A
Abelmoschus esculentus
(Linn.)Moench.
Synonym Hibiscus esculentus Linn.
Family Malvaceae.
Habitat Native to tropical Africa;
cultivated throughout India, up to
, m.
English Gumbo, Lady Finger, Okra.
Ayurvedic Bhaandi, Bhindaka,
Bhendaa.
Unani Baamiyaa.
Siddha/Tamil Vendai.
Folk Bhindi, Raamturai.
Action Immature pods (decoction)—
emollient, demulcent and
diuretic (in catarrhal affections,
ardor urine, dysuria, dysentery).
Seeds—antispasmodic.
Fatty fraction of the fresh watery extract
of the seeds causes destruction
of cancerous cell growth in vitro. The
pods are reported to exhibit antitumour
activity. An ethanolic extract
of pods was effective against Grampositive
bacteria.
The ripe fruits contain quercetin,
hyperin (hyperoside), hydrolysate of
precipitated mucilage, proanthocyanidins,
D-glucose, D-glucuronic and
galacturonic acids.
Fresh flowers contain flavonol glycosides
and anthocyanins.
Abies pindrow Royle.
Synonym A. pindrow Spach.
A. webbiana Lindl. var. pindrow
Brandis.
Pinus pindrow Royle.
Family Pinaceae.
Habitat Kashmir, Himachal
Pradesh, Tehri-Garhwal and other
areas of northern India, at altitudes
of ,–, m.
English Pindrow-Fir, Silver-Fir, The
West-Himalayan Low-Level Fir.
Ayurvedic Taalisha (related sp.).
Folk Badar, Morinda, Raisalla,
Ransla.
Action Uses similar to those of A.
webbiana.
Terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides
and steroids of the leaf were found
to have mast cell stabilizing action in
rats. Terpenoids and flavonoids offered
bronchoprotection against histamine
challenge in guinea pigs. The
ulcer protective action of petroleum
ether, benzene and chloroform fraction
has been attributed to steroidal
contents. Terephthalic acid demethyl
ester (TADE), isolated from the leaf,
exhibited protection against inflammation
and bronchospasmin guinea pigs.
Ethanolic extract of leaves showed significant
anxiolytic effects on all the
paradigms of anxiety, barbiturate hypnosis
potentiation.
Pindrolactone, a lanostane-based
triterpene lactone, isolated from the
A
2 Abies webbiana Lindl.
leaves, showed mild activity against
Gram-positive bacteria but exhibited
potent antibacterial activity against
Gram-negative bacteria E. coli.
Abies webbiana Lindl.
Synonym A. spectabilis (D. Don)
Spach.
Pinus webbiana Wall.
Family Pinaceae.
Habitat The Himalayas from
Kashmir to Assam at altitudes of
,–, m.
English Indian Silver Fir, The
West-Himalayan High-Level Fir,
The East-Himalayan Fir.
Ayurvedic Taalisa, Taalisapatra,
Taalisha, Patraadhya, Dhaatriparni,
Dhaatripatra.
Unani Taalisapattar.
Siddha/Tamil Taalispatri.
Folk Badar, Chilrow, Morinda,
Raisalla, Taalispatra. (Tallispatra,
Taalispatri and Talespattre are
also equated with the leaves of
Cinnamomum tamala Nees.)
Action Expectorant, bronchial sedative,
decongestant, anticatarrhal,
antiseptic, carminative.
Key application Fir (Abies alba
Miller) needle oil—in catarrhal illness
of upper and lower respiratory
tract (internally and externally);
externally in rheumatic and neuralgic
pains. Contraindicated in
bronchial asthma and whooping
cough. (German Commission E.)
A biflavonoid, abiesin, n-triacontanol,
beta-sitosterol and betuloside are
present in the leaves.
The essential oil from leaves contains
alpha-pinene, l-limonene, deltacarene,
dipentene, l-bornyl acetate and
l-cardinene as major constituents.
Dosage Needles—– g powder.
(API Vol. IV.)
Abroma augusta Jacq.
Synonym Ambroma augusta
Linn. f.
Family Sterculiaceae.
Habitat Throughout the hotter and
moister parts of India, from Punjab
and Uttar Pradesh, eastwards
to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam,
Meghalaya and Tripura, ascending
to ,m, southwards in Peninsular
India.
English Perennial Indian Hemp,
Devil's Cotton.
Ayurvedic Pishaacha Kaarpaasa,
Pivari.
Unani Ulat-kambal.
Siddha/Tamil Sivapputtuti.
Folk Kumal, Sanukapaasi.
Action Rootbark—emmenagogue
(used for dysmenorrhoea,
amenorrhoea), abortifacient, galactotrophic.
The root contains abromine (betaine),
friedelin, abromasterol, abromasterol
A, choline, beta-sitosterol,
stigmasterol and octacosanol. Leaves,
reported to be useful in treating uterine
A
Abutilon indicum Linn. Sweet. 3
disorders, contain taraxerol, its acetate
and lupeol.
Dosage Leaf juice—– ml.
Rootbark powder—– g. (CCRAS.)
Abrus precatorius Linn.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
Habitat Throughout the country,
ascending to an altitude of about
, m in the outer Himalayas.
English Indian Wild Liquorice,
Jequirity, Crab's Eye, Precatory
Bean.
Ayurvedic Gunjaa, Gunjaka,
Chirihintikaa, Raktikaa, Chirmiti,
Kakanti, Kabjaka, Tiktikaa,
Kaakananti, Kaakchinchi. (Not to
be used as a substitute for liquorice.)
Unani Ghunghchi, Ghamchi.
Siddha/Tamil Kunri.
Folk Chirmiti, Ratti.
Action Uterine stimulant, abortifacient,
toxic. Seeds—teratogenic. A
paste of seeds is applied on vitiligo
patches.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India has indicated the use of seeds
in baldness.
Seeds contain abrin, a toxalbumin,
indole derivatives, anthocyanins, sterols,
terpenes. Abrin causes agglutination
of erythrocytes, haemolysis and
enlargement of lymph glands. A nontoxic
dose of abrin (. mcg/kg body
weight), isolated from the seeds of red
var., exhibited a noticeable increase in
antibody-forming cells, bone marrow
cellularity and alpha-esterase-positive
bone marrow cells.
Oral administration of agglutinins,
isolated from the seeds, is useful in the
treatment of hepatitis and AIDS.
Theseed extract exhibited antischistosomal
activity in male hamsters.
The methanolic extract of seeds inhibited
themotility of human spermatozoa.
The roots contain precol, abrol, glycyrrhizin
(.%) and alkaloids—abrasine
and precasine. The roots also contain
triterpenoids—abruslactone A,
methyl abrusgenate and abrusgenic
acid.
Alkaloids/bases present in the roots
are also present in leaves and stems.
A. fruticulosus Wall. Ex Wight and
Arn. synonym A. pulchellus Wall., A.
laevigatus E. May. (Shveta Gunjaa) is
also used for the same medicinal purposes
as A. precatorius.
Dosage Detoxified seed—– g
powder. Root powder—– g. (API
Vols. I, II.)
Abutilon indicum Linn. Sweet.
Synonym A. indicum G. Don.
Family Malvaceae.
Habitat Throughout the hotter
parts of India. Found as a weed in
the sub-Himalayan tract and other
hills up to , m.
English CountryMallow, Flowering
Maples, Chinese Bell-flowers.
Ayurvedic Atibalaa, Kankatikaa,
Rishyaproktaa.
A
4 Acacia arabica Willd. var. indica Benth.
Unani Kanghi, Musht-ul-Ghaul,
Darkht-e-Shaan.
Siddha/Tamil Thutthi.
Folk Kanghi, Kakahi, Kakahiyaa.
Action Dried, whole plant—
febrifuge, anthelmintic, demulcent,
diuretic, anti-inflammatory (in
urinary and uterine discharges,
piles, lumbago). Juice of the plant—
emollient. Seeds—demulcent
(used in cough, chronic cystitis),
laxative. Leaves—cooked and
eaten for bleeding piles. Flowers—
antibacterial, anti-inflammatory.
Bark—astringent, diuretic. Root—
nervine tonic, given in paralysis;
also prescribed in strangury.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of the root in
gout, polyuria and haemorrhagic diseases.
The plant contains mucilage, tannins,
asparagines, gallic acid and sesquiterpenes.
Presence of alkaloids,
leucoanthocyanins, flavonoids, sterols,
triterpenoids, saponins and cardiac
glycosides is also reported.
Asparagine is diuretic. Gallic acid
is analgesic. Mucilages act by reflex,
loosen cough as well as bronchial tension.
Essential oil—antibacterial, antifungal.
The drug exhibits immunological
activity. It augments antibody in
animals. EtOH (%) extract of A.
indicum ssp. guineense Borssum, synonym
A. asiaticum (Linn.) Sweet, exhibits
anticancer activity.
Related sp. include: Abutilon avicennae
Gaertn., synonym A. theophrastii
Medic.; A. fruticosum Guill. et al.;
A. hirtum (Lam.) Sweet, synonym A.
graveolens Wt. and Arn.; A. muticum
Sweet, synonymA. glaucumSweet; and
A. polyandrum Wight and Arn., synonym
A. persicum (Burm. f.) Merrill
(known as Naani-khapaat, Jhinakikhapaat,
Kanghi, Makhamali-khapaat
and Khaajavani-khapaat, respectively,
in folk medicine).
Dosage Root—– g powder. (API
Vol I.)
Acacia arabica Willd. var.
indica Benth.
Synonym A. nilotica (Linn.) Delile
subsp. indica (Benth.) Brenan.
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat Throughout the drier parts
of India.
English Babul, Black Babul, Indian
Gum arabic tree.
Ayurvedic Babbuula, Babbuuri,
Baavari, Aabhaa, Shuulikaa,
Shitaka, Kinkiraata, Yugmakantaka,
Sukshmapatra, Pitapushpaka.
Unani Aqaaqia, Babuul, Kikar,
Mughilaan, Samur.
Siddha/Tamil Karu-velamaram,
Karuvelei. Velampisin (gum).
Action Stembark—astringent,
spasmolytic, hypoglycaemic.
Gum—demulcent (soothing agent
for inflammatory conditions of the
respiratory, digestive and urinary
tracts). Pods—used in urogenital
disorders. Seeds—hypoglycaemic
in normal rats; no such effect in
A
Acacia catechu (Linn. f.)Willd. 5
diabetic rats. Seed oil—antifungal.
Flowers, pods and gum resin—used
in diarrhoea and dysentery.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of stembark
in acute diarrhoea and helminthiasis.
Tannin contents of the bark varies
considerably (–%). Several polyphenolic
compounds have been reported
in the bark, also in the pods.
The whole pod contains –% tannins
and –% after the removal of
seeds.
Theseeds of A. benthamii, A. nilotica
ssp. subulata, probably same as ssp. indica,
are considered hypoglycaemic.
Some seed components stimulate insulin
secretion by beta cells.
The gum contains galactose; l-arabinose,
l-rhamnose and aldobiouronic
acids, also arabinobioses.
The flowers contain flavonoids—
kaempferol--glucoside, iso-quercitrin
and leucocyanidin.
Dosage Stembark—– g for
decoction. (API Vol. I.)
Acacia canescens Grab.
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat Bihar and South India.
Ayurvedic Aadaari (related sp.)
Folk Ari, Araara.
Action See A. torta.
Acacia catechu (Linn. f.)Willd.
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat Drier regions of India,
particularly Punjab, Madhya
Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar,
Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and
Rajasthan.
English Cutch tree, Catechu.
Ayurvedic Khadira, Kadara,
Somavalka, Gaayatri, Dantdhaavan,
Kantaki, Raktasaara (heartwood
extract).
Unani Khair, Kaat, Katthaa
(heartwood extract).
Siddha/Tamil Karunkaali
(bark), Kalippakku, Kadiram.
Katthakkaambu, Kaasukkatti
(heartwood extract).
Action Cutch from wood—
powerful astringent (in urinary and
vaginal discharge), antidiarrhoeal,
haemostatic; used for treating
excessive mucous discharges,
haemorrhages, relaxed conditions
of gums, throat and mouth,
stomatitis, irritable bowel; also used
as an antileprotic drug.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of dried pieces
of heartwood in inflammations, skin
diseases and urinary disorders, recommends
its use as a blood purifier, in
diseases caused by lipid disorders.
Cutch (the concentrated extract)
contains tannins –%, catechin –
%, phlobatannins including catechutannic
acid –%; flavonoids including
quercetin, quercitrin, fisetin;
gums, resins, pigments. The gum from
A. catechu is a good substitute for Gum
arabic.
A
6 Acacia chundra Willd.
Seed extract—hypoglycaemic to
normal albino rats, but not effective
in diabetic rats. The saline extract of
seeds shows leuco-agglutinating activity
against leukaemic cells. It agglutinates
white cells from patients with
different types of leukaemia. The activity
is inhibited by simple sugars. Root
extract shows antibacterial and fungicidal
activity.
The heartwood contains a hepatoprotective
principle—cyanidanol.
Astringent and antibacterial properties
of catechu result from its high
tannin content.
Gambrine in pale catechu shows hypotensive
effects.
Fisetin in black catechu and (+)-
catechin in black and pale catechu
may protect against liver damage; (+)-
catechin is also thought to protect
against experimentally induced ulcers
in animals; (+)-catechin (cianidanol) is
associated with fatal anaemia. Methylcatechin,
one of the major metabolites
of (+)-catechin, inhibits the binding
of monocytes to vascular endothelial
cells; thus, the catechin found in catechumay
reduce atherosclerosis. (NaturalMedicines
ComprehensiveDatabase,
.)
Dosage Heartwood—– g for
decoction. (API Vol. I.)
Acacia chundra Willd.
Synonym A. sundra DC.
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat Rajasthan, Gujarat,
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and
Andhra Pradesh on dry and rocky
soils.
English Red Cutch.
Ayurvedic Khadira (related sp.).
Siddha/Tamil Katthakkaambu
(heartwood extract).
Folk Laal Khair.
Action Uses similar to those of A.
catechu heartwood extract.
The bark and leaves are used for ulcerated
abscesses and toothache; wood
for leucoderma.
EtOH (%) extract—spermicidal
and spasmolytic.
Acacia concinna (Willd.) DC.
Synonym A sinuata (Lour.) Merrill;
A. rugata (Lamk.) Ham.
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat Tropical jungles throughout
India, especially in the Deccan.
Ayurvedic Saptalaa, Shitalaa,
Saatalaa, Shrivalli, Kantvalli.
Unani Shikaakaai, Kharunb Nabti.
Siddha/Tamil Seekai, Sigakai.
Folk Ban-Reethaa.
Action Febrifuge, expectorant,
emetic, spasmolytic, diuretic,
antidiarrhoeal. Leaves—an infusion
is given in malarial fever. Pods and
seeds—decoction is used to remove
dandruff (known as Shikaakaai),
extensively used as a detergent. An
ointment is used for skin diseases.
Bark—extract is used in leprosy.
A
Acacia leucophloea Willd. 7
The bark yields a saponin which,
on hydrolysis, yields lupeol, alphaspinasterol
and acacic acid lactone.
Pods also yield saponins (.%). Sugars
identified are glucose, arabinose
and rhamnose.
The leaves contain alkaloids, nicotine
and colycotomine, a triterpenoid
saponin and oxalic, tartaric, citric, succinic
and ascorbic acids.
The bark saponins are spermicidal,
also haemolytic and spasmolytic. Adecoction
of pods relieves biliousness and
acts as a purgative.
Acacia farnesiana (L.)Willd.
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat Native to West Indies; now
occurring throughout India.
English Cassie Flower, Cassie
Absolute, Sweet Acacia.
Ayurvedic Arimeda, Vitkhadira.
Unani Vilaayati Kikar, Gandbabuul,
Guyaa Babuul, Durgandh Khair.
Siddha/Tamil Kastuurivel, Veddayala.
Action Bark—astringent, demulcent,
anthelmintic, antidysenteric,
anti-inflammatory (used in stomatitis,
ulcers, swollen gums, dental
caries, bronchitis, skin diseases).
Ripe pods contain tannins and several
polyphenolic compounds. Essential
oil from pods—directmuscle relaxant,
cardiac depressant and sedative.
Various plant parts are used in insanity,
epilepsy, delirium and convulsions.
Theethanolic extract of unripe pods
yields a glycosidal fraction (.%)
which exhibits anti-inflammatory activity.
It also shows significant antibacterial
activity.
The plant acts as an antiseptic agent
for curing sores, gums and loose teeth.
The flowers are the source of Cassie
perfume.
The main constituents of the flowers
are benzyl, anisic, decylic and cuminic
aldehydes, as well as traces of geraniol,
farnesol and linalool.
Acacia leucophloea Willd.
Synonym A. alba Willd.
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat Dry regions of the country,
especially in Punjab, Rajasthan and
Madhya Pradesh.
English White Babul.
Ayurvedic Arimeda, Arimedaka,
Arimanja, Irimeda, Vitakhadir,
Godhaa-skandha, Raamaka.
Unani Kath Safed, Vilaayati Babuul,
Guyaa Babuul.
Siddha/Tamil Valval, Velvayalam.
Folk Safed Babuul, Safed Kikar,
Renvaa.
Action Bark—bitter, demulcent and
cooling; used in biliousness and
bronchitis. Seeds—haemagglutinating
activity has been reported.
Leaves—antisyphilitic and antibacterial.
Gum—demulcent.
EtOH(%) extract of aerial parts—
hypotensive and central nervous system
depressant.
A
8 Acacia pennata (L.)Willd.
The rootbark contains leucophleol,
leucophleoxol and leucoxol.
Acacia pennata (L.)Willd.
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat Throughout India; ascending
to , m in the Himalayas.
Ayurvedic Lataakhadira, Aadaari,
Ari.
Siddha/Tamil Indan, Indu. Iyak
Koluntu (tender leaves).
Folk Aila.
Action Bark—antibilious, antiasthmatic.
Leaf—stomachic, styptic
(for bleeding gum), antiseptic (for
scalding of urine). A decoction of
young leaves is taken for body pain,
headache and fever.
The bark contains tannin %, lupeol
and alpha-spinasterol. Stem yields
sitosterol.
Acacia senegal Willd.
Synonym A. verek Guillem and
Perr.
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat Native to Sudan. Cultivated
in dry parts of western India.
English Gum arabic tree.
Ayurvedic Shveta Babbuula.
Action The tree yields the true Gum
arabic of commerce. Mucilaginous,
demulcent, emulsifying agent. Used
as an ingredient in compounds for
treatment of diarrhoea, catarrh.
Bechic, antihaemorrhagic, antiinflammatory.
Stembark—antiinflammatory,
spasmolytic. Root—
used for dysentery and urinary
discharges.
The gum consists mainly of arabin.
It is the salt of an organic acid, arabic
acid, with metals such as calcium,
magnesium and potassium.
The stembark gives octacosanol,
beta-amyrin, uvaol, beta-stosterol and
its glucoside and erthrodiol. An alkaloid,
dimethyltryptamine has been
isolated from the leaves.
Acacia suma Buch.-Ham.
Synonym A. polycanthaWilld.
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat WestBengal, Bihar, western
peninsula.
Ayurvedic Shveta Khadira, Kadara,
Somavalkala.
Unani Khor, Safed Khair.
Action Cutch is prepared from the
heartwood. See A. catechu.
Acacia ferruginea DC. is also equated
with Shveta Khadira.
Acacia torta (Roxb.) Craib.
Synonym A. intsia Willd.
A. caesia Wright and Arn. non-
Willd.
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat Throughout India in the dry
and intermediate zones; ascending
to an altitude of about , m in
the Himalayas.
A
Acanthospermum hispidum DC. 9
Ayurvedic Aadaari, Lataa Khadira
(related sp., see. A. pennata).
Siddha/Tamil Kariyundu, Ingu.
Folk Araar, Chilar (Punjab), Aila
(Maharashtra).
Action Flower—emmenagogue.
Bark—anti-inflammatory, antiseptic
(in skin diseases). Bark contains
% tannins, triterpene alcohol,
saponins of acacic acid, lupeol and
a steroid, acaciol. An alkaloid,
tryptamine, is present in the root
and stem bark.
Various plant parts are used in
cough, bronchitis, measles, tubercular
fistula and in the treatment of menstrual
disorders. The bark is used for
washing the hair.
Acalypha ciliata Forsk.
Family Euphorbiaceae.
Habitat Common in plains,
as a weed in gardens; also in
wastelands, especially in Bangalore
and Pachmarhi.
Ayurvedic Kuppi (smaller var.).
Folk Daadari (Gujarat).
Action See A. indica.
Acalypha fruticosa Forsk.
Family Euphorbiaceae.
Habitat Orissa, Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka and Kerala.
English Birch-leaved Acalypha.
Siddha/Tamil Kuppaimeni.
Folk Chinnivara.
Action Leaves—stomachic, alterative;
prescribed in digestive
disorders, dyspepsia, colic, diarrhoea.
Acalypha indica Linn.
Family Euphorbiaceae.
Habitat Occurs throughout the
plains of India, ascending the hills
in Orissa up to m.
English Indian Acalypha.
Ayurvedic Kuppi, Muktavarchaa,
Haritamanjari
Siddha/Tamil Kuppaimeni.
Folk Khokli, Kuppi, Aamaabhaaji.
Action Antibacterial (leaf used in
scabies). Plant—emetic, expectorant
(used in bronchitis, asthma,
pneumonia). Tincture of fresh
plant is used in homoeopathy
for incipient phthisis with bloody
expectorations, emaciation and
arterial haemorrhage.
The plant contains kaempferol;
leaves and twigs contain acalyphamide
and other amides, quinone, sterols,
cyanogenic glycoside.
The herb causes intestinal irritation.
Acanthospermum hispidum
DC.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Native to Brazil; found as
a weed throughout the greater part
of India.
A
10 Acanthus ilicifolius Linn.
Ayurvedic Trikantaka. (Different
from Gokshura; also equated with
Martynia diandra, Martineacea,
known as Kaakanaasaa.)
Action Used in dermatological
affections.
Theessential oil (yield .%) showed
antibacterial and antifungal activity.
Acanthus ilicifolius Linn.
Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat Common in tidal forests
along the East and West coasts; also
distributed in Meghalaya and the
Andamans.
English Sea Holly.
Ayurvedic Krishna Saraiyaka.
(Blue-flowered Katasaraiyaa.)
Siddha/Tamil Kollimulli.
Folk Hargozaa.
Action Decoction—antacid (used
in dyspepsia with acid eructations),
also diuretic (used in dropsy and
bilious swellings). Aerial parts show
effect on nictitating membrane.
