C
Caccinia crassifolia O. Kuntze.
Synonym C. glauca Savi.
Family Boraginaceae.
Habitat Native to Baluchistan.
Available in Indian market as
Gaozabaan.
Unani Gaozabaan. (According
to National Formulary of
Unani Medicine, Borago officinalis
Linn. and other species of Boraginaceae
are used as Gaozabaan.)
Action Leaf—diuretic, antiinflammatory,
demulcent; used for
strangury, asthma and cough.
The stems and leaves gave sapogenins—
caccigenin, caccigenin lactone
and -deoxycaccigenin; rutin and
a saponin derived from caccigenin.
The leaves also gave a glucoside, caccinin.
Caccinin and its aglucone caccinetin
(which is the dimethylallyl ester
of caffeic acid) is diuretic; saponins
exhibit anti-inflammatory activity.
Flowers contain pyrrolizidine alkaloid,
the diester of retronecine. Benzoic
acid has also been isolated from
the flowers.
Cadaba fruticosa (L.) Druce.
Synonym C. farinosa Forsk.
C. indica Lam.
Family Capparidaceae.
Habitat Common in Punjab,
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya
Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Siddha/Tamil Kattagatti, Vilivi,
Villi.
Folk Kodhab.
Action Root and leaves—
deobstruent, emmenagogue; used
for uterine obstructions.
The leaves and stem bark gave alkaloids,
L-stachydrine and L--hydroxystachydrine.
Presence of quercetin,
isoorientin, hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic
acid, vanillic acid and -hydroxy-
-methoxy benzoic acid has also
been reported. The stembark contains
an alkaloid cadabicine, and dry pods
contain cadabalone.
Caesalpinia bonduc
(L.) Roxb. Dandy & Exell.
Synonym C. bonducella Flem.
C. crista Linn.
Family Caesalpiniaceae.
Habitat Throughout the hotter
parts of India. Common in West
Bengal and South India. Often
grown as hedge plant.
English Fever Nut, Bonduc Nut,
Nikkar Nut.
Ayurvedic Puutikaranja, Lataakaranja,
Kantaki Karanja, Karanjin,
Kuberaakshi (seed).
C
108 Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.)Willd.
Unani Karanjwaa.
Siddha/Tamil Kazharchikkaai.
Action Seed—antiperiodic,
antirheumatic. Roasted and used
as an antidiabetic preparation.
Leaf, bark and seed—febrifuge.
Leaf and bark—emmenagogue,
anthelmintic. Root—diuretic,
anticalculous.
The seeds contain an alkaloid caesalpinine;
bitter principles such as bonducin;
saponins; fixed oil.
The seed powder, dissolved in water,
showed hypoglycaemic activity in
alloxanized hyperglycaemic rabbits.
Aqueous extract of the seeds produced
similar effects in rats. The powder
forms a household remedy for treatment
of diabetes in Nicobar Islands.
In Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, roots
are used in intermittent fevers and diabetes.
In homoeopathy, the plant is considered
an excellent remedy for chronic
fever.
(Three plant species—Pongamia
pinnata Pierre, Holoptelea integrifolia
(Roxb.) Planch. and Caesalpinia
bonduc (L.) Roxb. are being used as
varieties of Karanja (because flowers
impart colour to water). P. pinnata
is a tree and is equated with Karanja,
Naktamaala and Udakirya; H. integrifolia,
also a tree, with Chirabilva, Putika
(bad smell) and Prakiryaa; and C.
bonduc, a shrub, with Kantaki Karanja
or Lataa Karanja.)
Dosage Seed kernel—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Caesalpinia coriaria
(Jacq.)Willd.
Family Caesalpiniaceae.
Habitat Grows abundantly in
South India, also cultivated in
North-western India and West
Bengal.
English American Sumac, Divi-divi
Plant.
Siddha/Tamil Kodivelam.
Folk Libi-dibi; Divi-divi.
Action Bark—febrifuge, antiperiodic.
Pod—astringent (in piles).
Fruit—semen coagulant.
All parts of the plant contain tannin,
the maximum amount occurring
in the pods (.%). The tannins from
pods comprise pyrogallol type of hydrolysable
tannins and consists of gallotannin
and ellagitannin. Divi-divi
closely resembles myrobalans both in
nature and contents of tannins. Seeds
contain little or no tannin.
The plant is used for treating freckles.
Leaves contain ellagic and gallic
acids, catechol and tannins.
Ethanolic extract of the leaves
showed antifungal activity.
Caesalpinia digyny Rottl.
Family Caesalpiniaceae.
Habitat Bengal, Assam and
Andamans up to , m.
English Teri Pods.
Ayurvedic Vaakeri.
Siddha/Tamil Nunigatcha.
C
Caesalpinia sappan Linn. 109
Action Root—astringent and
antipyretic, used in phthisis and
scrofulous affections.
The roots gave a phenolic compound
vakerin, identical with bergenin. The
ethanol-water extract of roots inhibits
the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The pods contain % tannin (without
seeds, more than %). The bark
contains % tannin (without seeds,
more than %). The tannin is pure
gallo-tannin and gallic acid.
Dosage Root—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Caesalpinia pulcherrima Sw.
Family Caesalpiniaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in gardens
throughout India.
English Barbados Pride, Peacock
Flower.
Ayurvedic Padangam, Ratnagandhi,
Krishnachuudaa.
Siddha/Tamil Mayirkonrai, Nalal.
Folk Guleturaa, Sankeshwara.
Action Leaves—laxative, antipyretic.
Used in Eastern India
as a substitute for senna. Dried
and powdered leaves are used in
erysipelas. Flowers—anthelmintic.
Also used for cough and catarrh.
Root—a decoction is prescribed
in intermittent fevers. Bark—
emmenagogue, abortifacient.
The plant contains a flavonoid, myricitroside.
The leaves, flowers and
fruits contain tannins, gums, resin,
benzoic acid. Presence of cyanidin-
,-diglucoside is also reported from
the flowers, hydrocyanic acid from the
leaves.The root contains caesalpin type
diterpenoids along with sitosterol.
Theleaves have displayed anticancer
activity in laboratory animals. A diterpenoid,
isolated from the root, also
showed anticancer activity.
In Pakistan, the leaf and flower extract
exhibited activity against Grampositive
bacteria.
Caesalpinia sappan Linn.
Family Caesalpiniaceae.
Habitat Native to India and
Malaysia. Cultivated in Bengal and
South India, also grown as a hedge
plant.
English Sappan.
Ayurvedic Pattanga, Patanga,
Pattraanga, Raktasaara, Ranjana,
Pataranjaka, Suranga, Kuchandana.
Unani Bakam.
Siddha/Tamil Patangam, Anaikuntrumani.
Folk Patang.
Action Wood decoction—
emmenagogue, antidiarrhoeal; used
in skin diseases.
The heartwood gave an anti-inflammatory
principle brazilin; amyrin glucoside,
amino acids and carbohydrates.
EtOH (%) extract of stem exhibited
semen coagulant activity.
Aqueous and chloroform extracts of
the wood exhibited inhibitory action
C
110 Cajanus cajan (Linn.) Millsp.
on cyclicAMP phosphodiesterase. The
methanolic extract of the sappan lignan
showed sleep-time-elongation effect
in mice. Significant anti-hypercholesterolaemic
activity is attributed to benzilic
compounds.
The oil exhibited antibacterial and
antifungal activity.
Plant pigments find use in facials
which are resistant to light, heat and
water and are non-irritating.
Dosage Heartwood—– g (API
Vol. IV.)
Cajanus cajan (Linn.)Millsp.
Synonym C. indicus Spreng.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
Habitat Cultivated as pulse crop,
chiefly in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar,
Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.
English Pigeon Pea, Red Gram.
Ayurvedic Aadhaki, Tuvari, Tuvara,
Shanapushpikaa.
Unani Arhar.
Siddha/Tamil Thuvarai.
Action Green leaves are considered
hypocholesterolaemic. Pulse shows
cholesterol and phospholipid
lowering effect (reported to cause
flatulence). A paste of leaves with
salt and water, is taken on an empty
stomach for jaundice. Leaves are
used in diseases of the mouth, and
topically for treating measles and
other eruptions.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
indicated the use of the seed in
lipid disorders and obesity; externally
for promoting breast development,
and attributed blood purifying properties
to the root.
Amino acid analysis of the seed extract
showed that phenylalanine
(.% of the total amino acids) is
responsible for about % of the antisickling
potency of the seed extract.
Seeds also contain riboflavin and
pyridoxine. Root bark contains isoflavones,
sterols, triterpenoids, flavones,
anthraquinone derivatives. Plant also
contains an isoflavone, cajanol.
The aqueous extract of leaves
showed vasodilatory effect in experimental
animals.
Unroasted nuts had hypoglycaemic
effect in mice; roasted seeds, in contrast,
had a hyperglycaemic effect.
(Sharon M. Herr.)
Dosage Root—– g powder. (API
Vol. III.)
Calamus rotang Linn.
Synonym C. roxburghii Griff.
Family Palmae; Arecaceae.
Habitat Central and South India.
English Rotang, Rattan, Chair
Bottom Cane.
Ayurvedic Vetra, Abhrapushpa.
Siddha/Tamil Pirambu.
Action Astringent, antidiarrhoeal,
anti-inflammatory (used in chronic
fevers, piles, abdominal tumours,
strangury), antibilious, spasmolytic.
Wood—vermifuge.
C
Calendula officinalis Linn. 111
The plant is used in convulsions and
cramps. The presence of a saponin in
the stem, an alkaloid in the leaves and
a flavonoid in the root is reported.
Calamus tenuis Roxb.
Synonym C. amarus Lour.
Family Palmae; Arecaceae.
Habitat The sub-Himalayan tract
from Dehra Dun to Assam.
English Bareilly Cane.
Ayurvedic Vetra (var.) (Vetasa,
Salix caprea Linn., is a different
drug).
Action See C. rotang.
Calamus travancoricus
Bedd. ex Hook. f.
Family Palmae; Arecaceae.
Habitat Deccan peninsula, from
Malabar to Travancore.
English Cane.
Ayurvedic Vetra.
Siddha/Tamil Pirambu.
Action Tender leaves are used in
dyspepsia, biliousness and as an
anthelmintic. See C. rotang.
Calendula officinalis Linn.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Throughout India; wild in
Punjab.
English Pot-Marigold, Marigold;
Calendula.
Unani Zergul.
Siddha/Tamil Thulvkka Saamanthi.
Action Flowers—anti-inflammatory,
antiseptic, stimulant,
antispasmodic, emmenagogue,
antihaemorrhagic, styptic. Used
in gastric and duodenal ulcers
and dysmenorrhoea; externally
for cuts, bruises, burns, scalds.
Plant—antiprotozoal. Flower—
antimicrobial. Essential oil—
antibacterial.
Key application In inflammation of
the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, internally
and externally. Externally,
on poorly healing wounds, ulcuscruris.
(German Commission E,
WHO, ESCOP.) Anti-inflammatory,
vulnerary. (The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia.)
The flowers contain triterpenes,
sterols, flavonoids, carotenes, bitter
glycosides, resins, volatile oil, mucilage
(do not contain tannins). Polysaccharides
from flowers exhibited immunostimulating
and antitumour activity in
several in vitro test systems.
An alcoholic extract has been shown
to have antitrichomonal activity.
Wound healing and anti-inflammatory
properties are attributed toMn
and carotene. An aqueous alcoholic extract
of florets showed CNS inhibitory
effect with marked sedative activity in
experimental animals.
The extract of flower-heads exhibited
estrogenic activity (reduces period
pains and regulates menstrual bleeding).
Calephlone, the extract containing
the total polyphenols of the infloresC
112 Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl.
cence, has a marked cholagogic effect
in rats and has been found helpful in
the treatment of CCl-induced hepatitis.
A hypocholesterolaemic saponin
has been extracted from the plant.
Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl.
Synonym C. incana Roxb.
Family Verbenaceae.
Habitat Sub-Himalayan tracts,
from Hazara eastwards to Assam,
up to , m.
English Perfumed Cherry.
Ayurvedic Priyangu, Priyangukaa,
Priyaka, Gandhphali,
Gandhpriyangu, Phalini, Vanitaa,
Kaantaa, Kaantaahvaa, Shyamaa,
Anganaapriya.
Unani Habb-ul-Mihlb (Prunus
mahaleb Linn., Rosaceae).
Siddha/Tamil Gnazhal, Chokkala.
(Fruits of Aglaia roxburghiana Miq.
are used as Priyangu.)
Action Leaves—applied hot in
rheumatic pains. Smoked to relieve
headache. Seed—paste used in
stomatitis. Wood—paste used in
mouth and tongue sores. Seeds
and roots—employed as stomachic.
Bark—used in rheumatism and
diseases of genitourinary tract.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
India indicated the use of the fruit
in emesis and giddiness.
The seeds and leaves contain calliterpenone
and its monoacetate; the
former also contain fatty acids, betasitosterol
and its beta-D-glucoside.
Dosage Dried inflorescences
powder—– g (API Vol. II); fruit
powder—– g. (API Vol. IV.)
Calophyllum apetalum Willd.
Synonym C. wightianumT. Anders.
Family Guttiferae; Clusiaceae.
Habitat The evergreen forests of
Western Ghats up to m.
Siddha/Tamil Shirupinnai.
Action Resin—antiphlogistic,
anodyne. Seed oil—antileprotic.
The leaves, stem, bark and root contain
friedelin. Leaves also contain
canophyllol and a triterpene lactone;
stem, beta-amyrin; bark, apetalic acid.
Heartwood contains a clathrate named
wightianone palmitic acid. Wood contains
mesoinositol.
Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.
Family Guttiferae; Clusiaceae.
Habitat Coastal regions, particularly
Orissa, Karnataka, Maharashtra
and the Andamans. Also cultivated
as an ornamental tree.
English Indian Laurel, Alexandrian
Laurel.
Ayurvedic Punnaaga, Tunga,
Sultaan champaa, Naagchampaa,
Raajchampaa.
Siddha/Tamil Punnai, Punnagam.
Action Oil of seeds—specific for
scabies and other skin diseases,
and for rheumatism. Used in the
C
Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br. 113
treatment of genitourinary and
venereal diseases. Bark—juice is
taken as purgative; pounded with
water is applied in orchitis, and
for dressing ulcers. Root bark—
antibacterial, used for indolent
ulcers. Leaf—used in vertigo and
migraine, also for chicken pox, skin
inflammations, scabies, sunburn.
Flowers and stamens—used as
a substitute for Naagakesara (Mesua
ferrea Linn.)
The root bark and heartwood contain
xanthones. The xanthones exhibited
anti-inflammatory activity in rats
against carrageenan-induce oedema;
also CNS depressant activity. Jacareubin
and -deoxy derivatives exhibited
antiulcer activity in rats.
Calophyllolide, a complex -Phcoumarin
isolated from nuts, showed
antiarrhythmic (as effective as quinidine),
bradycardiac coronary dilator,
and anticoagulant, also anti-inflammatory
and antiarthritic activity.
Dosage Leaf, flower, bark—– g
powder; – ml decoction.
(CCRAS.)
Calotropis gigantea
(Linn.) R.Br. ex.Ait.
Family Asclepiadaceae.
Habitat Throughout India.
English Madar (white-flowered),
Giant Milk-weed.
Ayurvedic Alarka, Raajaarka,
Shvetaarka, Vasuka, Mandaar,
Bhaasvanmuula, Dinesh, Prabhaakara,
Ravi, Bhaanu, Tapana.
Unani Madaar, Aak.
Siddha/Tamil Erukku.
Action Flowers—stomachic,
bechic, antiasthmatic. Milky juice—
purgative (gastrointestinal irritant).
Roots—used in lupus, tuberculous
leprosy, syphilitic ulceration.
Leaves—juice poisonous. Used in
external swellings. All parts—used
against bronchitis and asthma.
The leaf extract showed antitussive
activity due to the presence of alkaloids
and glycosides. The root contains glycosides
.–.% on dry basis. The
latex contains akudarin. Flowers contain
beta-amyrin and stigmasterol.
Dosage Milky juice— mg; leaf,
flower, root bark—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br.
Family Asclepiadaceae.
Habitat An evergreen shrub
distributed in West and Central
India.
English Swallow-Wart, Milk Weed,
(purple-flowered), King's Crown.
Ayurvedic Alarka, Surya, Suuryaahvya,
Vikirna, Vasuka,
Tapana, Tuulaphala, Kshirparna,
Arkaparna, Aasphota.
Unani Aakh, Madaar, Ashar.
Siddha/Tamil Vellerukku, Erukku.
Action The plant is used against
bronchial asthma (especially flowers
with black pepper). Leaves—used
for treating chronic cases of
C
114 Caltha palustris Linn.
dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation
and mucus in stool. Seed oil—
geriatric and tonic. Leaves, flowers
and root-bark oil—antimicrobial
(maximum activity in leaves).
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
India indicated the use of the root
and leaf in asthma and dyspnoea;
stem bark in diseases of the spleen.
Root bark contains benzoyllineolone
and benzolisolineolone. Root,
stem and leaves, also latex contain
beta-amyrin. Flowers contain evanidin
-rhamnoglucoside. The plant contains
a cardenolide, proceragenin, an
antibacterial principle.
Thelatex is given for treating epilepsy,
also in painful, joints and swellings.
The latex exhibited anti-inflammatory
activity in carrageenan-and formalininduced
rat paw oedema model.
The herb can alter menstrual cycle
andtemporarily inhibit ovulation. Cardiac
glycosides may be additive when
combined with Digoxin. (Sharon M.
Herr.)
Dosage Leaf—–mg powder;
root—– g for decoction (API Vol.
I); stem bark—.– g powder (API
Vol. III).Milky juice— mg to g
(CCRAS.)
Caltha palustris Linn.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat Western temperate
Himalayas from , to , m.
English American cowslip, Marsh
Marigold, Water Buttercup.
Folk Mamiri (Punjab).
Action Anti-inflammatory. Root—
hypocholesterolaemic. Poisonous
to human beings in mature stages.
The flowers contain flavonoids, -
rhamnosides, -glucosides and -gluco-
-rhamnosides of kaempferol and
quercetin. Roots gave triterpenoid
glycosides, which decreased serum
cholesterol and total protein and increased
blood sugar equivalent to butadione
in rats.
EtOH (%) extract of the plant exhibitsCNS
depressant and hypotensive
activity in rat.
Calycopteris floribunda Lam.
Family Combretaceae.
Habitat Madhya Pradesh, Peninsular
India and Assam.
Ayurvedic Sushavi, Paaniyavalli.
Siddha/Tamil Minnargodi.
Action Leaf—antidysenteric; used
externally for ulcers. Fruit—used in
jaundice.
Leaves containflavanol calycopterin;
flowers calycopterin and quercetin.
Camellia sinensis
(Linn.) O. Kuntze.
Family Theaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in Assam,
Darjeeling, Travancore, the Nilgiris,
Malabar, Bengal, Dehra Dun and
Kumaon.
English Tea.
C
Canarium strictum Roxb. 115
Unani Chaai, Shaahi, Shaayi.
Siddha/Tamil Thaeyilai.
Action Stimulant, diuretic,
astringent. In China, used for
diarrhoea and dysentery (causes
gastrointestinal upsets and nervous
irritability when consumed in
excess). Green tea: anticancer
effects have been observed in
Chinese green tea, Camellia thea,
extract; the extract of Japanese green
tea showed antihepatotoxic effects.
Important constituents of leaf buds
and very young leaves are: caffeine,
with a much smaller amount of other
xanthines (theophylline and theobromine);
tannins (the main tannin
in green tea is (−)-epigallocatechin);
flavonoids, quercetin, kaempferol. The
stimulant and diuretic are due to caffeine
content, the astringency due to
the tannins.
Drinking tea lowers thiamine and
thiamine diphosphate losses in urine
and blood serum respectively but increases
niacin losses. Hot water extract
of black tea facilitates Ca absorption in
the body experimentally. Tea may decrease
zinc bioavailability.
The tea, if added to the meal, significantly
lower the availability of iron.
Milk is as effective as ascorbic acid in
countering the depressing effect of tea
on iron availability (in vitro).
Thegreen tea catechin inhibited carcinogenesis
in small intestines when
given during or after carcinogen treatment
to experimental rats. (−)-epigallocatechin
gallate and theaflavin digallate
from green tea inhibited the infectivity
of both influenzaAandBvirus
(in vitro).
Green tea, when added to a lardcholesterol
diet, decreased the cholesterol
and triglyceride levels in fowls.
Tea polyphenols exhibit hypocholesterolaemic
activity.
Tea polyphenols—(−)-epicatechin
gallate, (−)-epigallocatechine galate,
theaflavin monogallate A or B, and
or theaflavin digallate—are used for
treating hyperglycaemia.
Saponins from tea are used as antiulcer
agents.
Concurrent use of tea and betaadrenergic
agonists may increase the
risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Caffeine,
a component of tea, may increase insulin
resistance. (Sharon M. Herr.)
Canarium commune Linn.
Synonym C. vulgare Leench.
Family Burseraceae.
Habitat A tree indigenous to
Malaysia. Now grown in South
India, particularly in Kerala and
Tamil Nadu.
English Java Almond, Kenari Nut.
Folk Jangali Baadaam.
Action Fruit—laxative. Resin—
anti-inflammatory. Tuber—styptic,
bechic, diaphoretic.
Theessential oil fromoleoresin contain
% anethole and a small quantity
of terpenes.
Canarium strictum Roxb.
Synonym C. sikkimense King
C
116 Cannabis sativa Linn.
Family Burseraceae
Habitat A large, deciduous tree
distributed in West Ghats, Assam
and Sikkim.
English Black Dammar.
Ayurvedic Raal Dhuup, Mand
Dhuup.
Siddha/Tamil Karunkungiliyam
(gum).
Action Resin—used for chronic
cutaneous diseases, such as psoriasis,
pityriasis; as a linament in
rheumatic affections. Dammer
Oil—used for rheumatism, asthma,
venereal diseases.
Black dammer resin contains (+)-
junenol, canarone and epikhusinal.
The plant contains a sesquiterpene
ketone—canarone.
Canarium sikkimense King is known
as Gogul Dhuup in Nepal.
Cannabis sativa Linn.
Synonym C. indica Linn.
Family Cannabinaceae.
Habitat Cultivated all over the
country. Commonly occurs in
waste grounds, along road side,
often becoming gregarious along
the irrigation channels of gardens.
English Hemp, Indian Hemp.
Ayurvedic Vijayaa, Bhangaa,
Maadani, Maatulaani, Indraasana,
Trailokya-vijayaa, Tribhuvanavijayaa,
Shukranaashana, Ganjaa,
Bhangaa. (Bhangaa is consumed
orally; Ganjaa and charas are usually
smoked.)
Unani Bhang, Charas, Qinnab.
Siddha/Tamil Ganja.
Folk Bhaanga.
Action Hallucinogenic, hypnotic,
sedative, analgesic, antiinflammatory,
Hemp derivatives
are suggested for treating glaucoma
and as an antiemetic in cancer
chemotherapy. All variants produce
initial excitement followed by
depression.
Cannabis yields chemicals of
various classes—annabinoids, cannabispirans
and alkaloids. More than
cannabinoids have been isolated,
the most important one is delta--
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Toxic constituents are readily absorbed,
excreted in urine and feces,
stored in lipid tissues, especially CNS,
crosses placenta. High doses in animals
have damaged developing embryos
and resulted in birth defects.
(Francis Brinker.)
Dosage Dried leaves, after
removing turbity—– mg
powder. (API Vol. I.)
Canscora decussata Schult.
Family Gentianaceae.
Habitat Throughout India,
ascending to , m.
Ayurvedic Daakuni (used as
a substitute for Shankhapushpi in
West Bengal)
Unani Sankhaahuli.
Folk Daankuni.
C
Capparis aphylla Roth. 117
Action Anticonvulsant, CNS
depressant, anti-inflammatory,
hepatoprotective.
The plant contains calcium .;
magnesium .; potassium . and
iron . g/ g; copper ., zinc
.; manganese ., cobalt . and
chromium . mcg/g.
Roots contain beta-amyrin, friedelin,
genianine and xanthones including
mangiferin. Mangiferin is protective
activity against induced liver injury
in albino rats. Xanthones also showed
activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Dried crude powder of the whole
plant exhibited anticonvulsant activity
in albino rats.
Canscora diffusa (Vahl) R. Br. ex
Roem. & Schultes (synonym C. lawii
Wt.), found throughout India at
, m, is used as a substitute for
C. decussata.
Canthium parviflorum Lam.
Synonym Plectronia parviflora
(Lam.) Bedd.
Family Rubiaceae.
Habitat Throughout the Deccan
Peninsula, from Gujarat and
Maharashtra southwards, and in
Bihar and Orissa.
English Wild Jasmine.
Folk Kaari.
Siddha/Tamil Karai, Kadan Karai,
Nalla Karai, Kudiram.
Action Leaves and fruits—
astringent, antispasmodic; used
against cough. A decoction of
the root and leaves is given in flu.
Bark—antidysenteric.
The plant contains mannitol (.%)
and alkaloids. Canthium umbellatum
Wight is also known as Kaari.
Capparis aphylla Roth.
Synonym C. decidua Edgew.
Family Capparidaceae.
Habitat Rajasthan, Punjab and
Sindh; southward to Karnataka and
Tamil Nadu.
English Caper Berry.
Ayurvedic Karira, Krakar, Apatra,
Granthila, Marubhoo-ruuha,
Niguudhapatra, Karila.
Unani Kabar, Kabar-ul-Hind,
Kabar-e-Hindi; Tenti.
Siddha/Tamil Chhengan.
Folk Tenti.
Action Anti-inflammatory (used for
enlarged cervical glands, sciatica,
rheumatoid arthritis; externally
on swellings, skin eruptions,
ringworm). Fruits and seeds—used
for urinary purulent discharges and
dysentery. Flowers and seeds—
antimicrobial. The fruit is used as
a pickle.
The root bark contains spermidine
alkaloids, used for inflammations,
asthma and gout.
Activity of the seed volatiles against
vibro cholerae has been recorded.
Aqueous extract of the plant exhibits
anthelmintic activity; seeds contain antibacterial
principles—glucocapparin;
C
118 Capparis moonii Wight.
isothiocynate aglycone of glucocapparin.
The blanched fruits, when fed to
rats at % dietary fibre level, showed
a significant hypocholesterolaemic effect,
which is attributed to its hemicellose
content.
Pickled fruits are use for destroying
intestinal worms.
Dosage Leaf, root—– mg
(CCRAS.)
Capparis moonii Wight.
Family Capparidaceae.
Habitat Indigenous to New
Zealand. Now distributed in
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Ayurvedic Rudanti.
Action Fruit—used in puerperal
sepsis and septic wounds, also for
debility and cough.
EtOH (%) extract of aerial parts
is CNS depressant.
Fruits contain l-stachydrine, rutin
and beta-sitosterol.
Capparis sepiaria Linn.
Family Capparidaceae.
Habitat Dry regions of the country,
also planted as a hedge plant.
English Indian Caper.
Ayurvedic Himsraa, Gridhnakhi,
Duh-pragharshaa, Kaakdaani,
Kabara, Kanthaari.
Siddha/Tamil Karunjurai.
Folk Hains, Kanthaar.
Action Antiseptic, antipyretic.
Used for eczema and scabies.
Leaves contain taraxasterol, alphaand
beta-amyrin and beta-sitosterol,
erythrodiol and betulin.
