Dioscorea alata Linn
Synonym D. atropurpurea Roxb. D. globosa Roxb. D. purpurea Roxb. Habitat Native to East Asia cultivated in Assam, Vadodara, Tamil Nadu, Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. English Wild Yam, Greater Yam, Asiatic Yam. Ayurvedic Kaashthaaluka. Aaluka var. . Aalukas yams of Ayurvedic texts, belong to Dioscorea spp. Siddha Tamil Perumvalli kizhangu. Action Even the best among the cultivated yams causes irritation in the throat or a feeling of discomfort when eaten raw. Wild yams cholagogue, antispasmodic,...
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Habitat Native to tropical and sub-tropical America introduced into Indian gardens. Action Plant toxic, insecticidal. The leaves contain bilobetin, gink-getin and sciadopitysin, which have been isolated from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba Linn. Ginkgo extract is used for cerebral insufficiency and for improving mental performance in geriatric patients. Other flavone compounds include amentoflavone, sequoiaflavone and amentoflavone derivatives. Habitat The peninsular India, khasi hills of Meghalaya...
Dictamnus albus Linn
Habitat Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Kunawar, common in Pangi. English Gas Plant, Dittany, Burning Bush. Action Root bark used in nervous diseases, hysteria, intermittent fevers, urinogenital disorders, and amenorrhoea a decoction for scabies and other skin affections. Toxic. Dittany stimulates the muscles of the uterus, while its effect on the gastro-intestinal tract is antispasmod-ic, it relaxes the gut. The plant is used in Greek folk medicine as anti-spasmodic. The herb contains...
Kigelia pinnata Jacq DC
Synonym K. africana Lam. Benth. Habitat Native to West Africa, cultivated as a roadside tree. Action Bark antidysenteric, antirheumatic, diuretic. Used in venereal diseases. Fruits purgative. The root bark contains monoter-penoids, pinnatal, isopinnatal and iso-kigelinol napthoquinones. The fruit gave a cytostatic compound. In Africa, the root bark is used in the treatment of venereal diseases, haemorrhoids and rheumatism also as a vermifuge.
Folk Sarj Saaj Sain Dehra Dun
Action Bark astringent, antidiar-rhoeal, styptic, antileucorrheal. Used for haemorrhagic diseases, skin diseases, erysipelas, leuco-derma. The bark contain 18.7 tannin. Beta-sitosterol, arjunic and arjuno-lic acids, arjunetin, betulinic and el-lagic acids have been isolated from the bark. Hydrolysis of gum gave oligo-sac-charides, disaccharides and monosac-charides. Leaves and fruits gave beta-sitosterol. Laurel is native to Mediterranean region and is equated with Laurus nobilis Linn....
Helleborus niger Linn
Habitat Native to sub-alpine woods in Southern and Eastern Europe. Grown in Indian gardens. English Black Hellebore, Christmas Rose. Action Digitalis-like action in cardiac disorders, drastic purgative, abortifacient, diuretic, local anaesthetic, narcotic. The rhizome contains cardiac glyco-sides helleborin, helleborein, hellebrin and others based on helleborigenin. Helleborin has a burning, acrid taste and is narcotic. Helleborein has a sweetish taste and is a highly active cardiac poison....
Ayurvedic Vidaari var
Action Root antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic. Flow-er hepatoprotective. The root of P. lobata is used in Chinese medicine as an antipyretic and spasmolytic agent. The root contains pueraria glyco-sides and puerarol. The glycosides showed strong antioxidant activity and inhibited lipid peroxidation. The root also contain several flavones which showed 66.8 inhibition against stomach cancer in vivo in mice. The isofla-yvonoids, daidzein, formononetin, daidzin and puerarin. Daidzein and...
