R
Radermachera xylocarpa
(Roxb.) K. Schum.
Synonym Bignonia xylocarpa Roxb.
Stereospermum xylocarpum (Roxb.)
Wt.
Family Bignoniaceae.
Habitat Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil
Nadu.
English Padri tree.
Siddha/Tamil Vedanguruni, Pathiri.
Folk Paadiri. Kharsing, Kadashing,
Bairsinge (Maharashtra).
Action Plant—antiseptic. Resin—
used for the treatment of skin
diseases. Rootbark—bitter, astringent;
used as substitute for
Stereospermumpersonatum (Hassk.)
D. Chatterjee and S. suaveolens DC.
(Trumpet-Flower, Yellow Snake
tree, also known as Padri).
The leaves gave flavonoids, dinatin
and its glycoside. Roots yielded Oacetyl
oleanolic acid, stigmasterol and
a red pigment, radermachol.
Randia dumetorum Poir.
Synonym R. spinosa Poir.
R. brandisii Gamble.
R. longispina W. & A.
R. tomentosa W. & A. non Blume.
Xeromphis spinosa Keay.
Family Rubiaceae.
Habitat Assam, Naga and
Khasi Hills, Travancore and the
Andamans.
English Common Emetic Nut.
Ayurvedic Madana, Chhardana,
Pindi, Shalayaka, Vishapushpaka.
Unani Mainphal, Jauz-ul-Qai.
Siddha/Tamil Marukkaaraikai,
Madkarai.
Folk Mainphal.
Action Fruit—nervine, calmative,
antispasmodic, emetic,
anthelmintic, abortifacient. Used as
a substitute for ipecacuanha.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
recommends the dried fruit in
chlorosis, common cold, rhinitis and
obstinate skin diseases.
The activity of the drug is attributed
to the presence of saponins which occur
to the extent of –% in fresh fruits
and about % in dried whole fruit.
The saponins are concentrated mostly
in the pulp. Amixture of two saponins,
viz. randialic or neutral saponin and
randialic acid or acid saponin has been
isolated from the pulp. On complete
hydrolysis both the saponins yield oleanolic
acid as sapogenin. Ursosaponin,
isolated from the ethanolic extract of
the dried whole fruit, gave ursolic acid
and glucose. Randianin, isolated from
the fruit, gave a haemolytic triterpenoid
saponin.
R
536 Randia uliginosa DC.
In experimental animals, the drug
caused haemolysis both in vitro and in
vivo. Crude saponin fraction showed
haemolytic, molluscidal and immunostimulating
activities.
Oleanolic acid -glucoside, isolated
from the seed, exhibited anti-arthritic
activity in exudative and proliferative
phases of inflammation in rats.
Dosage Fruit—.–. g powder
for decoction, – g for induction
vomiting. (API, Vol. I.)
Randia uliginosa DC.
Synonym Catunaregam uliginosa
(Retz.) Sivarajan.
Family Rubiaceae.
Habitat Southern, Central and
Eastern India, including Assam and
Sikkim.
Ayurvedic Pindaalu, Pinditaka.
Siddha/Tamil Wagatta, Perunkarai.
Folk Mainphal, Pindaar, Pendraa,
Pendhar.
Action Unripe fruit—astringent.
Root—diuretic; used for biliousness,
diarrhoea and dysentery.
Unripe fruits are roasted and used as
a remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea.
The root, boiled in purified butter, is
also prescribed for dysentery and diarrhoea.
The fruits, like those of Randia
spinosa, contain a toxic saponin of
oleanolic acid. They also contain leucocyanidin
and mannitol. The flowers
yield an essential oil similar to Gardenia
oil.
Ranunculus arvensis Linn.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat The Western Himalayas
from Kashmir to Kumaon.
English Corn Buttercup.
Folk Chambul (Punjab). Gagerkanda
(Kashmir).
Action Used in intermittent fevers,
asthma and gout.
The active principle of the herb is
protoanemonin (.%) and its glycosidic
precursor, ranunculin. The herb
yields hydrocyanic acid in very small
amounts.
The leaves contain the antifungal
lactone protoanemonin which inhibited
growth of Epidermophyton floccosum
and the yeast Rhodotorula glutinis.
Ranunculus sceleratus Linn.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat The plains of northern
India, and the warm valleys of the
Himalayas from Kashmir to Assam.
English Blister Buttercup, Celeryleaved
Crowfoot.
Ayurvedic Kaandira, Kaandakatuka,
Naasaa-samvedana, Toyavalli,
Sukaandaka.
Folk Jal-dhaniyaa.
Action Fresh Plant—highly acrid,
rubefacient, vesicant and toxic;
R
Raphanus sativus Linn. 537
causes inflammation of the digestive
tract. Used after drying or as
a homoeopathic medicine for skin
diseases.
The plant contains anemonin, protoanemonin,
ranunculine, serotonin
and other tryptamine derivatives.
Serotonin (-hydroxytryptamine)
is a potent vaso-constrictor. Protoanemonin
possesses strong antibacterial,
antiviral, cytopathogenic and
vermicidal properties, and is effective
against both Gram-positive and Gramnegative
bacteria, similar to penicillic
acid. It inhibits the growth of E. coli,
Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.
It inactivates in vitro diptheria
toxin.
Dosgae Whole plant—– g
powder. (CCRAS.)
Ranunculus trichophyllus Chaix.
Synonym R. aquatilis Linn. var.
capillaceus DC.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat Kashmir to Sikkim.
English Water Crowfoot, Water
Fennel.
Ayurvedic Kaandira (var.).
Folk Tohlab (Kashmir).
Action Herb—used in intermittent
fevers, rheumatism and asthma.
Ranunculus muricatus Linn. (Punjab
and Kashmir) is used in intermittent
fevers, gout and asthma in Europe.
The herb is rubefacient, vesicant and
narcotic.
Raphanus sativus Linn.
Family Cruciferae; Brassicaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in Uttar
Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra and
Gujarat.
English Radish.
Ayurvedic Muulaka, Laghumuulaka,
Muulakapotikaa, Visra,
Shaaleya, Marusambhava. Pods—
Sungraa, Singri, Mungraa.
Unani Muuli, Turb Fajal.
Siddha/Tamil Mullangi.
Action Radish—preparations
are used in liver, gallbladder and
urinary complaints. Green leaves—
diuretic and carminative. Seeds—
diuretic, purgative, expectorant.
A decoction of dry radish is given
orally in piles. Extract of the dry root
is given for hiccough, influenza, dysentery,
colic and urinary troubles.
Key application In peptic disorders,
especially those related to dyskinesia
of the bile ducts; and in catarrhs
of the upper respiratory tract.
(German Commission E.)
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
recommends the juice of the whole
plant in sinusitis; juice of the root in
diseases of the throat and sinusitis; and
the seed in amenorrhoea, cough and
dyspnoea.
The fleshy root and seeds contain
trans--methyl-thiobutenyl isothiocyanate
glucoside (the pungent principle),
cyanidin--glucoside--sophoroR
538 Rauvolfia serpentina Benth. ex Kurz.
side, pelargonidin diglycoside, cyanidin
diglycoside, -methyl-L-cysteinesulphoxide
(methiin), steroidal sapogenins
and sulphorophene.
The enzymes present in the radish
are phosphatase, catalase, sucrase,
amylase, alcohol dehydrogenase and
pyruvic carboxylase.
Radish contains caffeic acid and ferulic
acid which exhibit hepatoprotective
and choleretic properties. It contains
choline which prevents deposition
of fat in liver. Amino acids, ornithine,
citrulline, arginine, glutamic
acid and asparatic acid remove toxins
from the body and urea acumulation.
Radish is a good source of ascorbic
acid (– mg/ g), trace elements
include aluminium, barium, lithium,
manganese, silicon, titanium, also iodine
(upto mcg/ g) and ascorbigen.
Roots, leaves, flowers and pods are
active against Gram-positive bacteria.
The seeds are reported to contain
a broad spectrum antibiotic, machrolysin,
specific against Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. Raphanin, extracted from
the seeds, is active against Grampositive
and Gram-negative bacteria.
A purified basic protein, homologous
to nonspecific lipid transfer proteins,
fromseeds showed antifungal activity.
Raphanus caudatus Linn., synonym
R. sativus var. caudatus, is known as
Rat-Tail Radish.
A native to Java, it is cultivated in
northern and western India. The root
is not used; pods, purple or violet in
colour, are consumed for properties
attributed to Raphanus sp. These are
known as Mungraa or Sungraa.
Dosage Whole plant—– ml
juice; root—– ml juice. (API,
Vol. II.) Seed—– g powder. (API,
Vol. III.)
Rauvolfia serpentina
Benth. ex Kurz.
Family Apocynaceae.
Habitat The sub-Himalayas tract
from Punjab to Nepal, Sikkim,
Bhutan, Assam, Western Ghats and
the Andamans.
English Rauvolfia root, Serpentina
Root, Indian Snakeroot.
Ayurvedic Sarpagandhaa
of Ayurvedic texts was not
the Sarpagandhaa of modern
medicine. (Sarpagandhaa was
equated with Naakuli, Sarpachhatrikaa
and Varshaasu Chhatrikaaraa.
Sarpagandhaa and
Sarpasugandhaa were synonyms of
Naakuli.)
Folk Chhotaa Chaand.
Action Root—decoction is
employed to increase uterine
contractions and for expulsion
of foetus in difficult cases. The
total alkaloidal extract of the root
induces bradycardia, hypotension,
sedation. It finds application
in hypochondria, neuropsychiatric
disorders, psychosis and
schizophrenia.
Key application In mild, essential
hypertension (borderline
hypertension, especially with elevated
tension of the sympathetic
nervous system, for example,
R
Rauvolfia tetraphylla Linn. 539
sinus tachycardia, anxiety, tension
and psychomotor irritation,
when dietetic measures alone
are not sufficient. (German
Commission E.)