Dosage Root—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Capparis spinosa Linn.
Family Cappariadaceae.
Habitat Native to the Mediterranean
region. Distributed in
North-west India, Rajasthan, and
Peninsular India.
English Caper Bush.
Ayurvedic Himsraa, Kaakdaani,
Kabara.
Unani Kabar.
Action Anti-inflammatory, deobstruent
to liver and spleen, diuretic,
anthelmintic, vasoconstrictive.
Bark—given in splenic, renal and
hepatic complaints. Juice of leaves
and fruits—anticystic, bactericidal
and fungicidal. Dried flower buds—
used in scurvy.
Plant gave glucosinolates—glucoiberin,
glucocapparin, sinigrin, glucocleomin
and glucocapangatin. Rutin
has also been reported from plant.
The root bark, cortex and leaves gave
stachydrine. Stachydrine, when given
to dogs, rabbits and rats, quickened the
coagulation of blood and reduced loss
of blood.
C
Capsicum annuum Linn. 119
Capparis zeylanica Linn.
Synonym C. horrida Linn.f.
Family Cappariadaceae.
Habitat Common in plains as
a hedge plant.
English Ceylon Caper.
Ayurvedic Ahimsra (Himsraa
and Ahimsra are synonyms).
Vyaaghranakhi.
Siddha/Tamil Aathondai.
Folk Kareruaa.
Action Root bark—sedative,
stomachic, anticholerin, diuretic
febrifuge. Leaves—applied as
poultice to piles, swellings, boils.
The plant contains a saponin and phydroxybenzoic,
syringic, vanillic, ferulic
and p-coumaric acids. The leaves
contain beta-carotene. The leaves and
seeds contain glucocapparin, alphaamyrin,
n-triacontane and a fixed oil.
Aerial parts exhibited spasmolytic
activity.
Capsella bursa-pastoris
(Linn.)Moench.
Family Cruciferae; Brassicaceae.
Habitat Throughout India as
a weed in cultivated areas and waste
places, particularly in the temperate
regions up to an altitude of ,m.
English Shepherd's Purse, St.
James's Wort.
Folk Mumiri.
Action The herb or its juice extracts
are employed to check menorrhagia
and haemorrhages from renal and
genitourinary tract. Also used in
diarrhoea and dysentery and as
a diuretic.
Key application In symptom-based
treatment of mild menorrhagia
and metrorrhagia. (German Commission
E.) The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia reported antihaemorrhagic
action.
Aerial parts contain flavonoids,
polypeptides, choline, acetylcholine,
histamine and tyramine.
The extract of dried or green plant
causes strong contraction of the small
intestines and uterus of guinea pigs.
A quarternary ammonium salt has
been isolated from the herb which
is reported to be responsible for its
pharmacological activity.
Young leaves contain vitamin A
(, IU/ g) and ascorbic acid
( mg/ g); among other constituents
are hesperidin and rutin, which
reduced permeability of blood vessel
walls in white mice. A neoplasm inhibitory
substance has been identified
as fumaric acid. An inhibitory effect
of the extracts of the herb on Ehrlich
solid tumour in mice was found to be
due to the fumaric acid.
Major constituent of the essential oil
is camphor.
Capsicum annuum Linn.
Family Solanaceae.
Habitat Native to the West
Indies and tropical America; now
cultivated throughout tropical
regions of India.
C
120 Capsicum frutescens Linn.
English Chilli, Red Pepper.
Ayurvedic Raktamaricha, Lankaa,
Katuviraa.
Unani Mirch, Filfil-e-Ahmar,
Filfl-e-Surkh, Surkh Mirch.
Siddha/Tamil Milagay.
Action Stimulant, accelerates
oxygenation of cells, encourages
adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids,
increases gastrointestinal
secretion. Carminative, antispasmodic,
antiseptic. Used externally
for rheumatism, backache, lumbago,
neuralgia, painful muscle
spasm.
Red chilli contains capsaicin (.–.%), carotenoids, flavonoids, volatile
oil; steroidal saponins (capsicidins, only
in seeds).
Capsaicin stimulates the circulation
and alters temperature regulation; topically
desensitizes nerve endings and
acts as a local analgesic.
Capsaicin produces a protective effect
in rat lung and liver by strengthening
the pulmonary antioxidant enzyme
defence system. Acute capsaicin
treatment causes release of substance
desensitization of the respiratory tract
mucosa to a variety of lung irritants.
Red pepper or an equivalent amount
of capsaicin, when fed along with
cholesterol-containing diets to female
albino rats, prevented significantly the
rise of liver cholesterol levels.
Vitamin Phas been isolated fromthe
chillies. Vitamin C gradually increases
during maturation and reaches maximumat
the semi-ripe or pink coloured
stage and decreases thereafter.
Capsaicin exhibited a hypoglycaemic
effect in dogs; insulin release was
increased. (Phytother Res, , Aug
(), –.)
Dosage Fruit—– mg powder.
(CCRAS.)
Capsicum frutescens Linn.
Family Solanaceae.
Habitat Cultivated as a condiment
crop.
English Bird Chilli.
Ayurvedic Katuviraa.
Unani Surkh Mirch.
Siddha/Tamil Musi Milagay.
Action See Capsicum annuum.
Key application Externally, in
painful muscle spasms in areas
of shoulder, arm and spine; for
treating arthritis, rheumatism,
neuralgia, lumbago and chilbains.
(German Commission E.) The
British Pharmacopoeia reported
rubefacient and vasostimulant
action.
The plant contains hydroxybenzoic
acid, hydroxycinnamic acid and ascorbic
acid. Fruits contain up to % of
capsaicin.
Carallia brachiata (Lour.) Merr.
Synonym C. integerrima DC.
C. lucida Roxb. ex Kurz.
Habitat Throughout India, up to
an altitude of , m, and in the
Andamans.
C
Careya arborea Roxb. 121
Folk Karalli, Kierpa. Varanga
(Malyalam).
Action Leaves—used in the
treatment of sapraemia. Bark—used
for treating oral ulcers, stomatitis,
inflammation of the throat.
The leaves contain alkaloids (.%
dry basis), the major being (+)-hygroline.
Cardiospermum halicacabum
Linn.
Family Sapindaceae.
Habitat Throughout the plains of
India, as a wild climber.
English Ballon Vine, Winter
Cherry, Heartseed.
Ayurvedic Kaakatiktaa,
Kaakaadani, Karnsphotaa,
Shatakratulataa.
Unani Habb-e-Qilqil.
Siddha/Tamil Mudukottan,
Kottavan.
Folk Kanphotaa, Kanphuti,
Lataaphatakari. Used as Jyotishmati
in Bengal.
Action Used in rheumatism,
lumbago, skeletal fractures, nervous
diseases, amenorrhoea, haemorrhoids,
erysipelas. The herb is used
in hairoils for treating dandruff,
alopecia and for darkening hair.
The plant extract showed significant
analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity
and sedative effect on CNS. The
drug also showed (transient) vasodepressant
activity.
The leaves contain beta-sitosterol
and its D-glucoside, an alkaloid, oxalic
acid and amino acids. The presence of
a saponin and quebrachitol is reported
in the plant.
The leaves and stem are used in
preparations used against common
cold. Alcoholic extract of the plant
exhibits antisickling and antiarthritic
activity. Seeds have positive anabolic
activity and increase body weight by
inducing a positive nitrogen balance.
The alkaloid fraction from the seeds
showed hypotensive activities and cardiac
inhibition in anaesthetized dogs;
blocked spasmogenic effects of acetylcholine,
histamine and -HTon guinea
pig ileum, biphasic effort on frog rectus
abdominis muscle. The seeds also
showed antibacterial activity.
Dosage Whole plant—– ml
decoction. (CCRAS.)
Careya arborea Roxb.
Family Barringtoniaceae.
Habitat Sub-Himalayan tract, from
Jammu eastwards to West Bengal,
Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
English Kumbi, Slow-Match tree.
Ayurvedic Katabhi, Kumbhika,
Kumbhi, Kumbi, Kaitrya,
Kumudikaa.
Siddha/Tamil Kumbi, Ayma.
Action Bark—demulcent (in
coughs and colds), antipyretic and
antipruritic (in eruptive fevers),
anthelmintic, antidiarrhoeal. An
infusion of flowers is given after
child birth.
C
122 Carica papaya Linn.
Seeds contain triterpenoid sapogenols,
sterols; leaves contain a triterpene
ester, beta-amyrin, hexacosanol,
taraxerol, beta-sitosterol, quercetin
and taraxeryl acetate.
Careya herbacea Roxb., a related
species, is known as Kumbhaadu-lataa
in Bengal.
Dosage Bark—– ml decoction.
(CCRAS.)
Carica papaya Linn.
Family Caricaceae.
Habitat Native to West Indies and
Central America; now cultivated in
Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan,
Gujarat, Maharashtra and South
India.
English Papaya, Papaw.
Ayurvedic Erand-karkati, Papitaa.
Unani Papitaa Desi.
Siddha/Tamil Pappaali, Pappayi.
Action Ripe fruit—stomachic,
digestive, carminative, diuretic,
galactagogue. Useful in bleeding
piles, haemoptysis, dysentery
and chronic diarrhoea. Seeds—
emmengagogue, abortifacient,
vermifuge. Juice of seeds is
administered in enlarged liver
and spleen, and in bleeding
piles.
Key application Papain, the
enzyme mixture extracted from raw
papain (latex of Carica papaya), has
been included among unapproved
herbs by German Commission E.
Experiment-based as well as clinical
research indicate that papain may
be effective (in the treatment of
inflammations) in high doses (daily
dose mg corresponding to
FIP units).
Unripe fruit—mmengagogue and
abortifacient. Latex—pplied topically
on eczema, ringworm, psoriasis, corns,
warts, sloughing wounds, carbuncles
and eschar of burns.
Green parts of the plant and seed
contain an alkaloid carpaine. Seeds
also contain carpasemine.
Latex contain enzymes—apain and
chymopapain and alkaloids carpaine
and pseudocarpaine. A proteinaceous
material from latex showed anticoagulant
activity; in higher doses it is
heart depressant and as a spasmogen
on smoothmuscle of guinea pig ileum.
An alkaloid solution showed depressant
action on heart, blood pressure
and intestine.
The anthelmintic action of seeds
against Ascaris lumbricoides is due to
carpasemine.
Papain, an enzyme mixture prepared
from the fruit, seeds and leaf,
hydrolyses polypeptides, amides and
esters, particularly when used in an
alkaline environment, and is used in
digestive disorders.
Papain inhibits platelet aggregation,
which may further increase the risk of
bleeding in patients also taking anticoagulants.
Concurrent administration
of cyclophosphamide with papain
caused sever damage to lung tissues in
rats. (Sharon M. Herr.)
Chymopapin C is an immunosuppressive
enzyme from plant extract.
Carpaine, extracted from the plant,
C
Carthamus tinctorius Linn. 123
exhibited anti-tubercular activity, also
antitumour in vitro, and hypotensive.
Dosage Leaf—– ml infusion;
latex—– g (CCRAS.)
Carissa carandas Linn. var.
congesta (Wt.) Bedd.
Family Apocynaceae.
Habitat Throughout India.
English Christ's Thorn, Bengal
Currant.
Ayurvedic Karinkaara, Karamarda,
Krishnapaakphal, Kshirphena,
Sushena, (Karamardakaa is equated
with C. spinarum Linn.)
Unani Karondaa.
Siddha/Tamil Kalakke.
Action Used for acidity, flatulence,
poor digestion, as a slimming diet.
Juice of the fresh plant is used for
infected wounds that refuse to heal.
Root—paste used for diabetic ulcer.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
indicated the stem bark in obstinate
skin diseases, and the root in urinary
disorders.
Alcoholic extract of roots exhibit
hypotensive activity. Roots yield cardioactive
compounds; cardiotonic activity
is due to glucoside of odoroside
H.
Fresh fruits are rich in ascorbic acid
( g/ g fruit juice). The seeds are
rich in potassium ( mg/ g fresh
matter).
Dosage Stem bark— g for
decoction. (API Vol. II); root—
– g (API Vol. III).
Carissa opaca Stapf. Ex Haines.
Synonym C. spinarum auct. non L.
Family Apocynaceae.
Habitat Throughout the country
in dry regions, especially in Punjab
and Kashmir.
Ayurvedic Karamardikaa.
Siddha/Tamil Chirukila Chiru.
Folk Jangali Karondaa. Garnaa
(Punjab).
Action Plant—cardiotonic. Root—
purgative.
The root contains caffeic acid, cardiac
glycosides—odorosides B, C, G
and H, and evomonoside.
Carissa paucinervia A. DC. is also
equatedwith the wild var. ofKarondaa.
Carthamus tinctorius Linn.
Family Asteraceae.
Habitat Cultivated mainly as an
oil-seed crop in Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra.
English Safflower.
Ayurvedic Kusumbha, Vahinshikhaa,
Vastraranjaka, Kusum.
Unani Qurtum.
Siddha/Tamil Chendurakam.
Action Oil—aids prevention of
arteriosclerosis, coronary heart
disease and kidney disorders as
a polyunsaturated fat. Flowers—
stimulant, sedative, diuretic,
emmenagogue; used in fevers and
eruptive skin conditions, measles.
C
124 Carum bulbocastanum W. Koch.
Charred safflower oil is used in
rheumatism and for healing sores.
Key application Dried flowers—
in cardiovascular diseases, amenorrhoea,
dysmenorrhoea and
retention of lochia; also in wounds
and sores with pain and swelling.
(Pharmocopoeia of the People's
Republic of China, .)
Safflower contains carthamone, lignans
and a polysaccharide. The polysaccharide,
composed of xylose, fructose,
galactose, glucose, arabinose,
rhamnose and uronic acid residues,
stimulates immune function in mice.
It induced antibody formation in mice
following peritoneal injection. Extracts
of flowers have also been tested
in China on blood coagulation, where
a prolongation of clothing timewas observed
and platelet aggregation inhibited.
Chinese research indicates that
Safflower flowers can reduce coronary
artery disease, and lower cholesterol
levels. Flowers and seeds exhibit lipase
activity. The flower extract also exhibited
anti-inflammatory, sedative and
analgesic effect and inhibitory effect
on spontaneous motor activity.
The plant contains a propanetriol
derivative, which can be used for the
treatment of circulatory disorders.
Recent research suggests that improving
the lipid profile might not
be as important to reducing the risk
of cardiovascular disease as suggested.
(Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database, .)
Safflower is contraindicated in pregnancy,
gastric disorders, excessive
menstruation, haemorrhagic diseases.
Wild and thorny Safflower, growing
in the arid tract of Haryana and
Punjab (locally known as Kantiaari,
Poli, Poiyan) is equated with C. oxycantha
Bieb. The plant is diuretic.
Seed oil is applied topically to ulcers.
Theplant contains a sesquiterpene glycoside.
Aerial parts contain hinesolbeta-
D-fucopyranoside. The plant also
contains luteolin--glucoside.
Dosage Leaf—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Carum bulbocastanum W. Koch.
Synonym Bunium persicum (Boiss.)
Fedts.
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae
Habitat Cultivated in the hills and
plains of North India and in the
hills of South India.
English Black Caraway.
Ayurvedic Krishna jiraka, Kaashmira
jirak.
Unani Jiraa Siyaah, Kamoonarmani.
Siddha/Tamil Shemai-shiragam,
Pilappu-shiragam.
Action See C. carvi.
Carum carvi Linn.
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Habitat Native to Europe and
West Asia. Now cultivated in Bihar,
Orissa, Punjab, Bengal, Andhra
Pradesh, and in the hills of Kumaon,
Garhwal, Kashmir and Chamba.
C
Casearia tomentosa Roxb. 125
Also found wild in the North
Himalayan regions.
English Caraway.
Ayurvedic Krishna jiraka, Jiraa,
Kaaravi, Asita Jiraka, Kaashmirajiraka,
Prithvikaa, Upakunchikaa,
Sugandha Udgaar, Shodhana.
Unani Zeeraa Siyaah, Kamoon,
Kamoon-roomi.
Siddha/Tamil Shimai-shembu,
Semai Seearagam, Karamjiragam.
Action Carminative, antispasmodic,
antimicrobial, expectorant,
galactagogue, emmenagogue.
Key application Seed oil—in
dyspeptic problems, such as mild,
sapstic conditions of the gastrointestinal
tract, bloating and fullness.
(German Commission E, ESCOP,
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
India recommended the seed in
chronic fevers.
The fruit contains a volatile oil consisting
of carvone (–%) and limoline
withother constituents; flavonoids,
mainly quercetin derivatives, polysaccharides
and a fixed oil; also calcium
oxalate.
The antispasmodic and carminative
effects have been confirmed experimentally.
The caraway has shown to
reduce gastrointestinal foam.
Both the seeds and the essential oil
are classed as carminative in I.P.
The essential oil shows moderate
antibacterial and antifungal activity
against several bacteria and fungi.
Mixed with alcohol and castor oil, it is
used for scabies.
Dosage Seed—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Casearia esculenta Roxb.
Synonym C. ovata (Lamk)Willd.C.
zeylanica (Gaertn.) Thw.
Family Samydaceae; Flacourtiaceae
Habitat Peninsular India, up to
, m.
Ayurvedic Saptachakraa.
Siddha/Tamil Kakkaipilai, Kilar,
Kottargovai.
Folk Saptrangi (root and root
bark).
Action Root—antidiabetic (used
in milder chronic diabetic cases),
astringent, liver tonic. Frequently
adulterated with the roots of Salacia
chinensis Linn. and S. macrosperma
Wight.
The crude aqueous extract of the
roots has shown hypoglycaemic activity.
The root gave leucopelargonidin,
beta-sitosterol, dulcitol, a flavonoid
and arabinose.
Casearia tomentosa Roxb.
Synonym C. ellipticaWilld.
Family Samydaceae; Flacourtiaceae.
Habitat The Himalayas from
Kashmir to Nepal, ascending to
, m; throughout tropical India.
Ayurvedic Chilhaka.
Siddha/Tamil Kadichai.
C
126 Cassia absus Linn.
Folk Chillaa, Saptrangi.
Action Root—hypoglycaemic.
Root bark is used as a tonic in
anaemic conditions.
Fruit pulp—diuretic, purgative,
Leaves—anti-inflammatory. Fruit pulp
—diuretic.
Ethanolic (%) extract of the leaves
showed significant anti-inflammatory
activity in rats. Oil extracted from the
seeds in rubbed on sprains. Various
plant parts are used in neuralgia.
Cassia absus Linn.
Family Caesalpiniaceae.
Habitat Throughout India.
Ayurvedic Chakshushyaa, Aranyakulathhikaa,
Kataka.
Unani Chaaksu.
Siddha/Tamil Muulaipalyirai,
Kaattukollu.
Folk Ban Kulathi.
Action Seed—bitter, blood-purifier,
astringent, stimulant, diuretic. Used
topically for leucoderma, ringworm,
venereal ulcers and other skin
diseases. Roots—purgative.
Seeds gave sitosterol-beta-D-glucoside
and alkaloids—chaksine and isochaksine.
Chaksine is found to be
antibacterial against Micrococcus pyogenes
var. aureus and Streptococcus
haemolyticus. It stimulates contraction
of different tissues of plain muscles,
like uterus, intestine, bladder,
and muscles in blood vessels. It depresses
the parasympathetic nerveendings
of certain organs like intestine
and bladder. Chaksine has ganglionblocking
property. Chaksine and isochaksine
possess a local anaesthetic
effect intradermally. It produces
a sustained fall in blood pressure of
anaesthetized animals and produces
a weak anti-acetylcholine effect. Roots
also contains anthraquinones and aloeemodin.
Dosage Seed—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Cassia alata Linn.
Family Caesalpiniaceae.
Habitat Native to the West Indies.
Found wild almost throughout
India.
English Ringworm Cassia.
Ayurvedic Dadrughna, Dadrumardana.
Siddha Malanthakerai, Seemai
agathi (Tamil).
Folk Daadmaari.
Action Leaf—used in skin diseases
like herpes, blotch, eczema, mycosis
(washerman's itch). Dried leaves—
in leprosy. A strong decoction is
used for ringworm, eczema and
herpes. Leaves are also used as
a purgative.
Young pods contain rhein, emodin
and aloe-emodin. The antibacterial
activity of the leaves is reported to be
due to rhein. The roots contain anthraquinone.
Emodin, aloe-emodin
and anthraquinone contribute to the
purgative activity of the leaves and
roots. Crushed leaves or roots are
C
Cassia auriculata Linn. 127
rubbed on to the skin to cure ringworm
and to control Tinea imbricata,
a skin fungus.
Cassia angustifolia Vahl.
Synonym C. senna Linn. var. senna.
Family Caesalpiniaceae.
Habitat Native to Sudan and
Arabia. Now cultivated mainly in
Tirunelveli and Ramnathpuram
districts and to a lesser extent in
Madurai, Salem and Tiruchirapalli
districts of Tamil Nadu. Also grown
on a small scale in Cuddapah
district of Andhra Pradesh and
certain parts of Karnataka.
English Indian Senna, Tinnevelly
Senna.
Ayurvedic Svarna-pattri,
Maarkandikaa, Maarkandi.
Unani Sannaa, Sanaa-makki,
Senaai, Sonaamukhi, Sanaa-Hindi.
Siddha/Tamil Nilaavaarai.
Folk Sanaai.
Action Purgative (free from
astringent action of rhubark
type herbs, but causes gripe),
used in compounds for treating
biliousness, distention of stomach,
vomiting and hiccups. Also used as
a febrifuge, in splenic enlargements,
jaundice, amoebic dysentery.
Contraindicated in inflammatory
colon diseases.
Key application Leaf and dried
fruit—in occasional constipation.
(German Commission E.) As
a stimulant laxative. (The British
Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) ,-
dihydoxy-anthracene derivatives
have a laxative effect. This effect is
due to the sennosides, specifically,
due to their active metabolite in
the colon, rheinanthrone. The
effect is primarily caused by the
influence on the motility of the
colon by inhibiting stationary and
stimulating propulsive contractions.
(German Commission E, ESCOP,
WHO.) Seena has been included in
I.P. as a purgative.
Most of the Senna sp. contain rhein,
aloe-emodin, kaempferol, isormamnetin,
both free and as glucosides,
together with mycricyl alcohol. The
purgative principles are largely attributed
to anthraquinone derivatives and
their glucosides.
Senna is an Arabian name. The drug
was brought into use by Arabian physicians
for removing capillary congestion
(pods were preferred to leaves).
The active purgative principle of
senna was discovered in .
Cassia acutifolia Delile is also equated
with Maarkandikaa, Svarna-pattri,
Sanaai.
Dosage Leaves— mg to g
(API Vol. I.)
Cassia auriculata Linn.
Family Caesalpiniaceae.
Habitat Wild in dry regions of
Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and
Rajasthan. Cultivated in other parts
of India.
English Tanner's Cassia.
C
128 Cassia fistula Linn.
Ayurvedic Aaavartaki, Aaadaari.
Unani Tarwar.
Siddha/Tamil Aavaarai.
Folk Tarwar.
Action Roots—used in skin
diseases and asthma. Flowers
enter into compounds for diabetes,
urinary disorders and nocturnal
emissions.
Pod husk contains nonacosane and
nonacosan--one, chrysophanol,
emodin and rubiadin.
Dosage Whole plant—– ml
(CCRAS.)
Cassia fistula Linn.
Synonym C. rhombifolia Roxb.
Family Caesalpiniaceae.
Habitat Cultivated as anornamental
throughout India.
English Indian Laburnum, Purging
Cassia, Golden Shower.
Ayurvedic Aaragvadha, Chaturaangula,
Kritamaala, Kritmaalaka,
Karnikaara, Shampaaka, Praagraha,
Raajvrksha, Nripapaadapa,
Raajadruma, Vyaadhighaataka,
Aarevata.
Unani Amaltaas, Khyaarshambar.
Siddha/Tamil Sarakkonrai.
Folk Amaltaasa.
Action Flowers and pods—
purgative, febrifugal, astringent,
antibilious. Seed powder—used in
amoebiasis.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
India indicated the fruit pulp for constipation,
colic, chlorosis and urinary
disorders.
Pulp of the pod contains anthraquinone
glycosides, sennosides A and
B, rhein and its glucoside, barbaloin,
aloin, formic acid, butyric acid, their
ethyl esters and oxalic acid. Presence
of pectin and tannin is also reported.
Seeds gave galactomannan free sugars
and free amino acids; extract laxative,
carminative, cooling and antipyretic
properties.
Flowers gave ceryl alcohol, kaempferol,
rhein and a bianthraquinone
glycoside, fistulin.
Leaves gave free rhein, its glycosides—
sennosides A and B.
Cassia javanica L., a related species
found in West Bengal, Maharashtra
and Tamil Nadu, is used as a substitute
for Cassia fistula.
Dosage Fruit pulp—– g powder.
(API Vol. I.)
Cassia obovata (L.) Collad.
Synonym C. obtusa Roxb.
Family Calsalpiniaceae.
Habitat Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan,
Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra,
Karnataka, Kerala and
Tamil Nadu.
English Spanish, Sudan Senna.
Ayurvedic Maarkandikaa, Svarnapattri.
(related species)
Folk Sonaamukhi, Sanaai.
C
Cassia sophera Linn. 129
Action An adulterant of the true
senna. Leaves and seeds—purgative
and anthelmintic.
Cassia obtusifolia Linn.
Family Calsalpiniaceae.
Habitat FromJammu and Himachal
Pradesh to West Bengal, also in
central and western India, up to an
altitude of , m.
Ayurvedic Chakramarda, Prapunnaada.
Folk Chakondaa, Chakwar,
Pumariaa.
Action Pods—Antidysenteric,
antibacterial, antifungal. Seeds—
used for ringwormand skin diseases
also for cough, cold, asthma, and as
a mild purgative in liver complaints.
Cassia occidentalis Linn.
Family Calsalpiniaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, up to
an altitude of , m.
English Coffee Senna, Foetid
Cassia, Negro Coffee.
Ayurvedic Kaasamarda, Kaasaari.
Unani Kasondi.
Siddha/Tamil Paeyaavarai, Thagarai.
Folk Kasondi (bigger var.).
Action Purgative, diuretic,
febrifugal, expectorant, stomachic.
Leaves—used internally and
externally in scabies, ringworm and
other skin diseases. A hot decoction
is given as an antiperiodic. Seeds—
used for cough, whooping cough
and convulsions. Roasted seeds
(roasting destroys the purgative
property) are mixed with coffee for
strength.
The pods contain sennosides and
anthraquinones; seeds polysaccharides,
galactomannan; leaves dianthronic
hetroside; pericarp apigenin; roots
emodol; plant xanthone—cassiolin;
seeds phytosterolin; flowers physcion
and its glucosides, emodin and betasitosterol.
The volatile oil obtained from the
leaves, roots and seeds showed antibacterial
and antifungal activity.
The seeds, when fed to animals, resulted
in weight loss and also were
found to be toxic to experimental animals.
Leaves are preferred to quinine as
a tonic, seeds are considered as a haemateinic
toxic and root is used as a hepatic
tonic.
Dosage Seed—– g powder;
leaf—– ml juice; root bark—– ml decoction. (CCRAS.)
Cassia sophera Linn.
Family Calsalpiniaceae.
Habitat In gardens as hedge
throughout India.
English Sophera Senna.
Ayurvedic Kaasamarda.