The root is a cordial attenuant and
is used in debility associated with
asthma, paralysis, leucorrhoea.
The air-dried plant contains an alkaloid,
acanthicifoline, and a flavone.
Achillea millefolium Linn.
Synonym A. lanulosa Nutt.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat The western Himalayas
from Kashmir to Kumaon.
English Milfoil, Yarrow, Thousand
Leaf.
Unani Biranjaasif. National
Formulary of Unani Medicine
also equates Leonurus cardica
Linn. (Labiatae) with Biranjaasif.
Folk Gandana, Rojmari.
Action Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic
(used in cold, flatulent
colic, heartburn), emmenagogue,
cicatrizant, antidysenteric, antihaemorrhagic,
antipyretic, diaphoretic,
diuretic, urinary antiseptic.
Key application In dyspeptic
ailments, such as mild, spastic
discomforts of the gastrointestinal
tract. As astringent, antispasmodic,
choleretic, antibacterial. (German
Commission E.)As diaphoretic. (The
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) Internally
for feverish conditions,
common cold and digestive complaints;
topically for slow-healing
wounds and skin inflammations.
(The British Herbal Compendium.)
The plant contains flavonoids, alkaloids
(achilleine), polyacetylenes,
triterpenes, coumarins, tannins, salicylic
acid, a volatile oil containing
linalool, camphor, sabinene, chamazulene
and other azulenes.
Sesquiterpene lactones are bitter and
tonic. Achilleine helps arrest internal
and external bleeding. Flavonoids contribute
to the antispasmodic action.
The flavonoid apigenin is anti-inflammatory,
antiplatelet and spasmolytic.
Alkaloids and bases are antiinflammatory.
Alkaloid betoncine is
A
Achyranthes aspera Linn. 11
haemostatic. Salicylic acid is antiinflammatory.
Chamazulene is antiinflammatory
and antiallergenic. (Natural
Medicines Comprehensive Database,
.)
An extract of the plant was found
to be rich in luteolin or luteolin -
glucoside and can be used for the treatment
of hyperpigmentation of skin.
Achras zapota Linn.
Synonym Manilkara zapota (Linn.)
P. van Royan
Manilkara achras (Mill.) Fosberg
Sapota achras Mill.
Family Sapotaceae.
Habitat Native to Central America.
Cultivated chiefly in Maharashtra,
Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
English Sapota, Sapodilla Plum,
Chicle.
Unani Sapotaa, Cheeku.
Siddha/Tamil Shimai eluppai.
Action Fruit—antibilious. Seed—
diuretic. Fruit and bark—febrifuge.
The bark contains latex (–%
of which consists of gutta-percha-like
substance); also contains tannin
(.%). The seeds contain quercitol.
Chewing gum consists of approximately
% chicle, plus sugar, corn
syrup and flavourings.
Achyranthes aspera Linn.
Family Amaranthaceae.
Habitat Throughout the tropical
and subtropical regions, up to an
altitude of , m, in the southern
Andaman Islands.
English Prickly Chaff Flower.
Ayurvedic Apaamaarga, Chirchitaa,
Shikhari, Shaikharika, Adahshalya,
Mayura, Mayuraka, Kharamanjari,
Kharapushpaa, Pratyakpushpaa,
Aaghaat, Vashira, Kanihi.
Unani Chirchitaa.
Siddha/Tamil Naayuruvi.
Folk Chirchitta, Chichidaa,
Latjeeraa.
Action Astringent, pectoral (ashes
of the plant used in asthma and
cough), diuretic, hepatoprotective,
emmenagogue. Benzene extract of
the plant exhibited abortifacient
activity. The flowers, ground and
mixed with sugar, are given for
menorrhagia. Roots—astringent,
haemostatic. Seeds—emetic; used
for biliousness. Essential oil—
antifungal.
Key application As astringent,
emetic. (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of the whole
plant in lipid disorders and obesity, the
root for its blood-purifying property.
The plant juice and ash are used
for treating bleeding piles. An alkaline
powder of the plant is used in
preparing Kshaarasutra of Ayurvedic
medicine, which is recommended for
treating fistula-in-ano.
The whole plant contains the alkaloids
achyranthine and betaine. Achyranthine,
a water-soluble alkaloid, is
A
12 Achyranthes bidentata Blume
reported to dilate blood vessels, lower
blood pressure, decrease heart rate
and increase the rate and amplitude of
respiration. It also shows spasmodic
effects on the rectus muscle of frog, diuretic
and purgative action in albino
rats.
The presence of ecdysterone and
oleanolic acid is also reported in the
root.
The ashes of the plant yield large
quantities of potash. The seeds yield
saponins and oleanolic acid and its ester.
The presence of tannins and glycosides
is also reported in the plant.
Dosage Whole plant—– g for
decoction. Root—– g. (API
Vols. II, III.) Ash— mg to g.
(CCRAS.)
Achyranthes bidentata Blume
Family Amaranthaceae.
Habitat The temperate and subtropical
Himalayas from Kishtwar
to Sikkim at ,–, 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.)
Siddha/Tamil Naayurivi.
Action Astringent, diuretic,
spasmolytic. Plant is given
in whooping cough, roots in
hemicrania.
A water-soluble oligosaccharide,
composed of six glucose units and
threemannose units, has been isolated
from the roots. It enhanced immune
response and prolonged survival time
of mice bearing Ehrlich carcinoma.
The roots contain free oleanolic acid
(.%) and its saponins (.%). An
alcoholic extract of the root showed
presence of amino acids, steroids, triterpenoids,
alkaloids and coumarins.
The seeds afforded achyranthin.
Extract of the plant—antimicrobial.
Aconitum atrox
(Bruchl) Mukherjee.
Synonym Aconitum balfourii Stapf.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat The sub-alpine and alpine
Himalayas between , and
, m.
Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha (related
sp.).
Folk Banwaa.
Action Poisonous, highly toxic.
Air-dried roots contain .% total
alkaloids of which pseudoaconitine is
.%. Pseudoaconitine is biologically
. times as active as aconitine. (A.
atrox is a poisonous species and is one
of the common constituents of Aconitum
ferox of commerce.)
Aconitum chasmanthum
Stapf ex Holmes.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat The western Himalayas
from Hazara to Kashmir and
A
Aconitum falconeri Stapf. 13
Chamba in Himachal Pradesh,
between altitudes of , m and
, m.
English Indian Napellus.
Ayurvedic Visha, Shringika-Visha,
Vatsanaabha (related sp.).
Folk Mohri, Meethaa Zahar.
Action Sedative, antirheumatic,
analgesic, antitussive, antidiarrhoeal.
Ayurvedic Formulary of
India, Part I and Part II, equated
A. chasmanthum with Vatsanaabha.
(See A. ferox.) It has the same uses
as A. ferox. The alkaloid content
of the root ranges from . to
.%; includes chasmaconitine and
chasmanthinine.
Napellus, equated with Aconitum
napellus Linn., is indigenous to Central
Europe (named after the Black sea
port Aconis and known as Wolfsbane,
Monkshood). Aconitum of homoeopathic
medicine is an alkaloid obtained
from the roots and stems of A. nepellus.
Used as an analgesic and sedative. It
contains terpenoids up to .%, including
aconitine and aconine.
Toxic constituents of A. napellus
are aconitine, mesaconitine, hypaconitine,
-acetylacoitine, lappaconitine
(diterpenoid-ester alkaloids), benzaconine,
benzoylaconine.
Aconitine, mesaconitine and hypaconitine
exert widespread effects on
cardiac, neural and muscle tissue by
activitating sodium channels. (NaturalMedicines
ComprehensiveDatabase,
.)
Aconitine is absorbed through mucus
membranes and the skin. (Francis
Brinker.) It is a cardiotoxin and
interacts with antiarrhythmics, antihypertensives,
Digoxin/cardiac glycosides.
(Sharon M. Herr.)
Dosage Root—– mg powder.
(CCRAS.)
Aconitum deinorrhizum Stapf.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat Alpine regions of Chattadhar
and Bhalesh ranges of
Bhadarwah district in Jammu and
Kashmir.
Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha (related
sp.).
Folk Bashahr-Mohra, Dudhiyaa
Bish, Safed Bikh.
Action Roots and leaves are used in
rheumatism, rheumatic fever and
acute headache.
The roots contain .% total alkaloids,
of which .% is pseudoaconitine.
Aconitum falconeri Stapf.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat The sub-alpine and alpine
zones of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha (related
sp.).
Folk Bikh, Bis, Meethaa Telia.
Action Sedative, carminative,
anti-inflammatory (used for the
treatment of nervous system,
digestive system; rheumatism,
fever).
A
14 Aconitum ferox Wall. ex Ser.
The root alkaloids contain bishatisine,
bishaconitine, falconitine and
mithaconitine. Treatment with cow's
milk reduces cardiotoxic effect of the
root.
Aconitum ferox Wall. ex Ser.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat The alpine Himalayas from
Sikkim to Garhwal and Assam.
English Indian Aconite, Wolfsbane,
Monkshood.
Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha, Visha,
Amrita, Vajraanga, Sthaavaravisha,
Vatsanaagaka, Shrangikavisha,
Garala.
Unani Bish, Bishnaag.
Siddha/Tamil Vasanaavi, Karunaabhi.
Folk Bacchanaag, Bish, Mithaa
Zahar, Telia Visha.
Action Narcotic, sedative, antileprotic,
anti-inflammatory. Extremely
poisonous. (Roots possess depressant
activity, but after mitigation in
cow's milk for – days, they exhibit
stimulant activity.)
Key application In neuralgia.
(Aconitum napellus L. has been
listed by German Commission E
among unapproved herbs.)
The root contains diterpenoid alkaloids,
which act as a powerful poison
that affects the heart and central nervous
system. Aconitine has a shortlived
cardiotonic action followed by
cardiac depression. Topically, aconitine
has analgesic, anti-inflammatory
and anaesthetic activity.
Aconitum heterophyllum
Wall. ex Royle.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat Cultivated at Manali and
Rahla in Himachal Pradesh. Also
found in northwestern Himalayas
at altitudes ranging from , to
, m.
English Atis Root, Aconite.
Ayurvedic Ativishaa, Arunaa,
Vishaa, Shuklakandaa, Bhanguraa,
Ghunapriyaa, Ghunavallabhaa,
Kaashmiraa, Shishubhaishajyaa
(indicating its use in paediatrics),
Vishwaa.
Unani Atees.
Siddha/Tamil Athividayam.
Folk Patis.
Action Often regarded as nonpoisosnous,
antiperiodic, antiinflammatory,
astringent (used
in cough, diarrhoea, dyspepsia),
tonic (used after fevers), febrifuge,
antispasmodic (used in irritability
of stomach and abdominal
pains).
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of the dried,
tuberous root in emesis and helminthiasis.
The roots yield .% of total alkaloids,
of which atisin is .%. Atisine
is much less toxic than aconitine and
A
Aconitum violaceum Jacq. ex Stapf. 15
pseudoaconitine. (The inert character
of the plant is well known to the hill
people, who often use it as a vegetable.)
The plant possesses potent immunostimulant
properties.
Dosage Root—.–. g. (API
Vol. I.)
Aconitum laciniatum
(Bruhl) Stapf.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat The sub-alpine and alpine
Himalayas of Sikkim between
altitudes of , m and , m.
Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha (related
sp.).
Folk Kaalo Bikhmo.
Action Poisonous. (Found mixed
with the roots of A. ferox and
A. spicatum of commerce.)
Aconitum luridum
Hook. f. andThoms.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat TheHimalayas fromeastern
Nepal to Chumbi at altitudes of
, to , m.
Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha (related
sp.).
Action As potent as Aconitum ferox.
Aconitum palmatum D. Don.
Synonym A. bisma (Buch.-Ham.)
Rapaics.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat The alpine Himalayas of
Sikkim, Nepal, the adjoining parts
of southern Tibet, between altitudes
of , m and , m.
Ayurvedic Prativishaa, Shyaamkandaa,
Patis.
Folk Bikhamaa.
Action Root—antiemetic, antidiarrhoeal,
antirheumatic, antiperiodic.
The root contains diterpenoid alkaloids
and a nitrogenous non-alkaloid
compound, benzamide. Alkaloids include
vakognavine, palmatisine, vakatisine,
vakatisinine and vakatidine.
The root is intensely bitter, like quinine,
is used with Piper longum for diarrhoea
and vomiting; used externally
as an application for rheumatism.
Aconitum spicatum Stapf.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat The alpine zone of the
Himalayas of Sikkim and Chumbi.
Principal source of Bikh or Bish of
Kolkata market.
English Nepal Aconite.
Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha (related
sp.).
Action Antipyretic, analgesic.
The roots yield .% of alkaloids
which contain mainly pseudoaconitine
and bikhaconitine.
Aconitum violaceum
Jacq. ex Stapf.
Family Ranunculaceae.
A
16 Acorus calamus Linn.
Habitat The alpine zone of the
Himalayas from Gilgit to Kumaon.
Ayurvedic Vatsanaabha (related
sp.).
Folk Tilia Kachnaag, Dudhia.
Action Nervine tonic.
Air-dried roots of the plant are reported
to contain % indaconitine.
Acorus calamus Linn.
Family Araceae.
Habitat Wild and cultivated
throughout India in damp marshy
places from to , m; common
in Manipur and Naga Hills.
English Sweet Flag, Calamus.
Ayurvedic Vachaa, Ugragandhaa,
Ugraa, Golomi, Shadgranthaa,
Shataparvaa, Tikshnagandhaa,
Kshudra-patra, Maangalyaa, Ghorbach.
Unani Waj-e-Turki, Waj.
Siddha/Tamil Vasambu.
Action Rhizome—nervine tonic,
hypotensive, tranquilizer, sedative
(with neuroleptic and antianxiety
properties), analgesic, spasmolytic,
anticonvulsant; used for bronchial
catarrh, chronic diarrhoea and
dysentery.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of the dried
rhizomes as a brain tonic inweakmemory,
psychoneurosis and epilepsy.
Four types of Calamus are used
in herbal medicine: type I—Acorus
calamus L. var. americanus, a diploid
American var.; type II—var. vulgaris
L. (var. calamus), a European triploid;
type III and type IV—var. augustatus
Bess. and var. versus L., subtropical
tetraploids.
Beta-asarone is carcinogenic in animals.
Volatile oil of types II, III and
IV—major constituent is usually betaasarone
(isoasarone), up to %. Indian
calamus oil contains asarone up
to % and its beta-isomer. In type I,
beta-asarone and other phenylpropanoids
are absent. It is superior in spasmolytic
activity to the other types.
Indian practitioners mostly use A.
calamus externally. Shveta Vachaa
(Haimavati, equated with Acorus gramineus
Scoland. Ex Ait., a diploid, is
used internally. Unani physicians use
Paris polyphylla Sim. as Khuraasaani
Bach.
The essential oil-free alcoholic extract
of A. calamus possesses sedative
and analgesic properties.
Alpha-asarone potentiates pentobarbital,
accounts for some, but not all,
neurodepressive activity. Beta-asarone
is reportedly hallucinogenic. (Francis
Brinker.)
The ethanolic extract of rhizomes
show significant antisecretory and antiulcerogenic
activity; also, protective
effect against cytodestructive agents,
experimentally.
Dosage Rhizome—– mg
powder. (API Vol. II.)
Acorus gramineus Soland. ex Ait.
Family Araceae.
A
Actinodaphne hookeri Meissn. 17
Habitat Native to Japan, occasionallymet
within Sikkimat an altitude
of , m, in Khasi Hills up to
, m.
Ayurvedic Haimavati (white var. of
Vachaa).
Action Antispasmodic (used in
abdominal colic). See A. calamus.
Actaea spicata Linn.
Synonym A. acuminata Wall. ex
Royle
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat Native to Europe; grows in
temperate Himalayas from Hazara
to Bhutan.
English Baneberry Grapewort.
Folk Visha-phale (Kannada).
Action Root—antirheumatic,
anti-inflammatory, nerve sedative,
emetic, purgative; used in the
treatment of rheumatic fever,
lumbago, scrofula, nervous disorders,
chorea.
The plant is reported to contain
trans-aconitic acid, which shows a
strong cytostatic action. Its Me ether
is active against Ehrlich's ascites tumours.
In folk medicine, roots are used in
cases of ovarian neuralgia, uterine tenderness
and sub-involution. They are
adulterant of the roots of Helleborus
niger. Berries are poisonous; used topically
for skin diseases. The toxic constituent
is protoanemonin (lactone). It
is irritant to mucous membrane.
Actiniopteris dichotoma Kuhn.
Synonym A. australis (L. f.) Link.
A. radiata (Sw.) Link.
A. dichotoma Kuhn.
Family Adiantaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, especially
common in Kumaon Hills
and the Nilgiris, below an altitude
of , m.
English Peacock's tail.
Ayurvedic Mayurshikhaa, Madhuchhadaa,
Sahastrahi, Vahrishikhaa.
Action Styptic, antibacterial,
antipyretic.
The stems and leaves contain rutin,
a styptic active principle. Anthelmintic
activity, attributed to the fern, was not
observed in experiments on mice.
Dosage Root—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Actinodaphne hookeri Meissn.
Synonym A. angustifolia Nees.
Family Lauraceae.
Habitat The western Ghats, Orissa
and Sikkim up to , m.
Siddha/Tamil Thali, Paratathali.
Folk Pisaa (Maharashtra).
Action Infusion of leaves—urinary
tract disinfectant, antidiabetic,
spasmolytic.
The leaves contain a very small
amount of an amorphous alkaloid.
They also contain beta-sitosterol, hentriacontanone,
hentriacontanol and
A
18 Adansonia digitata Linn.
quercetin--rhamnoside and hydrocarbons.
The bark gives an alkaloid, actinodaphnine.
Adansonia digitata Linn.
Family Bombacaceae.
Habitat Native to tropical Africa;
common along the west coast of
India.
English Baobab, Monkey Bread
tree, African calabash.
Ayurvedic Sheet-phala, Ravanaamlikaa,
Gorakshi, Panchparni.
Unani Gorakh Imli.
Siddha/Tamil Papparapuli.
Folk Gorakh Imli; Gorakh
Chinchaa.
Action Cooling, refrigerant (allays
burning sensation). Leaves—
diaphoretic (used as a prophylactic
against fevers). Fruit—antidysenteric,
antiseptic, antihistaminic.
The fruit pulp is a source of vitamin
C (.–. mg/ g); dried
pulp contains calcium and vitamin B.
Furfural (.%) is obtained after distillation
of the fruit. In Africa, dried
leaves provide much of the dietary calcium.
Aqueous extract of the bark is
used for treating sickle cell anaemia.
An infusion of the leaves and flowers
is given in respiratory disorders.
(Powdered leaves prevented crisis in
asthma induced by histamine in guinea
pigs.) Dried fruit pulp also gives relief
in bronchial asthma, allergic dermatitis
and urticaria.
The roots contain a flavanone glycoside.
Adenanthera pavonina Linn.
Family Leguminosae; Mimosaceae.
Habitat The western Ghats, the
Andamans and sub-Himalayan
tract; also cultivated.
English Coral Wood, Red Wood.
Ayurvedic Rakta Kanchana, Rakta
Kambala.
Siddha/Tamil Anai-gundumani.
Folk Ghumchi (bigger var.).
Action Astringent and styptic
(used in diarrhoea, haemorrhage
from the stomach, haematuria),
anti-inflammatory (in rheumatic
affections, gout). Seeds—
anticephalgic; also used for the
treatment of paralysis. A decoction
is given in pulmonary affections.
The seed contains an anti-inflammatory
active principle, O-acetylethanolamine.
The leaves contain octacosanol,
dulcitol, glucosides of betasitosterol
and stigmasterol. The bark
contains sitgmasterol glucoside.
Adhatoda vasica Nees.
Synonym A. zeylanica Medic.
Justicia adhatoda Linn.
Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, up to an
altitude of , m.
English Malabar Nut, Vasaca.
A
Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn. 19
Ayurvedic Vaasaa, Vaasaka,
Vaasikaa, Simhaasya, Simhaparni,
Simhavadanaa, Vaajidanta, Vrisha,
Aataruushaka.
Unani Arusaa.
Siddha/Tamil Aadaathodai.
Folk Vasaakaa.
Action Expectorant (used in
bronchial, asthmatic and pulmonary
affections), antispasmodic,
febrifuge.
Key application As bronchodilatory,
expectorant. (Indian Herbal
Pharmacopoeia.) The Ayurvedic
Pharmacopoeia of India indicates its
use in dyspnoea.
The chief quinazoline alkaloid vasicine
is reported in all parts of the
plant, the highest being in inflorescence.
It is a bitter bronchodilator, respiratory
stimulant, hypotensive, cardiac
depressant, uterotonic and abortifacient.
An aqueous solution of vasicinone
hydrochloride, when studied
in mice and dogs, was found to potentiate
the bronchodilatory activity
of aminophylline, also that of isoprenaline.
Vasicinone exhibited smoothmuscle-
relaxant properties of airways.
Alkaloids present in the plant
showed significant protection against
allergin-induced bronchial obstruction
in guinea pigs.
The leaves are found to activate the
digestive enzyme trypsin.
An extract of the leaves showed
significant antifungal activity against
ringworm.
Adhatoda beddomei C.B. Clarke,
found in Kerala, is considered to be
more powerful and active than A. vasica.
Fresh leaf juice is used in haemoptysis
and menorrhagia, also as an antiasthmatic.
Jacobinia tinctoria Henl. is equated
with the red-flowered var. of Vaasaa.
Dosage Leaf—– ml juice.
Dried leaves—– g for deoction.
Root—– g powder. (API Vols. I,
IV.)
Adiantum aethiopicum Linn.
Synonym A. emarginatum Bedd.
Family Adiantaceae.
Habitat North Kanara and the
Nilgiri and Palni hills at higher
elevations.
Ayurvedic Hansapadi (related sp.).
Action Rhizomes—decoction
abortifacient. Astringent and
emetic. Emollient in coughs and
diseases of the chest; sudorific.
Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn.
Family Adiantaceae.
Habitat All along the Himalayas
from Kashmir to Sikkim between
altitudes of , and , m.
English American Maidenhair
Fern, VenusHair, Rock Fern.
Ayurvedic Hansaraaja, Hansapadi
(related sp.).
Unani Parsiaavashaan.
Siddha/Tamil Seruppadai.
Folk Mubaaraka.
A
20 Adiantum incisum Forsk.
Action Astringent, demulcent,
expectorant, antitussive, stimulant,
emmenagogue. Fonds used in
chronic catarrh (as an ingredient
of cough and bronchial medicines);
also in cold imposthumes of uterus,
hard swellings and hard tumours of
spleen, liver and other viscera.
