Ayurvedic Herbs

SAILEYA (Lichen)

Saileya consists of the whole thallus of Parmelia perlata (Huds.) Ach. (Fam. Parmeliacem), a perennial lichen found on rocks or dead wood in temperate Himalayas.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Sitasiva, Silapuspa
Assam. : —
Beng. : Shailaj
Eng. : Stone Flower, Rock Moss
Guj. : Patthar Phool, Chhadilo
Hindi. : Charela, Chharila, Chhadila
Kan. : Shilapushpa, Kalluhoo
Kash. : —
Mal. : Sheleyam, Kalppuvu
Mar. : Dagad phool
Ori. : —
Punj. : Ausneh, Chhadila
Tam. : Kalpashee
Tel. : Ratipuvvu
Urdu. : Chhadila

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Thallus consists of a flattened, foliose structure with a more or less deeply incised upper surface, yellowish-white on top and black on the lower surface, leathery to touch; delicate rhizoids arise from lower surface; odour and taste not distinct; bud-like bodies known as soredia are also present on the upper surface of the thallus.

b) Microscopic

Thallus shows upper cortex consisting of compact hyphm of fungus, followed by gonidial layers with algal cells; medulla consisting of loosely arranged mass of fungal hyphal tissue; lower cortex black, consisting of compact mass of fungal hyphm; a few asci with ascospores embedded in the upper portion of the thallus; thallus on soaking in water gives orange colour.

Powder – Brown, shows fungal hyphm, gonidia, compact mass of cortex and spores, and algal cells.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 9 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 3 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 5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4: 1 : 5) shows in visible light four spots at Rf. 0.11, 0.28, 0.40, 0.91. (all grey). Under U.V. (366 nm) six fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.11(dark blue), 0.28 (dark blue), 0.40, 0.61 (both blue), 0.83 (dirty yellow) and 0.91 (light yellow). On exposure to Iodine vapour six appear at Rf. 0.11, 0.28, 0.40, 0.61, 0.83 and 0.91 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and on heating the plate for ten minutes at 105°C six spots appear at Rf. 0.11, 0.28, 0.40, 0.61, 0.83 and 0.91 (all grey) ..

CONSTITUENTS – Lichen acids – Atranorin and Lecanoric acid.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Hrdya, Pittahara., Rucya, Stambhaka, Kaphapitthara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Vasacandanadi Taila, Jirakadi Modaka, Saubhagya Sunthi, Candanadi Taila, Dhanvantara Taila, Narayana Taila, Mahanarayana Taila, Tarksya Guda, Agarvadya Taila, Saileyadi Taila, Mrtasanjivani Sura, Dnjana Vati.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kandu, Kustha, Asmari, Daha, Visa, Hrllasa, Trsna, Vrana, Hrdayaroga, Rakta Vikara, Svasa, Jvara, Mutrakrchra, Mutraghata, Sriah Sula.

DOSE – 1-3 g.

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NARIKELA (Endosperm)

Narikela consists of dried endosperm of Cocos nucifera Linn. (Fam. Arecacem), a tall palm, bearing a crown of large pinnate leaves, cultivated in coastal and deltaic regions of South India.

SYNONYMS

Sansk : Narikela, Trnaraja
Assam. : Khopra
Beng. : Narikel, Narikel
Eng. : Coconut Palm
Guj. : Naliar, Nariyel, Shriphal, Koprun
Hindi. : Nariyal, Gola
Kan. : Khobbari, Tengnamara, Temgu, Thengu, Thenginamara
Kash. : —
Mal. : Nalikeram, Ten, Thengu, Keram
Mar. : Naral
Ori. : Nariyal
Punj. : Narela, Khopra, Garigola
Tam. : Tenkai, Kopparai
Tel. : Narikelamu, Tenkay, Kobbari
Urdu. : Narjil, Narial

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug available whole as well as in broken pieces of endosperm, whole drug 8 -14 cm in size; ovoid, three angled, outer surface brown, somewhat rough due to shallow, reticulated striations; transversely broken; whole drug shows 0.8-1.2 cm thick, white endosperm and a large central cavity; fracture, short; odour, faint; taste, sweetish and oily.

b) Microscopic

Endosperm shows testa, consisting of irregularly arranged, brown, compact, parenchymatous cells; beneath testa a very wide zone, consisting of outer 2-3 layers, thin-walled, smaller and angular parenchymatous cells, followed by radially elongated, larger and thin-walled parenchymatous cells, containing numerous aleurone grains, raphides, prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate and oil globules.

