseudalhagi is used as Ayurvedic Kotu.
a substitute for F. cretica.) Folk Kutu, Phaapar.
Unani Dhamaasaa. Action Used for treating fragile
Action Astringent, antiseptic, capillaries, chilbains and for
blood-purifier and febrifuge. strengthening varicose veins. Used
Applied to abscesses, scrofulous at a supporting herb for treating high
glands and wounds; also given blood pressure. Rutin is obtained
as a prophylactic against small- from fresh or dried leaves and
pox. Bark—used for dermatosis flowers. (Rutin is used in a variety
Extract of aerial parts—antiviral, of haemorrhagic conditions.)
antiamphetaminic, spasmogenic.
Plant ash—given to children The seed are commonly used in col-
suffering from anaemia. ic, choleraic diarrhoea and abdominal
obstructions. Root decoction is used
The aerial parts contain several tri- in rheumatic pains, lung diseases and
terpenoid saponins which gave sa- typhoid; juice in urinary disorders. In
pogenin, nahagenin, oleanolic acid. China, used in pulmonary sepsis.
Aerial parts also gave diterpenes, fa- The plant is used as a venous and
gonone and its derivatives, besides capillary tonic, and for alleviating ve-
flavonoids. nous stasis and vericose veins.
The flavonoids, quercetin and kaem- It is a potential source of rutin (yield
pferol, isolated from the leaves and –%). The leaves and blossoms con-
flowers, showed antimicrobial activity. tain most of the rutin (–%).

260 Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.
Quercetin caused significant de- Fagus sylvatica Linn.
crease in ulcer index in acute gastric
ulcer with respect to control group in Family Fagaceae.
rats. Quercetin, rutin or kaempferol Habitat Cooler regions of northern
inhibited, in dose-dependent manner, hemisphere. Distributed in Kulu
gastric damage produced by acidified- and the Nilgiris.
ethanol in rats. English European Beech, Common
The plant also gave hyperoside and Beech.
F anthracene derivatives.
Action Seeds and fatty oil—
Buckwheat is a good source of ly-
sine and other amino acids. The flour used externally in skin diseases,
is reported to repress exogenous hy- rheumatism and gout. Seeds—
percholesterolemia and promotes ac- poisonous. Saponins cause severe
cumulation of triglyceride in the liver gastrointestinal symptoms. Leaves
of rats. also contain saponins. Wood tar—
Seed oil exhibits antimicrobial activ- antiseptic, analgesic; mixed with
ity against Bacillus anthrasis, E.coli and talc, used as a dusting powder for
Salmonella paratyphi. gangrene and bed sores.
Whole plant, dried or green, can
cause photosensitization.
Farsetia hamiltonii Royle.
Family Cruciferae; Brassicaceae.
Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn. Habitat Mediterranean region,
eastwards to India and southwards
Family Polygonaceae. to tropical Africa.
Habitat Cultivated in the Hi- Folk Farid-booti (Punjab).
malayas, especially in the colder Action Antirheumatic.
parts of Ladakh, Zaskar and
Farsetia species contain a volatile oil
Western Tibet.
which gave glucosinolates. Allylglu-
English Tatary Duckwheat. cosinolate is the major constituent.
Ayurvedic Ukhal.
Folk Kutu (var.). Farsetia jacquemontii
Hook. f. Thoms.
Action See F. esculentum. Duck-
wheat is a better source of rutin Family Cruciferae; Brassicaceae.
than the common Buckwheat. Habitat Rajasthan and Northwest-
It contains –% more rutin ern parts of India.
than the latter, and maintains its
high rutin content for a longer Folk Farid-booti.
period. Action Antirheumatic.

Ferula foetida Regel. 261
Feijoa sellowiana Berg. system bark. Pulp is included in
a paste to tone the breast. Leaves—
Synonym Acca sellowiana Berg. astringent; used for indigestion,
Family Myrtaceae. flatulence, diarrhoea, dysentery and
haemorrhoids.
Habitat Indigenous to western
Paraguay, southern Brazil, Uruguay Unripe fruit—prescribed in sprue,
and parts of Argentina; cultivated malabsorption syndrome. (The Ayur-
in South India in Nilgiris and
Kodaikanal hills.
vedic Pharmacopoeia of India.)
The leaves and stem bark contain the
F
English Feijoa, Pineapple Guava, coumarins, luvangetin, xanthotoxin
New Zealand Banana. and limonin and the steroids, sitosterol
and sitosterol-O-beta-D-glucoside.
Action The fruit contains iodine
Antifungal compounds, psoralene
and vitamin C. Iodine content varies
from stem bark; xanthotoxin and os-
according to locality and fluctuates
thenol from root bark and ,-dimeth-
from year to year, usual range is
oxybenzo-quinone from the fruit shell
.–. mg/kg Fruit also contains
are reported. Roots contain xanthotox-
vitamin P-active polyphenols. The
in and bergapten, used for the treat-
fruit is found beneficial only in mild
ment of leucoderma, characterized by
cases of thyrotoxicosis.
vitiligo.
Dosage Dried pulp of mature
Feronia limonia (Linn.) Swingle. fruit—– g powder. (API Vol. II.)
Synonym F. elephantum Corr.
Family Rutaceae. Ferula foetida Regel.
Habitat Indigenous to South India;
Synonym F. assafoetida Linn.
cultivated throughout the plains of
India up to  m in the western Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Himalaya. Habitat Native to Iran, Afghanistan
English Wood Apple. and Pakistan. F. narthex occurs in
Ayurvedic Kapittha, Dadhittha, Kashmir.
Dadhiphala, Surabhichhada, English Asafoetida.
Dantshatha, Kapipriya. Ayurvedic Hingu, Hinguka,
Unani Kuvet. Raamattha, Baahlika, Jatuka,
Siddha/Tamil Vilamaram, Vilangai, Sahasravedhi, Vedhi.
Narivila. Unani Hilteet, Hing.
Folk Kaith. Siddha/Tamil Perunkaayam.
Action Fruit—antiscorbutic, Action Olea-gum-resin—stimu-
carminative, stimulates the digestive lates the intestinal and respiratory

262 Ferula galbaniflua Boiss. ex Buhse.
tracts and the nervous system bark. Unani Gaosheer, Jawaasheer.
Used for simple digestive prob- (Galbanum has been wrongly
lems such as bloating, indigestion, equated with Gandhbirozaa, the
constipation; for congested mucus, oleo-resin of Pine.)
bronchitis, whooping cough, also Action Oleo-gum-resin—digestive
for neurological affections, epilepsy, stimulant, antispasmodic; used
cramps and convulsions. for flatulence and colic; as an
In dyspepsia, expectorant; and as a uterine tonic.
F Key application
chronic, gastritis, irritable colon;
as spasmolytic. (The British Herbal Ferula gummosa contains resinuous
Pharmocopoeia.) Contraindicated substances (%), major constituents
in bleeding disorders, pregnancy, being galbaresenic and galbanic acids;
infectious or inflammatory G volatile oil (–%) containing mono-
diseases. (Sharon M. Herr.) and sesquiterpenes, alcohols and ac-
etates; azulenes; thiol esters; undeca-
Ferula foetida contains: resins about triens; resinic acids (–%); gums;
–%, consisting of asaresionotan- umbelliferone.
nols and their esters; farnesiferols,
ferulic acid and other acids; about
% gum; about –% volatile oil, Ferula jaeschkeana Vatke.
major constituent being sec-propenyl-
isobutyl disulphide; sulphated ter- Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
penes, pinene, cadinene and vanillin; Habitat Jammu and Kashmir and
sesquiterpenoid coumarins. Some Himachal Pradesh from , to
compounds from Ferula sp. ehibit an- , m.
tifertility activity.
Ayurvedic Hingupatri.
Dosage Detoxified oleo- Action Abortifacient, anti-
gum-resin—– mg. (API implantation. Being investigated as
Vol. I.) a potential contraceptive. A related
species, F. silphion, was used in
ancient Rome as a contraceptive.
Ferula galbaniflua The oil extracted from the leaves
Boiss. ex Buhse. possesses mycotoxic property against
dermatophytes, Trichophyton sp.
Synonym F. gummosa Boiss.
The ethanolic extract of the aerial
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. parts produced dilation and congestion
and hypertrophy in liver in rats.
Habitat Native to Persia. Oc-
The roots contain sesquiterpenoids.
casionally grown North-Western
A coumarin, ferujol, isolated from the
Himalaya.
rhizome, showed abortifacient and
English Galbanum. anti-implantation activity at a single

Ficus arnottiana Miq. 263
dose of . mg/kg in rats by oral ad- Action Resin—less strong than
ministration in a suspension of gum asafoetida; used in the same way as
acacia. The essential oil shows antimy- asafoetida and galbanum. Used in
cotic activity. Middle East for rheumatic affections
and backache.
Ferula narthex Boiss. Ferula sumbul Hook. f.
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
F
Habitat Kashmir. Habitat Native to Central Asia.
English Narthex asafoetida. English Musk Root.
Ayurvedic Hingu (var.). Folk Sumbul, Sambala.
Unani Hilteet, Hing. Action Used as a sedative in hysteria
and other nervous disorders.
Siddha/Tamil Perungayam. Also used as a mild gastro-
Action The gum-resin is used as intestinal stimulant. Formerly
asafoetida. used for asthma, bronchitis and
amenorrhoea.
The oil is reported to be bacterio- Ferula sumbul contains .–.%
cidal. It exhibited antimicrobial activ- volatile oil; –% resin; hydroxy-
ity against Gram-positive and Gram- coumarins including umbelliferone;
negative bacteria. sumbulic and angelic acids.
The essential oil, obtained from
seeds, shows antioxidant activity com-
parable to BHT. Ficus altissima Blume.
The plant gave coumarin derivatives
including umbelliferone and scopo- Family Moraceae.
letin. Habitat Assam, eastwards to
Malaysia.
Dosage Gum-resin—– mg.
Ayurvedic Nandi vrksha (var),
(CCRAS.)
Choraka-patra (var.).
Folk Gadgubar (Assam).
Action Leaves and bark—used in
Ferula persica Willd. skin diseases. The tree is one of
Family Umbeliferae; Apiaceae. the recorded hosts of the Indian lac
insect.
Habitat Native to Arabia and
Persia.
English Sagapenum. Ficus arnottiana Miq.
Unani Sakbeenaj, Sakbekh. Family Moraceae.

264 Ficus asperrima Roxb.
Habitat Cultivated in Rajsthan, Action Infusion of bark—used
Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Western in diabetes, dysentery, and in
Peninsula. seminal weakness, leucorrhoea,
Ayurvedic Nandi Vriksha, Prarohi, menorrhagia, nervous disorders,
Gajapaadapa, Paarasa Pipala. erysipelas, burning sensation. Milky
juice and seeds—applied topically
Siddha/Tamil Kagoti. to sores, ulcers, cracked soles of
Action Leaves—a moderate the feet, rheumatic inflammations.
F sterilizer, given to women after Buds—a decoction in milk is given
menses. Leaves and bark—used in in haemorrhages. Aerial roots—
skin diseases. antiemetic, topically applied to
Dosage Bark—– ml decoc- pimples. Leaves—a paste is applied
tion. (CCRAS.) externally to abscesses and wounds
for promoting suppuration.
Along with other therapeutic appli-
Ficus asperrima Roxb. cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
Family Moraceae. of India recommends the aerial root in
lipid disorders.
Habitat Madhya Pradesh and Phytosterolin, isolated from the
Western Peninsula. roots, given orally to fasting rabbits
Ayurvedic Kharapatra (non- at a dose of  mg/kg, produced max-
classical). imum fall in blood sugar level equiva-
lent to % of the tolbutamide standard
Siddha/Tamil Kal-arasu.
after  h. The root bark showed antidi-
Folk Kaala-umar. abetic activity in pituitary diabetes and
Action Juice of bark—given for alloxan-induced diabetes.
enlargement of liver and spleen. The alcoholic extract of the stem
bark also exhibited antidiabetic ac-
tivity on alloxan-induced diabetes in
albino rats, and brought down the
Ficus benghalensis Linn. level of serum cholesterol and blood
Family Moraceae. urea. This activity is attributed to
a glucoside, bengalenoside and the
Habitat Sub-Himalayan tract and flavonoid glycosides, leucocyanidin
Peninsular India. Planted along and leucopelargonidin. Bengalenoside
roadsides, and in gardens. is half as potent as tolbutamide. The
English Banyan tree. leucopelargonidin glycoside is practi-
Ayurvedic Vata, Nyagrodha, cally nontoxic and may be useful in
Bahupaada, Dhruv. controlling diabetes with hyperlipi-
demia. The leucocyanidin, when com-
Unani Bargad, Darakht-e-Reesh. bined with a low dose of insulin, not
Siddha/Tamil Aalamaram. only equalled in response the effects

Ficus cordifolia Roxb. 265
brought about by a double dose of in- Siddha/Tamil Semaiatti.
sulin, but also excelled in amelioration Action Fruit—gentle laxative
of serum cholesterol and triglycerides. and expectorant. Syrup of figs—
(Additional references: Indian J a remedy for mild constipation.
Physiol Pharmacol, , (), – Fruit pulp-analgesic and anti-
; J Ethnopharmacol, , (), – inflammatory, used for treating
; Indian J Physiol Pharmacol, , tumours, swellings and gum
(), –.) abscesses. Latex—analgesic and
toxic. Used for treating warts, insect F
bites and stings. Leaf—used in
Ficus benjamina Linn. lucoderma. Bark—used for eczema
and other skin diseases.
Family Moraceae.
Key application As a laxative.
Habitat The Eastern Himalaya, (Included among unapproved herbs
Assam, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, by German Commission E.)
kerala and the Andaman Islands.
English Java Fig. The leaves gave bergapten, psoralen,
taraxasterol, beta-sitosterol, rutin and
Siddha Malai Ichi, Pon Ichi, a sapogenin. Calotropenyl acetate, lep-
Putrajuvi (Tamil). eol acetate and oleanolic acid have been
Folk Pimpri (Maharashtra). identified in the leaves.
Three peptides which exhibit action
Action Diuretic. Leaves—
against angiotensin I-converting en-
decoction, mixed with oil, is applied
zyme (ACE) have been isolated from
to ulcers.
the fresh latex. Their inhibitory activ-
The fruits gave bergapten. The latex, ity is similar to that of ACE inhibitors
in addition to bergapten, gave alpha- derived from casein. (ACE catalyzes
amyrin and imperatorin. both the production of vasoconstrictor
angiotensin II and the inactivation of
the vasodilator bradykinin.)
Ficus carica Linn. Dosage Fruit—– ml juice; –
 g paste. (CCRAS.)
Family Moraceae.
Habitat Native to the Mediter-
ranean region; now cultivated in
Ficus cordifolia Roxb.
Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab,
Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Synonym F. rumphii Bl.
English Common Fig. Family Moraceae.
Ayurvedic Phalgu, Manjul, Habitat Throughout India, up to
Raajodumbara, Bhadrodumbara. , m in the hills.
Unani Anjeer, Teen. Ayurvedic Ashmantaka (var.)

