Uva Ursi grows on sunny and damp grasslands. The plant bears bell shaped
flowers and dark green leaves. The berries are red, glossy and small. These are
available throughout the winter and spring and are eaten by bears (and also by
deer, grouse) and hence it is named Bearberry in English. The literal meaning of
word Uva ursi in Latin, is also Bear's Grape. Arctostaphylos uva-urs, is a
European plant found in cooler climate. It is distributed throughout the
Northern Hemisphere.
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It is a medicinal plant and used since ancient times in Europe for treatment
of stones and urogenital disorders. It has significant prophylactic effect on recurrentcystitis. The leaves have diuretic properties and
used in retention of fluid, swelling, bloating, and urinary infections.
In Homeopathy it is recommended for cystitis (inflammation of the
urinary bladder), dysuria (painful or difficult urination), hematuria (presence of blood in urine), incontinence (involuntary
loss of urine from the bladder), pyelitis (inflammation of the renal
pelvis), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), and urogenital
(urinary and genital organs) disorders.
It is also used for cervicalulcerations, blennorrhea
(mucous discharge, especially from the urethra or vagina), enuresis (involuntary
urination, especially by children at night), gallstones, gonorrhea
(venereal disease involving inflammatory discharge from the urethra or vagina), gout and UTI.
General Information
Bearberry is native to North America, Europe and Asia. It is a prostrate,
evergreen shrub reaching upto height of 6 inches. It has dark green, leathery
leaves and twisted stems.
Leaves are obovate and smooth edged. Bark is reddish brown in colour. Flowers appear in cluster and are white-pink in colour. After flowering berries develop.
Scientific Classification
The botanical name of Bearberry is Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. It belongs to
plant family Ericaceae. Ericaceae, commonly known as the heath or heather
family is found in acid and infertile growing conditions. To this family, many
well-known and economically important plants belong such as cranberry,
blueberry, huckleberry and rhododendron.
Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.
Bearberry contains phenols, tanning agents and flavonoids. The leaves gave a
flavanol glucoside, isoquercitin, arbutin and methyl arbutin. The main flavonoid
found in leaves is quercetin-3-0-galactoside.
Main phenolic constituent is arbutin. Total arbutin content varies from
5-18%, tannins 15-20%.
Arbutin 5-18%
Tannins 6-40%
Arbutin hydrolyses to hydroquinone, a urinary antiseptic. It has
antimicrobial, astringent, antiseptic, disinfectant effects on the urinary
mucous membrane.
Arbutin is also used as a stabilizer for color photographic images.
It is an inhibitor of melanin formation and is use in some skin lightening
products.
It also contains methyl arbutin, ericinol, ericolin, allantoin, isoquercetin,
gallic acid, malic acid, quinic acid, ursolic acid, ursone, ellagic acid, uvaol,
hyperin, myricetin, myricitrin, corilagin, and pyroside.
Important Medicinal Properties
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of
these properties will help us to better utilize this herb. These also indicate
the conditions in which we should avoid it. For example it has emmenagogue
action and should not be used in pregnancy.
Below is given medicinal properties along with the meaning.
Astringents: Constrict tissues; styptic.
Antibacterial: Active against bacteria.
Antiseptic: Preventing the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms.
Antitussive: Prevent or relieve a cough.
Depurative: Purifying agent.
Diuretic: Promoting excretion of urine/agent that increases the amount of urine excreted.
Emetic: Causes vomiting.
Emmenagogue: Stimulates or increases menstrual flow.
Laxative: Tending to stimulate or facilitate evacuation of the bowels.
Main Indications of Uva Ursi
Uva Ursi has diuretic properties and has urinary antiseptic properties. It is
used for treatment of disorders of urinary and genital organs. It works only
when the urine is alkaline so while on treatment one should not use the foods
which increases acidity of urine.
As a diuretic
Antiseptic for Urinary tract
Inflammatory conditions of Urinary Tract
Kidney stones
Mild Acute UTI (Urinary Tract Infections)
Recurrent Cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder; caused by infection and accompanied by frequent painful urination)
Urinary tonic
Weight control
Uses of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Uva Ursi)
It is used to get relief from symptoms of mild recurrent lower urinary tract infections such as burning sensation during urination and/or frequent urination in women.
Infusion of leaves is used for urinary tract infections and in venereal disease.
The tea prepared from the leaves is used in congestion, cold and cough.
The leaves are also used traditionally to treat pain in kidney.
The leaves of plant have astringent action and used to wash sores.
Leaves are used for tanning.
The poultice of leaves in applied on sprains and swellings.
Uva ursi Fluid extract, Uva-ursi complex drops, Uva Ursi capsules, are
available in market and used as urinary tonic and to treat urinary tract
infections and bladder related conditions.
Dosage of Uva Ursi
5 grams of fresh leaves or 3-6 grams of dried leaves can be taken only for
few days.
2-4 ml tincture (1:5) / 1-3 (500 mg) capsules, can be taken thrice a day.
For preparing herbal tea / infusion, 1.5-4 gram of the herb is soaked in 150
ml of boiling water. It can be taken 2 to 4 times daily corresponding to the
maximum daily dose of 8 g.
Contraindications, Interactions, Side-effects and Warnings of Uva Ursi
It is contraindicated in irritated digestive conditions and acidic urine.
Its intake should be avoided by lactating mother, pregnant woman, or patient of inflammatory disease of kidney.
Its use is not recommended in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
It is emmenagogue and must not be used in pregnancy.
Do not use if suffering from kidney or liver disorders.
Ziziphus xylopyrus is known as Ghoti and Ghotika in Ayurveda, Ghonta and
Katber in Hindi, Kottai, Mulkottai in Tamil, and Gotti, Got, Gotiki in Telugu.
Ghonta is a medicinal tree and its fruits are used in treatment of diseases
of skin, urinary disorders, diseases occurring due to vitiation of blood,
obesity, diabetes, snake bite, fever, diarrhea, insomnia and digestive
disorders. This tree is found mainly in moist deciduous forests of North-West
India, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and South India.
General Information
Ziziphus xylopyrus is a thorny ever-green shrub reaching up to 4 meters. The
prickles are present in pairs. Its branches are rusty tomentose.
Leaves are slight aromatic and green in color with pungent taste. They are
alternate, entire in arrangement, glabrous surface with oblique, rounded
symmetrical base and obtuse at apex. They have pinnate venation, serrulate
margin and about 2-7 cm long.
Flowers are small, yellowish or yellowish white in color, 4-6 cm across. Buds
are ovoids, densely pubescent. Pedicels 3-4 mm long. Calyx lobes 2.0-2.5 mm
long, keeled up to themiddle, glabrous inside pubescent outside. Five petals,
1.5-2.0 mm long, obovate while sepals are five. Stamens five, disc 10-60 lobed,
rarely 5-lobed and glabrous.
Fruit is a drupaceous berry, globular or round in shape with 1.2 to 1.8 cm in
diameter with astringent taste. Fruit is 3-celled with leathery and hard
pericarp while endocarp is stony. Point of detachment of stalk is marked by a
rounded concave depression up to 2 mm in diameter. It has about 5-8 mm long
seed.
Fruiting and flowering takes place in May to July.
Scientific Classification
The botanical name of Ghonta, Ghoti or Gotika is Ziziphus xylopyrus. It
belongs to plant family Rhamnaceae or buckthorn family.
Family Rhamnaceae are distributed in whole world and consists of 45 genera.
Rhamnaceae are cosmopolitan family and found in drier regions and may be
classified as mesothermal. They mainly consist of flowering shrubs with berries,
nuts or drupes. Ber, Ziziphus zizyphus belongs to this family.
Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.
Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass: Rosidae
Order: Rhamnales
Family: Rhamnaceae – Buckthorn family
Genus: Ziziphus Mill. – Jujube
Species: Ziziphus xylopyrus
Part(s) used for medicinal purpose: Leaves, bark, seeds, and roots
Plant type: Shrub
Distribution: North-West India, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and South India
Habitat: Moist deciduous forests
Vernacular names / Synonyms
Scientificname: Ziziphus xylopyrus
Sanskrit: Ghoti, Gotika
Bengali: Kulphal
English: Jujab
Gujrati: Gatbadar, Gatabordi
Hindi: Ghunta, Kakora, Kaathabera
Kannada: Yeranu
Marathi: Ghoti, Bhorghoti
Tamil: Kottai, Mulkottai
Telugu: Gotti, Got, Gotiki
Constituents of Ziziphus xylopyrus
The pulp of the fruit contains reducing sugars, sucrose, citric acid, carotene, vitamin C and tannins.
Ziziphus xylopyrus is rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of
these properties will help us to better utilize this herb. These also indicate
the conditions in which we should avoid it.
Below is given medicinal properties along with the meaning.
Aphrodisiac: Stimulates sexual desire.
Antimicrobial: Active against microbes.
Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation by acting on body
mechanisms.
Antinociceptive: Reducing sensitivity to painful stimuli.
Anticonvulsant: Prevent or reduce the severity of epileptic fits or
other convulsions.
Antisteroidogenic: inhibits the production of steroid hormones.
Ghoti, Gotika is astringent, sweet and pungent in taste (Rasa), pungent after
digestion (Vipaka), and is hot in effect (Virya).
It is an Ushna Virya herb. Ushna Virya or hot potency herb, subdues Vata
(Wind) and Kapha (Mucus) and increases Pitta (Bile). It has property of
digestion, vomiting and purging, and gives feeling of lightness. It is
considered bad for sperms and fetus.
Rasa (taste on tongue): Kashaya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet), Katu
(Pungent)
Guna (Pharmacological Action): Laghu (Light)
Virya (Action): Ushna (Heating)
Vipaka (transformed state after digestion): Katu (Pungent)
It is a Katu Vipak herb. Vipak refers to post-digestive (effect after
digestion / cooking of Rasa) effect of tastes after its mixing with digestive
juices. It is the long term effect of herb.
Katu Vipak means pungent after digestion. It increases dryness in body. Such
foods reduce fertility and Kapha. Katu Vipaka has catabolic effects on body.
Action / Karma
Vishaghna: Poison-destroying
Kaphahara: Pacifies Kapha Dosha
Vatahara: Pacifies Vata Dosha
Important Indications in Ayurveda
Prameha (chronic urinary disorders; ‘Pra’ means excess and ‘Meha’ means to
pass urine so ‘Prameha’ means disease in which excess urine is passed). In
Ayurveda, twenty different types of Prameha are described and they are put under
Vataj, Pittaj and Kaphaj category according to Dosha involved.
Ziziphus xylopyrus is most commonly known as Challe, Chotti, Cotte, Dodda
chotti, Gotti, Gotika, Ghonta, Ghontaphal, Kotte mullu, Kotti,Kottai, Sotemullu,
Sothakkota in India. It is used in Ayurveda and Siddha for treatment of many
diseases.
Leaves
The paste of leaves is applied on forehead for headaches.
Bark is boiled with water and this water is used to bath in skin rashes.
Bark is used for tanning.
Fruits
Fresh fruits crushed with water and taken twice a day for sudden gush of
urine.
The fruits are given in stomach ailments. Fruit powder (3-4 g) +
pinch of ginger powder, taken orally thrice in a day for stomach ache.
The fruit powder is taken in diabetes.
The fruits are used as birth control in women. The crushed fruit
powder is soaked in water and kept overnight. Next day decoction is prepared and
taken orally by women early in the morning for one week.
Fruit and Root bark are used to treat Bronchial asthma, Thirst, Diarrhea
and as Aphrodisiac.
Seeds
The powder of seeds is given to treat diarrhea. For diarrhea, seed
powder (One table spoon) is mixed in a cup of (50 mL) water or boiled milk and
taken orally, thrice a day, for 2 days.
The roasted seed powder paste is applied over the chest for paindue to cough and colds.
The fruits of plant Piper longum are known as Pippali/Pipri and the roots as
Pippali or Pippala Mool. Both are used for medicinal purpose in Ayurveda. The
roots are anti-inflammatory, analgesic, carminative, laxative, and expectorant.
They are hot in potency and used to treat diseases that occur due to vitiation
of Vata (air) and Kapha (phlegm) Dosha/humour. Due to hot potency the roots are
used in digestive weakness and excessive phlegm inside body.
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Pippali roots relieves inflammations, edema and restores the structures of
the body to normalcy, improves appetite, and relieves flatulence. It is
stomachic, digestive, pungent, hot, and very useful for digesting food, bile
producing and laxative.
Pippali Moola has milder effects than Pippali. It is available in small
cylindrical pieces of nodal and internodal pieces, about 2 mm thick. The nodal
pieces are considered superior to intermodal ones.