(Average daily dose: mg drug
corresponding to mg total alkaloid.)
Treatment is usually administered with
a diuretic to prevent fluid retention
which may develop if Rauvolfia root is
given alone. (WHO.) Contraindicated
in depression, bleeding disorders, gastric
and duodenal ulcers. (Sharon M.
Herr.) Also contraindicated in pregnancy,
since it has both teratogenic
and abortifacient potential. (Francis
Brinker.)
The root and root bark are rich in
alkaloids, the most important being
reserpine, others, around , which include
ajmaline, ajmalicine (raubasine),
ajmalicine, yohimbine, coryanthine,
iso-ajmaline, neo-ajmaline, papaverine,
raubasine, rauwolscine, rescinnamine,
reserpine, sarpagine, serpentine,
serpentinine, serpinine and deserpidine.
Reserpine is hypotensive and tranquilizer,
used for certain forms ofmental
disorders. Ajmalicine (raubasine)
and rescinnamine are also hypotensive
and tranquilizer. Deserpidine is
sedative, as well as hypotensive. Ajmaline
exhibits antiarrhythmic activity.
A
number of Rauvolfia species are
found in India: R. beddomei Hook. f.;
R. densiflora Benth ex Hook. f. (Himalayas,
Khasi and Aka Hills; Western
and Eastern Ghats); R. micrantha
Hook. f; known as Malabar Rauvolfia,
(Kerala, up to an altitude of m)
The roots of R. beddomei contain
ajmalicine, sarpagine and serpentine,
but no reserpine. R. densiflora yielded
.% of total alkaloids (reserpine
.%). R. micrantha gave ajmalicine,
raunamine, reserpiline, sarpagine,
neosarpagine, in addition to reserpine.
(In classical Ayurvedic texts, Nakuli
and Gandha-naakuli were included in
compound formulations for mental
diseases.)
Rauvolfia tetraphylla Linn.
Synonym R. canescens L.
Family Apocynaceae.
Habitat Abundant in moist and
warm regions of West Bengal,
particularly in Parganas and
Howrah, and Kerala (as a weed).
Folk Badaa Chaand.
Action Root—sedative, hypotensive.
Plant juice, mixed with castor
oil, is applied to skin diseases and
to destroy parasites.
The plant contains a number of
alkaloids, including rauvolscine, ajmalicine,
canescine, reserpine, pseudoyohimbine;
yohimbine, corynanthene,
raunescine, iso-raunescine and
recanescine.
The major alkaloid is rauwolscine
(alpha-yohimbine), present in the root
bark (.%), stem bark (.%) and
leaves (.%).
The roots are often used as a substitute
or adulterant of those of R. serpentina,
though the reserpine content
of the dried root was found to be comparatively
low (.–.%).
R
540 Reinwardtia indica Dum.
Reinwardtia indica Dum.
Family Linaceae.
Habitat The Himalayas from
Kashmir to Sikkim; commonly
grown in gardens.
English Winter-Flax, Yellow Flax.
Ayurvedic Baasanti.
Folk Abai (Maharashtra).
Action Plant—used for the
treatment of paralysis in Bihar.
The crushed leaves and stems are
applied to wounds infested with
maggots.
Reissantia grahamii
(Wight) Ding Hou.
Synonym Hippocratea grahamii
Wight.
Pristimera grahamii
A. C. Smith.
Family Celastraceae; Hippocrateaceae.
Habitat Konkan, and the South
Andamans.
Folk Danshir, Daushir, Lokhandi,
Yesti, Zerwati (Maharashtra).
Action Root—used for the
treatment of respiratory affections,
common cold and influenza.
The roots contain about twice the
amount of pristimerin as in R. indica
and show similar antibiotic properties.
Pristimerin is found active against
Streptococcus viridans, causative organism
for sore throat and tonsilitis,
and S. pyogenes.
Reissantia indica Halle.
Synonym Hippocratea indicaWilld.
Pristimera indica A. C. Smith.
Family Celastraceae; Hippocrateaceae.
Habitat North-eastern India.
Siddha/Tamil Odangod.
Folk Kazurati, Tirruli (Maharashtra),
Atari-lataa, Kathapahaariaa,
Lokhandi (Bengal).
Action Root bark—used for the
treatment of respiratory troubles.
Stem—febrifuge. Leaves—scorched
and given to women during
confinement. Powdered leaves
and roots are applied to sores and
wounds.
The roots contain dulcitol. The root
bark contains an antibiotic principle,
pristimerin (.%) which shows considered
in vitro activity against several
Gram-positive cocci, both haemolytic
and non-haemolytic. Pristimerin
also inhibits in vitro growth of different
strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Clinical trials have shown that
pristimerin is effective in the treatment
of inflammatory conditions of
the naso-pharyngeal mucosa resulting
from common cold and influenzal infections.
It is found useful as an adjunct
to the common antibiotic therapy of
respiratory inflammations of both bacterial
and viral origin, and is reported
to possess antitumour properties, but
its high toxicity precludes its use as
a cancero-static agent.
R
Rhamnus purshiana DC. 541
Remusatia vivipara Schott.
Family Araceae.
Habitat Maharashtra, Karnataka.
Folk Rukhaalu, Maanakand
(Maharashtra). Lakshmanaa is
a doubtful synonym
Action Root—use for obstinate
skin diseases and pruritus; also
for disinfecting genitourinary tract
and for promoting conception.
Alocasia indica and Eulophia nuda
are also known as Maanakanda in
Indian medicine. Alocasia indica
is used in Siddha medicine as an
anti-inflammatory and diuretic
herb.
Reseda luteola Linn.
Family Resedaccae.
Habitat Indigenous to western
Europe; grown in gardens in India.
English Dyer's Rocket, Weld.
Action Plant—diuretic, diaphoretic,
anthelmintic.
Aluteolin glucoside, luteoloside, has
been isolated from the fresh blossoms
and outer parts of the plant. It has a low
toxicity andmild influence oncapillary
resistance and possesses diuretic properties.
Reseda odorata Linn., known as
Mignonette, is indigenous to North
Africa and cultivated in gardens in
India.
The herb is reported to allay irritation
and ease pains. The seeds are
applied externally as a resolvent. The
root is acrid and is used in Spain as
a laxative, diuretic and diaphoretic.
Rhamnus procumbens Edgew.
Family Rhamnaceae.
Habitat Western Himalayas from
Simla to Kumaon at an altitude of
, to , m.
English Buckthorn (related
species).
Action Plant—anticonvulsant,
anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer.
The plant contains kaempferol,
kaempferol--O-methyl ether and
kaempferol--O-methyl ether.
The ethyl acetate soluble portion
of the alcoholic extract showed antinociceptive,
anticonvulsant and antiinflammatory
activity. Kaempferol--
O-methyl ether was found to exhibit
central nervous system depressant,
cardiac stimulant, antispasmodic and
anti-inflammatory activity.
The plant also contain emodin,
which exhibited cardiac and intestinal
stimulant, central nervous system
depressant and analgesic activity in
experimental animals.
Rhamnus purshiana DC.
Synonym Frangula purshiana (DC)
A. Grey.
Family Rhamnaceae.
Habitat Native to Europe;
introduced in Kashmir, Himachal
Pradesh, Bhutan and the Nilgiris.
R
542 Rhamnus virgatus Roxb.
English Buckthorn (related
species), Cascara Sagrada, Sacred
Bark.
Action Bark—stool-softener,
non-habit forming stimulant
laxative, pancreatic stimulant.
Used for dyspepsia and habitual
constipation.
Key application In occasional
constipation. (German Commission
E, ESCOP, WHO.) As a stimulant
laxative. (The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia.)
The bark contains up to % anthraquinone
glycosides, consisting of
the cascarosides A, B, C and D, about
%of the total; other glycosides inminor
concentrations include barbaloin,
frangulin, chrysanol, glycosides based
on emodin, aloe-emodin, emodinoxanthrone
and chrysophanol; dianthrones,
and free aglycones.
The cascarosides act on large intestines
and stimulate peristalsis. The
emodin exhibits antispasmodic activity
in isolated rat intestine. Its antiinflammatory
and antiseptic action
was also demonstrated.
Rhamnus catharticus Linn., is equated
with common Buckthorn, R. purpurea
Edgew. with Purple Buckthorn.
R. purpurea is found in the Himalayas
from Kashmir to Nepal.
Dried bark of Rhamnus frangula
L. (Alder Buckthorn) and dried ripe
berries of Ramnus catharticus are also
used against constipation. (German
Commission E, WHO.)
Long term use or excessive amounts
may cause albuminuria, haematuria,
slowingof intestinal transit and cardiac
irregularities. (Sharon M. Herr.)
Rhamnus triquetra Brandis (known
as Gudlei, Fagoraa, Gardhan in Punjab;
Gaunt in Garhwal and Kumaon
and Katheraa in Jaunsar) is found in
theHimalayas fromKashmir to Nepal.
The bark is used as a tonic, astringent
and deobstruent. Kaempferol, its -Omethyl
ether and -O-methyl ether,
physcion- beta-D-glucoside, emodin
and its beta-D-glucoside were isolated
from the whole plant. Emodin
exhibited CNS depressant activity. (Fitoterapia,
, .) The plant exhibited
significant anti-inflammatory and
a nonspecific antispasmodic activity.
It induced cardio-stimulation which
might be due to the endogenous release
of catecholamines.
Rhamnus napalensis Wall. ex M.
Laws. (known as Archal in Nepal;
Biringa and Birringguli in Assam) is
found in eastern Himalayas and the
hills and plains of Assam, Bihar, Orissa,
Madhya Pradesh and northernAndhra
Pradesh, ascending up to an altitude
of , m. The fruit, pounded and
macerated in vinegar, is prescribed for
the treatment of herpes.
Rhamnus virgatus Roxb.
Family Rhamnaceae.