266 Ficus cunia Buch.-Ham.
Folk Gajanaa, Ashtaa, Paakar. Siddha/Tamil Kal Aal, Pei Aal.
Action Fruit juice and latex— Action Fruit—cardiotonic. Leaves
antiasthmatic and vermifuge. and bark—used in affections of the
liver and skin diseases.
Ficus cunia Buch.-Ham.
Ficus heterophylla Linn. f.
F Synonym
Ham. ex Sm.
F. semicordata Buch.- Family Moraceae.
F. conglomerata Roxb. Habitat Throughout the warmer
parts of India.
Family Moraceae.
Ayurvedic Traayanti, Traaya-
Habitat Sub-Himalayan tract from maanaa.
Chenab eastward to Bhutan and in
Siddha/Tamil Kodi Athi.
Assam, Bengal and Orissa.
Folk Daantiraa (Rajasthan).
English Indian Fig.
Action Fruits—used for consti-
Ayurvedic Malayu, Choraka- pation during fevers. Leaf-juice—
patra, Laakshaa-vrksha, Laghu- antidysenteric. Root bark—mixed
udumbara. with water, given internally in
Siddha Taragadu (Tamil). coryza, asthma and bronchial
Action See F. carica. Fruits— diseases. Root—antispasmodic.
spasmolytic; used in aphthous
complaints. Root—used for
bladder and visceral troubles. Ficus hispida Linn. f.
Bark-decoction—used for washing
ulcers; juice and powdered bark— Synonym F. daemona Koen. ex
Vahl.
applied to wounds and bruises.
Syconium—used for ulcers of F. oppositifolia Roxb.
mucous membrane. Syconium and Family Moraceae.
bark—antileprotic. Habitat Outer Himalaya from
Chenab eastwards to West Bengal
The tree is one of the recorded hosts
Assam, Central and South India
of the Indian lac insect.
and the Andaman Islands.
Ayurvedic Kaakodumbara,
Kaashtodumbara, Phalgu, Malayu,
Ficus dalhousiae Miq.
Malapu.
Family Moraceae. Unani Anjir Dashti.
Habitat Tamil Nadu. Siddha/Tamil Peyatti, Chona Atthi.
Ayurvedic Soma-valka (doubtful Action Syconium—galactagogue.
synonym). Bark and seed—purgative, emetic.

Ficus palmata Forsk. 267
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In- The stem bark of the plant yield ac-
dia recommends the fruit in jaundice, etates of long-chain alcohols, methyl-
oedema and anaemia; fruit and root in ricinolate, beta-sitosterol, lanosterol,
leucoderma, vitiligo. caffeic acid, bergenin and sugars. The
The fruits, seeds and bark con- triterpenoids, lupeol and alpha- and
tain beta-sitosterol, beta-amyrin, n- beta-amyrin, are also present in the
triacontanyl acetate, gluacol acetate, leaves. Flavonoids including sorbifolin
hispidin, a phenanthraindolizidine al- and scutellarein derivatives, have been
kaloid, bergapten and psoralen. A leu- isolated from the leaves. F
cocyanin has been isolated from the
root; oleanolic acid from the leaves. Dosage Stem bark— g powder
for decoction (API Vol. II); dried
Dosage Fruit—– g; root—– fruit—– g. (API Vol. IV.) Leaf,
 g powder. (API Vol. III.) root—– g paste. (CCRAS.)
Ficus lacor Buch.-Ham.
Ficus microcarpa Linn. f.
Synonym F. infectoria auct. non-
Synonym F. retusa auct. non Linn.
Willd.
F. viren Aiton. Family Moraceae.
Family Moraceae. Habitat West Bengal, Bihar, Central
Habitat Plains and lower hills of and Peninsular India and Andaman
India. Islands. Grown in gardens, and as
an avenue tree. Quite common in
English White Fig. New Delhi.
Ayurvedic Plaksha, Karpari, Pitana,
Ayurvedic Plaksha (related sp.).
Parkati.
Siddha/Tamil Kal Ichi.
Siddha/Tamil Kurugu, Itthi,
Kallalnaram. Folk Itti.
Action Bark—decoction is used Action Bark—antibilious. Leaf—
for washing ulcers, as a gargle in antispasmodic. Root bark and leaf—
salivation; also used for menstrual used in preparations of oils and
disorders and leucorrhoea. Leaf— ointments for ulcers, skin diseases,
estrogenic. Plant— used in oedema and inflammations.
erysipelas, ulcer, epistaxis.
Fresh ripe fruit or powder of dried
fruits is used to treat diabetes. Ficus palmata Forsk.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
dia indicates the use of the fruit and Synonym F. caricoides Roxb.
stem bark in syncope, delirium and il- F. virgata Wall. ex Roxb.
lusive and unstable state of mind. Family Moraceae.

268 Ficus racemosa Linn.
Habitat North-western India and used in haemoptysis. Root and
Rajasthan, from Kashmir eastward fruit—hypoglycaemic. Bark—
to Nepal, ascending to , m. decoction is used in skin dis-
English Indian Fig. eases, inflammations, boils and
ulcers.
Ayurvedic Phalgu, Anjiri.
Siddha Manjimedi (Telugu). The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
dia recommends the use of the bark in
F Action Fruit—demulcent and
laxative. Latex is applied on
lipid disorders and obesity.
Leaves and fruit contain gluacol.
pimples. Ripe fruits—hypotensive.
The fruit also contains beta-sitosterol,
Leaves gave bergapten and beta- lupeol acetate, friedelin, higher hydro-
sitosterol. carbons and other phytosterols.
Petroleum ether extract of the stem
bark significantly reduced blood sug-
ar level of rats with streptozotocin-
Ficus racemosa Linn. induced diabetes. It completely inhib-
Synonym F. glomerata Roxb. ited glucose--phosphate dehydroge-
nase from rat liver. Extracts of fruit
Family Moraceae. and latex did not show any significant
Habitat Throughout India. Grows effect on blood sugar level of diabetic
wild in forests and hills. Often rats, they inhibited only glucose--
found around subterranean water phosphate but not arginase from rat
streams. liver.
An alcoholic extract of the bark has
English Cluster Fig, Country Fig.
been found to be very effective in re-
Ayurvedic Udumbara, Sadaaphala, ducing blood sugar in alloxan-induced
Hema-daudhaka, Jantuphala, diabetic albino rats. It helped in im-
Yagyaanga. proving the damaged beta cells of islets
Unani Anjir-e-Aadam, Anjir-e- of Langerhans, thus exerting perma-
Ahmak, Gular. nent blood sugar lowering effect.
The ethanolic extract of seeds also
Siddha/Tamil Atthi. showed hypoglycaemic activity.
Action Astringent and antisep- Lignin, the main fiber constituent
tic; used in threatened abortions, of the fruit, prevented the rise in
menorrhagia, leucorrhoea, urinary serum cholesterol levels of some extent.
disorders, skin diseases, swellings, Fresh whole fruits, used as a source of
boils, haemorrhages. Unripe dietary fibre, exhibited more hypoc-
fruits—astringent, carminative, holesterolemic activity than pure cel-
digestive, stomachic; used in di- lulose.
arrhoea, dyspepsia, dysentery,
menorrhagia and haemorrhages. Dosage Bark—– g for
Ripe fruits—antiemetic, also decoction. (API Vol. I.)

Flacourita indica (Burm. f.) Merr. 269
Ficus religiosa Linn. Various plant parts are included
in formulations used for menorrha-
Family Moraceae. gia, metrorrhagia, blood dysentery,
Habitat Sub-Himalayan tracts, bleeding piles, haematuria and haem-
West Bengal, Central and South orrhages.
India; planted throughout India as
an avenue tree. Dosage Bark, fruit—– ml
decoction. (CCRAS.)
English Peepal, Bot-tree.
Ayurvedic Ashvattha, Bodhidru,
F
Bodhivrkisha, Sebya, Chalapa-
Ficus talbotii G. King.
tra, Gajabhaksha, Kshiradruma,
Peeppal. Family Moraceae.
Unani Peepal. Habitat Peninsular India.
Siddha/Tamil Arasu, Ashvatham. Ayurvedic Plaksha (related species).
Action Bark—astringent, antiseptic, Siddha/Tamil Itthi, Kal Itthi.
alterative, laxative, haemostatic,
vaginal disinfectant (used in Action Bark—antileprotic (used for
diabetes, diarrhoea, leucorrhoea, ulcers and venereal diseases). Aerial
menorrhagia, nervous disorders; parts exhibit diuretic, spasmolytic,
also in skin diseases.) Applied CNS depressant and hypothermic
externally on unhealthy ulcers activity.
and wounds. Leaves and twigs—
laxative.
The bark contains beta-sitosteryl-D- Fimbristylis ovata Kern.
glucoside. Vitamin K, n-octacosanol, Synonym F. monostachya Hassk.
methyl oleanolate, lanosterol, stigmas-
terol, lupen--one are reported from Family Cyperaceae.
the stem bark. Habitat Throughout warmer
A hypoglycaemic response is report- regions of India, as a weed.
ed for beta-sitosterol-D-glucoside ob- Ayurvedic Ibha-muulaka. (Also
tained from the bark. equated with F. annua.)
Aerial roots are given to women, al-
so used in prescriptions, for inducing Action Used in adenitis, scrofula,
conception. The dried fruits are used syphilis; also in cough, bronchitis
as a uterine tonic. and asthma.
The fruits contain .% protein hav-
ing the essential amino acids, isoleu-
cine and phenylalanine. The chloro- Flacourita indica (Burm. f.) Merr.
form extract of fruits exhibited anti-
tumour and antibacterial activities in Synonym F. ramontchi L’Herit.
bioassays. Family Flacourtiaceae.

270 Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.) Raeusch.
Habitat Cultivated in Assam, Family Flacourtiaceae.
Maharashtra and Bengal.
Habitat Bengal, Assam, Orissa,
English Ramontchi, Madagascar Andhra Pradesh and Eastern Ghats.
Plum, Mauritius Plum, Governor’s
Plum. English Puneala Plum.
Ayurvedic Vikankata, Yajnya- Ayurvedic Praachinaamalaka,
vrksha, Gopakantaa, Sruva-vrksha. Paaniyaamalaka. (Taalispatri (Hin-
di), Taalispatra (Gujarati), Taalisam
F Siddha/Tamil Sottai-kala, Katukala.
(Malyalaam), Taalispatramu (Tel-
Folk Poniol (Assam), Kataaya, ugu) are confusing synonyms of
Kakaiyaa. Paaniyaamalaka.)
Action Gum—anticholerin. Used Unani Taalisfar, Nabaq Hindi,
as a gargle. Applied to eczema and Zarnab. In National Formulary of
skin diseases. Bark—antidysenteric, Unani Medicine, Zarnab, synonym
astringent, diuretic. Seed— Telispattar, is equated with F.
antirheumatic. Fruit—stomachic. catapracta, also with Cinnamonum
Root—applied externally in skin tamala Nees. (Zarnab is also equated
diseases. Leaves and young shoots— with Salix aegyptiaca Sprengel and
astringent and stomachic. Taalisfar with Rhododendron
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In- anthapogon D. Don or R. lipidotum
dia recommends the use of the leaf and by Unani scholars.)
stem bark in jaundice, oedema and dis- Siddha/Tamil Saralu, Vayangarai.
eases due to vitiated blood.
The bark contains a phenolic gluco- Folk Paniyaalaa (Bihar).
side ester, (−)-flacourtin. The heart- Action Leaves—astringent,
wood contains the steroid, ramonto- antidiarrhoeal, stomachic. Used
side, beta-sitosterol and its beta-D- in chronic bronchitis. Fruit—used
glucopyranoside. in affections of the liver. Bark and
The fruits contain .–.% pro- fruit—antibilious. Infusion of bark
tein, vitamin C and mineral matter is used as a gargle. Fruits contain
.%; calcium . and phosphorus (dry basis) protein .%; vitamin C
. mg/ g. Fruits are given in jaun- , Ca , K , P , Fe , Mg
dice and enlarged spleen.  mg/ g. The fruit stem bark and
Dosage Leaf—– g for bark yielded a coumarin, ostruthin,
decoction. (API Vol. IV.) (Also and limonoids, jangomolide and
bark—CCRAS.) limonin.
(Taalisha, Taalisam, Taalisapatri,
Flacourtia jangomas Taalisapatra—all the synonyms are
(Lour.) Raeusch. now equated with Abies spectabilis
(D. Don) Spach., synonym A. webbiana
Synonym F. cataphracta Roxb. Lindl., Pinus webbiana Wall.)

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. 271
Flacourtia sepiaria Roxb. Key application In dyspepsias such
as mild, spastic, gastrointestinal
Family Flacourtiaceae. afflictions, fullness, flatulence.
Habitat Kumaon and n the dry Fennel syrup or honey can be
forests of Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and used for the catarrh of the upper
South India. respiratory tract in children. Fennel
oil preparations not recommended
Ayurvedic Vikankata (related during pregnancy. (German
species), Kinkini (provisional
classical synonym).
Commission E, ESCOP, WHO.) F
Folk Kondai, Kondari. German Commission E reported that
fennel seed promotes gastrointesti-
Action The bark of the plant,
nal motility and in higher concen-
triturated in sesame oil, is used as
trations acts as antispasmodic. In
liniment in gout and rheumatism.
experiments anethole and fenchone
have been shown to have a secre-
tolytic action in respiratory tract. The
Foeniculum vulgare Mill. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia and In-
dian Herbal Pharmacopoeia report its
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. carminative and spasmolytic proper-
Habitat Native to the Mediter- ty.
ranean region; now cultivated Fennel seed contain about % vola-
mainly in Punjab, Assam, Maha- tile oil (about –% anethole, among
rashtra and Vadodara (Gujarat). others –% fenchone and methyl-
chavicol), flavonoids, coumarins (in-
English Fennel. (Poison hemlock
cluding bergapten) and sterols.
has been misidentified as fennel.)
The extract of seeds inhibits the
Ayurvedic Mishreyaa, Mishi, Mad- growth of micro-organism, especially
hurikaa, Madhuraa, Shatapushpaa, Streptococcus mutans, that are respon-
Shataahvaa. (Shatpushpaa is equat- sible for dental caries and periodontal
ed with Saunf and Shataahvaa with diseases.
Soyaa. Some authors treat these as The essential oil from the seed is re-
vice-versa.) ported to be antibacterial, antifungal,
Unani Baadiyaan, Saunf. antioxidant, emmenagogue, oxytocic
and abortifacient.
Siddha/Tamil Sombu. The fatty acid, petroselenic acid, ob-
Action Carminative, stomachic, tained from the oil, exhibited antimi-
antispasmodic, emmenagogue, crobial activity.
galactagogue, anti-inflammatory, Anethole, a major constituent of fen-
diuretic. Relieves bloating, nausea, nel seed/oil has been found to be an
settles stomach and stimulates active estrogenic agent with minimal
appetite. Also used in amenorrhoea hepatotoxicity and no teratogenic ef-
and enuresis. fect.

272 Fraxinus griffithii Clarke.
The oil also exhibits anticarcino- Family Oleaceae.
genic activity and can be used as a che- Habitat F. excelsior Linn.—Great
moprotective agent. Britain, Europe and North America.
It possesses antioxidant activity close F. hookery—Western Himalaya at
to BHT. ,–, m.
Anethole and limonene are used in
pharmaceutical compositions for de- English European Ash, Weeping
creasing the side effects of chemother- Ash.
F apy and increasing the immune func- Folk Kum, Sum, Hum, Sinnun
tion. (Punjab, Kashmir).
Limonene showed the capacity to in- Action F. excelsior—laxative, anti-
hibit mammary tumours in rats. inflammatory, febrifuge. The bark
The boiling water extract of leaves and leaves are used for arthritis and
shows hypotensive effect in rats. rheumatism.
The methanolic extract of seed
showed antispasmodic activity, while The herb gave coumarin derivatives,
aqueous extract accelerated the spon- including fraxin, fraxetin and fraxinol;
taneous movement of rabbit stomach. flavonoids based on aesculetin, includ-
ing aescin, also rutin and quercetin.
Dosage Dried fruit—– g powder. A coumarin derivative is actively di-
(API Vol. I.) uretic.
A saccharine exudate, manna, con-
sisting principally of mannitol, is ob-
Fraxinus griffithii Clarke. tained by incising the stem barks of
some Fraxinus sp. found in India. The
Family Oleaceae. manna of commerce is derived from
Habitat Arunachal Pradesh F. ornus. F. hookery (bark)—astringent,
(Mishmi Hills). febrifuge, bitter tonic. Leaves—cathar-
tic.
Action Toxic to CNS. Ash Bark is used, in decoction, in
The extract of the bark and leaves are the treatment of intermittent fever and
used as an adulterant of illegal opium ague, as a substitute for Peruvian bark.
and are sold in the black market in Also used for treating obstructions of
certain areas in Indonesia. the liver and spleen and in rheumatism
The bark contains an iridoid glu- and arthritic affections.
coside, ligstroside, and the phenolic Preparations of European Ash Bark
glucosides, syringin and sinapaldehyde showed an analgesic, anti-exudative
glucoside. and antiphlogistic action. (German
Commission E.)
Fraxinus hookery Wenz. Fraxinus ornus Linn.
Synonym F. excelsior auct. non L. Family Oleaceae.