Powder – White and oily; shows thin-walled. parenchymatous cells, fragments of polyhedral, thin-walled, testa cells in surface view, aleurone grains, oil globules, raphides, a few prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate and vessels.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Nil Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 2.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 13 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 10 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7
Fixed oil Not less than 59 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.8

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (93 : 7) shows under U.V. (366 nm) two fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.91 and 0.98 (both blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour three spots appear at Rf. 0.33, 0.91 and 0.98 (all yellow). On spraying with Anisaldehyde-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105°C for fifteen minutes three spots appear at Rf. 0.33, 0.91 and 0.98 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Fixed Oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Balya, Hrdya, Vrsya, Vatahara Pittahara, Kaphakara, Brmhana, Bastisodhaka, Vistambhi

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Narikela Khanda, Narikela Lavan

THERAPEUTIC USES – Daha, Ksata, Ksaya, Raktapitta, Trsna, Sosa, Sula

DOSE – 10-20 g. of the drug in powder form.

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SAKA (Heart Wood)

Saka consists of dried heart wood of Tectona grandis Linn. f. (Fam Verbenacem); a large deciduous tree found in peninsular region and Madhya Pradesh extending to parts of Rajasthan, Southern Uttar Pradesh and Orissa, and also in plantations.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Bhumisaha, Dwaradaru, Kharacchada
Assam. : Chingjagu Sagun
Beng. : Segunagachh
Eng. : Indian Teak
Guj. : Sagwan, Sag, Saga
Hindi. : Sagwan, Sagauna, Sagu
Kan. : Tegu, Sagawani, Thega
Kash. : —
Mal. : Thekku
Mar. : Sagwan
Ori. : Saguana, Sagan, Sagun
Punj. : Sagwan
Tam. : Tekku
Tel. : Teku, Pedda
Urdu. : Sagwan

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug available in pieces of varying length and thickness, moderately hard, ring porous, texture, coarse, light brown to golden brown in colour; odour, characteristic.

b) Microscopic

Heart wood shows well developed xylem, consisting of vessels, parenchyma, fibres and medullary rays; vessels solitary or 2-4 in groups, arranged in radial rows, a few having tyloses; medullary rays multiseriate, thin-walled, oval to elongated, 2-4 celled wide.

Powder – Light brown; shows simple pitted vessels, a few with tyloses, aseptate fibres with pointed ends and parenchymatous cells.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign
matter Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 1.5 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 in visible light five spots at Rf. 0.08 (pink), 0.31 (pink), 0.37 (pink) 0.81 (light yellow), and 0.92 (light yellow). Under U.V. (366 nm) five fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.08, 0.31, 0.71, 0.81 and 0.92 (all grey). On exposure to Iodine vapour ten spots appear at Rf. 0.03, 0.05, 0.08, 0.31, 0.37, 0.48, 0.64, 0.71, 0.81 and 0.92 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 110°C seven spots appear at Rf. 0.03, 0.05, 0.08, 0.31, 0.48, 0.71 and 0.92 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Resin, Essential Oil, Fatty Oil and Tectoquinone.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Raktaprasadana, Garbhasthairyakara.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Ayaskrti

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kustha, Raktapitta, Mutraroga, Pandu, Prameha, Medoroga, Daha, Srama, Trsna, Krmiroga, Garbhasrava, Garbhapatana.

DOSE – 3 – 6 g. of the drug in powder form.
30 – 60 g. of the drug for decoction.

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NICULA (Fruit)

Nicula consists of dried fruit of Barringtonia acutangula (Linn.) Gmrtn. (Fam. Lecythidacem); a moderate sized, evergreen, glabrous tree, fairly common in sub Himalayan tracts Bihar, Orissa, Bengal, Assam, Central and South India. It prefers moist situations but is not found in mangrove forests.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Hijjala, Vidula
Assam. : Hindole
Beng. : Hijjala
Eng. : —
Guj. : Samudraphala
Hindi. : Hijjala, Samudraphala
Kan. : Nerruganegalu, Holegonvamara
Kash. : —
Mal. : Manjal Kadamba, Manjal Kadam
Mar. : Samudraphala
Ori. : Kijolo
Punj. : Samuderphal
Tam. : Samudrapullarni, Samutrapalam
Tel. : Kanapu, Kadaps
Urdu. : Hijjal

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit – A drupe, yellowish-brown, oblong, 2.5-3.3 by 1.00 – 1.3 cm, bluntly quadrangular, broadest in the middle, slightly narrow and truncate at each end, fibrous; no characteristic odour and taste.

Seed – Single, 2-2.5 by 0.7-1.0 cm, wrinkled longitudinally, dark brown in colour.

b) Microscopic

Fruit – Epicarp shows several layers of tangentially elongated, thin-walled parenchymatous cells; mesocarp composed of several layers of loosely arranged, thinwalled parenchymatous cells with intercellular spaces forming cavities; vascular bundles found scattered in this region; endocarp not distinct; a few rosette crystals of calcium oxalate in the form of irregular cluster, present in this region.

Seed – Shows two integuments, endosperm and embryo; outer integument consists of single layered epidermis, 2-3 layered sclereids and 7-10 layered closely arranged cells;  vascular bundles also found scattered in this region; inner integument consists of 1-2 layered, crushed cells; endosperm and embryo consists of isodiametric cells having small intercellular spaces; abundant, irregular starch grains, single and compound found scattered in cells of endosperm simple, 4-27 n in dia., round to oval.