Symplocos racemosa Roxb
Synonym S. beddomei C. B. Clarke S. candolleana Brand. Habitat Throughout North and eastern India, extending southwards to Peninsular India. English Lodh tree, Sapphire Berry. Ayurvedic Lodhra, Rodhra, Shaavara., Sthulavalkal, Trita, Pattikaa Lodhra, Shaabara Lodhra. Siddha Tamil Vellilethi, Velli-lothram. Action Bark used as specific remedy for uterine complaints, vaginal diseases and menstrual disorders menorrhagia, leucorrhoea The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India also used in diarrhoea,...
Clerodendrum indicum
Synonym Clerodendron siphonan-thus R. Br. C. B. Clarke. Habitat Cultivated as an ornamental throughout India, especially in South and Eastern India. English Turk's Turban, Tube-Flower. Ayurvedic Vaamana-haati a substitute for Bhaarangi . Siddha Tamil Kavalai, Narivalai. Action Root used for asthma, cough, scrofulous affections. Leaf-vermifuge. Resin antirheumatic. The plant is also used in fever, atrophy, emaciation of cachexia and consumption. The leaves contain flavonoids scu-tellarein 0.5 ,...
Melilotus indica Linn All
Habitat Native to Eurasia found as winter weed and cultivated for fodder in parts of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. English Sweet Clover, Annual Yellow Sweet Clover, Small-flowered Melilot. Unani Ilkil-ul-Malik yellow-flowered var. . Action Plant astringent, dis-cutient, emollient. Used as poultice or plaster for swellings. The plant gave coumarins fraxidin, herniarin, umbelliferone and scopoletin. When fed alone as a green fodder, it exhibits narcotic properties causes lethargy, tympanitis...
Crinum asiaticum Linn
Habitat Wild as well as cultivated as an ornamental. English St. John's Lily, Poison Bulb. Ayurvedic Naagadamani, Naa-gapatra, Sudarshana var. . C. defixum Ker.-Gawl, is equated with Sukhadarshana. Action Bulb laxative a substitute for ipecacuanha , expectorant. Used in biliousness, and in strangury and other urinary affections. Also used for the treatment of burns, whitlow and carbuncle. Fresh root diaphoretic, emetic. Leaves expectorant externally, antiinflammatory used in skin diseases and...
Family Cyperaceae
Habitat Indigenous to West Asia and North Africa occurring scattered from Punjab to Nilgiri hills as a grass-like sedge. English Earth Almond, Chufa, Rush Nut, Tiger Nut. Tuber is called Nut. Folk Chichodaa, Kaseru Punjab . Also equated with Naagaramustaka. Action A digestive tonic used for indigestion, flatulence, colic, diarrhoea, dysentery promotes diuresis and menstruation. The juice is taken for treating ulcers of the mouth and gums. Tiger Nut is used in debility and as a nervine tonic due...
Amaranthus tricolor Linn
Synonym A. gangeticus Linn. A. melancholicus Linn. A. polygamus Linn. Hook. f. in part. A. tristis Linn. Habitat Cultivated throughout India. English Chinese Spinach, Garden Amaranth, Fountain Plant. Ayurvedic Maarisha-rakta red var. . Siddha Tamil Arai-keerai, Siru-keerai, Thandu-keerai, Mulakkerai Tamil . Action Astringent in menorrhagia, leucorrhoea, dysentery, diarrhoea, haemorrhagic colitis also used in cough, bronchitis and consumption externally emollient. The plant contains amarantin,...
Rosa chinensis Jacq Family Rosaceae
Habitat Cultivated chiefly in Kannauj, Kanpur and Hathras. English Bengal Rose, Monthly Rose. Ayurvedic Taruni-Kantaka non-classical . Flowers crimson or pink. Action Hips applied to wounds, injuries, sprains and foul ulcers. R. chinensis Jacq. and R. borboni-ana Desp. are synonyms of Rosa indica, found and cultivated throughout India. This variety is also known as Edward Rose or Kat Gulaab.