Unani Kasondi.
Siddha/Tamil Ponnaavaarai.
Action Leaves, seeds, bark—
cathartic; considered specific for
C
130 Cassia tora Linn.
ringworm and other skin diseases
(bark may cause dermatitis); used
for bronchitis and asthma.
A paste of leaves is used for treating
piles. An infusion of fresh leaves,
with sugar, is given in jaundice. Plant
is spasmolytic. Alcoholic extract of
leaves is intestinal and bronchial muscle
relaxant.
The leaves contain a flavone glycoside
and sennoside. Root bark contains
anthraquinones, chrysophanol,
physcion and beta-sitosterol. Heartwood
gave isomeric derivatives, ,,
-trihydroxy--methylanthraquinone,
along with sopheranin, beta-sitosterol,
chrysophanol, physcion, emodin, -
octadecanol and quercetin.
Cassia tora Linn.
Family Calsalpiniaceae.
Habitat Throughout India as
a weed.
English Sickle Senna, Ringworm
Plant.
Ayurvedic Chakramarda, Chakri,
Prapunnaada, Dadrughna, Meshalochana,
Padmaata, Edagaja.
Unani Penwaad Taarutaa.
Siddha/Tamil Ushittgarai.
Folk Chakavad, Daadamaari.
Action Leaves—taken internally
to prevent skin diseases; applied
against eczema and ringworm;
pounded and applied on cuts, act
like tincture of iodine. Seeds,
soaked in water, are taken for
spermatorrhoea. A paste made of
equal parts of leaves and seeds is
given for jaundice. Pods are used in
dysentery.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicated the use of the seed in
paralysis and hemiplegia as a supporting
drug.
The leaves contain chrysophanol,
aloe-emodin, rhein and emodin. Mature
leaves possess purgative properties
and are sometimes utilized to adulterate
the true senna; also used as an
antiperiodic and anthelmintic.
The leaf extract exhibited antifungal
activity against the ringworm fungus
Microsporon nanum.
Seeds contain anthraquinone glycosides,
naptho-pyrone glycosides, cassiaside
and rubrofusarin--beta-gentiobioside.
These constituents showed
significant hepatoprotective activity.
Thrachrysone, isolated from seeds,
showed stronger antioxidant activity
than tocopherol and BHA.
Chrysophanic acid--anthrone, extracted
from the seed, was found to be
active against ringworm fungi.
Dosage Seed—– g powder. (API
Vol. III.)
Cassytha filiformis Linn.
Family Lauraceae
Habitat Throughout the greater
parts of India.
English Doddar-Laurel, Love-Vine.
Ayurvedic Amarvalli, Aakaashbel.
(Cuscuta reflexa is also known as
Amarvalli.)
C
Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. 131
Siddha/Tamil Erumaikkottan.
Action Astringent, diuretic (given
in dropsy and anasarca, also in
biliousness, chronic dysentery,
haemoptysis and for supressing
lactation after still-birth); piscicidal
and insecticidal (used as a hair-wash
for killing vermin).
The plant contains aporphine alkaloids.
Castanea sativa Mill.
Synonym C. vulgaris Lam.
Family Fagaceae.
Habitat Darjeeling, Khasi Hills,
Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
English Spanish Chestnut, Sweet
Chestnut.
Folk Singhaaraa (not to be confused
with water-chestnut, Tripa natans
L.)
Action Leaves—astringent,
antitussive and febrifuge (used
for fevers and diseases of the
respiratory tract). An infusion is
used as a gargle in pharyngitis,
proxysmal coughs, catarrh and
whooping cough. Nuts—extract, as
platelet inhibitor in thrombosis and
atherosclerosis.
The leaves contain tannins (–%)
flavone glycosides, triterpenoids, ursolic
acid, lupeol and betulin. Heartwood
contains .%tannins and .%nontannins.
Thewood and bark contain – and –% tannins respectively.
Nuts are eaten raw, roasted or boiled
like potatoes. Nuts contain protein,
calcium, phosphorus, thiamine, riboflavin
and niacin; also tocopherols.
Nuts, crushed with vinegar and barley
flour, are used against indurations of
breast.The extract of nuts exhibits possibility
of its use as a platelet inhibitor in
thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Leaves
are inhibitors of pectinolytic enzymes.
American chestnut and European
chestnut are equated with Castanea
dentata andC. sativa,respectively. Both
are used for respiratory ailments.
Casuarina equisetifolia Linn.
Family Casuarinaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in coastal
regions of Peninsular India.
English Casuarina, She-Oak,
Australian or Whistling Pine,
Beefwood.
Ayurvedic Jhaau, Vilaayati Jhaau.
Siddha/Tamil Savukku.
Action Bark—astringent, antidiarrhoeal.
Leaf—antispasmodic,
used in colic. Aerial parts—
hypoglycaemic.
The plant contains kaempferol glycoside,
quercetin glycoside, cupressuflavone,
tannins, shikimic acid, quinic
acid, amino acids, sugars.
Catharanthus roseus
(L.) G. Don.
Synonym Vinca rosea L.
Lochnera rosea (L.) Reichub.
Family Apocynaceae.
C
132 Cayratia carnosa (Wall.) Gagnep.
Habitat Commonly grown in
Indian gardens.
English Madagascar Periwinkle
(Vinca major L. Pich. and Vinca
minor Linn. are known as Greater
Periwinkle and Lesser Periwinkle
respectively).
Folk Sadaabahaar, Nayantaaraa,
Nityakalyaani.
Action The cytotoxic dimeric
alkaloids, present in Madagascar
Periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus L.
Don, Vincea rosea L., and used for
the treatment of certain type of
cancer, have not been found in V.
major.
Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar
Periwinkle) : cytostatic, anti-neoplastic,
slows down growth of cells by supressing
immune response. Vinblastine
and Vincristine are said to prolong
remission of leukaemia to more than
five years. These chemotherapeutic
agents are toxic to the nervous system.
Vinblastine is also used for breast
cancer and Hodgkin's disease.
Vinca major L. Pich. (Greater Periwinkle):
astringent, anti-haemorrhagic;
used for menorrhagia and leucorrhoea.
Contains indole alkaloids
including reserpinine and serpentine;
tannins.
Vinca minor Linn. (Lesser Periwinkle):
astringent; circulatory stimulant.
Leaves—stomachic and bitter. Root—
hypotensive. Used for gastric catarrh,
chronic dyspepsia, flatulence; also for
headache, dizziness, behaviours disorders.
A homoeopathic tincture is given
for internal haemorrhages.
Cayratia carnosa (Wall.) Gagnep.
Synonym C. trifolia (L.) Domin.
Vitis carnosa Wall.
V.trifolia Linn.
Family Vitaceae.
Habitat Throughout the warmer
parts of India, from Jammu and
Rajasthan to Assam and up to
m.
Ayurvedic Gandira.
Siddha/Tamil Tumans.
Action Leaves, seeds, roots—astringent, applied to ulcers
and boils. Leaves—iaphoretic
(recommended in high fever). Rootgiven
in anaemic conditions. Aerial
parts—NS active, hypothermic.
The stems, leaves and roots
contain hydrocyanic acid. Presence
of delphinidin and cyanidin is
reported in the leaves.
Cayratia pedata (Wall.) Gagnep.
Synonym Vitis pedata Vahl exWall.
Family Vitaceae.
Habitat Bihar, West Bengal and
Assam, up to m.
Ayurvedic Godhaapadi.
Siddha/Tamil Kattuppirandai.
Action Leaves—stringent and refrigerant
(used for ulcers, diarrhoea,
uterine and other fluxes).
Aerial parts—iuretic, spasmolytic.
Cedrela toona Roxb.
Synonym Toona ciliata M. Roem.
C
Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. 133
Family Meliaceae.
Habitat Sub-Himalayan tract,
Assam and throughout hilly regions
of Central and South India.
English Red Cedar, Toon, Indian
Mahogany tree.
Ayurvedic Tuunikaa, NandiVrksha.
Siddha/Tamil Tunumaram,
Santhana Vembu.
Folk Toonaa.
Action Bark—stringent, antidysenteric,
antiperiodic. Flowers—emmenagogue. Leaf—spasmolytic, hypoglycaemic, antiprotozoal.
Bark and heartwood yielded tetranortriterpenoids,
including toonacilin.
Heartwood also gave a coumarin, geranylgernalol
and its fatty esters. Toonacilin
and its -hydroxy derivatives are
antifeedant.
Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud.
Synonym C. libani Barrel. var.
deodara Hook. f.
Family Pinaceae.
Habitat North-western Himalayas
from Kashmir to Garhwal, from
, to , m.
English Himalayan Cedar, Deodar.
Ayurvedic Devadaaru, Suradruma,
Suradaaru, Devakaashtha,
Devadruma, Saptapatrika, Daaru,
Bhadradaaru, Amarataru, Amaradaaru,
Daaruka, Devaahvaa,
Surataru, Surabhuruha.
Unani Deodaar.
Siddha/Tamil Thevathaaram.
Action Bark—ecoction is
used internally as astringent,
antidiarrhoeal and febrifuge.
Essential oil—ntiseptic (used in
skin diseases).
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
India indicated the use of the heartwood
in puerperal diseases.
The wood contains sesquiterpenoids;
exhibits sapasmolytic activity. Alcoholic
extract of the wood showed
marked anti-inflammatory activity in
mice; alcoholic extract showed antibacterial
activity.
The wood possesses diaphoretic, diuretic
and carminative properties, and
is used in fevers and in pulmonary and
urinary disorders.
Himalayan Cedarwood Oil contains
two major sesquiterpenoids—lphaand
beta-himchalenes. Presence of butyric
and caproic acids is also reported.
The oil shows in vitro antibacterial and
antifungal activity. It increases vascular
permeability. Needles, on steam
distillation, yield a volatile oil, rich in
borneol and its esters. An alcoholic extract
of the needles shows significant
antibacterial activity against diptheria
bacteria. The juice shows antiviral activity
against tobacco mosaic virus and
potato virus.
The bark contains -C methyltaxifoline,
dihydroquercetin, -C methylquercetin,
quercetin, sitosterol, and
tannins .%, non-tannins .%
(varies with the age of the tree). An
alcoholic extract of the bark shows
significant activity against diptheria
bacteria; aqueous extract of the dried
bark showed anti-inflammatory activC
134 Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn.
ity against acute and chronic inflammations.
Aqueous extract of the bark
is found effective in reducing sugar
content of diabetic patient' urine and
blood to normal levels.
Dosage Heartwood—– g
powder. (API Vol. IV.)
Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn.
Synonym Eriodendron anafractuosum
DC.
Family Bombacaceae.
Habitat West and South India.
Often found planted around villages
and temples.
English Kapok, White Silk Cotton.
Ayurvedic Kuuta-Shaalmali, Shveta
Shaalmali.
Siddha/Tamil Ielavum (Tamil).
Action Gum—axative, astringent,
demulcent (given in painful micturition).
Unripe fruit—stringent.
Root—iuretic, antidiabetic, antispasmodic
(used in dysentery).
Flowers—axative; used in lochiorrhoea.
Unripe pods—sed in
vertigo and migraine. Seed oil—used in rheumatism.
The plant contains linarin (acacetin
-rutinoside). Seeds contain fatty acids,
diglycerides andphospholipids. Leaves
are considered a good source of iron
and calcium. Stem-bark extract—ntimicrobial.
Celastrus paniculatus Willd.
Family Celastraceae.
Habitat Sub-Himalayan tract up to
, m and South Indian hills.
English Staff tree, Intellect tree.
Ayurvedic Jyotishmati, Paaraavatpadi.
Kangunikaa, Kanguni, Vegaa,
Maalkaanguni, Svarnalatikaa,
Kaakaandaki, Katuveekaa.
Unani Maalkangani.
Siddha/Tamil Vaaluluvai.
Action Seeds—ervine and
brain tonic, diaphoretic, febrifugal,
emetic. Seed-oil—sed for treating
mental depression, hysteria and for
improving memory; also used for
scabies, eczema, wounds, rheumatic
pains, paralysis. A decoction of
seeds is given in gout, rheumatism,
paralysis and for treating leprosy
and other skin diseases. Leaves—antidysenteric, emmenagogue.
Root— paste of root-bark is
applied to swollen veins and
pneumonic affections.
Key application As a tranquilizer
(Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia)
and brain tonic (The Ayurvedic
Pharmacopoeia of India). The
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
indicated the use of ripe seed in
leucoderma and vitiligo.
Theseeds are reported to contain the
alkaloids, celastrine and paniculatine,
which are the active principles of the
drug.
In experimental animals, the drug
showed lowering of leptazol toxicity,
motor activity and amphetamine toxicity,
and raising the capacity for learning
process. It showed significant CNS
depressant effect and a clear synergism
C
Centaurea behen Linn. 135
with pentobarbital. The seed extract
showed hypolipidaemic effect and prevented
atherogenesis in rabbits.
The seed oil showed tranquillizing
effect and hastened the process
of learning in experimental animals.
It produced fall in blood pressure in
anaesthetized dog, depressed the heart
of frog, and was found to be toxic to
rats.
In addition to the seed, % alcoholic
extract of the plant showed sedative,
anti-inflammatory and antipyretic,
anti-ulcerogenic effect in experimental
animals.
Methanolic extract of flowers
showed both analgesic and antiinflammatory
activities experimentally.
Dosage Ripe seed, devoid of
capsule wall—– g; oil—–
drops. (API Vol. II.)
Celosia argentea Linn.
Family Amaranthaceae.
Habitat A common weed,
occurring throughout India.
English Wild Cock' Comb.
Ayurvedic Shitivaaraka, Vitunna.
Siddha/Tamil Pannaikeerai.
Folk Shveta-murga, Sarvari,
Sarvali, Surali.
Action Flowers—sed in menorrhagia,
blood-dysentery. Seeds—antidiarrhoeal, also used in stomatitis.
Whole plant—ntibacterial,
antiscorbutic and cooling.
Tender leaves are rich in potassium
and in B and B. An alcoholic extract
of the leaves and its flavonoids showed
antibacterial activity, which was comparable
to ampicillin and streptomycin.
The seeds contain .–% of protein
and .–.% of a fatty oil. The
seeds and roots yield triterpenoid saponins.
An alcoholic extract of the seeds
possess significant diuretic activity.
Celosia cristata Linn.
Family Amaranthaceae.
Habitat Indian gardens, as
ornamental.
English Cock' Comb.
Ayurvedic Jataadhaari.
Folk Laal Murgaa.
Action Seeds—emulcent; used
for painful micturition, dysentery.
Flowers—sed in menorrhagia and
diarrhoea.
The plant contains betanin, and several
sterols. The inflorescence contain
amarantin, isoamarantin, celosianin
and isocelosianin. The seeds contain
.–.% of protein and yield .–.% of a fatty oil.
Choline esters of hyaluronic acid
from the plant, when fed to rats,
showed antiulcer and gastro-protective
effect.
Centaurea behen Linn.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Indigenous to Iran.
Imported into India.
C
136 Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban.
English White Rhapontic.
Unani Behman Safed, Behmanabyaz.
Action Root—ervine and anabolic
tonic, strengthens central nervous
system; also used in jaundice and
affections of the kidney.
The roots contain taraxasterol, its acetate
and myristate.
Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban.
Synonym Hydrocotyle asiatica
Linn.
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Habitat In marshy places throughout
India up to m.
English Asiatic Pennywort, Indian
Pennywort.
Ayurvedic Manduukaparni,
Manduukaparnikaa, Maanduuki,
Saraswati, Brahma-manduuki.
Siddha/Tamil Vallaarai.
Action Adaptogen, central
nervous system relaxant, peripheral
vasodilator, sedative, antibiotic,
detoxifier, blood-purifier, laxative,
diuretic, emmenagogue. Used
as a brain tonic for improving
memory and for overcoming
mental confusion, stress, fatigue,
also used for obstinate skin diseases
and leprosy.
Key application Extracts orally
to treat stress-induced stomach
and duodenal ulcers; topically to
accelerate healing, particularly
in cases of chronic postsurgical
and post trauma wounds; also
to treat second and third degree
burns. Patients suffering from
venous insufficiency were treated
with a titrated extract of the drug.
(WHO.)
Used in Indian medicine as a brain
tonic and sedative. (Indian Herbal
Pharmacopoeia.)
Major constituents of the plant are:
triterpenoid saponins—rahmoside,
asiaticoside, thankuniside; alkaloids
(hydrocotyline); bitter principles (vellarin).
Brahmoside, present in the plant, is
reported to exhibit tranquilizing and
anabolic activity. Raw leaves are eaten
or plant decoction is drunk to treat
hypertension.
Asiaticoside, extracted from leaves,
gave encouraging results in leprosy. It
dissolves the waxy covering of Bacillus
leprae. Centelloside has also been
found useful in leprosy. Asiaticoside
reduced the number tubercular lesions
in the liver, lungs, nerve ganglia and
spleen in experimental animals. Another
derivative of asiaticoside, oxyasiaticoside,
inhibits growth of Tubercle
bacillus at a concentration of .ml/ml
Asiaticosides are also hyperglycaemic.
The asiatic acid acts against resistant
bacteria, particularly Mycobacterium
tuberculosis and M. leprae as well as
Gram-positive cocci.
Asiaticosides elevate blood glucose,
triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
They seem to decrease blood urea
nitrogen and acid phosphatase levels.
(Pharmacological findings. NaturalMedicines
ComprehensiveDatabase,
.)
C
Centratherum anthelminticum Kuntze. 137
Boiled leaves are eaten for urinary
tract infections, and unfiltered juice for
scrofula and syphilis.
Extract of the fresh plant significantly
inhibits gastric ulceration by cold restraint
stress in rats.
In research, using rats, the herb
exhibited protective effect against alcohol-
induced and aspirin-induced ulcers.
(J Exp Biol, , Feb, (), –.)
Dosage Whole plant—– g (API
Vol. IV.)
Centipeda orbicularis Lour.
Synonym C. minima (Linn.) A.Br.
& Asch.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat In damp places throughout
the plains and low hills in India.
English Sneezewort.
Ayurvedic Kshavaka, Chhikkini,
Chhikkikaa.
Folk Nak-chhikani.
Action Used for the treatment of
rhinitis, sinusitis, nasopharyngeal
tumors and obstructions, asthma
and cold; also used in hemicrania.
The plant extract showed a good antitussive
and expectorant activity on
mice. The flavonoids, sesquiterpenes
and amide exhibited significant antiallergy
activity in passive cutaneous anaphylaxis
(PCA) test.
Dosage Seed—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Centratherum anthelminticum
Kuntze.
Synonym Vernonia anthelmintica
Willd.
Family Asteraceae.
Habitat Throughout India up to
,min theHimalayas and Khasi
Hills.
English Purple Flea-bane, Achenes.
Ayurvedic Aranya-Jiraka, Vanajiraka,
Kaalijiri, Karjiri. Somaraaji (also
equated with Psoralea corylifolia
Linn., Papilionaceae).
Unani Kamoon barri.
Siddha/Tamil Kaattu seerakam.
Action Anthelmintic (against
earthworms and tapeworms),
stomachic, diuretic; used in skin
diseases.
Delta--avenasterol is the main active
principle of seeds. Seed oil contains
vernasterol. Seeds bitter principle
is a demanolide lactone. Centratherin
and germacranolide from the leaves
and stem have been isolated. Leaves
contain abscisic acid. EtOH extract of
achenes exhibited good results in giardiasis.
Various plant parts are used in
syphilis. Clinical studies on vircarcika
eczema validated the use of the drug in
skin diseases.
The drug exhibited smooth musclerelaxant
and hypotensive activity in animals.
Dosage Seed—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
C
138 Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Brot.) A. Rich.
Cephaelis ipecacuanha
(Brot.) A. Rich.
Synonym Psychotria ipecacuanha
Stokes.
Family Rubiaceae.
Habitat Native to tropical America.
Now cultivated in Darjeeling,
Assam, in the Nilgiris, and in
Sikkim.
English Ipecac, Ipecacuanha.
Action Root—ntiprotozal,
expectorant (in low doses), diaphoretic,
emetic (in high doses); used in
amoebic dysentery, stubborn cough,
whopping cough (for liquefying
bronchial phlegm).
Key application As expectorant,
emetic. (The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia.)
The root contains isoquinoline alkaloids
(consisting mainly of emetine
and cephaeline); tannins (ipecacuanha
and ipecacuanhic acid; glycosides
including a monoterpene isoquinoline
derivative); saponins; a mixture of glycoproteins;
starch; choline; resins.
The alkaloids are clinically useful in
the treatment of amoebiasis.
Emetine and cephaeline are emetic
due to their irritating effect on stomach;
cephaeline is more toxic. Emetine
is a standard antiamoebic principle. In
smaller doses, both are expectorant.
The fluid extract is times stronger
than the syrup of the crude drug. The
powder is toxic at – g.
Emetine accumulates in liver, lungs,
kidneys and spleen; traces are detectable
after – days. (Francis
Brinker.)
Ceratonia siliqua Linn.
Family Caesalpinaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in Punjab.
English Locust Bean; St. John'
Bread, Carob tree.
Unani Kharnub Shaami.
Action Pod and husk from seed—antidiarrhoeal (stools in gastroenteritis
and colitis are known to
solidify within h).
The pods contain tannin from .
to .%.
Pulp of the pod contains –%
sugars, fats, starch, protein, amino
acids, gallic acid; leucoanthocyanins
and related phenolics. Leaves contain
catechols.
Ceratophyllum demersum Linn.
Family Ceratophyllaceae.
Habitat All over India from
temperate to tropics, in ponds and
lakes.
English Coontail, Hornwort.
Ayurvedic Shaivaala (also equated
with Vallisneria spiralis Linn.,
Hydrocharitaceae), Jalnili, Jalaja.
Unani Tuhlub, Pashm Vazg.
Siddha/Tamil Velampasi.
Folk Sevaar.
Action Purgative, antibilious,
antibacterial.
The herb is rich in protein, calcium
and magnesium; contains ferredoxin
and plastocyanin. EtOH (%)
extract—ntimicrobial.
C
Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb. 139
Dosage Whole plant—– ml juice; – ml decoction.
(CCRAS.)
Cereus grandiflorus Mill.
Family Cactaceae.
Habitat Indian gardens.
English Cereus, Night Blooming
Cereus, Sweet Scented Cactus.
Folk Nivadung Paanchkoni
(Maharashtra).
Action Fresh, young shoots—ardiac
stimulant, anti-inflammatory.
Theplant contains glucose, fructose,
starch, amino acids and citric, fumaric,
maleic, malonic and oxalic acids.
Tyramine, a cardiotonic amine, can
strengthen heart muscle action.
Theflower, stemand young shoots of
cereus can stimulate heart and dilate
peripheral vessels, as well as stimulate
spinal cord motor neurons. The
reputed digitalis effect of cereus is
claimed to be non-cumulative. (NaturalMedicines
ComprehensiveDatabase,
.)
Ceriops candolleana Arn.
Synonym C. tagal (Perr.)
C.B. Robins.
Family Rhizophoraceae.
Habitat Muddy shores and tidal
creeks of India.
English Compound Cymed
Mangrove.
Folk Kirrari (Sindh, Maharashtra).
Chauri (Maharashtra). Goran
(Bengal, Sundarbans).
Siddha/Tamil Pandikutti, Pavrikutti,
Pavrikutti, Kandal, Chira.
Action Plant—stringent. Stem
bark—ypoglycaemic. Bark—haemostatic. A decoction is used
to stop haemorrhage and is applied
to malignant ulcers; also given after
child birth.
Shoots—sed as a substitute for quinine.
The leaves (dry basis) gave .%
tannin, .% non-tannin; twig bark
.%, tannin, .% non-tannin; bole
bark .% tannin, .% non-tannin.
Presence of sitosterol, cholesterol,
campesterol, stigmasterol, -isofucosterol
and a hydrocarbon, squalene,
is reported in the leaves.
Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb.
Family Asclepiadacae.
Habitat Punjab and South India.
Folk Khappar-kaddu, Bhuu-tumbi,
Paataal-tumbi. Gilothi. Galot
(Punjab). Gilodya.
Action Tuberous root—sed for
diarrhoea and dysentery.
The fresh tubers are eaten after
removing the bitterness by boiling.
The bitter principle is an alkaloid,
ceropegine. The tuber contains .%
starch and possesses refrigerant property.
C
140 Ceropegia juncea Roxb.
The aqueous extract of edible Ceropegia
sp. contains steriods, polyphenols,
sugars and potassium. It potentiated
pentobarbitone hypnosis and exhibited
analgesic and diuretic activities.
It also antagonized histamine-induced
asphyxia in guinea pigs.
C. candelabrum L. var. biflora (L.)
M. Y. Ansari, synonym C. biflora L.,
C. tuberosa Roxb., C. intermedia auct.
non-Wt., are also equated with Bhuutumbi,
Paataal-tumbi.
Ceropegia juncea Roxb.
Family Asclepiadaceae.
Habitat Peninsular India.
Folk Kanvel (Maharashtra). Bellagada
(Telugu, Andhra Pradesh).
(Soma is a disputed synonym)
Action The plant extract exhibits
tranquilizing, hypotensive, hepatoprotective,
antiulcer, antipyretic,
topically anaesthetic activities in
experimental animals.
A pyridine alkaloid, cerpegin, together
with a triterpene, lupeol has
been isolated from the plant from
Tiruneveli, Tamil Nadu.
Cetraria islandica (Linn.) Ach.
Family Parmeliaceae.
Habitat Lichen found in the hills
from Tehri Garhwal to East Nepal.
English Cetraria, Iceland Lichen,
Iceland Moss.
Ayurvedic Shaileya (black var.)
Folk Charela (black var.)
Action A food and tonic in
convalescence and exhausting
diseases. Used for chronic catarrh
and bronchitis.
Key application In irritation of
the oral and pharyngeal mucous
membrane and accompanying
dry cough. (German Commission
E, ESCOP.) As demulcent. (The
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) As
a bitter remedy for lack of appetite.
(ESCOP.)
Themoss contains lichen acids (depsidones);
mainly cetraric, protocetraric,
fumarprotocetraric, lichesteric
and usnic acids; polysaccharides about
%—ichenin % and isolichenin
%; also furan derivatives, fatty acid
lactones and terpenes. Lichenin is
a moss-starch. Demulcent, expectorant
and antiemetic properties are due
mainly to the polysaccharides.
The usnic acid and protolichesterinic
acid in the lichen and its crude,
aqueous extract showed antibacterial
activity against several pathogenic bacteria.
Contraindicated in gastric or duodenal
ulcers due to its mucosa irritating
properties. (Sharon M. Herr.)
Lozenges containing mg of an
aqueous extract of Iceland moss, were
determined to be positive in % cases
with good gastric tolerance. (ESCOP
.)
Cheiranthus cheiri Linn.
Family Cruciferae; Brassicaceae.
C
Chenopodium ambrosioides Linn. 141
Habitat Native to South Europe,
grown as an ornamental.
English Wall-flower, Gilli Flower.
Unani Tudri (Surkh, Safed, Zard)
Action Flowers—ardioactive,
tonic, antispasmodic, purgative,
emmenagogue, deobstruent (used
in liver diseases and sexual debility).
Seeds—stomachic, diuretic,
expectorant (in bronchitis and
asthma); also goitrogenic. Juice of
leaves and seeds—ntibacterial.