General Information
Piper longum is perennial herb with a thick, erect, jointed, branched
rootstock, stems numerous 60—90 cm long,, ascending or prostrate (not climbing),
much branched, stout, cylindrical, thickened above nodes, finely pubescent.
The leaves are simple, alternate, numerous, 3.7—8.7 cm long, lower
ones broadly ovate, very cordate with broad rounded lobes at base, upper ones
oblongoval, cordate at base, all subacute, entire, glabrous, thin, bullate with
reticulate venation sunk above and raised beneath, dark green and shining above,
pale and dull beneath, petioles of lower leaves 5—7.5 cm long, stout, of upper
ones very short or none, stipules about 1.2 cm long, membranous, lanceolate,
obtuse, enclosing the bud but soon falling off.
flowers naked, unisexual, dioecious, sessile in axils of fleshy bracts
supported by two lateral bracts arranged in solitary, pedunculate spikes, male
spikes slender, bracts narrow, female spikes 1.2—2.5 cm long, bracts circular,
flat, peltate, perianth absent, stamens 2, anther 2-celled.
Ovary superior unilocular with a solitary erect ovule, stigmas 3 or 4,
short, spreading, persistent.
Fruit very small ovoid, completely sunk in solid fleshy spike which is
2.5—3.7 cm long, ovoid-oblong, erect blunt, blackish green and shining.
Root is greyish brown in colour,longitudinally wrinkled and having
roots and root scars on the surface. It is stout, cylindrical, 0.2-0.6 cm thick,
reddish brown to grey. It is aromatic and tastes pungent.
Scientific Classification
The botanical name of Pippali is Piper longum. It belongs to plant family
Piperaceae.
Piperaceae is a large tropical family, having more than 10 genera and
approximately 1500 species. This family belongs to class dicotyledons but due to
its unique anatomical features it resembles monocotyledon.
Piperaceae family comprises of two larger genera, Piper and Peperomia. The
genus Piper, the largest in the family, occurs throughout the tropical and
sub-tropical regions. Most important economic species of this genus include
Piper nigrum, Piper betle (Paan / Betle leaf), Chavya (Piper cubeba) and Piper
longam (Pippali / long pepper). Below is given taxonomical classification of
plant.
Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass: Magnoliidae
Order: Piperales
Family: Piperaceae – Pepper family
Genus: Piper L. – pepper
Species: Piper longum
Part(s) used for medicinal purpose: The fruits and Roots
Plant type: Herb
Habitat: Hotter parts of India
Distribution: From the central Himalayas to Assam, Khasi and Mikir
hills, lower hills of Bengal, evergreen forests of Western Ghats from Konkan to
Travancore, also the Car Nicobar Islands.
Also cultivated in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Malaysia and Singapore.
Piper longum root gave the alkaloids piperine, Piplartine (piperlongumine)
and piperlonguminine,
sesamin, methyl-j, 4, y-trlmethoxycinnamate.
Piperine has hypotensive, antipyretic, CNS-stimulant, analeptic activity. It
improves availability of medicine for absorption.
Important Medicinal Properties
The roots of Pippali plant (Pippali Mula) have anti-inflammatory and
analgesic effect is nearly equal to that of Ibuprofen according to a study on
animals. This indicates that Piper longum Linn root has weak opioid but potent
NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) type of analgesic activity.
Below is given medicinal properties along with the meaning.
Antibacterial: Active against bacteria.
Antispasmodic: Antispasmodic: Used to relieve spasm of involuntary
muscle.
Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation by acting on body
mechanisms.
Anthelmintic: Expel Parasitic worms (helminths) and other internal
parasites from the body.
Analgesic: Relieve pain.
Carminative: Preventing the formation or causing the expulsion of
flatulence.
Digestive: Digestant.
Diuretic: Promoting excretion of urine/agent that increases the
amount of urine excreted.
Emmenagogue: Stimulates or increases menstrual
flow.
Expectorant: Promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages,
used to treat coughs.
Laxative: Tending to stimulate or facilitate evacuation of the
bowels.
Thermogenic: Warming
Ayurvedic Properties and Action
Pippali Mula is pungent in taste (Rasa), pungent after digestion (Vipaka),
and is hot in effect (Virya).
The Pungent (Katu), Hot (Ushna), Penetrative (Teekshna), Dry (Ruksha), Light
(Laghu) properties (guans) act against vitiated Air Humour (Vata) and Phlegm
(Kapha).
Rasa: Katu
Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
Virya: Ushna
Vipaka: Katu
Tissues: All but bone
Systems: Digestive, reproductive, respiratory
Action / Karma
Deepana: Promote appetite but do not aid in digesting undigested food
Kaphahara: Pacifies Kapha Dosha
Pachan: Assist in digesting undigested food, but do not increase the
appetite
Pipri mula is an Ushna Virya herb. Ushna Virya or hot potency herb, subdues
Vata (Wind) and Kapha (Mucus) and increases Pitta (Bile). It has property of
digestion, vomiting and purging, and gives feeling of lightness. It is
considered bad for sperms and fetus.
It is a Katu Vipak herb. Vipak refers to post-digestive (effect after
digestion / cooking of Rasa) effect of tastes after its mixing with digestive
juices. It is the long term effect of herb.
Katu Viapk herbs / foods, pungent after digestion. It increases dryness in
body. Such foods reduce fertility and Kapha. Katu vipaak has catabolic effect on
body.
Shvasa (dyspnoea), cough, cold, and chronic bronchitis
Krimiroga (intestinal parasites)
Vishama jvara (intermittent fever),
Urustambha (stiffness of thigh), Vatavyadhi (Nervous diseases)
Nidranasha (Insomnia), Headache
Medicinal Uses of Piper longum (Pippalimool)
Pippalimool or roots of Pippali (long pepper) plant, are used in dried powder
(reddish-brown to creamy-grey bitter powder) form with warm water, milk or
preferably with ghee. When used with Ghee, the drying and hot properties of
Pippalamula are balanced. This combination is beneficial in headaches due to
vitiation of Vata.
The decoction of roots is prepared by boiling the 2 tablespoon of roots in
one glass water and cooking till water reduces to half cup. This is filtered and
taken twice a day.
Pippali roots can be taken in form of tea for cold, cough and congestion.
For making the tea, the powder is boiled in water and sugar and milk is added.
In case of enlarged liver and spleen, five grams root powder and one gram
pippali fruit powder is boiled in 200 ml water and cooked for few minutes. This
is filtered and taken.
Dosage of Piper longum
Dose of the powder for adults is 2 to 3 grams and for children it is 250 mg
to 500 mg, to be taken twice daily, preferably on an empty stomach mixed with 3
to 5 gm of ghee or butter or Honey and followed by warm water or milk.
Contraindications, Interactions, Side-effects and Warnings Piper longum
No toxic effect or adverse reaction is reported with recommended dose of
Pippali root powder.
It is hot in potency, it decreases Vata and Kapha and increases pitta. So it
should be used carefully in person with pitta Prakriti.
It should not be used if tissues are inflamed.
It should be taken only in recommended doses. High doses causes burning
sensation and vitiation of all Dosha.
Avoid in blisters, dryness and persistent bitter taste in the mouth, red
eyes, hot and watery face, inflammation of the body, inflammations of the
intestines and high pitta.
Low dose is safe for long-term use.
Do not use at a high dose for long periods of time.
Suranjan is Unani name of Colchicum luteum Baker, a type of lily plant with yellow flowers. It is found growing on grassy slopes in the temperate Himalayas, Afghanistan and Turkestan.
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The corm or rhizome of plant is used for therapeutic purpose. It is traditionally used for headache, gout, rheumatism, diseases of the liver and spleen. In Afghanistan, the roots were used in preparation of a medicine Harantutiha.
Types of Suranjan
There are two varieties of Suranjan available in the market, Sweet and Bitter. The bitter variety contains alkaloid Colchicine in fairly large amount whereas Sweet variety contains traces of this alkaloid in physiologically inactive form. Both varieties are pain relieving, anti-gout, anti-rheumatic, purgative and emetic.
Suranjan Talkh (Bitter variety)
Suranjan Shirin (Sweet variety)
Suranjan Talkh, is differentiated from Suranjan Shireen by its bitter taste, smaller size, and darker colour. Suranjan Talkh is preferred for external use in gout whereas Suranjan Shireen (Meetha Suranjan) is used for internal purpose. Suranjan is indicated in arthritis, gout, rheumatism, and constipation.
Suranjan is included in list of poisonous plants of India. It must be used with caution. It is toxic plant due to presence of from several alkaloids (mainly colchicine, demecolcine and colchicoside), which are present in all plant parts.
Alkaloid Colchicine
The alkaloid, Colchicine present in the form of bitter variety of Colchicum luteum and Colchicum autumnale, is an amorphous, yellowish-white alkaloid, which darkens on exposure to light and gives a yellow coloration with strong mineral acids. It is a weak base and readily dissolves in water, alcohol or chloroform but is only slightly soluble in ether or petroleum spirit.
Colchicine is effective in treatment of gout and periodic diseases though the exact mechanism of action by which it works is not known. This phytochemical has anti-gout and anti-inflammatory activities. It can be used as an option to relieve gout attacks for people who cannot take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for some reason. Colchicine is considered best remedies for acute gout pain. Colchicine is frequently prescribed in tablet form and transdermal preparations containing colchicine are the subject of a Japanese patent. It is available in Homeopathy as tincture.
General Information
Suranjan is the conical or gibbously avoid corm of Colchicum luteum Baker. The corm is enlarged underground stem bearing foliage leaves, sheathing leaves and fibrous roots. It is off white to brownish white in colour. The corm is flattened on one side and the other side has a longitudinal groove in the middle extending throughout the length. The apex is marked by dark depression representing the position of flowering shoot and a prominent dark brown scar at the base, marking the point of attachment with parent corm. The smooth surface is marked by indefinite and irregular longitudinal striations. The corm is nearly odourless with bitter and starchy taste. Cross section of corm shows the single layered epidermis which consists of rectangular to squarish, slightly thick walled parenchymatous cells filled with starch granules and coated with thick cuticle. Cells of ground tissue are polygonal to oval to spherical, slightly thick walled, compact and filled with starch granules.
Starch granules are simple spherical and are of 4.5-23.0 μ in size but usually compounded with 2-4 or more components which are often muller shaped. A well marked central hilum, which is irregularly oval in smaller granules and triangular to sttelate in larger granules. Vascular bundles are numerous conjoint, collateral or bi-collateral and scattered in the ground tissue.
Leaves are few, lorate, linear-oblong or oblanceolate, obtuse, appearing with the flowers, short at flowering time, at fruiting IS-3~ em. by 8-13 mm., tip rounded.
Flowering takes place in spring. Flowers are 1-2, 2.5-3.8 cm. diameter when expanded. perianth golden yellow, tube 7.5-10 em., segments oblong or oblanceolate, obtuse, many-nerved. Stamens shorter than the perianth. Filaments very much shorter than the long yellow anthers. Style filiform, much longer than the perianth. Capsule 2.5·3.8 cm.
Scientific Classification
The botanical name of Suranjan is Colchicum luteum. It belongs to plant family Liliaceae. The genus derives its name from Colchis on the Black Sea, one of the places where this plant is found. The drug was recommended in Arabian writings for use in gout.
Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.
Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class: Liliopsida – Monocotyledons
Subclass: Liliidae
Order: Liliales
Family: Liliaceae – Lily family
Genus: Colchicum L. – colchicum
Species: Colchicum luteum L. – Suranjan
Species: Colchicum autumnale L. – autumn crocus
Colchicum autumnale, a flowering plant commonly known as autumn crocus, meadow saffron or naked lady, is found wild in Europe and Africa, and cultivated in North America is used in West for medicinal purpose. Alkaloid Colchicine is prepared from dried corms and seeds of Colchicum autumnale and used for gout.
This plant species grows as weed in Europe but it is not found in India. Colchicum luteum, which is found in Himalaya is a good substitute of this plant.
German Commission E monograph recognized the efficacy of Colchicum autumnale in the following conditions:
Gout
Mediterranean fever
Part(s) used for medicinal purpose: Corm
Plant type: herb
Distribution: West temperate Himalaya from Kashmir to the
Himachal Pradesh at 700-2800 m. Also found in Afghanistan, China in the Himalayan range.
Habitat: Stony or earthy hillsides and alpine meadows at higher altitudes.
Vernacular names / Synonyms
Scientific name: Colchicum luteum (Colchicum luteum is a good substitute for Colchicum autumnale)
Fresh corm contains about 0.95% alkaloids. Up to about 0.6% colchicine, other related alkaloids and starch are present in the corm. Aerial parts also contain colchicine but in lesser amount.