Fucus vesiculosus Linn. 273
Habitat Indigenous to the coasts The bulbs contain steroidal alka-
of the Mediterranean from Spain to loids—ebeinone, eduardine, edpeti-
Smyrna. lidine, verticinone, isoverticine and
English Flake Manna. isobaimonidine and pimaradienic di-
terpene, oblongifolic acid.
Unani Turanjeen. Ebeinone exhibited anticholinergic
Action A children’s laxative. activity.
Usually prescribed with other
purgatives. (Not to be used in the F
presence of ileus.)
Fritillaria roylei Hook.
Key application In constipation
where an easier elimination and Family Liliaceae.
a soft stool are desirable; in Habitat Western temperate
animents such as anal fissures, Himalaya from Kashmir to Kumaon
haemorrhoids and post-rectal and at ,–, m.
surgery. (German Commission E.)
Ayurvedic Kshira-Kaakoli, Viraa,
The exudation contains –% Kaayasthikaa, Vaaysoli.
mannitol, –% stachyose and man-
Action Used in the treatment of
notriose, glucose, fructose.
asthma, bronchitis and tuberculosis.
(Withania somnifera is a substitute
for Kaakoli and Kshira-Kaakoli.)
Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don.
The bulbs gave alkaloids—peimine,
Family Liliaceae. peimisine, peimiphine, perminine,
Habitat Central and Western permidine and permitidine. The bulbs
Himalaya between , and also gave neutral compounds—prope-
, m. imin and a sterol. The plant gave kash-
Folk Yathu. mirine.
Action Corm—antiasthmatic, used Dosage Bulb—– g powder.
for bronchitis and tuberculosis. (CCRAS.)
Fritillaria imperialis L.
Fucus vesiculosus Linn.
Family Liliaceae.
Family Fucaceae. (Laminaria sp.)
Habitat Kashmir at ,–, m.
Habitat On the shores of the
English Crown Imperial, Imperial United Kingdom, North Atlantic
Fritillary. Ocean, North Pacific Coast of
Action Bulbs—emollient, diuretic, America; as a weed; found in Indian
resolvent, spasmolytic, hypotensive, Ocean on the Manora Rocks. Allied
cardiotonic. species—F. distichus Linn., and F.

274 Fumaria officinalis Linn.
nodosus Linn. (Included in Glossary the herb in cases of G bleeding disor-
of Indian Medicinal Plants, CSIR, ders is contraindicated.
also in its second supplement.) F. (Included among unapproved herbs
nodosus is found in India along sea by German Commission E.)
shores.
English Bladderwrack, Black Tang,
Rockweed, Kelp. Fumaria officinalis Linn.
F Action Weed—one of the richest Family Fumariaceae.
source of minerals, chiefly iodine, Habitat Native to Europe and
sodium, manganese, sulphur, sil- North America. Found at high
icon, zinc and copper. Effective altitudes in Nilgiris and Salem
against obesity, antirheumatic. (Tamil Nadu).
Stimulates circulation of lymph. English Fumitory.
Endocrine gland stimulant. Al-
Ayurvedic Parpata (related species).
lays onset of arteriosclerosis by
maintaining elasticity of walls of Unani Shaahtaraa.
blood vessels. Mild diuretic, bulk, Action Antispasmodic and
laxative, antibiotic. High sodium amphicholeretic. Stimulant to liver
content may reduce effectiveness of and gall bladder; used for eczema
diuretics. and other skin diseases. Also
diuretic and mild laxative.
(The herb contains trace metal, par-
Key application In spastic dis-
ticularly iodine from .–.%. It may
comforts in the area of gallbladder
contain waste metals such as cadmium
and bile ducts, as well as the
and strontium, when grown in a pollut-
gastrointestinal tract. (German
ed environment. Variable iodine con-
Commission E, The British Herbal
tent and arsenic contamination make
Pharmacopoeia.)
the herb unsafe.)
The herb should be used with cau- The herb contains indenobenzaze-
tion in hyperthyroidism and hypothy- pine alkaloids—fumaritrin and fu-
roidism. Excess thyroid activity may be marofine.
aggravated by the iodine content of the Other alkaloids include (−)-scou-
herb; it may disrupt thyroid function. lerine, protopine, fumaricine, (+)-fu-
One gram of Bladderwrack might con- mariline. The plant also contain rutin,
tain as much as  mcg iodine (Ingest- fumaric acid and hydroxycinnamic
ing more than  mcg iodine per day acid derivatives.
may cause hyperthyroidism or exacer- Protopine exhibits antihistaminic,
bate existing hyperthyroidism.) (Natu- hypotensive, bradycardic and sedative
ral Medicines Comprehensive Database, activity in small doses, but excitation
.) and convulsions in large doses. (Natu-
Due to the antithrombin effects of its ral Medicines Comprehensive Database,
fucan polysaccharides, consumption of .)

Fumaria vaillantii Loisel. 275
The seed oil contains myristic ., Dosage Whole plant—– g (API
palmitic ., stearic ., oleic ., Vol. IV); – g powder; – ml
linoleic . and linolenic acid .%. decoction. (CCRAS.)
The upper flowering part of the herb
is used for biliary disorders, various
skin diseases and fevers. The herb can Fumaria vaillantii Loisel.
also treat arteriosclerosis by helping in
lowering blood cholesterol level and Family Fumariaceae.
improving the elasticity of arterial wall. Habitat Throughout India on the F
hills.
Ayurvedic Parpata.
Fumaria parviflora Lam. Unani Shaahtaraa.
Folk Pittapaaparaa.
Synonym F. indica (Haussk.)
Pugsley. Action The plant is used as
a substitute for Fumaria parviflora.
Family Fumariaceae.
A decoction of the herb is used for
Habitat At high altitudes in
blood purification and in skin diseases,
Tamil Nadu; up to , m on the
especially psoriasis.
Himalayas.
Methanolic extract of the plant ex-
English Fumitory. hibits antimicrobial activity against
Ayurvedic Parpata, Parpata- Sarcina subflava.
ka, Varatikta, Renu, Kavacha, The herb contains several isoquino-
Sukshmapatra. line alkaloids which are common to
Fumaria officinalis and Fumaria parv-
Unani Shaahtaraa. iflora.
Siddha/Tamil Thura. Protopine showed smooth muscle
relaxant activity in guinea-pigs, rabbits
Folk Pittapaaparaa. and albino rats and hydrocholeretic ac-
Action Detoxifying, laxative, tivity in anaesthetized dogs. L-tetra-
diuretic, diaphoretic. hydrocoptisine showed antipsychotic
(neuroleptic) activity in albino rats and
The plant contains isoquinoline al- mice. Narceimine, narlumidine, adlu-
kaloids—including protopine, sangui- midine and protopine nitrate exhibit
narine, cryptopine, d-bicuculline, fu- anti-inflammatory activity.
maridine, fumaramine. The leaves Alkaloids, narlumidine and pro-
contain kaempferol and quercetin gly- topine, exhibit significant antifungal
cosides. activity.

G
Galium aparine Linn. Habitat Kashmir, Lahul and other
west Himalayan regions, at altitude
Family Rubiaceae. of ,–, m
Habitat The Temperate Himalayas. English Lady’s Bedstraw, Cheese
English Goosegrass, Clivers, Rennet.
Cleavers, Catch Weed. Action Herb—diuretic, used for
Action Choleretic, stomachic, kidney stone, gravel, gout. Used
diuretic, refrigerant, lymphatic, topically for poorly healing wounds.
alterative, antiscorbutic, detoxifier;
The plant contains the iridoids in-
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
cluding asperuloside and galioside;
used for enlarged lymph nodes,
flavonoid glycosides; quercetin--glu-
especially cervical neck nodes,
coside, quercetin--glucoside, quer-
cystic and nodular changes in the
cetin--rutinoside, luteolin--gluco-
glands, modular goitre. Used as
side; anthraquinone derivatives, in-
a cleansing drink for malignant
cluding alizarin, and large amounts of
conditions and skin disorders,
salicylic acid. Its high organic acid
including psoriasis.
content causes curdling of milk.
Key application As diuretic. (The The root contain n-alkanes.
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
The plant contains iridoid monoter-
penes (asperuloside), benzyl isoquino- Garcinia cambogia Desr.
line alkaloids (including protopine), Synonym G. gummi-gutta (Linn.)
beta-carbolin alkaloids (including har- Robs.
mine), quinazoline alkaloids and fla-
vonoids (such as luteolin). Methanolic Family Guttiferae; Clusiaceae.
extract of the plant contains chloro- Habitat Western Ghats and Nilgiris.
genic acid, scopoletin and rutin. The English Gamboge tree.
plant is reported to contain several
sterols. The root contains anthraqui- Ayurvedic Vrkshaamla (allied
nones. species), Kokam (var.).
Asperuloside can be chemically con- Siddha/Tamil Kodakkapuli.
verted to prostanoid intermediates. Action Fruit rind—used in rickets
and enlargement of spleen, in
skeletal fractures.
Galium verum Linn.
The plant contains iso-prenylated
Family Rubiaceae. polyphenols—cambogin and cambo-

278 Garcinia cowa Roxb.
ginol. The fruit contains about % The bark contains cowanin, cow-
acid (dry weight basis), which is essen- anol, cowaxanthone and rubraxan-
tially (−)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA). thone.
HCA is a potent inhibitor of ATP cit- Cawanol and cowaxanthone are re-
rate lyase, the enzyme that produces ported to exhibit moderate antimicro-
acetyl CoA for both fatty acid and bial activity against Staphylococcus au-
cholesterol synthesis. reus.
Taking Garcinia fruit rind extract
orally does not seem to help decrease
weight, satiety, fat oxidation or energy
G expenditure in obese people. Some re-
Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f.
searchers are of the view that garcinia Family Guttiferae; Clusiaceae.
inhibits the supply of fatty acids with- Habitat Evergreen forests of Assam
out affecting adipose conversion. (Nat- and Khasi Hills.
ural Medicines Comprehensive Data-
English Siam Gamboge.
base, .)
Latex gave benzophenone deriva- Ayurvedic Kankushtha;
tives, camboginol and cambogin. Kaalakushtha, Tamaala.
Unani Usaar-e-revand.
Action Gum-resin—drastic
Garcinia cowa Roxb. hydragogue, cathartic; used for
Synonym G. kydia Roxb. dropsical conditions. Toxic. The
gum-resin contains –% resins
Family Guttiferae; Clusiaceae. consisting mainly of alpha- and
Habitat Tropical forests of Assam, beta-garcinolic acids with gambogic
Bengal, Orissa and the Andamans. acids; about –% gum.
Ayurvedic Paaraavata, Kowaa. Gambogic acid, morellic acid and
Folk Kaphal (Nepal), Kujithekera isomorellic acid are toxic constituents
(Assam). of the gum-resin.
Action Sun-dried slices of the fruit
are used in dysentery. The latex
is used as febrifuge. Gum-resin— Garcinia indica Choisy.
drastic cathartic (may produce
nausea and vomiting). Synonym G. purpurea Roxb.
The fruits from Assam contain: to- Family Guttiferae; Clusiaceae.
tal soluble solids ., titrable acidity Habitat Evergreen forests of
., total sugars .% and vitamin C Western Ghats from Konkan
. mg/g southwards and in Goa. Also
The latex gave xanthones, cowanin, cultivated in southern districts of
cowanol, cowaxanthone and norcow- Maharashtra and on lower slopes of
anin. Nilgiris.

Garcinia mangostana Linn. 279
English Kokam Butter tree, English Mangosteen, Dodol.
Mangosteen Oil tree. Siddha/Tamil Sulambuli, Mangusta.
Ayurvedic Vrkshaamla, Tintidika,
Folk Mangustaan.
Chukra, Amlavrkshak, Kokam,
Amsula. Action Fruit—antileucorrhoeic,
Siddha/Tamil Murgal. astringent, antifungal, antibacterial;
used in cystitis, diseases of the
Folk Kokam. genitourinary tract, diarrhoea,
Action Fruit—antiscorbutic, tropical dysentery and fevers.
cholagogue, cooling, antibilious,
emollient and demulcent. A syrup
Pericarp—used externally for
eczema and other skin diseases.
G
from the fruit juice is given in bilious Leaves—anti-inflammatory, anti-
affections. Bark—astringent, Oil or immunosuppressive, antiprotozoal,
Kokam Butter—used for dysentery antimicrobial.
and diarrhoea with mucus. Applied
externally to ulcerations, fissures of The plant contains anthocyanin gly-
lips, chapped skin and skin diseases. cosides, a benzophenone, maclurin
and several prenylated and related xan-
The fruit rind contain a polyiso-
thones. The leaves contain terpenoids,
prenylated phenolic pigment, garci-
xanthones and long chain hydrocar-
nol and its isomer isogarcinol, along
bons.
with (−)-hydroxycitric acid, cyanidin-
The pericarp (fruit hull) contains the
-glucoside and cyanidin--sambubio-
xanthone derivatives, mangostin, nor-
side. L-leucine and DNP-L-leucine hy-
mangostin, beta-mangostin, gamma-
drochloride have been reported from
mangostin, isomangostin as major
the leaves.
constituents.
EtOH (%) extract of aerial parts
Mangostin, isolated from the rind
exhibited semen coagulant and CNS
of fruit, inhibited primary and sec-
depressant activity.
ondary responses to adjuvant-induced
Kokum butter contains fatty acids—
arthritis in rats. Mangostin, isoman-
palmtic ., stearic ., oleic .,
gostin and mangostin triacetate exhib-
linoleic . and others .%.
ited pronounced anti-inflammatory
Dosage Fruit—– ml activity in rats both by i.p. and oral
juice; root bark—– ml routes.
decoction. (CCRAS.) Mangostin also produced antiulcer
activity in rats.
Mangostin and some of its deriva-
Garcinia mangostana Linn. tives produced CNS depression, char-
acterized by ptosis, sedation and de-
Family Guttiferae; Clusiaceae. creased motor activity.
Habitat Native to Malaysia. Now Gamma-mangostin showed more
cultivated mainly on lower slopes of potent radical scavenging and antioxi-
the Nilgiris. dant activity than BHA.

280 Garcinia morella (Gaertn) Desv.
Garcinia morella (Gaertn) Desv. Action Antiscorbutic, astringent,
cooling, cardiotonic, emollient.
Synonym G. pictoria Roxb. Used in anorexia, dyspepsia, colic,
liver and spleen diseases difficult
Family Guttiferae; Clusiaceae.
micturition. Cough and other
Habitat Throughout southern respiratory disorders, ulcers and
India, also in Assam and West skin diseases.
Bengal, up to , m
Dry fruits (pericarp) contain the
English Indian Gamboge. benzophenones, pedunculol, garcinol
G Ayurvedic Kankushtha, Tamaal, and cambogin.
Taapichha, Ushaare-revand. The heartwood gave benzophenone
and xanthone.
Siddha/Tamil Iravakhinni.
Dosage Fruit—– ml juice.
Action Gum-resin—hydragogue,
(CCRAS.)
cathartic, anthelmintic. Used in
dropy and amenorrhoea. Causes
nausea, vomiting and griping in
large doses. Garcinia xanthochymus
Hook. f. ex T. And.
The gum contains morellin, neo-
morellin, beta-guttiferin and alpha- Synonym G. tinctoria (DC.) W. F.
guttiferin and their derivatives. The Wt.
heartwood gave morelloflavone. Seed Family Guttiferae; Clusiaceae.
coat gave morellin, isomorellin and
their neo derivatives which exhibited Habitat The lower hill forests
antibacterial and antiprotozoal activi- of Eastern Himalayas, Peninsular
ty. India, Orissa, Maharashtra and the
Andamans.
Dosage Gum-resin—– mg.
English Egg tree.
(CCRAS.)
Ayurvedic Tamaal (var.), Vrk-
shaamla (var.).
Siddha/Tamil Kulavi, Malaippachai,
Garcinia pedunculata Roxb. Mukki, Tamalam
Family Guttiferae; Clusiaceae. Folk Amsul (Maharashtra).
Habitat Forests of northeast Action Fruit—anthelmintic, im-
Bengal, sporadic in NEFA, Manipur proves appetite. Also used as a car-
and upper Assam diotonic. Fruit gave xanthochymol
and isoxanthymol (polyprenylat-
Ayurvedic Amlavetasa. Vetasaamla.
ed benzophenone derivatives),
Folk Thaikala (Bengal). flavones and xanthones.

