Thursday, June 17, 2010

CHITRAK

Botanical Source  : Dried or fresh roots of Plumbago zeylanica Linn.

Family : Plumbaginaceae

Sanskrit Synonyms : Anala, Chitaachita, Dahana, Paathi, Peethi.

Common names :

Hin.- Chita; Guj.- Chito.

Chemical Compostion :

It contains plumbagin, which is powerful germicide. 

Ayurvedic Properties :

Rasa : Katu

Guna : Laghu, Ruksha, Teekshna

Veerya : Ushna

Vipaaka : Katu

Doshaghnata : Kaphavaatashaamaka

Actions : Paachana, Lekhana, Grahi, Krimighna,

Indications : Kushtha, Arsha, Shotha, Kaasa, Pandu, Dourbalya.

Part Used : Root-bark

Dose : 1-2 gm powder of the root.

Formulation :

Chitrakaadi gutika, Chitrakaharitaki avaleha, Chitraka ghrita,

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

KUTAJ

Botanical Source : Holarrhena antidysentrica Wall.

Family    : Apocynaeceae

Common Names

Sans.    :    Kutaja, Kalinga

Hindi    :    Kurchi, Karra, Kuar

Beng.    :    Kurchi

Mar.    :    Kodaga

Guj.    :    Dhowda

Tel.    :    Pala

Tam.    :    Veppalei, Indrabam

Oriya    :    Kherwa, Pitakorwa

Mal.    :    Kodagapala

Punj.    :    Keor, Kewa

Sanskrit Synonyms

  • Girimallika
  • Vatsak
  • Vrukshak
  • Kaling
  • Indravriksha

Plant Description

Habit

A deciduous, small tree, 30-40 ft. high upto 4 ft. girth

Habitat

Occurring almost through out India, upto an attitude of 4,000m ft. often in deciduous forests and open waste lands. Abundant in sub Himalayan tract.

Leaves

Opposite, subsessile, elliptic or ovate oblong, 10-20 x 5-11.5 cm. extipulate, glabrous, obtusely acuminate, pubescent, nerves 10-14 pairs.

Flowers

White in terminal corymbos cymes, inodorous, complete, bisexual, bracteatae. Calyx- Gamosepalous; Corolla Gamopetalous, three or four times the length of calyx mouth naked; Androecium
- 5 stamens, free, epipetalous, inserted at the base of the corolla tube; Gynoecium
- superior, bicarpellary, apocarpus.

Fruit

Etaerio of follicles, follicles 14- 40 cms long, 0.6 - 0.8 cms in diameter, cylindrical, brownish green in colour with white, pin points spots.

Seeds

Light brown, 0.8 cm - 1 cm long compressed and linear with a coma at silky brown hairs on the apex. They are bitter in taste and are known by the name "Indrajava" in Ayurvedic Medicine.

Roots

Roots are linear, cylindrical, chocolate brown in colour and about 0.6 - 2.5 cm in thickness.

Ayurvedic properties

Rasa : Tikta, Katu

Guna : Laghu, Ruskha

Veerya : Sheeta

Vipaka : Katu

Karma     : Dipana, Tridoshshamak, Sangrahi

Chemical Constituents

It mainly contains alkaloids. Norconessine, eonimine, holarricine, isoconessimine.It also contains fats, tannin and resin.

Part Used: Stem bark, root bark, leaves, seeds and flowers.

Dose    

3- 6 gms (Powder),

20-30 ml (Decoction)

USES

Bark: Anthelmintic, cures dysentery, diarrhea, fever, piles, leprosy, skin diseases, spleen diseases.

Flowers: Cooling, appetizer, cure blood diseases, leucoderma.

Seeds: Appetiser, astringent to bowels, cure pains, leprosy, anti diabetic, skin diseases, bleeding piles, burning sensation.

Leaves: Astringent, galactagogue, remove muscular pain, tonic, ulcers, wounds, lumbago, good in chronic bronchitis.

Physicochemical Parameters

The limit of physicochemical parameters viz.Total ash, Acid insoluble ash, Alcohol soluble extractive, Water soluble extractive are prescribed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India for identity, purity and strength.

Important formulations

Kutajaarist, Kutajaavleha,

Kutajghanvati,

Pancha Nimba Churna,

Palaasabeejaadi Churna,

Nyagrodhaadi churna,

Asanaadi Ghanvati.