Colchicine
Colchicoside
N-deacetyl-N-formyl-colchicine
Unani Properties
Yellow or black variety of Colchicum luteum is known as Suranjaan talkh in Unani and is externally used in swellings, rheumatic affections. For internal use, the white variety is used, known as Suranjaan shireen is used.
It possess following properties:
Mamooli Mus-hil (Mild purgative): Discharges one or two stool.
Moarriq (Sudorific): Causes sweat.
Mufatteh (Deobstruent): remove the obstruction in form of thick or sticky secretion or any other form.
Mudirat Safra (Cholagogue): increase production of bile in liver. Also a liver tonic.
Unani Medicines
Given below is the list of few Unani medicines available over the counter:
Colchicum luteum is rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of these properties will help us to better utilize this herb. These also indicate the conditions in which we should avoid it.
Below is given medicinal properties along with the meaning.
Anaphrodisiac: Reduces sexual libido.
Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms.
Anti-gout: Relieves inflammation and pain of acute gout but does not increase expulsion of uric acid.
Antiphlogistic: Reducing inflammation or fever.
Antimitotic: Inhibit mitosis.
Antirheumatic: Alleviating or preventing rheumatism.
Antitumor: preventing or inhibiting the formation or growth of tumors
Carminative: Preventing the formation or causing the expulsion of flatulence.
Cathartic: Purgative
Diaphoretic: Promote sweating.
Diuretic: Promoting excretion of urine/agent that increases the amount of urine excreted.
Emetic: Causes vomiting.
Poison: Toxic
Sedative: Promoting calm or inducing sleep
Medicinal Uses of Colchicum luteum (Suranjan)
Suranjan has bitter bad taste. It gives relief in gas, flatulence and constipation. It reduces swelling, inflammation and pain and hence used in treatment of gout, rheumatism and similar joint affections.
Suranjan is applied on piles to reduce pain and heal wounds.
For Pain, inflammation, stiffness and degenerative changes in joints, Mix powder of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) 1 part + Suranjana (Colchicum luteum) 1 part, and take half gram with water for 2 months.
Dosage of Colchicum luteum
Powder of sweet variety is taken in dose of 1-3 g.
For an acute attack of gout, an initial oral dose corresponding to 0.5 colchicine, followed by to 1 mg - 1.5 mg can be given by the physician. Total daily dosage must not exceed 8 mg of colchicine.
Contraindications, Interactions, Side-effects and Warnings Colchicum luteum (Bitter variety of Suranjan)
Do not take in pregnancy. It may cause fetal abnormalities.
It is contraindicated in debility, cardiac, kidney, or gastrointestinal problems.
Side effects include alopecia, aplastic anemia, diarrhea, enterosis, leukopenia, myopathy, nausea, skin alterations, vomiting, violent purging, serious inflammation of the stomach and bowels, and death.
It is a toxic plant.
It must not be used for longer period of times.
Prolonged use may cause agranulocytosis (deficiency of granulocytes in the blood, causing increased vulnerability to infection), aplastic anaemia (deficiency of all types of blood cell caused by failure of bone marrow development) and peripheral nerve inflammation (damage to or disease affecting nerves).
Rauvolfia serpentina is known by many common names such as Serpentwood, The
Himalayan snakeroot, Serpentina root, Serpentine root, Rauwolfia, Chandrabhaga
and Sarpagandha. Sarpagandha is a medicinal plant and its leaves and roots are
used mainly for therapeutic purpose. It is the main herb for hypertension.
The dried roots of plant are source of the pharmacologically important
alkaloids such as reserpine, rescinnamine, deserpidine, ajamalacine, ajmaline,
neoajmalin, serpentine, a-yohimbine. The plant received world recognition after
isolation of alkaloid reserpine by Swiss scientists in year 1952 (Muller,
Schlitter and Bain). Reserpine based medicines are prescribed as
antihypertensive and antipsychotic drugs.
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The main biomedical action of the roots are alterative, antispasmodic,
analgesic, carminative, hypotensive, nervine, sedative and vasodilatory.
Roots are sedative due to presence of several alkaloids and used in
treatment of mild to moderate hypertension (high blood pressure), stress,
certain forms of insanity, insomnia and cardiac oedema. The bark, leaves, and
roots are used against snake and scorpion poisoning. The juice of the leaves is
used as a remedy for the removal of opacities of the cornea.
In Ayurvedic formulations, Sarpagandha is prescribed in treatment of
high blood pressure, insomnia, asthma, acute stomach ache and painful delivery
and for mental illness (neuropsychiatric disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia).
It is used in snake-bite, insect stings, and mental disorders.
Sarpagandha, is also used in treatment of other diseases such as
gastric tumor, general weakness, goiter, hysteria, insomnia, insanity, lipoma,
paraplegia, paratyphoid, piles, pneumonia, splenomegaly, stomach disorder,
tonsillitis, traumatic wound, tuberculosis and vertigo and pain in abdomen,
body, and chest.
There is no doubt that Sarpgandha lowers blood pressure. It dilates
blood vessel and has sedative effects. But it also causes many side
effects. For example, alkaloid Reserpine has potent hypotensive and
tranquillizer effect but its prolonged usage stimulates prolactine release and
causes breast cancer. There are many other side effects of this herb
including muscles relaxation, decrease of fertility, lowering of male hormones,
abnormal heart rhythm, acidosis and shock. It must not be taken in ulcers,
ulcerative colitis and depression.
Sarpagandha has depressive effects which can persist long after its
use. So any one suffering from depression should not take its root powder. The
most common side effects or negative effects on health include dizziness,
headache, faintness, drowsiness, redness of eyes, dry mouth, diarrheas,
impotence (erection problems), and low sex drive. The other less common side
effects are irregular/slow heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath,
stiffness, trembling of hands, swelling in feet and legs etc. Few rare
side-effects include rash, skin itchiness, sore throat, fever, pain in abdomen,
nausea, vomiting, Bleeding, nightmares, and urinary problems.
People suffering from epilepsy, and those who have given general or spinal
anesthesia should take it only after consulting doctor. People above the age of
60 should avoid taking it as they are at the greater risk of suffering its
side-effects.
Please read on to know benefits, harmful effects, side effects, drug
interactions, contraindications of this medicinal. This page is intended to give
right information about the herb, so that people can use it safely.
General Information
Rauvolfia is a perennial undershrub widely distributed in India in the sub-
Himalayan tracts upto 1,000 m as well as, in the lower ranges of the Eastern and
Western Ghats and in the Andamans.
It is an herbaceous perennial with a long, vertical, yellowish, somewhat
tuberous, nodular rootstock and simple, woody stems, 30—60 cm high.
Leaves are simple, in whorls of 3, exstipulate, confined to the ends
of branchlets, 7—13.5 cm long, 2.3—5 cm broad, lanceolate, tapering to both
ends, undulate, glabrous, thin, light green, lateral veins 7—11 pairs, petioles
5—8 mm long.
Flowers are regular, bisexual, 1.3 cm diameter, on short pedicels 8 mm
long, in rather close, irregular corymbose cymes, peduncle terminal,
erect, glabrous, 1.5—3.5 cm long, bracts small, 2.5—3 mm long, 1 mm broad,
filiform. Calyx segments 5, free, 3—3.5 mm long, 1—1.5 mm broad, linear,
glabrous, acute or subacute ; corolla segments fused into a long,
glabrous tube, about 2 cm long, pink, dilated 1.2 cm from base at insertion of
stamens, above this corolla tube bent and of a lighter shade of pink, lobes 5,white or bright red, 6 mm long, 4 mm broad, oblong,
rounded, convolute, contorted, overlapping anti-clockwise. Stamens 5,
inserted above the middle of the corolla-tube.
Fruit a follicle, up to 0.8 cm long, more or less connate, minutely
apiculate, glabrous, purplish-black when ripe.
The root pieces are mostly about 8 to 15 cm long and 0.5 to 2 cm in
thickness, sub-cylindrical, curved, stout, thick and rarely branched. The outer
surface greyish-yellow to brown with irregular longitudinal fissures. The
rootlets are 0.1mm in diameter fracture, short, slight odour. The roots
are bitter in taste.
The root powder is coarse to fine, yellowish-brown, free flowing, and has
slight odour. There are simple to compound starch grains, calcium oxalate prisms
and clusters.
Scientific Classification
The botanical name of is Rauvolfia serpentina. It belongs to plant family
Apocynaceae and Genus Rauvolfia.
Family Apocynaceae mainly consists of trees, shrubs, or vines. There
are about 155 genera and 2000 species distributed primarily in the tropics and
subtropics. They are poorly represented in the temperate regions.
Few other medicinally important plants belonging to family Apocynaceae are Alstonia scholaris (Saptaparna), Catharanthus roseus (Sadabahar), Holarrhena
antidysenterica (Kutaj), Nerium oleander (Kaner) and Wrightia tomentosa (Pala
indigo plant or dyers's oleander).
Genus Rauvolfia is named in honor of German physician, Leonhard Rauwolf and
consists of more than 100 species distributed throughout the world in moist
tropical forests.
Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.
Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass: Asteridae
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae – Dogbane family
Genus: Rauvolfia L. – devil's-pepper
Species: Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz – serpentine
wood
Synonym (s):
Ophioxylon serpentinum L.
Ophioxylon trifoliatum Gaertn.
Tabernaemontana cylindracea Wall
Part(s) used for medicinal purpose: Roots with bark, roots and leaves
Plant type: Shrub
Native: Originated from South-East Asia, indigenous to India.
Distribution: Found in India including tropical Himalayas, from Punjab
to Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Assam, Western Ghats and the Andamans.
Also distributed in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Laos, Indonesia,
Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Habitat: Tropical regions, in shady places among grass and as an
undershrub in moist areas. It cannot stand the full open sun. In its natural
habitat the plant thrives under the shade of forest trees or at the very edge of
the forests where three of the four sides are protected against too intense
sunlight. It grows more frequent under the shade of Sal (Shorea robusta),
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Asna
(Terminalia alata), Sisso (Dalbergia sisso), Khayar (Acacia catechu) and Karma
(Adina cordifolia).
The plant grows in a wide variety of soils from sandy alluvial loam to red
lateritic loam or stiff dark loam. The soil should be acidic with pH about
4.0-7.0.
Ecological adaptation: Grows in both evergreen and deciduous forests
as undergrowth and also along the edge of the hill forests of high rainfall
areas.
Plant status: Endangered
Flowering: from March to May and November.
Propagation and management: Propagated through seeds, root cuttings,
root stumps and stem cuttings.
Rauvolfia serpentina Roots contain more than 50 indole alkaloids including
the therapeutically important reserpine, deserpidine, rescinnamine and
yohimbine. Others include ajmaline, ajmalinine, ajmalicine, serpentine,
serpentinine, iso-ajmaline, reserpidine, raubasine, rauwolfinine and alstonine.
Besides the alkaloids they contain rutin, oleoresin and a sterol, serpasterol,
oleic acid and unsaturated alcohols. Stem bark and leaves contain small amounts
of some of the above alkaloids and also rutin.
The alkaloids are classified into 3 groups
1. Reserpine (hypotensive, sedative and tranquillizing agent):
Reserpine, rescinnamine, deserpine etc.
2. Ajmaline (stimulate central nervous system, respiration and
intestinal movement with slight hypotensive action): Ajmaline, ajmalicine,
ajmalinine, iso-ajmaline etc.
3. Serpentine (antihypertensive): Serpentine, sepentinine, alstonine
etc.
Reserpine, Ajmalicine and rescinnamine are hypotensive and tranquilizer. Alkaloid Ajmaline is named after Hakin Ajmal Khan. Deserpidine is
sedative, as well as hypotensive. Ajmaline exhibits antiarrhythmic activity.
Reserpine has powerful sedative and depressant action.
The alkaloids of Sarpagandha roots
1. Acts on Vasomotor center and causes generalized vasodilation.
2. Depresses cerebral center and sooths nervous system.
3. Relax the blood vessels.
Other substances present include phytosterols, fatty acids, unsaturated
alcohols and sugars.
Main action on Body
Blood pressure lowering
Depressive
Sedative
Tranquilizing
Ayurvedic Properties and Action of Sarpagandha
In Ayurveda, Sarpagandha consists of dried root of Rauwolfia serpentina
(Linn.) Benth. ex Kurz. Sarpagandha means ‘smell of the snake’ and it is
renowned as an antidote for poisonous snake bites. It is bitter and pungent in
taste (Rasa), pungent after digestion (Vipaka), and is hot in effect (Virya).