Gardenia latifolia Ait. 281
Gardenia gummifera Linn. f. Ayurvedic Gandharaaja.
Synonym G. arborea Roxb. Siddha/Tamil Karinga.
G. inermis Dietr. Action Plant—cathartic, antispas-
Family Rubiaceae. modic, anthelmintic, antiperiodic.
Root—antidysenteric. Also used in
Habitat Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, dyspepsia and nervous disorders.
Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Fruits—used in gastric hyperacidity,
Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. constipation, cholestasis, internally
Gummy Cape Jasmine. and externally for inflammation
English
and as a tranquilizer. G
Ayurvedic Venupatrikaa, Naadi-
hingu, Hingushivaatikaa. Hingu- The plant contains iridoid glyco-
patrikaa, Hingupatri (also equated sides—geniposide ., genipin .,
with Ferula Jaeschkeana Vatke). gardenoside . and geniposidic acid
Unani Dikaamaali. . mg/g The stem and root contain
Siddha/Tamil Dikkamalli, Kambil, oleanolic acid, D-mannitol and stig-
Sinna Kambil. masterol. The leaves contain an anti-
fungal compound, cerbinal.
Action Gum—carminative, anti- Geniposide is an important active
spasmodic, stimulant, diaphoretic, principle of the fruit. The fruit al-
anthelmintic, antiseptic, expecto- so contain the carotenoids, crocin and
rant. Given to children in nervous crocetin. Aqueous and methonalic ex-
disorders and diarrhoea due to tracts of the fruit exhibited antioxidant
dentition. activity due to the presence of geni-
The gum yielded flavones, includ- poside and crocin; crocin was more
ing gardenin, de-Me-tangeretin and potent than geniposide.
nevadensin; wogonins, isoscutellarein, The extract as well as geniposide
apigenin and de-MeO-sudachitin. caused a remarkable decrease in GOT,
GPT and ALP activities. They also pro-
Dosage Gum—– mg. duced a significant decrease in the lev-
(CCRAS.) el of total cholesterol in the serum of
CCl-induced and D-galactosamine-
intoxicated rats. The crude extract as
well as geniposide exhibited protec-
Gardenia jasminoides Ellis.
tive effect against induced hyperbiliru-
Synonym G. florida Linn. binemia by effectively lowering serum
G. augusta Merrill. bilirubin.
Family Rubiaceae.
Habitat Native to China and Japan;
cultivated in Indian gardens. Gardenia latifolia Ait.
English Cape Jasmine. Family Rubiaceae.

282 Gardenia resinifera Roth.
Habitat Throughout the greater Habitat Throughout the greater
part of India, mostly in dry forests. part of India, up to , m
English Boxwood Gardenia. Ayurvedic Mahaapindi, Karahaata,
Ayurvedic Parpataki. Kharahaara. (Bark is sold as
Bhaargi.) Thanella.
Siddha/Tamil Kumbay, Perungam-
bil. Siddha/Tamil Nanjundam, Malan-
garai.
Folk Paaparaa, Ban-pindaalu.
Action Root—used as a remedy
Bark—used in skin diseases.
G Action for indigestion in children. Fruits—
The stem bark contains hederage- used in affections of the mammary
nin, D-mannitol, sitosterol and siaresi- glands. Pounded pulp is applied to
nolic, episiaresinolic, oleanolic and forehead in fever.
spinosic acid. The bark and wood gave beta-sitos-
terol, hederagenin, Me-esters of olea-
nolic and gypsogenic acids. Root gave
Gardenia resinifera Roth. gardnins.
Saponins from bark decreased for-
Synonym G. lucida Roxb. mation of histamine and may find use
Family Rubiaceae. in asthma. (Market drug is expecto-
rant and weak spasmolytic, but was not
Habitat Central India and Deccan found effective in asthma.)
Peninsula.
Ayurvedic Naadihingu (related
species), Jantuka.
Garuga pinnata Roxb.
Unani Dikaamaali.
Family Burseraceae.
Siddha/Tamil Kambil, Kumbai,
Dikkamalli. Habitat Throughout India, up to
, m on the hills.
Action Gum—antimicrobial,
anthelmintic; used in skin diseases. English Grey Downy Balsam.
Gum gave flavonoids—gardenins, Ayurvedic Paaranki, Kharpata.
wagonin derivatives, de-Me- (Kinkiraata, Karnikaara, Mri-
tangeretin, nevadensin, hexacosyl- galindika are doubtful synonyms.)
p-coumarate. See G. gummifera.
Siddha/Tamil Karre Vembu,
Arunelli.
Gardenia turgida Roxb. Folk Ghogar, Toon.
Action Fruit—stomachic. Leaf—
Synonym Ceriscoides turgida Roxb. astringent, antiasthmatic. Bark—
Family Rubiaceae. antidiabetic.

Gentiana kurroo Royle. 283
The leaves and stem bark contain about the regression of tumours in
sterols, sitosterol, stigmasterol and mice and dogs.
campesterol; fatty acids; aliphatic com-
pounds; a mixture of long chain es-
ters; along with tannins and wax- Gelidium amansii Kutz.
es. The leaves also contain garu-
garin and amentoflavone. Gum-resin Family Gelidaceae, Rhodophyceae.
contains alpha-amyrin, butyrospermol Habitat Indigenous to Japan.
and dammarandiol.
Aqueous and ethanolic extract of the English Agar Agar, Japanese
leaves exhibit anti-inflammatory and Isinglass. (Dried mucilaginous G
antiallergic activities. extract.)
Folk Agar-Agar.
Action Bulk-laxative. Agar-Agar
Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall. does not increase peristaltic action.
Its action is similar to that of
Family Ericaceae.
cellulose of vegetable foods which
Habitat Central and Eastern aids the regularity of the bowel
Himalayas, Khasi Hills, Western movement. (Often made into an
Ghats, the Nilgiris and Travancore. emulsion with liquid paraffin for
English Fragrant Wintergreen, use in constipation.)
Indian Wintergreen. (Wintergreen
Most agars consist of two major
oil is obtained from G. procumbens
polygalactoses, the neutral agarose
Linn., a native of America.)
and the sulphonated polysaccharide
Ayurvedic Gandhapuura, Gandha- agaropectin, with traces of amino acids
puurna. and free sugars.
Siddha/Tamil Kolakkaai. Agar contains a large amount of
Action Leaves—stimulant, carmi- pectin which may precipitate when ex-
native, diuretic, antiseptic. Oil (in posed to alcohol. (Sharon M Herr.)
the form of liniment or ointment)—
applied externally in rheumatism,
sciatica and neuralgia. The plant is Gentiana kurroo Royle.
strongly irritant.
Family Gentianaceae.
The leaves gave hyperoside (quer- Habitat Kashmir and North-West
cetin--galactoside), ursolic acid, beta- Himalayas.
sitosterol and essential oil contain-
ing methyl salicylate as a major con- English Himalayan Gentian, Indian
stituent. The yield of oil from Assam Gentian Root.
plants contains .% methyl salicy- Ayurvedic Traayamaana, Traayanti,
late. Heptyl aldehyde, present in the Traayanta, Traayantikaa, Neelkan-
low boiling fraction of the oil, brought thi, Anujaa, Girijaa, Girishaanujaa,

284 Geophila repens (Linn.) I. M. Johnson.
Balbhra, Paalani. (Paakhaanabheda is imported into India. The most im-
is a wrong synonym) portant constituents of the drug are
Unani Ghaafis. secoiridoid bitter compounds, amaro-
gentin and gentiopicroside, togeth-
Action Sialagogue, digestant, er with traces of swertiamarin and
appetite-stimulant, antispasmodic, sweroside. The roots also contain al-
anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue. kaloids, gentianine and gentioflavine,
Used for alkalosis, feeble digestion xanthones, and bitter oligosaccharides,
in the elderly from gastric acid gentiobiose and gentianose.
deficiency (increases gastric juices Amarogentin, gentiopicrin, swer-
G without altering PH); also used for tiamarin, sioeroside (iridoid monoter-
jaundice, nausea, vomiting, travel penes) are toxic constituents.
sickness, diarrhoea, malaria and Gentiana tenella Rottb., synonym
nervous exhaustion. (In Chinese Gentianella tenella H. Smith and G.
medicine, Gentiana sp., known as decumbens Linn.f. occur at high alti-
Longdan, are used for jaundice, tudes in the Himalayas, and are used
hepatitis, urinary tract infections, as substitutes for gentian. G. tenella is
pruritis and eczema.) known as Kadu in Kashmir and Titaa
Key application Gentiana lutea— in Punjab. The rhizome is used as
internally, for digestive disorders, Traayamaana in Ayurvedic medicine.
such as lack of appetite, fullness and The flowering tops of G. olivieri
flatulence (German Commission Griseb., synonym G. dahurica Fisch.,
E, WHO), for anorexia following used in Unani medicine as Gul-e-
illness and dyspepsia (ESCOP). Ghaafis, are imported into India from
The British Herbal Compendium Persia.
approves gentian for lack of
Dosage Root—– g powder.
appetite, anorexia, atonic dyspepsia,
(CCRAS.)
gastrointestinal atony, and as
antiemetic. The British Herbal
Pharmacopoia recognizes it as
a bitter tonic. Geophila repens
(Linn.) I. M. Johnson.
The rhizome and roots of G. Kur-
roo contain iridoid glycoside; ma- Synonym G. reniformis D. Don.
jor component was identified as  -
cinnamoylcatalpol. Family Rubiaceae.
The rhizomes and roots of Picro- Habitat Assam, Western Ghats and
rhiza kurrooa Royle ex Benth., found in Andaman Islands.
the Himalayas, have similar properties
Folk Karintakaali (Kerala).
and uses and are mixed or substituted
for those of G. kurroo. Action Properties are similar
Gentiana lutea (Yellow Gentian) is (though inferior) to those of Ipeac
a native of Europe and Asia Minor and (Cephaelis ipecacuanha A. Rich.).

Geum urbanum auct. non Linn. 285
Geranium nepalense Sweet. The herb has a disagreeable odour
and a bitter, saline and astringent taste.
Synonym G. affine W. & A. Applied externally as a resolvent to tu-
Family Geraniaceae. mours.
In Western herbal, the herb is used
Habitat Temperate Himalayas, for diarrhoea, to improve functioning
Kashmir, Khasi Hills and the of liver and gallbladder and to prevent
Nilgiris. the formation of calculi.
English Nepal Geranium, Nepalese The herb contains several flavonoids
including rutin. A ethanolic extract
Crane’s Bill.
can inhibit the growth of E. coli, P.
G
Ayurvedic Bhanda, Bhandaa. aeruginosa and S. aureus.
Folk Ratanjot (var.), Roel (Kash-
mir).
Action Astringent, styptic, Geranium wallichianum
used in renal diseases, diarrhoea, D. Don ex Sweet.
internal and external bleeding. Family Geraniaceae.
Also used topically for ulcers and
haemorrhoids. Habitat Western Himalayas from
Kashmir to Kumaon at ,–
The plant gave geraniin, kaempferol- , m.
-rhamnoside and kaempferitrin. The English Wallich Crane’s Bill.
leaves gave tannins. Ayurvedic Ratanjot (substitute).
EtOH (%) extract of the plant ex-
hibited hypotensive activity. Folk Laal Jadi, Laal Jahri.
A gastrointestinal-contracting cho- Kaoashund (Kashmir).
line-like substance has been isolated Action Astringent.
from var. thumbergii and is found use-
The root stocks sometimes substi-
ful for the treatment of gastrointestinal
tuted for those of Coptis teeta Wall.;
disorders such as gastroptosis.
contain –% tannins and % non-
tannins.
Geranium robertianum Linn.
Geum urbanum auct. non Linn.
Family Geraniaceae.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Western Himalayas from
Kashmir to Garhwal at ,– Habitat The temperate Himalayas
, m. from Kashmir to Kumaon at ,–
, m Grows wild in Europe and
English Herb-Robert Geranium. Great Britain.
Action Haemostatic, astringent, English Avens Root, Herb Bennet,
antidiarrhoeic, styptic, antidiabetic. Wood Avens.

286 Ginkgo biloba Linn.
Action Astringent, styptic, (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
stomachic, febrifuge. (For pharmocological studies in
humans and clinical studies, see
The herb and root was used in Eu- ESCOP.)
rope in chronic dysentery, diarrhoea
and intermittent fevers. In India, an The majority of pharmacological
infusion of the rootstock is used as studies and clinical trials have been
sudorific in fevers, ague, chills and conduced using a standardized extract
catarrh. which contains % flavonoid glyco-
Eugenol is present in the root stock sides (Ginko flavone glycosides) and
G in combination with vacianose as phe- % terpenoids (ginkgolides and bilob-
nolic glycoside gein. The rootstock alide).
contains tannins (–%). The extract increases tolerance to
A related species, G. elatum Wall., is hypoxia and exhibits anti-ischaemic
found in the Himalayas from Kashmir effect. It simultaneously improves the
to Sikkim It is used for dysentery and fluidity of blood, decreases platelet ad-
diarrhoea. hesion, decreases platelet and erythro-
cyte aggregation and reduces plasma
and blood viscosity. The extract pro-
Ginkgo biloba Linn. tects erythrocytes from haemolysis.
The extract also decreases the perme-
Family Ginkgoaceae. ability of capillaries and protects the
Habitat Native to China and Japan; cell membrane by trapping deleterious
cultivated in Indian gardens as an free radicals.
ornamental. The extract also increased cerebral
English Maidenhair tree called blood flow in about % patients eval-
Living Fossils (in India), Kew tree. uated (patients between – year age
had % increase from the base line,
Action Antagonizes bronchospasm, compared with % in those - to -
used as a circulatory stimulant, year-olds).
peripheral vasodilator. A reversal of sexual dysfunction
Key application Standardized with concurrent use of ginkgo with
dry extract—for symptomatic antidepressant drugs has been report-
treatment of disturbed performance ed. (Am J Psychiatry,  (), –
in organic brain syndrome within .)
the regimen of a therapeutic concept The National Centre for Comple-
in cases of dementia syndromes— mentary and Alternative Medicine,
memory deficits, disturbance in USA, is conducting a -year study
concentration, depressive emotional of  people aged  and older to
conditions, dizziness, tinnitus and determine if ginkgo,  mg daily,
headache. (German Commission prevents dementia or Alzheimer’s
E, ESCOP, WHO.) As vasoactive disease.(www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/
and platelet aggregation inhibitor. c/r). .

Gloriosa superba Linn. 287
Girardinia heterophylla Decne. Gisekia pharnaceoides Linn.
Synonym G. diversifolia (Link) Family Aizoaceae.
Eriss. Habitat Drier parts of Northern
Family Urticaceae. and Western India and Deccan
Peninsula.
Habitat Temperate and sub-tropical Ayurvedic Elavaaluka (var.).
Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim, (Prunus cerasus Linn., Rosaceae, is
and in Assam and Khasi hills. the accepted source of Elavaaluka.)
English Himalayan Nettle. Folk Baalu-ka-saag, Morang, G
Ayurvedic Vrishchikaa. Sareli.
Action Anthelmintic. Fresh herb is
Folk Bichhuu-booti, Awaa, Chikri.
used for taenia.
Action Leaves—decoction is given The plant contains triacontane, do-
in fevers; applied externally to triacontane, myristone, sugars, and
swollen joints, also as a paste for flavonoids.
headache. (Due to stringing hair,
the plant causes dermatitis and is
known as Bichhuu.)
Glinus lotoides Linn.
The leaves contain -OH-trypta- Synonym Mollugo lotoides (L.)
mine and histamine, also AC-choline. O. Kuntze.
The plant gave beta-sitosterol. M hirta Thumb.
Family Molluginaceae; Aizoaceae.
Habitat Throughout the plains and
Gironniera reticulata Thw. lower ghats of India in river beds.
Siddha/Tamil Siru seruppadai.
Synonym G. cuspidata Kurz.
Folk Gandhi-buuti.
Family Ulmaceae.
Action Plant—antidiarrhoeal,
Habitat Northeastern parts of antibilious, diuretic. Decoction is
India and in Deccan Peninsula. given in piles.
Siddha/Tamil Kodaittani. The plant gave pentacyclic triterpe-
noid sapogenins; a mixture of beta-and
Folk Narakyaa-ood (Maharashtra,
gamma-sitosterol, oleanolic acid, mol-
Indian bazar).
lugogenol and its constituents. Aerial
Action Blood-purifier in itch and parts gave vitexin and vicenin.
cutaneous eruptions; mixed with
lemon juice, applied externally.
Gloriosa superba Linn.
The wood contains a skatole and sil-
ica (.–.%). Family Liliaceaes.