Flowers contain flavonoids (quercetin
and rhamnetin derivatives); seeds
contain high levels of cardiac aglycones
( cardiac glycosides have been isolated);
oil contains cherinine, a glucoside
of the digitalis group.
In Unani medicine, the drug is used
as a tonic to themale reproductive system,
but recent findings do not validate
its therapeutic use. The flavonoid,
kaempferol, isolated from the young
plant, inhibits spermatogenesis and alters
leydig cell number and diameter,
affecting the fertility.
Chenopodium album Linn.
Family Chenopodiaceae.
Habitat A common herb. Its
leaves and tender twigs are used as
vegetable and fodder.
English Fat Hen, Lamb' Quarter,
White Goosefoot, Wild Spinach,
Pigweed.
Ayurvedic Vaastuuka.
Unani Bathuaa, Baathu.
Siddha/Tamil Paruppukeerai.
Folk Bathuaa, Chilli, Chilli-shaak.
Action Laxative, anthelmintic
against round-and hookworms,
blood-purifier, antiscorbutic.
An infusion is used for hepatic
disorders, spleen enlargement,
biliousness, intestinal ulcers. Used
for treating burns.
The leaves yield ascaridole, used for
treating round-and hookworms. The
oil also contain traces of ascaridole.
Plant contains % saponins. Cryptomeridiol,
isolated from the seeds,
showed significant growth promoting
activity.
Chenopodium ambrosioides
Linn.
Family Chenopodiaceae.
Habitat Native to West Indies and
South America. Now distributed
in South India, Bengal, Kashmir
and Maharashtra in wet places with
cultivated lands.
English Indian Wormseed, Sweet
Pigweed, Mexican Tea.
Ayurvedic Sugandh-vaastuuka,
Kshetra-vaastuuka.
Siddha/Tamil Kattasambadam.
Folk Khatuaa.
Action Antispasmodic, pectoral,
haemostatic, emmenagogue.
Employed in treating nervous
affections, particularly chorea.
Dried herb—nthelmintic against
round and hookworms.
C
142 Chenopodium botrys Linn.
Ascaridole, an active constituent of
the oil, is highly active against roundworms,
hookworms and small, but not
large, tapeworms. It is highly toxic and
can cause serious side effects.
The oil has been found useful in
amoebic dysentery and intestinal infections
(should be usedwith caution).
Leaves contain kaempferol--rhamnoside
and ambroside.
Adecoction of the herb is given as an
internal haemostatic and the infusion
as an enema for intestinal ulceration.
The infusion is sudorific and diuretic.
The oil exhibits antimicrobial and
strong antifungal activity against human
pathogenic fungi.
Chenopodium botrys Linn.
Family Chenopodiaceae.
Habitat The Himalaya, from
Kashmir to Sikkim.
English Feather Geramium,
Jerusalem-Oak.
Folk Jangaddi (Tibbet). Sahanik,
Vaastuuka (Ladakh).
Action Stimulant, diuretic,
carminative, antispasmodic, emmenagogue,
pectoral. Used in asthma,
catarrh; diseases of the stomach and
liver. Seeds are considered toxic.
The herb contains flavonoids (including
chrysoeriol and quercetin), also
several sesquiterpenoids. Betaine is
found in all parts of the plant.
Fresh herb yields an essential oil; Indian
oil is reported to be devoid of ascaridole,
the anthelmintic principle.
Chloris gayana Kunth.
Family Poaceae, Gramineae.
Habitat Annual grass introduced
into India from South Africa;
cultivated in tropical and subtropical
low-lying areas where rainfall is less
than cm.
English Giant Rhodes, Rhodes-
Grass.
Folk Rhoolsoohullu (Karnataka).
Action A proteinaceous factor,
phytotrophin, isolated from the
grass, was found to have antigenic
properties similar to those of animal
sex hormones and human chorionic
gonadotrophin.
A related species, Chloris incompleta
Roth., known as Bamnaa in Rajasthan
and Mathania in Uttar Pradesh, has
been equated with Ayurvedic classical
herbsManthaanak andTrnaaddhip.
Another species, C. virgata Benth. &
Hook. f., known as Gharaniyaa-ghass
in Rajasthan, is used for the treatment
of colds and rheumatism.
Chlorophytum arundinaceum
Baker.
Family Liliaceae.
Habitat The Himalaya from Nepal
to Bhutan, Assam and Bihar.
Ayurvedic Shveta-Musali. (Considered
different from Asparagus
adscendens Roxb.)
Unani Musali Safed, Biskandri.
Siddha/Tamil Vallaimusali.
Folk Nising, Tibbati Ginseng.
C
Chondodendron tomentosum Ruiz et Par. 143
Action Tuber—ervine and
general tonic. The plant is used as
a substitute for onion. Fried powder
of the root is chewed in aphthae of
mouth and throat. A decoction of
the root with turmeric is given in
rheumatism.
The roots contain a bibenzyl xyloside,
the steroidal sapogenins, besides
stigmasterol and its glucoside, nonacosane
and tetracosanoic, and triacontanoic
acids.
The root extract exhibited good
adaptogenic properties. The fruits
yield a polysaccharide, galactoglucan.
Chlorophytum tuberosum
Baker.
Family Liliaceae.
Habitat Central and Peninsular
India up to , m.
Ayurvedic Musali, Mushali.
Unani Musali.
Siddha Vallaimusali.
Action Dried tubers are used as
tonic.
The commercial drug, SafedMusali,
contains the tubers ofC. arundinaceum
Baker, C. tuberosum Baker and C. indicum
(Willd.) Dress, synonym C. attenuatum
Baker.
C. indicum is found on the hills in
Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and on
the hills near Udaipur in Rajasthan.
Dosage Dried tuber—– g
powder. (CCRAS.)
Chloroxylon swietenia DC.
Family Rutaceae.
Habitat Dry, deciduous forests,
throughout Peninsular India.
English Indian Satinwood tree.
Ayurvedic Provisionally equated
with Bhillotaka.
Siddha/Tamil Karumboraju,
Kudavuboraju, Poraju.
Folk Bhirraa, Bharahula, Raktarohidi.
Action Leaves—nti-inflammatory,
antiseptic. A paste is applied
to wounds; also in rheumatism.
Bark—stringent. A decoction is
used in contusions and for painful
joints. (The wood, its dust, moist
dust of freshly cut wood, cause skin
irritation and dermatitis.)
The bark contains the alkaloids—skimmianine, swietenidins A and B,
chloroxylin and chloroxylonine.
Chloroxylonine is a powerful irritant.
The bark also contains the coumarins
and lignans.
The leaves yield an essential oil
which shows antibacterial and antifungal
activity.
Chondodendron tomentosum
Ruiz et Par.
Family Menispermaceae.
Habitat A native of Peru and Brazil.
English False Pareira Brava.
Ayurvedic Paatha, Ambashthaa
(true Pareira is equated with
Cissampelos pareira root).
C
144 Chonemorpha macrophylla (Roxb.) G. Don.
Action Diuretic (used for chronic
inflammation of urinary passages,
calculus affections, jaundice,
dropsy); also for leucorrhoea,
rheumatism.
Roots and stem contain alkaloids,
including delta-tubocurarine and lcurarine.
Tubocurarine is a potent
muscle relaxant. The plant contains
toxic derivatives and must be used in
medicinal doses with caution.
Tubocurarine alkaloid is used as
tubocurarine chloride to paralyse
body' muscles during operations.
Chonemorpha macrophylla
(Roxb.) G. Don.
Synonym C. fragrans (Moon)
Alston.
Family Apocynaceae.
Habitat Dense moist forests
throughout India up to , m
altitude.
English Wood Vine.
Ayurvedic Used in the Southern
states as Muurvaa.
Action Powdered root and stems—laxative, antibilious.
Alignan derivative has been isolated
from the stem. It accelerated uptake of
low density lipoprotein by Hep G cell
by .%.
The root bark contains .% of
total alkaloids consisting mainly of
chonemorphine. Chonemorphine dihydrochloride
is an anti-amoebic principle.
It showed in vitro activity against
Entamoeba histolytica and trichomonas
vaginalis. It proved efficacious
against hepatic amoebiasis in golden
hamsters and intestinal amoebiasis in
Wister rats.
Chrozophora plicata Hook. f.
Synonym C. rottleri Klotzsh.
Family Euphorbiaceae.
Habitat Throughout India except
Jammu & Kashmir and northeastern
India as a weed.
Ayurvedic Suuryaavart.
Folk Nilakanthi.
Action Ash of root—echic. Leaf—depurative. Seed—athartic.
Roots contain xanthone glycosides
and a chromone glycoside. Seeds gave
oil rich in linoleate. The plant contains
.% tannin.
Chrysanthemum indicum Linn.
Synonym Pyrethrum indicum L.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Native to China and Japan.
Cultivated as an ornamental.
English Chrysanthemum.
Ayurvedic Shatapatri.
Unani Guldaaudi.
Siddha/Tamil Samanthipoo,
Akkarakkaram.
Action Flowers—tomachic, aperient,
anti-inflammatory. Leaves—prescribed in migraine (as circulatory
stimulant). Uses same as those
of chamomile.
C
Cicer arietinum Linn. 145
The flowers contain daucosterol,
cumambrin-A, glyceryl-l-monobehenate
and palmitic acid. Theflowers also
contain chrysanthemol which showed
strong anti-inflammatory activity in
mice. The flavones, apigenin and luteolin,
are reported to exhibit marked
antitumour activity.
Flowers yield an essential oil containing
camphor (.%), trans-carane-
trans--ol (.%), bornyl acetate
(.%) and sabinene (%).
A related species C. parthenium
(Linn.) Berhh., Feverfew, synonym
Tanacetum parthenium, used for the
management of migraine in Western
herbal, is found in Jammu and Kashmir.
The plant extracts have a powerful
and prostaglandin-independent inhibitory
effect on the secretion of granule
content by leucocytes and platelets.
The inhibition of the agonist-induced
serotonins release by platelets could be
accounted for the benefit in migraine.
The compound responsible for the
anti-secretory activity has been identified
as sesquiterpene alpha-methylenegamma-
lactone derivatives; parthenolide
being the main constituent of the
lactones. (Two fresh or frozen leaves
a day are chewed or capsules or pills
containing mg of the leaf material
is taken for migraine. Fresh leaves may
cause mouth sores.)
Chukrassia tabularis A. Juss.
Family Meliaceae.
Habitat Hills of Sikkim, Maharashtra,
Tamil Nadu and the
Andamans.
English Bastard Cedar, White
Cedar, Indian Red Wood.
Siddha/Tamil Aglay, Melei Veppu.
Folk Chikrassy.
Action Bark—stringent, febrifuge,
antidiarrhoeic, spasmolytic, diuretic.
The plant is used in skeltal
fractures.
The bark contains sitosterol, melianone,
scopoletin and ,-di-MeOcoumarin.
The leaves gave quercetin
galactoside, galloyl glucocide and
tannic acid. The bark and young leaves
contain and % tannin respectively.
Seeds contain tetranortriterpenoids.
EtOH (%) extract of the stem
bark exhibited spasmolytic, hypotensive
and diuretic activity. The saline
extract of seeds showed haemagglutinating
activity.
Cicer arietinum Linn.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in most parts of
India.
English Bengal Gram, Chick pea.
Ayurvedic Chanaka, Chanakaa,
Harimantha, Vajimantha, Jivan,
Sakal-priya.
Unani Nakhud.
Siddha/Tamil Kadalai, Mookkukkadalai.
Action Antibilious, hypocholesteremic,
antihyperlipidemic,
antistress. Acid exudate from
the plant—sed in indigestion,
diarrhoea, dysentery. Seed coat
C
146 Cichorium endivia Linn.
extract—iuretic, antifungal (externally).
Dry leaf—efrigerant.
Supplementation of gram in wheat
based diet helps in lysine absorption
which is otherwise a limiting amino
acid in cereal based diets. Germination
improves mineral bioavailability.
In germinated gram flour, there is significant
increase in nutritional quality
of protein and very significant increase
in ascorbic acid.
The seeds contain pangamic acid,
the stemina building, antistress and
antihyperlipidemic principle of gram.
Gram is given as preventive diet to
atherosclerosis patients because of its
rich phosphorus content.
Isoflavones, biochanin A and formonetin
exhibited hypolipidermic activity
in rats. Total flavonoids reduced
serum and liver cholesterol in rats.
Seeds reduced postprandial plasma
glucose in human.
Cichorium endivia Linn.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Native to the Mediterranean
region, cultivated mainly in
Northern India.
English Succory, Endive.
Unani Kaasani, Bustaani (Baaghi).
Action Plant—ntibilious. Root—demulcent, febrifuge, diuretic; used
in dyspepsia; as a tonic for liver
and digestive system. Milder than
C. intybus.
Roots contain sesquiterpene lactones.
See C. intybus.
Cichorium intybus Linn.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Native to Europe;
commonly occurs in North West
India, Tamil Nadu and parts of
Andhra Pradesh.
English Chicory, Indian Endive.
Ayurvedic Kaasani.
Unani Kaasani Dashti (Barri).
Siddha/Tamil Kasinikkeerai.
Action Diuretic, laxative, cholagogue,
mild hepatic. Excites
peristalsis without affecting the
functions of the stomach. Used
in liver congestion, jaundice,
rheumatic and gouty joints.
Key application (herb and root) In
loss of appetite, dyspepsia. (German
Commission E.)
The herb contains inulin (up to %
in the root); sesquiterpene lactones
(including lactucin and lactucopicrin);
coumarins (chicoriin, esculetin, esculin,
umbelliferone and scopoletin);
the root includes a series of glucofructosans.
Raw chicory root contains
only citric and tartaric acids; roasted
chicory contains acetic, lactic, pyruvic,
pyromucic, palmitic and tartaric
acids. The carcinogenic hydrocarbons
and floranthene are also reported in
the chicory (a potent carcinogen ,-
benzpyrene has been detected).
Added to coffee, chicory root counteracts
caffeine and helps in digestion.
An alcoholic extract of the plant was
found effective against chlorpromazine-
induced hepatic damage in adult
C
Cinchona officinalis Linn. 147
albino rats. The cholagogue activity is
attributed to polyphenols.
The sedative effect of chicory is attributed
to lactucopicrin. The sedative
effect antagonizes the stimulant effect
of tea and coffee. (Natural Medicines
Comprehensive Database, .)
The extracts of roots were found to
be active against several bacteria.
Dosage Seed—– g powder;
leaf—– ml juice; root—– ml. (CCRAS.)
Cimicifuga racemosa
(Linn.) Nutt.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat Temperate Himalayas
from Kashmir to Bhutan up to at
,–, m.
English Black Cohosh Root, Black
Snake Root.
Folk Cohosh, Jiuenti (Punjab).
Action Sedative, anti-inflammatory,
antitussive, diuretic, emmenagogue.
Used in homoeopathy for rheumatic
diseases of nervous, hysterical
women, suffering from uterine
affections; also for locomotor
ataxia.
Key application In climacteric
(menopausal), neurovegetative
ailments, premenstrual discomfort
and dysmenorrhoea. (German
Commission E, ESCOP.)
Therhizome contains triterpene glycosides
(including actein, cimigoside,
cimifugine and racemoside; isoflaones
(including formononetin; isoferulic
acid; volatile oil, tannin.
Pharmacological studies have
shown that the menthol extract binds
to oestrogen receptors in vitro and in
rat uteri; this activity is thought to be
due to the presence of formononetin.
Racemoside exhibited antiulcer activity
in mice. Isoferulic acid lowered
body temperature in rats.
The rhizome is hypotensive in animals;
a central nervous system depressant
and antispasmodic in mice; causes
peripheral vasodilation in human.
Also exhibits anti-inflammatory (The
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia) and hypoglycaemic
activity.
Actein has been studied for use
in treating peripheral arterial disease.
(ExpandedCommission EMonographs.)
Clinically, the rhizome and root
constituents of Black Cohosh does
not seem to affect hormonal levels,
such as estradiol, LH, FSH and prolactin.
(Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database, .)
Cimicifuga foetida L. root is used
in bronchial and rheumatic diseases.
Aqueous EtOH extract is used in cosmetic
preparations for protecting skin;
also used for preventing oral diseases
and bad breath.
White Cohosh, used for urinogenital
disorders, is equated with Actea
pachypoda, synonymA. alba, A. rubra.
Blue Cohosh has been identified as
Caulophyllum thalictroides. It is toxic
and abortifacient.
Cinchona officinalis Linn.
Synonym C. robusta How.
C
148 Cinnamomum camphora (Linn.) Nees & Eberm.
Family Rubiaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in West Bengal
and Tamil Nadu.
English Crown or Loxa Bark.
Ayurvedic Quinine.
Unani Al-keenaa, Kanakanaa.
Action Antimalarial, febrifuge, astringent,
orexigenic, sapasmolytic.
Also prescribed in amoebic dysentery,
jaundice, atonic dyspepsia,
night cramps. Sometimes causes
gastric and intestinal irritation.
Key application In peptic discomforts
such as bloating and
fullness, loss of appetite. (German
Commission E.)
The bark contains alkaloids quinine
(.–.%); quinidine (.–.%);
cinchonine (.–.%); cinchonidine
(.–.%) and other alkaloids,
quinamine, javanine (.–.%).
The leaves contain quercetin, kaempferol
and avicularin.
Quinine is antimalarial; quinidine is
antiarrhythmic and cardiac tonic, also
used in psychic treatments.
The bark shows potent inhibitory activity
against polymorphonuclear leucocytes;
the activity is attributed to the
alkaloids of the bark. Cinchona may
potentiate coumarin derivatives. In
large doses, it is sedative to CNS and
cardiac plexus.
Quinine is toxic at over g, quinidine
at g.
Related Cinchona sp.: C. calisaya
Wedd. (Nilgiris and Sikkim); C. calisaya
Wedd. var. ledgeriana How.
(West Bengal, Khasi Hills and Tamil
Nadu); and C. succirubra Pav. ex Klotz.
(Nilgiris and Annamalis in Tamil
Nadu, Sikkim and West Bengal).
The bark of all the species contain
quinine, quinidine, cinchonine and
cinchonidine and exhibit antimalarial
activity. The alcoholic extract of
C. ledgeriana Moens ex Trimen bark
exhibits antibacterial activity against
Gram-positive bacteria comparable to
sodium penicillin. The extract, however,
exhibits lesser activity than dihydrostreptomycin
sulphate against
Gram-negative bacteria.
Cinnamomum camphora
(Linn.) Nees & Eberm.
Family Lauraceae.
Habitat A tree native to China and
Japan and often grown as a hedge
plant.
English Camphor tree.
Ayurvedic Karpura, Ghanasaara,
Chandra, Chandra Prabhaa,
Sitaabhra, Hima-valukaa, Himopala,
Himakara, Shashi, Indu,
Tushaara, Gandhadravya, Shitalraja.
Unani Kaafoor.
Siddha/Tamil Indu, Karupporam.
Action Camphor taken internally in
small doses (toxic in large doses) acts
as a carminative, reflex expectorant
and reflex stimulant of heart and
circulation as well as respiration.
Also used as a sedative and nervous
depressant in convulsions, hysteria,
epilepsy, chorea. Topically used as
a rubefacient and mild analgesic.
C
Cinnamomum cassia Blume. 149
Key application Externally in
catarrhal diseases of the respiratory
tract and muscular rheumatism;
internally in hypotonic circulatory
regulation disorders, Catarrhal
diseases of the respiratory tract.
(German Commission E.)
The plant contains a volatile oil
comprising camphor, safrole, linalool,
eugenol and terpeneol. It also contains
lignans (including secoisosolariciresinol
dimethyl ether and kusunokiol).
Safrole is thought to be carcinogenic.
Th e leaf oil is a natural source of
linalool (.%); also contained citronellal
(.%).
Camphor in concentration of
mcg/ml completely inhibits the growth
of vibro parahaemolyticus, one of the
causative agents of diarrhoea and dysentery.
Ethanolic extract (%) of
fruits show antibacterial activity
against several Gram-positive and
Gram-negative bacteria. The essential
oil from the plant possesses antifungal
activity against many fungi.
Camphor is toxic at – g.
Dosage Concentrate—– mg
(CCRAS.)
Cinnamomum cassia Blume.
Synonym C. aromaticum Nees.
Family Lauraceae.
Habitat Native to China, Indonesia
and Vietnam.
English Chinese Cinnamon, Cassia
Bark.
Ayurvedic Tvak, Daalchini (bark).
Siddha/Tamil Lavangappattai.
Action Antispasmodic, carminative,
antiputrescent, antidiarrhoeal,
antiemetic, antimicrobial, mild
analgesic. Used for flatulent
dyspepsia, colic, irritable bowel,
diverticulosis; also for influenza
and colds.
Key application In loss of appetite,
dyspeptic complaints such as mild
spasma of gastrointestinal tract,
bloating, flatulence. (German
Commission E, The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia, ESCOP.)
The bark yields an essential oil containing
cinnamaldehyde (.%) and
eugenol (.%) as major constituents.
Cinnamaldehyde is a weak CNS
stimulant at low doses and a depressant
at high doses and has spasmolytic
activity. It is hypotensive, hypoglycaemic
and increases peripheral blood
flow; it reduces platelet aggregability
by inhibiting both cyclooxygenase and
lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic
acid metabolism.
Aqueous extract of the bark shows
significant antiallergic activity in
guinea pig. Diterpenes (Cinncassiols)
are thought to be responsible for
atleast some of the antiallergic effects.
The herb inhibited ulcers induced
by ethanol, also ulcers induced by
phenylbutazone; failed to prevent ulcers
induced by indomethacin. (Planta
Med , (), –.)
The extract, when administered
orally to rats with nephritis, prevents
the increase of protein level in urine.
The bark markedly reduces blood
pressure in experimental rats; exhibits
tranquilizing effect and is used as
C
150 Cinnamomum tamala.
an antiepileptic and sedative agent in
drugs of TCM.
Cinnamomum tamala.
Family Lauraceae.
Habitat Thesubtropical Himalayas,
Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
English Indian Cassia, Lignea.
Ayurvedic Tejapatra, Patra,
Patraka, Utkat, Tamaalpatra,
Naalukaa, Naalikaa.
Unani Saleekhaa, Saazaj Hindi (Also
equated with Zarnab/Telispattar
by National Formulary of Unani
Medicine, Part I.)
Siddha/Tamil Talishpattiri (now
equated with the leaf of Abies
webbiana); Lavangappattiri.
Folk Tejpaata.
Action Leaf—arminative,
antidiarrhoeal, spasmolytic, antirheumatic,
hypoglycaemic.
Essential oil—ungicidal.
The oil from bark contains cinnamaldehyde
(–%) as major constituent.
(See.C.cassia.) Leaves from
Nepal yield a volatile oil, containing
mainly linalool .%; cinnamaldehyde
.%, alpha-and beta-pinene, pcymene
and limonene.
Cinnamomum wighti Meissn. is also
equated with Tejapatra. The bud,
known as Sirunaagappoo in Siddha/
Tamil, is used as Naagakeshara (black
var.). (Naagakeshara is obtained from
Mesua ferra and Dillenia pentagyne.)
C. impressinervium Meissn. (Sikkim)
and C. obtusifolium (Roxb.) Nees
(theCentral and EasternHimalayas up
to , m, Assam and Andaman Islands)
are related species of Cinnamomum.
The leaves and bark contain cinnamaldehyde.
Dosage Dried leaves—– g
powder. (API Vol. I.)
Cinnamomum zeylanicum.
Synonym C. verum Persl.
Family Lauraceae.
Habitat Western Ghats at low
levels. Plantations of cinnamon are
confined to Kerala State.
English Cinnamon, Ceylon
Cinnamon.
Ayurvedic Tvak, Daaruchini,
Chochaa, Choncha, Varaanga,
Utkata, Daarusitaa (bark).
Unani Daarchini (bark).
Siddha/Tamil Elavangappattai.
Folk Daalchini.
Action Bark—arminative, astringent,
antispasmodic, expectorant,
haemostatic, antiseptic. Leaf—antidiabetic. Ground cinnamon is
used in diarrhoea and dysentery;
for cramps of the stomach, gastric
irritation; for checking nausea
and vomiting; used externally in
toothache, neuralgia and rheumatism.
The bark is included in
medicinal preparations for indigestion,
flatulence, flu, mothwashes,
gargles, herbal teas.
C
Cissampelos pareira Linn. 151
Key application As antibacterial
and fungistatic. Internally, for loss of
appetite, dyspeptic complaints such
as mild spastic conditions of the
gastrointestinal tract, bloating and
flatulence. (German Commission
E, ESCOP.) Contraindicated in
stomach and duodenal ulcers.
(WHO.)
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
indicated the use of dried mature
leaves of Cinnamomum tamala and
dried inner bark of C. zeylanicum in
sinusitis.
Cinnamaldehyde is the major constituent
(%) of the essential oil from
bark.
Major constituent of the leaf oil is
eugenol (–%) and that of rootbark
oil camphor (%).
Cinnamaldehyde is hypotensive,
spasmolytic and increases peripheral
blood flow; and it inhibits cyclooxygenase
and lipoxygenase enzymes of
arachidonic acid metabolism.
Cinnamaldehyde exhibitsCNSstimulant
effects at high doses. (NaturalMedicines
ComprehensiveDatabase,
.)
The bark oil and extracts exhibit antibacterial,
antifungal and antiviral activities,
and enhance trypsin activity.
Eugenol content of the leaf oil is antiseptic
and anaesthetic. It is not interchangable
with the bark oil.
Root bark oil acts as a stimulant in
amenorrhoea. The bark contains tannins
(.%) consisting of tetrahydroxyflavandiols;
diterpenes, cinnzeylanin
and cinnzeylanol.
C. malabatrum (Burm. f.) Blume is
equated with Jangali Daarchini.
Dosage Dried inner bark—– g
powder. (API Vol. I.)
Cissampelos pareira Linn.
Family Menispermaceae.
Habitat The tropical and subtropical
parts of India.
English Velvet-Leaf Pareira, Pareira
Brava.
Ayurvedic Paathaa, Ambashthaa,
Varatiktaaa, Vriki, Aviddhakarni,
Piluphalaa, Shreyashi.Bigger var.,
Raaja Paathaa, is equated with
Stephania hernandifolia Walp.)
Unani Paathaa.
Siddha/Tamil Paadakkizhangu,
Appatta.
Action Root astringent, antispasmodic
(used for cramps,
painful menstruation), analgesic,
antipyretic, diuretic, antilithic and
emmenagogue. Prescribed for
diarrhoea, dysentery, piles, urogenital
affections (cystitis, nephritis,
menorrhagia) Root paste is applied
topically on scabies and eruptions
on the body. Also used for
preventing miscarriage.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
attributed blood purifying properties
to the root and indicated it in lactal
disorders.
Hayatine (dl-beberine) is the principal
alkaloid of the root. Its derivatives,
methiodide and methochloride
are reported to be potent neuromuscular-
blocking agents.
C
152 Cissus quadrangula Linn.
Not to be confused with Abuta grandiflora,
a South American medicinal
plant.
Dosage Root—– g powder. (API
Vol. I.)
Cissus quadrangula Linn.
Synonym Vitis quadrangula Wall.
Family Vitaceae.
Habitat Throughout the warmer
parts of India, also cultivated in
gardens.
English Square Stalked Vine,
Adamant Creeper.
Ayurvedic Asthisamhaara,
Asthisamhrita. Asthi-samyojaka,
Vajravalli, Chaturdhaaraa.
Unani Hadjod.