Habitat Throughout Himalayas,
Khasi and Jaintia Hills, hills of
Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, and the
Nilgiris.
English Indian Buckthorn.
Folk Chhaduaa, Tadru (Punjab),
Chadolaa (Garhwal).
Action Ripe fruit—purgative,
emetic. Given in the affections of
R
Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn. 543
spleen. (Purgative action not found
in the bark.)
The bark showed only traces of hydroxymethyl
anthraquinones and did
not exhibit purgative action on experimental
animals.
The plant contains the enzyme,
rhamnodiastase, capable of hydrolyzing
flavonoid glycosides.
Rhamnus wightii Wight & Arn.
Family Rhamnaceae.
Habitat Hills of Peninsular India,
up to an altitude of , m.
Ayurvedic Rakta-Rohidaa (a name
applied to several other astringent
herbs).
Action Bark—bitter, astringent and
deobstruent.
The leaves gave chrysophanol, physcion,
musizin, lupeol, rhamnazin,
rhamnocitrin, emodin, frangulin A
and beta-sitosterol. A naphthaleneglucoside
lactone—beta-sorigenin--
O-beta-D-glucoside has been isolated
from the stem bark. Cynodontin,
chrysophanol, physcion, musizin, lupeol,
emodin, beta-syriogenin, betasitosterol
and its glucoside were also
isolated.
Rhaphidophora laciniata
(Burm. F.) Merr.
Family Araceae.
Habitat Deccan Peninsula,
Coromandel Coast, Malabar and
southwards to Sri Lanka.
Folk Ganesh-kand (Maharashtra);
Aaanaiittippili (Tamil Nadu).
Action Antidote to poisonous
inflictions; used against bites of
poisonous raptiles.
Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn.
Synonym R. australe D. Don.
Family Polygonaceae.
Habitat Sub-alpine Himalayas,
from Kashmir to Sikkim at altitudes
of ,–, m.; also cultivated in
Assam.
English IndianRhubarb,Himalayan
Rhubarb.
Ayurvedic Amlaparni, Pitamuuli,
Gandhini Revatikaa. Revandachini
(roots).
Unani Revandchini.
Siddha/Tamil Revalchinikattai,
Nattirevaichini.
Action Purgative, astringent,
aperient. Used for constipation
and atonic dyspepsia. Not advised
for patients suffering from gout,
rheumatism, epilepsy. (When given
internally, the root imparts a deep
tinge to the urine.)
The root gave emodin, emodin-
-monomethyl ether, chrysophanol,
aloe-emodin, rhein. These occur free
and as quinone, anthrone or dianthrone
glycosides.The astringent principle
consists of gallic acid together
with small amounts of tannin. The
drug also contain cinnamic and rheinolic
acids, volatile oil, starch and
R
544 Rheum nobile Hook. f. &Th.
calcium oxalate. Two major glycosidic
active principles, sennosideAand
B, are present along with free anthraquinones.
At low doses, the tannin exerts astringent
effect and relieves diarrhoea;
at higher doses anthraquinones stimulate
laxative effect and relieve constipation.
(Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database, .)
There are three main types of rhubarbs—
Chinese, Indian or Himalayan,
and Rhapontic.
The Chinese rhubarb consists of the
rhizomes and roots of Rheum palmatum
and R. officinale.
TheIndian rhubarb consists of dried
rhizomes of R. emodi and R. webbianum;
rhizomes and roots of R.
moorcroftianum and R. spiciforme are
also reported to be mixed with the
drug. R. rhaponticum is the Rhapontic
rhubarb.
Rheum moorcroftianum Royle (the
Himalayas at altitudes of ,–
, m., chiefly in Garhwal and Kumaon)
possesses properties similar to
those of R. emodi and the roots are
mixed with the latter.
Rheum spiciforme Royle (drier
ranges of Kumaon and Sikkim at altitudes
of ,–, m.) also possesses
purgative properties. The rhizomes
and roots aremixed upwithHimalayan
rhubarb.
Rheum webbianum Royle (the western
and central Himalayas at altitudes
of ,–, m.) is the source of
Himalayan rhubarb.
Rheum palmatum is esteemed as
the best type of (Chinese) rhubarb.
Two new stilbene glycosides, -Omethylpiceid
and rhapontin, isolated
from the roots, exhibited moderate
alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity.
Anthraquinone glucoside, pulmatin,
isolated from the roots, along
with its congeners, chrysophanein and
physcionin, showed cytotoxic activity
against several types of carcinoma
cells. Polysaccharides, isolated from
the roots and rhizomes, contained lyxose,
glucose, galactose, xylose, rhamnose,
mannose and ribose.
Dosage Root—.–. g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Rheum nobile Hook. f. &Th.
Family Polygonaceae.
Habitat The Himalayas from Nepal
to Bhutan at ,–, m.
Folk Tehuka (Sikkim).
Action The roots resemble those
of Rheum emodi, but are spongy
and inert. Stems are acidic, used as
salad. Dried leaves are sometimes
used as a substitute for tobacco.
Rheum officinale Baillon.
Family Polygonaceae.
Habitat Southeast Tibet,West and
Northwest China.
English Rhubarb.
Unani Usaare Rewand.
Action Astringent and cathartic
(anthraquinones are laxative and
tannins astringent), stomachic, aperient,
cholinergic, gastric stimulant,
antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory,
R
Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz. 545
antiseptic. Used for indigestion,
diarrhoea, dysentery and disorders
of liver and gallbladder.
Key application In constipation.
Contraindicated in acute intestinal
inflammation and obstruction.
(German Commission E, ESCOP,
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia,
WHO.)
Rhubarb contains ,-dihydroxyanthracene
derivatives. The laxative
effect of the herb is primarily due to its
influence on the motility of the colon,
inhibiting stationary and stimulating
propulsive contractions. Stimulation
of the chloride secretion increases the
water and electrolyte content of stool.
(German Commission E.)
The plant extract of R. officinale
is found to be strong and effective
scavenger of oxygen radicals in xanthine/
xanthine oxidase and other systems
in vitro.
Rheumrhaponticum, known asRhapontic
or English rhubarb, is extensively
cultivated all over Europe andAmerica;
also cultivated to a small extent in
India in the Khasi Hills, the Nilgiris
and West Bengal.
Rhubarbs contain anthraquinones
but English rhubarb contains only
chrysophanic acid and some of its glycosides.
Stilbene glycosides, present in
other types, are also found in English
rhubarb. The roots contain rhapontin.
(.%), reported to restore oestrus
cycle in castrated female rats.
Rheum webbianum Royle.
Family Polygonaceae.
Habitat Western Himalayas.
Folk Archa.
Action Antispasmodic, muscle
relaxant, antiseptic.
The rhizomes contain desoxyrhapontigenin.
The compound, like papaverine,
exhibited smooth muscle relaxant
activity in a wide variety of in
vitro and in vivo tests. Aqueous alcoholic
extract showed papaverine-like
non-specific spasmolytic activity.
The paste of fresh rhizomes is applied
on burns, blisters and boils to
prevent scar formation.
Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz.
Synonym R. communis Nees.
Justicia nasuta L.
Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat Throughout the greater
part of India.
English Snake Jasmine.
Ayurvedic Yuuthiparni, Yuuthikaparni.
Paalaka-Juuhi.
Unani Gul-baglaa.
Siddha/Tamil Nagamalli.
Action Leaf, seed and root—used
for skin diseases. A paste of the
root, with lime juice, is applied
externally to eczema, ringworm and
Dhobi's itch.
The roots are reported to contain an
antiseptic and antiparasitic active principle,
rhinacanthin (.%). The plant is
rich in potassium salts; also contains
oxymethyl anthraquinones.
The flowers contain rutin.
R
546 Rhizophora mucronata Lam.
Dosage Leaf, seed, root—– ml
juice; – g powder. (CCRAS.)
Rhizophora mucronata Lam.
Family Rhizophoraceae.
Habitat The Sunderbans and along
the Coromandel Coast and the
Andamans.
English True Mangrove.
Siddha/Tamil Peykkandal, Kandal,
Sorapinnai.
Folk Kamo (Bengal), Kandal
(Maharashtra).
Action Bark—astringent. Used
in the treatment of haemorrhages,
haematuria.
The leaves contain ., unripe fruits
., ripe fruits ., twig bark –, and
wood –% tannins.
Theleaves gave campesterol, cholesterol,
-isofucosterol, beta-sitosterol,
stigmasterol and stigmast--en- betaol.
The plant gave alpha-and betaamyrins,
betulin, lupeol, oleanolic and
ursolic acids; gibberellins have also
been reported.
Honey collected from the flowers is
reported to be poisonous.
R. apiculata Blume, also known as
Kandal, is foundmixed up with R. mucronata
in the tidal marshes of India
and the Andamans.
Rhododendron anthopogon
D. Don.
Family Ericaceae.
Habitat The alpine Himalayas from
Himachal Pradesh to Bhutan, from
, to , m.
Folk Taalisri (Punjab), Taalish
(Tibet), Tazaktsum, Taalis-faz
(Kashmir).
Action Leaves—stimulant. The
plant yields an incense. The leaves
of R. anthopogon get mixed up with
those of Abies webbiana (used for
respiratory diseases).
The leaves contain quercetin, myricetin,
taxifolin, kaempferol derivatives,
ursolic acid and its acetate, epifriedinol,
beta-sitosterol, betulinic acid
and rutin.
The leaves of R. lepidotum Wall. ex
G. Don, known as Taalisfur in Punjab;
and R. setosum D. Don, known as
Tsalluo in Bhutan, possess properties
similar to those of R. anthopogon.
Rhododendron arboreum Sm.
Synonym R. puniceum Roxb.
Family Ericaceae.
Habitat The temperate Himalayas
from Kashmir to Bhutan, the
Nilgiris, KhasiHills and Travancore.