The fern contains flavonoid glucosides,
including rutin, isoquercetin, astragalin,
kaempferol; hydroxycinnamic
acid esters; terpenoids, including
adiantone.
Adiantum incisum Forsk.
Synonym A. caudatum Linn.
Family Adiantaceae.
Habitat The plains and the lower
slopes of the hills in Punjab,
Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tamil
Nadu and Maharashtra.
Ayurvedic Nilakantha-shikhaa,
Mayurshikhaa, Vahrishikhaa.
Action Used in hemicrania,
cough, fever; externally in skin
diseases; used as a substitute for
A. capillus-veneris.
The fern yields adiantone, isoadiantone,
fernene, hentriacontane, hentriacontanone-
, beta-sitosterol.
Adiantum lunulatum Burm.
Synonym A. philippense Linn.
Family Adiantaceae.
Habitat Throughout the greater
part of India, up to an altitude of
, m.
English Walking Maidenhair Fern.
Black Maidenhair (A. venustum G.
Don is also known as Hansaraaja.)
Ayurvedic Hansapadi, Hansapaadi,
Raktapaadi, Kitamaataa, Tripaadikaa,
Hansaraaja; a substitute
for Taamrachuda-paadikaa.
Siddha/Tamil Seruppadai.
Folk Raajhans, Mubaaraka.
Action Febrifugal, antidysenteric,
soothing agent in erysipelas. The
rhizome is also prescribed for
strangury, atrophy, emaciation or
cachexy, muscular pain; emetic in
large doses.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of the dried
whole plant in psychosis-related fear.
(It is one of the ingredients of the
classical drug Maanasamitra Vataka,
prescribed for mental disorders.)
The chemical constituents are chlorophyll-
degradation products and
higher carotenoids.
Dosage Whole plant—- g (API
Vol. III.)
Adina cordifolia
Hook. f. ex Brandis
Family Rubiaceae.
Habitat Indigenous in deciduous
forests all over India.
English Yellow Teak, Saffron Teak.
Ayurvedic Haridru, Haraduaakadamba,
Gaur-kadamba,
Girikadamba, Dhaaraakadamba,
Pitadaaru, Kadambapushpa.
A
Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss. ex Schult. 21
Siddha/Tamil Manjakadambu.
Folk Haladu, Kheta Kadam.
Action Antibacterial, antiseptic,
antidysenteric, antibilious (used
in biliary colic), febrifuge. Root—
astringent.
The heartwood contains indole alkaloids;
bark .–.% tannin. The
leaves contain ursolic acid and quercetin.
Aegle marmelos
(L.) Correa ex Roxb.
Family Rutaceae.
Habitat The plains and submountain
regions of India, ascending
to an altitude of , m in the
western Himalayas; cultivated all
over India.
English Bael tree, Bengal Quince.
Ayurvedic Bilva, Shriphala,
Shaandilya, Shailuusha, Shalya,
Sadaaphala, Mahaakapitha (Kapitha
is equated with Feronia limonia),
Maaluura, Rudrajataa, Rudranirmaalya,
Shivajataakhya.
Unani Bael.
Siddha/Tamil Vilvam, Koovilam.
Action Stomachic, antimicrobial
(specific for diarrhoea, colitis,
dysentery and enteric infections),
digestive, astringent, spasmolytic,
hypoglycaemic.
Key application As antidiarrhoeal.
(Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
Along with other therapeutic
applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the
use of root in dysuria; stembark in
diabetes and lipid disorders.
A number of coumarins (including
xanthotoxol and alloimperatorin
methyl ether), flavonoids (including
rutin and marmesin), alkaloids (including
alpha-fagarine), sterols and
essential oils have been isolated from
plant parts. Pectin is an important
constituent of the fruit.
Alkaloid aegeline, present in the
leaves, is efficacious in asthma. The
active principle in aqueous extract of
leaf shows hypoglycaemic activity similar
to insulin. Leaves are also given
in jaundice. Alcoholic extract of seeds
shows antiallergic activity.
Marmin, a coumarin isolated from
the roots, shows anti-inflammatory effects
experimentally. Marmin also inhibited
gastric haemorrhagic lesions
in rats and exhibited antiulcer effects.
Seed oil showed beneficial effects in
regeneration of tumour cells.
Aurapten is found to be the most
potent inhibitor of heart rate. Rootbark
is used for palpitation of the heart.
Dosage Pulp of unripe or half
ripe fruit— g powder. Root— g
powder. (API Vols. I, III.)
Aerva javanica
(Burm. f.) Juss. ex Schult.
Synonym A. persica (Burm.f.)
Merill
A. tomentosa Frosk.
Family Amaranthaceae.
Habitat Punjab, Central and
Peninsular India.
A
22 Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult.
English Javanese Wool Plant.
Siddha/Tamil Perumpoolai.
Folk Dholphuli, Khul. Paashaanabheda
(southern India).
Action Anti-inflammatory, diuretic,
anticalculus, insecticidal. Wooly
seeds are used against rheumatism.
The plant extract contains ascorbic
acid, kaempferol, beta-amyrin and
beta-sitosterol. The leaves also contain
sitosterol and its glucoside.
Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult.
Family Amaranthaceae.
Habitat The warmer parts of India,
ascending to , m.
Ayurvedic Paashaanabheda.
Gorakshaganjaa, Aadaanpaaki,
Shatkabhedi.
Siddha/Tamil Sirupeelai.
Folk Paashaanabheda (southern
India), Gorakhagaanjaa.
Action Anticalculus (used in
lithiasis), diuretic, demulcent,
anthelmintic, antidiarrhoeal,
anticholerin, bechic; leaf used
in hepatitis, root in strangury.
A decoction of the plant is used in
catarrh of bladder. The flowers and
roots are used for headache.
Key application As diuretic and
lithontriptic. (The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia.)
The plant contains palmitic acid,
beta-sitosterol and alpha-amyrin.
Aerva scandens Wall., synonym A.
sanguinolenta Blume, is also known as
Paashaanabheda in the south.
Species used as Paashaanabheda:
Bergenia ligulata (north), Aerva lanata
(south), Coleus amboinicus (east) and
Bryophyllum pinnatum (west).
Dosage – ml decoction.
(CCRAS.)
Aesculus hippocastanum Linn.
Family Hippocastanaceae; Sapindaceae.
Habitat Endemic to the mountains
of Balkan Peninsula and western
Asia. Introduced into India; occasionally
grown as an ornamental
tree.
English Horse Chestnut tree.
Unani Baloot. (Quercus incana and
Q. infectoria have also been equated
with Baloot in National Formulary
in Unani Medicine.)
Folk Pu.
Action Anti-inflammatory, vasodilator,
astringent (used for
rheumatism, venous congestion,
haemorrhoids), febrifuge. Leaf—
used in whooping cough.
Key application In chronic venous
insufficiency, varicosis, nocturnal
systremma (cramps in the calves)
and swelling of the legs. (Noninvasive
treatment measures should
also be followed.) (German
Commission E, ESCOP, The British
Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
A
Aframomum melegueta (Rosc.) K. Schum. 23
Horse Chestnut contains triterpenoid
saponins (especially aescin, a
complex mixture composed of acylated
glycosides of protoaesigenin and
barringtogenol-C, including hippocaesculin),
coumarins and flavonoids.
Aescin has been shown to eliminate
oedema and reduce exudation. It antagonizes
the effect of bradykinin, although
it is not a direct bradykinin
antagonist. It causes an increase in
plasma levels of ACTH, corticosterone
and glucose in rats. Hippocaesculin
and barringtogenol-C--angelate
show antitumour activity in vitro.
The hydroxycoumarin aesculin
leads to increased bleeding time.
(Roasting seems to destroy the toxins.)
A few fruits can cause severe
toxic symptoms. (Francis Brinker.) In
some countries, an intravenous mixture
containing aescin is used after
surgery. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database, .)
Aesculus indica Hook.
Family Sapindaceae; Hippocastanaceae.
Habitat The Himalayas from
Kashmir to western Nepal, Kulu
and Chamba in Himachal Pradesh,
Tehri-Garhwal and Kumaon in
Uttar Pradesh at –, m.
English Indian Horse Chestnut,
Himalayan Chestnut.
Folk Bankhor.
Action Antirheumatic, galactogenic,
antileucorrhocic.
The leaves contain aescin, quercetin
and beta-sitosterol. Stems also contain
rutin, astragalin, aesculin. Seeds
contain aescin, aesculusideAand B, also
aliphatic esters. Seeds possess antiinflammatory
activity.
The extract of seeds is considered
to be active against P- lymphocytic
leukaemia and human epidermoid
carcinoma of nasopharynx.
Aframomum melegueta
(Rosc.) K. Schum.
Synonym Amomum melegueta
Rosc.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Native to tropical Africa;
cultivated in Indian gardens.
English Grains of Paradise, Alligator
pepper, Meleguetta pepper.
Unani Heel Habshi.
Action Roots possess cardamomliketasteandaregivenasadecoction
for constipation; also as a vermifuge
for tapeworms. Juice of young
leaves—styptic. The seeds contain
an alkaloid, piperine; also gingerol,
paradol, shogaol and zingerone.
Gingerol and shogaol suppress gastric
contractions; also have sedative
and analgesic actions. Pungency of the
grains is due to paradol.
A decoction of the whole plant is
taken internally as a febrifuge.
High oxalic acid content in the fruit
may cause reduced function of the
heart.
Aframomum korarima K. Schum.,
native to tropical Africa, known as
A
24 Aganosma dichotoma (Roth) K. Schum.
False cardamom, is also equated with
Heel Habshi.
Aganosma dichotoma
(Roth) K. Schum.
Synonym A. caryophyllata G. Don
Family Apocynaceae.
Habitat Assam,West Bengal, Bihar,
Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil
Nadu; often cultivated in Indian
gardens.
Ayurvedic Madhumaalati.
Action Antiseptic; anodyne (an
ingredient in massage oils for
paraplegia, neuralgia, sciatica); also
anthelmintic and emetic.
The leaves contain quercetin, kaempferol
and phenolic acids. Shoot tips
and flower buds contain tannin.
Aganosma calycina A. DC. is also
equated with Madhumaalati.
Agaricus albus Linn.
Family Agaricaceae.
Habitat Punjab, Asia Minor.
English Purging Agaric.
Unani Gharaiqoon; also equated
with Fomes officinalis (Vill. ex Fr.)
Lloyd.
Action Diuretic, laxative, deobstructant,
expectorant; purgative
and emetic in large doses; used in
the treatment of night sweats in
phthisis, and as a supporting drug
for asthma.
Active principle is agaric acid (agaricin),
present to the extent of –%.
Agaricus campestris Linn.
Synonym Psalliota campestris
(Linn.) Fr.
Family Agaricaceae.
Habitat The fungi is distributed in
many parts of India, particularly
on the hills and plains of northern
and eastern India. Grows during
the rainy weather on dead organic
matter, e.g. rotting leaves and
manure.
English Field mushroom, Edible
mushroom.
Ayurvedic Chhatraka, Bhuumichhatra.
Unani Kammat.
Siddha Venkodiveli.
Folk Khumbi.
Action A protein (.%) supplement
and an excellent source of
vitamins of B complex. Vitamins K,
C and D are also present. Though
all the amino acids are reported
to be present, the concentration of
tryptophane is particularly low.
Extracts of A. campestris contain tyrosinase;
lowered blood pressure of hypertensive
animals when administered
intravenously (exhibited no effect on
normal animals).
Fungal enzyme preparations have
been used in digestive diseases.
Field mushroom contains amylase,
maltase, glycogenase, protease, catalase,
tyrosinase, phosphomonoesterasA
Aglaia roxburghiana Miq. Hiern 25
es, polyphosphatases, polyphenoloxidase
and dehydropeptidases.
Agaricus ostreatus (Jacq.) Fries
Family Agaricaceae.
Habitat Artocarpus interifolia,
indigenous to the western Ghats.
English Oyster Mushroom (grows
on Artocarpus integrifolia).
Action Prevents excessive salivation.
Also given internally in dysentery,
diarrhoea, stomatitis; as a paste to
gums in apthae.
Agave americana Linn.
Family Agavaceae.
Habitat Native to America; grown
in gardens for ornamentation.
English Century Plant, American
Aloe.
Ayurvedic Kaantala (related sp.).
Siddha/Tamil Alagai.
Folk Ban-Kevaraa.
Action Leaf juice—used for
warts, cancerous ulcers and putrid
tumours. Leaves are also used as
a resolvant in syphilis and scrofula.
The leaves contain ten steroidal saponins
(six of these are spirostanolic
and four furostanolic), also hecogenin
(.%) and piscidic acid. The seeds
contain steroid sapogenins including
hecogenin. The plant exhibits significant
antibacterial activity.
Ageratum conyzoides Linn.
Family Asteraceae, Compositae.
Habitat Throughout India, up to an
altitude of , m.
English Goat Weed, WhiteWeed.
Ayurvedic Dochunty, Uchunti,
Sahadevi (related sp.).
Action Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial,
antifungal, styptic.
The leaf is reported to contain stigmasterol
(.%) and beta-sitosterol
(.%) as major component of sterol
faction. The dried flowering plant contains
the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, lycopsamine
and echinatine.
An aqueous extract of leaves is reported
to show haemostatic activity.
The plant extract exhibited muscle relaxant
activity experimentally. The
ethanolic extract (%) of roots possesses
anti-inflammatory and analgesic
properties.
The aqueous extract of leaves exhibits
antifungal and crude plant extract
antibacterial properties.
Aglaia roxburghiana Miq. Hiern
Synonym A. elaegnoidea (A. Juss.)
Benth.
Milnea roxburghiana (Miq.) Wight
and Arn.
Family Meliaceae.
Habitat Western Ghats, tropical
forests in the hills of Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and
Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Ayurvedic Priyangu (var.)
A
26 Agrimonia eupatoria auct non L.
Siddha/Tamil Gnaazhal. (Dried
flowers of Myristica malabarica
Lam. are also used as Priyangu.)
Action Fruit—cooling (in febrile
complaints), antipyretic, astringent,
antidiarrhoeal, antidysenteric,
anti-inflammatory (seeds used for
painful micturition). Fruits are
also used for treating obstinate skin
diseases and tumours.
Bisamide alkaloids of the leaves exhibit
anticancer activity (by inhibiting
the growth of vinblastine-resistant KB
cells).
Agrimonia eupatoria auct non L.
Synonym A. pilosa Hook.f. non
Ledeb.
A. pilosa Ledeb. var. nepalensis (D.
Don) Nakai
Family Rosacae.
Habitat The Himalayas from
Kashmir to West Bengal at –
, m, and in Arunachal Pradesh,
Nagaland and Meghalaya.
English Agrimony, Stickle Wort.
Unani Ghaafis.
Folk Belu.
Action Astringent, antiinflammatory,
hepatic, cholagogue,
diuretic, mild haemostatic, antibacterial.
Used for irritations and
infections of the intestinal tract,
gallbladder diseases, hyperacidity,
colic, urinary disorders (bedwetting,
incontinence), sluggish
liver, mucus membrane inflammations;
externally for ulcerated
and discharging skin, psoriasis and
seborrhoic eczemas.
Key application In mild, nonspecific,
acute diarrhoea and
in inflammation of oral and
pharyngeal mucosa; as astringent.
(German Commission E, The British
Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
The herb contains condensed tannins
up to %, coumarins, flavonoids
(glucosides of luteolin, apigenin and
quercetin), polysaccharides, volatile
oil. Luteolin -glucoside shows a cholegogic
action. Aqueous extracts inhibited
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, also
strains resistant to streptomycin and
p-aminosalicylate. Essential oil is antibacterial,
active against Bacillus subtilis.
The ethanolic extracts of the herb
are used for their antiviral properties.
(Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database, .)
Coumarins interact with anticoagulants,
and drugs that increase the risk
of bleeding Furanocoumarin content
increase photosensitivity. (Sharon M.
Herr.)
Agropyron repens Beauv.
Synonym Triticum repens L.
Family Gramineae; Poaceae.
Habitat The westernHimalayas and
Kashmir at altitudes between ,
and , m.
English Couch grass, dog grass,
wheat grass.
Action Demulcent (used in
cystitis, nephritis), aperient,
A
Ailanthus glandulosa Desf. 27
diuretic and urinary antiseptic,
anticholesterolaemic.
Key application In irrigation
therapy for inflammatory diseases
of the urinary tract and for the
prevention of kidney gravel.
(German Commission E, The British
Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) It is
contraindicated in oedema due to
cardiac or renal insufficiency.
Thejuice of rhizomes is used for cystitis,
nephritis, scirrhous liver; decoction
for tonsils and as an adjuvant for
cancer; also used for gout and rheumatism,
and chronic skin disorders.
The rhizome contains triticin, a carbohydrate
allied to starch, a fructosan
polysaccharide, inositol, mannitol;
volatile oil up to about .%, consisting
mainly of agropyrene; vanillin
glucoside; mucilage, gum, large quantities
of silica; iron, minerals, vitamins,
K salt. Agropyrene is reported
to have broad antibiotic properties. Extracts
show uric acid solvent properties.
Agropyrene is antifungal.
Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.
Family Simaroubaceae.
Habitat Bihar, Madhya Pradesh,
Gujarat, Orissa and southern India.
English Tree of Heaven, Maharukh.
Ayurvedic Aralu, Katvanga,
Dirghavranta, Puutivrksha, Bhalluka.
(Mahaanimba is a synonym of
Melia azedarach Linn.)
Siddha Perru, Perumaruttu,
Peruppi.
Action Bark—bitter, astringent,
febrifuge, anthelminitic, antispasmodic,
expectorant (used in asthma,
bronchitis). Also used for dysentery
as a substitute for Holarrhena
antidysenterica.
Bark andleaves—used as tonic indebility,
especially after childbirth.
Leaves—used as adulterant for Adhatoda
zeylanica leaves.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of stembark
in high fevers and giddiness.
The bark contains several quassinoids
including ailanthone derivatives.
They exhibit antitumour activity
against P- lymphocytic leukaemia
and are cytotoxic against KB test system.
Dosage Stembark—– g (API
Vol. III.) Decoction—– ml.
(CCRAS.)
Ailanthus glandulosa Desf.
Synonym A. altissima (Mill.)
Swingle
Family Simaroubaceae.
Habitat Native of China and Japan.
Found in the hills of northern India
up to an altitude of , m.
English Tree of Heaven, Ailanto.
Ayurvedic Aralu (related sp.).
Action Bark—astringent, antispasmodic,
parasiticidal, narcotic,
cardiac depressant (exercises powerful
depressing influence on nervous
system similar to that of tobacco).
A
28 Ailanthus malabarica DC.
Leaves produce dermatitis; their accumulation
in well-water produces
chronic gastritis.
Many quassinoids and ailanthone
derivatives are vermifuge and amoebicidal.
Constituents of the bark and
stem, particularly ailanthone, have antimalarial
activity in vitro against Plasmodiumfalciparumandinmice
against
P. berghei. (Alkaloids do not appear to
have these properties.) Some quassinoids
are antineoplastic, and are reported
to have antileukaemic properties.
The rootbark is used in traditional
Chinese medicine for dysentery and
leucorrhoea. In Africa, rootbark is
used in epilepsy.
Ailanthus malabarica DC.
Synonym A. triphysa (Dennst.)
Alston.
Family Simaroubaceae.
Habitat The evergreen forests
of western Ghats from Konkan
southwards.
Siddha Perumaram.
Folk Guggul-dhuupa. (Maharashtra.)
Action Bark—febrifuge, carminative
(given in typhoid, dyspepsia
and constipation). Oleo resin—
used for dysentery and bronchitis.
The bark and roots give a number
of beta-carboline alkaloids. The resinuous
exudates from trunk give several
triterpenoids, including malabaricol
and malabaricanediol.
Ainsliaea aptera DC.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat The Himalayas from
Kashmir to Bhutan at altitudes of
, m, extending to Khasi hills of
Meghalaya.
Folk Karui Buuti (Garhwal).
Action Powdered roots—used for
quick relief from acute stomach
ache; diuretic.
A related sp., A. latifolia Sch-Bip., is
used as an adulterant to Podophyllum
emodi.
Ajuga bracteosa Wall. ex Benth.
Family Labiatae Lamiaceae.
Habitat The sub-Himalayan tract,
plains of Punjab and the upper
Gangetic plain.
Ayurvedic Neelkanthi.
Folk Ratapaati (Kumaon), Khurbanti
(Punjab).
Action Astringent, febrifugal (given
in intermittent fever), stimulant,
aperient, diuretic. Used for the
treatment of gout and rheumatism;
also for amenorrhoea. Juice of
the leaves—blood purifier. The
powder is used for burns and boils.
The leaves are used in fever as
a substitute for cinchona.
An aqueous extract of the leaves
showed diuretic activity. An alkaloidal
fraction showed stimulant action on
the perfused frog heart. The plant
exhibited anticancer activity.
A
Albizia amara (Roxb.) Boivin 29
Alangium begoniaefolium
(Roxb.) Baill.
Synonym A. chinense (Lour.)
Harms.
Family Alangiaceae.
Habitat The plains and foothills, up
to an altitude of , m.
Ayurvedic Ankola (related sp.).
Folk Akhani.
Action Bark and roots—sedative,
anthelmintic.
A triterpenoid was responsible for
the sedative effect on motor activity of
rat brain.
Chloroform extract of the drug,
which was devoid of anabasine, exhibited
prominent sedative effect in
rat. It significantly decreased concentration
of norepinephrine in cortex,
of dopamine and serotonin (-HT) in
brain stem, but increased concentration
of -HT in cortex.
Alangium lamarckii Thw.
Synonym A. salviifolium (Linn. f.)
Wang.
Family Alangiaceae.
Habitat The drier parts of India,
in plains and foothills of southern
India.
Ayurvedic Ankola, Ankota,
Taamraphala, Guptasneha, Dirghakeelaka.
Siddha/Tamil Azinjil.
Action Rootbark—astringent,
spasmolytic, hypotensive, also diaphoretic
and antipyretic. Leaves—
hypoglycaemic. Fruits—acidic,
astringent, laxative and refrigerant.
Used in haemorrhages, strangury
and consumption. The bark is
used as a substitute for Cephaelis
ipecacuanha. It is a rich source
of alkaloids structurally related to
ipecac alkaloids (emetin).
The bark contains the alkaloid alangine
which shows a selective action of
the parasympathetic mechanism, the
action being more marked on gastrointestinal
tract. The root extract shows
hypotensive action. Flowers contain
deoxytubulosine, a potent antiplatelet
aggregation component, which has
a strong binding withDNA.
The plant extract possesses antineoplastic
properties.