BHU-AAMALAKI

Botanical Source : Bhumiaamalaki consists of fresh green or  dried  whole plant of Phyllanthus amarus.
Other allied species : P. niruri Linn.; P. urinaria Lin.. 
Family : Euphorbiaceae
Ayurvedic Classification :
Sanskrit SynonymsBhoomyaamalaki, Bahupatri, Bhoodhaatri, Bahuphala, Taamalaki, Shiva, Bahuveerya, Ajata
Common Names :
Gujarati : Bhoyin-amvali;
Bengali : Bhuin-amla;
Unani : Bhui- Aaamalaa;
Siddha/Tamil : Keelkaay Nelli.
Botanical Description :
Habitat: Throughout the hotter parts of India, particularly on cultivated land, up to 1,000 m.
Chemical Constituents:
The leaves yielded lignans—phyllanthin (bitter), hypophyllanthin (nonbitter); niranthin, nirtetralin and phyltetralin. The whole plant gave a number of flavonoids, including quercetin, quercitrin, astragalin, rutin, kaempferol. Isolation of a hydrolysable tannins, amarulone, is reported from the plant.
P. amarus contains numerous lignin derivatives such as phyllanthin (0.5), hypophylanthin (0.2%), nyrphyllin, nirurin, phyllnirurin, hydoxyniranthin, lintetralin, seco-4-hydroxylintetralin and also seco-isolariciresinol trimethyl ether. Two new alkaloidal compounds ent-norsecurinine, 4-methyl norsecurinine, sububbialine and epibubbialine have also been reported from the aerial parts of the herb. The herb also contains hydrolysable tannins viz., phyllanthusiin D, amariin, amarulone, amarinic acid and elaeocarpusin. Tetracyclic triterpenoids such as phyllanthenol, phyllanthenone and phyllantheol have also been reported from the herb.
Ayurvedic Properties :
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya, Madhura.
Guna : Laghu, Ruksha.
Veerya : Sheeta.
Vipaka : Madhura.
Dosha-karma: Kaphapittashamaka
Action
Plant: diuretic, deobstruent, astringent, anti-inflammatory, styptic.
Used as a single drug in the treatment of jaundice.
Used in prescriptions for dyspepsia, indigestion, chronic dysentery, urinary tract diseases, diabetes, skin eruptions.
Pharmacological Activities :
The plant is reported to show antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus and related hepadna virus. It was also found to effectively repair CCl4-induced liver damage in rats.
The herb exhibited hypotensive and hypoglycaemic activity. (Indian J Exp Biol 1995, 33 (11) 861–864.)
The Lignans derivativesviz., phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin are reported to be responsible for the hepatoprotective activity (Rangari 2004).
Phyllanthus fraternus Webster: The ethanolic extract of the plant exhibited hepatotoxic-protective activity in albino rats pretreated with CCl4, The petroleum extract is reported to possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The flavonoids, isolated from the ethanolic extract of the plant, exhibit hypoglycaemic activity in alloxan-treated albino rats. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the plant exhibit antibacterial and antifungal activity. The alcoholic extract of the drug have demonstrated contraceptive properties. The drug is also shown significant diuretic and hypotensive activity on the patients during trials.
Part(s) Used: whole plant.
Dosage:
Juice 10-20ml;
3-6 gm. Powder (API, Vol. I and III).
Formulations:

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Guduchi

GUDUCHI


Botanical Source : Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. f. &Thoms.


Family Menispermaceae.


Classification:


Gana : Vayasthapana, Daahaprashamana, Trushnaanighrana, Stanyashodhana, Truptighna (Charak.);


Guduchyaadi, Patolaadi, Aarghwadhaadi, Kaakollyaadi, Vallipanchamoola (Sushruta.).


Sanskrit Synonyms:


Guduuchi, Guduuchikaa, Guluuchi, Amrita, Amritaa, Amritalataa, Amritavalli, Chinnaruuhaa, Chinnodbhavaa, Madhuparni, Vatsaadani, Tantrikaa, Kundalini


Common Names


Hindi : Giloya / Gudicha


Bengali : Gulancha


Marathi : Gulavela


Gujarati : Galo


Telugu : Tippatigo


Unani : Gilo / Gulanchaa / Sat-e-Gilo (starch).


Siddha : Seenil / Amrida-valli .