English Tree-Rhododendron,
Rose-Tree.
Folk Burans (Kumaon), Kurbak,
Pullaas.
Action Leaf—anticephalalgic
(applied to the forehead). Leaf and
stem-bark—spasmolytic. Flowers—
used in diarrhoea and dysentery.
The green leaves contain a glucoside,
ericolin. The extracts of leaves,
R
Rhododendron campanulatum D. Don. 547
stems and bark cause hypotension in
cats and inhibit intestinal movements
in rabbits. The acetone and chloroform
extracts and a resinous fraction
from the alcoholic extract of leaves depress
respiration. The petroleum ether
extract decreases the rate of heartbeat
and contraction in isolated heart of
frog.
An alcoholic (%) extract of the
flowers lowered blood pressure in dogs
and albino rats.
Cyanidin--galactoside and cyanidin-
-arbinoside are present in the
pigments of flowers. The leaves of
var. nilgiricum and var. cinnamonum
contain ursolic acid, friedelin, epifriedelanol,
quercetin. A triterpenoid,
campanulin, has been isolated from
the leaves of var. nilagaricum.
Rhododendron barbatum
Wall. ex G. Don.
Family Ericaceae.
Habitat The Himalayas from
Kumaon to Bhutan, extending to
Assam.
English Giantblood Rhododendron.
Folk Chimal (Nepal), Kurbak,
Guraans.
Action Respiratory depressant,
emetic, toxic.
The leaves and flowers gave andromedotoxin
which resembles tertiary
amine veratrum alkaloids, particularly
protoveratrine, in pharmacological
action. Intravenous administration
of andromedotoxin to dogs
resulted in –% reduction in blood
pressure. It also closely resembles
protoveratrine in its stimulating effect
on the barostatic-pressor-reflexmechanism,
respiratory effects and
emetic action. It produces reflex vasodepressor
responses in intact animals;
in debuffered dogs, it produced
vasopressor responses. It also produced,
both direct and indirect, positive
ionotropic effects, the latter being
more pronounced.
The leaves contain ursolic acid,
alpha-amyrin, epi-friedelinol, campanulin
and hyperoside. Chloroform
extract of the leaves and shoots showed
a depressant action. The honey from
flowers is poisonous; contains andromedotoxin.
Rhododendron campanulatum
D. Don.
Synonym R. aeruginosum Hk. f.
Family Ericaceae.
Habitat Throughout the Himalayas
at altitudes of ,–, m.
Folk Chimal (Kumaon, Nepal),
Gagger vurmi, Nichnai (Kashmir).
Cherailu, Taalis-far.
Action Leaves—used in chronic
rheumatism and sciatica. As a snuff,
in colds and hemicrania.
The leaves gave a toxic substance
which resembles andromedotoxin; besides
ericolin, ursolic acid, alpha-amyrin,
friedelin, epi-friedelinol, campanulin,
quercitin. The pigments of flowers
contain myricetin and quercetin.
R
548 Rhododendron cinnabarinum Hook. f.
Petroleum ether and chloroform extracts
of leaves, stems and flowers lower
blood pressure in cats and inhibit intestinal
movements in rabbits.
Rhododendron cinnabarinum
Hook. f.
Family Ericaceae.
Habitat Eastern Himalayas,
extending into the Balipura tract
and Aka hills of Assam at altitudes
of ,–, m.
Folk Balu, Sanu, Chimal (Nepal).
Action Plant—vasodepressor.
The plant contains a toxic principle,
andromedotoxin. The leaves
are reported to contain friedelin, epifriedelinol,
alpha-amyrin, campanulin,
ursolic acid, triterpenes and quercetin.
The flowers are reported to be poisonous.
R. falconeri Hook. f., known as Korlinga
in Nepal, Kegu and Kalma in
Bhutan, is found in the Himalayas
fromNepal to Bhutan, Aka Hills, Naga
Hills andManipur at altitudes of ,–
, m.
The leaves and stem contain andromedotoxin;
leaves also contain ursolic
acid, alpha-amyrin, friedelin,
campanulin and quercetin. The flowers
contain -rhamnoside and -galactoside
of quercetin. Thebark gave taraxerol,
betulinic acid and quercetin.
Petroleum ether extract of the leaves
and stems lowers blood pressure in cats
and inhibits intestinal movements in
rabbits.
Rhus chinensis Mill.
Synonym R. javanica Linn.
R. semialata Murr.
Brucea javanica (L.) Merill.
Family Anacardiaceae.
Habitat The temperate Himalayas
from Kashmir to Bhutan at ,–
, m.
Folk Tatri, Arkhar (Punjab).
Action Galls—astringent and
expectorant. Used in ointments
and suppositories employed in
the treatment of haemorrhoids,
swellings and wounds. Fruits—
spasmolytic. Used for colic,
diarrhoea and dysentery.
Dry galls contain to % tannin
(in the form of Gallo tannic acid);
small amounts of fat, resin and gum.
The stem-bark contains .% tannin.
The fruit contains tannin, gallic acid
and potassium acid salts, together with
small amounts of aluminium, calcium,
magnesiumand iron acid salts ofmalic,
tartaric and citric acids.
The heartwood contained the flavonoids,
pongapin, tetramethoxyfisetin
and demethoxykanugin, and a dibenzoylmethane,
ovalitenone.
Rhus hookeri Sahni & Bahadur, synonym
R. insignis Hk. f. is found in Sikkim
Himalaya from Nepal to Bhutan
at ,–, m and in Khasi Hills at
,m. Juice of the plant is a powerful
vesicant. The fruit contain a fat similar
to that found in the fruit of R. javanica.
Rhus coriaria Linn.
Family Anacardiaceae.
R
Rhus succedanea Linn. 549
Habitat Mediterranean region.
English European or Sicilian
Sumach (used in Unani medicine).
Unani Sumaaq, Taatraak.
Action Leaves and seeds—
astringent, styptic.
Limonene, nonanal and dec- (Z)-
enal were obtained from pericarp oil,
whereas the leaf oil contained betacaryophyllene
and patchoulane. Cembrane
and beta-caryophyllene were
isolated from branch and bark oil.
Rhus parviflora Roxb.
Family Anacardiaceae.
Habitat Dry hot slopes of the
Himalayas from Punjab to Nepal
and in the hills of Madhya Pradesh
and South India.
English Sumach.
Ayurvedic Tintidi, Tintindeeka.
Unani Sumaaq.
Folk Raitung, Tung (Kumaon).
Action Fruit juice—vermifuge.
The leaves contain the flavonoids,
myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol
and their -O-rhamnosides; the stems
and leaves also gave hentriacontane,
hentriacontanol, beta-sitosterol, lignoceric
acid and iso-rhamnetin--alpha-
L-arvinoside.
Smooth Sumach and Sweet Sumach
(Canada and USA) are equated with
Rhus glabra L. and R. aromatica Ait.
Smooth Sumach is astringent and diuretic.
Sweet Sumach is used for its
antidiabetic activity; the root bark is
used for irritable bladder, bed-wetting
and urinary incontinence. (NaturalMedicines
ComprehensiveDatabase,
.)
Dosage Fruit—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Rhus succedanea Linn.
Synonym R. acuminata DC.
Family Anacardiaceae.
Habitat The temperate Himalayas,
from Kashmir, Sikkim to Bhutan at
altitudes of –, m.
English Japanese Wax tree, Wild
Varnish tree.
Ayurvedic Karkatashringee.
(Used as a substitute for Pistacia
integerrima galls.).
Unani Kaakraasingi.
Siddha/Tamil Karkatakasringi,
Kadukapoo (galls).
Action Thorn-like excrescences
on the branches—astringent, expectorant;
prescribed in diarrhoea,
dysentery and vomiting. Fruits—
expectorant (used as an adjuvant in
tuberculosis).
The sapwood and heartwood contain
polyphenols. The sapwood contains
gallo tannin; the heartwood gave
fisetin, and its --glucoside, fustin, garbanzol,
,,-trihydroxyflavone, gallic
and ellagic acid. The bark is reported
to contain % of tannin.
Thejuice fromthe leaves causes blisters.
Leaves contain % tannin (dry
basis), a flavone glycoside rhoifolin, corilagin
and shikimic acid. Ethanolic
R
550 Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC.
extract of the leaves is reported to exhibit
anticancer and antiviral activities.
Latex fromthe stemalso causes blisters.
Mesocarp of the fruit contains ellagic
acid. An acid isolated from the
fruit is reported to be cardiotonic and
sympathomimetic. It was found to be
toxic to rabbits. However, the fruits
are used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
Hinokiflavone, isolated from the
fruits, showed cytotoxic activity in vitro
against KB culture cells.
Drupes are rich in biflavones.
The wax obtained from the pulpy
mesocarp of the fruit contains palmitic
, stearic , dibasic , oleic %, and
linoleic acid (a trace). It is used as
a substitute for beeswax.
Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC.
Family Papilionaceae.
Habitat All over plains and in the
Himalayas up to , m.
Folk Raan-ghevaraa (smaller var.)
(Maharashtra); Jhinki, Kammervel
(Gujarat); Chittavarai (TamilNadu).
Action Leaves—abortifacient.
Seeds—bitter, toxic.
The leaves afforded isovitexin and
apigenin derivatives.
Aerial parts gave steroidal glycosides,
along with ergosterol peroxide,
stigmasterol and lupeol; bergapten,
isopimpinellin, umbelliferone and
beta-sitosterol have also been isolated.
The seed coat and pericarp contained
gallic and protocatechuic acid,
prodelphinmidine and hydroquinone
diacetate and C-glycosyl flavones.
The extract of seeds shows agglutinating
activity with certain type of
human red blood cells.
R. bracteata Benth. ex Baker (upper
Gangetic plains) and R. jacobii Chandra
& Shetty (Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu)
contain vitexin, isovitexin, orientin,
iso-orientin and apigenin derivatives.
