ASTHISAMHRTA (Stem)
Asthisamhrta consists of dried stem of Cissus quadrangularis Linn. (Fam. Vitaceae); a perennial fleshy cactus-like climber with tendrils and a quadrangular stem, found throughout the hotter parts of India alongside hedges.
SYNONYMS
Sansk. : Vajravalli,Chatudhara
Assam. : Harjara
Beng. : Hadajora
Eng. : —
Guj. : Hadasankala
Hindi. : Hadjod
Kan. : Mangaraballi
Kash. : —
Mal. : Changalam Parande
Mar. : Kandvel
Ori. : Hadbhanga
Punj. : Haddjor
Tam. : Perandai
Tel. : Nalleru
Urdu. : Hathjod
DESCRIPTION
a) Macroscopic
Drug occurs as pieces of stem of varying lengths; stern quadrangular, 4-winged, internodes constricted at nodes; a tendril occasionally present at nodes; internodes 4-15 cm long and 1-2 cm thick; surface smooth, glabrous, buff coloured with greenish tinge, angular portion reddish-brown; no taste and odour.
b) Microscopic
Mature stern shows squarish outline with prominent projection at each anular point; epidermis single layered, covered externally with thick cuticle; epidermal cells thin-walled, rectangular and tangentially elongated, followed by 2-3 layers of cork and single layered cork cambium; cortex composed of 8-16 layers of thin-walled, circular to oval parenchymatous cells; four patches of collenchymatous cells present in all the four angular points embedded in cortical region like an umbrella arching over large vascularbundles; in the projected portion of angular region cortical cells filled with brown-red contents present; endodermis not distinct; stele consists of a large number of vascular bundles varying in size arranged in the form of a ring separated by rays of parenchyma; 3 -4 vascular bundles larger in size, in each angular region, below collenchymatous patch, while rest of bundles smaller in size; vascular bundles collateral and open type, capped by sc1erenchymatous sheath which is well developed in larger bundles; cambium and interfascicular cambium quite distinct; central region occupied by a wide pith composed of thin-walled, circular to oval parenchymatous cells; idioblasts containing raphides and isolated acicular crystals of calcium oxalate present in the outer region of cortex and also in a number of cells throughout the region; rosette crystals of calcium oxalate also found in most of the cells in cortical region; starch grains present throughout the cortical and the pith regions.
Powder – Brown; shows fragments of vessels, fibres, parenchymatous cells and a few rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, starch grains and idioblast. containing raphides and isolated acicular crystals of calcium oxalate.
IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH
Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 22 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 4 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 20 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7
T.L.C. –
T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9:1) shows under U.V. (366 nm) two fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.59 and 0.91 (both blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour four spots appear at Rf. 0.46, 0.56, 0.66 and 0.91 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C five spots appear at Rf. 0.06, 0.46 (both violet), 0.59 (light violet), 0.66 and 0.91 (both violet).
CONSTITUENTS – Calcium Oxalate, Carotene and Ascorbic Acid
PROPERTIES AND ACTION
Rasa : Madhura, Katu
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Sara
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Dipana, Vataslesmahara, Asthisandhanakara, Caksusya, Vrsya
IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Laksadi Guggulu
THERAPEUTIC USES – Krmi, Arsa, Asthibhagna, Sandhi Cyuta
DOSE – 10-20 ml. (Svarasa)
3-6 g. (Powder)
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