Dosage Rootbark—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Albizia amara (Roxb.) Boivin
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat Throughout southern India
in dry forests, up to m, and in
some parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Ayurvedic Shirish (bark—grey or
greenish).
Siddha/Tamil Thuringil.
Action Leaf and flower—antiinflammatory,
used for boils and
ulcers. Leaf—used for erysipelas.
Seeds—astringent, antidiarrhoeal,
antibacterial.
Theseed extract showedDNA binding
activity, which has been found to
A
30 Albizia lebbeck (Linn.)Willd.
be due to pithecolibine alkaloids, budmunchiamines.
Budmunchiamines
are antibacterial, and they inhibit platelet
aggregation and human lymphocyte
transformation. They also show
anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity.
The leaves contain prodelphinidins,
myricitrin, hyperin, quercitrin, transp-
coumaric acid, cis-p-coumaric acid
and trans-ferulic acid.
The seeds contain echinocystic acid
and taxifolin--O-beta-D xylopyranosyl-
beta-D-arbinopyranoside.
The oil fromthe seeds is said to cure
leprosy and leucoderma.
Albizia lebbeck (Linn.)Willd.
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat All over India, from the
plains up to min theHimalayas;
also in the Andamans.
English Siris tree, East Indian
walnut.
Ayurvedic Shirisha, Bhandi,
Bhandila, Shitapushpa, Mridupushpa,
Kapitana (bark—dusty
black).
Unani Siras.
Siddha/Tamil Vaagei.
Action Antiseptic, antibacterial,
antiallergic, antidermatosis,
antidysenteric. Bark—used in bronchitis;
bark and seeds in piles; root
in hemicrania; flowers in cough,
bronchitis, tropical pulmonary
eosinophilia, and asthma. Pod—
antiprotozoal.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of stembark
in rhinitis, sinusitis and migraine.
Analysis of the plant revealed the
presence of flavonoids, triterpenoids
and triterpenoid saponins; oleanolic
acid, albigenic acid, albigenin and
acacic acid. The bark contains –%
condensed tannin; also d-catechin and
d-leucocyanidin.
Aqueous extract of the bark decreased
histamine-induced bronchospasm
in guinea pigs.
Alcoholic extract of stembark contains
cardenolide glycosides of digitoxin
nature. It showed antidermatophytic
activity. Anthraquinone glycosides
and its aglycone exhibited antibacterial
activity.
A saponin from seeds exhibited
spermicidal activity in animals. EtOH
(%) extract of pods was found to
be spermicidal against rat and human
spermatozoa at % concentration.
Thetherapeutic properties of Albizia
julibrissin Durazz, Pink Siris, found in
the outer Himalayas from the Indus
eastwards to Sikkim, are the same as
those of A. lebbeck.
Dosage Stembark—– g powder.
– g for decoction. (API
Vol. III.)
Albizia procera Benth.
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat All over India.
Ayurvedic Shveta Shirisha (bark—
white or greenish-white).
A
Alhagi pseudalhagi (Bieb.) Desv. 31
Action Bark—a decoction is given
in rheumatism and haemorrhage.
The bark contains beta-sitosterol
and yields –% tannins.
An oleanolic acid saponin, proceric
acid saponin mixture from seeds and
root saponin exhibit spermicidal activity.
Aleurities moluccana
(Linn.)Willd.
Synonym A. triloba J. R. and G.
Forst.
Family Euphorbiaceae.
Habitat Native to China; now
mostly grown on the tea estates of
Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh,
and also in Assam and Bengal to
provide shade for tea bushes.
English Candlenut tree.
Ayurvedic Akshota, Jangali
Akharot.
Siddha/Tamil Naatuakrottu.
Action Oil from seeds—purgative;
employed externally in rheumatism;
ulcers; also as a hair tonic. Leaves—
applied in acute rheumatism.
Fruit—carminative and expectorant.
Bark and flowers—used for
asthma.
Aleurites fordii Hemsl., Tung Oil
tree, native to China, is also equated
with Jangali Akharot.
The tree was introduced on the tea
estates of Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Coorg
and Mysore.
Alhagi pseudalhagi (Bieb.) Desv.
Synonym A. camelorum Fisch. ex
DC.
A. maurorum Medic.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
Habitat Thedrier parts ofRajasthan,
Gujarat, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
English Camel Thorn, Persian
Manna Plant.
Ayurvedic Yavaasaka, Yavaasa,
Yaasa, Duhsparshaa, Duraalabhaa,
Kunaashak. Substitute for
Dhanvayaasa. Yaasa-sharkaraa
(Alhagi-manna).
Unani Jawaansaa. Turanjabeen
(Alhagi-manna).
Siddha/Tamil Punaikanjuri, Kanchori.
Action Laxative, antibilious,
diuretic, diaphoretic, expectorant.
Leaves—used for fever, headache,
rheumatism. Flowers—blood
coagulant, used for piles. Alhagimanna—
expectorant, antiemetic,
laxative.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of driedwhole
plant in gout and haemorrhagic disorders.
The aerial parts contain flavonoids,
tannins, sterols, triterpenes, saponins
and anthroquinones.
The proanthocyanidins derived
from the plant possess hypolipidemic
and antiatherosclerotic properties. The
compounds prevented an increase in
rat serumcholesterol and triglycerides,
A
32 Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Tausch.
and they decreased the manifestation
of atherosclerosis.
A polymeric proanthocyanidin, extracted
fromthe plant, improved energy
metabolism and increased the work
capacity in rats.
Ethanolic extract of the aerial parts
produced positive inotropic effect on
rabbit heart.
Dosage Whole plant—– g
for decoction. (API Vol. II.)
Decoction—– ml. (CCRAS.)
Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Tausch.
Family Boraginaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in Central and
southern Europe.
English Alkanet, Dyers' or Spanish
Bugloss.
Unani Ratanjot. National Formulary
of Unani Medicine equated Ratanjot
with Onosma echioides Linn., found
in Kashmir and Kumaon.
Siddha/Tamil Ratthapaalai, Surulpattai,
Dineshavalli.
Action Astringent, antimicrobial
(used for indolent ulcers, wounds,
erysipelas).
The root contains up to % alkannins,
which are lipophilic isohexenylnaphthazarin
red pigments; tannins
and wax. A pyrrolizidine (hepatotoxic)
alkaloid has also been isolated from
the herb. The alkannins have antimicrobial
and wound-healing properties
and are non-toxic in mice. They have
been used clinically for indolent ulcers.
Allemanda cathartica Linn.
Family Apocynaceae.
Habitat Native to Central America
and Brazil. Grown in Indian
gardens.
English Golden Trumpet.
Folk Zahari Sontakkaa. (Maharashtra).
Action Leaves—cathartic (in
moderate doses; emetic in large
doses). Bark—hydragogue, in
ascites.
The purgative property of the aqueous
extract of leaves was confirmed
pharmacologically in rats. The extract
also showed antifungal activity against
ringworm causing fungi. Flower extract
inhibits fungal growth.
EtOH extract of roots showed invivo
activity against P- leukaemia
in mouse and in vitro against human
carcinoma cells of nasopharynx (KB).
The root contains antileukaemic iridoid
lactone, allamandin and two other
iridoids, allamandicin and allamdin.
The stems and leaves contain betaamyrin,
beta-sitosterol and ursolic
acid. Petals gave flavonoids—kaempferol
and quercetin.
Allium ascalonicum Linn.
Fam Liliaceae; Alliaceae.
Habitat Native to Palestine;
cultivated in India.
English Shellot.
A
Allium cepa Linn. 33
Ayurvedic Grnjana.
Unani Gandanaa, Ek-daanaa
Lehsun, Ek-potia Lehsum. (Also
equated with Asphodelus tenuifolius
Cav.)
Action Anticoagulant, fibrinolytic,
hypocholesterolaemic.
The aqueous extract of the bulbs
contains mainly fructose (%), besides
glucose, arabinose, galactose,
mannose, rhamnose, glucosamine and
uronic acid. It also contains lysine, glutamic
acid and aspartic acid. It shows
significant activity against P- lymphocytic
leukaemia in mice.
In experiments on rabbits, the alcoholic
extracts of the bulb showed significant
anticoagulant, fibrinolytic and
hypocholesterolaemic properties.
Allium cepa Linn.
Family Liliaceae; Alliaceae.
Habitat Cultivated as an annual
all over the country. The most
important onion-growing states are
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra
Pradesh., Karnataka and Madhya
Pradesh.
English Onion.
Ayurvedic Palaandu, Durgandh.
Unani Piyaaz.
Siddha/Tamil Venkaayam.
Action Antibiotic, antibacterial,
antisclerotic, anticoagulant,
anti-inflammatory, antiasthmatic,
expectorant, carminative, antispasmodic,
diuretic, hypotensive,
antidiabetic.
Key application For the prevention
of atherosclerosis (German
Commission E) and age-dependent
changes in the blood vessels, and
loss of appetite (WHO).
The official onion bulb of the Pharmacopoeia
of the People's Republic of
China is a different species, Allium
macrostemon Bge., than that of the
German Commission E monographs,
A. cepa. Chinese onion is used for
cough, dyspnoea, angina pectoris and
dysentery.
Scallions or Spring Onion of Chinesemedicine
are equated with Allium
fistulosum.
Onion bulbs contain a volatile oil
with sulphurous constituents, including
allylpropyldisulphide; sulphurcontaining
compounds, including allicin,
alliin; flavonoids; phenolic acids
and sterols.
Hypoglycaemic activity of the onion
is attributed to the allylpropyldisulphide
and allicin. Diphenylamine, isolated
from mature bulbs, also exhibits
potent antihyperglycaemic activity.
Alliin and allicin have an inhibitory
effect on platelet aggregation. Antibiotic
activity is due mainly to allicin.
Regular use of onion ( g/day) reduces
insulin requirement of a diabetic
patient from to units a day.
Thiosulphinates, isolated from onion
juice, exhibited antiasthmatic activity
in vivo.
Dosage Juice of bulb—– ml.
(CCRAS.)
A
34 Allium macleanii Baker.
Allium macleanii Baker.
Family Liliaceae, Alliaceae.
Habitat Native to Afghanistan.
(A bulbous plant related to onion.)
English Oriental Royal Salep.
Unani Baadshaahi Saalab.
Action Anabolic and gastrointestinal
tonic.
Allium porrum Linn.
Synonym A. ameloprasum
Hook. f. non Linn.
Family Liliaceae, Alliaceae.
Habitat Native to theMediterranean
region; cultivated in India.
English Leek.
Folk Vilaayati Piyaaz. Praan
(Kashmir). Seemevangayam (Tamil
Nadu).
Action Expectorant; used as
a substitute for garlic.
Leek is poor in volatile oil content in
comparison with garlic, but it contains
sufficient amounts of non-toxic saponins,
which perhaps give it expectorant
properties.
The bulbs contain several thiosulphinates,
and also potentially anticarcinogenic
flavonoids, quercetin and
kaempferol.
Allium sativum Linn.
Family Liliaceae, Alliaceae.
Habitat Native to Central Asia.
Cultivated all over India.
English Garlic.
Ayurvedic Lashuna, Rasona,
Yavaneshta, Ugragandha, Mahaushadh,
Arishta.
Unani Seer, Lahsun.
Siddha/Tamil Ullippoondu, Vellaippondu.
Action Antibiotic, bacteriostatic,
fungicide, anthelmintic, antithrombic,
hypotensive, hypoglycaemic,
hypocholesterolaemic. Also used
for upper respiratory tract infections
and catarrhal conditions.
Key application As a supportive to
dietary measures for elevated levels
of lipids in blood; as a preventive
measure for age-dependent vascular
changes. (German Commission E,
ESCOP, WHO, The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia.) Also as an
antimicrobial. (The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia). Garlic has been
shown to be effective in respiratory
infections and catarrhal conditions.
(The British Herbal Compendium.)
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
indicates the use of the bulb as
a brain tonic in epilepsy and psychic
disorders.
Heavy consumption of garlic prior
to surgery led to increased clotting
time or reduced platelet aggregation
(in human case reports). Garlic tablets
at a dose of mg twice daily for
weeks reduced platelet aggregation
% compared with placebo in patients
(in human clinical study). (Francis
Brinker.)
Garlic cloves are high in sulphurcontaining
amino acids known as alliin
(no taste, no smell, no medicinal
A
Alocasia indica (Lour.) Spach. 35
action). With crushing or chewing alliin
comes into contact with the enzyme
alliinase. Alliinase, in less than s,
transforms alliin into allicin (strongly
medicinal), which breaks down into
a number of sulphur compounds including
ajoene, vinyldithin and diallyl
disulfide, and trisulfide. The antibiotic
effect is attributed to allicin; hypoglycaemic
effect to allicin and allylprophyldisulphide
(also to S-allyl cysteine
sulfoxide); anticarcinogenic activity to
diallyl monosulfide; platelet aggregation
inhibitory effect to diallyl-di- and
tri-sulphides. Ajoene inactivated human
gastric lipase, which is involved
in digestion and absorption of dietary
fats.
Diallyltetra, penta-, hexa- and heptasulphides
are potential antioxidants.
AlliumleptophyllumWall. is equated
with Vana Lashuna, Jangali Lahsun.
Dosage Bulb— g (API Vol. III.)
Allium schoenoprasum Linn.
Family Liliaceae, Alliaceae.
Habitat Native to temperate
northern Europe and the U.S.;
distributedinthewesternHimalayas
from Kashmir to Kumaon at
altitudes of ,–, m.
English Chives.
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 is available in Meghalaya.
Alocasia indica (Lour.) Spach.
Synonym A. macrorrhiza (Linn.)
G. Don
Family Araceae.
Habitat A genus of topical Asia,
Malayasia and the Pacific. Found
wild and cultivated all over India.
English Giant Taro.
Ayurvedic Maanaka, Maana,
Maankanda, Kasaalu, Hastikarni.
Siddha/Tamil Merukan kizhangu.
Action Rootstock—mild laxative,
diuretic (in anasarca); used in
inflammations and diseases of
abdomen and spleen. Leaf—astringent,
styptic, antitumour. Root and
leaf—rubefacient. Tubers—used as
vegetable after eliminating oxalate
content.
All parts of the plant, except tubers,
contain cyanogenic principle,
a mixture of triglochinin and isotriglochinin.
The tubers contain sterols
and high concentration of soluble oxalates
(prolonged use may lead to calcium
deficiency and oxaluria.) The
tubers contain a trypsin/chymotrypsin
inhibitor. The plant contains HCN
(.%). It is found to be mitogenic
A
36 Aloe barbadensis Mill.
to human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Dosage Tuber—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Aloe barbadensis Mill.
Synonym A. vera Tourn. ex Linn.
A. indica Royle
A. littoralis Koening
Family Liliaceae; Agavaceae.
Habitat Cultivated throughout
India,wildoncoastsofMaharashtra,
Gujarat and South India.
English Curacao Aloe, Barbados
Aloe, Indian Aloe, Jaffarabad Aloe.
Ayurvedic Kanyaasaara, Eleyaka
(dried juice of the leaves). Kumaari,
Kumaarikaa, Kanyaa, Grihkanyaa,
Ghritkumaarika (plant).
Unani Gheekwaar, Sibr.
Siddha/Tamil Sotru Kattraazhai,
Kumaari. Moosaambaram (dried
juice).
Folk Elwaa, Musabbar (dried juice
of leaves).
Action Purgative (causes griping),
emmenagogue. Gel—topically
emollient, anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial (used for wound
healing, sunburn).
Key application In occasional
constipation; contraindicated
in intestinal obstruction and
acutely inflamed intestinal diseases,
ulcerative colitis, appendicitis.
(German Commission E, ESCOP,
WHO.)
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
India recommends the use of dried
juice of leaves in dysmenorrhoea
and diseases of the liver.
Aloe vera improved the hypoglycaemic
effect of glyburide (glibenclamide)
when one tablespoonful aloe
juice was given orally in the morning
and at bedtime to diabetic patients
for days. The juice (same dose)
showed antihyperglycaemic activity
(independently). (Francis Brinker.)
Anthraquinone glycosides, known
as aloin, in small doses act as a tonic
to the digestive system, and at higher
doses become a strong purgative, as
well as increase colonic secretions and
peristaltic contractions. Resin fraction
is also as important as aloin in cathartic
action. In A. barbadensis the highest
percentage of aloin is .%.
Aloe produces pelvic congestion and
is used for uterine disorders, generally
with Fe and carminatives. The pulp is
used in menstrual suppressions.
Amolecule in the Aloe vera gel, acemannan,
stimulates macrophages and
releases immune system potentiators;
enhances function of T cells and interferon
production. Animal studies
have shown promising results in sarcoma.
The carboxypeptidase and salicylate
components of Aloe gel can inhibit
bradykinin, a pain-producing agent;
C-glycosyl chromone appears to reduce
topical inflammation. Aloe gel
also slows or inhibits the synthesis
of thromboxane, which may accelerate
the healing of burns. (NaturalMedicines
ComprehensiveDatabase,
.)
A
Alpinia officinarum Hance 37
Dosage Leaf pulp juice—– ml.
(CCRAS.) Dried leaf pulp juice—
– mg powder. (API Vol. I.)
Alpinia galanga Willd.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat The Himalayas and
southern region of western Ghats.
English Greater Galangal.
Ayurvedic Kulanjana, Sthuulagranthi,
Sugandhaa, Ugragandhaa,
Malaya Vachaa, Mahaabhari-
Vachaa. Substitute for Raasnaa
(Pluchea lanceolata).
Unani Khulanjaan.
Siddha/Tamil Perarattai.
Action Rhizome—carminative (in
dyspepsia), stomachic, circulatory
stimulant, diaphoretic, antiinflammatory.
Throughout southern India, the rhizome
of Alpinia galanga is used as
Raasnaa for rheumatism, intermittent
fever, dyspepsia and respiratory ailments.
(In the north, Vanda tessellata
or Pluchea lanceolata is used as Raasnaa.)
EtOH extract of the plant shows
anti-inflammatory activity. The ethanolic
extract also showed significant antiulcer
activity in rats, which has been
attributed to the antisecretory and cytoprotective
properties of the plant.
Major constituents of the essential
oil are methyl cinnamate, cineole and
d-pinene. In moderate doses, the oil
exhibits antispasmodic action.
Unani physicians use A. galanga as
a sex tonic. In mice, the drug caused
a significant gain in theweight of sexual
organs and increased sperm motility
and sperm count.
Plants used as Raasnaa in Indian
medicine: Alpinia galangaWilld. (Zingiberaceae)
in southern India; Pluchea
lanceolata C. B. Clarke (Compositae;
Asteraceae) in Uttar Pradesh; Vanda
roxburghii R. Br. (Orchidaceae) in
eastern Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal;
Blepharispermum subsessile DC.
(Compositae; Asteraceae) in Madhya
Pradesh; and Dodonaea viscosa (Linn.)
Jacq. (Sapindaceae) inAndhraPradesh.
Dosage Rhizome—– g powder.
Decoction—– ml. (CCRAS.)
Alpinia malaccensis Rosc.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Eastern Himalayas, Assam,
Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, up to
, m, and western Ghats of
Kerala.
Folk Saliyeridumpa (Tamil).
Action Rhizome—employed to
cure sores. Fruits—emetic (used
with salt).
Therhizomes yield essential oil consisting
of methyl cinnamate as chief
constituent.
Alpinia officinarum Hance
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Native to China; cultivated
in northern India.
English Lesser Galangal, Alpinia,
Catarrh Root, Chinese Ginger.
A
38 Alpinia speciosa (Wendl.) K.Schum.
Ayurvedic Kulanjan (var.).
Unani Khulanjaan (smaller var.).
Siddha/Tamil Chitrarattai.
Action Rhizome—a circulatory
stimulant and carminative.
Key application As a carminative.
(The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
Aqueous and methanolic extracts of
the rhizome, on oral administration,
exhibited significant decrease in gastric
secretion in rabbits and showed anticholinergic
effect in pylorus-ligated
rats.
Flavones from rhizomes are strongly
antifungal against a wide variety
of pathogenic fungi, responsible for
major skin diseases in eastern India.
Flavones were also found to be active
against a number of Gram-positive and
Gram-negative bacteria.
The gingerols and diaryheptanoids
constituents of the rhizome are potent
inhibitors of PG synthetase (prostaglandin
biosynthesizing enzyme); they
can also be active against -lipoxygenase,
an enzyme involved in leukotriene
biosynthesis. (NaturalMedicines
Comprehensive Database, .)
Alpinia speciosa
(Wendl.) K.Schum.
Synonym A. Zerumbet Burtt and
R.M. Smith
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Native to East Indies.
Occurs in the eastern Himalayas
from West Bengal eastwards.
English Light Galangal.
Siddha/Tamil Chitraraththai.
Action Rhizomes are used as
a substitute for A. galanga and
even for ginger; antiulcerative,
spasmolytic.
The leaves and rhizomes yield an
essential oil which contains alpha-and
beta-pinene, borneol, campene and cineole
as major constituents.
Alstonia scholaris R. Br.
Family Apocynaceae.
Habitat Throughout moist regions
of India, especially in West Bengal
and west-coast forests of southern
India.
English Devil's tree, Dita Bark tree.
Ayurvedic Saptaparna, Saptachhada,
Saptaparni, Saptaahvaa,
Vishaaltvak, Shaarada, Vishamchhada.
Unani Chhaatim, Kaasim (Kaasim
Roomi, Anjudaan Roomi is equated
with Myrrhis odorata Scope.)
Siddha/Tamil Ezhilamippalai,
Mukkampalai.
Folk Chhitavan, Sataunaa.
Action Bark—febrifuge, antiperiodic,
spasmolytic, antidysenteric,
uterine stimulant, hypotensive; used
for internal fevers.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of stembark
in phosphaturia and recommends it as
a blood purifier.
A
Alternanthera sessilis (Linn.) R. Br. ex DC. 39
Alstonia sp. is known as Fever Bark.
A. constricta is native to Australia;
A. scholaris to Australia and Southeast
Asia. The bark of both the species
contains indole alkaloids. A. constricta
contains reserpine (a hyptotensive
agent). A. scholaris contains echitamine,
which has also demonstrated
hypotensive effects. Though A. scholaris
produces fall in the temperature
of human patients with fever, there
are conflicting reports about the activity
of echitamine against Plasmodium
berghei.
Dosage Stembark—– g for
decoction. (API Vol. I.)
Alstonia venenata R. Br.
Family Apocynaceae.
Habitat Peninsular India.
Folk Pazh-munipala (Tamil),
Addasarpa (Kannada), Palamunpala
(Malyalam).
Action Stembark and fruit—
antiepileptic.