Curcuma longa Linn
Habitat Cultivated all over India, particularly in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Ayurvedic Haridraa, Priyaka, Haridruma, Kshanda, Gauri, Kaanchani, Krimighna, Varavarni-ni, Yoshitapriyaa, Hattavilaasini, Naktaahvaa, Sharvari. Action Anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, hepatoprotective, blood-purifier, antioxidant, detoxi-fier and regenerator of liver tissue, antiasthmatic, anti-tumour, anticu-taneous, antiprotozoal, stomachic, carminative. Reduces high plasma cholesterol. Antiplatelet...
Lens culinaris Medic
Habitat Forests of tropical and subtropical India, from Himalayas as far west as Kumaon, and southwards to the Peninsula. Ayurvedic Chhatri, Karkatajihvaa, Kukurjihvaa. Siddha Tamil Nalava, Nyekki, Ottanali. Habitat Native to South West Asia cultivated as a pulse crop mainly in North India, Madhya Pradesh and some parts of Maharashtra. Ayurvedic Masura, Masurikaa, Mangalyaa, Mangalyak, Adaasa. 368 Leonotis nepetaefolia L. R. Br. Action Seeds mostly used as a pulse. Contain as much as 30...
Iberis amara Linn
Family Cruciferae Brassicaceae. Habitat Native to Europe cultivated in gardens. Reported to occur in Chamba. English Rocket Candytuft, Clown's Mustard. Action Used for gout, rheumatism, also for bronchitis and asthma as a tonic in enlargement of heart to allay excited action of the heart. The seeds contain a mustard oil and a glycoside, glucoiberin. The plant contains sulphur-containing glucosi-nolates also contains bitter and toxic tetracycloterpenoids, cucurbitacin E and I. The seed extract...
Synonym Lablab purpureus Linn
Habitat Cultivated throughout India. English Indian Butter Bean, Lablab Bean, Horsebean. Action Seeds febrifuge, stomachic, antispasmodic, antifungal. Key application As expectorant. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Lablab pods contain protein 4.5, carbohydrates 10.0, calcium 0.05 vitamin C 7.33 to 10.26 mg 100g in cooked samples 0.77-1.12 mg 100 g in uncooked samples increases on cooking. Enzyme liberation of essential amino acids from protein is slower than from casein and wheat. Callus...
Petiveria alliacea Linn
Petroselinum crispum Mill. Airy-Shaw. Habitat Native to America introduced into India, grown in gardens. Action Root diuretic, antispas-modic, emmenagogue, abortifa-cient. Used for whooping cough, also for rheumatism and nervous diseases. Long term use in high doses causes brain damage. Ethanolic extract of the leaves contains leridal, leridol, 5-O-methylleri-dol and 3-O-rhamnosides of dihydro-kaempferol, dihydroquercetin and my-ricetin. The presence of high nitrate content in the plant has...
Folk Karadu Maharashtra
Action Roots diuretic. Used for urinary discharges and dys-menorrhoea. Seeds deobstruent, resolvent, diuretic used in strangury and sexual debility . Powdered plant is applied locally on infections of the genitals and on burns. Key application Seed in dysuria and impotency. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. in, has been isolated from seeds, and Dosage Dried seed 3-6 g powder. API Vol. IV.
Convolvulus arvensis Linn
Habitat Throughout India, up to 3,000 m in the Himalayas. Ayurvedic Bhadrabalaa, Hiranpadi. Action Plant cooling, anticonvul- Plant extract hypotensive in cats raises coronary rate. Alkaloids hy-potensive, without vasodilation. EtOH extract anticonvulsant in rats. Aqueous extract exhibited muscarinic and micotinic activity. The dried rhizome contains 4.9 resin. The cathartic action of the resinous substance is about one third of that of jalap Ipomoea purga Hayne resin. All parts of the plant...
Trachelospermum fragrans
Habitat Temperate and subtropical Himalaya from Kumaon to Arunachal Pradesh and in Assam, Meghalaya up to 2,100 m. Folk Duudhi Kumaon , Akhaahi-lataa Assam . Action Used as a substitute for Alstonia scholaris. T. jasminoides Lem. Star-Jasmine , native to China and Japan, is cultivated all over India. Alkaline extracts of the leaf and stem show activity against yeast. The leaves and twigs contain dambonitol, cyclitol, arctiin, tracheloside, beta-amyrin and its acetate, lu-peol acetate, and a...