Siddha/Tamil Perandai.
Action The anabolic and steroidal
principles of the aerial part showed
a marked influence in the rate of
fracture-healing. The drug exerts
influence both on the organic and
mineral phase of fracture-healing.
Stem—lterative in scurvy (the
plant is rich in vitamin C) and
irregular menstruation.
The plant contains phytogenic steroid,
ketosteroids, sitosterol, alphaamyrin,
alpha-ampyrone and tetracyclic
triterpenoids. Phytogenic steriods
showed bone healing properties.
Coloside-A possesses smooth muscle
relaxant effect. The total alcoholic extract
of the plant neutralizes the antianabolic
effect of the cortisone in healing
of fractures.The aqueous extract of
the plant hastens fracture-healing by
reducing the total convalescent period
by % in experimental rats and dogs;
it aids in recovery of the strength of
the bones up to % in weeks.
Dosage Stem—– ml juice.
(API Vol. III.)
Citrullus colocynthis Schrad.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Throughout India.
English Colocynth Bitter Apple.
Ayurvedic Indravaaruni, Indravalli,
Indravaarunikaa, Gavaakshi,
Chitraa, Chitraphalaa, Indraasuri,
Mrigaani, Mrigairvaaru, Vishaalaa,
Vishaalyka, Indraayana. Aindri
(also equated with Bacopa
monnieri).
Unani Hanzal.
Siddha/Tamil Kumatti.
Action Dried pulp of ripe fruit—cathartic, drastic purgative, irritant
and toxic. The pulp is used for
varicose veins and piles. A paste
of root is applied to various
inflammations and swellings. The
cataplasm of leaves is applied in
migraine and neuralgia.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
India indicated the use of the fruit in
jaundice; the root in diseases of the liver
and spleen and the leaf in cutaneous
affections and alopecia.
Colocynth contains up to % cucurbitacin.
The drug and its preparations
cause drastic irritation of the gastrointestinal
mucosa and haemorrhages.
C
Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle. 153
Cucurbitacins include cucurbitacin
E-, J-, L-glucosides. In addition, the
pulp contains caffeic acid derivatives
(chlorogenic acid).
Roots contain aliphatic compounds.
Ethanolic extract (%) shows significant
anti-inflammatory activity in albino
rats.
Leaves and flowers contain quercetin
and kaempferol. The ethanolic extract
of leaves and flowers exhibits antibacterial
activity against a number
of Gram-positive and Gram-negative
bacteria.
The powder is toxic at .–. g. The
fruit exhibited carcinogenic activity in
animal studies.
Dosage Dried fruit—– mg
powder. (API Vol. III.) Root—– g. powder. (CCRAS.) Dried leaf—for external use. (API Vol. II.)
Citrullus vulgaris Schrad.
Synonym C. lanatus (Thunb.)
Matsumura & Nakai.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Cultivated throughout
India on sandy river beds, up to an
altitude of , m.
English Watermelon.
Ayurvedic Kalinga.
Unani Tarbuz.
Siddha Poiychaviral, Tharbuzapalam
(Tamil.
Action Pulp—ooling and
refreshing, a rich source of pectin,
carotenoids, surcose (as major
sugar). Fruit juice is prescribed in
strangury and urinary complaints,
also in hepatic congestion and
intestinal catarrh. Seeds—ooling,
purgative, diuretic, demulcent (used
in urinary infections). Leaves—febrifuge. The pericarp is given in
diarrhoea.
Watermelon juice contains citrullin
(.%) and arginine, which are
thought to increase urea production
in the liver, thus increasing the flow of
urine.
Theseeds possess a high lipase activity
comparable to that ofwheat germ, in
addition to high lipoxygenase, urease
and trypsin-inhibitor activities. Aqueous
extract of the seeds also exhibit
amylase inhibitor activity. The seed oil
is used as a substitute for almond oil.
The roots of mature plant contain
a triterpene, bryonolic acid. Bryonolic
acid possesses a stronger antiallergic
activity with lesser side effects than that
of glycyrrhetinic acid, the aglycone of
glycyrrhizin, used clinically in Japan
for the treatment of allergy and hepatitis.
Citrus aurantifolia
(Christm.) Swingle.
Synonym C. medica L. var. acida
(Roxb.) Hook. f.
Family Rutaceae.
Habitat Wild in the warm valleys
of the outer Himalayas. Cultivated
in the plains.
English Acid or Sour Lime,
Country Lime.
Ayurvedic Nimbuka.
C
154 Citrus aurantium Linn.
Unani Limu Kaghzi.
Siddha/Tamil Elummichhai,
Thurinjippazham.
Folk Kaagazi Nimbu.
Action Antiscorbutic, stomachic,
appetizer, refrigerant. Used in
bilious vomiting. Leaves—n
infusion is given for fever in
jaundice, for sore throat, thrush.
Root—n infusion is given for colic
and dysentery, also as febrifuge.
Limes are rich in vitamins, minerals
and alkaline salts, but not in fruit sugars.
Lime peel contains ergosterol. An
enzyme, ,-beta-glucan hydrolase has
been reported from the bark and leaf
extract. See C. limon.
Citrus aurantium Linn.
Family Rutaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in Khasi
hills and Cachar. Also in Guntur
(Andhra Pradesh). Found in semiwild
state in the Naga and Khasi
hills.
English Citrus dulcis, Sour Orange,
Sweet Orange.
Folk Khattaa.
Siddha/Tamil Mallikanarangi.
Action Peel—axative, feeble stomachic,
emmenagogue. Leaves—prescribed in the treatment of
arthritis and bronchitis. Flowers—aqueous extract is employed in
scurvy, fever, inflammation, nervous
and hysterical cases. Fruit—a decoction is used to recover
from cachexia left by intermittent
fever and in cases of enlarged
spleen. Dried rind—sed in atonic
dyspepsia.
Key application Cut peel—n loss
of appetite and dyspeptic ailments.
(German Commission E.). As a bitter
tonic. (British Pharmacopoeia.)
Themain constituents of the peel include
the alkaloid synephrine and Nmethyltyramine.
Synephrine, an alpha
-adrenergic agonist, stimulates a rise
in blood pressure through vasoconstriction.
N-methyltyramine also raises
blood pressure.
The root gave xanthyletin.
The essential oil exhibits antifungal
activity, it was found effective in
treatment-resistant fungal skin diseases.
(Expanded Commission EMonographs.)
Commercially available Citrus vulgaris
(bitter orange) extracts are often
promoted for weight loss due to purported
thermogenic effects. In animal
models, synephrine causes weight loss,
but also increases cardiovascular toxicity.
(Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database, .)
Citrus limon (Linn.) Burm.f.
Family Rutaceae.
Habitat Cultivated all over India.
English Lemon.
Ayurvedic Jambira, Jambh, Jambhir,
Jaamphal, Nimbu, Nimbuka,
Naaranga, Limpaka, Dantashatha,
Airaavata, Neebu (bigger var.).
Unani Utraj.
C
Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merrill. 155
Siddha/Tamil Periya elumuchhai.
Action Fruit—ntiscorbutic, carminative,
stomachic, antihistaminic,
antibacterial. Used during coughs,
colds, influenza and onset of fever
(juice of roasted lemon), hiccoughs,
biliousness. Fruit juice—sed externally
for ringworm (mixed with
salt), erysipelas, also in the treatment
of leprosy and white spots.
Leaves and stems—ntibacterial.
All parts of the plants of citrus
sp. contain coumarins and psoralins.
The fruits contain flavonoids and limonoids.
The flavonoids comprise
three main groups—lavanones, flavones
and -hydroxyflavylium (anthocyanins);
flavanones being predominantly
followed by flavones and anthocyanins.
Bitter flavonoids do not occur
in lemon and lime.
Lemon juice is a richer source of
antiscorbutic vitamin (contains – mg/ g of vitamin C) than lime,
and a fair source of carotene and vitamin
B. Volatile oil (about .% of the
peel) consists of about % limonene,
alpha-and beta-pinenes, alpha-terpinene
and citral. The fruit juice also
contains coumarins and bioflavonoids.
Theacid content of the fruit, once digested,
provides an alkaline effect within
the body and is found useful in conditions
where acidity is a contributory
factor (as in case of rheumatic conditions).
The bioflavonoids strengthen
the inner lining of blood vessels, especially
veins and capillaries, and help
counter varicose veins, arteriosclerosis,
circulatory disorders and infections of
liver, stomach and intestines.
Major flavonoid glycosides, isolated
from citrus peels and juices, include
hesperidin (with properties of vitamin
P).Rutin and other flavanones, isolated
from citrus fruits, form the principal
components of vitamin P. Flavanone
glycosides contained in lemon and lime
juices are eriocitrin and ; hesperidin
and mg/l, respectively.
The composition of cold pressed
lime oil is quite similar to lemon oil,
but citral content of lime oil is higher.
Monoterpene alcohols and their esters,
aldehydes—eraniol, geranial and
neral, contribute to the characteristic
aroma of lemon and lime.
Dosage Fruit—– g (Juice—– ml). (API Vol. IV.)
Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merrill.
Synonym C. decumana Watt.
C. grandis (L.) Osbeck.
Family Rutaceae.
Habitat North-eastern region up
to , m in Assam and Tripura.
English Pummelo, Shaddock.
Ayurvedic Madhukarkatikaa.
Unani Chakotra.
Siddha/Tamil Pambalimasu.
Folk Mahaa-nibu, Sadaaphal.
Action Fruit—ardiotonic. Leaves,
flowers and rind—sed as a sedative
in nervous affections. Leaves—used in convulsive cough, chorea,
epilepsy, also in the treatment of
haemorrhagic diseases. A lotion of
boiled leaves used hot in painful
swellings. The essential oil from
C
156 Citrus medica Linn.
fresh leaves exhibits dermatophytic,
and fungistatic activity.
The root-bark contains beta-sitosterol
and acridone alkaloids. It also
contains several coumarins. The alkaloids
and coumarins show antimicrobial
acitivity.
The essential oil from the leaves
and unripe fruits contain %limonin,
% nerolol, % nerolyl acetate and
% geraniol.
Citrus medica Linn.
Family Rutaceae.
Habitat Khasi Hills, submountainous
Himalayan ranges in Garhwal,
Kumaon in U.P., Maland areas
of South, Pachmarhi (Madhya
Pradesh), Sikkim and Western
Ghats.
English Citron.
Ayurvedic Maatulunga, Lunga,
Maatulaka, Mahaalunga, Bijpuura,
Bijaahva.
Unani Turanj.
Siddha/Tamil Kadaranrathai,
Naarthankai, Thurinjippazham.
Folk Bijoraa.
Action Fruit—ntiscorbutic,
refrigerant, astringent, carminative,
stomachic, antibacterial. Used
for dyspepsia, bilious vomiting,
cold, fever, hiccough. Root—anthelmintic. Flowers and buds—astringent.
The peel contains coumarins, limettin,
scoparone, scopoletin and umbelliferon;
besides nobiletin, limonin,
diosmin, beta-sitosterol and beta-Dglucoside.
The roots contain campesterol,
stigmasterol, sitosterol and cholesterol.
Aqueous extract of the peel showed
hypotensive action in dogs.
The fruits and seeds are a cardiotonic;
found useful in palpitation.
Dosage Fruit—–ml juice. (API
Vol. III.) Leaf, flower, fruit, root—– ml decoction. (CCRAS.)
Citrus paradisi Macf.
Family Rutaceae.
Habitat Native to the West Indies.
Commercialized in the USA.
Cultivated mainly in Punjab.
English Grapefruit, 'arsh'Grapefruit.
Folk Chakotraa. Chima Bombilimaas
(Tamil Nadu).
Action Young leaves—ecoction
is used to relieve cold or headache.
Fruit—sed for developing resistance
against colds and influenza.
Grapefruit is rich in vitamins, minerals,
potassiumand pectin, which balance
the acid reaction in the stomach
and stimulate appetite. Half grapefruit
contains vitamin A IU, vitamin
C . mg, niacin . mg, potassium
mg. The fruit contains betacarotene
and cartenoid lycopene. Lycopene
is especially noted for reducing
the risk of prostate cancer. The
fruit juice contains furanocoumarins,
including bergamottin, also naringin,
naringenin, limonin, quercetin, kaempferol
and obacunone.
C
Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul. 157
For drug interactions with grapefruit
juice, see NaturalMedicines Comprehensive
Database, .
Grapefruit is not to be confusedwith
grape (Vitis vinifera).
Clausena pentaphylla
(Roxb.) DC.
Family Rutaceae.
Habitat The sub-Himalayan tract
from Garhwal to Sikkim; also in
Chakrata range.
Folk Ratanjot (var.), Rowana.
Surasi is a doubtful synonym.
Action Bark—nti-inflammatory,
spasmolytic; used in veterinary
medicine for wounds and sprains.
Aerial parts contain coumarins—clausmarins A and B. Coumarins exhibit
spasmolytic activity. The root also
contains coumarins. Root and stem
bark of Clausena excavata Burm. f.
Eastern sub-Himalayan tract, Orissa
and Bihar) also contain coumarins—clausenin and clausenidin. The root
bark exhibits antibacterial activity
against both Gram-positive and Gramnegative
bacteria.
A related species, C. anisata (Willd.)
Oliver, is reported from Uttar Pradesh.
Ethanolic extract of the aerial parts
exhibited spasmolytic activity. The furanocoumarins,
anisolactone, xanthotoxol,
indicolactone, imperatorin and
, -epoxy-anisolactone have been
isolated from the extract.
In West African traditional medicine,
the decoction of the root is given
to control convulsions in children. The
anticonvulsant agent has been found
to be heliettin, extracted fromthe stem
bark and roots.
Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul.
Family Hypocreaceae.
Habitat A fungous parasite on
a number of grasses particularly in
rye, cultivated in the Nilgiris and at
Chakrohi farm in Jammu.
English Ergot of Rye. Fungus of
Rye.
Ayurvedic Annamaya, Sraavikaa.
Unani Argot.
Siddha/Tamil Ergot.
Action Uterine stimulant. Oxytocic,
abortifacient, parturient,
vasoconstrictor, haemostatic. Used
in obstetrics (difficult childbirth,
for exciting uterine contractions in
the final stages of parturition). Also
used after abortion for removal of
the placenta. It is no more employed
in internal haemorrhages, as it has
been found to raise blood pressure
in pulmonary and cerebral haemorrhage.
Included among unapproved
herbs by German Commission E.
The fungus gave indole alkaloids.
The ergometrine or ergonovine group
includes ergometrine and ergometrinine.
The ergotamine group includes
ergotamine and ergotaminine. The ergotoxine
group includes ergocristine,
ergocristinine, ergocryptine, ergocryptinine,
ergocornine and ergocorninine.
The fungus also contains
histamine, tyramine and other amines,
sterols and acetylcholine.
C
158 Clematis gouriana Roxb.
The alkaloids of ergot are being
used independently (not as a herbal
medicine). Ergotamine is used to relieve
migrainous headaches as it is
a vasoconstrictor and has antiserotonin
activity. Ergometrine is used
after childbirth in the third stage of
labour and for post-partum haemorrhage,
as it is a powerful uterine
stimulant, particularly of the puerperal
uterus. (Both the constituents are
used under medical supervision). Ergocornine
significantly inhibited the
development of induced mammary tumours
in rats. The derivatives of ergot
alkaloids are known to have suppressing
effect on human breast cancer in
initial stages. This activity is linked to
prolactin inhibitory action.
The extract is toxic at .–. g,
ergot alkaloids at g in adults, mg
in infants. (Francis Brinker).
Dosage Whole plant—– ml
infusion. (CCRAS.)
Clematis gouriana Roxb.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat Throughout India in
plains.
English Commercially known as
Muurvaa.
Folk Belkangu (used as substitute
for Muurvaa in Maharashtra).
Action Leaf and stem—esicant,
poisonous.
Aerial parts and roots contain a quaternary
aporphine alkaloid, magnofluorine.
Theleaves yield protoanemonin,
a fungitoxic compound.
A related species, C. napaulensis
DC. is used in leprosy. C. recta (Upright
Virgin' Bower) is used in homoeopathic
medicine for cancerous
and foul ulcers; orally for rheumatic
pains, varicose veins, gout and as
a diuretic.
Cleome brachycarpa Vahl ex DC.
Synonym C. vahliana Farsen.
Family Capparidaceae.
Habitat Northwestern Rajasthan,
Punjab plains and Delhi.
Unani Panwaar.
Folk Madhio (Rajasthan).
Action Anti-inflammatory,
antirheumatic, antidermatosis (used
in scabies, also in leucoderma).
The plant contains trinortriterpenoids
and cabralealactone, besides ursolic
acid.
Cleome icosandra Linn.
Synonym C. viscosa Linn.
Family Capparidaceae.
Habitat Throughout India; Tripura,
West Bengal and Gangetic valley, as
a weed.
English Wild Mustard.
Ayurvedic Tilaparni, Hurhur
(yellow var.), Aadityabhakta.
Unani Panwaar, Hulhul.
Siddha/Tamil Nayikkadugu,
Nalvellai.
C
Clerodendrum inerme (L.) Gaertn. 159
Action Seed—arminative,
antiseptic, anthelmintic (for round
worms). Leaf—udorific. Bark—externally rubefacient, vesicant.
Root—ermifuge.
The aerial parts contain a macrocyclic
diterpene, cleomaldeic acid, and
a bicyclic diterpene, cleomeolide. The
seeds contain coumarino-lignans,
cleomiscosin A,B,C and D. The leaf
extract exhibited fungitoxicity against
ringworm causing fungi with reported
mycelian inhibitions.
The aqueous extract of seeds exhibited
significant analgesic and local
anaesthetic activities in mice and
guinea pigs, respectively. It failed to
protect rats against convulsions induced
by picrotoxin, though it potentiated
the barbiturate sleeping time.
The purple var. of Hurhur is equated
with Cleome monophylla L. (Bihar,
Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil
Nadu).
Clerodendrum indicum
(Linn.) Kuntze.
Synonym Clerodendron siphonanthus
(R. Br.) C. B. Clarke.
Family Verbenaceae.
Habitat Cultivated as anornamental
throughout India, especially in
South and Eastern India.
English Turk' Turban, Tube-
Flower.
Ayurvedic Vaamana-haati (a
substitute for Bhaarangi).
Siddha/Tamil Kavalai, Narivalai.
Action Root—sed for asthma,
cough, scrofulous affections. Leaf—vermifuge. Resin—ntirheumatic.
The plant is also used in fever,
atrophy, emaciation of cachexia and
consumption.
The leaves contain flavonoids—cutellarein
(.%), hispidulin (.%) and
their -O-glucuronides; also sterols.
Flowers contain beta-sitosterol and triterpenoids.
The bark yields hexitol and
sorbitol.
The flavone, pectolinarin and a diterpene,
oncinotine, exhibit antifeedant
activity.
Clerodendrum inerme
(L.) Gaertn.
Family Verbenaceae.
Habitat Throughout India in tidal
forests, wild all over coastal areas;
planted in gardens in Tamil Nadu.
English Smooth Volkameria.
Ayurvedic Putigandhaa, Kundali,
Vanajai.
Siddha/Tamil Peenaari, Sangankuppi.
Folk Lanjai.
Action Leaf—ebrifuge, alterative.
Used as a substitute for Swertia
chirayita and quinine in remittent
and intermittent fevers. The leaf
juice is taken orally to relieve
muscular pains and stiffness of legs
(in tetanus).
The leaves and stem contain a number
of triterpenes, neolignans, diterpenoids,
sterols and flavones.
C
160 Clerodendrum infortunatum auct. non Linn. C.B.Clarke.
The roots are prescribed in venereal
diseases. The methanolic extract of
the roots contains verbascoside which
exhibits analgesic and antimicrobial
properties.
Clerodendrum infortunatum
auct. non Linn. C.B.Clarke.
Family Verbenaceae.
Habitat Throughout India.
Ayurvedic Bhaandira, Bhaandi,
Kaari. Also known as Bhaarangi
(C. serratum).
Siddha/Tamil Karukanni, Perugilai.
Action Leaves—sed as a substitute
for Chiretta. Leaves and roots—employed externally for skin
diseases and alopecia. Leaves are
prescribed in headache. Roots are
given in cramps and rheumatism.
In homoeopathy, the fresh leaves are
employed for colic due to worms, diarrhoea
associated with nausea, chronic
fever with loss of appetite and in enlargement
of liver and spleen with indigestion
and constipation.
The alcoholic extract of the whole
plant showed antiprotozoal activity
against Entamoeba histolytica. It also
exhibited hypoglycaemic activity in
albino rats. The leaves exhibit antifungal
activity.
Dosage Leaf—– ml juice.
(CCRAS.)
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Linn.f.
Synonym C.multiflorum(Burm. f.)
O. Kuntze.
Family Verbenaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, in the
drier parts.
Ayurvedic Agnimantha, Tarkaari,
Vikraantaa, Jayanti, Jai, Jayaa,
Ganikaarikaa, Vaijayanti, Bigger
var. is equated with Premna integrifolia
Linn., Shriparni, Naadeyi.
Siddha/Tamil Tazhuthaazhai.
Folk Laghu Arni.
Action Plant parts used in
dyspepsia, stomachache, colic,
cholera, dysentery, postnatal fever,
during convalscence from measles.
Root and bark—itter tonic, used
in debility and nervous disorders.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
indicated the use of root in dysuria
and retention of urine.
Flavonoids, scutellarein and pectolinarin,
have been isolated from the
leaves. Stems gave d-mannitol, betasitosterol,
its glucosides and ceryl alcohol.
The roots contain ceryl alcohol,
clerodin, clerosterol and clerodendrin
A.
The ethanolic extract of leaves exhibited
hepatoprotective activity. The
aqueous extract of leaves exhibited in
vitro anthelmintic activity. The plant
also exhibited antidiabetic activity.
Dosage Root—– g for
decoction. (API Vol. III.)
Clerodendrum serratum
(Linn.)Moon.
Family Verbenaceae.
C
Clitoria ternatea Linn. 161
Habitat A shrub distributed
throughout the country, especially
common in Assam and Bengal.
English Blue-flowered Glory tree,
Beetle Killer.
Ayurvedic Bhaargi, Bhaarangi,
Angaarvalli, Phanji, Braahmanyashtikaa,
Kharshaak, Padma,
Bhragubhavaa, Brahmayashtikaa.
Siddha/Tamil Kandoorbarangi
(root), cherutekku.
Action Root—ntiasthmatic,
antihistaminic, antispasmodic,
antitussive carminative, febrifuge.
Leaf—ebrifuge.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
India indicated the use of the dried
roots in cough, bronchitis, dyspnoea,
chest diseases and sinusitis.
The bark contains triterpenoids—serratagenic, oleanolic and queretaric
acids; leaves contain alpha-spinasterol
and flavonoids, including luteolin, apigenin,
baicalein, scutellarein, phenolic
acids—affeic and ferulic acids.
EtOH (%) extract of the plant exhibited
hypotensive and spasmolytic
activity. Polyhydric property on isolated
guinea pig ileum. Antiasthmatic
effect was also observed pharmacologically.
Dosage Root—– g powder; – g for decoction. (API Vol. III.)
Clitoria ternatea Linn.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
Habitat Throughout India in
tropical areas; also cultivated in
hedges.
English Butterfly Pea, Wingedleaved
Clitoria, Mezereon.
Ayurvedic Girikarnikaa, Aparaajitaa,
Aasphota, Girimallikaa,
Girikanyaa, Kokilaa,Yonipushpaa,
Vishnukraantaa. (Evolvulus alsinoides
Linn. is also known as
Vishnukraantaa, Vishnukranti).
Used as Shankhapushpi in the
South.
Unani Mezereon Hindi.
Siddha/Tamil Kakkanam.
Folk Koyal (Punjab).
Action Root—athartic like
jalap. Roots cause gripe and
tenesmus, hence not recommended
as purgative. Used in ascites. Root
bark—iuretic (infusion used in
irritation of bladder and urethra).
Root juice—iven in cold milk
to liquefy phlegm in chronic
bronchitis. The root, bark, seeds
and leaves—sed for gastric acidity.
The root is administered with honey
as a general tonic to children for
improving mental faculty.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
India recommends the dried leaf in
migraine, psychoneurosis and mania.
An alcoholic extract of the plant
showed sedative and hypothermic effect
in rodents.
Rats, fed with ethanol extract of
flowers, showed a significantly lowered
serumsugar level in experimentally induced
diabetes.
The seeds contain a nucleoprotein
with its amino acid sequence similar
to insulin, but for the absence of histidine,
threonine, proline and crystine.
C
162 Coccinia indica W. & A.
Seeds gave cinnamic acid, flavonol glycoside.
Leaves contain glycosides of
kaempferol.
In South India, the seeds and roots
constitute the drug Shankhapushpi,
used as a nervine tonic. In other regions,
Canscora decussata, Convolvulus
pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides and
Lavendula bipinnata are used as Shankhapushpi.
Dosage Root—– g powder (API
Vol. II); dried leaf—– g; seed—– g. (API Vol. IV.)
Coccinia indica W. & A.
Synonym C. cordifolia Cogn.
Cephalandra indica Naud.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in Assam, West
Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Maharashtra,
Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu; wild
in many parts of India.
English Ivy-Gourd.
Ayurvedic Bimbi, Tundi, Tundikaa,
Tundikeri, Kunduru, Raktaphala,
Piluparni, Dantchhadaa.
Unani Kanduri.
Siddha/Tamil Kovvai.
Action Carminative, antipyretic,
galactagogue. Powder of root is
taken with water to stop vomiting.
Juice of leaves—ntispasmodic and
expectorant. Applied externally
in eruptions of the skin. Root—antiprotozoal. Fruit, leaf and root—antidiabetic. Various plant parts are
used in slow pulse and convulsions,
also against infective hepatitis.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
recommends the whole plant for
oedema, anaemia, disorders due to vitiated
blood, cough and dyspnoea.
Thefruit yielded beta-amyrin and its
acetate, lupeol and cucurbitacin B.
Dosage Whole plant—– g
powder; – ml juice. (API Vol.
III.)
Cocculus hirsutus (Linn.) Diels.
Synonym C. villosus (Lam.) DC.
Family Menispermaceae.
Habitat Throughout tropical and
sub-tropical tracts of India.
English Broom-Creeper, Ink-Berry.
Ayurvedic Chhilihinta, Paataalagaruda,
Mahaamuulaa, Dirghavalli,
Jalajamani.
Siddha/Tamil Kattukodi.
Action Root—axative, sudorific,
alterative, antirheumatic. Leaf—used externally for eczema, prurigo
and inpetigo. A decoction of leaves
is taken in eczema, leucorrhoea and
gonorrhoea.
Aqueous extract of stem and root—sedative, anticonvulsant, hypotensive,
bradycardiac, cardiotonic and sapasmolytic.
Roots are used as a substitute
for Sarsaparilla in chronic rheumatism
gout, and syphilitic cachexia.
The stem contains cyclopeptide alkaloids.
The plant contains coclaurine,
magnoflorine, beta-sitosterol, ginnol
and a monomethyl ether of inositol.
C. pendulus (Forsk.) Diels, synonym
C. leaeba (Del.) DC. (Punjab, Gujarat
C
Cocos nucifera Linn. 163
and South India) is known as Parwati
(Gujarat, Sindh) andUllar-billar (Punjab).