The plant is a rich source of indole
alkaloids. Major alkaloids in the stembark
are alstovenine, venenatine, -
dehydroalstovenine, reserpine (.–
.%), venoxidine and kopsinine.
Alstovenine, in lower doses, exhibits
monoamine oxidase inhibitor activity;
in higher doses, shows marked central
stimulant effect (reversal of reserpine
effects). Venenatine exhibits reserpinelike
profile of activity (sedation, ptosis,
reduction in motor activity).
The fruit contains vincadifformine
type of alkaloids. Echitovenidine, the
major alkaloid, shows monoamine
oxidase-inhibitory activity both in vitro
and in vivo.
Alternanthera sessilis
(Linn.) R. Br. ex DC.
Synonym A. triandra Lam.
A. denticulata R. Br.
A. repens Gmel. Non-Link.
Family Amaranthaceae.
Habitat Throughout the hotter
parts of India, especially around
tanks and ponds.
Ayurvedic Matsyaakshi, Matsyaakshika
(a multimeaning name,
also indicating Braahmi, Aindri),
Matsyagandhaa, Matsyaadini,
Minaakshi, Bahli, Gandali,
Gartkalambukaa, Vaahlikaa.
Unani Machhechhi.
Siddha/Tamil Ponnonkanni keerai.
Folk Gudari Saag.
Action Febrifuge, galactagogue,
cholagogue.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of driedwhole
plant in diseases due to vitiated blood
and obstinate skin diseases.
Young shoots contain protein %
and iron . mg/ g. Leaves also
contain a good amount of alpha- and
beta-tocopherols.
The plant gave stigmasterol, betasitosterol,
a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon
and aliphatic ester.
Dosage Whole plant—– g
powder. (API Vol. II.)
A
40 Althaea officinalis Linn.
Althaea officinalis Linn.
Family Malvaceae.
Habitat Native to eastern Europe;
found in Kashmir and Himachal
Pradesh.
English Marshmallow, Hollyhock.
Unani Khatmi, Gul-Khairu (also
equated with Althaea rosea Linn.).
Siddha/Tamil Shemai-tutti.
Action Demulcent, emollient,
antitussive (used for cough,
bronchitis, gastritis, enteritis and
cystitis), antilithic, diuretic.
Key application (leaf and root) In
irritation of the oral and pharyngeal
mucosa and associated dry cough;
in mild inflammation of the gastric
mucosa. (German Commission E,
ESCOP.) As demulcent. (The
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
In gastroenteritis, peptic and
duodenal ulceration, common
and ulcerative colitis. (The British
Herbal Compendium.) Topically
for varicose veins, skin ulcers,
abscesses, cuts, burns.
Althaea rosea (L.) Cav., synonym Alcea
rosea L., Hollyhock flower, is used
as mucilage for prophylaxis and therapy
of diseases and discomforts of the
respiratory and gastrointestinal tract
and for urinary complaints. (It is included
among unapproved herbs by
German Commission E.)
The root contains starch, mucilage,
pectin, flavonoids, phenolic acids, sucrose,
tannins and asparagines. Mucilage
(–%) consists of a number of
polysaccharides. Flavonoids include
kaempferol, quercetin and diosmetin
glucosides. Polyphenolic acids include
syringic, caffeic, salcyclic, vanillic and
p-coumaric acids.
The mucilages have proven biological
activity including stimulation of
phagocytosis in vitro.
The root counters excess stomach
acid, peptic ulceration and gastritis.
Altingia excelsa Noronha
Family Altingiaceae.
Habitat Assam and Arunachal
Pradesh.
English Storax, Oriental Sweet
Gum.
Ayurvedic Shilaarasa, Turushka,
Silhaka (substitute for Liquidamber
orientalis, Hamamelidaceae).
Siddha/Tamil Neriyurishippal.
Action Resin—carminative, stomachic,
antiscorbutic expectorant,
antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antistress,
hepatoprotective. Externally
used in scabies and leucoderma.
The ethyl acetate extract of the root
of A. excelsa was studied for antistress
effect in a variety of biological models
of stress; also in stress-induced ulcers
and CCl-induced hepatotoxicity. Antistress
was the most significant pharmacological
property of the Storax.
Amanita muscaria Linn.
Family Agaricaceae; Amanitaceae.
English Fly Agaric (mushroom),
Aga, Soma.
A
Amaranthus spinosus Linn. 41
Ayurvedic Identified as Soma of
Rigveda (controversial). (Sushruta
described varieties of Soma and
other drugs as its substitutes.)
Intensely poisonous; used for
intoxication.
The fungus has been used in Russia
for preparing an intoxicating drink.
Toxic principles arecholine, muscarine
and mycetoatropine (muscaridine).
Muscarine stimulates postganglionic,
cholinergic and neuroeffector
junctions. The isoxazole constituents
are psychoactive.
– FlyAgaric (more than g fresh)
are toxic; (more than g fresh) are
lethal. (Francis Brinker.)
A. pantherina is used in Japan for
intoxication.
Aga is not a true hallucinogen. The
illusions are amisinterpretation of sensory
stimuli due to isoxazole, ibotenic
acid, muscimol, muscazone and traces
of muscarine. (Natural Medicines
Comprehensive Database, .)
Amaranthus blitum Linn. var.
oleraceus Duthie
Family Amaranthaceae.
Habitat Throughout India.
English Trailing Amaranth, Wild
Blite.
Ayurvedic Maarisha.
Siddha/Tamil Aarumathathandu,
Kiraitandu.
Folk Marasaa.
Action Cooling, stomachic,
emollient. Used in biliousness,
haemorrhagic diathesis.
Amaranthus caudatus Linn.
Family Amaranthaceae.
Habitat Grown as vegetable in
northern India.
English Love-Lies-Bleeding, Tassel
Flower.
Ayurvedic Raam-daanaa (grain).
Siddha/Tamil Pungikeerai, Sirukeerai.
Folk Chuko.
Action Blood-purifier, diuretic;
used in piles, strangury, dropsy
and anasarca; tea has been used
for relieving pulmonary conditions;
also given in scrofula and applied
to scrofulous sores. Antimicrobial
peptides have been isolated from
seeds.
In Western herbal medicine, Love-
Lies-Bleeding is equated with Amaranthus
hypochondriacus, and is used for
ulcers, diarrhoea, as well as inflammation
of the mouth and throat.
Preliminary evidence suggests that
Amaranth seed can reduce total cholesterol
and LDL, while increasing HDL,
but Amaranth muffins failed to reduce
cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic
adults beyond the reduction
achieved by low-fat diet. (NaturalMedicines
ComprehensiveDatabase,
.)
Amaranthus spinosus Linn.
Family Amaranthaceae.
Habitat Cultivated fields, waste
places and along roadsides.
A
42 Amaranthus tricolor Linn.
English Spiny Amaranth, Thorny
Amaranth, Spiny Pigweed.
Ayurvedic Tanduliya, Tandulaka,
Meghnaad, Megharava, Vishaghn,
Alpamaarish.
Siddha/Tamil Mullukkeerai.
Folk Katili-chaulai.
Action Galactogenic, laxative,
emollient, spasmolytic, diuretic.
Pollen extract—used for allergic
asthma and allergic rhinitis. Root—
used in menorrhoea.
Plant contains sterols. Leaves and
stems contain alpha-spinasterol and
hentriacontane. Leaves also contain
amino acids with high content of lysine.
Dosage Whole plant—– ml
juice; – mg powder.
(CCRAS.)
Amaranthus tricolor Linn.
Synonym A. gangeticus Linn.
A. melancholicus Linn.
A. polygamus Linn. Hook. f. in part.
A. tristis Linn.
Family Amaranthaceae.
Habitat Cultivated throughout
India.
English Chinese Spinach, Garden
Amaranth, Fountain Plant.
Ayurvedic Maarisha-rakta (red
var.).
Siddha/Tamil Arai-keerai, Sirukeerai,
Thandu-keerai, Mulakkerai
(Tamil).
Folk Laal Shaak, Laal Marashaa.
Action Astringent (in menorrhagia,
leucorrhoea, dysentery, diarrhoea,
haemorrhagic colitis); also used in
cough, bronchitis and consumption;
externally emollient.
The plant contains amarantin, isoamarantin,
betaine, aminoacids, sterols.
Dosage Leaf, seed, root—– ml
juice. (API Vol. III.) Powder—–
g. (CCRAS.)
Amberboa divaricata Kuntze
Synonym Volutarella divaricata
Benth. and Hook. F.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Distributed in theMediterranean
region, extending to Central
Asia and India.
Ayurvedic Brahmadandi (Tricholepis
glaberrima DC. of the
same family is also equated with
Brahmadandi.)
Unani Baadaavard.
Action Deobstruent, aperient,
febrifuge, nervine (used in debility),
antiseptic (used in leucoderma).
Ammannia baccifera Linn.
Family Lythraceae.
Habitat Marshy areas throughout
India, as a weed.
English Blistering Ammannia.
Ayurvedic Agnipatri.
A
Ammi visnaga (Linn.) Lam 43
Folk Daadmaari. (Also known as
Paashaanabheda.)
Action Stomachic, laxative,
antirheumatic, febrifuge. Leaves—
used externally for ringworm,
herpic eruptions and other skin
diseases; rubefacient.
Leaves contain lawsone. Plant extract—
antibacterial. Extracts of stem,
leaf and inflorescence are more effective
as compared with the seed and root
extract.
Ammi majus Linn.
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in Jammu and
Himachal Pradesh.
English Biship's Weed-Amee,
Greater Ammi.
Unani Itarilaal, Khalah.
Action Source of xanthotoxin,
a drug employed in the treatment of
leucoderma. Dried fruit powder or
extract of the plant is used topically
in vitiligo.
The fruits contain ammoidin (xanthotoxin),
ammidin (imperatorin) and
majudin (bergapten). All the three
compounds are used in leucoderma.
Maximum xanthotoxin content (%) is
found in green fruits from Jammu.
The -MOP, methoxypsoralen constituent
of the weed is one of the first
agents used along with UVA radiation
to treat psoriasis. (Natural Medicines
Comprehensive Database, .)
Ammi visnaga (Linn.) Lam
Synonym Daucus visnaga Linn.
Visnaga daucoides Gaertn.
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Habitat Cultivated as a garden
ornamental; runs wild at many
places in Jammu region.
English Khella.
Folk Paashaanabhedi (controversial;
Bergenia ligulata has been equated
with the classical Paashaanabheda).
Action Antispasmodic in renal
colic, bronchial asthma, whooping
cough (used by Unani physicians),
vasodilator (in angina pectoris).
Key application German
Commission E approved the
herb on March , but due to
information on potential risks, its
status was changed to unapproved
on April .
Khella contains khellin (%), visnagin,
khellol glycoside, flavonoids,
sterols, volatile oil (.%). Khellin and
visnagin exert a powerful antispasmodic
effect on the smaller bronchial
muscles, the coronary arteries and on
the urinary tubules. Khellin provides
relief to asthmatic patients. The drug
also relieves painful spasm of stone in
kidney and bladder (no more used for
expelling kidney stones).
Khella does not reduce blood pressure
in spite of being a vasodilator.
Khellin is toxic at mg. (Francis
Brinker.)
Khella is used topically for vitiligo
and psoriasis. The Khellin constituent
is similar to the psoralen nucleA
44 Amomum aromaticum Roxb.
us andmight be useful as a photosensitizer
in patients with psoriasis. (NaturalMedicines
ComprehensiveDatabase,
.)
(Several modern drugs including
amiodarone, nifedipine and cromolyn
have been developed from Khella.)
Amomum aromaticum Roxb.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat North Bengal and Assam.
English Bengal Cardamom,
Cardamom.
Ayurvedic Sthula-elaa (var.)
Siddha/Tamil Perelam.
Folk Morang-elaaichi.
Action Similar to that of A. subulatum.
The seeds yield on essential oil (.–
.%) containing cineole as the principal
constituent.
Chinese practitioners avoid the use
of cardamom in conditions marked by
symptoms of excessive heat.
Amomum subulatum Roxb.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in swampy
places in Bengal, Sikkim, Assam
and Tamil Nadu.
English Greater or Nepal Cardamom.
Ayurvedic Sthula-elaa, Bhadraa,
Bhadrailaa, Bahulaa, Prithivikaa,
Triputaa, Truti.
Unani Heel Kalaan, Qaaqule
Kubaar.
Siddha/Tamil Peria Elam, Kattu
Elam, Beraelam.
Action Stomachic, antiemetic, antibilious,
astringent, alexipharmic;
used for the treatment of indigestion,
biliousness, abdominal
pains, vomiting, in congestion of
liver. Pericarp—in headache and
stomatitis.
Theseeds contain a chalcone (cardamonin),
a flavonoid (alpinetin), petunidin-
, -diglucoside and leucocyanidin
glucocide; also a aurone glycoside
subulin. The essential oil (.%) contains
cineole.
Dosage Seed–– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Amoora cucullata Roxb.
Family Meliaceae.
Habitat Coastal forests of West
Bengal and Andaman Islands.
Folk Amur, Latmi, Natmi (Bengal).
Action Leaf—anti-inflammatory.
Amphicome emodi Lindl.
Family Bignoniaceae.
Habitat Temperate Himalaya from
Kashmir to Kumaon at – m.
Folk Kaur (Kashmir).
Action Plant—febrifuge; used as
a substitute for Swertia chirayita.
A
Amygdalus persica Linn. 45
An iridoid glycoside named amphicoside
is reported from the plant.
Amorphophallus campanulatus
(Roxb.) Blume ex Decne.
Family Araceae.
Habitat Native to tropical Asia;
cultivated throughout India.
English Elephant-foot Yam.
Ayurvedic Suurana, Kanduula,
Arshoghna, Kand-ayak, Kandala.
Unani Zamin-qand, Zamikand.
Siddha/Tamil Chenaikkizhangu.
Kaathukarunai (wild var.)
Action Corm is prescribed in
bronchitis, asthma, abdominal pain,
emesis, dysentery, enlargement of
spleen, piles, elephantiasis, diseases
due to vitiated blood, rheumatic
swellings.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of corm in
prostatic hyperplasia.
(The corm is irritant due to thepresence
of calcium oxalate. It can be consumedafter
it iswashedwell andboiled
in tamarind water or butter milk.)
The corm contains an active diastatic
enzyme amylase, betulinic acid,
tricontane, lupeol, stigmasterol, betasitosterol
and its palmitate and glucose,
galactose, rhamnose and xylose.
Intake of .-. g of konjac (Amorphophallus
konjac tuber) mannan for
days reduced the dose of insulin or
hypoglycaemic drugs (in human clinical
study). (Francis Brinker.)
Amorphophallus sylvatius Kunth. is
equated with the wild var. of Suurana,
used especially in the treatment
of piles.
Dosage Dried corm—– g
powder. (API Vol. III.) – g
powder. (CCRAS.)
Amygdalus communis Linn.
Synonym Prunus amygdalus Baill.
A. communis var. dulcis (sweet
almond).
A. communis var. amara (bitter
almond).
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Native to Asia Minor and
Persia; cultivated in India in cooler
parts of Punjab and Kashmir.
English Almond
Ayurvedic Vaataama, Vaataada.
Unani Badaam, Loz.
Siddha/Tamil Vaadumai.
Action Sweet almonds—nutrient,
nervine tonic, demulcent. Oil—
externally for skin. Bitter almonds—
not used medicinally.
Almondflour andalmondbutter are
free from starch and used in foods for
diabetics and for patients with peptic
ulcers. Chief protein in kernels is globulin.
Amygdalus persica Linn.
Synonym Prunus persica Batsch.
Family Rosaceae.
A
46 Anacardium occidentale Linn.
Habitat Native to China; cultivated
in Himalayan regions; grows in
tropical and semi-tropical regions
and temperate climates.
English Peach tree.
Ayurvedic Aaruka.
Unani Aaaduu, Khokh.
Action Leaves and bark—expectorant
(used in cough, whooping
cough, and chronic bronchitis),
sedative, stomachic, demulcent,
antiscorbutic, diuretic. Fresh
leaves—anthelmintic. Powder of
leaves—styptic (externally). Fruit—
stomachic, antiscorbutic.
Anacardium occidentale Linn.
Family Anacardiaceae.
Habitat Native to tropical America,
from Mexico to Peru and Brazil.
Cultivated largely in Malabar,
Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
and Andhra Pradesh, and to some
extent in Maharashtra, Goa, Orissa
and West Bengal.
English Cashew Nut.
Unani Kaaju.
Siddha/Tamil Mindiri.
Action Leaves and bark—fungicidal,
vermicidal, protozoicidal,
antimicrobial (used for toothache,
sore gums). Karnel—eaten for
its high protein content. Cashew
apple—antiscorbutic. Resinous
juice contained in the seeds—used
in cases of mental derangement,
memory disturbances, palpitation
of heart, rheumatic pericarditis,
sexual debility.
The nut contains % fat and %
protein. Leaves contain flavonoids,
mainly glycosides of quercetin and
kaempferol, and hydroxybenzoic acid.
The bark contains a balsam-containing
anacardic acid, anacardol, cardol and
ginkgol. The caustic liquid in the
shell contains about % anacardic
acid, a mixture of alkyl salicylic acid
derivatives. The leaves are febrifuge.
Anacardic acid is bactericidal, fungicidal,
vermicidal and protozoicidal. The
leaves and bark exhibited hypotensive
activity in rats.
The phenolics of the cashew-nut
shell oil have inhibited the enzymic
activity of alpha-glucosidase, invertase
and aldose reductase (anacardic acids
being the most potent). Cardols have
also shown antifilarial activity in vitro.
Anacardic acids, cardols and methyl
cardols have been found to exhibit
moderate cytotoxic activity.
Anacyclus pyrethrum DC.
Synonym A. officinarum Hayne
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Native to theMediterranean
region; cultivated in Algeria.
English Spanish, Pellitory,
Pyrethrum Root.
Ayurvedic Aakaarakarabha,
Aakallaka, Aakulakrit, Agragraahi.
Unani Aaqarqarhaa.
Siddha/Tamil Akkiraakaaram.
A
Anamirta cocculus (Linn.)Wight and Arn. 47
Action Stimulant, cordial, rubefacient.
A gargle of infusion is prescribed
for relaxed vulva. Root—
used for toothache, rheumatic and
neuralgic affections and rhinitis.
Roots, along with the root of Withania
somnifera and Vitis vinifera, are
used in epilepsy.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of the root
in sciatica, paralysis, hemiplegia and
amenorrhoea.
The root contains anacycline, isobutylamide,
inulin and a trace of essential
oil.
The local anaesthetic activity of the
alcoholic (%) extract of the root was
found to be comparable to that of xylocaine
hydrochloride (%) in dental
patients.
Use of the drug in patients with
insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
reduces the dose of insulin. It decreased
the plasma glucose and serum
cholesterol levels after oral administration
for – weeks. (The plant is
mixed with Helleborus nigar in a ratio
of :.) The plant extract inhibited
tobacco-inducedmutagenesis by .%
at a concentration of mg/plate.
Dosage Root— mg to g
powder. (CCRAS.)
Anagallis arvensis Linn.
Family Primulaceae.
Habitat Northwestern Himalayas
from Kashmir eastwards to Nepal,
hills of West Bengal; Central and
southern India.
English Bird's Eye, Bird's Tongue,
Blue Pimpernel, Scarlet Pimpernel.
Unani Anaaghaalis.
Folk Jonkmaari (Maharashtra),
Dhabbar (Punjab), Jighanaa,
Jenghani.
Action Plant—anti-inflammatory,
astringent, deobstructant, antifungal,
nematocidal; toxic to
leeches.
The plant yields anagalligenone B.
The presence of quaternary alkaloids,
gluco-fructoside and tannin have been
reported. The root yields glycosidic
saponins, including cyclamin. An
acetyl saponin, isolated fromthe plant,
was found to possess marked taenicidal
activity but had no effect on roundworms.
A methanolic extract of the aerial
parts showed activity against herpes
simplex I, adenovirus type II and polio
type II. Triterepene saponins have
oestrogenic activity.
Anamirta cocculus
(Linn.)Wight and Arn.
Synonym A. paniculata Colebr.
Family Menispermaceae.
Habitat The Khasi Hills, Orissa and
peninsular India.
English Fish Berry, Levant Berry,
Poison Berry, Crow Killer.
Ayurvedic Kaakaadani, Kaakamaari.
Siddha/Tamil Kaakkaikkollividai.
Action Insecticide, antifungal;
highly valued in skin diseases; used
A
48 Ananas comosus (Linn.) Merrill
externally to kill lice and other
parasites.
The leaves and fruit contain picrotoxin
(up to %) and alkaloids. Picrotoxin
(sesquiterpene glycoside) is
a powerful poison and nerve stimulant.
It is rarely taken internally. Cocculus
(a tincture prepared from the powdered
seeds of Cocculus indicus) is used
internally as a homoeopathicmedicine
for convulsions, neurological disorders
and psychosis-related fear.
Picrotoxin at mg is toxic, and
two to three berries are lethal. (Francis
Brinker.)
Ananas comosus (Linn.)Merrill
Family Bromeliaceae.
Habitat Native to South America;
cultivated mostly in Tamil Nadu,
coastal Andhra Pradesh, Assam,
Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal,
Tripura and Orissa.
English Pineapple.
Ayurvedic Anaanaasa, Bahunetra.
Unani Anannaas.
Siddha/Tamil Annanshippazham,
Annasi.
Action Anti-inflammatory (fresh
juice used as a gargle for sore
throat). A proteolytic enzyme,
bromelain, is derived from the
stem—anti-inflammatory, smooth
muscle relaxant, digester, inhibitor
of blood platelet aggregation. (It is
used for cellulitis, post-operative
oedema, sinusitis and for promoting
digestion of proteins.)
Key application Bromelain, the
proteolytic enzyme, is used in acute
postoperative and post-traumatic
conditions of swellings, especially
of the nasal and paranasal sinuses.
(German Commission E.) InEurope,
a patented tape that contains
bromelain is used for debriding
escharotic skin. (Internally,
bromelain's bioavailability has been
questioned.)
Anaphalis neelgerriana DC.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat The Nilgiri Hills at ,–
, m.
Ayurvedic Raktaskandana.
Folk Kaatplaaster (Nilgiri hills).
Action Antiseptic. Fresh leaves are
bruised and applied to wounds and
cuts as plaster.
An acyl flavonoid glycoside, anaphaloside,
alongwith isoquercitrin and
astragalin, has been isolated from the
flowers of a related sp. Anaphalis contorta,
used as an antibacterial and styptic.
Anastatica hierochuntica Linn.
Family Cruciferae.