Unani Qurtum
Action Oil aids prevention of arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease and kidney disorders as a polyunsaturated fat. Flowers stimulant, sedative, diuretic, emmenagogue used in fevers and eruptive skin conditions, measles. Charred safflower oil is used in rheumatism and for healing sores. Key application Dried flowers in cardiovascular diseases, amen-orrhoea, dysmenorrhoea and retention of lochia also in wounds and sores with pain and swelling. Pharmocopoeia of the People's Republic of China,...
Family Amaranthaceae 1
Habitat The temperate and subtropical Himalayas from Kishtwar to Sikkim at 1,200-3,200 m, Khasi hills. Ayurvedic Shveta Apaamaarga. Rakta Apaamaarga is equated with Achyranthes rubra-fusca Hook. f. and A. verschaffeltii Lam., synonym Iresine herbstii Hook. f. Action Astringent, diuretic, spasmolytic. Plant is given in whooping cough, roots in hemicrania. three mannose units, has been isolated from the roots. It enhanced immune response and prolonged survival time of mice bearing Ehrlich...
Diospyros tomentosa Roxb
Habitat Sub-Himalayan tract from Ravi to Nepal, also in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Orrisa. Ayurvedic Viralaa, Tinduka var. . Action Astringent, anti-inflammatory, styptic. Various plant parts are used for dry cough, bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, dysuria, fistula, tumours, bleeding gums, haemorrhagic conditions. The leaves and stems gave beta-sitosterol, lupeol, betulin, betulinic and oleanolic acids. Unsaponifiable matter of seeds showed CNS depressant activity.
Ochna jabotapita Linn
Habitat Assam, Bihar, Orissa and Deccan Peninsula. Often cultivated in parks and gardens. Siddha Tamil Chilanti, Sherundi. Folk Kanaka Champaa. Bhuin-champaa, Bhuumi-champaka Ochna pumila . Action Bark digestive tonic. Root a decoction is used in asthma, tuberculosis and in menstrual disorders. Leaves boiled and used as emollient cataplasm used as a poultice in lumbago. Isoflavones, along with beta-sitos-terol and oleanolic acid, have been isolated from the heartwood. A related species, Ochna...
Myristica malabarica Lam
Habitat Western Ghats, Kanara and Malabar. English Malabar Nutmeg, False Nutmeg, Bombay Nutmeg, Bombay Mace. Ayurvedic Paashikaa, Raamapatri, Ku-Jaavitri. Pashupaashi Kerala . Siddha Tamil Pathiri, Kattu Jhadi. Action Topically stimulant applied to indolent ulcers. The fruit rind yielded diarylno-nanoids and a lignin, malabaricanol. Leaves gave beta-sitosterol, myristic acid and its triglyceride, trimyristin. Fat and resin are the major constituents of the Bombay mace. The crude fat Pundi oil...
Zanthoxylum armatum DC
Synonym Z. alatum Roxb. Z. var. planispinum Sieb. amp Zucc. Habitat Jammu amp Kashmir and Garhwal. English Toothache tree, Indian Prickly Ash. Ayurvedic Tumburu fruit . Tejabala, Tejaswani, Tejohva, Tejovati stem bark . Unani Faaghir, Kabaab-e-Khandaan. Action Stem bark used in cough, dyspnoea, hiccup, stomatitis, rheumatism. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Stems and thorns hypoglycaemic. Bark used for cleaning teeth, also for treating diarrhoea. Fruits, seeds, bark carminative,...