English : Tinospora


Botanical Description


T. cordiflia is a large, glabrous deciduous climbing shrub distributed throughout tropical and subtropical India up to an altitude of 300m. The plant is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant. Its leaves are cordate, membranous with a broad sinus. Flowers are small yellow in axiallary and terminal racemes which appears when the plant is leafless. Drupaceous fruits are ovoid, glossy and succulent with red colour while the seeds are curved. The dry intact stem which forms the commercial drug is rather succulent with longfiliform, fleshy aerial roots from the branches. Stem is terete or sparcely lenticellate. Tender stem is greenish with a smooth surface while the older one have a warty surface due to the presence of circular lenticels.It consists of grayish brown, warty bark. It breaks with a fibrous fracture.



Chemical Constituents


The dried stem of T. cordifolia consists of number of diterpenoid lactone compounds which are principally responsible for its intensely bitter taste.These diterpenoids includes tinosporide, tinosporaside, columbin, diterpenoid furanolactone (I), and clerodane diterpenoid C6, C12 epimer of 6-hydroxycanglicin (II). It has also been reported to contain a sesquiterpene glucoside tinocordifolioside. Phenylpropane disaccharides such as cordifolioside A & B and a lignin 3,4-bis-(4-hydrxy-3-methoxy benzyl) tetrahydrofuran (III) have been reported from the stem. The drug also contains alkaloidal constituents, including berberine; bitter principles, including columbin, chasmanthin, palmarin and tinosporon, tinosporic acid and tinosporol.


Ayurvedic Properties


Rasa :Tikta, Kashaya


Guna : Guru, Snigdha


Veerya : Ushna


Vipaka : Madhura


Karma : Tridoshashamaka, Jwaraghna, Kushthaghna, Vedanasthapana, Pittasaaraka, Krimighna, Hrudya, Raktavardhaka, Raktashodhaka, Deepana, Pachana, Chhardinigrahana, Balya, Vrushya, Pramehahara, Daahaprashamana, Rasayana


Actions


Herb- antipyretic, antiperiodic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, spasmolytic, hypoglycaemic, hepatoprotective.


Therapeutics Uses/ Indications


Kushtha, Vaata-rakta, Trushna, Chhardi, Agnimandha, Yakrudivikara, Kaamala, Amlapitta, Pravahika, Grahani, Krumi, Kaasa, Shukradourbalya, Prameha, Jwara, Vishamajwara, Kshaya


Stem juice- prescribed in high fever; decoction in rheumatic and bilious fevers.


Aqueous extract of the plant-fabrifuge.


Starch- antacid, antidiarrhoeal and antidysenteric.


The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, along with other therapeutic applications, recommends the dried stems in jaundice, anaemia, polyuria and skin diseases.


Oral administration of alcoholic extract of the root resulted in a significant reduction in blood and urine glucose and in lipids in serum and tissues of alloxan diabetic rats. (Phytother Res. 2003 17 (4), 4103.)


A significant reduction in levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP and bilirubin were observed following T. cordifolia treatment during CCl4 intoxication in mature rats. (J. Toxicol Sci. 2002, 27 (3), 13946.)


Part(s) Used


Leaves, Stem, Root


Dosage


Stem 36 g powder; 20 30 g for decoction (API, Vol. I.)


Formulation


Samshamani Vati, Amritaarishta

Punarnava



PUNARNAVA


Botanical Source : Boerhavia diffusa Linn.Synonyms: B. repens Linn., B. procumbens Roxb.Family : Nyctaginaceae. Classification: Gana: Vayahsthapana, Kaasahara, Swedopaga, Anuvaasanopaga (C.), Vidaarigandhaadi (Su.). Sanskrit Synonyms: Rakta-punarnavaa, Punarnavaa, Katthilla, Shophaghni, Shothaghni.


Common Names


Hindi : Gadaha-pur a na /Gadaahbindo. Bengali : Gadaa-punya . Marathi : Ghetuli . Gujarati : Saatodi/ Basedo. Tamil : Sukuetti Unani : Itsit / Bishkhaparaa . Siddha : Mookkirattai . English : Horse-purslane/ Hogweed/ Spreading Hogweed .


Botanical Description


B . diffusa Linn. isa variable, diffusely branched, prostate herb abundantly occurring as a weed throughout India upto an altitude of 2000 m in Himalayas. It is also cultivated upto some extent in Bengal. The herb consist of creeping stem often purple coloured and swollen atthe nodes. Root stock is stout, fusiform and woody. Leaves are long-petioled, ovate or oblong-cordate usually whitish and smooth beneath and rough green on upper surface. Flowers are red, pink or white umbels while fruits are ovate and five ribbed. The odour is not distinct but the taste is bitter .