Ethanolic extract of the leaves and
stem showed anticancer and hypotensive
activities associated with the alkaloidal
fraction which contains bisbenzylisoquinoline
alkaloids (including
pendulin and cocsulin). Presence
of quercitol is reported from nonalkaloidal
fraction.
Dosage Root—– ml decoction.
(CCRAS.)
Cochlearia armoracia Linn.
Synonym Armoracia rusticana
Gilib.
Family Cruciferae, Brassicaceae.
Habitat Eastern Europe; cultivated
in Britain and the USA. Grown to
a small extent in North India and
hill stations of South India.
English Horseradish.
Action Root—sed for catarrhs of
the respiratory tract. Antimicrobial
and hyperemic.
The root contains glucosinolates,
mainly sinigrin, which releases allylisothiocyanate
on contact with the enzyme
myrosin during crushing and
-phenylethylglucosinolate. Crushed
horseradish has an inhibitory effect on
the growth of micro-organisms.
Fresh root contains vitamin C on an
average mg% of ascorbic acid.
A related species, C. cochlearioides
(Roth) Sant & Mahesh, synonym C.
flava Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb. (upper
and lower Gangetic valleys), is used
for fevers.
Cochlospermum gossypium
DC.
Synonym C. religiosum (Linn.)
Alston.
Family Cochlospermaceae.
Habitat Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh
and Bihar; cultivated at Agartala in
Tripura.
English Golden Silk tree, White
Silk Cotton tree.
Unani Samagh, Kateeraa (substitute
for gum tragacanth).
Siddha/Tamil Kongilam (flower
juice), Tanaku.
Action Gum—ooling, sedative,
bechic, useful in coughs, hoarse
throat, diarrhoea, dysentery,
scalding urine. Dried leaves and
flowers—timulant.
Theleaves contain terpenoids, saponins
and tannins. Flowers contain
naringenin and beta-sitosteryl-glucoside
(.%). The gum, after hydrolysis,
furnished a mixture of acidic oligosaccharides.
Cocos nucifera Linn.
Family Palmae; Arecaceae.
Habitat Cultivated chiefly in
Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
English Coconut Palm.
C
164 Coffea arabica Linn.
Ayurvedic Naarikela, Naalikera,
Laangali, Tunga, Skandhaphala,
Sadaaphala, Trnaraaja, Kuurchshirshaka.
Unani Naarjeel, Naariyal.
Siddha/Tamil Thenkai. Kopparai
(kernel of ripe coconut).
Action Water from tender fruit—cooling, used in thirst, fever, urinary
disorders, gastroenteritis, and as
a source of K for cholera patients.
Fruit—tomachic, laxative, diuretic,
styptic, sedative; useful in dyspepsia
and burning sensation. Oil from
endosperm—ntiseptic; used in
alopecia. Root—stringent; used in
urinary and uterine and disorders.
Tender coconut water is rich in
potassiumand otherminerals and vitamins.
It contains reducing sugars .–.%, total sugars .–.%; brix .–.%. It is used as a substitute for normal
saline in cases of dehydration.
Alcoholic extract of coconut shell
(% in petroleum jelly, externally) was
found very effective in dermatophytosis.
Lighter fractions of the tar oil are
used as antiseptics.
Flowers, mixed with oil, are applied
to swellings, leaves to treat abscesses,
shoots and ashes of dry meat to deep
cuts, grated meat to burns, roots to
wounds and gonorrhoea.
Shell and fibre—ntimicrobial.
Dosage Dried endosperm—– g powder. (API Vol. III.)
Coffea arabica Linn.
Family Rubiaceae.
Habitat Grown in Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka and Kerala.
English Arabian coffee.
Unani Kahvaa.
Siddha/Tamil Kaapi, Bannu.
Action Diuretic, antinarcotic,
psychotropic agent, direct heart
stimulant (raises blood pressure).
Neutralizes therapeutic effects of
many herbs; potentiates the action
of aspirin and paracetamol; depletes
the body of B-vitamins. Charcoal
of the outer seed parts—stringent,
absorbent.
Key application Powdered coffee
charcoal—n nonspecific, acute
diarrhoea; local therapy of mild
inflammation of oral andpharyngeal
mucosa (average daily dose g).
(German Commission E.)
According to WHO, coffee drinking
is not responsible for breast cancer and
may protect against cancer of colon and
rectum. Caffeic and chlorogenic acids
in coffee act as anticarcinogens.
Bronchial asthma is less frequent
among coffee drinkers due to caffeine
and theophylline.
The aroma components include several
furfurylmethylmercaptan derivatives.
Coffee extracts yielded organic
acids. Atractyloside, several sterols and
acids, as well as alkaloids, have been
reported. Caffeine is the major alkaloid
of coffee. One cup of coffee contains
approx. –mg caffeine; other
active constituents include chlorogenic
acid, caffeol and diterpenes.
Chlorogenic acid in coffee might
inhibit glucose--phosphatase, which
C
Colchicum luteum Baker. 165
might lower hepatic glucose production
caffeine seems to stimulate pancreatic
beta cells to secrete insulin. (NaturalMedicines
ComprehensiveDatabase,
.)
Coix lacryma-jobi Linn.
Synonym C. lachryma Linn.
Family Gramineae; Poaceae.
Habitat Warm and damp areas up
to about , m, both wild and
cultivated as an annual grass.
English Job' Tears.
Ayurvedic Gavedhukaa.
Siddha/Tamil Kaatu Kunthumani.
Folk Garaheduaa, Gargari.
Action Fruits— decoction is
used for catarrhal affections of
the air passage and inflammation
of the urinary tract. Seed—diuretic. Root—sed in menstrual
disorders. Leaves—sed as a drink
for inducing fertility in women.
The seeds contain trans-ferulyl stigmastanol
and trans-ferulyl campestanol,
which formpart of an ovulationinducing
drug. Seed extract—mmuno-
enhancer, used for the prevention
of cancer and infections. Seeds exhibit
anti-tumour and anticomplimentary
activities. Seeds contain coixenolides,
a mixed ester of palmitoleic and
vaccenic acids, which is an anticancer
agent.
The bigger var. of the grass is equated
with Coix gigantea Koenig ex Roxb.,
also known as Gavedhukaa and Gargari.
Colchicum luteum Baker.
Family Liliaceae.
Habitat The temperate Himalayas
from Kashmir to Chamba. Major
supplies of the drug are received
from Kashmir.
English Hermodactyls, Colchicum,
Meadow Saffron, Golden Collyrium
(Indian substitute). (C. luteum is
a good substitute for C. autumnale
L. which is official in the B.P.)
Ayurvedic Hiranyatuttha.
Unani Suranjaan Talkh.
Action Non-steroidal antiinflammatory,
anti-gout (relieves
inflammation and pain of acute gout
but does not increase expulsion
of uric acid, is used with an
alkaline diuretic), emetic, cathartic.
Anti-chemotactic, antiphlogistic,
inhibitor of mitosis. Highly toxic.
Used for external application to
lessen inflammation and pain.
Key application In acute gout
attack. (German Commission E.)
The fresh corms and aerial parts of
a sample from Jammu yielded .%
and % of total alkaloids, the major
being colchicine .% and .%
respectively. Colchicine analogs—decteyl thiocolchicine (DTC), decetylmethylcolchicine
(DMC) and trimethylcolchicinic
acid (TMCA) were
effective in the treatment of gout; DTC
may elicit agranulocytosis.
Colchicine binds to tubulin, the protein
subunit of microtubules. Its most
important biological effect is the inhibition
of processes that depend upon
microtubule function by blocking
C
166 Coleus amboinicus Lour.
polymerization. In preventing microtubule
formation, colchicine has been
shown to inhibit catecholamine secretion
from adrenal medulla, iodine
secretion from thyroid gland and prolactin
secretion from pituitary tumour
cells. It inhibits stimulated insulin
secretion from isolated perfused pancreas
and islets in vitro.
The use of Colchicum for long periods
is not recommended owing to its
toxicity in larger doses (even mg of
colchicine has caused death) and its depressant
action upon central nervous
system.
Prolonged use of Colchicum autumnale
may cause agranulocytosis, aplastic
anaemia and peripheral nerve inflammation.
(Sharon M. Herr.)
Coleus amboinicus Lour.
Synonym C. aromaticus Benth.
Family Lamiaceae.
Habitat Native to Indonesia.
English Indian Borage.
Ayurvedic Parna-yavaani.
Siddha/Tamil Karpoorvalli.
Folk Pattaa Ajawaayin.
Pattharachuur (Bengal).
Action Leaf—sed in urinary
diseases, vaginal discharge, colic
and dyspepsia. Stimulates the
function of liver. Also given in
epilepsy and other convulsive
affections, asthma, bronchitis, cold
and chronic cough. Bruised leaves
are applied to burns; leaf juice to
chapped lips.
The leaf extract has shown regulatory
influence on calcium oxalate stone
formation in experimental rats. In folk
medicine, leaves are used internally for
expelling kidney stone (the herb is also
known as Paashaanbhedi).
Homoeopathic medicine, prepared
from fresh leaves, is used in the affections
of urinary organs, especially in
difficult urination or in burning pains
during and after urination.
The aerial parts from Pakistan yield
an essential oil (.%) which contains
thymol (.%); whereas in Fijian
sample of leaves carvacrol and camphor
are major constituents. Leaves
contain a large amount of oxalacetic
acid, flavonoid, cirsimaritin and betasitosterol.
Dosage Leaf—– ml juice.
(CCRAS.)
Coleus barbatus Benth.
Synonym C. forskohlii Briq.
Plectranthus barbatus Andr.
Family Lamiaceae.
Habitat Thesub-tropical Himalayas
of Kumaon and Nepal; cultivated in
Andhra Pradesh.
Ayurvedic Gandira (Achyranthes
aquatica Br. is also equated with
Gandira). (Doubtful synonym.)
Folk Garmar (Gujarat), Gurmal.
Action Root and leaf—pasmolytic,
antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory,
lipolytic.
In experimental amoebiasis of rats,
the root powder and ethanolic extract
C
Colocasia esculenta (Linn.) Schott. 167
showed amoebicidal activity against
Entamoeba histolytica.
An alcoholic extract of the roots and
essential oil from it, were found to inhibit
passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in
the mouse and rat.
The plant produces the labdane
diterpenoid, forskolin in its tuberous
roots.
Forskolin was discovered during
a screening of medicinal plants by
Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow,
India, in . (Planta Medica,
, , –.) The screening
revealed the presence of a hypotensive
and spasmolytic principle, named
coleonol (later the name was changed
to forskolin). The basic mechanism
of forskolin is the activation of an
enzyme, adenylate cyclase, which increases
the amount of cyclic adenosine
monophosphate (cAMP) in cells.
Raised intracellular cAMP level exhibits
following physiological effects
: inhibition of platelet activation and
degranulation; inhibition of mast cell
degranualation and histamine release;
relaxation of the arteries and other
smooth muscles; increased insulin secretion;
increased thyroid function;
increased lipolysis.
Forskolin, in clinical studies, reduced
intraocular pressure when it
was applied to the eyes for treating
glaucoma. It has been shown to be
a direct cerebral vasodilator. It has
also been studied as a possible bronchodilator
(in the treatment of asthma)
and has been shown to effectively reverse
methacholine-induced broncho
constriction in extrinsic asthmatics.
Standardized Coleus extracts containing
forskolin (% in mg) find
application in weight-loss programmes.
(Michael T. Murray.)
Studies on forskolin and some
derivatives of the compound indicate
that the natural product is more active
than the analogs prepared from it.
The wild var. is known as Kaffir
Potato.
Coleus vettiveroides K. C. Jacob.
Family Lamiaceae.
Habitat Native to Sri Lanka. Now
under cultivation in Kerala and
Tamil Nadu.
Ayurvedic Hrivera, Hiruberaka,
Ambu, Ambhas, Udaka, Udichya,
Jala, Vaari, Toya, Vaalaka, Baalaa,
Baalaka, Baala. (Also equated with
Pavonia odorata Willd.)
Siddha/Tamil Kuruver.
Folk Iruveli (Kerala).
Action Leaves—ooling and
carminative, used for indigestion,
dyspepsia, dysentery, also for ulcers,
bleeding disorders, dermatitis.
C. zeylanicus (Benth.) Cramer (synonym
Plectranthus zeylanicus Benth.)
has been identified as a source of Ayurvedic
drug Hrivera. The juice of stem
and leaves, mixed with honey, is prescribed
for diarrhoea.
The plant afforded abietane type
diterpenoides and a stereoisomer.
Colocasia esculenta
(Linn.) Schott.
Synonym C. antiquorum Schott.
C
168 Commelina benghalensis Linn.
Family Araceae.
Habitat Cultivated throughout
India.
English Taro, EdibleYam.
Ayurvedic Pindaaluka, Aaluki.
Siddha/Tamil Chaembu, Shaeppamkizhangu.
Folk Arvi, Ghuiyaa.
Action Juice from petiole—typtic,
rubefacient. Juice of corn—sed in
alopaecia.
The leaves contain flavones, apigenin
and luteolin, also anthocyanins.
Leaves cause severe irritation inmouth.
Cooked leaves are a source of dietary
fibre for diabetics helping in lowering
post-prandial blood glucose level.
A significant increase in total lipids,
total cholesterol and triglyceride levels
was observed in hypercholesterolaemic
rats when fed with dried leaf powder.
The pressed juice of the petioles is
used as an astringent and styptic. All
parts of the plant show an acridity.The
acridity is removed by boiling and by
addition of baking soda.
From the tubers two dihydroxysterols,
besides beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol,
have been isolated. Five novel
aliphatic compounds have been reported.
Trypsin inhibitors are isolated
from the tubers.
The total amino acids recorded in
the tubers range from to mg/
g.The lysine concentrationwas relatively
low. Besides starch, the tubers
contain natural polysaccharides with
% neutral sugars and % anionic
components. Steamed corms contain
% starch and % sugar.
Commelina benghalensis Linn.
Family Commelinaceae.
Habitat Throughout India in moist
places.
Ayurvedic Kanchata, Karnamorata,
Karnasphota.
Siddha/Tamil Kanavazhai, Kananagakarai.
Folk Kenaa (vegetable) (Maharashtra).
Action Emollient, demulcent,
laxative, diuretic, antileprotic.
The rhizomes are starchy and mucilaginous.
Theplant contains n-octacosanol, ntriacontanol,
n-dotriacontanol. stigmasterol,
beta-sitosterol and campesterol.
Commelina nudiflora Linn.
Family Commelinaceae.
Habitat Throughout India.
Ayurvedic Kanchata (var.).
Folk Kenaa (vegetable) (Maharashtra).
Action Antidermatosis. The plant
is used as a blood purifier.
Commelina diffusa Burm f; C. paludosa
Blume synonym C. obliqua Buch.-
Ham. and C. salicifolia Roxb. are related
species of Kanchata and are known
as Kenaa vegetable.
Commiphora sp. (Burseraceae).
Refer to Balsamodendron sp.
C
Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy. 169
Conium maculatum Linn.
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Habitat North temperate regions.
English Spotted Hemlock, Poison
Hemlock.
Unani Khardmaanaa, Shuk.
Action Sedative, anodyne,
antispasmodic. Used for relief in
whooping cough, asthma; paralysis;
epilepsy. Antidote to strichnine
poisoning and other poisons of the
same class. Highly toxic. Mother
tincture of Hemlock is used in
homoeopathy for prevention of
immature cataract.
All parts of the plant contain alkaloids—highest in aerial parts (.%)
and lowest in stems. Gamma-coniceine
is the principal alkaloid in the
leaves, whereas N-methylconiine is the
major
alkaloid in mature fruits. Beside
the alkaloids, a flavone glycoside, diosmin
and chlorogenic acid have been reported
in the leaves and inflorescence.
Ripe seeds yield coumarins, bergapten
and xanthotoxin. Experimentally, the
plant exhibited teratogenic properties.
(Rarely used today.)
Berries are toxic at g, leaves at
g and coniine at mg. (Francis
Brinker.)
Convolvulus arvensis Linn.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, up to
, m in the Himalayas.
English Deer' Foot.
Ayurvedic Bhadrabalaa, Hiranpadi.
Unani Lablaab.
Folk Hirankhuri, Haranpagaa.
Action Plant—ooling, anticonvulsant.
Root—athartic.
Plant extract—ypotensive in cats;
raises coronary rate. Alkaloids—ypotensive,
without vasodilation. EtOH
extract—nticonvulsant in rats. Aqueous
extract—xhibited muscarinic and
micotinic activity.
The dried rhizome contains .%
resin. The cathartic action of the
resinous substance is about one third
of that of jalap (Ipomoea purga Hayne)
resin.
All parts of the plant contain beta-
Me-esculetin; aerial parts n-alkanes,
n-alkanols, alpha-amyrin and sterols;
roots gave cuscohygrine.
Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy.
Synonym C. microphyllus Sieb.
C. prostratus Forsk.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat Throughout India,
ascending to , m in the
Himalayas.
Ayurvedic Shankhapushpi,
Shankhaahvaa, Kshirapushpi,
Maangalya Kusuma (whiteflowered).
Blue-flowered var.,
Vishnukraanti, Vishnukraantaa,
Vishnugandhi is equated with
Evolvulus alsinoides Linn.
Unani Sankhaahuli (blue-flowered)
C
170 Convolvulus scammonia Linn.
Siddha/Tamil Sivakraandi (whiteflowered),
Vishnukraandi (blueflowered).
Action Plant—rain tonic, tranquilizer
used in nervine disorders,
mental aberration, anxiety neurosis,
internal haemorrhages,
spermatorrhoea. Also astringent,
antidysenteric, antispasmodic,
antiphlogistic, febrifuge, alterative.
Flowers—typtic, used for uterine
bleeding. Leaf—ntiasthmatic,
used in chronic bronchitis. Root—used in gastric and duodenal ulcers,
uterine affections and for promoting
fertility.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
India recommends the plant for epilepsy.
The plant contains sankhpushpine
alkaloids.
The alcoholic (%) extract of the
plant, when administered to rats
(through gastric intubation at different
intervals), has shown enhanced
neuropeptide synthesis of the brain.
It induces an increase in brain protein
content and increases acquisition
efficiency.
Evolvulus alsinoides contains pentatriacontane,
triacontane and betasitosterol.
Shankhapushpi Syrup (a compound
containing C. pluricaulis, Centella asiatica,
Nardostachys jatamansi, Nepeta
hindostana, Nepeta elliptica and Onosma
bracteatum), when administered
with phenytoin, a modern antiepileptic
drug, reduced not only antiepileptic
activity of phenytoin but also lowered
plasma phenytoin levels.
Dosage Whole plant—– g
powder. (API Vol. III.)
Convolvulus scammonia Linn.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat A native to the Mediterranean
region.
English Scammony.
Unani Saqmunia.
Action Resin from rhizomes—ydragogue,
Cathartic, administered
in dropsy and anascara.
Most of the resin available in India
is imported fromSyria and Asia Minor
and is grossly adulterated.
The roots contain on an average %
resin together with dihydroxy cinnamic
acid, beta-methyl-esculetin, ipuranol,
surcose, a reducing sugar and
starch. The resin consists of the glycosides
and methylpentosides of jalapinolic
acid and its methyl ester.
Large doses cause acute gastro-intestinal
irritation, and, if absorbed,
produce cystitis and nephritis.
Coptis teeta Wall.
Family Ranunculaceae.
Habitat Mishmi Hills in Arunachal
Pradesh. Cultivated commercially
in China.
Ayurvedic Mamira, Maamiraa,
Tiktamuulaa. (Pita-muulikaa
and Hem-tantu are provisional
synonyms.)
Unani Maamisaa, Maamiraa.
Folk Titaa (Bengal and Assam).
Action Stomachic, antiperiodic,
antibacterial, antifungal. Prescribed
C
Corchorus aestuans Linn. 171
in debility, convalescence, intermittent
fevers, dyspepsia, dysentery
and intestinal catarrh. Used as
a local application in thrush.
The rhizomes contains berberine
(%) as the major alkaloid; other alkaloids
present are: coptin (.%), coptisin
.%) and jatrorrhizine (.%).
Samples from China contained .–.% berberine, .–.% coptisin
and .–.% jatrorrhizine. In China,
the herb is used as an antidiabetic;
the ethanolic (%) extract exhibited
hypoglycaemic and hypotensive activity.
The drug due to berberine and its
related alkaloids promoted reticuloendotheliumto
increased phagocytosis of
leucocytes in dog blood in vitro and in
vivo.
Coptis chinensis (Huang Lian) inhibited
erythrocyte haemolysis, decreased
lipid peroxidation in brain and kidney,
decreased generation of superoxide
peroxidation and decreased hydroxyl
radicals in rats. (Life Sci, ,
(), –.)
Dosage Root—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Corallocarpus epigaeus
Benth. ex Hook. f.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Punjab, Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat,
Madhya Pradesh and Peninsular
India.
Ayurvedic Shukanaasaa, Nahikaa,
Katunaahi, Paataala-garudaa.
(Cocculus hirsutus is used as
Paataala-garudi).
Siddha/Tamil Kollankovai,
Aaakaasagarudam.
Action Laxative. Root used during
later stages of dysentery and chronic
mucous enteritis; also in syphilitic
rheumatism. The herb shows no
apparent effect on acute dysentery.
The root contains a bitter principle
allied to bryonin.
Corchorus aestuans Linn.
Synonym C. acutangulus Lam.
Family Tiliaceae.
Habitat Throughout the warmer
parts of India, as a weed.
English White Jute. (Tossa Jute is
equated with C. olitorius Linn.).
Ayurvedic Chunchu, Chanchu,
Chinchaa. (bigger var. is equated
with C. olitorius; smallar var. with
C. capsularis.)
Folk Chench shaaka, Titapat
(Bengal).
Action Seeds and aerial parts—stomachic, anti-inflammatory. Used
in pneumonia.
The seeds contain cardenolides,
beta-sitosterol, ceryl alcohol, oligosaccharides.
The aerial parts contain
triterpenoidal glycosides—orchorusins.
Corchorusins have similar structural
similarity with saikosaponins
(isolated so far from Bupleurum sp. of
Japan, China and Korea) and some
of them exhibit antiviral, anti-inflamC
172 Corchorus capsularis Linn.
matory and plasma-cholesterol lowering
activities.
The alcoholic extract of the entire
plant was found to have anticancer activity
against epidermal carcinoma of
nasopharynx in tissue culture. Alcoholic
extract and glycosides of seeds
exhibit cardiotonic activity. Digitoxose
containing glycosides are reported
to be present in Corchorus sp.
C. olitorius Linn. is known as Jew'
Mallow (Pattaa Shaaka or Patuaa Shaaka).
Corchorosid A, reported from the
plant, improved cardiac competence
experimentally.
The leaf extracts may be used as
moisturizers in skin cosmetics. The
extracts consist of uronic acid containing
muco-polysaccharide, Ca, K and
P, among others, which act as effective
moisturizers.
Corchorus capsularis Linn.
Family Tiliaceae.
Habitat Throughout warmer parts
of India; extensively cultivated in
West Bengal.
English White Jute.
Ayurvedic Kaala shaaka.
Siddha/Tamil Pirattai-keerai.
Folk Naadi shaaka, Narichaa.
Titapat (Bengal).
Action Leaves—tomachic,
carminative, diuretic, antidysenteric
(dried leaves). Seeds—urgative.
Seeds contain cardiac glycosides.
These include two monosides, helveticoside
and corchoroside A and two polar
glycosides, erysimoside and olitoriside.
Leaves contain beta-sitosterolglucoside.
Corchoroside A exhibited
cardiotonic properties.
The aqueous/alcoholic extracts,
containing polysaccharides, may be
used in preparations of skin cosmetics
or hair preparations for their moisturizing
effect.
Corchorus fascicularis Lam.
Family Tiliaceae.
Habitat Throughout warmer parts
of India.
Ayurvedic Chanchuka, Chanchu.
Folk Chanchu shaaka, Baaphali.
Action Astringent, spasmolytic,
restorative, mucilaginous.
Theplant contains betulinic acid and
beta-sitosterol. Seeds yield cardenolides
including trilocularin. The glycosides
of the plant were found to be devoid
of any effect of its own on smooth
muscle of guinea pig ileum, but produced
spasmolytic effect against acetylcholine,
histamine and bradykinin. Direct
action of the drug was observed
on rabbit intestines. Slight cardiac depressant
effect was found on isolated
amphibian heart preparation.
Corchorus depressus (L.) Christensen,
found in drier parts of North India,
is known as Bhauphali (Delhi).
The Plant is used as a cooling medicine
in fevers; itsmucilage is prescribed
in gonorrhoea, also for increasing the
viscosity of seminal fluid. An extract
C
Cordia wallichii G. Don. 173
of the plant is applied as a paste to
wounds.
The plant contains alpha-amyrin
derivatives, together with apigenin,
luteolin, sitosterol and its glucoside.
Presence of quercetin and kaempferol
has been reported in leaves and flowers.
The plant exhibits antimicrobial and
antipyretic activities.
Cordia myxa Roxb. non Linn.
Synonym C. dichotoma Forst. f.
C. obliqua Willd.
Family Boraginaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, wild
and often planted.
English Sabestan Plum.
Ayurvedic Shleshmaataka, Shelu,
Bahuvaara, Bahuvaaraka, Bhutvrkshak,
Uddaalaka Shita, Picchila,
Lisodaa.
Unani Sapistaan, Lasodaa.
Siddha/Tamil Naruvili.
Action Fruit—stringent, demulcent,
expectorant, diuretic,
anthelmintic, mucilaginous. Used
in the diseases of the chest and
urinary passage. Bark—sed in
dyspepsia and fevers. Kernels—externally applied to ringworm.
Leaf—ecoction used in cough and
cold.
The fruits containCa , P,Zn,
Fe , Mn , Cr . and Cu . mg/ g
(Chromium is of therapeutic value in
diabetes).
Antinutritional factors are—hytic
acid , phytate phosphorus and
oxalic acid mg/ g.
Theseeds contain alpha-amyrin and
taxifolin-, -dirhamnoside, which
showed significant anti-inflammatory
activity. EtOH (%) of leaves and
stems—ntimicrobial; aerial parts—diuretic and hypothermic.
Cordia rothii Roem. & Schult.
Family Boraginaceae.
Habitat Rajasthan, Gujarat, Deccan
and Karnataka.
English Sebestan (smaller var.)
Ayurvedic Laghu-shleshmaataka,
Lisodaa.
Siddha/Tamil Naruvili.
Folk Gondi.
Action See C. myxa.
Bark—stringent; decoction is used
as a gargle.
Cordia wallichii G. Don.
Synonym C. oblique Willd.
var. wallichii.
Family Boraginaceae.
Habitat Gujarat, North Kanara and
Deccan.
English Sebestan (bigger var.).
Ayurvedic Shleshmaataka
(bigger var.), Uddaalaka, Bahuvaaraka.
Siddha/Tamil Perunaruvili.
Folk Gondi.
Action Fruit—stringent, demulcent,
expectorant.
See C. myxa.
C
174 Coriandrum sativum Linn.
Coriandrum sativum Linn.
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Habitat Cultivated chiefly in
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
Nadu, Karnataka and Bihar.
English Coriander.
Ayurvedic Dhaanyaka, Kustumburu,
Dhaanyeyaka, Dhanika,
Dhanikaa, Dhaanaa, Dhaanya,
Dhaniyaa, Kunati, Chhatraa,
Vitunnaka.
Unani Kishneez.
Siddha/Tamil Kotthamalli.