Cynodon dactylon Pers
Habitat Throughout India up to 3,000 m. English Bermuda Grass, Bahama Grass, Couch Grass. Ayurvedic Duurvaa, Bhaargavi, Shatvalli, Shatparvaa, Tiktaparvaa, Shatviryaa, Sahastravirya, Shitaa, Anantaa, Golomi. Action The grass is a reputed as a remedy in epitaxis, haematuria, inflammed tumours, whitlows fleshy excrescences, cuts, wounds, bleeding piles, cystitis, nephritis and in scabies and other skin diseases. It is credited with astringent, diuretic, antidiarrhoeal, anticatarrhal, styptic and...
Potentilla anserina Linn
leucorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, arthritis, cramps, kidney stones, bleeding piles as a mouth wash in pyrrhoea, gingivitis and sore throat. Key application In mild dismenor-rhoeal disorders as a support for treatment of milder, nonspecific, acute diarrhoea and in light inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. German Commission E. The plant gave anthocyanins cy-anidin and delphinidin. Aerial parts gave tannins 2-10 . The plant also gave choline, betaine, histidine, an essential oil and vitamin...
Yucca gloriosa Linn
Habitat Native to Central America introduced into India as a garden plant. English Spanish Dagger-Plant, Adam's Needle. Action Fruit anti-inflammatory, blood purifier, cholagogue. Used in rheumatism, oedema, bronchitis, asthma and chest diseases also for ulcers, sores, dysentery and haemorrhagic septicaemia. Yuccas are an important source of steroidal sapogenins, precursors of sex-hormones and steroids. Related species, Yucca bacata, Y. glauca, and Y brevifolica, are used for hormonal...
English BroomCreeper InkBerry
Ayurvedic Chhilihinta, Paataala-garuda, Mahaamuulaa, Dirghavalli, Jalajamani. Action Root laxative, sudorific, alterative, antirheumatic. Leaf used externally for eczema, prurigo and inpetigo. A decoction of leaves is taken in eczema, leucorrhoea and gonorrhoea. Aqueous extract of stem and root sedative, anticonvulsant, hypotensive, bradycardiac, cardiotonic and sapas-molytic. Roots are used as a substitute for Sarsaparilla in chronic rheumatism gout, and syphilitic cachexia. The stem contains...
Unani Bhui Aaamalaa
Action Plant diuretic, deobstru-ent, astringent, anti-inflammatory, styptic. Used as a single drug in the treatment of jaundice. Used in prescriptions for dyspepsia, indigestion, chronic dysentery, urinary tract diseases, diabetes, skin eruptions. The leaves yielded lignans phyl-lanthin bitter , hypophyllanthin nonbitter niranthin, nirtetralin and phyl-tetralin. The whole plant gave a number of flavonoids, including quercetin, quercitrin, astragalin, rutin, kaempfer-ol. Isolation of a...
Allium schoenoprasum Linn
Habitat Native to temperate northern Europe and the U.S. distributed in the western Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon at altitudes of 2,400-3,000 m. Action Used in place of young onions. An alcoholic extract of the bulbs exhibited hypotensive and cardiac depressant activity. The aerial parts chives gave alliins alkylcysteine sulfoxides , particularly methyl alliin and pentylalliin. Allium tuberosum Rottl. ex Spreng, found in eastern India and western Himalayas, is equated with Chinese Chives. It...
Zingiber officinale Rose
Habitat Native to Southeast Asia now cultivated mainly in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra. Ayurvedic Fresh rhizome Aardraka, Aadrikaa, Shrngibera, shrngavera, Katubhadra. Dried rhi-zome Shunthi, Naagara, Naagaraa, Naagaraka, Aushadha, Mahaushad- ha, Vishvaa, Vishvabheshaja, Vishvaaushadha. Unani Fresh rhizome Zanjabeel-e-Ratab, Al-Zanjabeel. Dried rhizome zanjabeel, Zanjabeel-e-yaabis. Siddha Fresh rhizome Inji, Allam, Lokottai. Dried rhizome chukku, Sunthi....