Habitat Arabia, Palestine, Syria.
English Jericho Rose.
Unani Kafemariyam, Kafe-aaishaa.
Folk Garbha-phool.
Action Used in difficult labour.
A
Andrographis panicultata Wall. ex Nees 49
Anchusa italica Retz.
Synonym A. azurea Mill.
Family Boraginaceae.
Habitat Indian gardens, and hills.
English Cow's Tongue Plant.
Ayurvedic Gojihvikaa (considered
as a vegetable, equated with Launaea
asplenifolia Hook. f., Compositae,
Asteraceae.) Unani Gaozabaan is
a different drug.
Unani Gaozabaan. (Now equated
with species of Boraginaceae,
particularly Borago officinalis Linn.
Imported Unani drug Gaozabaan
consists of the leaves and nutlets of
Anchusa strigosa Labill and Echium
amoenum Fisch. and Mey.)
Action Stimulant, tonic, demulcent;
used in bilious complaints, fever,
cough, asthma; as diuretic in
bladder and kidney stones. Oil—a
rich source of vitamin E (.%),
more than that of wheat-germ oil
(.%). The nutlets show positive
tests for alkaloids and tannins. The
flowers yield anthocyanins and the
leafy stems yield bornesitol.
Andrographis echioides Nees
Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat Warmer parts of India.
Folk Ranchimani (Maharashtra).
Action Febrifuge, diuretic.
The plant contains a flavone, echiodinin,
and its glucoside, echioidin.
EtOH(%) extract of the plant exhibited
diuretic activity in animal studies.
Andrographis panicultata
Wall. ex Nees
Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, from
Himachal Pradesh to Assam and
Mizoram, and all over southern
India.
English Creat.
Ayurvedic Kaalmegha, Bhuunimba,
Bhuuminimbaka, Vishwambharaa,
Yavtikta, Kalpanaatha, Kiraata-tikta
(var.).
Unani Kiryaat.
Siddha/Tamil Nilavembu.
Action Hepatoprotective, cholinergic,
antispasmodic, stomachic,
anthelmintic, alterative, blood
purifier, febrifuge. It acts well on
the liver, promoting secretion of
bile. Used in jaundice and torpid
liver, flatulence and diarrhoea of
children, colic, strangulation of
intestines and splenomegaly; also
for cold and upper respiratory tract
infections.
Key application As bitter tonic,
febrifuge and hepatoprotective.
(Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
Kaalmegha, officinal in IP, consists
of dried leaves and tender shoots,
which yield not less than % andrographolide
on dry-weight basis.
Several active constituentshave been
identified from the leaf and rhizome,
including andrographolide, deoxyandrographolide
and other diterpenes.
Andrographolide exhibited strong
choleretic action when administered
i.p. to rats. It induces increase in bile
A
50 Andropogon muricatus Retz.
flow together with change in physical
properties of bile secretion. It was
found to be more potent than silymarin.
Andrographolide was found to be
almost devoid of antihepatitis-B virus
surface antigen-like activity (when
compared with picroliv.)
The leaf and stem extracts of Kaalmegha/
andrographolide given s.c. or
orally did not change blood sugar level
of normal or diabetic rats.
Alcoholic extract of the plant exhibited
antidiarrhoeal activity against
E. coli enterotoxins in animal models.
Clinical evidence of effectiveness of
andrographis in humans is limited to
the common cold. Preliminary evidence
suggests that it might increase
antibody activity and phagocytosis by
macrophages, and might have mast
cell-stabilizing and antiallergy activity.
(Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database, .)
Theherb is contraindicated in bleeding
disorders, hypotension, as well as
male and female sterility (exhibited infertility
in laboratory animals).
Dosage Whole plant—– ml
juice; – ml decotion; – g
powder. (CCRAS.)
Andropogon muricatus Retz.
Synonym Vetiveria zizanioides
(Linn.) Nash.
Family Poaceae.
Habitat All over India.
English Vetiver, Cuscus.
Ayurvedic Ushira.
Unani Khas.
Siddha Vettiveru.
Action Roots—refrigerant,
febrifuge, diaphoretic, stimulant,
stomachic and emmenagogue;
used in strangury, colic, flatulence,
obstinate vomiting; paste used as
a cooling application in fevers.
Major constituents of the essential
oil are vetiselinenol and khusimol. Several
sesquiterpenoids, including vetidiol,
are also present. The two types of
oils, laevorotatory and dextrorotatory,
from northern India and southern India,
respectively, are biochemically different.
Andropogon sp.: see Cymbopogon
sp.
Anemone obtusiloba D. Don
Synonym A. pulsatilla Linn.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat Native to Europe; thrives
in dry grassland in central and
northern parts of the continent.
English Wind-Flower, Wood
Anemone, Pasque Flower, Pulsatilla.
Unani Gul-laalaa, Shaqaaq-un-
Nomaan.
Action Nervine and sedative
(used for anxiety neurosis, nervous
exhaustion, tension, headache,
migraine, insomnia), antispasmodic
(in catarrh); used for amenorrhoea,
inflammation of ovaries, painful
menstruation and genito-urinary
infections. The rootstock is given
with milk for concussions. The
A
Angelica archangelica Linn. var. himalaica (C. B. Clarke) Krishnaand Badhwar 51
seeds cause vomiting and purging.
The seed oil is used in rheumatism.
Pulsatilla contains ranunculin,
which hydrolyzes to a toxic, unstable
compound protoanemonin, which
readily dimerizes to non-toxic anemonin.
Anemonin and protoanemonin exhibit
sedative and antipyretic activity.
Protoanemonin is also antimicrobial.
(Topically, Pulsatilla is used for infectious
diseases of the skin.)
Anethum sowa Roxb. ex Flem.
Synonym A. graveolens Linn. var.
sowa Roxb.
A. graveolens DC.
Peucedanum sowa Roxb.
Peucedanum graveolens Benth.
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Habitat Cultivated all over India.
English Indian Dill, Sowa.
Ayurvedic Shataahvaa. Shatapushpaa
(also accepted as Foeniculum
vulgare Mill., equated with
Mishreya, Mishi, Madhurikaa).
Unani Shibt, Soyaa.
Siddha/Tamil Sadakuppai.
Action Carminative, stomachic,
antispasmodic.
Key application In dyspepsia.
(German Commission E.)
The fresh and dried leaf is used for
prevention and treatment of diseases
and disorders of the gastrointestinal
tract, kidney and urinary tract, for
spasms and sleep disorders. (Included
among unapproved herbs by German
Commission E.)
An aqueous dill extract, administered
intravenously, lowers blood pressure,
dilates blood vessels, stimulates
respiration and slows heart rate in animals.
(Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database, .)
Dill seeds contain up to % volatile
oil (about half of which is carvone),
flavonoids, coumarins, xanthones and
triterpenes. The yield of the oil from
Indian A. sowa varies from . to .%.
Carvone is themajor constituent (.–
.%). The oil from seeds is used for
flatulence in children and enters into
the preparations of gripe water. The oil
is also antimicrobial and antifungal.
Dill apiol is considered undesirable
and toxic. Vizag fruit var. from
Andhra Pradesh is dill-apiol-free and
with –%, carvone content having
same flavonoid pattern as A. sowa.
Dosage Dried fruit—– g powder.
(API Vol. III.) Fruit, leaf—– g
powder. (CCRAS.)
Angelica archangelica Linn. var.
himalaica (C. B. Clarke) Krishna
and Badhwar
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Habitat Native to Syria; now grown
in Kashmir at ,–, m.
Ayurvedic Chandaa, Chandaamshuka,
Kathachoraa.
Action Expectorant, carminative,
digestant, cholagogue, antispasmodic,
diaphoretic, diuretic,
anti-inflammatory, smooth muscle
relaxant, antifungal, antibacterial.
A
52 Angelica glauca Edgew.
Key application In flatulence and
peptic discomforts. The root
is a component in numerous
gastrointestinal, cholagogue and
biliary remedies in Germany.
(Angelica root is an approved herb,
whereas the seed and above-ground
parts have been included among
unapproved herbs by German
Commission E.)
Chinese angelica root, Dong Quai,
is equated with Angelica sinensis. It
is prescribed internally for menstrual
irregularity, lack of menstruation and
painful menstruation.
The roots from Kashmir yield furocoumarins,
phenol compounds and
flavonoids.
Xanthotoxol exhibited antihistamintic
and antinicotinic activities on
guinea-pig ileum. The dry extract has
been shown to have anti-inflammatory
activity.
The root is reported to inhibit bacterial
and fungal growth.
Furocoumarins, especially psoralen
and -methoxypsoralen, are used in
the photochemotherapy of psoriasis
and vitiligo. The biological activity
is due to covalent linkage formed
with DNA by irradiation with longwavelength
UV light.
Most of the coumarins have shown
significant calcium antagonistic activity
in vitro.
Angelicin, a resin, is stimulating to
the lungs and skin. contraindicated in
bleeding disorders, peptic ulcers and
pregnancy. (Sharon M. Herr.)
Dosage Root—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Angelica glauca Edgew.
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Habitat Kashmir and Chamba in
Himachal Pradesh, between ,–
, m.
English Angelica.
Ayurvedic Choraka, Chorakaa,
Kopanaa, Chorakaakhya,
Nishaachara, Dhanhar, Taskara,
Kshemaka.
Action Root—cordial and stimulant,
carminative (used in constipation),
expectorant, diaphoretic.
The root contains furocoumarins,
also dimeric, lingusticum lactone.
Dosage Root—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Anisochilus carnosus Wall.
Family Labiatae; Lamiaceae.
Habitat The western Himalayas,
Central and southern India.
Folk Karpuravalli (southern
region).
Action Stimulant, expectorant and
diaphoretic. Juice of fresh leaves is
used in urticaria and other allergic
conditions; a domestic remedy for
coughs and cold. Alcoholic extract
of the whole plant—antibacterial.
Essential oil—antitubercular.
Theoil exhibits antihistaminic property
in vitro on smooth muscles of the
uterus and the intestines. It also possesses
muscle-relaxant action; bactericidal
and fungicidal properties. The
A
Annona squamosa Linn. 53
leaves contain glucosides of luteolin
and apigenin.
Anisomeles malabarica
(Linn.) R. Br. ex Sims
Family Labiatae; Lamiaceae.
Habitat The western Ghats from
Maharashtra to Karnataka; Andhra
Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
English Malabar Catmint.
Ayurvedic Sprikkaa.
Siddha/Tamil Irattaipeyameratti.
Action Antispasmodic (used
in dyspepsia, colic), antipyretic,
diaphoretic, antiperiodic, emmenagogue,
antirheumatic. The oil is
used externally as an embrocation
in rheumatic arthritis.
The plant contains beta-sitosterol,
letulinic acid, ovatodiolide and anisomelic
acid. The essential oil from
tops and flowers yield a terpene hydrocarbon,
citral and geranic acid.
Annona reticulata Linn.
Family Annonaceae.
Habitat Native to the West Indies.
Cultivated in Bengal, Assam, Khasi
Hills and southern India.
English Bullock's Heart, Common
Custard Apple.
Ayurvedic Raamphala.
Siddha/Tamil Aninuna.
Folk Luvuni.
Action Leaves—insecticide, anthelmintic,
styptic, externally used
as suppurant. Unripe and dried
fruit—antidysenteric. Bark—
powerful astringent, used as
antidysenteric and vermifuge.
Rootbark, leaves andstems gave isoquinoline
alkaloids. Two acetogenins,
annoreticuin and isoannoreticuin, isolated
from the leaves, were found to be
selectively cytotoxic to certain human
tumours.
The leaves and stems also gave alkaloids—
dopamine, salsolinol and coclaurine.
Annona reticulata, Annona muricata,
Annona squamosa and Annona
cherimola are known as Raamphala,
Lakshman-phala, Sitaa-phala and
Hanumaan-phala, respectively.
Annona squamosa Linn.
Family Annonaceae.
Habitat A native to South America
and theWest Indies; now cultivated
throughout India.
English Custard Apple, Sugar
Apple, Sweet-sop.
Ayurvedic Gandagaatra, Sitaa
phala (also equated with Curcurbita
maxima).
Unani Sharifaa.
Siddha/Tamil Sitaaphalam, Atta.
Action Leaves—insecticide (seed
powder, mixed with leaf juice is
used for removing lice from scalp).
Seeds—abortifacient. Root—
purgative, used in blood dysentery.
A
54 Anogeissus latifolia Wall. ex Bedd.
Fruit—invigorating, sedative to
heart, antibilious, antiemetic,
expectorant. Dried, powdered
unripe fruits—used for treating
ulcers. Ripe fruit made into paste
with betel leaves is applied to
tumour to hasten suppuration.
Leaves, bark, unripe fruit—strongly
astringent; used for diarrhoea and
dysentery.
A fraction of total alkaloid from
roots exhibits antihypertensive, antispasmodic,
antihistaminic and bronchodilatory
properties. Leaves contain
a cardiotonic alkaloid, quinoline.
Squamone and bullatacinone were selectively
cytotoxic to human breast carcinoma.
In Cuban medicine, leaves are taken
to reduce uric acid levels.
Anogeissus latifolia
Wall. ex Bedd.
Family Combretaceae.
Habitat Central and southern India.
English Axle-wood, Button tree,
Ghatti tree.
Ayurvedic Dhava, Dhurandhara,
Shakataahya. Indravrksha
(A. acuminata Wall. ex Bedd. is
a related sp. of Dhava).
Unani Dhaawaa.
Siddha/Tamil Vellaynaga.
Folk Ghatti (Gum).
Action Astringent, cooling, used
in diarrhoea, dysentery, ulcers,
piles, urinary disorders and dysuria.
Gum—used as a tonic after delivery.
The leaves, bark and heartwood
yield quinic and shikmik acids; leaves
contain gallotannin (–% of the
tannins). The young leaves and shoots
contain % tannins (dry basis). The
bark contains –% tannins. Heartwood
contains gallic acid, ellagic acid,
itsderivatives, quercetinandmyricetin.
The gum is mainly the calcium salt
of a complex, high molecular weight
polysaccharic acid (ghattic acid). The
gum is a substitute for Gum arabic.
Anthemis nobilis Linn.
Synonym Chamaemelumnobile (L.)
Allioni.
Family Asteraceae.
Habitat The temperate regions of
the Himalayas. Wild at several
places.
English RomanChamomile, Double
Chamomile.
Unani Gul-e-Baabuuna.
Siddha/Tamil Shimai chamantipu.
Action Mild sedative, anticonvulsant,
antispasmodic, antiinflammatory,
mild analgesic;
used externally for skin disorders,
poultice of flowers in sprains and
rheumatism.
Key application Used mainly
in France for mild spasmodic
gastrointestinal disturbances and
sluggishness of bowels, also for
nervousness. (PDR.) (German
Chamomile has been included
by German Commission E among
approved herbs, whereas Roman
A
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. 55
chamomile remains unapproved
due to lack of clinical evidence.)
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia
recognizes antispasmodic activity
of Anthemis nobilis.
The flower heads contain volatile
oil (including azulenes and bisabolol);
sesquiterpene lactone (nobilin); flavonoids,
cyanogenic glycoside, bitter glucoside
(anthemic acid); acetylenic salicylic
derivatives, coumarins (including
scopolin), valerianic acid; tannins.
Azulenes and bisabolol are antiinflammatory
and antispasmodic, reducing
histamine-induced reactions,
including hay fever and asthma. Flavonoids,
especially anthemidin, are also
antispasmodic. Valerianic acid and
cyanogenic glycosides are sedative.
Anthocephalus cadamba Miq.
Synonym A. indicus A. Rich.
A. chinensis (Lam.) A. Rich. ex
Walp.
Family Rubiaceae.
Habitat Assam, Bengal, southwards
to Andhra Pradesh and western
Ghats.
English Kadam.
Ayurvedic Kadamba, Priyaka,
Vrtta-pushpa, Nipa, Halipriya.
Kadambaka is equated with Adina
cordifolia.
Siddha/Tamil Venkadambu, Vellai
Kadambam.
Action Stembark—febrifugal,
antidiuretic, anthelmintic, hypoglycaemic.
Fruit—cooling; anticatarrhal,
blood purifier, analgesic.
Flowers and root—abortifacient.
Leaves—astringent. A decoction is
used for gargling in stomatitis and
aphthae.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of dried stembark
in disorders of female genital tract
and bleeding disorders.
The dried bark contains alkaloids,
steroids, reducing sugars and also tannins
(.%). The ether-soluble alkaloid
of the bark shows antibacterial activity.
Dosage Stembark—.–. g
powder. (API Vol. II.)
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch.
Family Moraceae.
Habitat Western Ghats from
Konkan southwards to Trivandrum,
up to m.
English Sacking tree, Upas tree.
Ayurvedic Valkala vrksha.
Siddha/Tamil Aranthelli, Mara-uri,
Nettavil.
Folk Jangali Lakuch, Jasund,
Chaandakudaa.
Action Seed—febrifuge, antidysenteric
(in minute doses). Latex—
circulatory stimulant (in minute
doses.)
The latex contains a series of poisonous
cardenolides, of which alphaand/
or beta-antiarin are themain components.
The total amount of crystalline
cardiac glycosides in the latex
A
56 Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) Parker.
ranges from. to .%; alpha-antiarin
from . to .% and beta-antiarin
from. to .%. Antiarins are said
to act on the heart more powerfully
than digitalin. Beta-antiarin is more
potent than alpha-antiarin.
Latex, in small quantities, is a mild
cardiac and circulatory stimulant,
whereas in large quantities it acts as
a myocardial poison. It stimulates intestinal
and uterine contractions.
As many as Kedde-positive substances
were reported in the seed sample
from Indonesia. The latex sample
showed the presence of Keddepositive
substances.
Aphanamixis polystachya
(Wall.) Parker.
Synonym Amoora rohituka W. and
A.
Family Meliaceae.
Habitat The sub-Himalayas tracts,
Sikkim, Assam, Bengal, western
Ghats and the Andamans.
Ayurvedic Rohitaka, Daadimachhada,
Daadima-pushpaka,
Plihaghna. Tecoma undulata G.
Don., Bignoniaceae, is also equated
with Rohitaka.
Siddha/Tamil Malampuluvan.
Action Bark—strongly astringent,
used in the diseases of the liver and
spleen, and for tumours, enlarged
glands. Seed oil—used in muscular
pains and rheumatism. All parts
of the plant exhibit pesticidal
activity. Seed extract—antibacterial,
antifungal.
An aqueous extract of the bark,
when injected i.p. in normal guinea
pigs, showed reduction in absolute
lymphocyte count and an increase in
spleen weight. The bark appears to be
an effective immunosuppressive drug
similar to prednisolone.
The stembark contains a limonoid,
ammorinin and a saponin, poriferasterol-
-rhamnoside.
Apium graveolens Linn.
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Habitat Native to Europe; cultivated
in northwestern Himalayas and in
hills of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal
Pradesh and southern India.
English Celery.
Ayurvedic Ajmodaa, Ajmoda,
Ajmodikaa, Dipyaka.
Unani Karafs.
Siddha/Tamil Celery-keerai.
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.)
A
Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. 57
Celery yields an essential oil (%),
major constituent being d-limonene
(%) and phathalides and beta-selinene;
coumarins, furanocoumarins
(bergapten); flavonoids (apiin and apigenin).
Alkaloid fraction of seeds
showed tranquilizing activity in animals.
The phthalides are sedative in
mice and exhibit antiepileptic activity
in rats and mice. The aqueous extract
of the celery has been shown to
reduce adjuvant-induced arthritis in
rats, and to be hypotensive in patients
as well as animals. The tincture of the
plant exhibits drop in blood pressure
accompanied by an increase in urine
output.
Apium leptophyllum
(Pers.) F. Muell. ex Benth.
Family Umbelliferae.
Habitat Native to America; cultivated
in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat,
Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka.
Ayurvedic Ajmodaa, Dipyaka.
Unani Ajmod, Karafs-e-Hindi.
Siddha Omam.
Action See Apium graveolens.
The essential oil contains Meethers
of thymol, carvacrol and thymoquinol;
used as a carminative. The oil shows
strong antifungal activity against Candida
albicans, and moderate activity
against Gram-positive and Gramnegative
bacteria.
Dosage Dried fruit—– g powder.
(API Vol. II.)
Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.
Synonym A. malaccensis Lamk.
Family Thymelaceae.
Habitat The hills of Assam,
Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur and
Tripura.
English Aloewood, Eaglewood,
Agarwood.
Ayurvedic Aguru, Krimij, Krishnaaguru,
Jongaka, Maaliyaka, Loha,
Kaalaloha, Asitaka.
Unani Ood-ul Hindi, Ood Gharqi.
Siddha/Tamil Akil kattai, Agil.
Action Heartwood—astringent,
carminative, antiasthmatic, antidiarrhoeal,
antidysenteric; used in
gout, rheumatism and paralysis; as
a stimulant in sexual debility; as
a liniment in skin diseases.
The agarwood or eaglewood of commerce
is derived from the fungusinfected
tree through wounds caused
by the species of Aspergillus, Fusarium,
Penicillium, and also by some of Fungi
Imperfecti. Agarwood on distillation
yields an essential oil, known as Agar
Oil.
The essential oil yields a number
of agarofurans, sesquiterpene alcohols
and spirosesquiterpene alcohols.
The stemwood yields sesquiterpenoids—
gmelofuran and agarol; also
a coumarinolignan—aquillochin.
(Agar is a different drug—extract of
a seaweed, Gelidium Amansii, used as
a mild laxative.)
Dosage Heartwood—– g powder.
(API Vol. IV.)
A
58 Arachis hypogaea Linn.
Arachis hypogaea Linn.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae
Habitat Native to Brazil, but widely
grown for its pods in southern
India, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
English Groundnut, Peanut,
Monkeynut.
Ayurvedic Mandapi, Tailamudga,
Bhuumimudga.
Unani Moongphali.
Siddha/Tamil Nelakadalai,
Verkadalai.
Action Kernels—contain protease
inhibitors. Peanut skin—
haemostatic.
There is a haemostatic principle in
the peanut flour, which is said to improve
the condition of haemophiliacs.
The protease inhibitor acts on the fibrinolytic
system, primarily as an antiplasmin.
It is reported to form complexes
not only with the enzymes, but
alsowith the corresponding zymogens.
The peanut (red) skin contains bioflavonoids,
which possess vitamin–
P activity; tannins; a lipoxidase and
a protease inhibitor. Capric acid, obtained
from the (red) skin, showed
antifungal activity against Aspergillus
niger.
Aralia binnatifida (Seem.) Clarke.
Synonym A. pseudo-ginseng Wall.
ssp. himalaicus Hara.