Chemical Constituents


B . diffusa Linn.contains a phenolic glycoside punarnavoside up to 0.03-0.05%. It also shows the presence of rotenoids viz., boeravinones A,B,C,D and E. Lignan derivatives such as iridodendrin and syringaresinol mono- â -glucosides have been reported. The root contains a purine nucleoside-hypoxanthine-9-arabinofuranoside and boeravine, urosolic acid and â -sitosterol. The drug contains quinolizidine alkaloids.


Ayurvedic Properties


Rasa : Madhura, Tikta Kashaya. Guna : Laghu, Ruksha. Veerya : Ushna. Vipaaka : Madhura. K arma : Tridhoshahara,Swedopaga, Vyahasthaapana, Virechana, Deepana, Mootravirechana,Kaphaghna, Vaamaka, Shothahara


Actions


Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, spasmolytic, antibacterial (used for inflammatory renal diseases, nephrotic syndrome, in cases of ascites resulting from early cirrhosis of liver and chronic peritonitis, dropsy associated with chronic Bright' s diseases, for serum uric acid levels). Root- anticonvulsant, analgesic, expectorant, CNS depressant, laxative, diuretic, abortifacient.


Therapeutics Uses/ Indications


Shotha, Udara, Kaamala, Paandu, Mutraalpta, Hrudroga, Shwasha, Urahakshat, Visha As diuretic, hepatoprotective. Powdered root gave encouraging results in spermatorrhoea and leucorrhoea.The chloroform and methanolic extracts of the roots and aerial parts of B. diffusa also exhibited antihepatotoxic activity against carbon tetrachlorideinduced intoxication in rats.Punarnavaa is official in IP as a diuretic. The diuretic action of the drug is attributed to the presence of xanthone, beta-ecdysone. Flavonoid, arbinofuranoside, present in the drug, was found to lower serumuric acid in experimental animals, as also in humans.Punarnavaa has been reported to increase serum protein level and reduce urinary protein extraction in clinical trials in patients suffering with nephrotic syndrome. The activity is attributed to the presence of rotenoids in various parts of the plant.An antifibrinolytic agent, punarnavoside, has been found to stop IUCD-induced bleeding in monkeys.


Part(s) Used


Root, Seeds; Whole plant.


Dosage


Whole plant: 20-30 g for decoction (API Vol. I); root: 1-3 g powder; 10-20ml fresh juice (API Vol. III.)

Kaalamegh

KAALAMEGHA



Botanical Source: Andrographis panicultata Wall. ex Nees

Family : Acanthaceae .



Sanskrit Synonyms : Kaalmegha, Bhu - nimba, Bhuuminimbaka, Vishwambharaa, Yavtikta, Kalpanaatha



Common Names:

Hindi : Kaalamegha/ kalpanatha

Gujarati : Kariyaatu

Marathi : Oli-kiriyaaata

Unani : Kiryaat

Telugu : Nelaberu

Siddha/Tamil : Nilavembu

English : Creat/ Kalamegh



Botanical Description :

A. panicultata found throughout India, from Himachal Pradesh to Assam and Mizoram, and all over southern India. It is an annual herb grows up to 50 cm in height, having slender quadrangular branches, leaves opposite, lanceolate, sub sessile, flowers small bluish white, numerous, whitish, fruits minute pointed capsules, seeds are many.



Chemical Constituents :

Kaalmegha, officinal in IP, consists of dried leaves and tender shoots, which yield not less than 1% andrographolide on dry-weight basis. Several active constituents have been identified from the leaf and rhizome, including andrographolide, deoxyandrographolide and other diterpe.



Ayurvedic Properties

Rasa : Tikta

Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha,

Veerya : Ushna

Vipaaka : Katu

Karma : Kaphapittahara, Deepana, Yakruta-uttejaka, Pittasaaraka, Rechana, Krimgighna, Raktashodhaka, Shothahara, Swedajanana, Jwaraghna, Katupoushtika, Shothahara



Actions :

Hepatoprotective, cholinergic, antispasmodic, stomachic, anthelmintic, alterative, blood purifier, febrifuge. It acts well on the liver, promoting secretion of bile.



Therapeutics Uses/ Indications:



Agnimaandha, Yakruddhavruddhi, Vivandha, Shotha, Jwara .