Sarpagandha is pungent in both the initial and post-digestive tastes (Rasa
and Vipaka) and gives relief in Vata and Kapha and increases pitta. It has
property of digestion, vomiting and purging, and gives feeling of lightness. It
is considered bad for sperms and fetus.
Rasa (taste on tongue): Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter), Amla (Sour)
Vipaka (transformed state after digestion): Katu (Pungent)
Srotas: Mental, nervous, circulatory and reproductive
It is a Katu Vipak herb. Vipak refers to post-digestive (effect after
digestion / cooking of Rasa) effect of tastes after its mixing with digestive
juices. It is the long term effect of herb. Katu Viapk herbs / foods, pungent
after digestion. It increases dryness in body. Such foods reduce fertility and
Kapha. Katu vipaak has catabolic effect on body.
Karma / Action
Deepana: Promote appetite but do not aid in digesting undigested food
Pachan: Assist in digesting undigested food, but do not increase the appetite
Ruchikarak: Improve taste
Kapha-Vata har: Remover of the Humor of Kapha-Vata
Reserpine Tablet contains the insoluble alkaloid Reserpine, extracted from
the roots of the plant Rauwolfia serpentina. It is antihypertensive, sedative
and tranquillizer and contain the labeled amount of reserpine
(C33H40N2O9) viz. 0.1 mg, 0.25 mg or
0.5mg.
Molecule formula:
C33H40N2O9
Chemical name:
(3β,16β,17α,18β,20α)-11,17-Dimethoxy-18-[(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)oxy]yohimban-16-
carboxylic acid methyl ester.
Biological description of Reserpine: Irreversible vesicular monoamine
transporter (VMAT2) antagonist. Long-lasting bioamine depleter. Prevents
bioamine transport into synaptic vesicles and chromaffin granules. Depletes
biogenic amine stores. Antihypertensive and antipsychotic.
It is taken orally with a glass of water in recommended doses.
This medicine should not be taken with Levodopa, Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan,
Nardil, and Parnate and Procarbazine.
It may interact with blood pressure medicines, Digoxin, breathing
problem medicines, cold-congestion medicine and medicines for depression,
anxiety, or psychotic disturbances.
Reserpine may cause Bad dreams, Diarrhea, Dry mouth, Headache, Loss of
appetite, Nausea, vomiting, and Stuffy nose.
There can be some serious side-effects. In case of skin rash,
itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue , breathing problems,
vision change, depression, lightheadedness, hearing problems, painful
urinations, trouble sleeping and any other serious health issue contact
doctor immediately.
Important Medicinal Properties of Sarpagandha
Rauvolfia serpentina is rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of
these properties will help us to better utilize this herb. These also indicate
the conditions in which we should avoid it. For example, it is Teratogenic and
disturb the development of an embryo or fetus. It is Uterocontractant and starts
contraction of uterus. Due to all these factor it must not be used in pregnancy.
Below is given medicinal properties along with the meaning.
Antiandrogenic: Blocks the action of androgens (male sex
hormones)
Antiarrhythmic: Treat abnormal heart rhythms resulting from irregular
electrical activity of the heart.
Antifertility: Reduces fertility.
Antipsychotic: Manage psychosis.
Cardiodepressant: Decreases heart rate and contractility.
CNS Depressant: Depresses, or slows, the sympathetic impulses of the
central nervous system (respiratory rate, heart rate).
Expectorant: Promotes the ejection of mucus
Hypnotic: Sleep-inducing.
Hypotensive: Lowers blood pressure
Hypothyroid: Lowers thyroid.
Narcotic: Affecting mood or behavior.
Sedative: Causes depression of the central nervous system, which
reduces mental activity.
Teratogenic: Causing congenital anomalies or birth defects.
Tranquilizer: Promotes tranquility.
Advantages / Benefits of Sarpagandha
This is the main herb for high blood pressure.
It dilates the blood vessels and reduces blood pressure.
It reduces Vata and gives relief in insomnia and agitation.
It is sedating and tranquillizing.
It is Brain tonic and given in combination with other brain nourishing
herbs.
It is hot in potency and has warming effect on body.
It can cause deformities in developing baby, if taken during pregnancy.
It can cause serious depression, tiredness and nasal congestion.
It may induce peptic ulceration.
It may aggravate allergic disorders.
Wrong dose can cause hypotension and lead to giddiness and sleepiness.
It can cause fluid retention.
It may increase salivation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Overdose may cause diarrhea, bradycardia and drowsiness.
Prolonged use can cause sterility.
Who should take Sarpagandha?
This herb is not for everyone. It can be given to people who are strong but
highly irritable.
It is not meant for weak, lean, and depressive patient.
Medicinal Uses of Rauvolfia serpentina (Sarpagandha)
Sarpagandha has affinity for heart. It has vasodilatory properties and causes dropping of blood pressure. Its main indication is mild to moderate
hypertension.
Sarpgandha formulations and reserpine are used in the management of
essential hypertension and in certain neuropsychiatric disorders. For
Hypertension, Heart diseases, Insomnia, Epilepsy, the root powder is taken in
dose of half gram, twice a day.
1. Antihypertensive medicine
2. Antipsychotic medicine
Another important therapeutic use of the roots of Sarpagandha is in psychotic disorders such as delusions, hallucinations, schizophrenia,
paranoia or disordered thought. Sarpagandha is sedative, narcotic and
tranquilizing. The sedative and tranquillizing properties of the drug are
thought to be related to depletion of catecholamine and serotonin from the
brain.
It is used to get relief from various central nervous system disorders,
anxiety states, excitement, maniacal behavior associated with psychosis,
schizophrenia, insanity, insomnia, fits and epilepsy.
Combination of Rauvolfia serpentina, Nardostachys jatamansi and Tinospora
cordifolia helps to induce better sleep in insomnia patients.
For all mental problems, one part Sarpgandha, three parts of Brahmi
and two parts of Shankhpushpi are mixed to form a power. This powder is taken in
dose of 1-3 grams, thrice a day. Or equal amount of Sarpgandha, Brahmi and
Sankhpushpi are mixed and taken in dose of 250 mg thrice day.
For migraine, it is given in dose of 50mg to 100mg.
For fits, the root paste is taken in dose of 5 grams twice a day with
water for one month.
The decoction of the roots is given to increase uterine contraction for expulsion of fetus in difficult cases.
It helps to get rid of intestinal parasite.
The juice of the leaves is used on the eyes to remove opacities of the
cornea and consumptions of fresh small pieces lower the blood pressures.
It is used as a snake-bite remedy. Root Decoction and leaves is given
to cure snakebite.
For snakebite, insectstings the root paste is applied
at the affected area.
The root paste is applied topically to treat eczema (atopic
dermatitis). Decoctions of the leaves is applied externally on scabies,
ulcers and injuries.
For Stomach disorder, Root Juice, extracted by rubbing on stone, is
taken twice a day for 3 days. Or the Leaf and flower Juice, extracted by
smashing, is taken orally after boiling.
In Constipation, Root Juice, is taken directly three times a day for
2 weeks or the leaf juice is taken.
For arthritis, the roots of Sarpgandha and Chitrak/Plumbago are
boiled in mustard oil. This oil is used for massaging the aching parts.
Dosage of Rauvolfia serpentina
The Average dose is 500-600 mg corresponding to 6 mg total alkaloid once a
day for 1-2 weeks. Then for maintenance 100 to 250 mg once a day is given.
The tincture is taken in dose of 2–12 drops.
The powdered root is given in dose of 20-30 grains.
The root is given with a diuretic to prevent fluid retention which may
develop if Rauvolfia root is given alone.
Remember, this herb directly affects heart. It has depressive action on
the body organs. Therefore the dose must be properly controlled. High dose has
negative effects. Wrong dose, can cause hypotension and lead to giddiness and
sleepiness.
Contraindications, Interactions, Side-effects and Warnings Rauvolfia
serpentina
It has teratogenic (disturb the development of an embryo or fetus)
and abortifacient action and must not be used in pregnancy.
It is contraindicated in patients with a history of mental depression, bleeding disorders, gastric and Duodenal ulcers, pregnancy,
breast-feeding, asthma, ulcers and kidney pain, decreased renal function, and in
patients receiving Electroconvulsive therapy (ECTs). ECT formerly known as
electroshock therapy, and often referred to as shock treatment, is a psychiatric
treatment in which seizures are electrically induced in patients to provide
relief from psychiatric illnesses.
Side effects, include depression, dizziness, drowsiness, dyspnea,
erectile dysfunction, lethargy, rash, and reactive changes (dangerous while
driving), reduced sexual potency, and stuffy nose.
Drug interactions occurs with appetite suppressants, barbiturates,
digitalis glycosides, levodopa, neuroleptics, and sympathomimetics.
When taken with cough / flu medicines or with appetite lowering
medicine it causes significant initial increase of blood pressure.
Do not use with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,
beta-blockers, levodopa, tricyclic and antidepressants.
It should not be used with alcohol as it severely increases
the impairment of motor reactions.
Excessive dose causes drowsiness, weak-slow pulse, slow breathing,
diarrhea, lower body temperature and contraction of pupils.
It is banned for use in the UK unless prescribed by a doctor.
Only to be used under the guidance of doctor as it can cause severe
reactions.
Fagopyrum esculentum, is known as Buckwheat in English. It derived its name,
perhaps from German word, bukweten meaning goat's wheat, as it is
inferior to true Wheat or from Dutch word bockweit, meaning beech-wheat,
due to its beechnut shape and wheat-like characteristics.
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Buckwheat is an annual herb native to central and northern Asia and later
introduced to Europe in middle ages. It is found in wild and now cultivated all
over the world for its seeds. The plant has short growing period of three
months. The seeds are mainly of commercial use.
Seed or fruit of the plant are three sided and smooth. They are rich in
starch and fiber. Seeds are not true cereals (pseudocereal seeds) but
can be used in same manner. Buckwheat groats (hulled / husked buckwheat seeds)
are used to make porridge by boiling with water. Seeds are used all over world
in different ways. In Japan, it is consumed as noddle, Soba. In China it is used to make vinegar. In Russia the groats and flour
are used to make porridge and soup. In Europe and North America
buckwheat flour is generally mixed with wheat flour to prepare pancakes,
biscuits and noodles.
Buckwheat is excellent source of Rutin. It is the only known pseudo
cereal to contain rutin in its seeds. From 100 grams of buckwheat seeds
approximately 0.48mg to 4.97mg Rutin is obtained. Rutin is bioflavonoid and
vitamin. It is used in prevention and treatment of variety of diseases including
piles, hemorrhage, heart diseases, varicose veins, bruises on skin, allergy
etc. Rutin is antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, β-amyloid
oligomer-reducing, antimicrobial, antifungal, neuroprotective and anti-allergic.
It is available in market as dietary supplement in form of tablets (Rutin 500 mg
tablets).
Buckwheat seeds are ground to make a flour known as Buckwheat flour
which can be used as ordinary flour to make noodles, bread, pancakes, biscuits,
and cakes. In India, it is commonly known as Kuttu Ka Atta and used to
make various dishes eaten during fasts such as Navratri when intake of cereals,
is prohibited. The flour is used to make Poori, Pakora, and other items.
In Hilly regions, the leaves are cooked as Sag.
Buckwheat can be used as healthy, nutritive alternative to other
cereals. It is gluten free. Though it is not as nutritive as wheat.
It contains eight essential amino acids, including lysine. The protein of
buckwheat is of excellentquality. It is good source of manganese, copper, Magnesium, phosphorus and dietary fiber.
In Ayurveda, Buckwheat is known as Kutu. It considered hot in potency. It increases Pitta/bile and Vata/wind but reduces Kapha/phlegm. Its
intake should be restricted in person suffering from disorders due to Vata
and Pitta aggravation. Buckwheat should be included in Kapha Pacifying Diet.
General Information
Buckwheat is not a variety of wheat. It is not related to wheat but to
Rhubarb, Sorrel, Dock and other plants of polygonaceae. It is a fruit seed
and not a cereal. It grows on an herbaceous plant and the seeds are used as
a food.
Buckwheat plant is a hardy plant. It can grow to a height of one to three
feet. It has short taproot and fine lateral roots. The plant is erect
with single main stem. Stem is hollow, sub-cylindrical, delicate, juicy,
grooved, succulent and smooth except at the nodes. As stems are hollow and
therefore are subject to breakage by high winds and hails. Stems and
branches are green to red initally and turn reddish brown at maturity.
Leaves of plant are halberd shaped. They are petiolate, blades are
ovate-triangular to triangular, 2-8 cm long, with acuminate tips, bases are
cordate or approximately hastate. Upper leaves are smaller and sessile.