Family Araliaceae.
Habitat Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan,
Khasi Hills.
Folk Taapamaari (Maharashtra).
Action Stimulant, aphrodisiac,
antipyretic, dyspeptic, expectorant.
Arctium lappa Linn.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Native to northern Europe;
now found in western Himalayas,
Kashmir and Simla.
English Common or Great Burdock.
Folk Phaggarmuul (Kashmir).
Action Hypoglycaemic (plant
extract caused reduction of blood
sugar with an increase in carbohydrate
tolerance). Roots—inhibitory
of tumour growth, cardiac stimulant,
diuretic, spasmolytic. Leaves
and seeds—anticutaneous (used in
psoriasis, seborrhoic eczema).
Key application As dermatological
agent. (The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia.)
Important constituents of Burdock
roots are fatty acids, organic acids, phenolic
acids, lignans, sesquiterpenes,
tannin, inulin and mucilage.
Extracts of the fruit are reported to
have hypoglycaemic activity in rats.
Arctigenin (lignan) is a weak inhibitor
of experimental tumour growth. The
antimicrobial properties are due to
polyacetylenes (of the root). The root
exhibits antibiotic activity against
Staphylococcus, and is used for fungal
and bacterial infections. A flavonoid,
arctiin, shows smooth muscle relaxant
properties.
A
Areca catechu Linn. 59
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Spreng.
Family Ericaceae.
Habitat Native to North America,
Europe and Asia.
English Bearberry.
Unani Inbud-dub, Angur-e-khiras,
Reechh Daakh.
Action Astringent, dirutic; used for
urinary tract infections, dysuria,
cystitis, urethritis, pyelitis.
The leaves gave .–% of a flavanol
glucoside, isoquercitin, arbutin and
methyl arbutin. Total arbutin content
varies from . to .%; tannins
to %. Arbutin hydrolyses to hydroquinone,
a urinary antiseptic.
Arbutin is antimicrobial, but the
crude extract of uva-ursi is more effective
than isolated arbutin. In rats, uvaursi
showed anti-inflammatory activity
against experimentally induced inflammation.
(Natural Medicines comprehensive
Database, .)
Areca catechu Linn.
Family Palmae; Arecaceae.
Habitat Native to Malaysia; now
grown along the coasts ofKarnataka,
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal,
Assam and Maharashtra.
English Arecanut, Betel Nut.
Ayurvedic Puuga, Puugi, Kramuka,
Ghontaa, Guwaak, Ghorant.
Unani Fufal, Chhaalia, Supaari.
Siddha/Tamil Kottai Paakku,
Kamugu.
Action Taeniacide (confined to
veterinary medicine), astringent,
stimulant.
Along with other therapeutic application,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of dried ripe
seed in leucorrhoea and vaginal laxity.
Arecanut contains several alkaloids
belonging to pyridine group, the most
important being arecoline (.–.%).
Arecaidine, guvacine and isoguvacine
are also present. Arecoline is anthelmintic
(in animals, not in humans).
Arecaidine has no parasympathomimetic
effects, but only stimulating
properties; sedative in higher doses.
Isoguvacine produces hypotension.
Contraindicated in asthma due to
bronchoconstrictive effects of the alkaloid
arecoline (human case reports).
(Francis Brinker.)
Arecanut tannins (.–.%) are
predominantly catechol tannins which
closely resemble Mimosa bark tannins.
Powdered nuts are prescribed in
diarrhoea and urinary disorders. In
combination with other astringent and
styptic herbs, arecanut is used as a major
constituent in confections of Indian
medicine for gynaecological disorders.
Aqueous extract of the nut exhibits
direct vasoconstriction and adrenaline
potentiation in rats. Antimicrobial
activity is due to polyphenolic fraction.
Tannins potentiated the action of
acetylcholine in ileum and uterus of rat
and noradrenaline on seminal vesicle
at low concentration.
Due to increased incidence of oral
cancer associated with betel chewing,
the use of arecanut as a masticatory is
being discouraged.
A
60 Argemone mexicana Linn.
Seeds are toxic at – g, fluid extract
at . ml; and arecoline hydrobromide
at .–. mg. (Francis Brinker.)
Dosage Dried ripe fruit—– g
powder. (API Vol. I.)
Argemone mexicana Linn.
Family Papaveraceae.
Habitat Native to America;
naturalized throughout India.
English Prickly Poppy, Mexican
Poppy.
Ayurvedic Katuparni, Svarnkshiri,
Kaanchan-kshiri, Pitadugdhaa.
Hemaahvaa, Himaavati, Hemavati.
(Not to be equated with Brahmadandi—
Tricholepis glaberrima.)
Unani Satyaanaashi.
Siddha/Tamil Piramathandu,
Kudiyotti.
Action Seed—responsible for
epidemic dropsy. Causes diarrhoea
and induces toxicity. Oil, leaf
juice and root—used externally for
indolent ulcers and skin diseases.
Theherb contains isoquinoline alkaloids.
The fresh latex contains proteindissolving
constituents and is used externally
to treat warts, tumours and
cancer. Latex contains alkaloid berberine
(.%), protopine (.%) and free
amino acids. Sanguinarine is the toxic
factor in seeds.
Argyreia speciosa Sweet.
Synonym A. nervosa (Burm. f.) Boj.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat Found all over India,
ascending to m.
English Elephant Creeper.
Ayurvedic Vriddhadaaruka,
Vriddhadaaru, Vriddhadaaraka,
Bastaantri, Sthavira, Sthaviradaaru,
Atarunadaaru, Samudrashosha.
(Seeds of Salvia plebeia R. Br. are
also known as Samudrashosha.)
Unani Samunder sokh.
Siddha/Tamil Ambgar, Samuddirapacchai
Folk Bidhaaraa.
Action Root—aphrodisiac (considered
as a rejuvenator), nervine
(used in diseases of nervous system,
sexual disorders), diuretic
(used in strangury), antirheumatic.
Seeds—hypotensive, spasmolytic.
Leaves—used externally in skin
diseases (ringworm, eczema, boils,
swellings); rubefacient, topically
stimulant.
The seeds contain hallucinogenic
ergoline alkaloids, the main ones being
ergine and isoergine. EtOH (%)
extract of seeds exhibits hypotensive
activity. (Seeds of all species of Argyreia
contain ergoline alkaloids and
are hypotensive.) Leaves of Argyreia
sp. contain sitosterol and are antiphlogistic.
In Indian medicine, A. speciosa is
not used as a single drug for sexual
disorders in men, but as a supporting
drug for exerting its antiphlogistic,
spasmolytic and hypotensive actions
on the central nervous system. The
A
Aristolochia indica Linn. 61
drug, in itself, did not show anaboliccum-
androgen-like or spermogenetic
activity experimentally.
Ipomoea petaloidea Chois and Ipomoea
biloba Forsk of the Convolvulacae
family are also used as Vriddhadaaru.
InWestern herbalmedicine, Hawaiian
Baby Woodrose is equated with
Argyreia nervosa (synonym Argyreia
speciosa; grows in Florida, California
and Hawaii). The seed is used for pain
relief and as a hallucinogen.
The seeds contain hallucinogens including
ergonovine, isoergine (isolysergic
acid amide) and ergine (lysergic
acid amide). Four to eight seeds
are equivalent to – mcg of LSD,
a potent serotonin-A (-HTA) agonist.
The effects last – h. (NaturalMedicines
ComprehensiveDatabase,
.)
Dosage Root—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Aristolochia bracteolata Lam.
Synonym A. bracteata Retz.
Family Aristolochiaceae.
Habitat Uttar Pradesh, Bengal,
Madhya Pradesh and western
peninsular India.
English Bracteated Birthwort.
Ayurvedic Kitamaari, Dhumrapatraa,
Naakuli.
Unani Kiraamaar.
Siddha/Tamil Aadutheendaappaalai,
Kattusuragam.
Action Oxytocic, abortifacient,
emmenagogue.
Leaves and fruit contain ceryl alcohol,
aristolochic acid and beta-sitosterol.
Aristolochic acid is insecticidal,
poisonous, nephrotoxic. Leaf juice—
vermifuge. Seeds—strong purgative.
Products containing aristolochic acid
are banned in the U.S., Canada, Great
Britain, European countries and
Japan.
The seed compounds, aristolochic
acid and magnoflorine, induce contractions
in the isolated uterus of pregnant
rat and stimulate the isolated
ileum of guinea pig. They also activate
the muscarinic and serotonergic
receptors in a variety of organs.
Magnoflorine decreases arterial blood
pressure in rabbits, and induces hypothermia
in mice.
See also A. longa.
Aristolochia indica Linn.
Family Aristolochiaceae.
Habitat Throughout the country,
mainly in the plains and lower hilly
regions.
English The Indian Birthwort.
Ayurvedic Ishvari, Gandhnaakuli,
Naagadamani, Arkamuula.
Unani Zaraavand-Hindi.
Siddha/Tamil Adagam.
Folk Isarmuula, Isrola.
Action Oxytocic, abortifacient,
emmenagogue.
Aristolochia sp. contain aristolochic
acids and aristolactams.
A
62 Aristolochia longa Linn.
Aristolochia longa Linn.
Family Aristolochiaceae.
English European Birthwort.
Unani Zaraawand Taweel.
Action Oxytocic, abortifacient,
emmenagogue.
Aristolochic acid and its Me ester—
strongly abortifacient, showed
damage to liver and kidney. Roots—
anti-oestrogenic. A cytotoxic lignan,
savinin, has been isolated from the
roots.
Aristolochic acid also has an effect
against adenosarcoma and HeLa cells
in culture; however, it is suspected to
be carcinogenic.
Aristolochia extracts show a pronounced
enhancement of phagocytosis
by leucocytes, granulocytes and peritoneal
macrophages, due to the presence
of aristolochic acids.
Tardolyt-coated tablets, which contain
. mg of aristolochic acid, increase
phagocytosis in healthy men.
Aristolochic acid also exhibits reduction
of some of the toxic effects
of prednisolone, chloramphenicol and
tetracycline in experiments in vitro,
and a reduction in the rate of recurrent
herpes lesions in vivo.
Armoracia lapathifolia Gilib.
Synonym A. rusticana Gaertn et al.
Family Cruciferae; Brassicaceae.
Habitat Native to Europe; grown
in gardens in northern India and in
hill stations of southern India.
English Horseradish.
Action Circulatory stimulant,
diaphoretic, diuretic, antibiotic.
Used for both urinary and respiratory
tract infections. Root—liver,
spleen and pancreatic stimulant;
an alternative to Cayenne pepper;
urinary antiseptic; diuretic; used
in the treatment of gout, increases
excretion of uric acid; also for
proteinura and vaginal discharges.
An infusion is used for hepatitis.
Key application In catarrhs of the
respiratory tract and as a supportive
therapy for infections of the urinary
tract; externally for catarrhs of the
respiratory tract and hyperaemic
treatment of minor muscle aches.
(German Commission E.) It is
contraindicated in stomach and
intestinal ulcers and kidney
disorders; not to be administered to
children under years.
The root contains glucosinolates,
mainly sinigrin, which releases allyl
isothiocyanate on contact with the enzyme
myrosin during crushing. The
oil exhibits broad-spectrum antibiotic
activity due to allyl isothiocyanates
and allied compounds; used internally
as stimulant, sudorific and diuretic.
Antibiotic activity is stronger against
Gram-positive bacteria than against
Gram-negative bacteria. The oil also
exhibits cytotoxic activity.
The root produces an inhibitory effect
on the growth of Gram-negative
bacteria of the typhoid-paratyphoidentertitis
group.
Kaempferol, a component of Horseradish,
inhibits thyroid peroxidase,
which is involved in the biosyntheA
Artemisia absinthium Linn. 63
sis of thyroid hormone. (Sharon M.
Herr.)
Arnebia benthamii
(Wall. ex G. Don) Johnston.
Synonym Macrotomia benthamii A.
DC.
Family Boraginaceae.
Habitat The alpine Himalayas from
Kashmir to Kumaon, at altitude of
,–, m, and in Nepal.
Folk Kashmiri Gaozabaan, Kashmiri
Kahzabaan.
Action Stimulant, cardiac tonic,
expectorant, diuretic (syrup and
jam, used in diseases of the mouth
and throat, also in the treatment
of fevers and debility.) The roots
possess antiseptic and antibiotic
properties.
Artabotrys hexapetalus
(Linn. f.) Bhandari.
Synonym A. odoratissimus R. Br.
Family Annonaceae.
Habitat Southern India, largely
grown in gardens.
Ayurvedic Panasagandhi, (Harit)
Champaka.
Siddha/Tamil Manoranjidam.
Folk Haraa champaa (north),
Kathari champaa; Hirvaa champaa
(Maharashtra).
Action Cardiac stimulant, uterine
stimulant, muscle relaxant.
The extract of the pericarp showed
a positive ionotropic and chronotropic
effect on all types of experimental animals.
The cardiac stimulant and uterine
stimulant activity is attributed to
the glycosides, whereas the relaxant action
on plain muscles and hypotensive
effect, which could be partly cholinergic
and partly resulting from vasodilatory
action, are probably due to the
presence of the volatile oil.
The leaves are found to contain an
antifertility principle. The root contains
an antimalarial agent.
Artemisia absinthium Linn.
Synonym Absinthium vulgare
Gaertn.
A. officinale Lam.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Kashmir at altitudes of
– m.
English Wormwood, Maderwood.
Unani Afsanteen, Vilaayati Afsanteen.
Siddha/Tamil Machipatri.
Folk Mastiyaaraa (Punjab), Titween
(Kashmir).
Action Choleretic (bile and gastric
juice stimulant), anthelmintic,
stomachic, carminative, antispasmodic,
anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue,
mild antidepressant; used
in chronic fevers.
Key application In loss of appetite,
dyspepsia, biliary dyskinesia. (German
Commission E.) In anorexia,
for example, after illness, and
A
64 Artemisia maritima Linn.
dyspeptic complaints. (ESCOP.)
It is contraindicated in gastric
and duodenal ulcers. Excessive
doses may cause vomiting, severe
diarrhoea, retention of urine or
dazed feeling and central nervous
system disturbances. (ESCOP.)
The herb contains a volatile oil of
variable composition, with alpha- and
beta-thujone as the major component,
up to about %; sesquiterpene
lactones (artabasin, absinthin, anabsinthin);
azulenes; flavonoids; phenolic
acids; lignans.
Thujone is a toxic constituent which
shows hallucinogenic and addictive activity
found in Indian hemp. It stimulates
the brain; safe in small doses,
toxic in excess. The azulenes are antiinflammatory.
The sesquiterpene lactones
exhibit an antitumour effect and
are insecticidal and anthelmintic.
Essential oil from leaves—antibacterial,
antifungal. The oil is toxic at
ml.
Artemisia maritima Linn.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat The western Himalayas
from Kashmir to Kumaon.
English Wormseed, Santonica.
Ayurvedic Chauhaara, Kirmaani
Yavaani, Chuhaari Ajawaayin; not
related to Ajawaayin.
Unani Dirmanah, Kirmaalaa,
Afsanteen-ul-bahar. (Dirmanah
Turki is equated with A. stechmaniana
Besser.)
Folk Kirmaani Ajawaayin,
Kirmaani-owaa, Kirmaani-ajmo.
Action Deobstructant, stomachic,
anthelmintic (effective against
roundworms), antifungal.
A decoction of the fresh plant is given
in cases of intermittent and remittent
fever.
A. maritima var. thomsoniana C. B.
Clarke is a santonin-yielding var.; A.
maritima var. fragrans (Willd.) Ledeb.
is a non-santonin var.
Immature flowerheads and leaves
contain santonin. Roots, stems and
twigs are devoid of santonin. Santonin,
a sesquiterpene lactone, is used
for the treatment of ascaris and oxyuris
infections. Large doses (. g is adults
and . in children) are toxic.
Beta-santonin is less anthelmintic in
action than santonin; pseudosantonin
is devoid of anthelmintic property.
Studies is albino mice revealed that
santonin had no androgenic, estrogenic,
antiestrogenic, progestational
and antiprogestational effects.
Santonin is toxic at mg in children;
mg in adults. (Francis
Brinker.)
Dosage Whole plant—– g
powder. (CCRAS.)
Artemisia vestita Wall. ex DC.
Family Compositae, Asteraceae.
Habitat Western Himalayas at
,–, m.
Ayurvedic Gangaa Tulasi.
Folk Kundiyaa, Chamariyaa.
A
Artocarpus integrifolia Linn. f. 65
Action Leaf—haemostatic. Essential
oil—antibacterial, antifungal (in
: dilution).
Themajor components of the essential
oil from leaves and flowering tops
are alpha-terpinene, thujyl alcohol, terpenyl
acetate, nerol, phellandrene, cineol,
neral, thujyl acetate, beta-thujone
and artemisol.
Related sp., known as Gangaa Tulasi,
are Artemisia lacrorumLedeb. and
A. parviflora Wight.
Artemisia vulgaris Linn. var.
nilagirica Clarke.
Synonym A. nilagirica (Clarke)
Pamp.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat The hilly regions of India,
also in Mount Abu in Rajasthan, in
western Ghats, and from Konkan
southward to Kerala.
English Indian Wormwood,
Fleabane, Dungwort, Mugwort,
Wild Wormwood.
Ayurvedic Damanaka, Pushpachaamara,
Gandhotkata. (Related sp.:
A. siversiana Ehrh. ex Willd.)
Unani Afsanteen-e-Hindi. (National
Formularly of Unani Medicine
clubbed it with Baranjaasif.)
Siddha/Tamil Maasipattiri.
Folk Daunaa, Damanaa.
Action Leaf—emmenagogue, menstrual
regulator, nervine, stomachic
(in anorexia and dyspepsia), anthelmintic,
choleretic, diaphoretic.
An infusion of flower tops is administered
in nervous and spasmodic
affections. The herb is also used
as an antilithic. Oil from leaves—
antibacterial, antifungal in :
dilution.
Key application As emmenagogue.
(The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
The plant yields about .% of an
essential oil. Plants at lower altitude
had more percentage of cineol, thujone,
thujyl and citral, whereas from
higher altitude terpenes are in higher
percentage. The highest amount of
cineol was reported to be %.
The plant is also used as an inferior
substitute for cinchona in fevers.
Artocarpus integrifolia Linn. f.
Synonym A. heterophyllus Lam.
Family Moraceae.
Habitat Cultivated throughout the
hotter parts of India.
English Jackfruit, Jack tree.
Ayurvedic Panasa, Kantakiphala,
Ativrihatphala, Aamaashayaphala.
Siddha/Tamil Murasabalam.
Folk Katahal, Phanasa.
Action Latex—bacteriolytic,
promotes healing of abscesses.
Juice of the plant—applied to
glandular swellings and abscesses
for promoting suppuration. Root—
used for diarrhoea, asthma, skin
diseases. Unripe fruit—acrid,
astringent. Ripe fruit—cooling,
laxative, difficult to digest. Seeds—
diuretic. Lactin extraction showed
A
66 Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham.
potent and selective stimulation of
distinct human T and B cells.
Theseed extract stimulates the heart
and causes a fall in arterial blood pressure
of experimental animals pretreated
with physostigmine. Theseeds show
equal inhibitory activity against trypsin
and chymotrypsin. (The activity is destroyed
when the seeds are boiled or
baked.)
The leaves and stems show presence
of sapogenins, and exhibit estrogenic
activity.
An aqueous extract ofmature leaves
exhibited hypoglycaemic activity in
experimental animals. Leaves contain
cycloartenone, cycloartenol and
beta-sitosterol. Heartwood contains
flavonoids, artocarpesin and norartocarpetin
and their structures.
Dosage Fruit—– ml decoction.
(CCRAS.)
Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham.
Synonym A. lakoocha Roxb.
Family Moraceae.
Habitat Cultivated inUttar Pradesh,
Bengal, Khasi Hills and western
Ghats.
English Monkey Jack.
Ayurvedic Lakuch, Kshudra Panas,
Granthiphala, Pitanaasha.
Siddha/Tamil Ilangu, Irapala,
Ottipilu (Tamil).
Folk Badhar.
Action Bark—when applied
externally, draws out purulent
matter; heals boils, cracked skin
and pimples. Seeds—purgative,
haemagglutinating. Stems—
vermifuge.
The stembark contains oxyresveratrol,
used for tapeworm.
A lectin, artocarpin, isolated from
seeds, precipitates several galactomannans.
It agglutinates rat lymphocytes
and mouse ascites cells.
Dosage Fruit—– ml juice.
(CCRAS.)
Arundo donax Linn.
Family Gramineae; Poaceae.
Habitat Native to Mediterranean
region; found in Kashmir, Assam
and the Nilgiris, also grown in
hedges.
English Great Reed, Spanish-
Bamboo-Reed, Giant-Bamboo-
Reed.
Ayurvedic Nala, Potgala, Shuunyamadhya,
Dhamana.
Siddha/Tamil Korukkai.
Action Rhizome—sudorific,
emollient, diuretic, antilactant,
antidropsical; uterine stimulant
(stimulates menstrual discharge),
hypotensive.
The rhizome yields indole--alkylamine
bases, including bufotenidine
and dehydro-bufontenine. The leaves
yield sterols and triterpenoids.
Bufotenidine possesses antiacetylcholine
properties, histamine release
A
Asclepias curassavica Linn. 67
activity and is a uterine stimulant. Alkaloids
from the flowers produced curarimetic
effect of the non-polarizing
type.
Dosage Root—– ml decoction.
(CCRAS.)
Asarum europaeum Linn.
Family Aristolochiaceae.
Habitat Indigenous to the northern
parts of southern Europe, Central
and East-Central Europe; cultivated
in the United States. A related
sp., Asarum himalaicum, synonym
A. canadense, is reported from the
eastern Himalayas.
English Asarbacca, Hazelwort,Wild
Nard.
Unani Asaaroon, Subul-e-Barri,
Naardeen-Barri.
Folk Tagar Ganthodaa.
Action Brain and nervine tonic,
diuretic, deobstructant and antiinflammatory;
used in bronchial
spasm and in preparations of
cephalic snuffs.
The volatile oil (.–%) consists of
asarone up to %, asaraldehyde –%,
methyleugenol –%, with bornyl
acetate, terpenes and sesquiterpenes.
Asarone and its beta-isomer is found
to be carcinogenic in animals. The rhizome,
in addition, contains caffeic acid
derivatives and flavonoids.
A related sp., Asarum canadense
L., indigenous to North America and
China, contains a volatile oil (.–
.%) with methyl eugenol (an important
constituent of A. europaeum), and
also aristolochic acid. (Aristolochic
acid is carcinogenic and nephrotoxic.)