  • Used in jaundice and torpid liver, flatulence and diarrhoea of children, colic, strangulation of intestines and splenomegaly; also for cold and upper respiratory tract infections.

  • As bitter tonic, febrifuge and hepatoprotective. (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)

  • The herb is contraindicated in bleeding disorders, hypotension, as well as male and female sterility (exhibited infertility in laboratory animals).


Part(s) Used: whole plant



Dosage :

Whole plant: 510 ml juice; 50100 ml decoction; 13g powder.

Bhringaraj

BHRINGARAJ




Botanical Source : Eclipta alba (Linn.) Hassk.




Synonym E. prostrata Roxb.




Family Compositae; Asteraceae.




Sanskrit Synonyms :


Bhringaraaja, Bhringa, Bhringaja, Bhrngaaraka, Bhrngaara, Maarkava, Kesharaaja, Keshranjana




Common Names:


Hindi : Bhangara / Bhangaraiya


Marathi : Maka


Gujarati : Bhangaro


Siddha/Tamil : Karisalaankanni.




Unani : Bhangraa .


English : Trailing Eclipta Plant.




Botanical Description


E. alba is an erect or prostate annual herb distributed throughout India in wet or moist waste lands, ascending up to 2000 m altitude. Cylindrical stems are 2-5mm in diameter is dark green in colour and shows longitudinal ridges. The leaves are sessile and opposite usually oblong lanceolate with appressed hairs on both surfaces. Small flowerheads contains white, compressed ray florets and yellowish disc florets.




Chemical Constituents :


Major chemical constituents of E. albaincludes the coumestan derivatives such as wedelolactone about 1.6% and demethylwedelolactone. Other minor constituents includes a thiophene derivative ecliptal and various dithiemyacetylene esters (I,II,II) reported from roots, saponin compounds likeeclalbosponins I-IV and other common sterols and triterpinoids. The flavonoid glycoside e.g. lutein-7-O-glucoside and long chain alcohols such as hentriacontanol, 14-hepatacosanol have been reported along with certain alkaloids and polypeptides.




Ayurvedic Properties:


Rasa : Katu, Tikta


Guna : Ruksha, Laghu


Veerya : Ushna


Vipaaka : Katu


Karma : Kaphavaatashaamaka, Shothahara, Vedanasthapana, Vrunashodhana, Vrunaropana, Chakshushya, Keshavardhana, Raktaprasaadana, raktavardhaka, Mootrala, Rasayana, Swedajanana


Actions


Deobstruent, antihepatotoxic, anticatarrhal, febrifuge. Used in hepatitis, spleen enlargements, chronic skin diseases.


Ø Leaf, promotes hair growth. Its extract in oil is applied to scalp before bed time in insomnia. The herb is also used as an ingredient in shampoos.




Therapeutics Uses/ Indications :


Vruna, Shirah-shoola, Bhruma, Agnimandha, Ajeerna, Pleehavruddhi, Yakrutavruddi, Kaamala, Arsha, Paandu, Kaasa-shwasa, Mootradaaha, Kushtha, Sheetapitta, Jwara .




Ø The herb should be dried at room temperature under shade. Its active principles are lost due to aerial oxidation during sun drying or drying under reduced pressure below V 40°C.The herb contains wedelolactone and emethylwedelolactone, which showed a dose dependent effect against CCl4, d-galactosamine- or phalloidin-induced cytotoxicity in primary cultured rat hepatocytes, and exhibited potent antihepatotoxic property. The whole plant shows effect on liver cell regeneration .




Ø Immunoactive property has been observed against surface antigen of hepatitis B-virus.




Ø The plant is also reported to be effective in the treatment of peptic ulcer, inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, diseases of the gallbladder and skin infections.




Ø Aqueous extract of leaves exhibits myocardial depressant and hypotensive activity (unrelated to cholinergic and histaminergic effects).




Ø The roots are very rich in thiophene acetylenes. Thiophene derivatives show activity against nematodes.




Part(s) Used: whole plant Dosage Whole plant- 3-6 ml fresh-juice; 13-36 g for decoction.




Formulation :


Bhrungaraaja Taila, Shadabindu Taila, Bhrungaraajadi Churna.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Katuki


Katuki consists of the dried rhizome with root of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. rhizome is cut into small pieces

Family : Scrophulariaceae.