288 Glossocardia bosvallia DC.
Habitat Throughout tropical India, Ayurvedic Parpata (substitute).
up to , m on the hills. (Fumaria parvifolora Linn., Hedyotis
corymbosa (L.) Lam synonym
English Glory Lily, Super Lily,
Oldenlandia corymbosa Linn.,
Tiger’s Claws.
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser., Justicia
Ayurvedic Laangali, Laangaliki, procumbens Linn., Polycarpea
Laangalaki, Laanglaahva, Indra- corymbosa Lam are also used as
pushpi, Agnishikhaa, Anantaa, Parpata for fevers.)
Vishaalyaa, Halini, Sirikramaa,
Siddha Parapalanamu.
Shukrapushpikaa, Vahnimukhi,
G Garbhanut, Garbhapaatani. Kali- Action Used as emmenagogue.
haari (Costus specious Koen., is also
used as Kalihaari), Kalikaari. The essential oil from the plant is
antimicrobial, that from flowers an-
Siddha/Tamil Kalappankizhangu. thelmintic.
Action Tuberous root—anti-
inflammatory, alterative, an-
thelmintic, antileprotic. Used for Glycine max Merrill.
piles, swollen joints, parasitical
affections of skin. Fresh juice of Synonym G. soja Sieb. & Zucc.
plant—uterine stimulant. G. hispida Maxim.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
The root contain colchicine .–
.%. Colchicine and its derivatives are Habitat Native to South East Asia;
present in tubers, seeds and flowers. now cultivated as pulse crop mainly
The seeds are used as raw material in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh,
for preparing drugs for gout. They are Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra,
considered a rich source of colchicine Gujarat, Naga Hills, Mainpur and
and gloriosine. Kashmir.
The herb is a gastrointestinal irritant. English Soybean, Soya.
Dosage Detoxified tuberous root— Folk Soyabean, Raam Kurthi, Bhat.
– mg. (API Vol. III.) Action Used as a protein supple-
ment. (Products include fortified
wheat flour, soymilk, snack foods,
cooking oil.)
Glossocardia bosvallia DC.
Key application Soy lecithin (phos-
Synonym G. linearifolia Cass. pholipids extracted from the seeds
of G. max)—used for moderate
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
disturbances of fat metabolism,
Habitat Plains of Northern especially hypercholesterolaemic (if
and Western India and Deccan dietary measures are not sufficient).
Peninsula. (German Commission E.)

Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. 289
Soybean is rich in protein, oil and Ayurvedic Vana-nimbuukaa,
minerals, but low in carbohydrates. It Ashwa-shaakhota.
also contains water-and fat-soluble vi- Siddha/Tamil Konji, Amam,
tamins. The major portion of soy pro- Kula-pannai.
tein is composed of glycinin and beta-
conglycinin. Folk Bana-Nimbu, Paanal (Kerala).
Wheat flour can be fortified with Action Plant—bechic, anti-
full-fat or defatted soyflour for balanc- anaemic, antirheumatic. Root—
ing it in essential amino acids, lysine anti-inflammatory. Leaf—used in
and methionine. Jaundice and liver disorders, eczema
Soy saponins are divided into three and other skin affections. Leaf and G
groups according to their respective root—vermifuge, febrifuge. A paste
type of aglycon, soyasapogenol A, B of the wood is applied externally to
and E. Saponin A and AB group frac- pimples.
tion protects the liver against antioxi-
Leaf extract from a Sri Lankan plant
dation and improved lipid metabolism
yielded the alkaloids arborine, skim-
in the injured liver.
mianine and arborinine. The steam
Administration of a small peptide
distillate of leaves showed significant
derived from soybean showed antifa-
antifungal activity.
tigue, antiobesity and hypoglycaemic
activity in mice.
Feeding soy protein to hamsters,
consistently, resulted in significantly Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.
reduced incidence of gallstones.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
In studies of experimental carcino-
genesis in animals, soybean isoflavones Habitat Native to the Mediter-
exhibited protective effect in % ani- ranean regions. Now grown in
mals. Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and
South India.
English Licorice, Liquorice.
Ayurvedic Yashtimadhu, Mad-
Glycosmis pentaphylla huyashtyaahvaa, Madhuli, Mad-
(Retz.) DC. huyashtikaa, Atirasaa, Madhurasaa,
Synonym G. arborea (Roxb.) Madhuka, Yastikaahva, Yashtyaah-
A. DC. va, Yashti, Yashtika, Yashtimadhuka.
G. cochinchinensis Gamble. Klitaka (also equated with Indigofera
Limonia pentaphylla Retz. tinctoria). (Klitaka and Klitanakam
were considered as aquatic varieties
Family Rutaceae. of Yashtimadhu.)
Habitat Peninsular India and Unani Asl-us-soos, Mulethi.
Andaman Islands. Cultivated in Rubb-us-soos (extract).
gardens. Siddha/Tamil Athimathuram.

290 Gmelina arborea Roxb.
Action Demulcent, expectorant, um diet. Special precautions should be
antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, taken with elderly patients and patients
spasmolytic, mild laxative, anti- with hypertension or cardiac, renal or
stress, antidepressive, antiulcer, hepatic disease.
liver protective, estrogenic, em- A special liquorice extract known as
menagogue, antidiabetic. Used in DGL (deglycyrrhizinated liquorice) is
bronchitis, dry cough, respiratory used in the treatment of peptic ulcer.
infections, catarrh, tuberculosis; Oral liquorice preparations, containing
genitourinary diseases, urinary tract glycyrrheti-
infections; abdominal pain, gastric nic acid, are used for the treatment of
G and duodenal ulcers, inflamed viral infections—viral hepatitis, com-
stomach, mouth ulcer. Also used mon cold. Topical preparations, con-
for adrenocorticoid insufficiency. taining glycyrrhetinic acid, are used
Key application In catarrh of for herpes, eczema, psoriasis.
the upper respiratory tract and In Japan, a preparation of glycyrrhi-
gastric, duodenal ulcers. (German zin, cysteine and glycine is used by in-
Commission E, ESCOP, WHO.) jection for the treatment of acute and
chronic hepatitis.
The British Herbal Compendium in-
dicates the use of liquorice for bron- Dosage Root—– g powder. (API
chitis, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, Vol. I.)
rheumatism and arthritis, adrenocor-
ticoid insufficiency, and to prevent
liver toxicity. Indian Herbal Pharma-
Gmelina arborea Roxb.
copoeia recognizes its use as an anti-
inflammatory and antiulcer agent. Synonym Premna arborea Roth.
The main chemical constituent of
liquorice is glycyrrhizin (about – Family Verbenaceae.
%), a triterpene saponin with low Habitat Throughout India, up to
haemolytic index. Glycyrrhetinic (gly- , m on the hills and in Andaman
cyrrhetic) acid (.–.%), the agly- Island; also grown in gardens.
cone of glycyrrhizin is also present in
the root. Other active constituents of English Candahar tree, White Teak.
liquorice include isoflavonoids, chal- Ayurvedic Gambhaari, Kaash-
cones, coumarins, triterpenoids and mari, Kaashmarya, Sarvatobhadraa,
sterols, lignans, amino acids, amines, Bhadra, Mahaabhadraa, Sadaab-
gums and volatile oils. hadraa, Madhuparnikaa, Sriparni,
Hypokalemia is the greatest threat Pitarohini, Hiraa, Bhadraparni,
when liquorice preparations high in Trishati.
glycyrrhizin are prescribed for pro-
Siddha/Tamil Kattanam, Kumizham
longed periods. Liquorice causes fluid
retention. Patients should be placed Action Leaf—demulcent, bechic.
on a high potassium and low sodi- Used for removing foetid dis-

Gnetum montanum Markgraf. 291
charges from ulcers. Root— The leaves show antibiotic activity
stomachic, laxative, antibilious, against E. coli and Staphylococcus au-
demulcent, galactagogue. Bark— reus.
anticephalalgic. Root and bark—
febrifuge.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In- Gnaphalium luteo-album Linn.
dia recommends the use of the bark
and stem in inflammatory diseases and Family Asteraceae.
oedema; the fruit in dysuria and haem- Habitat Throughout India,
orrhagic diseases. ascending up to , m in the G
The heartwood contains lignans, ar- Himalayas.
borone, -oxodihydrogmelinol, pau-
English Jersey Cudweed, Cotton
lownin acetate and epieudesmin; me-
Weed, Cat’s Foot, Everlasting
trans-p-methoxycinnamate and trans-
Flower.
p-hydroxycinnamic acid.
Alcoholic extract of stem bark Folk Bal-raksha.
showed anti-inflammatory activity Action Leaves—astringent,
comparable to phenylbutazone. haemostatic, vulnerary. The
Dosage Root, root bark—– g tomentum is applied as counter-
for decoction. (API Vol. I.) irritant in gout, also used as
tinder.
Gmelina asiatica Linn.
Synonym G. parvifolia Roxb. Gnetum montanum Markgraf.
Family Verbenaceae. Synonym G. scandens Roxb. in
Habitat South India; planted in part.
gardens in Maharashtra and West Family Gnetaceae.
Bengal.
Habitat Tropical Himalayas from
English Small Cashmere tree. Nepal to Bhutan, Assam and
Ayurvedic Gambhaari (related Meghalaya.
species), Gopabhadra, Vikari-
English Joint Fir.
ni.
Siddha/Tamil Kumizham Siddha/Tamil Anapendu, Peiodal
(G. ula.)
Action Root and leaf—demulcent,
alterative, blood purifier (used in Action Seed oil—antirheumatic.
venereal diseases), anticatarrhal, Plant— antiperiodic. Leaves—
astringent, antirheumatic. piscic.
The plant contains lignans of the The stem-wood yielded bergenin,
furofuran series. acetophenone and stilbene derivatives.

292 Gnida glauca (Fresen.) Gilg.
G. ula Brongn. non-Karst is found in English Tree Cotton, Desi Cotton.
evergreen forests of Western and East-
Ayurvedic Kaarpaasi.
ern Ghats up to , m.
Siddha/Tamil Sempartthi (Red
Cotton), Sivappuparutthi.
Gnida glauca (Fresen.) Gilg.
Folk Kapaasa.
Synonym G. eriocephalus Meis. Action Seed—anticatarrhal (used
Lasiosiphon glaucus Fresen. in consumption), antigonorrhoeic
L. eriocephalus (Meisner) Decne. (used in gleet and chronic cystitis).
G Habitat Western Ghats. Root—febrifuge. Plant (especially
Action Leaf—anti-inflammatory; leaf)—uterine stimulant.
used for contusions and swellings.
Plant—vesicant. The glands contain –% gossy-
pol, a polyphenolic toxic compound.
The plant contains bicoumarins, Seeds contain .–.% protein,
lysocephalin and lasiocrin; a coumarin .–.% free gossypol. Gossypol
glucoside, crioside, and a bicoumarin is a male contraceptive. At an ini-
glycoside, eriocephaloside. The plant tial dose of  mg/day orally for 
also gave ingiresinol, syringin, gen- months, followed by – mg weekly
kwanin and its glycoside, beta-sitos- maintenance dose, sperm motility is
terol and its glucoside. reduced initially as it inhibits impor-
tant enzymes of metabolic pathways
thus affecting availability of enzyme
Gordonia obtusa Wall. to spermatozoa. Subsequently sperm
Family Theaceae. production is blocked.
Gossypol is reported to cause a tran-
Habitat Konkan and Western sient weakness early in therapy, hy-
Ghats. pokalaemia and changes in ECG
Folk Miyili, Atangi, Ola, Nagette, among other side effects.
Thorilla (Tamil Nadu). Gossypol also assists menstrual flow
Action Leaves—stomachic, and effectively inhibits eggs implanta-
appetizer. tion.
Gossypol and its derivatives have
Leaves contain .% alkaloid and been shown to have significant antimi-
tannic acid. The bark contains ellagic crobial activity as well as wound heal-
acid and coumarin. ing effect. It is reported to kill herpes
virus.
Gossypium arboreum Linn.
Family Malvaceae.
Gossypium barbadense Linn.
Habitat Cultivated all over India as
a fibre plant. Family Malvaceae.

Gracilaria lichenoides (Linn.) Harv. 293
Habitat Native to South America, Action Root bark—diuretic,
particularly its north-western parts. oxytocic. Bark—emmenagogue,
Also cultivated in India. haemostatic. Seed—demulcent,
English Egyptian Cotton, Sea- laxative, expectorant, abortifacient,
Island Cotton. galactagogue, nervine, anticepha-
lalgic.
Ayurvedic Kaarpaasa.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
Siddha/Tamil Semparutthi. dia recommends the seed oil for toning
Folk Kapaasa. up the breast.
Action Root—emmenagogue, The seed contains .–.% pro- G
oxytocic, abortifacient, parturi- tein, free gossypol .–.%.
ent, lactagogue. Seed and leaf— Dosage Seeds, devoid of lint—–
antidysenteric. Seed—galacto-  g powder. (API Vol. I.)
gogue, pectoral, febrifuge. Seed
oil—used externally for clear-
ing spots and freckles from the
skin. Leaf—hypotensive, an- Gouania leptostachya DC.
tirheumatic. Flower—used in Synonym G. tiliaefolia Lam.
hypochondriasis and bronchial
inflammations. Family Rhamnaceae.
Habitat Sub-Himalayan region
The seed contains .–.% pro- from Kangra eastwards and in parts
tein; .–. free gossypol. of Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and
Andhra Pradesh.
Folk Batvaasi (Nepal), Batvaasi
Gossypium herbaceum Linn. (Bengal), Bitkil-chaand (Bihar).
Action Leaves—used in poultices
Family Malvaceae.
for sores. Bark—used for washing
Habitat Cultivated mainly in hair for destroying vermin.
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra
Pradesh and Karnataka. The bark and root contain saponin.
The leaves of a related species, Goua-
English Asiatic Cotton, Levant nia microcarpa DC., found in Penin-
Cotton, Uppam Cotton. sular India from Konkan southwards,
Ayurvedic Kaarpaasa, Kaarpaasi, gave a triterpenic acid, along with
Kaarpaasaka, Rakta-Kaarpaasa, tetratriacontanoic acid.
Shona-Kaarpaasa, Samudraantaa,
Tuula, Pichu, Bhaaradwaaji,
Tundikeri. Gracilaria lichenoides
Unani Pambahdaanaa. (Seed.) (Linn.) Harv.
Siddha/Tamil Paruttikkootam Family Rhodophyceae.