Asarum sp. are not used as a substitute
for ginger.
Asclepias curassavica Linn.
Family Asclepiadaceae.
Habitat Naturalized in many parts
of India as an ornamental.
English Curassavian Swallow-
Wort, West Indian Ipecacuanha,
Blood-Flower.
Ayurvedic Kaakanaasikaa (substitute).
Folk Kaakatundi (Kashmir).
Action Spasmogenic, cardiotonic,
cytotoxic, antihaemorrhagic,
styptic, antibacterial. Various
plant parts, as also plant latex,
are used against warts and cancer.
Root—used as an astringent in
piles. Leaves—juice, antidysenteric,
also used against haemorrhages.
Flowers—juice, styptic. Alcoholic
extract of the plant—cardiotonic.
An alcoholic extract of the Indian
plant has been reported to contain
a number of cardenolides, including
calactin, calotropin, calotropagenin,
coroglaucigenin, uzarigenin, asclepin,
its glucosides and uzarin. Asclepin, the
chief active principle, is spasmogenic
and a cardiac tonic, having longer duration
of action than digoxin ( h in
cat, as opposed to the h of digoxin).
Calotropin exhibits cytotoxic activity.
A
68 Asparagus adscendens Roxb.
Pleurisy root of the U.S. is equated
with Asclepias tuberosa. It is used
for cold, flu and bronchitis in Western
herbal medicine.
Toxic principles of the herb include
galitoxin and similar resins, and glucofrugoside
(cardenolide). Toxicity is
reduced by drying.
Asparagus adscendens Roxb.
Family Asparagaceae.
Habitat The westernHimalayas and
Punjab, from Himachal Pradesh to
Kumaon, up to , m.
Ayurvedic Mushali, (white var.),
Mahaashataavari. The black
variety is equated with Taalamuuli,
Chlorophytum arundinaceum Baker.
Unani Shaqaaqul-e-Hindi.
Action A substitute for A. officinalis.
The root yields asparagin. Sapogenins
A and B, isolated from the root,
were identified as stigmasterol and
sarsasapogenin.
Asparagus officinalis Linn.
Family Asparagaceae.
Habitat Native to Europe and West
Asia.
English Asparagus, Sparrow grass.
Ayurvedic Shataavari, Vari,
Shatviryaa, Shatmuuli, Shatpadi,
Bhiru, Naaraayani, Bahusutaa,
Atirasaa.
Unani Haliyun.
Action Diuretic, laxative, cardiotonic,
sedative, galactagogue;
used for neuritis and rheumatism,
as well as for cystitis and pyelitis.
Key application In irrigation
therapy for inflammatory diseases
of the urinary tract and for
prevention of kidney stones.
(German Commission E.). It is
contraindicated in kidney diseases
and oedema because of functional
heart.
The root contains steroidal glycosides
(asparagosides) and bitter glycosides;
asparagusic acid and its derivatives;
asparagines, arginine and tyrosine;
flavonoids, including rutin,
kaempferol and quercetrin; polysaccarides
and inulin. Asparagine is
a strong diuretic source of folic acid
and selenium.
A spirostanol glycoside, isolated
from the methanolic extract of the
fruits, has shown % immobilization
of human spermatozoa.
Dosage Root—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Asparagus racemosus willd.
Family Asparagaceae.
Habitat Found wild in tropical and
subtropical parts of India, including
the Andamans and ascending in the
Himalayas to , m.
English Indian asparagus.
Ayurvedic Shataavari, Shatmuuli,
Atirasaa, Bahusutaa, Shatpadi,
Shatviryaa, Bhiru, Indivari,
A
Asphodelus fistulosus Linn. 69
Vari. (Substitute for Medaa,
Mahaamedaa.)
Unani Sataavar.
Siddha/Tamil Thanneervittan
kizhangu, Sataavari Kizhangu.
Action Used as a galactagogue
and for disorders of female
genitourinary tract; as a styptic and
ulcer-healing agent; as an intestinal
disinfectant and astringent in
diarrhoea; as a nervine tonic, and in
sexual debility for spermatogenesis.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of the tuberous
root in gout, puerperal diseases,
lactic disorders, haematuria, bleeding
disorders and also recommends it for
hyperacidity.
The plant contains saponins—shatavarins
I–IV. Shatavarin IV is a glycoside
of sarsasapogenin. The saponin
in doses of – mcg/ml produces
a special blockade of syntocinon (oxytocin)-
induced contraction of rat, guinea-
pig and rabbit uteri in vitro and
in situ. It also blocks the uterine spontaneous
motility.
The dried root yields sitosterol; ,-
dihydroxy-–O-(' hydroxyisobutyl)
benzaldehyde and undecanyl cetanoate,
and contains a large amount of saccharine
matter, mucilage and minerals—
Ca (.), Cu (.), Na (.),
K (.), Mg (.), Mn (.),
Ni (.) and Zn (.) mg/g(dry
weight).
The root was found to reduce gastric
emptying time comparable to that
of metoclopramide. (J Postgrad Med,
, (), –).
Theroot extracts exhibited antiallergic
activity in animal studies.
The root, when fed orally, acted
as immunomodulator against induced
sepsis and peritonitis in rats and mice.
Asparagus sarmentosus Linn. has
been equated with Mahaa-shataavari.
Other related sp. are Asparagus curillus
Buch.-Ham., A. filicinus Buch.-Ham.
and A. gracilis Royle.
Dosage Dried root—– g powder.
(API Vol. IV.)
Asphodelus fistulosus Linn.
Synonym A. tenuifolius Cav.
Family Liliaceae.
Habitat Most parts of the plains
from West Bengal westwards to
Punjab and Gujarat, as a field weed.
English Asphodel.
Unani Piyaazi, Khunsaa, Asraash.
(Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. is
equated with Shellot, Gandanaa.)
Folk Bokat.
Action Seeds—diuretic; applied
externally to ulcer and inflamed
parts.
Seeds contain an ester, -O--methylstearylmyoinositol.
The seed oil
yields myristic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic,
linolenic acids, beta-amyrin and
beta-sitosterol. The oil, due to its
high linolenic content (.%), may
be of therapeutic value in preventing
atherosclerosis.
The mineral elements present in the
weed are iron ., zinc . and copper
. ppm. A triterpenoid, lupeol
and quercetin are also present.
A
70 Aspidopterys indica Hochr.
Aspidopterys indica Hochr.
Synonym A. roxburghiana A. Juss.
Family Malpighiaceae.
Habitat Eastern Himalayas, Assam,
Meghalaya, Orissa and peninsular
India.
Folk Chuttakulaa-tigaa (Telugu).
Action The extract of aerial parts—
hypotensive.
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum
Linn.
Family Aspleniaceae.
Habitat Kashmir at – m
and extending to Dalhousie and
Chamba in Himachal Pradesh.
English Black Spleenwort.
Folk Krishna fern.
Action Fond—expectorant, pectoral,
emmenagogue. Rhizome—
anthelmintic. Plant—bitter, diuretic,
laxative, anti-inflammatory. It
is used for diseases of spleen and
in jaundice; produces sterility in
women.
The fonds contain aliphatic hydrocarbons,
the chief one being hentriacontane,
non-acosane and triterpenoid
hydrocarbons, mainly of ()-
hopene.
Alcohols, sterols and fatty acids are
also reported.
Related sp. include: A. laciniatumD.
Don (vitamin K and phthiocol have
been isolated for the first time from
the plant); A. adiantoides (L.) C. Chr.,
synonym A. falcatum Lam. (used in
the treatment of enlarged spleen, in incontenence
of urine, in calculus, jaundice
and malaria); A. nidus Linn. synonymThamnopteris
nidus (L.) C.Presl.,
known as Bird's Nest Fern (used as
a depurative and sedative).
Asteracantha longifolia Nees.
Synonym Hygrophila spinosa T.
Anders
Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat Common in moist places,
paddy fields, throughout India and
Sri Lanka.
Ayurvedic Kokilaaksha, Kokilaakshi,
Ikshura, Ikshuraka, Kaakekshu,
Kshurak, Bhikshu.
Unani Taalmakhaanaa. (Wrongly
equated with Euryale ferox Salisb.
(Fox Nut) in National Formulary of
Unani Medicine, Part I, first edn.,
.)
Siddha/Tamil Neermulli, Nerugobbi.
Action Diuretic, used for catarrh of
the urinary organs, also for dropsy
when accompanied by hepatic
obstruction.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
recommends the seed in lithiasis;
the whole plant and root for gout.
Aqueous extract of herb ash—diuretic
in albino rats. EtOH (%)—
spasmolytic and hypotensive. The
herb exhibits antihepatotoxic activity
in dogs. Essential oil from whole
plant—antibacterial.
The plant gave lupeol, stigmasterol
and hydrocarbons; seed gave sterols;
flowers, apigenin glucuronide.
A
Astragalus hamosus Linn. 71
Aqueous extract decreased fasting
glucose and improved glucose tolerance
in rats. (Sharon M. Herr.)
Dosage Whole plant—– g,
powder; dried seed—– g powder;
dried root—– g for decoction.
(API Vol. II.) Herb ash—– g
(CCRAS.)
Astragalus candolleanus Royle.
Family Fabaceae; Papilionaceae.
Habitat The western Himalayas.
Ayurvedic Rudanti, Rudravanti.
Action Depurative, bechic, blood
purifier (used in skin diseases).
Root powder and decoction also
used as an adjunct in tuberculosis.
Dosage Fruit—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Astragalus gummifer Labill.
Family Fabaceae; Papilionaceae.
Habitat Highlands of Asia Minor,
Iran, Greece, Syria and Russia.
English Tragacanth Gum.
Unani Katiraa, Kataad (Gum)
Action Demulcent, emollient (used
for irritation of the internal mucosa,
colitis, dry coughs), laxative.
Mucilage used as an application to
burns.
The gum contains polysaccharides
and proteinaceous polysaccharides.
Tragacanthin is water-soluble, consisting
of an arbinogalactan and tragacanthic
acid. Bassorin is an insoluble
methylated fraction (gel). The polysaccharides
have been shown to have immunostimulating
activity (stimulation
of phagocytosis and an increase in plasma
cell counts of T-lymphocytes.
Although tragacanth increases
weight of stool and decreases gastrointestinal
transit time, it does not appear
to affect cholesterol triglyceride
or phospholipid levels as other soluble
fibres do. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database, .)
Tragacanth has been shown to be
active against a variety of tumours. It
appears to inhibit growth of cancer
cells.
Astragalus hamosus Linn.
Family Fabaceae; Papilionaceae.
Habitat Found in the plains of
Punjab.
English Tonkin bean, Melilot,
King's crown, King's clover.
Unani Naakhunaa, Ikil-ul-Malik.
(It is also equated with Melilotus
alba Desv. and Trigonela uncata
Boiss. in National Formulary of
Unani Medicine.)
Action Nervine tonic (used in
nervous and catarrhal affections),
antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory,
emollient, diuretic, galactogenic.
The callus of the plant contains
amino acids; roots contain saponins
and sterols. The leaves yield -nitropropionic
acid.
A
72 Astragalus sarcocola Dymock.
Astragalus sarcocola Dymock.
Family Fabaceae; Papilionaceae.
Habitat The mountainous regions
from Asia Minor to Iraq and Iran.
English Sarcocola.
Ayurvedic Rudanti (substitute).
Unani Anzaroot, Kohal Kirmaani
(Gum).
Action Gum—antirheumatic,
aperient, anthelmintic, emollient.
Astragalus strobiliferus Royle.
Family Fabaceae; Papilionaceae.
Habitat The western Himalayas at
,–, m, and Kashmir.
English Indian Gum tragacanth.
Action Gum—an Indian substitute
for tragacanth (A. gummifer gum).
Atalantia monophylla
(L.) Correa.
Synonym A. floribunda Wt.
Family Rutaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, especially
in Assam, Meghalaya and
Andaman Islands.
English Wild Lime.
Siddha/Tamil Kattu Narangam,
Kattu Elumichai.
Folk Jungli Nimbu.
Action Oil from leaves and berry—
antibacterial, antifungal. Leaves—
a decoction is applied to cutaneous
affections. Fruit—juice, antibilious.
The rootbark yields alkaloids, atalaphylline
and its N-methyl derivatives
and atalaphyllidine, which have close
structural similarities with the antitumour
alkaloid, acronycine, and its cogeners.
The rootbark also contains the
limonoid, atalantin.
The leaf juice forms an ingredient of
a compound liniment used in hemiplegia.
The essential oil is used in paralysis.
The oil contains higher terpene esters
belonging to azulene group (%).
(Azulenes impart anti-inflammatory
activity.)
Atropa acuminata Royle ex Lindl.
Synonym A. belladonna auct. non
L.
Family Solanaceae.
Habitat Kashmir and Himachal
Pradesh up to , m.
English Indian Belladonna, Indian
Atropa.
Ayurvedic Suuchi.
Unani Luffaah, Luffaah-Barri,
Yabaruj, Shaabiraj.
Action Highly poisonous; sedative,
narcotic, anodyne, nervine,
antispasmodic (used in paralysis);
parkinsonism; encephalitis; carcinoma;
spastic dysmenorrhoea;
whooping cough, spasmodic asthma;
colic of intestines, gall bladder
or kidney, spasm of bladder and
ureters; contraindicated in enlarged
prostate.
Key application In spasm and
colic-like pain in the areas of
A
Avena sativa Linn. 73
the gastrointestinal tract and bile
ducts. (German Commission E, The
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) It
is contraindicated in tachycardiac
arrhythmias, prostate adenoma,
glaucoma, acute oedema of lungs.
A. belladonna L. (European sp. Belladonna,
Deadly Nightshade) is cultivated
in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
Th
e herb contains tropane (tropine)
or solanaceous alkaloids (up to .%),
including hyoscamine and atropine;
flavonoids; coumarins; volatile bases
(nicotine).
Tropane alkaloids inhibit the parasympathetic
nervous system, which
controls involuntary bodily activities;
reduces saliva, gastric, intestinal and
bronchial secretions, and also the activity
of urinary tubules. Tropane alkaloids
also increase the heart rate
and dilate the pupils. These alkaloids
are used as an additive to compound
formulations for bronchitis, asthma,
whooping cough, gastrointestinal hypermotility,
dysmenorrhoea, nocturnal
enuresis and fatigue syndrome.
Atropine provides relief in parkinsonism
and neurovegetative dystonia.
The root is the most poisonous, the
leaves and flowers less, and the berries
the least. (Francis Brinker.)
Dosage Leaf, root—– mg
powder. (CCRAS.)
Atylosia goensis Dalz.
Synonym A. barbata Baker
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
Habitat Subtropical tract of Assam,
Maharashtra and Kerala, up to
m.
Ayurvedic Maashaparni (substitute).
Siddha/Tamil Peruvidukol.
Action Febrifuge, antibilious, antirheumatic
(used in consumption
and swellings).
Atylosia scarabaeoides (L.)
Benth.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
Habitat Throughout India; up to
, m in the western Himalayas.
Ayurvedic Vana-kulattha.
Folk Jangli Tur, Kulthi.
Action Antidysenteric, anticholerin,
febrifuge; also used in anaemia,
anasarca and hemiplegia. Seeds—
taeniafuge.
A flavone glucoside, atyloside, has
been isolated from the leaves.
Avena sativa Linn.
Family Gramineae; Poaceae.
Habitat A cereal and fodder crop of
Europe and America; also cultivated
in India.
English Oat, Common oat.
Ayurvedic Yavikaa. (Indian sp. is
equated with A. byzantina C. Koch.)
Unani Sult (Silt), Jao Birahnaa, Jao
Gandum.
A
74 Averrhoa bilimbi Linn.
Action Nervine tonic (used
in spermatorrhoea, palpitation,
sleeplessness), cardiac tonic (used in
debility), stimulant, antispasmodic,
thymoleptic, antidepressant (used
in menopausal phase). Also used
in diarrhoea, dysentery, colitis.
Externally, emollient.
Key application Oat straw—
externally in baths for inflammatory
and seborrhoeic skin diseases.
(German Commission E.) The effect
on blood sugar is less than that from
most of the fiber-containing herbs
and foods. (Sharon M. Herr.)
The seeds contain proteins and prolamines
(avenins); C-glycosyl flavones;
avenacosides (spirostanol glycosides);
fixed oil, vitamin E, starch.
Silicon dioxide (%) occurs in the
leaves and in the straw in soluble form
as esters of silicic acidwith polyphenols
andmonosaccharides and oligosaccharides.
Oat straw contains a high content of
iron (mg/kg dryweight),manganese
(. mg) and zinc (. mg).
In an experimental study, oat straw
stimulated the release of luteinizing
hormone from the adenohypophysis of
rats. (Expanded Commission E Monographs.)
An alcoholic extract of green oats
was tried on opium addicts. Six chronic
opium addicts gave up opium completely,
two reduced their intake and
two showed no change following regular
use of ml three times daily (human
clinical study). A significant diminishment
of the number of cigarettes used
by habitual tobacco smokers resulted
from using ml (four times daily) of
freshAvena alcoholic extract of mature
plants; however, a few studies gave disappointing
results. (Francis Brinker.)
Oat polyphenol composition prevented
the increase of cholesterol and
beta-lipoprotein of blood serum of
fasting rabbits. Antioxidant property
of the oat flour remains unaffected
by heat. Homoeopathic tincture
of seeds is used as a nervine tonic.
Beta-glucan from the oats stimulated
immune functions.
Avenacosides exhibit strong antifungal
activity in vitro.
Averrhoa bilimbi Linn.
Family Oxalidaceae; Averrhoaceae.
Habitat Native to Malaysia;
cultivated throughout the country.
English Bilimbi, Tree Sorrel.
Ayurvedic Karmaranga (var.).
Unani Belambu (a variety of
Kamrakh).
Siddha/Tamil Pilimbi, Pulichakkai.
Action A syrup made from the
fruits is used in febrile excitement,
haemorrhages and internal haemorrhoids;
also in diarrhoea, bilious
colic and hepatitis. The fruit is used
for scurvy. An infusion of flowers is
given for cough.
Averrhoa carambola Linn.
Family Oxalidaceae; Averrhoaceae.
Habitat Native to Malaysia;
cultivated throughout the warmer
parts of India, especially in Kerala.
A
Azadirachta indica A. Juss. 75
English Carambola, Star Fruit,
Chinese Gooseberry.
Ayurvedic Karmaranga.
Unani Khamraq, Karmal.
Siddha/Tamil Tamarattai.
Folk Kamarakh.
Action Root—antidote in poisoning.
Leaf and shoot—applied
externally in ringworm, scabies,
chickenpox. Flower—vermicidal.
Fruit—laxative, antidysenteric,
antiphlogistic, febrifuge, antiinflammatory,
antispasmodic (used
in hepatic colic, bleeding piles).
Seeds—galactogenic; in large doses
act as an emmenagogue and cause
abortion.
The fruits are a fairly good source
of iron but deficient in calcium. They
also contain oxalic acid and potassium
oxalate. The presence of fluorine
is also reported. A wide variation of
vitamin-C content (.–.mg/ g)
is recorded from different places in India.
Sugar (.%) consists mainly of
glucose (.%).
Avicennia officinalis Linn.
Synonym A. alba Blume
Family Verbenaceae; Avicenniaceae.
Habitat A tree occurring in salt
marshes and tidal creeks.
English White mangrove.
Ayurvedic Tuvara.
Siddha/Tamil Kandal.
Folk Tivaria (Gujarat), Upattam
(Tamil Nadu).
Action Stem/bark—astringent.
Pulp of unripe fruit—used for
healing skin lesions of smallpox;
fruits and immature seeds, used as
cicatrizant of abscesses and ulcers.
The bark contains % tannin, triacontanol
and triterpenoids. Kernels
contain lapachol, which possesses antitumour
activity. Aerial parts yield
beta-sitosterol, friedelin, lupenone, lupeol,
betulinic and ursolic acids.
Azadirachta indica A. Juss.
Synonym Melia azadirachta Linn.
Family Meliaceae.
Habitat Native to Burma; found all
over India.
English Neem tree, Margosa tree.
Ayurvedic Nimba, Nimbaka,
Arishta, Arishtaphala, Pichumarda,
Pichumanda, Pichumandaka,
Tiktaka, Sutiktak, Paaribhadra.
Unani Aazaad-Darakht-e-Hindi.
Siddha/Tamil Vemmu, Veppu,
Veppan, Arulundi.
Action Leaf, bark—antimicrobial,
antifungal, anthelmintic, insecticidal,
antiviral, antipyretic, antimalarial,
antiperiodic, mosquito
larvicidal, anti-inflammatory,
antifertility, spermicidal, hypoglycaemic;
used in inflammation of
gums, gingivitis, periodonitis, sores,
boils, enlargement of spleen, malarial
fever, fever during childbirth,
measles, smallpox, head scald and
cutaneous affections. Oil—used
A
76 Azima tetracantha Lam.
as a contraceptive for intravaginal
use, for the treatment of vaginal
infections, and as a mosquito
repellent.
Plant tetranortriterpenoids have
been examined extensively for their antibiotic,
antitumour, insecticidal, antibacterial
and antifungal activities.
The methanolic extract of the bark
shows antimalarial activity against
Plasmodium falciparum.
The aqueous extract of leaves exhibited
antiulcer and anti-inflammatory
activity.
The water-soluble portion of alcoholic
extract of leaves reduces blood
sugar in glucose-fed and adrenalineinduced
hyperglycaemic rats (but not
in normal and streptozotocin-induced
diabetic rats).
A volatile fraction of the Neem oil
is reported to be responsible for spermicidal
activity at a dose of mg/ml
for human sperm. The oil has been
found to retard the growth of human
immunodeficiency virus.
Neem oil has caused mitochondrial
injury in mice; poisonous in high
doses. (Sharon M. Herr.)
Dosage Dried leaf—– g powder;
– g for decoction; stembark—
– g powder decoction for external
use. (API Vol. II.) Leaf juice—
– ml; oil—– drops; bark
decoction—– ml. (CCRAS.)
Azima tetracantha Lam.
Family Salvadoraceae.
Habitat Peninsular India, Orissa,
West Bengal.
English Mistletoe Berrythorn.
Siddha/Tamil Mulchangan.
Folk Kundali.
Action Root—diuretic (used in
Siddha medicine for dropsy and
rheumatism). Leaves—stimulant
(used in rheumatism); expectorant,
antispasmodic (used in cough and
asthma); given to women after
confinement. Bark—antiperiodic,
astringent, expectorant.
The leaves contain the alkaloids azimine,
azcarpine and carpine. EtOH
(%) extract of aerial parts exhibited
spasmogenic activity.
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