Action Stimulant, stomachic,
carminative, antispasmodic, diuretic;
also hypoglycaemic and
anti-inflammatory. Oil—actericidal
and larvicidal. Used in China
as a remedy for measles, diabetes,
aerophagy and gastroenteritis.
Key application In dyspeptic
complaints, loss of appetite.
(German Commission E, British
Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Indian
Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
Coriander contains .–% volatile
oil, consisting mainly of delta-linalool
(–%), alpha-pinene and terpinine.
It also contains flavonoids, coumarins,
phthalides and phenolic acids (including
caffeic and chlorogenic).
Aqueous extract of the roasted seeds
contains large amounts of acetylcholine
and its precursor choline. (Choline
is found useful in preventing and curing
certain liver disorders.) Theextract
shows cholinomimetic effects experimentally.
Coriandrin, an antiviral agent, has
been synthesized from the aerial parts.
Theplant forms an ingredient of a Pakistani
herbal drug (Intellan) which is
considered to be a neuro-energizer.
In Unani medicine, an infusion of
fruits is also used in bleeding piles,
neuralgia, cephalalgia and spermatorrhoea.
Dosage Fruit—– g powder. (API
Vol. I.)
Corydalis govaniana Wall.
Family Papaveraceae.
Habitat TheWest Himalayas, from
Kashmir to Kumaon.
Ayurvedic Bhootakeshi (a doubtful
substitute for Bhootajataa,
Nardostachys jatamansi DC.)
Species of Selinum are also used as
Bhootakeshi.
Action Sedative, spasmolytic,
hypotensive, nervine, antiseptic.
Used in cutaneous and scrofulous
affections, chronic fever and liver
complaints.
The roots contain phthalide isoquinoline
alkaloids. In addition, stems
and leaves contain tetrahydroprotoberberines.
A related species, C. solida, indigenous
to Siberia, northern China and
Japan, contains alkaloids including
corydalmine, tetrahydropalmatine,
protoberberine-type alkaloid lenticin.
Thealkaloids are analgesic and sedative
and have been shown to work, at least
in part, by blocking the dopamine receptors
in the central nervous system.
C
Coscinium fenestratum Colebr. 175
The powdered rhizome of Corydalis
possesses one-hundredth of the analgesic
potency of morphine.
Corylus avellana Linn.
Family Betulaceae.
Habitat Native to Europe and
Western Asia; common in gardens
on hill-station in India.
English European Hazel, Filbert.
Unani Funduq, Bunduq.
Action Kernel—utritive, astringent;
used as an anabolic tonic
and in sexual debility in Unani
medicine. The oil is used to reduce
cholesterol and as an antioxidant.
The kernel of the European Hazel
Nut contains protein .%, carbohydrate
.%, fat .% and phosphorus
.%. The fatty acid components of
the kernel oil are : oleic .%, linoleic
.%, palmitic .%, stearic .% and
myristic .%.
Thestembark contains abiologically
active cyanidanol glycoside.
The Turkish Hazel Nuts are rich in
mono and polysaturated fatty acids—oleic % and linoleic %; also gave
beta-sitosterol.
The Turkish Hazel Nuts are imported
into India during the winter season.
Corylus colurna Linn.
Family Betulaceae.
Habitat Western temperate
Himalayas from Kashmir to
Kumaon; common in Kashmir
forests.
English Turkish Hazel.
Folk Virin (Kashmir). Thangi,
Urni (Punjab). Kapaasi, Bhotiaa
Badaam (Kumaon).
Action A mixture of flavonoids,
isolated from the leaves, has shown
potent antiperoxidative and oxygen
radical scavenging properties. It
exhibits very low toxicity and can
be used as an alternative to the toxic
synthetic antioxidants used for the
treatment of free radical-mediated
injuries. See also C. avellana.
Himalayan Hazel, occurring in central
and eastern Himalayas, locally
known as Curri and Langura, is equated
with Corylus ferox Wall.
Coscinium fenestratum Colebr.
Family Menispermaceae.
Habitat South India, particularly
in Western Ghats.
English False Calumba.
Ayurvedic Pitachandana, Pitasaara,
Harichandana, Kaaliyaka, Kalambaka.
Siddha/Tamil Maramanjal, Manjalkodi.
Folk Jharihaldi.
Action Root—tomachic, diuretic,
hypotensive, antidysenteric, antibacterial,
antifungal, bitter tonic
in dyspepsia and debility.
The stems and roots of Kalambaka
contain alkaloids including berberine
C
176 Costus speciosus (Koenig) Sm.
.–%and jatorrhizine. Stems contain
ceryl palmitic acid and oleic acid.
The plant is also used against fractures;
for dressing wounds and ulcers
and in cutaneous leishmaniasis.
The stems are used in South India as
a substitute for Berberis (Daaruharidraa);
also as an Indian substitute
for True Calumba (Jateorhiza palmata
Miers).
Dosage Root—– g powder;
decoction—– ml. (CCRAS.)
Costus speciosus (Koenig) Sm.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Assam, North Bengal,
Khasi and Jaintia Hills, sub
Himalayan tracts of Uttar Pradesh
and Himachal Pradesh andWestern
Ghats.
English Canereed, Wild Ginger.
Ayurvedic Kebuka, Kembuka.
Siddha/Tamil Krrauvam, Malai
Vasambu, Ven Kottam.
Folk Kebu.
Action Astringent, purgative,
depurative, anti-inflammatory
(used in gout, rheumatism; bronchitis,
asthma, catarrhal fevers,
dysuria), anthelmintic, antivermin,
maggoticide, antifungal.
The rhizomes contain saponins—dioscin, gracillin and beta-sitosterolbeta-
D-glucoside. The alkaloids show
papaverine-like smooth-muscle-relaxant
activity, cardiotonic activity like
that of digitalis and antispasmodic,
CNS-depressant, diuretic and hydrocholeretic
activities. Saponins show
significant anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic
activity.
The seeds also contain saponins and
exhibit potent and sustained hypotensive
and bradycardiac activities in dogs
with low toxicity and without any
haemolytic activity; also weak spasmolytic
activity on isolated guinea-pig
ileum.
All parts of the plant yield steroidal
sapogenin, diogenin (quantity varies
from . to %).
(Not to be confused with Kushtha of
Indian medicine, Saussurea lappa.)
Crataegus crenulata Roxb.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat The Himalayas from
Sutluj to Bhutan at altitudes of –, m.
Folk Ghingaaru.
Action See Cratageus oxyacantha.
Crataegeus oxyacantha Linn.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat British and European
hedge plant, met with in the
temperate Himalayas of Kashmir
andHimachal Pradesh at an altitude
of ,–, m. (The plant does
not thrive in the plains of India.)
English English Hawthorn.
Folk Ring, Ringo, Pingyat, Phindak,
Ban Sanjli (Punjab hills).
C
Cressa cretica Linn. 177
Action Coronary vasodilator
(strengthens heart muscle without
increasing the beat in coronary
arteries), antispasmodic, antihypertensive,
sedative to nervous system,
diuretic.
Key application In cases of
cardiac insufficiency Stage II as
defined by NYHA (New York Heart
Association). An improvement of
subjective findings as well as an
increase in cardiac work tolerance,
a decrease in pressure/heart rate
product, an increase in the ejection
fraction and a rise in the anaerobic
threshold have been established in
human pharmacological studies.
(German Commission E, WHO.)
The active principles include oligomeric
procyanidins and flavonoids.
The drug is official in Homoeopathic
Pharmacopoeia of India.
Contraindicated in low blood pressure,
chest pain, bleeding disorders.
The herb may interfere with therapeutic
effect of cardiac drugs. (Sharon M.
Herr.) Preparations based on hydroalcoholic
extracts of Crataegus monogyna
or C. laevigata are used asHawthorn
in theWestern herbal.
Crataeva nurvala Buch.-Ham.
Synonym C. magna (Lour.) DC.
Family Capparidaceae.
Habitat Wild as well as cultivated
in gardens all over India.
Ayurvedic Varuna, Varana, Barnaa,
Setu, Ashmarighna, Kumaarak,
Tiktashaaka.
Unani Baranaa.
Siddha/Tamil Maavilingam.
Action Bark—iuretic (finds
application in urinary disorders,
including urolithiasis, prostatic
hypertrophy, neurogenic bladder
and urinary infections; uterine and
gastro-intestinal problems). Juice
of the bark is given to women after
childbirth. Extract of root bark,
mixed with honey, is applied to
scrofulous enlargements of glands.
Whole plant powder—holinergic
in smooth muscles including
urinary bladder.
Key application As antiurolithiatic.
(Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
The antiurolithic activity of the
stem-bark is attributed to the presence
of lupeol. Lupeol not only prevented
the formation of vesical calculi, but
also reduced the size of the preformed
stones in the kidneys of calculogenic
rats. It also reversed the biochemical
parameters in urine, blood and serum
towards normal.
The stem bark also exhibit antiinflammatory
activity, and is reported
tostimulate bile secretion, appetite and
bowel movement.
Dosage Stem bark—– g for
decoction. (API Vol. I.)
Cressa cretica Linn.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat Costal regions of India.
Ayurvedic Rudanti, Rudantikaa,
Rudravanti.
C
178 Crinum asiaticum Linn.
Siddha/Tamil Uppu Sanaga.
Folk Khardi.
Action Expectorant, stomachic,
antibilious, alterative.
Air-dried, powdered whole plant
gave n-octacosanol, scopoletin, umbelliferone,
isopimpinellin, beta-sitosterol
and its –(+)-glucoside and quercetin.
Crinum asiaticum Linn.
Family Amaryllidaceae.
Habitat Wild as well as cultivated
as an ornamental.
English St. John' Lily, Poison Bulb.
Ayurvedic Naagadamani, Naagapatra,
Sudarshana (var.). C.
defixum Ker.-Gawl, is equated with
Sukhadarshana.
Siddha/Tamil Vishamoongil.
Action Bulb—axative (a substitute
for ipecacuanha), expectorant. Used
in biliousness, and in strangury
and other urinary affections. Also
used for the treatment of burns,
whitlow and carbuncle. Fresh
root—iaphoretic, emetic. Leaves—expectorant; externally, antiinflammatory
(used in skin diseases
and for reducing inflammations).
Seed—mmenagogue, diuretic.
The bark gave sterols and triterpenoids.
Seeds contain alkaloids—lycorine, crinamine and crinasiatine.
Crinum latifolium Linn.
Family Amaryllidaceae.
Habitat Wild as well as cultivated
as an ornamental.
English Wide-leaved Crinum.
Ayurvedic Sudarshana, Sukhadarshana,
Chakraangi, Somvalli,
Madhuparnikaa.
Siddha/Tamil Vishamoongil.
Action Bulb—ubefacient, antirheumatic.
Also used for piles and
tubercular fistula.
The alkaloids, crinafoline and crinafolidine,
have been isolated from the
plant. These along with crinafoline
methochloride exhibited significant
tumour-inhibiting activity in vivo. The
plant extract in also used in allergic
condition. This activity is attributed
to the presence of glucan A and phosphatidyllycorine.
A related species, C. zeylanicum, is
known as Milk-and-Wine Lily.
Dosage Leaf, root—– g paste.
(CCRAS.)
Crocus sativus Linn.
Family Iridaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in Kashmir up
to , m and in Chaubattia in
Uttar Pradesh.
English Saffron, Crocus.
Ayurvedic Kumkuma, Rudhira,
Vadrika, Kaashmira, Kaashmiraka,
Vaalhika, Agnishikhaa, Ghrusrrn,
Rakta, Kshataja. Keshara (usually
Keshara indicates Naagakeshara,
Mesua ferrea Linn.)
Unani Zaafraan.
C
Crotalaria juncea Linn. 179
Siddha/Tamil Kumgumappoo
(dried stigma).
Action Stigma and style—ervine
tonic, sedative, antispasmodic expectorant
(in dry cough, whooping
cough, bronchitis), stomachic,
diaphoretic, emmenagogue.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
indicated the use of the stigma and
style inmigraine, chronic sinusitis, and
in urinary obstruction, inflammation
of the urinary tract.
The saffron is used in Chinese
medicine for melancholia, depression,
shock and menstrual disorders.
Saffron contains a volatile oil composed
of terpenes, terpene alcohols and
esters. The herb also contains crocin,
picrocrocin, crocetin, carotenoids and
riboflavin and thiamine.
Preliminary evidence suggests that
crocetin may improved atherosclerosis
by increasing plasma oxygen diffusion
and decreasing cholesterol and
triglyceride levels. In addition, crocetin
binds to albumin, potentially increasing
oxygen diffusion and improving
atherosclerosis. (NaturalMedicines
Comprehensive Database, .)
The stigma showed remarkable inhibitory
effect on blood coagulation
due to the presence of platelet aggregation
inhibitor containing adenosine. It
accelerated in vitro fibrinolytic activity
of urokinase and plasmin.
Small amounts of Saffron stimulate
gastric secretion; larger amounts stimulate
uterine smooth muscle and exhibit
emmenagogue and abortifacient
effects.
Saffron extract showed cytotoxic
and antimutagenic activity and antitumour
activity against ascites tumours
in mice. Chemical analysis indicated
that the naturally occurring crocin
may be the active principle responsible
for the observed anticancer activity.
A xanthone, carotenoid glycosidic
conjugate, mangi-crocin, isolated from
saffron, showed significant adaptogenic
activity. A natural antioxidant,
isolated from saffron stem callus,
showed better antioxidant activity than
vitamin E. Saffron bulbs are toxic, stigmas
in overdoses narcotic.
The dose of stigma and styles at .–. g is toxic. (Recommended dose :
.–. g per day).
Dosage Dried style and stigma—– mg (API Vol. IV.)
Crotalaria juncea Linn.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
Habitat Throughout the plains of
India, especially in South India.
English Sun Hemp.
Ayurvedic Shana, Shanapushpi,
Malyapushpa.
Unani Sunn.
Siddha/Tamil Sanal, Manji,
Sannappu.
Folk Jhanjhaniaa.
Action Leaf—emulcent, purgative,
emetic, emmenagogue, abortifacient,
ant-implantation. Given in
diarrhoea, dysentery and bleeding
disorders. Seeds—sed in psoriasis
and impetigo.
C
180 Crotalaria verrucosa Linn.
Seeds—epatotoxic. Seed oil gave
fatty acids—inoleic, linolenic and
oleic.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids—unceine,
tricodesmine, riddelline, seneciphylline
and senecionine were also obtained.
Dosage Seed—– g powder. (API
Vol. III.)
Crotalaria verrucosa Linn.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
Habitat Tropical regions of India
from Himalayas to Sri Lanka.
Ayurvedic Shanapushpi. Shana
(var.).
Siddha/Tamil Sanal, Sannappu.
Folk Sanai, Jhanjhaniaa.
Action Juice of leaves—sed
for biliousness, dyspepsia, blood
impurities, scabies and impetigo,
both internally and externally.
Taraxerol, beta-sitosterol and linoleic,
palmitic, stearic, lauric, oleic, linolenic,
arachidic, myristic and ricinoleic
acids have been isolated from fixed oil
of the stem.
Dosage Seed—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Croton oblongifolius Roxb.
Family Euphorbiaceae.
Habitat Central, Western and
Southern India, also eastwards to
Bengal.
Ayurvedic Naagadanti. (Danti
is equated with Baliospermum
montanum Muell., Dravanti with
Jatropha curcas Linn. and Croton
tiglium Linn.)
Action Same as that of C. tiglium.
Croton tiglium Linn.
Family Euphorbiaceae.
Habitat Native to South-East Asia.
Now cultivated in Assam, Bengal
and South India.
English Purging Croton.
Ayurvedic Jayapaala, Dravanti,
Dantibija, Tintidiphala.
Unani Habb-us-Salaateen, Jamaalgotaa,
Hubb-ul-Malook.
Siddha/Tamil Nervaalam.
Action Cathartic, rubefacient,
irritant. Used in ascites, anasarca,
dropsy and enlargement of
abdominal viscera.
Theseed oil is purgative. It produces
severe symptoms of toxicity when taken
internally or applied externally to
the skin.
Croton oil showed tumour-promoting
activity on mouse skin. The
skin irritant and tumour promoting
diterpene esters of the tigliane type
(phorbol esters) and toxins have been
isolated from the seeds. (In China,
where the herb is employed for the
treatment of gastro-intestinal disturbances,
the highest incidence of nasopharyngeal
cancer has been reported.)
ml oil is usually fatal. Phorbols
(terpenoids) from nonvolatile oil are
C
Cucumis prophetarum Linn. 181
toxic. Crotin, a toxic albuminous substance,
is not extracted in the oil. The
plant caused haematuria and swelling
of lymph glands in animals.
Dosage Seed—– mg powder.
(API Vol. IV.)
Cryptolepis buchanani
Roem. & Schult.
Family Asclepiadaceae; Periplocaceae.
Habitat Throughout India.
English Indian Sarsaparilla (black
var.).
Ayurvedic Krishna Saarivaa,
Jambupatraa Saarivaa, Karantaa,
Shyamalataa, Shyaama, Gopi,
Gopavadhu, Kaalghatika.
Siddha/Tamil Maattan-kodi,
Paal-Kodi, Kattupala.
Folk Karantaa, Anantamuula
(Varanasi).
Action Blood-purifier, alterative.
Used for rickets in children.
In combination with Euphorbia
microphylla, the herb is used as
a galactagogue. A decoction of the
stem is used as a supporting drug
in paralysis; of the root bark in
rheumatism.
Themajor constituent of the root extract
is germanicol docosanoate. The
roots contains cryptanoside C. The
leaves gave cryptanoside A and B and
a cardenolide, cryptosin.
Dosage Root—– g (API
Vol. IV.); infusion—– ml.
(CCRAS.)
Ctenolepis cerasiformis Naud.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Wild on wastelands in
Gujarat.
Ayurvedic Shankhini.
(Also equated with Corivolvulus
arvenis L.)
Folk Aankha-phuutaa-mani
(Gujarat).
Action Emetic, drastic purgative.
Used for internal tumours and
abscesses. (C.R.A.V.)
Cucumis melo
Linn. var. utilissimus Duth. & Fuller.
Synonym C. utilissimus Roxb.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in Punjab and
Uttar Pradesh.
English Snake Cucumber.
Ayurvedic Ervaaru, Ervaaruka,
Urvaaru, Bahukanda, Karkati.
Unani Kakari.
Siddha/Tamil Kakkarikkay,
Vellarikkai.
Action Seeds—ooling, diuretic;
used in painful micturition and
suppression of urine.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
India recommends the seed in dysuria
and lithiasis.
Dosage Seed—– g. (API Vol. II.)
Cucumis prophetarum Linn.
Synonym C. myriocarpus Naud.
C
182 Cucumis sativus Linn.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Wild on wastelands of
Sindh, Baluchistan, Rajasthan; in
dry districts of Bellary in the South.
English Wild Cucumber.
Ayurvedic Indravarruni (var.).
Folk Khar-indraayana.
Action Emetic, purgative. Toxic.
Fruit pulp— bitter resinous body,
myriocarpin, produces nausea and is
slightly purgative.
Thefruit contain cucurbitacinB,C,D
and Q, and propheterosterol and its
acetate. Cucurbitacin Q is an antitumour
agent. Amino acids from the
fruits are leucine, iso-leucine, phenylalanine,
valine, tryptophan, tyrosine,
proline, alanine threonine, glycine,
arginine, crystine and aspartic acid.
Cucumis sativus Linn.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Cultivated for its edible
fruits which are usually used as
salad vegetable.
English Cucumber.
Ayurvedic Trapusha, Traapusha,
Trapushi, Tiktakarkatikaa (bitter
var.).
Unani Khiyaar, Khiraa.
Siddha/Tamil Vellarikkai.
Folk Khiraa.
Action Seed—sed in dysuria,
irritation of the urinary tract,
cystitis. Reduces specific gravity of
urine. Also used for tapeworms.
Cucumber contains rutin; seeds glucosides
including cucurbitaside; leaves
free cucurbitasides B & C, ferredoxin,
alpha-spinasterol. Free and bound
sterols are found in seedlings and in
male and female flowers.
Presence of proteolytic enzymes,
ascorbic acid oxidase and succinic and
malic dehydrogenases has been reported.
Dosage Seed—– g powder; fruit
juice—– ml. (CCRAS.)
Cucumis trigonus Roxb.
Synonym C. pseudo-colocynthis
Royle.
C.callosus (Rottl.) Congn.
Bryonia callosa Rottl.
Habitat Wild throughout the drier
upland tracts of India.
Ayurvedic Indravaaruni (var.).
Siddha/Tamil Kattutumatti.
Folk Vishlumbha, Bhakuraa.
Action Pulp of fruit—rastic
purgative. Decoction of roots—milder in purgative action. Seeds—cooling, astringent; useful in bilious
disorders. The fruit is used as
a substitute for Colocynth.
The fruits contain steroid and triterpenoid
compounds, cucurbitacin
B and proteolytic enzymes. EtOH
extract exhibits analgesic and antiinflammatory
activity; stimulates isolated
uterus of guinea pigs.
Cucurbita maxima Duchesne.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
C
Cucurbita pepo Linn. 183
Habitat Cultivated throughout
India.
English Red Gourd, Red Pumpkin.
Ayurvedic Peeta Kuushmaanda,
Kuushmaandaka, Kuusmaandi,
Karkaaruka, Seetaaphal.
Unani Kaddu-e-Sheerin, Aqteen.
Siddha/Tamil Parangikayi.
Action Fruit pulp—edative,
emollient and refrigerant; used
as poultice, applied to burns,
inflammations, boils, and burns.
Seeds—iuretic, anthelmintic (for
tapeworm). Because of their zinc
content and antimitotic effect, seeds
are used to arrest enlargement of
prostate gland. Also used in cystitis
and minor kidney dyfunction.
Pumpkin (Cucurbitamaxima and C.
pepo) seeds contain B vitamins, Vitamin
A;minerals—alcium, iron, phosphorus,
zinc; cucurbitacins; linonelic
acid. An infusion of seeds (– teaspoons)
is taken as a diuretic and in
hypertrophy of prostate.
Seeds of C. maxima contain sterol
glycosides and sterol fatty acid esters
which showed antitumour activity in
mice.
The leaves contain calcium .;
magnesium .; iron .; zinc .;
and copper . (mg/ g).
The seed oil contains sterols and triterpenoids.
The oil is used in migraine
and neuralgia.
Cucurbita moschata
Duch. ex Poir.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Native to Central America.
Cultivated in warmer climate than
that required for C. maxima.
English Squash.
Ayurvedic Kumshmaanda.
Action Fruit—sed in headache,
bronchitis, asthma; as diuretic
in genitourinary disorders; as
anthelmintic against tapeworms.
Dried pulp is administered in
haemptysis.
The lipids isolated from the seeds
included glycerides, sterol esters, phosphatidylcholine
and phosphatidylinositol.
The aqueous extract of seeds
showed potent gastroprotective activity
against ethanol-induced gastric lesions
in rats.
In Chinesemedicine, Cucurbita moschataflower
isusedinjaundice, dysentery
and cough; the root in jaundice,
strangury, galactostasis and dysentery;
the stem in irregular menstruation and
scalds.
Cucurbita pepo Linn.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Native to N. Mexico and
eastern U.S.A. Now commonly
cultivated in Northern India.
English Pumpkin, Marrow.
Unani Safed Kaddu, Kumhraa.
Siddha Suraikayi (Tamil).
Action See C. maxima.
Key application Seeds—n irritated
bladder condition, micturition
problems of benign prostatic
C
184 Cuminum cyminum Linn.
hyperplasia stages and . (German
Commission E, The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia.) In childhood
enuresis noctruna. (Expanded
Commission E.)
The roasted and fresh seeds yield
. and .% of fatty oil respectively.
The oil filled capsules were administered
to patients suffering from hypertrophy
of the prostate. Results showed
that the frequent urge to urinate decreased
and the urine residues were
minimized.
The oil consists of the glycerides
of linoleic , oleic , palmitic and
stearic acids %. Sterols have been
isolated.
Cuminum cyminum Linn.
Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
Habitat Native to the Mediterranean
region; now cultivated in
Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
English Cumin.
Ayurvedic Shveta-jiraka, Ajaaji,
Shukla-ajaaji. The three jirakas
mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts
are: Jiraka, Krishna Jiraka (Carum
bulbocastanum W. Koch.) and
Kaaravi (Carum carvi Linn.).
Unani Safed Jeeraa, Kamun.
Siddha/Tamil Cheerakam.
Action Carminative, antispasmodic
(used in dyspepsia and diarrhoea),
stimulant, diuretic, antibacterial,
emmenagogue, galactagogue.
Cumin seeds contain up to .%
lipids. They are reported to contain
flavonoid glycosides; belong to apigenin,
to luteolin and to chrysoeriol
group. Major constituents of the essential
oil include cuminaldehyde (–% of the oil) and p-cymene.
EtOH (%) extract of the fruit exhibits
spasmolytic and hypotensive activity.
Cumin is considered superior is
comforting carminative qualities to
Fennel orCaraway. Due to its disagreeable
flavour it has been replaced by
Caraway inEuropeanherbalmedicine.
Cumin oil and cuminaldehyde have
been reported to exhibit strong larvicidal
and antibacterial activity.
Fine grinding of the seed can cause
loss of % of volatile oil, most within
one hour. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database, .)
Dosage Fruit—– g powder. (API
Vol. I.)
Cupressus sempervirens Linn.
Family Cupressaceae.
Habitat Native to Asia Minor,
Syria and North Persia. The tree
is a variety only known in the
cultivated state in North-West
India. (Chopra RN.)
English Mediterranean Cypress.
Ayurvedic Suraahva.
Unani Saro.
Siddha/Tamil Suram, Churam.
Action Tincture—asoconstrictor,
antiseptic, sedative, antispasmodic,
diuretic. Used for cough, cold,
bronchitis, varicose veins, piles,
C
Curcuma amada Roxb. 185
menopausal cramps, leg-cramps.
Essential oil—sed only externally.
Used in aromatherapy for massage
( drops in teaspoonful of almond
oil).
The essential oil from the plant gave
compounds; major compound was
alpha-pinene (.–.%); among
others—-camphane, D-silvestren, pcymene,
L-cadinenes, cedrol, terpineol,
acetyl-and isovalerianyl monoterpene
ester.
No longer taken internally as a diluted
essential oil. Medicinal parts are
cones, branches and oil.
Curculigo orchioides Gaertn.
Family Amaryllidaceae; Hypoxidaceae.
Habitat Sub-tropical Himalayas
from Kumaon eastwards; Western
Ghats from Konkan Southwards.
Ayurvedic Taalmuuli, Taalpatri,
Krishna Mushali, Bhuumitaala.
Unani Musli Siyaah.
Siddha/Tamil Nilappanan kizhangu.
Action Nervine, adaptogenic, sedative,
anticonvulsive, androgenic,
anti-inflammatory and diuretic.
Used in Jaundice, urinary disorders,
skin diseases and asthma.
Mucilaginous.
Therhizomecontains saponins (curculigosaponin
C and F promoted proliferation
of spleen lymphocytes very
significantly; F and G increased the
weight of the thymus in vitro in mice);
sapogenins; phenolic glycosides, a triterpene
alcohol; a pentacyclic triterpene,
an aliphatic compound, hentriacontanol,
sitosterol, stigmasterol,
cycloartenol and sucrose. A peptide,
Curculin C, containing amino
acids, has been isolated from the fruit.