Inflorescences are terminal and auxiliary, branch in dense corymbose
or paniculate cyme. Flowers are perfect but incomplete as they do not
have petals. The calyx is composed of five petal-like sepals that are
usually white, pink or dark pink.
Buckwheat is dimorphic, having plants bearing one of two flower
types. The pin flowers have long pistils and short stamens while the thrum
flowers have short pistils and long stamens.
Fruit or seed is a triangular nut, approximately 0.5 cm long with
keeled edges. The colour can vary from silvery-grey to brown or black.
The main producer countries of common buckwheat are The Russian
Federation, China, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. In India, it is mainly
cultivated in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, North east and
few areas in Tamil Nadu.
Buckwheat is a quick growing crop. It grows on the worst and poorest soils.
It prefers a moist cool climate and a well-drained sand soil. It is a plant of
temperate region. In Northern India, Buckwheat is usually a rainy season crop.
It is sown in July and harvested in October. In Nilgiris, it is generally sown
in April and harvested in August.
Scientific Classification
The botanical name of Kuttu / Buckwheat is Fagopyrum esculentum. It belongs
to plant family Polygonaceae.
Polygonaceae is a family of herbs, shrubs and small trees. There are about 50
genera and 1120 species in this family mainly found in temperate regions.
Polygonum bistorta (Adderwort, Patient Dock, Snakeweed), Rheum palmatum
(Rhubarb, Turkey), Rumex aquaticus (Water Dock), Polygonum barbatum (Ola),
Polygonum chinense, Polygonum pulchrum (Swastika, Sunnysanna) are few other
important medicinal plant belonging to this family.
Polygonaceae is generally referred to as the buckwheat, rhubarb or sorrel
family. In the buckwheat family, the content of oxalic acid in leaves is
almost twice as great as the content in the stalk.
Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.
Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass: Caryophyllidae
Order: Polygonales
Family: Polygonaceae – Buckwheat family
Genus: Fagopyrum Mill. – buckwheat
Species: Fagopyrum esculentum Moench – buckwheat
Synonyms
Fagopyrum saggittatum Gilib
Fagopyrum vulgare Hill
Fagopyrum fagopyrum (L.) Karst., nom. inval.
Polygonum fagopyrum L.
Part(s) used: Seeds
Group: Dicot
Plant type: Herb
Origin: Native to central and northern Asia
Distribution: In India, it is grown in hilly regions of North India
and the Nilgiris. It is distributed throughout the world in China, Europe,
United States, Canada, and France, Russia and Poland.
Habitat: Temperate regions (temperatures in Temperate region are
generally relatively moderate, rather than extremely hot or cold, and the
changes between summer and winter are also usually moderate)
Main producers: China, Russian Federation, Ukraine and Kazakhstan
Health Benefits of Buckwheat Flour or Kuttu Ka Atta
Buckwheat is a pseudocereal. It is not a cereal grain but can be used
to make bread, poori, porridge and cakes. Buckwheat is fruit seed. The
nutritional value of buckwheat is comparable to wheat. It contains protein,
carbohydrates, fat, fiber and minerals. Starch is the major component.
Dark buckwheat flour contains more hull and so it has more protein content
compared to light buckwheat flour. Buckwheat flour should be stored in
refrigerator and should be used within 2-3 months.
It can be used as alternative to wheat.
It is glutenfree, the sticky protein found in wheat and other grains. It can be safely eaten by people with celiac disease.
It contains very high quality protein containing all 8 essential amino acids.
It contains thiamin B1 and riboflavin B2, the water soluble B complex vitamins.
It is good source of manganese, copper, magnesium and phosphorus.
It lowers the risk of developing diabetes.
It helps in the management of diabetes.
It is rich in insoluble fiber.
It is low in glycemic index (the relative ability of a carbohydrate food to increase the level of glucose in the blood). Low glycemic index or GI implies, there is slower rise in blood sugar level on consumption of particular food. Diabetes are recommended to take lo GI foods.
It maintains blood flow.
It lowers the risk of developing cholesterol and high blood pressure.
It reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL).
It is rich in flavonoids, particularly Rutin. Bioflavonoids Rutin a potent antioxidants, is a useful element to improve the elasticity of the veins and helps in varicose veins.
It is excellent for heart health.
It rich source of magnesium, an essential mineral required as a
cofactor for many enzyme systems. Magnesium performs a number of criticalfunctions in the body, such as energy production
by activating ATP, for working of enzymes that break down glucose (blood
sugar), production of cholesterol, breaking of fat,
supporting bone health, helping muscles contract and relax, assisting in nerve
function, and keeping heart rhythm steady and strong. Magnesium plays a
multifunctional role in cell metabolism. Deficiency of Magnesium
leads to cardiovascular, skeletal, gastrointestinal and central nervous
system disorders. Intake of 100 grams of cooked buckwheat provides
approximately 21% of daily required magnesium.
It is warming and aid digestion.
Other Uses of Buckwheat Plant
Buckwheat flowers attracts Honey bee and the honey produced using nectar of
its flower is dark in colour and strongly flavored.
Buckwheat leaves locally known as Phafru in hilly regions of Himalaya. They
are cooked as Sag. First the leaves are washed, chopped and boiled by adding
salt. After boiling it grind to make paste. mustard oil is heated in a pan.
Tadaka of coriander seeds and red chilies are added to the heated oil and then
paste of buckwheat leaves is added. This is cooked for few minutes and then
served with Roti.
The leaves were used for high blood pressure, chilblains, and frostbite.
For anemia, constipation the Leaves are cooked in iron vessel and given.
Juice of plant is used in urinary disorders.
In headaches, leaves paste is applied.
For gastrointestinal disorders, infusion or decoction of leaves is given.
The roots decoction of plant is used for rheumatism, lung diseases and typhoid.
For Urinary disorders roots juice is given.
The flowers and green leaves are used for rutin extraction for use in medicine.
Homeopathic remedy, FAGOPYRUM is made using whole plant. The aerial
parts are picked after flowering and before the fruits ripen, then chopped and
macerated in alcohol. It is generaly used for eczema and itching skin, possibly
on the genitals, scalp, eyelids, and ears, or in the folds of the skin of
infants and the elderly, Heart complaints associated with visibly pulsing
arteries, either with or without concurrent skin conditions.
Buckwheat hulls are used for pillow filling.
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Buckwheat)
It is very heating and drying. Hence should be used with caution in people with Pitta and Vata Dosha.
It increases Vata and Pitta.
It is hot in potency.
It may increase heat in body.
It may produce harmful effects under certain conditions due to which this plant is considered poisonous.
Buckwheat grains and leaves produce primary photosensitization in pigs, horses, cattle, goats, sheep and other animals, but not in human.
Human can sensitized to dust from Buckwheat flour only after long exposure. asthma like condition occur.
Photosensitization is an increase in susceptibility to ultraviolet light. There is abnormally heightened reactivity of the skin or eyes to sunlight. Sensitization of the skin to light, usually due to the action of plant may occur shortly after administration of the drug (phototoxic sensitivity), or may occur only after a latent period of from days to months (photo allergic sensitivity, or photo allergy).
Exposure to sun is necessary for toxic reaction.
The phototoxic reactions occur when a drug absorbs ultraviolet radiation from
the sun and a sunburn like response occurs in a short period of time. Within
hours there is a burning sensation of the exposed skin, followed by redness
and swelling. Within a day or two the skin becomes heavily pigmented and
begins to peel, a severe reaction can cause scarring.
Atibala, Kanghi, Kakhi, Kakhiya, Petari, Country Mallow, Flowering Maples,
Chinese Bell-flowers, Indian mallow, Kanghi, Kakahi,Kakahiya are few
common names of plant Abutilon indicum. It is a medicinal plant with showy golden-yellow flowers and used in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani system of medicine for preparation of many medicines. Traditionally, all parts of plant
are used for medicinal purpose.
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Atibala is used for medicinal purpose since ancient times. For medicinal
purpose, all parts of plant (leaves, roots, seeds) are used. Atibala is aphrodisiac and nervinetonic. It is diuretic,
anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic. Atibala is used in inflammation,
piles, gonorrhea, impotence, low libido, infertility, sperm loss, debility and
as an immune stimulant.
Acharya Charak gave extract of whole plant for fever, weakness and joint
problems. It was used as Rasayan to promote health and keep diseases
at bay. It treats wounds, ulcers and vaginal infections.
Root and bark are used as aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, nervine
tonic, and diuretic. They have diuretic and anthelmintic
properties. The roots reduces fever, nerves weakness and helps in urinary
problems. They are given for neurological disorders (hemiplegia, facial
paralysis, sciatica) and debility.
Seeds are very nutritive and strengthening. They are aphrodisiac, emollient and demulcent. They contain about 30 %
protein of good quality. They are used for treating impotency, loss of
semen (spermatorrhoea) and low libido. The seeds are also used in urinary
disorders, as a laxative in piles and in the treatment of cough.
General Information
Plant Description: Abutilon indicum, is a perennial plant with very
finely downy branches. It is hairy herb or under-shrub reaching upto a height of
1.0-1.5 m.
The leaves of plant are simple, alternate, stipulated, 1.9—5 cm long,
broadly ovate, very cordate at base, acute, irregularly and coarsely dentate.
Petioles are very long, 2.5—7.5 cm.
Flowers are regular, bisexual, orange yellow, solitary and
axillary and of 2.5 cm diameter. Sepals are 5, fused into a 5-lobed, cup-shaped
calyx. Lobes are shallow, apiculate. Petals 5, convolute, adnate to stamen-tube;
stamens numerous, fused into a tube.
Ovary is superior, 10-carpellary. style pass through the stamen-tube
and dividing into 5 branches each terminating in a capitate stigma. Seeds
minutely dotted.
Tap roots are fairly long with a number of lateral branches, 1.5-2 cm
in diameter, light brown, outer surface smooth with dot like lenticels, bark
thin and can be easily peeled off, odour, feeble, taste, astringent and bitter.
Scientific Classification
The botanical name of Atibala / Indian mallow is Abutilon indicum. It belongs
to plant family Malvaceae.
Malvaceae includes herbs, shrubs, or less often trees. It
consists of about 82 genera, 9 subfamilies and more than 1,500 species,
distributed more abundantly in warm and temperate regions. There are about 22
genera and 125 species of this family in India.
Plants of the family bears flowers which are often showy and
beautiful. They mostly have five petals and sepals and a filament.
Most of the plants belonging to this family contain free mucilage, and,
generally speaking, have emollient, laxative, anti-bilious, and antiscorbutic
properties. Some members yield volatile oils which are stimulant, diaphoretic,
and diuretic. The seeds are often oleaginous. Very few species have toxic
properties.
Some of the economically important plants belonging to
Malvaceae are, The cotton plant (Gossypiurn sp.), Corchorus (Jute),
Hibiscus, Okra (A. esculentus), Bombax (Silk cotton tree), Marshmallow (Althaea
ojficinalis Linn.) and Sida.
Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.
Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Superdivision: Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
Division: Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass: Dilleniidae
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae – Mallow family
Genus: Abutilon Mill. – Indian mallow
Species: Abutilon indicum (L.)
Synonyms
Abutilon asiaticum W.&A.
Sida indica Linn.
Part(s) used for medicinal purpose: Fruit, leaves, seed and roots
Plant type / Growth Habit: Shrub Subshrub
Duration: Perennial
Distribution: Hotter parts of India, in the sub-Himalayan tract and other hills up to 1200 m.
Habitat: Warm, temperate regions, as a common weed on road sides and other waste places in plains and hills.
English: Country Mallow, Flowering Maples, Chinese Bell-flowers, Indian mallow
Constituents of Abutilon indicum
The leaves contain mucilage, tannin, amino acids, glucose, fructose,
galactose, gallic acid sesquiterpene alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols,
triterpenoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and asparagin (11.5 %).
Asparagin has diuretic activities.
Mucilage present in the plant protectsthe mucous membrane,
urinary system and helps in gastro-intestinal inflammations, lesions and
ulcers. Mucilage is diuretic and demulcent (relieve irritation of the
mucous membranes in the mouth by forming a protective film). It reduces
acidity.
Tannin is astringent and stops bleeding on topical application
and diarrhea on oral use.
Flowers contain seven flavonoid compounds including quercetin
and its glycosides.
Ayurvedic Properties and Action (Atibala)
In Ayurveda, term Atibala is used for roots of plant Abutilon indicum.
Atibala is sweet in taste (Rasa), sweet after digestion (Vipaka), and is cool in
effect (Virya).
Atibala is a Madhur Vipak herb. Madhur-Vipak digests into sweet. It
has building, moistening and nourishing effect on body. It is heavy to digest
and reduces metabolism. It is cooling and reducesswelling.