294 Grangea maderaspatana Poir.
Habitat The coasts of Indian Ocean in mice. A crude extract of the plant
and Chilka Lake. exhibited strong cytotoxic activity.
English Moss.
Folk Chinai-ghaas. Known as
Ceylon Agar-Agar or Agal-Agal. Graptophyllum picum (L.) Griff.
Action Emollient, diuretic, Synonym G. hortense Nees.
alterative. Aqueous extract— Justica picta L.
antihypotensive and spasmolytic.
Family Acanthaceae.
G Aqueous extract contains prosta- Habitat A native to Polynesia;
glandins. introduced into Indian gardens.
English Caricature Plant.
Grangea maderaspatana Poir. Folk Kaalaa-aduusaa (Maha-
rashtra). Ysjudemaram (Tamil
Synonym Artemisia maderaspatana Nadu).
Linn. Action Leaves—emollient and
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. resolvent; applied to swellings and
Habitat Throughout the greater ulcers. (Used as a substitute for
part of India. Adhatoda vasica).
Ayurvedic Aakaarakarabha
substitute (doubtful).
Grewia asiatica auct. non L.
Siddha/Tamil Maasipathri.
Folk Mastaru, Mukhatari, Synonym G. subinaequalis DC.
Maachipatri (Maharashtra). Family Tiliaceae.
Action Leaf—stomachic, antispas- Habitat Extensively cultivated in
modic, sedative, emmenagogue, India.
deobstruent, antiseptic. Used in
amenorrhoea. Ayurvedic Parushaka, Parusha.
Unani Phaalsaa.
Aerial parts of the plant afforded
clerodane derivatives. Presence of Siddha/Tamil Palisa, Thadachi.
phytol, lupeol, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, Action Fruit—stomachic, astrin-
a phenylalanine derivative, hardwicki- gent, cooling. Bark—demulcent.
ic acid, strictic acid and butenolides, is Root bark—antirheumatic. Leaf—
reported. Aura amide was also isolated used in pastular eruptions.
from the aerial parts.
A mixture of flavonoids extracted The bark contains taraxasterol, beta-
from the aerial parts exhibited oestro- sitosterol, erythrodiol; lupeol, betulin,
genicity and anti-implantation activity lupenone, friedelin; alpha-amyrin. The

Grewia tiliaefolia Vahl. 295
heartwood gave beta-sitosterol. Quer- Grewia populifolia Vahl.
cetin, kaempferol and their glycosides
were also obtained from the leaves. Synonym G. tenax (Forsk.) Aschers
Ripe fruits are rich in vitamin A and & Schwf.
C; threonine, phosphoserine, serine Family Tiliaceae.
and taurine are the dominant amino Habitat Cultivated in Punjab, Sind,
acids in the juice. The fruits also con- Rajasthan and Western India, down
tain sodium , potassium , and to the Nilgiri Hills.
calcium  ppm
Fruits also gave pelargonidin-, - Ayurvedic Gaangeru(ki). Substitute
diglucoside, quercetin, quercetin--- for Gulshakari (Naagabalaa). G
beta-D-glucoside, naringenin and -- Siddha/Tamil Achhu.
beta-D-glucoside. Folk Gangeran.
The stem bark exhibited antifertility Action See G. hirsuta.
activity.
The stem bark contains triterpe-
Dosage Ripe fruit—– ml juice. noids.
(CCRAS.) Dosage Root—– ml juice; –
 ml decotion. (CCRAS.)
Grewia hirsuta Vahl.
Grewia sclerophylla
Synonym G. polygama Mast. Roxb. ex G. Don.
Family Tiliaceae. Synonym G. scabrophylla Roxb.
G. obliqua auct. non-Juss.
Habitat Sub-Himalayan tract from
the Indus to Nepal up to , m, Family Tiliaceae.
also in hills of Bihar, Orissa and Habitat Sub-Himalayan tract and
Tamil Nadu. outer hills from Kumaon to Bhutan
up to , m and in Assam
Ayurvedic Naagabalaa, Gud-
sharkaraa. Ayurvedic Parushaka (related
species), Dhanvana (related species)
Siddha/Tamil Tavadu. Siddha/Tamil Kattu Kadali.
Folk Gulshakari. Folk Jangali Phaalsaa.
Action Fruit and root—diuret- Action Root—emollient, bechic.
ic, antidiarrhoeal. Roots and Used in irritable conditions of the
leaves, crushed with sugar candy, intestines and bladder.
are prescribed for spermator-
rhoea.
Grewia tiliaefolia Vahl.
Dosage Root—– ml decoc-
tion. (CCRAS.) Family Tiliaceae.

296 Grewia villosa Willd.
Habitat Upper Gengetic plain, Bi- Habitat Introduced from the West
har, Bengal, Central and Peninsular Indies; grown as an ornamental.
India. English Lignum Vitae, Tree-of-life,
English Dhaman. Pockwood tree.
Ayurvedic Dhanvana, Dhanur- Ayurvedic Jivadaaru, Loha-
vriksha. Kaashtha.
Siddha/Tamil Tarra, Unnu, Sadachi.
Unani Chob-hayaat.
Folk Dhaamin, Dhaaman.
Folk Loha-lakkar.
G Action Bark—antidysenteric. Stem
Action Antirheumatic, anti-
bark—semen coagulant. Plant—
used in fractures. inflammatory, mild laxative,
diuretic, diaphoretic, fungistatic
The roots and bark gave triterpe-
(During the sixteenth century it was
noids.
used as a cure for syphilis.)
A related species, Grewia optiva,
found in sub-Himalayan tract at – Key application As a supportive
, m, is also known as Dhaaman. therapy for rheumatic complaints.
(German Commission E.) The
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia
Grewia villosa Willd. reported anti-inflammatory activity
Family Tiliaceae. in the resin.
Habitat Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Several triterpene saponins, sapo-
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. genins and prosapogenins have been
English Tamthar. isolated from different parts of the
Siddha/Tamil Kullai. plant.
A triterpenoidal saponin, isolat-
Folk Dhohan (Rajasthan), Jalidar ed from the flowers, showed activity
(Punjab), Kharamati (Maharashtra). against Gram-negative bacteria. (The
Action Root—antidiarrhoeal. Root herb is used as a additive to mouth
and bark—used in genitourinary washes.)
infections, syphilis and smallpox.
The methanol extract of the roots
contain beta-carboline alkaloids, har- Guazuma ulmifolia Lam.
man, harmine, harmol, harmalol and
harmaline. Synonym G. tomentosa H. B. & K.
The roots are also used to treat
Family Sterculiaceae.
cough.
Habitat Native to tropical America.
Cultivated as a roadside shade tree
Guaiacum officinale Linn. in warmer parts of the country.
Family Zygophyllaceae. English Bastard Cedar.

Gymnema montanum Hook. f. 297
Ayurvedic Pundraaksha, Rudraak- Siddha/Tamil Pey Ellu, Uch Ellu.
shi (fake Rudraaksha). Folk Raam-til, Kaalaa Til, Sargujaa.
Siddha Rudraksham and allied Action Oil from seed—an-
names are misnomers for this tirheumatic.
plant. (Rukraaksha is equated with
Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb.) The seeds yield an oil (%), a mix-
Action Fruit—anticatarrhal (used ture of triglycerides, lauric, palmitic,
in bronchitis). Bark—demulcent, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and
sudorific. Used in skin diseases. arachidic acids. The unsaponifiable
Seed—astringent, carminative, matter is a mixture of stigmasterol, n- G
antidiarrhoeal. triacontane and lupeol. Seeds contain
lysine.
The plant gave kaempferol gly-
cosides. Leaves contain octacosanol
and taraxerol-OAC, friedelin--alpha-
OAC,  beta-ol and beta-sitosterol. Gymnema hirsutum
Bark contains friedelin, betulin and Wight & Arn.
beta-sitosterol. Family Asclepiadaceae.
Habitat Southern parts of Uttar
Pradesh adjoining Madhya Pradesh,
Guettarda speciosa Linn.
also in Bihar and Western Ghats.
Family Rubiaceae. Folk Gurmaar (related species).
Habitat Native to tropical America; Action Leaf—when chewed,
occurs in tidal forests of South temporarily paralyses the sense of
India and in Andaman Islands. taste for sweet and bitter substances.
(An extract of flowers, resembling Plant—used as stomachic, bechic,
rose-water, in sold in Travancore expectorant, and in male impotency,
markets.) poor lactation.
Action Bark—used in chronic
dysentery; also applied to wounds The leaves contain gymnemic acid.
and abscesses.
Gymnema montanum Hook. f.
Guizotia abyssinica Cass.
Family Asclepidaceae.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. Habitat Western Ghats from
Habitat Native to tropical Africa. Konkan southwards.
Cultivated in Madhya Pradesh, Folk Gurmaar (related species).
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and
Orissa. Action See G. sylvertre.
English Nigerseed. The leaves contain gymnemic acid.

298 Gymnema sylvestre B. Br.
Gymnema sylvestre B. Br. for  weeks, reduced the elevated serum
triglyceride and total cholesterol in
Family Asclepiadaceae. a dose-dependent manner. The effica-
Habitat Central and Peninsular cy and antiatherosclerotic potential of
India. the extract ( mg/kg) were compa-
rable to that of a lipid lowering agent,
English Australian Cow Plant, clofibrate.
Ipecacuanha (Indian). In homoeopathy, a drug obtained
Ayurvedic Meshashringi, Meshav- from the leaves and roots is prescribed
for both diabetes mellitus and insipidus
G ishaanikaa, Meshavalli, Chhaagal-
shrngi. Ajashringi (also equated Gymnemic acid is reported to inhib-
with Dolichandrone falcata and it melanin formation in vitro. It also
Pergularia extensa). inhibits dental plaque formation.
Unani Gurmaar Buuti. Dosage Root, leaf—– g powder;
Siddha/Tamil Kannu Minnayam- – ml decoction. (CCRAS.)
kodi, Passaam, Shirukurinja.
Action Leaf—antidiabetic. Stim-
ulates the heart and circulatory Gymnosporia spinosa
system, activates the uterus. Used (Forsk.) Fiori.
in parageusia and furunculosis. Synonym G. Montana (Roth)
Plant—diuretic, antibilious. Root— Benth.
emetic, expectorant, astringent, Maytenus senegulensis Exell.
stomachic. M. emarginata Ding Hou.
Gymnemagenin, the main sapoge- Family Celastraceae.
nin in the leaves, yielded .–.% of Habitat Throughout the drier parts
total gymnemic acids. of India.
Gymnemic acids are antisweet prin-
Ayurvedic Vikankata (substi-
ciples and exhibit inhibitory effect on
tute) Sruva-Vrksha (substitute),
levels of plasma glucose.
Vyaaghrapaadi.
The extract of dried leaves, given to
diabetic rats at a dose of  mg/day Siddha/Tamil Kattangi, Nandunarai,
per rat for  weeks, was found to bring Valuluvai.
about blood glucose homoeostasis by Folk Baikal.
increasing serum insulin levels. In- Action Plant—antispasmodic.
creased glycoprotein level and the re- Root—used in gastroenteritis and
sultant nephropathy, retinopathy and dysentery.
micro-and macro-angiopathy were al-
so controlled. The bark is ground to a paste and ap-
The leaf extract (– mg/kg), plied with mustard oil to kill lice in the
when orally administered to experi- hair. A decoction of leafy twigs is used
mentally induced hyperlipidaemic rats as a mouth wash to relieve toothache.

Gynocardia odorata R.Br. 299
The leaves contain celacinnine, al- The seeds are reported to contain
pha-and beta-amyrin, beta-amyrone, cleomin, hexacosanol, free beta-sitos-
beta-sitosterol and its  -O-glucoside terol and kaempferol; also glucosino-
and kaempferol. The extracts of the lates.
plant show cytotoxic effect on some Alcoholic extract of the whole plant
cancers. An ointment, prepared by exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in
mixing leaf ash and purified butter, is carrageenan-induced inflammation in
used for sores. rats.
The medicinal properties of the
seeds are attributed to the presence
of cleomin. Seeds also contain % tan-
G
Gynandropsis gynandra
nins.
(Linn.) Briq.
Synonym G. pentaphylla DC. Dosage Seed—– g powder. (API
Cleome gynandra Linn. Vol. I.) Leaf—– ml decoction.
(CCRAS.)
Family Capparidaceae.
Habitat Throughout warmer parts
of India. Gynocardia odorata R.Br.
Ayurvedic Tilaparni (white
Synonym Hydnocarpus odorata
var.), (Pita or yellow-flowered
Landl.
var. is equated with Cleome viscosa
Linn.), Ajagandhaa, Pashugandhaa, Family Flacourtiaceae.
Ugragandhaa, Puutigandhaa, Habitat Eastern Himalayas, Khasi
Barbaraka. Suuryaavartta has been Hills and Sikkim.
equated with G. pentaphylla DC.
Ayurvedic Chaalmograa (substi-
Siddha/Tamil Thaivelai, Nalvelai. tute). Tuvaraka (var.) (Controver-
Action Leaves and seeds—used sial synonyms.)
in the same way as mustard. Unani Tukhm-e-Biranj Mograa.
Bruised leaves—rubefacient and
vesicant, used as counter-irritant Folk Chaaval-mungari.
in headache, neuralgia, rheumatic Action Oil from seed used in
affections. Roots—decoction, psoriasis, eczema, scrofula, gout,
febrifuge. Seeds—anthelmintic; rheumatic affections.
externally counter-irritant. Applied
as poultice to sores with maggots. A triterpenoid ketolactone, odolac-
An infusion is given for coughs. tone, has been isolated from the plant.
The fruit pulp is used as piscic.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In- The seeds of G. odorata were for-
dia recommended the use of the seed merly, erroneously, thought to be the
in chlorsis, chronic obstructive jaun- source Chaalmograa oil of commerce
dice and enlarged prostate. obtained from the seeds of Hydnocar-

300 Gynura pseudo-china (L.) DC.
pus kurzii, used in leprosy. Gynocardia Action Plant—emollient, resolvent.
oil does not contain chaulmoogric or Used as a poultice in erysipelas
hydnocarpic acid. and for tumours in the breast.
Root—used both externally and
internally for enhancing blood
circulation especially when blue
Gynura pseudo-china (L.) DC. spots and blotches result from
Synonym G. nudicaulis Arn. blows. The powdered root,
mixed with tea, is given to
Family Asteraceae, Compositae. parturient women. Leaves—used
G Habitat Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim, for poulticing pimples. The juice is
Assam, and Western Ghats in Tamil used asa gargle for inflammations
Nadu and Kerala. of the throat.

H
Habenaria edgeworthii English Logwood, Peachwood,
Hook. f. ex Collett. Compeachy tree.
Family Orchidaceae. Ayurvedic Pattanga, Patraanga,
Bakam (substitute). (Caesalpinia
Habitat Outer range of Western sappan is also equated with
Himalayas from Punjab to Kumaon. Pattanga.)
Ayurvedic Riddhi. (Tubers of Unani Buqqam, Bakam-Hindi.
Eulophia nuda Lindl. and Dioscorea
bulbifera are also used as Riddhi.) Action Astringent. Used for atonic
dyspepsia, diarrhoea, summer
Action Nervine and cardiac tonic. diarrhoea, dysentery, internal
haemorrhages, menorrhagia,
leucorrhoea. (It imparts red colour
Habenaria intermedia D. Don. to urine and stool. Incompatible
with chalk or lime-water.)
Family Orchidaceae.
Habitat The Himalayan region. The wood contains about % hae-
Found in Ranikhet. matoxylon, a red-brown phenolic dye,
tannins, resin and volatile oil.
Ayurvedic Riddhi, Vriddhi.
Haematoxylin exhibited significant
(Substitute: Dioscorea bulbifera.)
anti-inflammatory activity in the carra-
Action Nervine and cardiac tonic. geenan-induced oedema test.
The seed contains crude protein .,
Habenaria acuminata Thw., H. pentosan ., and water-soluble gum
goodyeroides D. Don., H. griffithii HK. .%.
are also equated with Riddhi, Vriddhi.
Dosage Tuber—– g powder.
(CCRAS.) Haplanthus verticillatus
(Roxb.) Nees.
Haematoxylon campechianum Family Acanthaceae.
Linn. Habitat Hills of Deccan Peninsula
and parts of western and central
Family Caesalpiniaceae, Mi- India.
mosaceae
Folk Kaalaa-Kirayaat (Maharash-
Habitat Native to tropical America
tra).
and the West Indies. Grown in
Indian gardens. Action Febrifuge, bitter tonic.