Saccharum munja Roxb
Synonym S. sara Roxb. S. bengalense Retz. Erianthus munja Jesw. Habitat Throughout the plains and low hills of India. Ayurvedic Munja, Bhadramuja, Vaana, Shara, Sara, Raamshara. Siddha Tamil Munjipul, Munjap-pullu. Action Refrigerant. Useful in burning sensation, thirst, dyscrasia, erysipelas and urinary complaints. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the use of the root in dysuria, giddiness and vertigo. The stem is a good source of furfural yield 5.67 , dry basis . It yields 19.5...
Folk Silang Silingi Bagahul Buuk
Action Diuretic, genitourinary tract disinfectant. Flowers antiseptic, insecticidal. Used for protecting clothes from insects. The flowers yield an oil containing oleanolic and urosolic acids, beta-sitosterol, glycosides and a wax 0.04 composed mainly of triacontane. The leaves are reported to contain a philly-rin-like glycoside. Osmanthus suavis King, known as Silingi in Nepal and Chashing in Bhutan, is found in eastern Himalayas at altitudes of 2,700-3,000 m and in Aka hills in Assam. It is...
Sonchus oleraceus Linn
Habitat Waste places throughout India, up to elevation of 2,400 m. English Milk Thistle a confusing synonym. Silybum marianum has been equated with Milk Thistle. Action Galactagogue, febrifuge, sedative, vermifuge. Used in indigestion and in the treatment of diseases of the liver. An ointment is made from the decoction for wounds and ulcers. The leaves contain luteolin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside hydroxycoumarins, cichoriin and scopoletin. Apigenin-7-O-glucoside was also obtained from the leaves...
Folk Bagharenda var
Action Seed highly toxic. Nut purgative. Plant used for scabies, ringworm, eczema, whitlow, warts, syphilis. Stem bark applied to wounds of animal bites root bark to sores. The protein of the seed contains the toxic albumin curcin protein 18.0 , curcin 0.005 . Seed and seed oil more drastic purgative than castor seed oil and milder than Croton tiglium oil. An aqueous 10 infusion of leaves increased cardiac contraction is small doses. EtOH 50 extract of aerial parts diuretic and CNS depressant....
SiddhaTamil Charai Kattu Ilandai Kottaimaram Todari
Folk Churnaa, Sekaraa Bihar Torana Gujarat . Action Bark astringent, an-tidiarrhoeal. Flowers used in prescriptions for menorrhagia. Stem and fruit hypotensive. The bark contains vanillic acid, be-tulin, betulinic acid, kaempferol, quer-cetin, myricetin, apigenin and apige-nin-7-O-glucoside. The bark also contains several N-formyl cyclopeptide alkaloids. The triterpene saponins isolated from the bark showed CNS depressant, tranquilizing and analgesic activity in albino rats and produced no...
Lobelia leschenaultina
Family Campanulaceae Lobeli-aceae. Habitat Hills of South India at altitudes above 1,800 m. Folk Devanala var. Maharashtra. Action Leaves filtered solution is used in the control of aphids, tingids and mites on vegetable and other crops. Plant poisonous to man and livestock. The leaves are cured and smoked as tabacco. quantities of nor-lobelanine and small amounts of lobinine and minor bases. Lobelia cardinalis Linn., Cardinal Flower, is cultivated in Indian gardens. It contains lobinaline as...
Viscum album Linn
Synonym V. costatum Gamble. Family Viscaceae Loranthaceae. Habitat Temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal between 1,200 and 2,700 m a semiparasitic plant . Ayurvedic Bandaaka, Suvarna-bandaaka. Vrikshaadani substitute . Action Vasodilator, cardiac depressant, tranquiliser, stimulates the vagus nerve which slows the pulse, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, immune enhancer, antineoplas-tic. Used for hypertension and tachycardia, as a nervine tonic. The extract of leafy twigs is anti-inflammatory...
Family Myrtaceae Mlt
Habitat Indegenous to Burma, Cambodia, Thailand, Malay Peninsula to Australia grown in Indian gardens and parks. English Cajeput tree, Swamp Tea tree, White Tea tree. Folk Kaayaaputi. The oil of Cajeput is imported into India, chiefly from France and Netherlands. Action Oil used as an expectorant in chronic laryngitis and bronchitis, and as a carminative. Acts as anthelmintic, especially against round worms. Enters into ointments for rheumatism and stiff joints, sprains and neuralgia, migraine,...