Gana


Bhedaniya, Lekhaniya, Stanyashodhana, Tiktaskanda (Charaka)

Patolaadi, Pippalyaadi, Mustaadi (Sushruta)


Sanskrit Synonyms:

Katurohini, Katukarohini, Tiktarohini, Ashokarohini, Mastarohini, Rohini, Katuki, Katu, Katvi, Tikta, Tiktaka, Chakrangi, Mastyavinna, Mastyapitta, Matsya, Mastyashafala, Mastyabhedini, Kandaruha, Krishnabheda, Krishna, Krishnabhedi, Malbhedini, Sakula, Sakulaadani, Amaghni, Vataghni, Sataparva, Arishta, Dhanwantrigranthe, Vantiya, Katumbhara, Anjani, Kodarkatuki, Chitrangi, Janani, Matsyakala.


Common Name s :


Hindi : Katuki/ Kutaki.Bengali : Katki/ Kutki/ Kuru.

Marathi : Bakadu/ Kali- kutki.


ujarati : Kadu/ Kaddu/ Kali-katuki.


Malayalam : Katurohini/ Katukhurohini/ Katukhruohani.


Marathi : Kutaki/ Kadukutaki/ Kadoo/ Balakadu.


Punjabi : Kauda/ Karru/ Kaur/ Kali-kutki.


Tamil : Katuku-rogani/ Katkurokini/ Katukuroni.


Telugu : Katukaroni/ Katukarogani/ Nallakola wara.


Urdu : Kutki-shavaha


English : Black heliebore/ Hellebore/ Kurroa


Distribution


It is distributed in North-West Himalayan from Kashmir to Sikkim. It grows on bare hill sides as well as on the edges of rocks.

Botanical Description


It is a perennial, woody bitter stock. Leaves : 5-10 cm, sub-radical, spathulate, serrate rather coriaceous, tip rounded, base narrowed into a winged sheathing petiole. Flowering stems : Scapes ascending, stout, longer than the leaves, bracteates, embracteate, white or bluish. Spikes 5-10 cm long, sub cylindric, obtuse, many-flowered; bracts oblong or lanceolate as long as the calyx. Sepals: 5, imbricate in bud, Corolla : of the long stamened from short, membraneous, subequally, 5-left to the middle; lobes ovate, acuminate ciliate; of the shorter stamened, corolla tube curved, broad; limb 2-lipped, upper lip longer, emerginate, lower of the three shorter, ovate, acute lobes, the middle one smallest. Stamens: 4, filaments in the longer stamened very slander, four times as long as the corolla; of the shorter stamened stout, two upper shorter than the upper lip of the corolla, with the anthers under the hood, two lower exserted; anther-cells subdivergent confluent at the lip. Ovary : two celled, many ovuled; style of the long stamened long and slender, stigma simple; of the shorter stamened stouter and shorter, stigma-capitate, exserted. Capsule : ovoid, turgid, acute, septicidal and loculicidal, margins of the valves inflexed, exposing the columnar placentiferous axis. Seeds: of an oblong curved nucleus, enclosed in he large, bladdery loose, hyaline, reticulated tests.







Chemical Constituents


In root two bitter glycosides, picrorhizin & kutkin; D-mannitol, vanilic acid (0.1%), apocynin, 4-oxy-methoxy-acetoyhenone kukiol acetate, kutiol and kutaki sterol. cathartic acid, trace of alkaloid, tannins, organic acids, resins, cucurbitacins, iridoid glucosides, phenylethanoids, phenolics. The rhizome contains iridoid glycosides which have been named pircoside I, picroside II and kutkoside.

Kutkin is obtained by crystallization and consists of the glucosides picroside I and kutkoside in a ratio of 1: 2 and other minor glycosides.


Properties and Action

Rasa: Tikta

Guna: Ruksha, Laghu

Veerya: Sheeta

Vipaaka: Katu

Karma: Kaphapittahara

Pharmacological Properties

Immunomodulatory activity, anti-tumour activity, adaptogenic activities, antihepatotoxic, cholretic, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antitumor, antiviral, purgative, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, neuritogenic, leishmanicidal activities, hepatoregenerative effects.