It increases Kapha and decreases Pitta. Madhur Vipak has Anabolic effect on
body.
Rasa (taste on tongue): Madhura (Sweet)
Guna (Pharmacological Action): Snigdha (Unctuous)
Virya (Action): Shita (Cooling)
Vipaka (transformed state after digestion): Madhura (Sweet)
Action / Karma
Balya, Vrishya: Increases strength
Vatahara: Pacify Vata/Wind.
Grahi: Inspissants, stomachic, digestive and heating qualities dry the fluids of the bod
Shukral: Improves sperms.
Mutral: Diuretic.
Atibala is a Sheet Virya herb. Sheet Virya or Cool potency herb, subdues
Pitta (Bile) Vata (Wind) and increases Kapha (Mucus). Sheet Virya herb gives
nourishment to body and steadiness. It supports building of body fluids.
Atibala is a nourishing, strength promoting with Rasayana and fetal growth
promoting action. A study was done to find role of Atibala (abutilon indicum)
in garbha sthapaka and garbha vruddhikara prabhava in pregnant women with
history of repeated abortion by Department of Kaumarabritya Prasuti Stree Roga
Institute of Post Graduate Teaching and Research Gujarat Ayurved University
Jamnagar.
The study was designed to find out the effect of Atibala as a single drug for
Garbhasthapaka prabhava and Garbha vruddhikara prabhava in pregnancy with
repeated abortion history. Sixty pregnant women of second and third trimester
were included and they were divided into two groups. The effect of Atibala was
compared to that of combination of Amalaki, Godanthi and Garbhapalarasa (Amalaki
group). Studying results of Atibala and Amalaki groups during the treatment or
after no abortion took place.
The study concluded Ati Bala (Abutilon indicum) powder is highly
effective for fetal development in compared with powder of Amalaki, Godanthi
Bashma and Garbhapala rasa in pregnant women who have previous repeated
abortions due to Garbhasthapaka (beneficial for maintenance of pregnancy)and Garbha Vriddhikara Prabhava (Promote fetal development).
Important Formulations
Atibala is generally as used an ingredient in preparation of Ayurvedic
medicated oil used externally for massaging in Vatavyadhi (diseases due to Vata
dosha) such as gout, rheumatism, facial palsy, paraplegia etc.
Abutilon indicum is rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of these
properties will help us to better utilize this herb. These also indicate the
conditions in which we should avoid it.
Below is given medicinal properties along with the meaning.
Antioxidant: Seeds, Neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals and other substances.
Anti-inflammatory: Leaves, Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms.
Antifungal: Leaves, inhibit fungal infections.
Analgesic: Roots, Relieve pain.
Anti-convulsant: Leaves, Prevent or reduce the severity of epileptic fits or other convulsions.
Anti-diarrheal: Leaves, gives relief in diarrhoea.
Antidiabetic: Leaves, controls diabetes level.
Anti-estrogenic: Estrogen antagonist.
Demulcent: Seeds-Leaves, Relieving inflammation or irritation.
Diuretic: Seeds-Root extract, Promoting excretion of urine/agent that increases the amount of urine excreted.
Hepatoprotective: Whole plant, Prevent damage to the liver.
Hypoglycemic: Leaves, Reducing level of the sugar glucose in the blood.
Immunomodulatory: Leaves, Modifies the immune response or the functioning of the immune system.
Laxative: Seed-Leaves, Tending to stimulate or facilitate evacuation of the bowels.
Lipid lowering: Leaves, lowers lipid.
Medicinal Uses of Abutilon indicum (Atibala)
Atibala is used both internally and externally. It possess potent
anti-hemorrhagic, diuretic, demulcent and laxative properties. Its topical
application stops bleeding from wounds and heals ulcers, wounds and infections.
The seeds give strength and vigor.
Aphrodisiac, piles, cough: The seeds are used.
Bleeding piles: The leaves are cooked and eaten.
Dental problems: Leaf juice and root are taken orally.
Indigestion: Leaves made into a chutney and consumed.
Piles:
1. Root extract is taken orally twice a day for two weeks to cure piles.
2. Atibala Abutilon indicum leaves + Makoi (Solanum nigrum) leaves + kali mirch (
Piper nigrum seeds), are ground and paste is taken in dose of 5 grams for 2
weeks.
3. Leaves paste of Atibala is taken in dose of 5 grams for one month.
Rheumatism: Paste of leaves prepared with mustard oil applied
externally.
Toothache and tender gums: As mouthwash decoction of leaves is used.
Ulcers: juice of the leaves prepared into an ointment is applied.
Urinary problems, strangury and hematuria: The roots of plant are used
due to diuretic activities.
Vaginal infections, wounds and ulcers: Decoction of leaves is used.
Dosage of Abutilon indicum
Leaf powder is taken in dose of 5-7 grams.
Seed powder is taken in dose of 1-3 grams. Seed Extract is taken in dose of 125 mg-500 mg.
Root powder is taken in dose of 3-6 grams. Root extract is taken in dose of 250mg-750mg.
Maximum dose of root powder or seed powder is 12 grams.
Contraindications, Interactions, Side-effects and Warnings Abutilon indicum
Cranberries are edible fruits of plant found in cooler climates of
northern hemisphere. They are only found in cooler, sunny, wet and moist
environment. It is one of few commercially grown fruits native to North
America. Cranberries were used by Native Americans as food and medicine.
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Cranberries can be eaten fresh, boiled, baked in a pit, dried, canned or
in form of jams, jellies, and pies. Fresh berries are red in colour and are
very tart.
Cranberries offer numerous health benefits due to their flavonoid and
phytonutrient content. They are antioxidant, antiviral, anti-tumor,
anticancer, antifungal, ACE inhibitor, lipid lowering and
anti-inflammatory. They are especially beneficial in urinary
infections. They increase good cholesterol and protects heart.
Cranberries have significant antioxidant properties and prevents body
cells from free radical damage. Cranberry products, in particular the juice,
with high concentrations of proanthocyanidin (or condensed tannins, are very
powerful antioxidants that remove harmful free oxygen radicals from cells), reduces the risk of developing UTI. Cranberries are good support good health of
oral cavity, gastrointestinal (GI) tract and urinary tract.
In India, nowadays, Cranberry Juice is available. It not only tastes great
but also improves overall health. It is important to select only 100 % juice
product. The one which comes with added sugar tastes great but is not so good
for health owing to high sugar content.
General Information
Cranberry is a trailing, vine-like shrub with soft stems and
grow at a fast rate.
The plant has alternate small evergreen leaves with rolled edges that are
dark green above, pale beneath, and pointed at the tip. Flowers are pink to red borne singly or in clusters at the ends of stems. The flowers
are have both male and female parts (hermaphrodite) and are
self-pollinated or insect pollinated. Plant prefer sandy and loamy soils and
prefers wet soil.
The fruit of plant is a red, juicyberry.
Scientific Classification
The botanical name of Cranberry is Vaccinium oxycoccos. It belongs to plant
family Ericaceae.
Ericaceae is also known as Heath or rhododendron family. There are more
than 100 genera of this family distributed all over the world. The largest
genera of this family are Rhododendron (1200 species) and Erica (heaths, 700
species). To genus Vaccinium, berries such as blueberries, cranberries belong.
Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.
Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Superdivision: Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
Division: Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass: Dilleniidae
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae (Heath family)
Genus: Vaccinium L. (blueberry)
Species: Vaccinium oxycoccos L. (small cranberry)
Synonyms
Oxycoccus hagerupii
Oxycoccus intermedius
Oxycoccus microcarpos
Oxycoccus ovalifolius
Oxycoccus palustris
Oxycoccus quadripetalus
Oxycoccus vulgaris
Native: North America, Eurasia (combined continental landmass of
Europe and Asia)
Group: Dicot
Part (s) used: Fruits
Planttype / Growth Habit: Shrub Subshrub
Duration: Perennial
Distribution: Throughout Alaska, Canada, Labrador, Greenland,
Newfoundland, England, western Washington, Oregon
Habitat: Coniferous swamps; Moist to very wet, nitrogen-poor soils and
high surface groundwater.
Propagation: Natural vegetative propagation. Also from seeds.
English: Small cranberry, bog cranberry, swamp cranberry, wild
cranberry
Constituents of Vaccinium oxycoccos
Cranberries contain Catechin, flavone glycosides, fructose, organic acids,
proanthocyanidins and vitamin C.
Cranberry has a high Flavonols content (100–263 mg/kg) compared to
other fruits. Flavonols are a class of flavonoids. They are
phytochemicals present in plants and provide several health benefits owing to
richness in medicinal properties such as antiviral, antibacterial,
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant etc.
Cranberry also contain Citric, malic and benzoic acids.
Important Medicinal Properties
Cranberry is rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of these
properties will help us to better utilize this herb. These also indicate the
conditions in which we should avoid it.
Below is given medicinal properties along with the meaning.
ACE inhibitor: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) that block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, used in the treatment of hypertension.
Antioxidant: Significantly delays or prevents oxidation by destroying free radicals.
Antiviral: Destroys viruses or suppresses their replication
Antifungal: Destroys fungi or suppresses their growth/reproduction
Anti-inflammatory: Helps to counter the inflammatory process
Bacteriostatic: Stops bacteria from reproducing.
Chemoprotective: Protect healthy tissue from the toxic effects of anticancer drugs
Cranberries are highly nutritious. They contain vitamin C, Vitamin E,
Vitamin K along with Manganese, Cooper, pantothenic acid and fiber. This
combination is very beneficial for health.
Vitamin C and E are antioxidant. Vitamin C, water soluble vitamin helps in
absorption of iron and boosts body immunity. Vitamin K, fat-soluble vitamin,
helps in blood clotting. It is opposite in effect of blood thinning
medicines.
Manganese is a component of a number of enzymes and activates a range
of others. Low level of manganese in body can cause skeletal malformations, and
impaired growth and reproductive function.
Cranberries are excellent for kidney, urethra, and bladder disorders.
They are intestinal and urinary antiseptic.
Urinary problems
Cranberry improve urinary tract health by lowering the pH of the urinary
tract. They are highly acidic and preventsgrowth of
bacteria in urinary tract.
Cranberry juice also helps in urinary tract infections as it contain
proanthocyanidin or condensed tannins which prevent adhesion of bacteria in
tract. This allows flushing of bacteria out of the body along with urine.
Regular drinking of juice for one or more month reduces UTIs episodes.
Researches indicate it can be used as an adjunctive treatment in UTI.
Antioxidant
Cranberries have more antioxidant activity compared to other fruits. It
contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
Antioxidants are those substance which prevent oxidation or reactions
promoted by oxygen, peroxides, or free radicals. Free radicals are formed in
body either from normal metabolic processes or by exposure to external sources
(X-rays, ozone, cigarette smoking, chemicals, pollution etc.). Free radicals are
highly reactive and can attack the healthy cells of the body, causing them to
lose their structure and function. Damage to cells leads to premature ageing
and development and progression of many diseases.
Intake of potent antioxidants, such as Cranberry helps to maintain normal
functioning and integrity of cells and thus delaying the ageing process and
keeping good health. The free radical scavenging activity of Cranberry is
comparable or superior to that of vitamin E, another antioxidant.
Drinking of cranberry juice increases plasma antioxidant status.
Good for heart
Cranberries reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-oxidation, maintain or
improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, reducing platelet aggregation and
improve vascular function.
A small study of 30 abdominally obese, healthy, middle-aged men who consumed
increasing doses of cranberry juice, up to 500 mL/day over 12 weeks, found a
significant reduction in plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9, a substance which
can accelerate atherosclerotic (deposition of fatty material on inner walls of
arteries) progression.
Chemo protective
Cranberry prevents the growth and proliferation of several types of tumor
or abnormal growth of cells in body due to its high bioflavonoid content
and antioxidant properties.
Other Benefits
Cranberries are good for overall health. They provide vitamin C, energy, antioxidants, and minerals.
Cranberry juice prevents tooth decay due to presence of proanthocyanidin which prevent adhesion of bacteria to teeth. Inhibition of bacterial growth also protects gums from bacterial diseases.
Cranberries are effective in prevention of recurrent cold, cough, respiratory and ear infections due to presence of immunity boosting, antioxidant and other important phytochemicals.
Cranberry can be taken in dose of 120–400 ml daily by adults or 15 mL/kg or up to 300 mL daily by children.
For recurrent UTIs the juice should be taken continuously for 4–8 weeks.
As Cranberry is sour in taste, you may dilute it by adding water.
Contraindications, Interactions, Side-effects and Warnings
Opt only for 100 percent juice without added sugar and sweeteners.