Ribes nigrum Linn.
Family Grossulariaceae.
Habitat Cold temperate regions
extending from Himalayas to
northern Asia and Europe.
English European Black Currant.
Folk Nabar.
Action Dried leaves and twigs—
a home remedy for coughs.
Leaves—diuretic, hypotensive,
refrigerant. An infusion is used
for inflammatory conditions,
sore throat, hoarseness. Fruits—
refrigerant, mildly spasmolytic,
vasoprotective, anti-inflammatory.
Black currents are very rich in vitamin
C (average mg/g) and contain
.–.% pectin as calcium pectate,
alsominerals, potassium(mg/
g). Theacidity of the fruit ismainly
due to citric acid; malic acid is present
in small amounts. Glucose and fructose
are principal sugars; sucrose is
a minor component.
The flavonoids in the fruits include
kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin.
About .% anthocyanosides, concentrated
mainly in the skin, consist of
glycosides of cyanidol and delphinidol.
R
Ricinus communis Linn. 551
The anthocyanosides are reportedly
bacteriostatic and exhibit vasoprotective
and anti-inflammatory activity.
They are antisecretory against cholera
toxin-induced intestinal fluid secretion
in vitro.
The leaves contain an anti-inflammatory
principle, pycnometol and minute
quantities of an essential oil composed
mostly of terpenes.
Polyphenolic extract of buds inhibited
lipid peroxidation by rat liver microsomes.
Polyphenols present in R. nigrum
and R. rubrum (Red Current, Western
Himalayas from Kumaon to Kashmir)
exhibit free radical scavenging activity.
The seed oil lowers VLDL and total
cholesterol.
Contraindicated in bleeding disorders.
(Sharon M. Herr.)
Ricinus communis Linn.
Family Euphorbiaceae.
Habitat Cultivated chiefly in
Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Karnataka, and Orissa.
English Castor seed.
Ayurvedic Eranda, Chitrabija,
Triputi; Tribija, Vaataari,
Chanchu, Manda, Uruvaka,
Gandharva-hastaa, Panchaangula,
Vardhamaana, Uttaanpatraka,
Vyaaghrapuchha, Chitraa.
Unani Bedanjeer, Arand.
Siddha/Tamil Ammanakku.
Action Oil from seeds and young
leaf—purgative. Oil is used in
dermatosis and eczema. Leaves—
used as poultice to extract the worm.
Root—a decoction is administered
for lumbago and allied complaints.
Bark—purgative.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
recommends the decoction of the
dried,mature root in rheumatism, pain
in the urinary bladder, lumbago, diseases
of the abdomen and inflammations;
fresh leaf in helminthiasis, dysuria,
arthritis, pain in the urinary bladder,
dysuria, abscesses; dried seed powder
in constipation, rheumatism, diseases
of the liver and spleen, piles, lumbago,
sciatica.
The root extract exhibited significant
anti-inflammatory activity against
carrageenan-, bradykinin-, -HT-and
dextran-induced rat hind pawoedema.
N-Demethylricinine showed dose-dependent
anticholestatic and hepatoprotective
activities in rats.
Castor oil, derived from the seeds,
is a well-known purgative (dose –
ml).
Castor seed contains toxic components
(.–.% on whole seed; about
% in the flour) which are highly poisonous
to human beings and animals.
The principal toxic substance is the albumin,
ricin. Allergens and a feebly
toxic alkaloid ricinine is also present.
An ulcerative factor in the seed is reported.
Like other toxalbumins, ricin
agglutinizes the mammalian red bleed
corpuscles. (Ricin loses its toxicity
and antigenic action on treatment with
potassium permanganate.)
Castor oil consists principally of ricinoleic
acid. Stearic, oleic, linoleic
and dihydroxystearic acids are present
in small amounts. The strong laxative
R
552 Rivea corymbosa Hallier f.
property of castor oil is reported due
to the local irritant action caused in
the intestines by ricinoleic acid formed
by hydrolysis under the influence of
lipolytic enzymes. (The oil should not
be used with fat-soluble vermifuge, it
may increase its absorption and toxicity.)
Dosage Root—– g for
decoction. (API, Vol. I.) Leaf—–
ml juice; – g powder; seed—
.– g powder. (API, Vol. III.)
Rivea corymbosa Hallier f.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat Native to tropical America;
cultivated as an ornament in gardens
in Mumbai, Pune and Belgaum.
English Ololiuqui, Snake Plant.
Action Seeds—narcotic.
The psychic effect produced by the
ground seeds have been ascribed to the
presence of ergot-type alkaloids (up
to .%) found in embryo. Among
the principal alkaloids identified in the
seeds are: ergine, isoergine, elymoclavine,
lysergol and chanoclavine. Ergometrine,
clymoclavine, penniclavine
and ergometrinine have also been reported.
Ergine has been reported to be
themost and lysergol the least effective.
A glucoside, turbicoryn, isolated
from the seeds, was found to have
a CNS stimulant action. (Doses exceeding
. mg/kg proved fatal to test
animals in – min.)
Ergine and isoergine are present in
the leaves (.%, dry basis) and stems
(.%, dry basis) but not in the roots.
Rivea hypocrateriformis Choisy.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat Throughout India.
English Midnapore Creeper.
Ayurvedic Phanji.
Siddha/Tamil Budthi-kiray.
Folk Kalmi-lataa, Phaang.
Action Root—a tonic after
childbirth. Leaves—astringent;
used in haemorrhagic diseases,
diarrhoea, dysentery.
Rivea ornate (Roxb.) Choisy.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat South India.
Ayurvedic Phanji (var.).
Siddha/Tamil Machuttai.
Folk Baravat, Phaang.
Action Juice of the plant—used
topically in haemorrhagic diseases
and piles.
Rivina humilis Linn.
Synonym R. laevis Linn.
Family Phytolacaceae.
Habitat Native to warmer parts
of America; introduced into Indian
gardens.
English Baby Pepper, Dog Blood,
Blood Berry, Rouge-Plant.
Action Berries—febrifuge, intestinal
antiseptic.
R
Rosa alba Linn. 553
A betaxanthin, humilixanthin, has
been isolated from the berry.
A decoction of the herb is used for
cold, chest congestion and pain, diarrhoea
and jaundice. Berries alleviate
dysentery and amenorrhoea.
Pounded leaves are used for woundhealing
and for treating catarrh.
Robinia pseudoacacia Linn.
Family Fabaceae.
Habitat Western Himalayas and
Jammu & Kashmir.
English Locust tree, False Acacia,
Robinia, Black Locust.
Action Leaves—laxative, antispasmodic
(an infusion is prescribed
in digestive disorders). Flowers—
diuretic, antispasmodic.
The bark, leaves and roots contain
a toxalbumin, robin (.% in the bark),
which resembles ricin present in the
castor seed. The bark also contains
a glucoside robinitin (%), syringin,
tannin (up to about .%). Inner bark
contains amygdalin and urease.
The leaves are rich in calcium, phosphorus
and potash. The presence of
glycosides, acaciin, apigenin--bioside,
apigenin--trioside and indican, have
also been reported.
The flowers are powerfully diuretic
due to a glycoside, robinin. Flowers
also contain l-asparagine.
The roots are rich in asparagine, also
contain robin. Root bark, if taken in
excess, is emetic and purgative.
The bark and young shoots are poisonous
to livestock.
Rorippa dufia Hara.
Synonym R. indica Hiern.
Nasturtium indicum DC.
Family Brassicaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, in damp
places, ascending up to , m in
the Himalayas.
Unani Khoobkalaan (also equated
with Sisymbrium iro Linn., Hedge
Mustard, London Rocket).
Siddha/Tamil Kattu-kadugu.
Action Plant—antiscorbutic,
stimulant, diuretic (given in
diarrhoea, dysentery and fever).
Seeds—laxative, prescribed in the
treatment of asthma.
Glucosinolates of -methylthio-octyl,
-methylsulphinyloctyl and -phenylethyl
have been isolated from the
seeds.
R. islandica (Oeder) Borbas (Bihar,
Bengal, Kerala) and R. montana Small
(Punjab to Sikkim) are used for antiscorbutic,
digestive and diuretic properties.
Rosa alba Linn.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Asian Minor region.
Cultivated in Indian gardens.
English Common English Dog
Rose, White Cottage Rose.
Ayurvedic Sevati, Shveta Taruni.
(Flowers—white or bluish.)
Unani Sevati. Garden var.—
Gul-safed Bustaani, Vard Abyaz.
R
554 Rosa bourboniana Desportes.
Wild var.—Gul-safed Sahraai, Vard
Abyaz Barri.
Action Flower—cardiac tonic,
prescribed in palpitation of heart,
febrifuge. Petal—laxative.
Rose hip contains pectin, citric acid
and malic acid which are responsible
for its laxative activity.
The pollen contains carotene (.
mg/ g), free and bound amino acids
and sugars.
The major constituents of the essential
oil are geraniol, beta-phenylethyl
alcohol, beta-geranic acid, geraniol esters,
nerol, citronellol, eugenol, methyleugenol
and benzoate.
R. Canina Linn. is equated with (Indian)
Dog Rose. The anthocyanin,
isolated fromthe petals, exhibits radioprotective
effect. The scavenging and
antilipoperoxidant activitiesof the fruit
depend on the polyphenol content.
Rosa bourboniana Desportes.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Cultivated throughout
India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh
on commercial scale, for rose water.
Ayurvedic Taruni, Desi Gulaab,
Baaraamaasi, Cheenia-Gulaab.
(Flowers—usually purple.)
Siddha Rojapoo (Tamil).
Action Fruit—applied to wounds,
injuries, sprains, foul ulcers.
Rosa centifolia Linn.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Cultivated chiefly in Uttar
Pradesh and Bihar.
English Cabbage Rose, Provence
Rose, Hundred-leaved Rose.