Ranunculus sceleratus Linn
Habitat The plains of northern India, and the warm valleys of the Himalayas from Kashmir to Assam. English Blister Buttercup, Celery-leaved Crowfoot. Ayurvedic Kaandira, Kaandakatu-ka, Naasaa-samvedana, Toyavalli, Sukaandaka. Action Fresh Plant highly acrid, rubefacient, vesicant and toxic causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Used after drying or as a homoeopathic medicine for skin diseases. The plant contains anemonin, pro-toanemonin, ranunculine, serotonin and other tryptamine...
Euphorbia dracunculoides
Habitat Throughout India in the plains and low hills. Ayurvedic Saatalaa, Saptalaa, Sapralaa, Viduraa, Charmasaahvaa, Charmakashaa. Siddha Tamil Tillakada, Thusimul-lai. Action Fruit removes warts topically. Plant extract choliner-gic. The aerial parts are used as a vegetable for maintaining smooth and regular movement of bowels. The alcoholic and aqueous extracts of aerial parts showed significant action on gastro-intestinal motility in rats. The activity is more pronounced in alcoholic...
Family Buxaceae
Habitat The Himalayas and the hills of North-eastern India up to 2,700 m. Folk Geru Garhwal, Patiala , Tiliari Jaunsar , Sukatsing Ku-maon . 584 Sarcostemma brevistigma W. amp A. Action Leaves used in the treatment of rheumatism and fever. The leaves contain steroidal alkaloids, including saracosine, saracodine and saracodinine also betulin. Aerial parts exhibit spasmolytic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory activity. Steroidal alkaloids induce non-recoverable fall in blood pressure in dogs.
Unani Manjeeth
Action Roots and dried stem blood purifier, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, deobstruent, antidysenteric, antiseptic, alterative. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn-dia recommends the use of the dried stem in blood, skin and urinogenital disorders dysentery piles, ulcers, inflammations erysipelas, skin diseases and rheumatism. Roots, leaves and seeds of R. cordifolia, R. tinctorum and allied species are used in amenorrhoea, liver diseases, gall and spleen complaints. Mutagenic and carcinogenic...
English Rohida tree
Ayurvedic Rohitaka, Rohi, Daadimpushpaka, Daadimchhada, Plihaghna. Amoora rohituka is also known as Rohitaka. Action Bark relaxant, cardiotonic, choleretic. Heartwood toxic due to lapachol. Used for the treatment of leucorrhoea, diseases of the liver and spleen, leucoderma, syphilis and other skin diseases. The bark contains tecomin veratryl beta-D-glucoside , alkanes, alkanols and beta-sitosterols. The bark also yielded chromone glycosides undu-latosides A and B, and iridoid glu-cosides...
Lactuca virosa Linn
Habitat Native to Europe. Imported into India. English Bitter Lettuce, Wild Lettuce. Unani Kaahuu Sahrai var. , Kaahuu Barri var. . Action Mild sedative, hypnotic, once used as a substitute for opium , anodyne, expectorant. Key application Assedative. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Used in insomnia, nervous excitability, anxiety, restlessness, hyperactivity in children, nymphomania, smoker's cough, irritable cough and bronchitis. Aerial parts contain sesquiterpene glycosides. The leaves and...
Folk Ajmodaa
Action Anti-inflammatory used in rheumatic disorders, inflammation of the urinary tract , diuretic, carminative, nervine, sedative, antiemetic, antispasmodic, antiseptic used in bronchitis, asthma, as well as liver and spleen diseases , emmenagogue. Essential oil from seeds tranquilizer, anticonvulsant, antifungal. Seeds are used in the treatment of chronic skin disorders including psoriasis. Key application As diuretic. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Celery yields an essential oil 3 , major...