In traditional Chinese medicine,
dried rhizome, containing curculigoside
is used as a tonic for its immunological
and protective property.
In Indian medicine, powdered rhizomes
withmilk are taken as a restorative
tonic, also for sexual debility.
EtOH (%) of the plant exhibited
hypoglycaemic property.
Dosage Dried rhizome—– g
powder. (API Vol. IV.)
Curcuma amada Roxb.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in Gujarat;
wild in parts of West Bengal, Uttar
Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil
Nadu.
English Mango-ginger, Wild
Turmeric.
Ayurvedic Aamra Haridraa, Aamragandhi
Haridraa, Surabhidaaru,
Karpuraa.
Unani Aambaa Haldi, Daarchob.
Siddha/Tamil Mangaiinji.
Action Carminative, stomachic,
appetizer, expectorant, antipyretic,
anti-inflammatory. Specific in
rheumatism and inflammation of
liver; rheumatism; in contusions
and sprains.
C
186 Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.
Presence of curcumin and a phytosterol
is reported in the rhizome. The
essential oil exhibited antimicrobial,
antifungal and anthelmintic activity
against tape worms.
Significant decrease was observed
in liver total lipids and serum triglycerides
of adult female rat when fed
% Mango-ginger or % curcumin
along with normal diet or a surcosebased
hypertriglyceridaemic diet.
Dosage Rhizome—– g powder;
– ml juice. (CCRAS.)
Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Central Himalaya, Bihar,
West Bengal, Maharashtra and
South India.
English East Indian Arrowroot,
Travancore Starch.
Ayurvedic Tvakshira, Tvakshiri.
Unani Tikhur, Tabaasheer.
Siddha/Tamil Ararut-gaddalu.
Action Starch—ooling, demulcent,
nutritious; used for asthma
and bronchitis, as a substitute for
Vansalochana (Bamboo-manna).
Oil—ntibacterial, antifungal,
anthelmintic against tape worms.
Rhizome—sed for fever, diarrhoea,
gravel, swellings and skin diseases.
Therhizomes yield .% of an essential
oil containing alpha-pinene .,
beta-pinene ., d-ar-curcumene
., d-camphor ., d-alpha-terpineol
., borneol ., zingiberol .
and a sesquiterpene alcohol .%.
Dosage Rhizome—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Curcuma aromatica Salisb.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Cultivated chiefly in West
Bengal and Kerala.
English Wild turmeric, Yellow
Zedoary.
Ayurvedic Karpuraa, Aranya-rajani
kanda, Van Haridraa.
Unani Daarchob.
Siddha/Tamil Kastoori Manjal.
Action Uses similar to those of C.
longa. Essential oil fromrhizomes—antimicrobial, antifungal and
anthelmintic. The tubers are applied
externally to bruises and sprains,
to skin eruptions and infections.
A decoction is administered in
biliary gastritis.
Fresh rhizomes contain a number
of sesquiterpenes including curdione
and cerumol. Curcumol and curdione
showed inhibitory activity on sarcoma
in mice.
The rhizomes yield .% of an essential
oil with d-camphene ., dcamphor
., sesquiterpenes ., sesquiterpene
alcohols ., acids .%.
The essential oil shows high amounts
of ar-curcumene (.%), beta-curcumene
(.%) and xanthorrhizol
(.%).
The oil, on intraperitoneal administration,
partly reversed toxipathic hepatitis
in mice induced by CCl.
C
Curcuma longa Linn. 187
Dosage Rhizome—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Curcuma caesia Roxb.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Cultivated mainly in West
Bengal.
English Black Zedorary.
Ayurvedic Rajani, Nishaa, Nishi,
Raatri, Kaali Haldi, Nilkanth,
Narkachura.
Unani Zarambaad.
Siddha/Tamil Manupasapu.
Action Carminative. Used
externally for bruises and sprains.
The essential oil contains camphor
as main constituent; others are camphane,
bornylene and sesquiterpene
hydrocarbons.
Curcuma longa Linn.
Synonym C. domestica Valeton.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Cultivated all over India,
particularly in West Bengal, Tamil
Nadu and Maharashtra.
English Turmeric.
Ayurvedic Haridraa, Priyaka,
Haridruma, Kshanda, Gauri,
Kaanchani, Krimighna, Varavarnini,
Yoshitapriyaa, Hattavilaasini,
Naktaahvaa, Sharvari.
Unani Zard Chob.
Siddha/Tamil Manjal.
Action Anti-inflammatory,
cholagogue, hepatoprotective,
blood-purifier, antioxidant, detoxifier
and regenerator of liver tissue,
antiasthmatic, anti-tumour, anticutaneous,
antiprotozoal, stomachic,
carminative. Reduces high plasma
cholesterol. Antiplatelet activity offers
protection to heart and vessels.
Also protects against DNA damage
in lymphocytes.
Key application In dyspeptic
conditions. (German Commission
E, ESCOP, WHO.) As antiinflammatory,
stomachic. (Indian
Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
The rhizomes gave curcuminoids,
the mixture known as curcumin, consisting
of atleast four phenolic diarylheptanoids,
including curcumin and
monodesmethoxycurcumin; volatile
oil (–%), containing about % of
turmerones which are sesquiterpene
ketones, and bitter principles, sugars,
starch, resin.
Curcumin related phenolics possess
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
gastroprotective and hepatoprotective
activities. The antioxidant activity of
curcumin is comparable to standard
antioxidants—itamin C and E, BHA
and BHT.
The volatile oil, also curcumin, exhibited
anti-inflammatory activity in
a variety of experimental models (the
effects were comparable to those of
cortisone and phenylbutazone). Used
orally, curcumin prevents the release
of inflammatory mediators. It depletes
nerve endings of substance P, the neurotransmitter
of pain receptors.
C
188 Curcuma zedoaria Rosc.
Curcumin' cholesterol-lowering
actions include interfering with intestinal
cholesterol uptake, increasing
the conversion of cholesterol into bile
acids and increasing the excretion of
bile acids via its choleretic effects.
Curcuminoids prevent the increases
in liver enzymes, SGOT and SGPT; this
validates the use of turmeric as a hepatoprotective
drug in liver disorders.
Curlone, obtained from the dried rhizome,
is used against hepatitis.
Turmeric and curcumin increase
the mucin content of the stomach and
exert gastroprotective effects against
stress, alcohol, drug-induced ulcer
formation. (Curcumin at doses of
mg/kg weight exhibited ulcerogenic
activity in rats.)
Theethanolic extract of the rhizome
exhibited blood sugar lowering activity
in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
Piperine (a constituent of black and
long pepper) enhances absorption and
bioavailability of curcumin.
Dosage Cured rhizome—– g
powder. (API Vol. I.)
Curcuma zedoaria Rosc.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Cultivated throughout
India; wild in Eastern Himalaya.
English Zedoary, Zerumbet.
Ayurvedic Karchuura, Draavida,
Palaashi, Kachura, Gandhmuulaka,
Shati.
Unani Zarambaad.
Siddha/Tamil Kichhilikkizhangu.
Action Carminative, stomachic,
gastrointestinal stimulant, diuretic,
expectorant, demulcent, rubefacient.
Used in flatulence and
dyspepsia. Fresh root is used for
checking lecorrhoeal discharge; also
for blood purification. Zedoary'
effect on digestive organs is similar
to ginger but milder.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicated the use of the rhizome
in goiter.
The rhizomes are a source of Shoti
Starch, used as a food for babies and
convalescents, recovering from chronic
stomatitis. It is cooling and demulcent.
Zedoary, dried rhizomes, contains
a number of terpenoids, including
curcumene, curcumenone, curdione,
curcumenol. Curzerenone, furanogermenone,
germacrone, germacrone
epoxide; a volatile oil (.–.%) resembling
ginger oil, and starch (%).
Zedoary is thought to stimulate bile
production (due to sesquiterpene ketones)
and gall bladder emptying (due
to cucuminoid constituents).
The sesquiterpenes, germacrone,
germacrone epoxide, curzerenone and
curcumenol showed CNS depressant
properties. Curzerenone also showed
a potent protective effect against induced
lesions in rats. Both curzerenone
and curcumenol showed
a moderate analgesic action.
Theterpenoid furanogermenone exhibits
antiallergic activity. (Powdered
zedoary, mixed with fructose, is used
as an antiallergant in Japan.)
C
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Linn.) Taub. 189
Curcumenol and curdione are
shown to possess tumour-inhibiting
property.The rhizome is used in China
for extradural haematomas and certain
types of tumours. It has been reported
in China that zedoary reduced cervical
cancer and increased the effects of
chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The volatile oil of zedoary exhibits
antimicrobial and antifungal activity.
Theantifungal constituent of the oil has
been reported as methyl-p-methoxycinnamate.
Dosage Dried rhizome—– g
powder. (API Vol. IV.)
Cuscuta epithymum Linn.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat A parasitic climber,
occuring in Europe, Asia, South
Africa.
English Lesser Doddar, Hellweed,
Devil' Guts.
Ayurvedic Aakaashvalli, Amarvalli,
Amarvela.
Unani Aftimoon.
Folk Sitammapogunalu (Telugu).
Action Hepatic, laxative, carminative.
The parasitic plant accumulates alkaloids
from the host plant. It contains
flavonoids, including kaempferol
and quercetin, hydroxycinnamic acid
derivatives. Cuscutalin (%) and cuscutin
(.%) are main active principles
of the plant. Seeds contain amarvelin,
resins, oil (%) and reducing sugars.
Used in urinary, spleen and liver disorders.
Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat A parasitic climber
common throughout India up to
, m.
English Doddar.
Ayurvedic Amarvalli.
Unani Kasoos.
Action See C. epithymum.
The seeds contain amarbelin and
kaempferol; stemgave cuscutin, cuscutatin,
beta-sitosterol, luteolin, bergenin
and kaempferol. The parasitic plant
accumulates alkaloids from the host
plant. The climber growing on Mangiera
indica has been found to contain
mangiferin.
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba
(Linn.) Taub.
Family Fabaceae; Papilionaceae.
Habitat Cultivated throughout
India, particularly in Haryana,
Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh
and Orissa.
English Cluster bean, Guar.
Ayurvedic Kshudra Shimbi,
Gorakshaphalini, Guaar, Gwaalin.
Unani Guaar phali.
Siddha/Tamil Kothaveray.
C
190 Cyclea arnotii Miers.
Action Laxative, antibilious.
Gum—ypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic,
appetite depressor (weight
loss not observed), reduces glycosuria
during gum supplementation.
The administration of Guar gum
( g/day) with normal diet for weeks
produced significant reduction in plasma,
total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol.
The gum ( g daily) is reported
to decrease blood-glucose level in normal
and diabetic volunteers. The supplementation
of the gum in the diet of
insulin-dependent diabetics failed to
improve the long-term diabetic control,
but significantly reduced serum
cholesterol levels.
Taking Guar gum orally with meals
was found to lower post-prandial glucose
levels in patients with type diabetes.
(Am J clin Nutr, , , –.)
Oral administration of an ethanol
extract of powdered pods has shown
significant antiulcer, antisecretory and
cytoprotective effects on various experimentally-
induced gastric lesions in
rats.
Guarmeal contains galactomannan,
-epikatonic acid and a saponin.
Cyclea arnotii Miers.
Synonym C. peltata Hook. F &
Thoms.
Family Menispermaceae.
Habitat Throughout South and
East India and in the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.
Ayurvedic Raaj-Paathaa (bigger
var. of Paathaa, Cissampelos pareira
Linn.).
Siddha/Tamil Para.
Action Roots—sed in smallpox,
bone fractures, malarial fever,
jaundice, stomachache.
The root yielded tetrandrine as the
major alkaloid. Tetrandrine (. g/day)
was found effective in the treatment of
chloroquine resistant malaria.
Tetrandrine possesses cytotoxic and
immunomodulatory properties and is
indicated in the treatment of chronic
inflammatory diseases. It shows antihypertensive,
cardiac depressant and
vasodilator effect. It also exhibits antiallergic
activity.
Cydonia oblonga Mill.
Synonym C. vulgaris Pers.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in Punjab,
Kashmir and the Nilgiri hills.
English Quince Fruit.
Ayurvedic Amritaphala, Paatalaa,
Simbitikaa.
Unani Bihi, Bihidaanaa.
Siddha/Tamil Shimaimathala.
Action Fruit pulp and seeds—soothing and demulcent; used
in irritable bowel syndrome,
diarrhoea, dysentery, constipation,
and in irritable conditions of the
mucous membrane. Leaf, bud
and bark—stringent. Fruit—expectorant. Mucilage—sed
C
Cymbopogon jwarancusa (Jones) Schult. 191
externally for scalds, ulcers and
burns.
The seed kernel contains the glycoside
amygdalin, tannin, mucilage
(about %), ash (.%) and fatty oil
(–%).
In Greece, a tea prepared by boiling
dry seeds in water is given in cystitis.
The major water-soluble polysaccharide
in the mucilage of seeds contains
a high proportion of glucuronic
acid residues.
The fruit contains pectin (yield
.% fresh weight) and is similar to
that of apple. Ionone glycosides, along
with octadienoic acid and its diol, have
been isolated from the fruit.
Fruit juice contains thiamine, riboflavin,
nicotinic acid, vitamin B,
inositol, pantothenic acid, folic acid
and biotin.
The essential oil also gave a number
of ionone-related compounds. The
buds contain a cyanogenetic glycoside.
The bark and shoots yield hydrocyanic
acid on distillation.
Cymbopogon citratus
(DC.) Stapf.
Synonym Andropogon citratus DC.
Family Poaceae.
Habitat Grown in Punjab, Maharashtra,
Gujarat and Karnataka.
English Lemongrass.
Ayurvedic Bhuutika, Bhuutikaa.
Action Leaf—timulant, sudorific,
antiperiodic, anticatarrhal. Essential
oil—arminative, anticholerin,
depressant, analgesic, antipyretic,
antibacterial, antifungal.
The lemongrass contains a volatile
oil, with citral (about %), citronellal,
geraniol and myrcene as its main constituents.
Cetral and citronellal exhibit
marked sedative activity.
The lemongrass is taken as a tea for
digestive problems; it relaxes muscles
of the stomach and gut, relieves spasm
and flatulence. In catarrhal conditions,
it is taken as a febrifuge.
An infusion of fresh leaves on oral
administration has been found to produce
dose-dependent analgesia in rats.
This analgesic acitivity is caused by
myrcene present in the leaf.
Geraniol and d-limonene from the
essential oil induce activity of glutathione
S-transferase, a detoxifying
enzyme, which is believed to be amajor
factor for chemical carcinogen detoxification.
Cymbopogon jwarancusa
(Jones) Schult.
Synonym Andropogon jwarancusa
Jones.
Family Poaceae.
Habitat Himalayas from Kashmir
to Assam, ascending up to more
than mand in the north-western
plains.
Ayurvedic Bhuutikaa, Laamajjaka,
Laamajja. (Subs. Vetiveria
zizanioides (L.) Nash.)
Unani Izkhar.
Siddha/Tamil Vilaamichhan.
C
192 Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.)Wats.
Action Blood purifier, bechic,
anticholerin, emmenagogue,
febrifuge, antirheumatic (also used
in gout). Flower—typtic. Essential
oil—ntimicrobial.
Major constituent of the essential oil
is piperitone (.%) others include
borneol, cadinene, camphene, camphor,
farnesene, geraniol, alpha-and
beta-pinene. The antibacterial activity
is attributed to piperitone.
Cymbopogon martinii
(Roxb.) Wats.
Synonym Andropogon martinii
Roxb.
Family Poaceae.
Habitat In drier parts of India;
in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh
and Uttar Pradesh. The most
important centers of Rosha Grass
oil production are Betul and Mimar
in Madhya Pradesh and Nasik in
Maharashtra.
English Rosha Grass, Palmarosa.
Ayurvedic Rohisha-trn, Dhyaamaka.
Siddha/Tamil Kavathampillu.
Action Essential oil is used
externally for stiff joints and
lumbago, skin diseases, and in
the treatment of baldness. Given
internally in small doses in bilious
complaints.
The essential oil obtained from motia
var. is rich in geraniol (–%).
The oil is known as Palmarosa, also
Rusa. Sofia var. yields an oil with lesser
geraniol. It is known as Gingergrass
Oil.
Cymbopogon nardus
(Linn.) Rendle.
Synonym Andropogon nardus Linn.
Family Poaceae.
Habitat Mainly in South India;
cultivated to a small extent in
warmer parts of India.
English Ceylon Citronella Grass.
Ayurvedic Jambir-trn (var.).
Siddha/Tamil Kamachipillu.
Action Leaf—tomachic, carminative,
spasmolytic, mild astringent.
Essential oil—timulant, carminative,
diaphoretic, rubefacient,
antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal,
larvicidal.
Lemongrass and lemongrass oil preparations
are used almost exclusively
in combinations for disorders and discomforts
of gastrointestinal tract,muscle
pain and neuralgia, colds, various
nervous disturbances and for conditions
of exhaustion.
Major constituents of the essential
oil are: citronellal ., neral ., citronellol
., elemicine ., geranyl acetate
., elemol ., limonene . and
isopulegol .%.
Citronella oil is also used as an insect
repellent.
Cymbopogon schoenanthus
Spreng.
Synonym Andropogon schoenanthus
Linn.
C
Cynodon dactylon Pers. 193
Family Poaceae.
Habitat Warmer parts of India,
from Punjab to Bengal and in South
India.
English Camel-Hay.
Ayurvedic Rohisha (var.).
Unani Rusaa Ghaas, Izkhar.
Siddha/Tamil Karpurapul, Rohishatrna.
Action Roots and rhizome—carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic,
emmenagogue; used for fever, cold
and genitourinary affections.
Fresh leaves yield an essential oil
(yield .%). It contains a series of
methyl ketones, along with limonene
., camphene .%, and a group of
oxygenated sesquiterpenes, the major
being elemol .%.
The fragrant oil is known as Rusa
or Geranium Oil and is used as a substitute
for rose oil. It exhibits stimulant,
carminative, antispasmodic and
diaphoretic properties. It is applied externally
in rheumatism and neuralgia.
Cynara scolymus Linn.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Monastery gardens of
Europe. Now cultivated in India.
English Globe Artichoke.
Unani Harshaf.
Action Herb—ntitoxic, liver
restorative, hypocholesterolaemic.
Water soluble extract is used for
liver and renal diseases for its
cholagogic and choleretic action
(flow of bile increases up to per
cent). Artichokes assist digestion of
fats, are known as diabetic' potato
in Europe.
Key application In dyspeptic
problems. (German Commission E.)
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia
reported hepatic action.
All parts of the plant contains sesquiterpene
lactone cynaropecrin and
inulin. The leaves contain cynarin.
Hepatic activity of the leaves is due
to polyphenols such as cynarin, caffeoylquinic
acid derivatives and flavonoids.
Cynarin and caffeic acid exhibited
hepatoprotective activity in
CCl-treated rats. (A minimum of
% polyphenols and .% flavonoids
in the dried leaves is required for the
activity.)
The plant is included in indigenous
compound formulations recommended
for viral and drug-induced hepatitis.
All parts of the plant stimulate digestive
secretions, especially bile, and are
used for the treatment of gallbladder
problems. Plant is used as a diuretic
in dropsy. The plant is also used
against atherosclerosis and for lowering
cholesterol levels.
The extract gave mixed results in
preventing alcohol-induced hangover.
(CMAJ, , , –; NaturalMedicines
ComprehensiveDatabase,
.)
Cynodon dactylon Pers.
Family Gramineae; Poaceae.
Habitat Throughout India up to
, m.
C
194 Cyperus articulatus Linn.
English Bermuda Grass, Bahama
Grass, Couch Grass.
Ayurvedic Duurvaa, Bhaargavi,
Shatvalli, Shatparvaa, Tiktaparvaa,
Shatviryaa, Sahastravirya, Shitaa,
Anantaa, Golomi.
Unani Duub.
Siddha/Tamil Arugampallu.
Action The grass is a reputed as
a remedy in epitaxis, haematuria,
inflammed tumours, whitlows
fleshy excrescences, cuts, wounds,
bleeding piles, cystitis, nephritis and
in scabies and other skin diseases. It
is credited with astringent, diuretic,
antidiarrhoeal, anticatarrhal, styptic
and antiseptic properties.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
recommended the dried fibrous
root in menorrhagia, metrorrhagia
and burning micturation.
Phenolic phytotoxins—erulic, syringic,
p-coumaric, vanillic, p-hydroxybenzoic
and O-hydroxyphenyl acetic
acids, are reported from the plant.
The leaves contain tricin, flavone Cglycosides
and a flavonoid sulphate.
Dosage Whole plant—– ml
juice (API Vol. IV.); root—– ml
juice (API Vol. III.)
Cyperus articulatus Linn.
Family Cyperaceae.
Habitat Native to Turkey; found
in warm regions from Bengal to Sri
Lanka in standing water of ponds
and canals.
English Guinea Rush, Ardue.
Ayurvedic Kronchaadana.
Action Carminative, antiemetic
(useful in vomiting of pregnancy),
sedative (in dyspeptic disorders).
The root contains a sesquiterpene
ketone, articulone, which is identical
to cyperone. Volatile oil contains
sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and
sesquiterpene alcohols, including cyperenone.
Cypress is a totally different herb.
See Cupressus sempervirens.
Cyperus esculentus Linn.
Family Cyperaceae.
Habitat Indigenous to West
Asia and North Africa; occurring
scattered from Punjab to Nilgiri
hills as a grass-like sedge.
English Earth Almond, Chufa,
Rush Nut, Tiger Nut. (Tuber is
called Nut.)
Ayurvedic Chichoda.
Folk Chichodaa, Kaseru (Punjab).
Also equated with Naagaramustaka.
Action A digestive tonic (used
for indigestion, flatulence, colic,
diarrhoea, dysentery); promotes
diuresis and menstruation. The
juice is taken for treating ulcers of
the mouth and gums.
Tiger Nut is used in debility and as
a nervine tonic due to its high crude
lipid and carbohydrate contents and
fairly good essential amino acid composition.
C
Cyperus scariosus R.Br. 195
Cyperus rotundus Linn.
Family Cyperaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, as
a weed upto , m.
English Nut Grass.
Ayurvedic Musta, Mustaa, Mustaka,
Abda, Ambuda, Ambhoda,
Ambodhara, Bhadra, Bhadraa,
Bhadramusta, Bhadramustaa,
Bhadramustaka, Ghana, Jalada,
Jaldhara, Meghaahvaa, Nirada,
Vaarida, Vaarivaaha, Payoda,
Balaahaka. Ganda-Duurvaa (var.).
Unani Naagarmothaa, Saad-e-Kufi.
Siddha/Tamil Koraikkizhangu.
Folk Mothaa.
Action Carminative, astringent,
anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic,
hepatoprotective, diuretic,
antipyretic, analgesic, hypotensive,
emmenagogue and nervine
tonic.
Used for intestinal problems, indigestion,
sprue, diarrhoea, dysentery,
vomiting and fever; also as a hypocholesterolaemic
drug and in obesity.
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicated the use of the rhizome
in rheumatism, inflammations,
dysuria, puerperal diseases and obesity.
The tuber is rich in Cu, Fe, Mg
and Ni. Beta-sitosterol, isolated from
the tubers, exhibits significant antiinflammatory
activity against carrageenan-
and cotton pellet-induced
oedema in rats; the activity is comparable
to hydrocortisone and phenylbutazonewhen
administered intraperitoneally.
The alcoholic and aqueous extracts
of the tubers possess lipolytic action
and reduce obesity by releasing enhanced
concentrations of biogenic
amines from nerve terminals of the
brain which suppress the appetite centre.
Presence of eudalne group of sesquiterpenic
compounds of sesquiterpene
alcohol, isocyperol is said to play
an important role in lipid metabolism.
An alcoholic extract of the plant exhibits
liver-protective activity against
CCL-induced liver damage in mice.
Methanolic extract of the plant stimulates
the production of melanin in
cultured melanocytes. (Plant extract is
used in preparations used for pigmentation
of skin and hair, also in suntan
gels.)
Aqueous-alcoholic extract of the
tuber exhibited hypotensive, diuretic,
antipyretic and analgesic activities.
These are attributed to a triterpenoid.
Theessential oil (.–.%) fromthe
tubers containsmainly sesquiterpenes.
C. platystilis Br. is equated with
Kaivarta-mustaka.
Dosage Rhizome—– g powder;
– ml decoction. (API Vol. III.)
Cyperus scariosus R.Br.
Family Cyperaceae.
Habitat Damp situations in Uttar
Pradesh and eastern and southern
parts of India.
English Nut grass.
Ayurvedic Bhadramustaa, Musta,
Amoda, Naagaramustaka. (Naagara
C
196 Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link.
is a different drug, equated with
Zingiber officinale Rosc.)
Siddha Korai-kilangu (Tamil).
Folk Naagara-mothaa.
Action Essential oil—ypotensive,
anti-inflammatory, CNS stimulant,
antimicrobial. Rhizome—tomachic,
cordial, antidiarrhoeal and
diuretic.
See C. rotundus.
Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link.
Synonym Sarothamnus scoparius
(L.) Koch.
Family Papilionaceae, Fabaceae.
Habitat Mild climatic regions of
south and central Europe, north
Africa and West Asia. C. scoparius
is fairly common in and around
Oatacmund (Nilgiris) and is found
wild as a garden escape. It grows also
in Simla and neighbouring places.
An allied species, C.monspessulanus
Linn., White Broom, also occurs in
the Nilgiri hills.
English Broom, Scotch Broom,
Yellow Broom.
Folk Broom.
Action Green twigs of the plant,
collected before flowering, either
fresh or after drying, are used as
diuretic and cathartic. Emetic in
large doses. The seeds are also used
similarly. The herb is used chiefly in
the form of sulphate in tachycardia
and functional palpitation. (The
action of the whole plant is stated
to be different from that of isolated
alkaloids.) The whole herb has been
used to treat tumours.
Key application For functional
heart and circulatory disorders.
Aqueous-ethanolic extracts are
used internally. Simultaneous
administration of MAO-inhibitors
contraindicated due to the tyramine
content. (German Commission E.)
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia
reported antiarrhythmic and
diuretic action of the herb.
The herb contains quinolizidine alkaloids;
main alkaloids are (−)-sparteine,
lupanine, ammodendrine and
various derivatives; biogenic amines,
including tryramine, epinine, dopamine;
isoflavone glycosides including
genistein, scoparin; flavonoids; essential
oil; caffeic acid and p-coumaric
acids; tannins. Seeds contain lectins
(phytohaemagglutinins).
Theherb contains over %tyramine.
Tyramine acts as an indirect sympathomimetic,
vasoconstrictive and hypotensive.
The herb is contraindicated in high
blood pressure, A-V block and pregnancy.
Scoparin' action on renal mucous
membrane is similar to that of Buchu
and Uva-ursi. (A decoction or infusion
of broomis used in dropsical complaints
of cardiac origin.)
Sparteine produces a transient rise
in arterial pressure followed by a longer
C
Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link. 197
period of decreased vascular tension
(contradictory observations have been
recorded). Some researchers are of the
opinion that sparteine is a regulator
in chronic vulvar disease. It showed
no cumulative action like digitalis. In
large doses, it is highly toxic and impairs
the activity of respiratory organs.
C. monopessulanus (a related species)
contains. % alkaloids.
Sparteine is toxic at more than
mg dose. (Francis Brinker.)
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