Therapeutic Uses


Apart from its classification under bioactivity related groups, Katuka is mentioned in the Samhitas in several complex preparations, combined with several other herbs and sometimes with additional mineral preparations. In Charaka Samhita, such preparations are prescribed for: intestinal worms, skin disorders, blood disease, cough, snake poisoning, throat disorders, and elimination in unctuous persons. In Sushruta Samhita, theses complex preparations are prescribed for: wound healing, urustambha, skin diseases, leukoderma, for wound cleaning and healing, Kaphaja elephantiasis, dental sinusis several diseases due to vitiated pitta, as enema, poisonous insect bite, common cold due to Tridosha, fever caused by Kapha and Pitta, dyspepsia, chronic fever, headache, abdominal swellings, abdominal enlargements, jaundice and consumptive cough with fever and pain. However, Picrorhiza may not be the active component in these complex preparations. In Ayurveda, herbs are sometimes added to enhance the efficacy or bioavailability of other components of the preparations.

It is efficacious in disorders caused by kapha and pitta such as jaundice, chronic fever and blood disorder.

Deepana, Hruddha, Kaphapittajwarahara, Prameha, Shwaasa, Kaasa, Rakta dosha, Daaha and Kruminaashana

Part used: Rhizome

Formulation : Aarogyavardhini vati, Katukaddha Louha, Katutrikaadi Kwatha, Sarvajwarahara lauha.

Dose: Powder- 500 mg to 1 gm (bitter tonic), 3 to 6 gm (laxative purpose).

Substitutes and Adulterants

Gentiana kurroa (Gentianaceae) which is known as 'Trayamaana' used as adulterant and substitute for the Katuki and vice versa.


Picrorhiza scrophulariaeflora Pennell,- Northern Himalayan region from Nepal to Sikkim. It possesses properties similar to Katuki.


Helleborus niger Linn. (Ranunculaceae).

























SUDARSHANA

Botanical Source

Sudarshana consists of dried bulbs and roots of Crinum asiaticum Linn.

Family Amaryllidaceae

Common Names

Hindi : Sudarshana/ Chinder/ Chintaara/ Badakanvar

Bengali : Sukhadarshana/ Banakanur

Oriya : Arsa/ Arisa/ Hatikanda

Tamil :Vishapungila

Telagu : Kesarchettu/ Vishamugali

Kannada : Vishamugali

Unani : Sukhdarshan

English : Poison bulb/ Crinum Lily/ Spider Lily.

Distribution

It is found throughout tropical Indian subcontinent, Ceylon as wild or cultivated. It is distributed also South China, Java, Timor and other areas of Malayan Islands, Pacific regions and extends to N. and E. Australia. It is native to tropical Asia and now it is a favorite landscape / ornamental plant.

Botanical Description

Habitat : Habit: An ornamental tuberous, perennial herb, root stock bulbous, bulb extended as neck to, or above ground level as pseudostem.

Bulb (pseudostem) : gowning upto 1.2 m., the bulb it self is unusual because there is not much to it. From the basal plate the stout leaves make a pseudostem that can reach a foot or more above ground.

Leaves : Inflorescence: Many flowered (20-50), umbellate cyme on a stout scape and subtended by 2- large spathaceous bracts.

 

 

Chemical Constituents

Crinamine, lycoricidine, hamayne (bulbispermine, demethylcrinamine), isocraugsodine, palmilycorine, lycoriside, ambelline, crinasiatin, hippadine, bakonine, pratorimine, crinine, powelline, ungeremine, criabetaine, criasbetaine, crinasiadine, crinasiatine, phenanthridine II and others. Lycorine and related phenanthridine alkaloids. Root contains alkaloid narcissine (lycorine) & bulb contains lignanophenanthridine alkaloid - crinasiatine and crinasidadine.

Properties and Action 

Rasa: Madhura, Tikta

Guna: Ruksha, Teekshna

Veerya: Ushna

Vipaaka: Madhura

Karma: Kaphavaatashamaka.

Pharmacological Activities

Emetic, diaphoretic, purgative, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antitumour, mast cell degranulation, antimitotic and membrane stabilizing.

Therapeutic Uses for Bulb/ Root stock/ Tuber (pseudostem):

Biliousness, diaphoretic, earache, elephantiasis, expectorant, stranguary, tonic, urinary troubles, thermogenic, expectorant, vulnerary, laxative, carminative, anthelmintic, diuretic, diaphoretic, nauseant, emetic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and useful in vitiated conditions of pitta and kapha, cough, bronchitis, tumours, wounds, dyspepsia, flatulence, urinary troubles, strangury, intermittent fever and general debility.