Ayurvedic Shatapatri, Shatapatrikaa
(Shatapatra is equated with Nelumbo
nucifera.), Taruni, Devataruni,
Karnikaa, Chaarukesharaa, Laakshaa,
Gandhaaddhyaa. (Flowers—
usually pink and double.)
Unani Gul-e-Surkh.
Siddha/Tamil Iroja, Rajapoo.
Action Flowers—a decoction is
prescribed for inflammation of the
mouth and pharynx, and ulcers
of the intestine. Powder of rose
buttons and seeds—astringent in
haemorrhage and diarrhoea.
The flowers and leaves contain .
and .% of saponin respectively. Petels
are reported to contain methionine
sulphoxide.
Cabbage rose yields a volatile oil
(.%) consisting mainly of citronellol,
geraniol, nerol, phenylethanol, linalool
and citral. It contains % tannins
(oligomeric proanthocyanidins).
Dosage Dried flower—– g
powder. (API, Vol. III.)
Rosa chinensis Jacq.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Cultivated chiefly in
Kannauj, Kanpur and Hathras.
English Bengal Rose, Monthly
Rose.
R
Rosa macrophylla Lindl. 555
Ayurvedic Taruni-Kantaka (nonclassical).
(Flowers—crimson or
pink.)
Unani Chini Gulaab.
Folk Kaantaa-Gulaab.
Action Hips—applied to wounds,
injuries, sprains and foul ulcers.
R. chinensis Jacq. and R. borbonianaDesp.
are synonyms of Rosa indica,
found and cultivated throughout India.
This variety is also known as Edward
Rose or Kat Gulaab.
Rosa damascena Mill.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Cultivated chiefly in
Aligarh, Ghazipur and Kannauj,
grown in gardens throughout India.
English Damask Rose.
Ayurvedic Taruni. (Flowers—red,
pink or white.)
Unani Gul-e-Surkh, Vard, Varde-
Ahmar. Stamens—Zard-e-Vard.
Fruit—Dalik, Samar-ul-Vard,
Smar-e-Gul.
Siddha/Tamil Irosa.
Folk Fasali Gulaab.
Action Flower buds—astringent,
expectorant, laxative; used as
a cardiac tonic and aperient.
Stamens and fruits—astringent.
Petals—Gulkand (a confection in
sugar)—laxative, anti-inflammatory
(used in sore throat and tonsilitis.
Rose water—cooling, refrigerant,
antiseptic, anti-inflammatory (used
as a remedy for skin irritation, also
for sore eyes).
All parts of the rose plant yielded
quercetin, kaempferol and cyanidin.
Lycopene, rubixanthin, zeaxanthin,
xanthophyll and taraxanthin have been
isolated from the hips. The flowers
contain an essential oil with citronellol,
nerol, geraniol, beta-phenylethanol
and its glucoside, eugenol and methyl
eugenol; other constituents include
organic acids, chlorogenic acid, tannin,
cyanin, cyanidin and its ,-diglucoside,
quercitrin, carotene and
sugars. Pollen from flowers contain
carotene (.mg/ g), sugars (.%)
and chlorogenic acid (.%). Their proline
content is found unusually high.
The red colouring matter consists
of cyanin (–% on dry weight basis);
a yellow glucoside of quercetin
and quercitrin is also present. Flowers,
usually, yield .% oil or otto of
rose.
Dog Rose, extensively cultivated in
Europe, North Africa and parts of
Asia, is equated with Rosa canina Lin.
The rose hip contains vitamin C (.–
.%), malic and citric acid, pectins
(%), invert sugar (–%), tannins
(%), carotenoids, flavonoids.
Preparations of Rose hips are used
for the prevention and treatment of
colds and influenza-type infections, for
the treatment vitamin C deficiencies;
and for increasing resistance.
Rosa macrophylla Lindl.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat The temperate Himalayas
from Punjab to Sikkim at altitudes
of ,–, m.
R
556 Rosa moschata Hook. f. non-Mill. nec Herrm.
Ayurvedic Vanya Taruni (nonclassical).
(Flowers—pink, fruits—
red.)
Folk Ban-gulaab.
Action Fruits—rich in vitamin C
( mg/ g).
Rosa moschata
Hook. f. non-Mill. nec Herrm.
Synonym R. brunonii Lindl.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Central and Western
Himalayas, ascending to , m.
English Himalayan Musk Rose.
(Flowers—white, fruit—orange red
or dark brown.)
Ayurvedic Kubjaka (non-classical).
Folk Kujai, Kuujaa.
Action Plant—used in bilious
affections, irritation of the skin and
eye diseases. Rose water and otto
is extracted from the flowers in
Himachal Pradesh.
Rosa multiflora Thunb.
Synonym R. polyantha Sieb. &
Zucc.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in Kulu.
Occasionally found in hedges and
abandoned coffee plantations in
Upper Ghats.
Ayurvedic Rakta-Taruni (nonclassical).
Folk Gulaab.
Action Fruit—antiseptic, applied
to wounds, injuries, sprains and
foul ulcers.
Thefruit yieldedbeta-sitosterol, scoparone,
salicylic and gallic acid. Fruits
contained multiflorin; flower petals
gave astragalin. A purgative compound,
multinosideAacetate, has been
isolated from the fruit. Quercetin--
O-xyloside, isoquercitrin and hyperin
were also isolated.
Floral absolute oil contains eugenol
(.), phenylethanol (.) and heneicosane
(.%).
The root gave a triterpenoid, tormentic
acid.
The plant extract, along with kojic
acid or its derivatives, produced excellent
skin-lightening and sun-burn preventing
effects.
Rosa rubra Blackw.
Synonym R. gallica Linn.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Indian gardens.
English French Rose.
Ayurvedic Rakta-Taruni (nonclassical),
Gulaab.
Action Dried petals—tonic
and astringent. Used in debility,
excessive mucous discharges and
bowel complaints. The oil and rose
water—used in bronchial asthma
and as a remedy for skin irritation.
The flowers yield .–.% of
an essential oil. It contains geraniol
–, l-citronellol –, nerol –,
R
Rosmarinus officinalis Linn. 557
phenyl ethyl alcohol –, eugenol , esters
–, phenyl acetic acid traces; and
stearoptene –%; citronellol, citral,
farnesol, l-linalool and nonylaldehyde
are also present. (The flowers, unlike
those of Rosa damascena, develop their
perfume when dried.)
Thepetals also contain fatty oil, sugars
(–%as invert), tannin (Rosa tannic
acid –%), cyanin (up to %),
cyanidin and quercitrin.
The pollen contains carotene (.
mg/ g), free and bound amino acids
and sugars.
Fresh hips and their pulp contain
and mg/ g vitamin C respectively.
Rosa sericea Lindl.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat The temperate Himalayas
from Chamba eastwards to Bhutan
and Assam at altitudes of , to
, m.
Folk Jangali Gulaab. (Flowers—
white or yellow, fruit—red.)
Action Fruits—rich in vitamin C.
Rosa webbiana Wall.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Dry and inner Himalayas
from Kashmir to Kumaon at
altitudes of –, m.
Ayurvedic Laddaakhi-Sevati.
(Flowers— pink or deep red, fruit—
red.)
Action Fruits—rich in vitamin C
( mg/ g,) concentration up to
% in dry pulp.
Roscoea procera Wall.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat The Himalayas at altitudes
of ,–, m, in grassy slopes.
Ayurvedic Kaakoli, Kshira-Kaakoli.
Action Tuberous root—revitalizing
tonic, age-sustainer; used in
restorative tonics.
One of the ingredients of the "Eight
Tonic Herbs" (Ashta-varga) ofAyurvedic
medicine.
Rosmarinus officinalis Linn.
Family Labiatae; Lamiaceae.
Habitat Native to the Mediterranean
region, cultivated in Nilgiri
Hills.
English Rosemary.
Folk Rusmari.
Action Essential oil from flowers
and leaves—anti-inflammatory,
astringent, antiseptic, stomachic,
carminative; used externally in
circulatory disorders. Flowering
tops and leaves—carminative,
diuretic, emmenagogue; vapor
baths afford relief in incipient
catarrh, rheumatism and muscular
affections.
Key application Leaf—internally in
dyspeptic complaints; externally in
R
558 Rotula aquatica Lour.
supportive therapy for rheumatic
diseases and circulatory problems.
(German Commission E.) Shows
improvement of hepatic and biliary
function.(ESCOP.) Carminative,
spasmolytic of hepatic and biliary
function. (ESCOP.) Carminative,
spasmolytic. (The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia.)
In research using rats, the essential
oil and ethanolic extract of rosemary
decreased drug-induced hepatotoxicity
and the suppression of bonemarrow
cells. Phenolic compounds in the herb
exhibit antioxidant activity. (Sharon
M. Herr.)
The herb contains volatile oil (.–
.%), composed mainly of , -cineole
(–%), alpha-pinene (–%),
camphor (–%), others include borneol,
isobutyl acetate, camphene, limonene,
linalool, -octanone, terpineol,
verbenol; flavonoids including apigenin,
diosmetin, diosmin; rosmarinic
acid and other phenolic acids; diterpenes;
rosmaricine; ursolic acid, oleanolic
acid and their derivatives.
The anti-inflammatory effect of
Rosemary has been attributed to rosmarinic
acid, ursolic acidandapigenin.
Among flavonoids, diosmin is reported
to be more effective in decreasing
capillary fragility than rutin. A rosmaricine
derivative exhibits stimulant
and mild analgesic activity.
The phenolic fraction, isolated from
the leaves, also from the oil, exhibits
antioxidant activity.
Pressed juice of leaves possesses
a strong antibacterial action on Staphylococcus
aureus, E. coli and Bacillis subtilis.
An infusion of the plant with borax
is used as a hair wash for preventing
hair loss.