302 Hardwickia binata Roxb.
A closely related species, Haplan- Habitat Hills of Tamil Nadu.
thus tentaculatus Nees, is also known Grown in gardens as an ornamental.
as Kaalaa-Kiryaat. The herb is given in English Common Ivy, Bentwood.
fever.
Siddha/Tamil Maravalai.
Action Leaf—expectorant, anti-
spasmodic, antineuralgic, vasocon-
Hardwickia binata Roxb.
strictive.
Family Caesalpiniaceae. Fruit—used in jaundice, haempt-
ysis. Flower—antidysenteric. Leaf
Habitat Dry forests of Deccan
and resin—emmenagogue. Tender
Peninsula, Central India and parts
H of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
twigs—boiled in butter, used for
sunburn. Extracts are used in some
Ayurvedic Anjana. cosmetic preparations.
Siddha/Tamil Katudugu, Kodapalai. Key application In catarrh of
the upper respiratory passages,
Action Balsam—used for sexually
symptomatic treatment of chronic
transmitted diseases. The balsam
inflammatory bronchial conditions.
is similar to Copaiba balsam
(German Commission E.)
(Copaifera langsdorffii Desf.,
Leguminosae) of Brasil and is used The stem and bark gave triterpene
in leucorrhoea, chronic cystitis, glycosides, named kizuta saponins.
gonorrhoea, combined with cubebs Oleanolic acid glycoside was also ob-
and sandal. The resin (not the tained from the plant but the presence
oleo-resin) is used as diuretic. of emetine could not be confirmed
in subsequent work. The fruits gave
The essential oil of H. binata is not hederagenin glycosides.
a substitute for Copaiba oil. Emetin has been isolated from Eu-
The methanolic extract of the heart- ropean and British plant. The fruit and
wood yields beta-sitosterol, (+)-taxifo- hederagenin glycosides exhibit mollus-
lin, eriodictyol, (+)-catechin, (+)-epi- cacidal activity. Emetine-containing
catechin and (+)-mopanol. The phe- plant is amoebicidal.
nolic compounds are said to impart
antibacterial and antifungal property
to the herb.
Hedera nepalensis Koch.
The bark has a good absorption ca-
pacity for mercury from water. Synonym H. helix auct. non Linn.
H. himalaica Tobler.
Family Araliaceae.
Hedera helix Linn. Habitat The Himalayas; from
Kashmir to Bhutan at ,–
Synonym H. rhombea Sieb. & Zucc. , m and Assam at ,–
Family Araliaceae. , m.

Hedychium spicatum Ham. ex Smith. 303
English Nepal Ivy. The essential oil from rhizome
shows anthelmintic and mild tranquil-
Folk Baandaa, Bandaa, Lablab.
izing property. The essential oil con-
Action Leaves and berries— tains alpha- and beta-pinene, limo-
cathartic, diaphoretic, febrifuge, nene, carene, and its oxide, linalool
antispasmodic, expectorant. Used and elemole in varying concentrations.
in whooping cough. Leaves— The essential oil also gave borneol,
used in glandular enlargements. methyl salicylate, eugenol and methy-
A decoction of the leaves is used lanthranilate.
topically to destroy lice in the
hair. An infusion of berries is
given in rheumatism. Gum— Hedychium spicatum H
emmenagogue. Ham. ex Smith.
The inflorescences contain beta- Synonym H. album Buch-Ham. Ex
amyrin, beta-sitosterol and its D-glu- Wall.
coside, oleanolic acid, triterpene gly- Family Zingiberaceae.
cosides, nepalins. Nepalins , and
 at ., . and .% respectively Habitat Central Himalaya at ,–
completely immobilize human sperm. , m, East India and hills of
Plant extract exhibited antitumour South India.
activity in vivo and in vitro against English Spiked Ginger Lily.
Ehrich ascites. Ayurvedic Shathi, Shati, Gand-
hashathi, Gandhapalaashi, Kapu-
urkachari, Suvrataa, Gandhaarikaa,
Hedychium coronarium Koenig. Gandhavadhuu, Gandhamuulikaa.
Unani Kapuurkachari.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Siddha/Tamil Poolankizangu,
Habitat Throughout the moist Kichilikizangu.
parts of India, up to , m. Also Folk Ban-haldi (Kumaon).
grown in gardens of Assam and
South India. Action Rhizome—carminative,
spasmolytic, hepatoprotective,
English Ginger Lily. anti-inflammatory, antiemetic,
Ayurvedic Shati (related species). antidiarrhoeal, analgesic, expecto-
rant, antiasthmatic, emmenagogue,
Action Anti-inflammatory, an- hypoglycaemic, hypotensive,
tirheumatic, febrifuge, tranquilizer. antimicrobial, anthelmintic, insect-
repellent.
The rhizomes gave furanoditerpene,
hedychenone, an anti-inflammatory The rhizome shows hypotensive ef-
principle, also cytotoxic principles as fect in dogs at low doses, lowers blood
labdane-type diterpenes. pressure in high doses.

304 Hedyotis corymbosa (Linn.) Lam.
EtOH (%) extract—anti-inflam- Iridoidoglucosides have been isolat-
matory and hypoglycaemic; gave en- ed from H. diffusa Willd. The plant is
couraging results in tropical pulmo- reported to have immunopotentiation
nary eosinophilia in clinical studies. activity and has been used in China
Alcoholic extract of the plant—va- to treat some tumours. An aqueous
sodilator, mild hypotensive and an- extract of the plant yielded a polysac-
tiseptic in animals. Essential oil from charide composed of rhamnose, arabi-
rhizome—mild tranquilizer in male nose, xylose, mannose, galactose and
albino rats; antimicrobial. glucose.
Rhizome gave sitosterol and its glu- Hedyotis herbacea Linn., synonym
coside, a furanoid diterpene—hedy- Oldenlandia herbacea Roxb. is also
H chenone and -hydroxyhedychenone. used in Kerala as Parpata, Parpataka.
The essential oil contains cineole, See Fumaria indica.
gamma-terpinene, limonene, beta-
phellandrene, p-cymene, linalool and
beta-terpineol as major constituents. Helianthus annuus Linn.
The oil inhibits the growth of sev-
eral fungi. The ethanol (%) extract Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
showed antibacterial activity. The % Habitat Native to America.
extract showed antimalarial activity Cultivated in India.
in vitro against Plasmodium berghei English Sunflower.
strain.
Ayurvedic Suurajmukhi, Su-
Dosage Rhizome—– g powder. uryaavarta.
(API Vol. I.)
Siddha/Tamil Suryakanti.
Action Seeds—build up physical
Hedyotis corymbosa endurance and resistance against
(Linn.) Lam. diseases; a decoction is used
in coughs and colds, bronchial,
Synonym Oldenlandia corymbosa laryngeal and pulmonary affections,
Linn. whooping cough, also as a febrifuge
Family Rubiaceae. and diuretic.
Habitat A weed in wet, low lands The seeds contain a fatty oil (–
and in cultivated fields. %), rich in polyunsaturated acids
Ayurvedic Kshetraparpata (used in (linoleic %, oleic %). The oil also
Kerala as Parpataka). contains tocopherols (alpha-type %
of the total) and phytosterol (beta-
Action Purifies blood, improves
sitosterol  mcg/ g). In Europe
digestion, stimulates action of liver.
and USA, several hybrids produce oils
The presence of caffeine and fumar- rich in oleic acid. Sunflower oil is re-
ic acid has been reported in H. corym- ported to decrease the risk of coronary
bosa. and arterial diseases.

Heliotropium indicum Linn. 305
Extracted oil from dehulled seeds and iso-cucurbitacin B. Leaves yield-
(chlorogenic acid, present in hulls, ed as ester tetratriacontanyl—tetratri-
interferes with lipid metabolism) re- acontanoate along with tetratriacon-
duced serum and hepatic cholesterol tanoic acid, tetratriacontanol and sitos-
in healthy women. terol.
The tubers of Helianthus tuberosus
Linn., a related species, consists main- Dosage Fruit, bark—– g powder;
ly of inulin. The dried tubers can be – ml decoction. (CCRAS.)
utilized in diabetic products. The tu-
ber concentrate as food diminishes the
risk of developing arteriosclerosis. It Heliotropium indicum Linn.
is advantageous in the diet of patients
Family Boraginaceae.
H
with gout, chronic renal diseases, and
for obesity control. Habitat Throughout India.
English Scorpion Tail.
Ayurvedic Hastishundi Shrihastini,
Helicteres isora Linn. Vrischikaali.
Family Sterculiaceae. Siddha/Tamil Thaelkodukku.
Habitat Dry forests throughout the Action Plant—diuretic, astringent,
country. emollient, vulnerary. Used as a local
application for ulcers, wounds,
English East Indian Screw tree.
sores, gum boils and skin affections.
Ayurvedic Aavartani, Aavartphalaa, Decoction of leaves is used in
Aavartaki. urticaria and fevers; that of root in
Unani Marorphali. coughs. Flowers—emmenagogue
in small doses, abortifacient in
Siddha/Tamil Valampiri. large doses. Masticated seeds—
Action Pods and bark—antidiar- stomachic.
rhoeal, astringent, antibilious. Bark
and root—antigalactic, demulcent, Aerial parts of the plant contain
expectorant (used in cough and alkaloids—indicine (principal base),
asthma). Leaf—paste used against echinatine, supinine, heleurine, he-
skin diseases. Pods—anthelmintic. liotrine, lasiocarpine and lasiocarpine-
Used in fever due to cold. Seeds— N-oxide. Aerial parts and root gave
aqueous extract administered in an anticancer principle—indicine-N-
colic and dysentery. oxide.
The aqueous and alcohol extracts of
The plant contains a -quinolone al- the plant possess oxytocic activity. The
kaloid, malatyamine, an antidiarrhoeal roots contain significant amounts of
principle. estradiol, a sex hormone.
The seeds gave diosgenin. Root gave The inflorescences are used by trib-
cytotoxic principles—cucurbitacin B als for scorpion bite.

306 Helleborus niger Linn.
Helleborus niger Linn. Habitat The Himalaya, Khasi Hills;
cultivated in Indian gardens.
Family Ranunculaceae. English Common Yellow Day-lily,
Habitat Native to sub-alpine woods Tawny Day-lily, Orange Day-lily.
in Southern and Eastern Europe. Action Flower—analgesic, espe-
Grown in Indian gardens. cially in child birth; blood purifier.
English Black Hellebore, Christmas (Flowers are sold in Chinese food
Rose. shops as Gum-Tsoy or Gum-Jum.)
Ayurvedic Khuraasaani Kutaki. Hemerocallin, a neurotoxic princi-
ple, has been found in Hemerocallis
H Unani Kharbaq Siyah, Kutaki.
sp. The plant gave amino acid—oxyp-
Action Digitalis-like action innatanine.
in cardiac disorders, drastic
purgative, abortifacient, diuretic,
local anaesthetic, narcotic. Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br.
The rhizome contains cardiac glyco- Synonym Periploca indica Linn.
sides; helleborin, helleborein, hellebrin
Family Asclepiadaceae, Periplo-
and others based on helleborigenin.
caceae.
Helleborin has a burning, acrid
taste and is narcotic. Helleborein has Habitat Throughout India;
a sweetish taste and is a highly ac- common in Bengal, Maharashtra
tive cardiac poison. Helleborin and and extending to Travancore.
veratrin (steroidal saponins), helle- English Indian Sarsaparilla (white
brin or helleborein (steroid glycoside) var.). Sarsaparilla root is equated
are main constituents of the root and with Smilax sp. in Western herbal.
leaves. The plant irritates mucous Ayurvedic Shveta Saarivaa, Anant-
membranes. muula, Gopi, Gopaa, Gopakanyaa,
A related species, Helleborus virdis Gopavalli, Gopasutaa, Krishodari,
Linn. (Bear’s Foot, Green Hellebore) is Sphotaa, Utpalsaarivaa, Kapuuri,
known as Kaali Kutaki and Krishna- Dugdhgarbhaa.
bhedi. The plant contains magno-
florine and corytuberine. The roots Unani Ushbaa Hindi.
and rhizomes gave hellebrin, desgluco- Siddha/Tamil Nannaari, Sugan-
hellebrin, hellebrigenin, bufatetraeno- thipala.
lide, beta-ecdysterone and beta-hy- Action Blood purifier, antisyphilitic,
droxyecdysterone. antileucorrhoeic, galactogenic,
antidiarrhoeal, antirheumatic,
febrifuge, alterative. Roots used
Hemerocallis fulva Linn. against gonorrhoea, leucoderma,
bleeding piles, jaundice and
Family Liliaceae. dysentery.

Heracleum candicans Wall. ex DC. 307
Key application Smilax sp.—in skin palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and
diseases and urinary infections. arachidic. Pyrocatechol, tannins, fla-
(German Commission E included vonoids and amino acids were also
Smilax sp. among unapproved present.
herbs.)
Hemidesmus indicus does not con-
tain the same saponins or other prin- Hemionites arifolia
cipal constituents which are found in (Burm. f) Moore.
sarsaparilla. (Tyler’s Honest Herbal.)
The root contains coumarino-lig- Family Adiantaceae.
noids, hemidesmine, hemidesmin-,
. The stem contains pregnane glyco-
Habitat Plains and mountains of
South India up to ,., and in
H
sides, hemidine, hemidescine, emidine West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.
and indicine, a triterpene lactone, a lu-
English Mule Fern.
panone, besides lupeol acetate, sitos-
terol and hexadecanoic acid and sev- Folk Raamabaanam (Andhra
eral hydroxy- methoxybenzaldehydes. Pradesh), Chakuliya (Bengal).
Aqueous extract of the root is bacte- Action Fonds—antibacterial, used
riostatic against Mycobacterium leprae. in burns and as febrifuge.
Dosage Root—– g for
decoction. (API Vol. I.)
Heracleum candicans
Wall. ex DC.
Hemidictyum ceterach L.
Synonym H. nepalense D. Don.
Synonym Ceterach officinarum H. lanatum Michx.
Willd. Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Asplenium ceterach L.
Habitat Chamba, Kulu, Jammu
Family Athyriaceae, Polypodiaceae. & Kashmir, Bushahr, Garhwal and
Habitat Western Himalaya, from Kumaon Hills.
Kashmir to Garhwal, up to , m.
English Cowparsnip.
Action Fern—diuretic, astringent;
Folk Kaindal (Kashmir),
used for diseases of the urinary
Gandhraayana (Garhwal).
tract, infirmities of spleen, also for
treating jaundice. Action Fruit—stimulant, nervine
tonic, spasmolytic. Heraclenin
The plant contains caffeic acid, neo- (active principle)—hypoprothrom-
hesperidin, kaempferol-, -digluco- binaemic.
side, chlorogenic acid and quercetol-
-glucoside. The leaves gave methyl Essential oil from the fruits is mod-
esters of the acids—myristic, palmitic, erately antimicrobial.