Commercially available Cranberry juice contains high amount of sugar and hence should not be taken by diabetics.
In case the symptoms of UTI become more severe after taking juice medical advice is recommended.
Cranberries contain oxalates and calcium. So person at the risk of oxalate kidney stones should take it cautiously. Cranberry juice can increase level of oxalate in urine by 43 percent.
At high doses (more than three liters), gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea can occur.
Cranberries are hot in potency.
People who take anticoagulant / blood thinning medicines (Warfarin, to prevent the formation of blood clots in the blood) should take Cranberries cautiously. As it may affect efficacy and safety of anticoagulant medicines in body.
People taking blood-thinning medicines and prescribed Aspirin, should not drink too much Cranberry juice.
Kalanchoe laciniata is known as Parnabija, Zakhm-e-Hayaat, Malakalli in
Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha system of medicine respectively. It is medicinal
plant with succulent leaves and belong to plant family Crassulaceae, commonly
referred as Stonecrop or Orpine family and Genus Kalanchoe.
The genus ‘Kalanchoe’ consists of about 125 species of plant found in
tropical parts. Previously this genus was divided into three genera (Kalanchoe,
Bryophyllum, Kitchingia). But now it is recognized as only one genus Kalanchoe.
Kalanchoe are primarily ornamentals and houseplants. They can be planted in
pots.
Another important medicinal plant belonging to its genus is, Kalanchoe
pinnata / Bryophyllum pinnatum (Pattharchatta, cathedral bells) which is used to expel urinary stones.
It is important to note, Kalanchoe pinnata and Kalanchoe laciniata are to
different species but are used in the same way. Also as described in
classical texts, species of Kalanchoe viz. Kalanchoe lanciniata, Kalanchoe
integra, or Kalanchoe pinnata can be equated to the botanical source of
Parnabija.
Parnabija (Parna=leaf; bija=seeds, the naming is due to the fact that plant
leaf produces roots and baby plants which becomes independent plants, so the
leaf acts as seeds) plant possess diuretic, astringent, and hemostatic
properties. Due to all these properties they are used in treatment of urinary
diseases, bleeding disorders and wound healing. Kalanchoe laciniata is found
only in few regions of India.
General Information
Kalanchoe laciniata is a succulent herb. The plant grows up to a height of
0.9–1.2 m.
The stems are succulent, glabrous or more or less pubescent and
slightly branched.
Leaves are numerous, large and very succulent, 7.5 cm–10 cm long. The
petiole is 2.5 cm–3.8 cm long, flattened above, fleshy and amplexicaul. The
blade is narrow oblong, acute, dentate, serrate or crenate.
The leaves are glossy and pale glaucous to green in colour. The lowest leaves
are divided into segments. The middle leaves are more or less deeply pinnatifid
and the uppermost leaves are with narrow almost cylindrical segments.
Flowers are regular, bisexual, large, bright in colour yellow and
occur in paniculate cymes. The calyx is 3-5 mm long, glabrous or glandular-
pubescent. Corolla is 1.6 cm long. Sepal and petals are four in number. A few
hypogenous scales of 3-4 mm long are present. Stamens are eight, inserted in two
rows on the tube of the corolla. Ovary is superior.
Scientific Classification
The botanical name of Hemsagar is Kalanchoe laciniata.
Latin word laciniata is derived from lacer meaning 'fringed or
very deeply cut, torn or slashed into narrow divisions'. Since the leaves are
fringed and divided, the species is given name Kalanchoe (name of genus)
laciniata (type of leaf).
It belongs to plant family Crassulaceae. Below is given taxonomical
classification of plant.
Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass: Rosidae
Order: Rosales
Family: Crassulaceae – Stonecrop family
Genus: Kalanchoe Adans. – widow's-thrill
Species: Kalanchoe laciniata (L.) DC. – Christmas tree
plant
Synonyms
Kalanchoe schweinfurthii Penzig.
Cotyledon laciniata Roxb
Part(s) used for medicinal purpose: Leaves
Plant type / Growth Habit: Herb
Duration: Perennial
Distribution: It is found in India (Maharashtra, Deccan Peninsula,
Bengal), Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Java and tropical Africa.
The leaves contain a yellow organic acid, cream of tartar, sulphate and
oxalate of calcium, tartaric acid, fat and malic acid.
Flavonoids, triterpenoids, lignins, phenols, saponins and glycosides are also
present.
Important Medicinal Properties
Kalanchoe laciniata is rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of
these properties will help us to better utilize this herb. These also indicate
the conditions in which we should avoid it.
Below is given medicinal properties along with the meaning.
Anti-irritant: Reduces signs of inflammation, such as
swelling, tenderness, pain, itching, or redness.
Diuretic: Promoting excretion of urine/agent that increases the
amount of urine excreted.
Emollient: Soothing and softening effect on the skin or an irritated
internal surface.
Hemostatic: Checking blood flow.
Medicinal Uses of Kalanchoe laciniata (Christmastree plant)
Kalanchoe laciniata is used in the same way as Kalanchoe pinnata or
Patharchatta.
The leaves are used both internally and externally. Externally, roasted or
crushed leaves are applied on cuts, wounds, abrasions, ulcers and bites of
poisonous insects. They are antiseptic, astringent and helps to stop bleeding.
Internally, leaf juice in given to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and stones.
The leaves and roots are used for the treatment of urinarydiseases.
The intake of leaves help to dissolvestones in the
bladder.
The decoction of the whole plant is drunk in gastric pain and heart
discomfort.
The leaves juice is given in dose of 3 ml to 10 ml with 6- 20 ml melted
butter in in diarrhea, dysentery, and cholera.
Leaf paste is applied to chronic sores and ulcers.
Leaf poultice is applied to the chest for coughs and colds.
The juice of the roasted leaves is applied to bruises and
contusions.
Helicteres isora is most commonly known as Marori, Marorphali, Marodphali,
Enthani, Mriga-shinga, Kevani, Varkati, Dhiniani, Valumbirikai, Atmorha and East
Indian Screw tree. In Sanskrit it is called Avartani and Mriga-shinga
which literally means deer's horn.
The tree is named so because of the appearance of its pods (fruits)
which are peculiarly twisted. The pods are singular-looking contorted capsule, consisting of five fibers closely twisted
together in the form of a screw. It is of various lengths varying from
one inch to two and a half.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.By Adityamadhav83 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The bark and fruits are used traditionally in treatment of diarrhea, worm infestation, offensive sores inside the ears, colic, flatulence and chronic
dysentery. The root bark is prescribed in diabetes. It acts in diabetes by insulin-sensitizing activity.
General Information
Part(s) used for medicinal purpose: Stembark, Root juice, Fruit,
Seed
Plant type / Growth Habit: Sub-deciduous shrub
Duration: Perennial
Distribution: Throughout Central and Western India, especially in
Rajasthan, Punjab, Bihar, Bengal, Andaman. Also found in Sri Lanka, Java,
and northern Australia.
Habitat: Dry forests
Flowering: April to December
Fruiting: October to June
Description of plant:
Marorphali / Marorfali, is a tall shrub or small tree, found
throughout Central and western India. The stem is 2-12.5 cm in diameter
and the plant reach upto height of 5-10 feet.
Bark of tree us grey in colour and young parts are covered with
stellate hairs.
Leaves are simple, alternate, petioled and acute. They are palmately
nerved or obliquely cordate. The margins are serrated.
Peduncles are many-flowered and terminating. Flowers are orange-red in colour and turn pale blue later. The petals are
long.
The fruit consists of five slender angularcarpels,
twisted like a corkscrew, and together forming a cone about 1.5 to 2
inches long. The carpels are greenish brown in colour. Single row of dark
brown angular seeds are present inside the fruit. The internal surface is
of a light greenish hue and highly polished. The taste mucilaginous.
The rootbark is of a dark-brown colour and is very thickly
studded with small round warts.
Scientific Classification
The botanical name of Maror Phali is Helicteres isora. It belongs to plant
family Sterculiaceae.
The word Helicteres is derived from, the Greek word helikteres meaning anything twisted / in spiral. Isora is a
Japanese name for boys meaning God of the seashore. Helicteres is a
large genus of tropical trees and shrubs with axillary flowers and fruits
consisting of five twisted carpels.
Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.
Kingdom: Plantae
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Rosidae
Order: Malvales
Family: Sterculiaceae - large family of plants of order Malvales
Subfamily: Helicteroideae
Genus: Helicteres - genus of shrubs and small trees of tropical America and Asia having cylindrical fruits spirally twisted around one another
In Unani medicine, it is described as hot and dry in the third degree.
Mulattiff (Demulcent): Break the matter into pieces and make humor
more liquid by their mild hotness.
Ayurvedic Properties and Action
In Ayurveda, Marorphali is known as Avartaki or Avartani. It cures aggravated kapha and pitta both from upper and lower parts of the body.
It also curesKushtha (obstinate skin diseases including leprosy).
Marorphali is astringent in taste (Rasa), pungent after
digestion (Vipaka), and is cool in effect (Virya).
Vipaka (transformed state after digestion): Katu (Pungent)
It is a Katu Vipak herb. Vipak refers to post-digestive (effect after
digestion / cooking of Rasa) effect of tastes after its mixing with digestive
juices. It is the long term effect of herb. Katu Vipak herbs, increases dryness
in body. Such foods reduce fertility and Kapha. Avartani is indicated in Atisar (diarrhoea), Shula (colic) and Krimi (intestinal parasites).
Constituents of Helicteres isora
The plant contains a 4-quinolone alkaloid,malatyamine, an antidiarrhoeal
principle. Roots contain cytotoxic principles—cucurbitacin B and
iso-cucurbitacin B.
Bark/stem: β-sitosterol; 10-methyl, 4-isopropenyl and dodecahydro- ethanophenanthrene
Fruits: Rosmarinic acid and their derivatives; isoscutellarein and their derivatives; D-glucopyranosyl isorinic acid with rosmarinic acid; Helisterculins A and B, Helisorin Gallic acid, Caffeic acid, vanillin, p-Coumaric acid
Important Medicinal Properties
Various parts of Helicteres isora possess important medicinal properties. The
understanding of properties helps to better utilize the herb. These also
indicate the conditions in which we should avoid its internal use. For example,
the roots and stem bark are, anti-galactagogue which means an agent for
suppressing lactation. Therefore it should not be used during breastfeeding.
Below is given medicinal properties along with meaning.
Pods & Bark
Anti-dysenteric: Relieving or preventing dysentery.
Antidiarrheal: Relieving or preventing diarrhea.
Astringents: Constrict tissues; styptic.
Anti-bilious: Serving to prevent or cure biliousness or excess secretion of bile.
Antioxidant: Neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals and other substances.
Anthelmintic: Antiparasitic, expel Parasitic worms (helminths) and other internal parasites from the body.
Demulcent: Relieving inflammation or irritation.
Root & Stembark
Anti-diabetic: Manages diabetes.
Anti-hyperglycemic: Counteracting high levels of glucose in the blood.
Astringents: Constrict tissues; styptic.
Antigalactagogue: Prevents breast milk.
Anodyne: Relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness.
Demulcent: Relieving inflammation or irritation.
Expectorant: Promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages, used to treat coughs.
Hepatoprotective: Prevent damage to the liver.
Hypolipidemic: Lowers lipid level in blood.
Medicinal Uses of Helicteres isora (Marorphali)
According to the doctrine of signatures, the shape, appearance of
plant part itself suggests its use. The pods of Maror phali are twisted like
intestine and it is mainly used in treatment of intestinal complaints such as colic, flatulence diarrhea, and dysentery. Other important medicinal
use include in diabetes and locally in otorrhoea (discharge from ear).
The fruit and bark of Marorphali are astringent in gripes,
anti-diarrheal and anthelmintic. They are used most commonly in treatment of
intestinal complaints such as griping in the bowels and flatulence, diarrhea,
dysentery and worm infestation.
In one clinical study, 37 patients of intestinal amoebiasis were treated with
a combination of Bekh-e-Madaar (root-bark of Calotropis procera 125 mg) +
Marorphali (1000 mg), thrice daily for one month. The clinical efficacy was
found close to that of Metronidazole.
The root juice is given in diabetes, empyema, snakebite, stomach
trouble.
Below is given some of the traditional therapeutic uses of vicious parts
of Maror Phali.
As an ear drop, Discharge from ear
Boil the crushed pods in castor oil and use as earn drop.
Asthma, Cough
Drink decoction of bark.
Colic pain
Roots of tree are chewed in dose of 5 grams per day for three days.