Rosemary oil, in combination with
the essential oil from thyme, lavender
and cedarwood, showed improvement
in hair growth by % after months
of treatment for alopecia areata. (NaturalMedicines
ComprehensiveDatabase,
.)
Rotula aquatica Lour.
Synonym Rhabdia lyciodes C. B.
Clarke in part non Linn.
Shretia cuneata Wt.
Family Borginaceae.
Habitat Kumaon to Assam and
in Central, Western and Southern
India, and the Andamans.
Siddha/Tamil Cheppu-nerinjal.
Folk Paashaanbheda (Karnataka).
Action Root—diuretic; used for
stone in the bladder; also in venereal
diseases. The diuretic action of the
root is attributed to the presence of
allantoin; a sterol, rhabdiol, has also
been isolated from the roots.
Rourea minor (Gaertn.) Alston.
Synonym R. santaloides Wight &
Arn.
Connarus santaloides Vahl.
Family Connaraceae.
Habitat Western parts of the
Peninsula, from Konkan southward
and in West Bengal and Assam.
Ayurvedic Vridha.
R
Rubia cordifolia Linn. 559
Folk Kal-vidhaaraa, Vaakeri
(Maharashtra), Vardaar.
Action Roots and twigs—bitter
tonic; prescribed in rheumatism,
pulmonary complaints, scurvy,
diabetes; externally for ulcers and
skin diseases. Wood—a decoction
is administered after parturition
and as a febrifuge. Wood, roots and
fruits—poisonous.
The plant is credited with antiseptic
and antitubercular properties.
The roots contain beta-D-glucoside
of beta-sitosterol, hentriacontane and
meso-inositol.
Roylea cinerea (D. Don) Baillon.
Synonym R. elegansWall. ex Benth.
R. calycina (Roxb.) Briq.
Family Lamiaceae.
Habitat Himalaya from Kashmir
to Nepal, at ,–, m.
Folk Patkarru; Titpaati, Karanoi,
Karui (Kumaon); Kaur, Kauri
(Punjab).
Action Leaves—a decoction is used
as a bitter tonic and febrifuge; also
as a tonic in contusions. The leaves
contain betulin, beta-sitosterol,
beta-amyrin, stigmasterol, cetyl
alcohol, glucose, fructose, arabinose
and palmitic, stearic, oleic, gallic,
oxalic and tartaric acids. The leaves
and stems contain the diterpenes,
calyenone, precalyone and calyone,
and a triterpene, moronic acid.
Precalyone exhibited antitumour
activity against P- lymphocytic
leukaemia.
Aerial parts exhibited spasmolytic
and CNS-depressant activity.
Rubia cordifolia Linn.
Synonym R. munjesta Roxb.
Family Rubiaceae.
Habitat Throughout India,
ascending to an altitude of , m.
English Indian Madder, Bengal
Madder.
Ayurvedic Manjishthaa, Vikasaa,
Samangaa, Yojanavalli, Kaalameshika,
Raktaangi, Raktayashtikaa,
Arunaa, Gandira, Jingi.
Unani Manjeeth.
Siddha/Tamil Manjitti.
Action Roots and dried stem—
blood purifier, astringent, diuretic,
emmenagogue, deobstruent,
antidysenteric, antiseptic, alterative.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
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
aspects of the drug are under investigation.)
It is reported that after oral administration
of the root decoction, the urine
and bones of the patient show a red
tinge.
Theroots are rich in anthraquinones
and their glycosides (around ), the
R
560 Rubia tinctorum Linn.
important ones include purpurin (trihydroxy
anthraquinone), munjistin
(xanthopurpurin--carboxylic acid);
besides xanthopurpurin, peudopurpurin
(purpurin--carboxylic acid),
free alizarin as well as its glucoside.
Whole plant yielded pentacylic triterpenic
acids—rubicoumaric and rubifolic
acids.
Antitumour cyclic hexapeptides
have been isolated fromthe root (while
lucidin is thought to be carcinogenic).
The root extracts of R. sikkimensis
Kurz, known as Naaga-Madder (Nepal
eastwards toAssam,Nagaland andManipur);
are very similar to those of R.
cordifolia.
Dosage Stem—– g. (API, Vol.
III.)
Rubia tinctorum Linn.
Family Rubiaceae.
Habitat Native to Southern Europe
and parts of Asia; also found in
Kashmir.
English Alizari, European Madder.
Action Root—used for menstrual
and urinary disorders and liver
diseases.
The root contains anthraquinone
and their glycosides, including alizarin,
purpurin, purpuroxanthin, pseudopurpurin,
rubiadin, ruberythric acid
and lucidin primeveroside. There are
indications that lucidin is carcinogenic.
All parts of the plant contained an iridoid,
asperuloside.
Rubus ellipticus Sm.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Punjab toAssam, extending
southwards into theWestern Ghats
and Deccan.
English Gach Strawberry.
Folk Hinsaalu, Anchhu. Gouri-phal
(Kashmir), Tolu, Aselu (Nepal).
Action Root and young stem—
administered in colic pain.
Extract of the leaves showed anticonvulsant
activity against electricalinduced
convulsions, potentiated hypnotic
effect of pentobarbitone sodium
and had positive inotropic and
chronotropic effects. (Compendium of
IndianMedicinal Plants, Vol. .)
Rubus fruticosus Linn. (European
BlackBerry, EuropeanBramble, known
asVilaayatiAnchhu) is cultivated in the
valley of Kashmir and in Assam and
Tamil Nadu up to , m. A decoction
of the root is used for dysentery
and whooping cough. The plant gave
a triterpenic acid, rubitic acid, characterized
as alpha-hydroxyursolic
acid.
Key application Rubus fruticosus
leaf—in nonspecific, acute diarrhoea,
mild inflammation of the
mucosa of oral cavity and throat.
(German Commission E.)
Rubus rugosus Sm. synonym R.
moluccanus auct non Linn., (known
as Kalsol in Kumaon) is found in Central
and Eastern tropical and temperate
Himalaya from Nepal to Sikkim and
in Assam. The plant contains triterpenes,
also afforded rubusic acid and
R
Ruellia tuberosa Linn. 561
beta-sitosterol; leaves gave tormentic
acid. Leaves exhibit astringent, emmenagogue
and abortifacient properties.
Rubus niveusThunb. (Mysore Raspberry,
Mahabaleshwar Raspberry) is
common in evergreen forests of Mahabaleshwar.
European Raspberry is equated with
Rubus idaeus Linn. The leaves contain
flavonoids, mainly glycosides of kaempferol,
quercetin and tannins. Raspberry
leaf tea has been used in Europe
to facilitate child birth. Its uterine relaxant
effects have been demonstrated
in animals (the extract appears to effect
only the pregnant uterus, no activity
has been observed on the nonpregnant
uterus).
The leaves of European Raspberry
(Rubus idaeus) and other species exhibit
astringent, carminative and spasmolytic
activity. Leaves are used for
painful and profusemenstruation and,
as mentioned earlier, for making parturition
easier. An infusion is used for
bowel complains, also as a blood purifier.
Leaves contain ascorbic acid (about
mg/ g). Polyphenol content of
the fruit (methanolic extract) exhibited
scavenging and antilipo-peroxidant
activities.
Rubus idaeus has been introduced
into India and is cultivated on a small
scale in South Indian hill stations.
The leaf of Rubus idaeus has been
included among unapproved herbs by
German Commission E, as its efficacy
has not been documented.
Ruellia strepens Linn.
Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat Native to Central America;
introduced into Indian garden as
ornament.
Folk Kiranti-takkaaram (Tamil
Nadu).
Action Herb—diuretic; used
for urinary disorders in Siddha
medicine.
Ruellia suffruticosa Roxb.
Synonym Dipteracanthus suffruticosus
Viogt.
Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat Native to central America;
introduced into Indian gardens as
ornament.
Folk Chaarapaatu, Chaaraparaad
(Bihar).
Action Plant—used in renal
affections, gonorrhoea, syphilis and
other venereal diseases.
Ruellia tuberosa Linn.
Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat Native to central America;
grown in Indian gardens.
English Meadow-weed.
Siddha/Tamil Tapas-kaaya.
Action Herb—emetic; used
as a substitute for ipecacuanha.
A decoction is given in chronic
bronchitis; also used as a diuretic
for the treatment of stones in the
bladder.
R
562 Rumex acetosa Linn.
Rumex acetosa Linn.
Family Polygonaceae.
Habitat Western Himalayas from
Kashmir to Kumaon.
English Garden Sorrel, Sorrel
Dock.
Ayurvedic Chukram, Chuukaa.
Unani Hammaaz-Barri.
Action Laxative, diuretic, antiscorbutic,
refrigerant. Used for scurvy,
as a cooling drink in febrile disorders,
as a corrective of scrofulous
deposits. Seeds—astringent (in
haemorrhages).
Flowers—hepatoprotective and antihaemorrhagic.
Root—used for jaundice,
also for gravel and stone in the
kidneys.
Aerial parts gave rutin, hyperin
and vitexin and traces of oxymethylanthraquinone.
The roots contain
anthraquinones—chrysophanol, physcion
and emodin anthrones.
The leaves contain . mg/ g
ascorbic acid, about .% oxalic acid.
Free oxalic acid caused fatal hypoglycaemia
in rabbits.
Rumex acetosella Linn.
Family Polygonaceae.
Habitat Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim
and the Nilgiris.
English Sheep Sorrel.
Ayurvedic Chukrikaa, Chuko.
Unani Hammaaz, Shaaka-turshak,
Tursh, Jangali Paalak.
Action Diuretic, diaphoretic,
antiscorbutic, refrigerant. Fresh
plant is used in urinary and kidney
diseases.
The herb contains anthraquinones,
chrysophanol, emodin and physcion.
Free ascorbic acid content (–
mg/ g) remains constant throughout
the year.
Rumex crispus Linn.
Family Polygonaceae.
Habitat Native to Europe; found in
Mt. Abu.
English Yellow Dock, Curled Dock.