308 Herniaria glabra Linn.
Furanocoumarins present in the Habitat Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh,
whole fruit and leaves are psoralen, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh,
xanthotoxin and bergapten. Roots also Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.
contain furanocoumarins. Ayurvedic Waarasa.
The fruits of H. concanense Dalz.
contain a coumarin which is effective Siddha/Tamil Barokalagoru.
against dermatophytosis. The fruits Folk Pullunga, Paatang (Maha-
of H. regins Wall. ex DC. are used rashtra).
for cough and bronchitis, also for uri- Action Tar extracted from wood—
nary concretions in Siddha medicine. used in skin diseases. Leaf juice—
H. thomsoni C. B. Clarke (Kashmir applied externally on toe sores and
H and Himachal Pradesh) also contains in chilblain.
a coumarin; the fruit showed nonspe-
cific spasmolytic activity equipotent to The flowers gave hentriacontane and
papaverine. allantoin; the leaves contain ursolic
acid and sitosterol. The seeds contain
a saponin (rhamnoside), lupeol, beta-
sitosterol, stigmasterol and cubulin.
Herniaria glabra Linn. The essential oil from flowers exhibits
Family Illecebraceae. antimicrobial activity.
Habitat Throughout Europe.
Introduced into Indian gardens.
Hibiscus abelmoschus Linn.
English Rupture-Wort.
Action Plant—astringent, diuretic, Synonym Abelmoschus moschatus
antimicrobial, anticatarrhal. An Medic.
infusion is used principally for Family Malvaceae.
bladder complaints for ruptures. Habitat Throughout the warmer
The plant gave a flavonic glycoside, parts and hilly regions of India; also
rutoside; coumarins, herniarin and cultivated.
umbelliferone, and saponins. English Musk Seed, Muskmallow,
A related species, H. hirsuta L. (Hi- Ambette Seed.
malaya, from Kashmir to Kumaon up Ayurvedic Lataakasturi, Lataakas-
to , m) gave umbelliferone, scopo- turikaa, Kattaphala, Katuka.
letin and herniarin.
Unani Mushkdaanaa.
Siddha/Tamil Kasturi-vendai.
Heterophragma roxburghii DC. Action Seeds—diuretic, antispas-
modic, stomachic, nervine (nervous
Synonym H. quadriloculare (Roxb.) debility, hysteria and other nervous
D. Schum. disorders). Used externally for skin
Family Bignoniaceae. diseases and itch. Mucilage made

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. 309
from the root and leaves is pre- The leaves contain flavonoids, in-
scribed in venereal diseases, urinary cluding rutin and isoquercitrin; kaem-
discharges and painful micturition. pferol; polyphenols. The flowers gave
Seeds, steeped in water, are used for myricetin glucoside; the root contains
asthma, cold, flu. polyphenols, also proanthocyanidins.
The seeds gave phosphonolipids.
Fatty oil of seeds contains phospho-
lipids—alpha cephalin, phosphatidyl-
serine and its plasmalogen and phos-
phatidylcholine plasmalogen. Abso- Hibiscus mutabilis Linn.
lute contains farnesol and ambrettolic Family Malvaceae.
acid lactones.
The seeds contain chiefly -trans, Habitat Native to China; planted
H
-trans-farnesyl acetate, -cis, -trans in the hedges of gardens.
farnesyl acetate and ambrettolide. The English Cotton-Rose, Chinese-
leaves contain beta-sitosterol and its Rose, Confederate Rose.
beta-D-glucoside.
Ayurvedic Sthala-Padam, Sthal-
Dosage Seed—– g powder. (API Kamal.
Vol. IV.) Siddha/Tamil Irratai-vellaichemba-
rattam, Sembarattai.
Action Flower—used in pectoral
Hibiscus cannabinus Linn. and pulmonary affections. Leaf
and flower—expectorant, bechic,
Family Malvaceae. anodyne. Used in menorrhagia,
Habitat Native to tropical America dysuria, swellings, fistulae, wounds
and Africa; cultivated in West and burns.
Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, The flowers contain quercetin,
Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, kaempferol, betulinic acid, hexyl stea-
Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Punjab. rate, tetratriacontanol, nonacosane,
English Bimlipatam Jute, Kenaf, stigmasta-, -dione, stigmasta--ene-
Mesta, Deccan Hemp. one and beta-sitosterol. Flowers col-
lected in the morning gave no an-
Siddha/Tamil Pulichhai, Pulimanji,
thocyanin; maximum anthocyanin is
Kasini.
found in the afternoon.
Folk Patsan, Pitwaa. Ambaadi
(Maharashtra).
Action Seed—nervine tonic, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn.
analgesic. Leaf—purgative. The
juice of flowers, mixed with sugar Family Malvaceae.
and black pepper, is given for Habitat Native of China; grown in
biliousness. gardens throughout India.

310 Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.
English Rose-of-China, Shoe- Oral administration of flower ex-
flower, Chinese Hibiscus. tract to rats affected spermatogenesis
and endocrine function of testis.
Ayurvedic Japaa, Javaa, Odrapush- In diabetic patients, a flower bud is
pa, Rudrapushpa, Arunaa. given daily up to  days or until the
level of blood sugar is reduced to tol-
Unani Gul-e-Gurhal.
erable limits.
Siddha/Tamil Semparuthi. The white-flowered var. of Japan
(cultivated all over India in garden) is
Action Flower—used in impo- equated with Hibiscus syriacus Linn.
tency, bronchial catarrh. Flower (Rose of Sharon, Shrubby Althaea).
H and bark—emmenagogue. Leaf— The white flower is an oriental drug
stimulates expulsion of placenta used as demulcent and antidiarrhoeal.
after childbirth; laxative, ano- The bud yields mucilage which consists
dyne. Flower and root—used in mainly of partially acetylated acidic
menorrhagia. polysaccharides. The aqueous extract
of the petals causes vasorelaxation of
The plant contains the cyclopro- the isolated rat arota via both endo-
panoids, methyl sterculate, methyl- thelium-dependent and -independent
-hydroxysterculate, -hydroxystercu- mechanisms. The petals contain an-
late, malvalate and beta-sitosterol. thocyanin pigments.
The major anthocyanin in the flower The cortex and bark exhibit antifun-
is cyanidin -sophoroside. The flower gal acitivity.
nectar is rich in amino acids, mainly The bark gave canthin--one and
aspartic acid and asparagin. During a fatty acid fraction consisting of lauric,
pollination, the amino acid concentra- myristic and palmitic acids.
tion increases substantially.
Flower powder exhibited anti-in- Dosage Flower—– g paste.
flammatory activity in male albino (CCRAS.)
rats with carrageenan-induced rat paw
oedema. The aqueous extract of the
plant showed antitumour activity Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.
against sarcoma  ascites.
An aqueous extract of flowers re- Family Malvaceae.
duced the duration of oestrus cycle in Habitat Native to the West Indies;
experimental albino rabbits. The alco- now cultivated in Uttar Pradesh,
holic extract of flowers showed anti- Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal,
implantation activity. The benzene ex- Bihar, Punjab, Assam and Tamil
tract of flowers, on oral administration, Nadu.
terminated pregnancy in experimental
animals. English Roselle, Jamaican Sorrel,
Flower buds are used in the treat- Natal Sorrel, Red Sorrel.
ment of vaginal and uterine discharges. Ayurvedic Ambashtthaki.

Hippophae rhamnoides Linn. 311
Siddha/Tamil Sivappu Kashmakki, Ayurvedic Ran Bhindi.
Pulichai-keerai, Gogu, Seemai
Folk Kishli-Keerai (Tamil Nadu).
Kaseru.
Folk Laal-ambaadi, Patavaa, Action Flower—emollient,
Patsan. pectoral. Stem and leaf—used in
urethritis and venereal diseases.
Action Digestive, choleretic,
antibilious, laxative, diuretic, Petals (yellow part) gave gossypitrin
hypotensive, antiscorbutic. Used and gossypetin; the purple part gave
as a cardiac and nervine tonic for cyanidin, delphinidin and pelargoni-
disorders of circulation, also for din.
calcified arteries. H
Key application Flowers—used
for loss of appetite, for colds, Hippophae rhamnoides Linn.
catarrhs of the upper respiratory
tract and stomach, for disorders Family Elaeagnaceae.
of circulation. (Included among
unapproved herbs by German Habitat North-west Himalayas at
Commission E.) ,–, m.
English Seabuckthorn, Sand Thorn.
The seeds contain sterols, includ-
ing .% ergosterol; leaves contain Folk Dhurchuk, Chumaa, Tarwaa
sitosterol-beta-D-galactoside. Flow- (Uttar Pradesh), Sirmaa (Punjab,
ers contain myricetin, kaempferol and Ladakh).
quercetin, but did not contain free mu- Action Fruit—astringent, anti-
tagenic flavonol aglycons. diarrhoeal, stomachic, antitussive,
The aqueous extract of flower buds antihaemorrhagic.
has been reported to decrease blood
pressure, cause relaxation of rat uterus. Sea Buckthorn preparations are used
Succulent sepals and leaves—hypoten- internally for stomach ulcer, duode-
sive, antimicrobial and anthelmintic. nal ulcer and other illnesses of the ali-
Oil and unsapanofiable matter—an- mentary organs; externally in cases of
tibacterial, antifungal. burns, bedsores and other skin compli-
cations induced by the treatment with
Dosage Root—– g. (API Vol.
X-rays and other radiations.
III.)
The berries contain polyphenols,
,-dihydroxy benzoic acid and p-
coumaric acid. They are an important
Hibiscus surattensis Linn. source of vitamins for people living in
cold, long winter regions; contain high
Family Malvaceae. concentration of vitamin A (carotene
Habitat Throughout the warmer – mg), B, B, B, C (– mg)
parts of India. and E ( mg/ g).

312 Hiptage benghalensis Kurz.
The plant is an effective antioxi- Holarrhena antidysenterica
dant and shows protective effect on (Linn.) Wall.
smooth muscles of rabbits in vitro. The
methanolic extract of the berry showed Synonym H. pubescens (Buch.-
scavenging activity on chemically gen- Ham.) Wall. ex G. Don.
erated superoxide radicals.
The leaves contain flavonoids, iso- Family Apocynaceae.
rhamnetin and astragalin; the bark Habitat The tropical Himalayas,
gave serotonin. going up to an altitude of , m.
Also found throughout many forests
of India, in Travancore, Assam and
H Hiptage benghalensis Kurz. Uttar Pradesh.
Synonym H. madablota Gaertn. English Easter tree, Ivory tree,
Tellicherry Bark.
Family Malpighiaceae.
Habitat Throughout the warmer Ayurvedic Kutaja, Girimallikaa,
parts of Maharashtra, Konkan, Kaalinga, Kalingaka, Indravrik-
Karnataka and other parts of sha, Shakra, Vatsa, Vatsaka,
India. Shakraahvya. Indrayava, Indrabija,
Vatsabija (seed). Kurchi (bark).
Ayurvedic Atimukta, Atimuktaka,
Maadhavi, Vaasanti, Pundrika, Unani Inderjo talkh, Teewaaj-e-
Mandaka, Vimukta, Kaamu- Khataai.
ka.
Siddha/Tamil Kudasappaalai-pattai,
Siddha/Tamil Madhavi, Vasanda- -vidai (bark, seed).
gala-malligai.
Action Root and bark—used in
Action Kernel of seeds is prescribed amoebic dysentery. Bark—astrin-
for reducing abdominal girth gent, anthelmintic, amoebicidal,
(obesity). Leaves—used in chronic diuretic. Used in colic, dyspepsia,
rheumatism, asthma and skin piles, diseases of the skin and
diseases. Bark—used in bronchial spleen. Seed—antibilious. Used
asthma. for promoting conception, also
The stem and its bark contain friede- for toning up vaginal tissues after
lin, epi-friedelinol, octacosanol, alpha- delivery.
amyrin, beta-sitosterol and its beta-D-
glucoside. The root bark gave a ni- The bark contains the alkaloids,
trogenous glucoside, hiptagin, identi- regholarrhenine-A, -B, -C, -D, -E and
cal with endecaphyllin and a glucosyl -F; pubescine, norholadiene, pubes-
xanthone, mangiferin. cimine, kurchinin, kurchinine, kur-
chinidine, holarrifine, holadiene,
Dosage Fruit, seed, root—powder kurchilidine, kurchamide, kurcholes-
– g; paste – g. (CCRAS.) sine, kurchessine, conessine, cones-

Holostemma annularis (Roxb.) K. Schum. 313
simine and isoconessimine, and the The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
steroidal compounds kurchinicin and dia recommends dried fruits in poly-
holadyson. uria and other urinary disorders.
The alkaloid conessine is used as The stem bark contains the triter-
a therapeutic drug for the treatment penoidal fatty acid esters, holoptelin-A
of dysentery and helminthic disorders. (epi-friedelinol palmitate) and holop-
Conessine and conimine inhibited the telin-B (epi-friedelinol stearate), frie-
growth of Shigella sonnei, S. flexneri delin and epi-friedelinol.
and Salmonella enteritidis strains in The powdered bark exhibited lipoly-
vitro. In chronic amoebiasis, Bi-iodide tic action and mobilized fat from adi-
compound of total alkaloids, given pose tissues in rats and consequently
orally, compare favourably with eme- helped in the reduction of obesity. H
tine Bi-iodide.
The plant possesses potent immuno- Dosage Dried fruit—– g. (API
stimulant property. Vol. III.)
The Kurchi seeds are sold as a sub-
stitute for Strophanthus sp. seeds in In-
dian market. (Seeds of Strophanthus Holostemma annularis
sp. contain a toxic glucoside, strophan- (Roxb.) K. Schum.
thin, and are poisonous.)
Synonym H. ada-kodien Schult.
Dosage Stem bark—– g for H. rheedii Wall.
decoction. (API Vol. I); seed—– Asclepias annularis Roxb.
 g powder; – g for decoction.
(API Vol. III.) Family Asclepiadaceae.
Habitat Tropical Himalayas and
Western Peninsula. Cultivated in
Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu.
Holoptelea integrifolia Planch. Ayurvedic Ark-pushpi.
Family Ulmaceae. Siddha/Tamil Palay-keerai.
Habitat Throughout greater parts Action Roots—used in orchitis,
of India, also grown in gardens. spermatorrhoea, also as laxative.
Roots are used as Jivanti in Kerala
Ayurvedic Chirbilva, Putika, (See also Leptadenia reticulata.)
Prakirya.
Siddha/Tamil Avil thol, Ayil pattai The tubers contain protein (.–
(bark) %). It gave alpha-amyrin, lupeol and
beta-sitosterol. Aspartic acid, glycine,
Action Bark—internally and serine, threonine and valine were de-
externally used in rheumatism. tected chromatographically.
Stem bark paste—in scabies. The bark gave alpha-amyrin, lupeol
Seeds—used topically on ringworm. and beta-sitosterol.

314 Homonoia riparia Lour.
Homonoia riparia Lour. and diarrhoea. Protects immune
system.
Synonym Adelia neriifolia Heyne
ex Roth. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
Family Euphorbiaceae. dia recommends barley in urinary dis-
orders, muscular rigidity, chronic si-
Habitat Eastern, Central and nusitis, cough, asthma, lipid disorder
Peninsular India, up to  m. and obesity.
Ayurvedic Paashaana-bheda Juice of young barley leaves— times
(substitute), Kshudra Paashaana- richer in vitamin C than oranges, 
bheda. times richer in iron than spinach, 
H Siddha/Tamil Kattu Alari. times richer in potassium than wheat;
high in SOD (superoxide dismutase),
Action Root—diuretic, spasmolytic, an enzyme that slows ageing of cells.
antilithic. Used for urinary The nutritional quality of the bar-
discharges. Leaf and stem— ley depends on beta-glucan fraction of
depurative. Leaf and fruit—used in the grain. Beta-glucan-enriched frac-
skin diseases. tion produced cholesterol-lowering ef-
The roots gave alpha-spinasteryl ac- fect in hamsters.
etate. The fatty acid from the fat of Naked barley extracts have been
roots gave myristic, palmitic, stearic found to selectively inhibit cyclohex-
and oleic acids. anase activity and may be useful as
a therapeutic drug for treating throm-
bosis and atherosclerosis.
Ethanol extract of young green
Hordeum vulgare Linn.
leaves exhibits antioxidant activity at-
Family Gramineae; Poaceae. tributed to a flavonoid,  -O-glucosyl-
isovitexin. It also exhibits anti-inflam-
Habitat Cultivated as food crop
matory and antiallergic activities. The
in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal,
leaves contain an indole alkaloid, gra-
Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,
mine, which exhibits antibacterial
Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh
properties.
and Jammu and Kashmir.
English Barley Dosage Dried fruit—– g.
Ayurvedic Yava, Hayeshtha, (API Vol. II); dried plant—– g.
Hayapriya, Shuka-dhaanya, Tiksh- (API Vol. IV.)
nashuka.
Unani Barley, Jao Shaeer.
Siddha Yavam. Saambaluppu (ash). Hovenia dulcis Thunb.
Action Barley—nutritive and
Synonym H. acerba Lindl.
demulcent during convalescence
and in cases of bowel inflammation Family Rhamnaceae.

Humulus lupulus Linn. 315
Habitat Native to China. Now Kashmir and parts of Himachal
cultivated in Kumaon, Sikkim and Pradesh.
West Bengal. English Hops.
English Japanese Raisin tree, Coral Unani Hashish-ut-Dinaar.
tree.
Action Flowers—sedative, hyp-
Folk Sikkaa. notic, nervine tonic, diuretic,
Action Fruit—diuretic; relieves spasmolytic on smooth muscle,
intoxication due to wine. analgesic, astring