Marsdenia tenacissima is a medicinal plant and commonly known as Murva or
Moorva. It is a perennial climber, bearing green flowers and found in
tropical hilly tracts of peninsular India and Vindhya ranges as well as lower
Himalayan tracts. This plant prefers poor soil. Murva is found growing in
tropical and subtropical dry and moist deciduous forests having annual rainfall
between 1000 mm and 1500 mm. It grows in moist places in nature and is a
shade-loving plant.
The roots of Murva plant are used as single drug and also in compound
formulations of Ayurveda for treating of fever, polyuria, dryness of mouth, worm
infestations, itching, bleeding piles, bleeding disorders and excessive thirst.
It belongs to Aragwadhadi group of herbs, which are especially used for
chronic obstinate urinary disorders, diseases of skin, vomiting etc. It is
detoxifies blood and gives relief in skin diseases. It has purgative action.
Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon. is accepted source of Murva. Murva
is one of the most controversial drugs in Ayurveda with more than 7
plant species from different families being used as the source in different
parts of the country.
Lannea coromandelica and Maerua arenaria are also referred as Murva. Chonemorpha fragrans (macrophylla) is used as Murva in Kerala, Sansevieria roxburghiana in Tamil Nadu, Clematis triloba in Gujrat
and Maharashtra and Helicteres isora in Punjab and Marsdenia
volubilis in Southern states.
The roots of this medicinal herb are wrongly supplied as Trivrit /
White Turpeth (Safed Nishoth) in Northern India because the accepted
botanical source of Turpeth (Nishoth) is Operculina turpethum (Linn.) Silva
Manso synonym Ipomoea turpethum R. Br.
General Information
Plant Description: Marsdenia tenacissima is a large, extensive twining shrub with very stout, bluntly angular, densely velvety and hairy branches. Stem and branches are slightly stout and densely tomentose.
Leaves are simple, opposite, petiolate, very large, 15—17.5 cm long and nearly as wide, deeply cordate with rounded lobes at base, shortly, acuminate, acute, softly velvety on both sides or nearly glabrous above, petioles 7.5 cm long, softly hairy.
Flowers are greenish yellow, regular, bisexual, numerous in large, paniculate, axillary cymes, pedicels long and hairy. Sepals 5 almost distinct, oblong, hairy. Petals 5, fused into a sub-campanulate corolla, velvety outside, lobes as long as the tube, oblong, obtuse spreading, contorted. Stamens 5, connate, anthers with inflexed lips, pollen masses one in each chamber, stalked, oblong, erect. Corona staminal, of 5, flat, erect scales, adnate to the back of the anthers.
Ovary is superior, of 2 distinct carpels, stigma large, convex. Fruit-follicles 15 cm long, tapering to a point, smooth, fusiform.
Fruit a follicles of 2, cylindric, up to 8 cm long pubescent.
Roots are cylindrical, externally yellow to buff colored with dark brown patches on the cork. There are prominent longitudinal ridges and furrows and transverse cracks present. The bark easily get separated from wood. The roots taste slightly bitter.
Part(s) used for medicinal purpose: Dried roots, whole plant
Plant type / Growth Habit: twining shrub
Duration: Perennial
Distribution: Throughout India, from Kumaun to Asaam upto altitude of 1500 meters, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Southern states, Deccan peninsula. Also found in Bangladesh (Chittagong, Bandarban, Rangamati and Tangail districts), Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, Nepal and Thailand
Habitat: Scrub jungles of rain forests, shady-moist places in Sandy-loam soil
Flowering and fruiting: June to December
Propagation: Propagation is done by stem and root cuttings.
The botanical name of Murva is Marsdenia tenacissima. It belongs to plant
family Asclepiadaceae. Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.
Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass: Asteridae
Order: Gentianales
Family: Asclepiadaceae – Milkweed family
Genus: Marsdenia R. Br. – marsdenia P
Species: Marsdenia tenacissima
Synonym
Asclepias tenacissima Roxb.
Constituents of Marsdenia tenacissima
The root and seed are rich in pregnane glycosides of z-deoxysugars, which on
hydrolysis gave genins and sugars including cissogenin, tenasogenin,
tenacissigenin, iso-drevogenin P, drevogenin Q, D-cymarose, asclepobiose,
D-canarose, 3-0methyl- 6-deoxy-D-allose, iz-alpha-tz-betamarsdenin,
beta-O-glucosyl-L-thevetose, cinnamic and acetic acids. Stems yielded five more
glycosides named tenacissoides A-E.
The bark of the young shoots yields a very strong, silky fibre and a milky
juice containing caoutchouc. The fine silky fibers are used for making
bow strings and ropes.
The latex (the coagulated milky sap) obtained from the stem can be used like rubber.
Important Medicinal Properties
Marsdenia tenacissima is rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of
these properties will help us to better utilize this herb. Below is given
medicinal properties along with the meaning.
Antiscorbutic: Curing or preventing scurvy.
Antioxidant: Neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals and other substances.
Antispasmodic: Used to relieve spasm of involuntary muscle.
Anthelmintic: Antiparasitic, expel Parasitic worms (helminths) and other internal parasites from the body.
Antibacterial: Active against bacteria.
Anti-obesity: Reducing or controlling obesity.
Mild CNS depressant: depression of the central nervous system that can result in decreased rate of breathing, decreased heart rate, and loss of consciousness.
Depurative: Purifying agent.
Laxative: Tending to stimulate or facilitate evacuation of the bowels.
Ayurvedic Properties and Action of Murva Roots
Murva is bitter, sweet in taste (Rasa), sweet after digestion (Vipaka), and
is hot in effect (Virya).
The roots are available in cut pieces of varying length and 0.5-3 cm thick.
They are ground to make powder. This medicinal herb is known as Madhusravi in
Sanskrit as it possess milky juice or latex.
Rasa (taste on tongue): Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter)
Guna (Pharmacological Action): Guru (Heavy), Sara
Virya (Action): Ushna (Heating)
Vipaka (transformed state after digestion): Madhura (Sweet)
Karma/ Action
Rakshoghna: Anti-bacterial
Kaphahara: Pacifies Kapha Dosha
Pittahara: Pacifies Pitta Dosha
Vatahara: Pacifies Vata Dosha
Vishaghna: Poison-destroying
Trishgna: Alleviates thirst
In Ayurveda, it is used in treatment of variety of diseases such as:
Fever / Jwar
Obesity / Medoroga
Urinary disorders, polyuria / Meha
Intestinal parasites / Krimi Roga
Heart diseases / Hridya Roga
Itching / Kandu
Piles / Arsha
Bleeding disorders, abnormal bleeding from organs, hemorrhagic diseases / Raktpitta
The decoction of the leaves is given for flatulence and as a remedy for gonorrhea.
The dried flowers and leaves of are used internally for cough, vomiting, fever and as an appetizer.
The paste is applied externally over major burns.
It is used as ingredient in preparation of medicated oil which is applied on skin diseases, fractures, convulsions, hemiplegia, facial paralysis and cephalalgia.
For fungal infections of skin, the sap obtained by breaking the leaf is applied externally.
This plant is also used in the treatment of paralysis.
Dosage of Marsdenia tenacissima
The recommended dose of roots is 2-5 grams powder.
The decoction can be prepared from 10-20 grams of roots. The recommended dose of decoction is 50-100ml.
Paeonia emodi or Himalayan Peony is found in Western Himalayas. It is a
perennial plant with tuberous roots and beautiful big whiteflowers with central boss of yellow stamens. It is also known as Chandra (meaning moon in Hindi) in some Himalayan states as the flowers
are round and white as moon. Lovely gregarious patches of blooming peony can be
seen in Kagan and Kashmir during spring season.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.By Epibase - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4241796
Himalayan Peony is an ornamental, economic and medicinal plant. The roots of
various Paeonia species are used for medicinal purpose since time immemorial. In
ancient times, it was believed that the peony root, if worn by children round
their necks, has the power of preventing epileptic attacks. The roots of plant
are given in uterine diseases, colic, bilious obstructions, dropsy, epilepsy,
convulsions, hysteria diseases of liver, spleen and bladder.
General Information
Plant Description: It is a stout glabrous perennial plant that
reaches upto 1-3 ft. in height. The roots are thick and fleshy.
Leaves are oblong or lanceolate, alternate, 6-12 inch long. Leaflets
3, usually 3-parted, segments lanceolate, pointed, and entire.
Flowers are large, white, 3-4 in. diameter, long-peduncled, usually
in the axil of upper leaves. Follicles 1, rarely 2, ovoid. Buds globose. Sepals
5, orbicular, concave, green, persistent the outer ones ending in a leaf-like
point. Petals 5-10, broadly ovate, concave, red or white. Yellow stamens
many.
Ovaries 1-3, densely hairy, many-ovuled, seated on a fleshy disk;
style short, broad, recurved. Follicles ovoid, 1 in. Seeds few,
large.
Part(s) used for medicinal purpose: tuber/root, flowers, seeds
Plant type / Growth Habit: Herb/undershrub
Duration: Perennial
Distribution: Found in the temperate Western Himalayas from Hazara to
Kumaon at altitudes of 5,000 to 10,000 ft.
Habitat: West Temperate Himalaya, western Nepal, Afghanistan,
southern Tibet and China
The botanical name of Himalayan Peony is Paeonia emodi. It belongs to genus Paeonia and family Paeoniaceae. The name Peony refers to any of the
flowering plants of genus Paeonia. It is a Himalayan plant and in Latin 'emodi
montes' refers to Himalaya.
Paeoniaceae or the peony family, consists of the genus Paeonia with about
33 species distributed in Europe, Asia, and western North America. The plants
belonging to this family are perennial herbs or sometimes shrubs.
Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.
Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass: Dilleniidae
Order: Dilleniales
Family: Paeoniaceae – Peony family
Genus: Paeonia L. – peony P
Species: Paeonia emodi
European species: Paeonia officinalis - Common peony
Chinese species: Paeonia lactiflora - Chinese peony
Constituents of Paeonia emodi
The tubers of plant contain essential oil. Salicylaldehyde is the chief
component of the root essential oil.
Mixture of n-alkanes, beta-amyrin, butyrospermol, cycloartenol, lupeol,
24-methylenecycloartenol, cholesterol, campesterol, sitosterol;octanoic,
decanoic, lauric, myristic, myristoleic, palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic,
linoleic acids, and ethyl gallate are present in root oil.
European species, Paeonia officinalis, roots and seeds contain a toxic
alkaloid. This alkaloid is stated to produce contraction of the renal
capillaries and increase the coagulability of the blood.
Important Medicinal Properties
Paeonia emodi is rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of these
properties will help us to better utilize this herb. These also indicate the
conditions in which we should avoid it. For example it is Uterocontractant and
hence should not be used in pregnancy.
Below is given medicinal properties along with the meaning.
Anticonvulsant: Prevent or reduce the severity of epileptic fits or
other convulsions.
Anticonvulsant: Prevent or reduce the severity of epileptic fits or
other convulsions.
Anti-testosterone: Lowers male hormone Testosterone.
CNSdepressing: depression of the central nervous system that
can result in decreased rate of breathing, decreased heart rate, and loss of
consciousness.
Diuretic: Promoting excretion of urine/agent that increases the
amount of urine excreted.
Medicinal Uses of Paeonia emodi or Himalayan Peony
Himalayan Peony is a medicinal plant and for medicinal purpose its roots,
flowers and leaves are used. The tuberous roots of plant are highly esteemed as
a medicine for uterine diseases, colic, bilious obstructions, dropsy, epilepsy,
convulsions, hysteria and in nervous affections.
Paeonia emodi Root powder mixed with Selinum vaginatum root powder is given
½ teaspoon twice a day up to 6 months for the treatment of hysteria,
convulsion and epilepsy.
The root powder of Paeonia emodi, Acorus calamus and Selinum vaginatum are
mixed and given in dose of half teaspoon twice a day for hysteria and
epilepsy.
The shade dried Leaves washed with hot water thrice, and then used as
vegetable twice a day for the treatment of colic, blood dysentery, diabetes
and urinary complaints.
It is generally given to children as a blood-purifier.
The flowers have anti-diarrheal properties. The infusion of the dried
flowers is highly valued as a remedy for diarrhea.
The roots are used to cure backache and dropsy.
It is also used improve lactation and treat menstrual problems.
Dosage of Paeonia emodi
The root powder is taken in 1-3 grams.
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Peony)
Health hazards not known with proper therapeutic dosages.
It must not be taken in pregnancy.
In excess (60 grains) the drug produces headache, noise in the ears,
confused vision, and vomiting.
Side effects that may occur, particularly in cases of over dosages, include
gastroenterosis with vomiting, colic, and diarrhea.