Ayurvedic Chukra, Chukrikaa,
Patraamla, Rochani, Shatvedhani.
Action Root—used as a laxative
in rheumatism, bilious disorders,
and as an astringent in piles and
haemorrhagic affections; also
used for skin eruptions, chronic
skin diseases, scrofula, scurvy,
congested liver and jaundice. Acts
like Sarsaparilla when used for
scrofulous skin affections and
glandular swellings. Seeds—
astringent. Used for dysentery.
The root contains anthraquinones
(about .–%) including nepodin,
and other glycosides based on chrysophanol,
physcion and emodin; also
tannins, rumicin and oxalates. Large
doses should be avoided. Disturbances
caused by the plant are attributed
to rumicin. The root and rhizome
are reported to stimulate bile production.
(Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database, .)
R
Rumex nepalensis Spreng. 563
The leaves contain mg/ g ascorbic
acid.
R. crispus is pharmacologicallymore
active than rhubarb, because the extracts
of the roots of the former contain
more quantity of anthraquinones
(.%) than the extracts of the latter
(.%).
It has been suggested thatAmlavetas
should be equated with R. crispus.
Rumex dentatus Linn.
Family Polygonaceae.
Habitat The Himalayas up to
m, and in the plains from
Assam to Western and Southern
India.
Folk Jangali Paalak.
Action Plant—astringent; used in
cutaneous disorders.
The leaves contain vitamin C mg
and vitamin A value , IU/ g
and are a rich source of calcium and
beta-carotene. The dried leaves contained
.% of flavonoids and .% of
anthraquinone derivatives. Flavonoids
include rutin, avicularin, quercitrin,
quercetin. Roots contain chrysophanic
acid and emodin, the total anthraquinone
content being .%.
Rumex hastatus D. Don.
Family Polygonaceae.
Habitat Western Himalayas from
Kumaon to Kashmir, between –
, m.
Folk Amlora, Chumlora (Kumaon);
Khattimal, Katambal (Punjab).
Action Astringent.
The root and bark yield –% tannin.
Rumex maritimus Linn.
Family Polygonaceae.
Habitat The temperate Himalayas,
Assam, Bengal, Western Ghats and
the Nilgiris.
English Golden Dock.
Ayurvedic Kunanjara.
Unani Seeds—Beejband, (siyah or
safed), Jangali Paalak.
Action Leaves—catharitic; externally
applied to burns. Seeds—
incorporated in sex-tonics as aphrodisiac.
(Seeds of Sida cordifolia
and Abutilon indicum are also used
as Beejband.) Roots are used as
a substitute for rhubarb.
The leaves contain anthraquinones
both in free and bound forms. The
fruits contain rumarin (.%) rutin
and hyperin. The seeds contain .%
tannin.
The roots are purgative; contain
chrysophanic acid, saccharose and tannin
(%).
The seeds and leaves contain rumarin,
rutin, hyperin, chrysophanic
acid, charose, tannin, emodin and its
monoethyl ether, beta-sitosterol and
its glucoside.
Rumex nepalensis Spreng.
Family Polygonaceae.
R
564 Rumex scutatus Linn.
Habitat The temperate Himalayas,
Western Ghats and the Nilgiris.
Folk Kulli (Kumaon).
Action Root—purgative. A substitute
for Rheum palmatum. Leaves—
an infusion is given in colic,
externally applied to syphilitic
ulcers.
The roots contain nepodin, chrysophanic
acid, also .% tannin.
Rumex scutatus Linn.
Family Polygonaceae.
Habitat Western Himalayas up to
an altitude of , m.
English French Sorrel.
Action Plant—refrigerant, astringent;
given in dysentery. Juice of
leaves—antiscorbutic.
The roots contain oxymethyl anthraquinone.
Rumex vesicarius Linn.
Family Polygonaceae.
Habitat Native to South-west Asia
and North Africa; cultivated all over
India, especially in Tripura, West
Bengal and Bihar.
English Bladder-Dock, Country
Sorrel.
Ayurvedic Chukra, Chuko,
Chakravarti.
Unani Hammaaz.
Siddha/Tamil Shakkankeerai.
Action Plant—astringent antiscorbutic,
stomachic, diuretic, used
for disorders of lymphatic and
glandular system; for bronchitis,
asthma; constipation, dyspepsia,
diseases of liver and spleen; urinary
and renal disorders; alcoholism.
Seeds—antidysenteric.
Anthraquinone glucosides, emodin
and chrysophanol, have been reported
from leaves, root and seeds. The
leaves contain large amounts of oxalate
(.% on dry basis); vitaminCcontent
is mg and vitamin A , IU/ g.
The leaves of Rumex species are eaten
in salad or cooked like spinach.
They contain protein, carbohydrates,
potassium, magnesium, phosphorus,
calcium, manganese, copper, zinc, (iodine,
in some samples), ascorbic acid,
beta-carotene and thiamine; also oxalic
acid, potassiumbinoxalate and some
tartaric acid.
Rungia pectinata (L.) Nees.
Synonym R. parviflora (L.) Nees
var. pectinata C. B. Clarke.
Justicia pectinata L.
Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, in waste
places and hedges.
Ayurvedic Parpata (as adulterant).
Siddha/Tamil Punakapundu.
Action Leaves—juice is aperient,
febrifuge, refrigerant; bruised leaves
are applied externally to disperse
swellings. Root—febrifuge. The
juice of leaves is given to children
suffering from smallpox.
R
Ruta chalepensis Linn. 565
Rungia repens Nees.
Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat Throughout India as
a weed in moist places.
Ayurvedic Parpata (substitute).
Siddha/Tamil Kodaga-saleh.
Folk Kharmor.
Action Herb—vermifuge, diuretic;
dried and pulverized herb is used
for cough and fever. Fresh, bruised
leaves, mixed with castor oil, are
applied to scalp to cure tinea capitis
(a scaly fungoid infection).
The flavonoid pigments in ivorywhite
and pale yellow flowers (the
plant also bears blue and pink flowers)
showed the presence of luteolin
and chrysoerial (-O-methyl luteolin)
and their glucosides. Deep yellow
flowers contain isosalipurposide; the
bluish pink flowers showed presence
of delphinidin-,-diglucoside.
Ruscus aculeatus Linn.
Family Liliaceae; Ruscaceae.
Habitat Native to western Europe,
Mediterranean region and Iran;
widely grown as ornament in India.
English Butcher's Broom, Jew's
Myrtle.
Action Rhizomes—deobstruent,
anti-inflammatory, haemostatic.
Key application As supportive
therapy for discomforts of chronic
venous insufficiency and for complaints
of hemorrhoids.(German
Commission E, ESCOP.)
Aqueous-alcoholic extract of the
rhizomes contains steroid saponins (up
to % of the extract). The spirostanol
glycosides, degluconeoruscin and deglucoruscin
from the extract are absorbed
in human plasma after oral
administration. Besides, the rhizomes
contain two furastanol glycosides, degluconeoruscoide
and deglucoruscoside.
The extract is used for the treatment
of venous insufficiency and enters
into dermatological and cosmetic
compositions for the treatment of dark
skin under the eye and into anti-ageing
and anti-sun-tanning preparations.
Ruta chalepensis Linn.
Family Rutaceae.
Habitat Native to Southern
Europe and North Africa; cultivated
in Indian gardens. (Most of
the reports of the Garden Rue,
cultivated in India, refer to this
species and not to Ruta graveolens.)
Unani Jangali Sudaab.
Siddha/Tamil Aruvadam-chedi,
Arvada.
Action Plant—antispasmodic,
sudorific. Stimulates the nervous
system; commonly used in decoction
in convulsions and fever. Also
used as a fumigant in infant catarrh.
The plant gave an essential oil which
contains chiefly methyl heptyl ketone
(while Ruta graveolens contains –
% methyl nonyl ketone and methyl
heptyl ketone in small amounts). Rutin
is the most important active principle
R
566 Ruta graveolens Linn.
of the plant, responsible for its antiinflammatory
and tumour-inhibiting
effect.
Ruta graveolens Linn.
Family Rutaceae.
Habitat Native to Mediterranean
region; cultivated all over India.
English Garden Rue.
Unani Sudaab, Suddaab.
Siddha/Tamil Aruvada.
Action Herb—stimulating, antispasmodic,
stomachic; irritant,
abortifacient. Used as an emmenagogue,
in hysterical conditions,
cough and croupy affections, colic
and flatulence. Leaf—used in atonic
amenorrhoea, menorrhoea and
colic. Externally, used for sciatica,
headache, muscular chest pain,
bronchitis and arthritic conditions.
(Fresh juice of leaves, internally,
can lead to painful irritations of
the stomach and intestines). Oil—
antispasmodic, antiepileptic, emmenagogue,
rubefacient. (Toxic in
large doses.)
Ruta graveolens has been included
among unapproved herbs by German
Commission E.
The herb contains a volatile oil,
with -undecanone (.) -nonanone
(.), -nonyl acetate (.),
psoralen (.) and bergapten and xanthotoxin
(.%); rutin (about %).
The flavonoids include quercetin; coumarins
include bergapten, daphnoretin,
isoimperatorin, naphthoherniarin,
psoralen, pangelin, rutamarin, rutarin,
scopoletin and umbelliferone. Tissue
culture of the plant gave furacridone
alkaloids. Tissue culture of the root
gave gravacridondiol and its glucoside.
The spasmolytic activity of the herb
is attributed to the presence of bergapten,
xanthotoxin and the essential oil.
Anti-inflammatory and antitumour
activity is due to rutin. The furocoumarins
are responsible for the
herb's phototoxicity.
The herb is hepatotoxic, and is contraindicated
in kidney diseases and
bleeding disorders. (Sharon M. Herr.)
Maximum safe level is .% for
Rue and .% for the oil. (NaturalMedicines
ComprehensiveDatabase,
.)