The bulb of the so called Crinum asiaticum Linn. is made official as an emetic, nausent and diaphoretic. Roasted bulb is externally used as rubefacient in rheumatism13. For internal use bulb bruised in to a paste, and juice which proves emetic after a few minutes; in smaller quantities it is nauseant and diaphoretic. The fresh root is nauseant and emetic, and acts without causing gripping or purging. It is also diaphoretic. Bulb in full doses possesses emetic properties and in small doses it is nauseant and diaphoretic. The powdered bulb is commonly used as an alexipharmic.

Part Used : Bulb, rootstock, tuber (pseudostem).

Formulation : Sudarshana ghana vati

Dose :

  • Bulb Powder : 1-2 gm
  • Juice of bulb:   56-112ml (as emetic)
  • Leaves Juice : 5 to 10ml

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Vidanga- Embelia ribes

Botanical Name : Emelia ribes
Synonyms :
Family : Myrseanaceae
Classification : Shirovirechana, Krimighna, Kushthaghna, Truptighna (Charaka);
Surasaadi, Pippalyaadi (Sushruta)

Common Names :
Hin.- Vaaya-vidanga;
Sanskrita Synonyms : Vella, Amogha, Chitratandula,
Botanical Description :
Chemical Constituents :
Embelin, volatile oil, fised oil. etc.
Ayurvedic Properties :
Rasa : Katu, Tikta (Kashaya)
Guna : Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna,
Veerya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu
Prabhava : Krimighna

Doshakarma : Kaphavaatashamaka, Jantughna, Krimighna, Rasayana, Deepana- pachana
Pharmacological Actions: Anthelmentic, Diuretic, Antifertility agent,
Indications :
Chronic rhinitis, Jaundice (as nasya), Pakshaaghaata (Ksheerapaaka), Ajeerna
External uses :
Part Used : Fruits
Dose : 2- 5 gm powder for Krimighna purpose; 1-2 gm for any other ailments.
Formulations :
Vidanga lauha, Vidangarishta, Vidangaadi taila
Substitutes and adulterants :
Embelia tejasma
Embelia robusta

Ushira - Chrysopogon zizanioides

Botanical Name : Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty
Synonym : Vetiveria zizanioides
Family : Poaceaea (Graminae)  


Ayurvedic Classification :
Varnya, Stanyajanana, Chhardinigrahana, Daahaprashamana, Angamradhaprashamana, Shukrashodhana, Tiktaskanda, Vamanopaga (Charaka).
Saarivaadi, Pittasamshamana (Sushruta).

 

Common Names : Hin.- Khas, Eng.- Cuscus; Cuss cuss, Kuss-kuss grass;  Botanical Description :
             It is perrenial grass found in Northern and Western India. It can grow up to 1.5 meters high and form clumps as wide. The stems are tall and the leaves are long, thin, and rather rigid; the flowers are brownish purple. Unlike most grasses, which form horizontally spreading mat-like root systems, vetiver's roots grow downward, 2–4 meters in depth. Its roots are fragrant. Though it originates in India, it is widely cultivated in the tropical regions of the world.
 
Chemical Constituents :
        
Roots- Vetiver oil or khus oil is a complex oil containing over 100 identified components. Reported constituents are benzoic acid, furfurol, vetivene, terpinen-4-ol, khusimene, 5-epiprezizane, α-muurolene, Calacorene, α-longipinene, Khusimone, β-humulene, δ-selinene, valencene, α-amorphene, β-vetivone, Iso-khusimol, 3-epizizanol, vetivazulene, γ-selinene, δ-cadinene.
          The oil is amber brown and rather thick. The odor of vetiver oil is described as deep, sweet, woody, smoky, earthy, amber, balsam.
   
Ayurvedic Properties :
Rasa : Tikta, Madhura
Guna : Ruksha, Laghu
Veerya : Sheeta
Vipaka : Katu
Doshakarma : Kaphapittashamaka, Daahaprashamana, Deepana, Paachana,

 
Pharmacological Actons :
Indiactions :
Atisweda, Atisaara, Raktapitta,

Part Used : Roots
Dose : 3- 6 gm (root powder); 50 -100 ml Phanta (hot infusion);
Formulations : Yogaraaja Guggulu, Sadangapaiya, Ushiraashava.

AYURVEDIC DRUGS

Ayurveda is the one of the ancient medicine science of world. It is most popular in Asian countries with dominance in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Ayurveda line of treatment involves the vast range of the undefined categories of drugs from the plant sources, animal origin and mineral sources. There is lack of correct online source of the description for such drugs. So here we make avialable factual and most to accurate classical description of the ayurvedic drugs along with the fully supportive modern science data for the same.