Powder – Whitish-purple; shows a few parenchymatous, brown coloured cells rosettes of calcium oxalate crystals in cluster numerous simple and compound starch grains, measuring 4-27 n in dia. a few xylem vessels with spiral thickening.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 7 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 9 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4: 1 :5) shows under U.V. (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.56 (blue), 0.81 (black) and 0.94 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour eight spots appear at Rf. 0.41, 0.48, 0.56, 0.61, 0.81, 0.87, 0.92 and 0.96 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes eight spots appear at Rf. 0.14 (brown), 0.41, 0.48, 0.56, 0.61 (all violet), 0.87 (blue), 0.92 (violet) and 0.96 (brown).

CONSTITUENTS – Saponins and Sapogenins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Sangrahi, Vamaka, Visaghna, Vranasodhana, Recaka, Raksoghna, Vatahara.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Mahapancagavya Ghrta, Laksmi Vilasa Rasa (Nardiya), Nyagrodhadi Gana Kvatha

THERAPEUTIC USES – Raktapitta, Amatisara, Caksusrava, Galganda, Bhutabadha Grahabadha, Prameha

DOSE – 1-3 g.

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SAKHOTAKA (Stem Bark)

Sakhotaka consists of stem bark of Streblus asper Lour. (Fam. Moracem); an evergreen, rigid gnarled tree upto 15 m high and 1.5 m in girth, having a bole of 4-7 m distributed in the Himalayas from Himachal Pradesh to West Bengal and in hills and plains of Assam and Tripura, ascending to an altitude of 450 m; also occurs both in the peninsular India upto 600 m, especially in drier parts, and in Andamans.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Sakhota, Pitaphalaka, Bhutavasa, Kharacchada
Assam. : —
Beng. : Sheoda
Eng. : Sand Paper Mulberry
Guj. : Sahoda
Hindi. : Sahora, Sihoda, Sihar
Kan. : Mittlamara
Kash. : —
Mal. : Pirayan, Pirai
Mar. : Sahod, Karvatee
Ori. : Sahod
Punj. : Shebda
Tam. : Pirayan pirai
Tel. : Berrenka, Barninka
Urdu. : Sehoda

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Mature stem bark occurs in channelled pieces; thickness varies from 0.3-1 cm; outer surface light grey to silvery brown with faint ridges and a number of lenticels making the surface quite rough; inner surface smooth and brownish in colour; fracture, tough, brittle on the outer portion and fibrous in the inner portion; no taste and odour.

b) Microscopic

Shows a cork consisting of 4-10 layers of thin-walled, rectangular and tangentially arranged cells; cork cambium single layered; secondary cortex Consists of 3-4 layers of thin-walled, somewhat rectangular or circular to polygonal cells; a number of stone cells present either in singles or in groups in tangential bands; stone cells of two types, one having thick-walled and narrow lumen while the other having comparatively thinner wall and wider lumen; they vary in shape, being rectangular, oval, circular to conical, each with simple pits on their walls and radiating canals; secondary phloem consists of sieve elements, parenchyma, phloem fibres and stone cells, traversed by phloem rays; phloem parenchyma thin-walled, circular to oval in shape, phloem fibres moderately thick-walled and lignified with wide lumen, occurring in singles or in groups and radially arranged; stone cells similar to those present in cortical region, occur throughout the phloem; phloem rays thin-walled, rectangular and radially elongated in transverse section, a few ray cells also converted into stone cells; prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate occur throughout the tissues of bark.

Powder – Light-grey; shows, phloem fibres, thick and thin-walled stone cells and a large number of oblique, rectangular, prismatic 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 15 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 12 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 UV (366 nm) six fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.11, 0.18 (both light blue), 0.28 (pink), 0.36 (blue), 0.41 (pink) and 0.93 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour eight spots appear at Rf. 0.11, 0.28, 0.41, 0.52, 0.60, 0.76, 0.86 and 0.93 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C seven spots appear at Rf. 0.11, 0.28 (both light brown), 0.36, 0.41, 0.52, 0.76 (all light violet) and 0.93 (dark brown).

CONSTITUENTS – Glycosides, Saponins and Sapogenins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Sothahara, Medohara, Vataslesmahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Brhanmanjisthadi Kvatha Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Raktapitta, Arsa, Slipada, Apaci, Prameha, Kustha, Gandamala.

DOSE – 1-3 g. (Powder).
10-20 g. (for decoction).

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NILI (Whole Plant)

Nili consists of dried whole plant of Indigofera tinctoria Linn. (Fam. Fabacem); a shrub, 1.2-1.8 m high, found nearly throughout the country and widely cultivated in many parts of the country.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Nilini,Nilpuspa, Kalkesi
Assam. : Nilbam
Beng. : Nil
Eng. : Indigo Plant
Guj. : Nil, Gali
Hindi. : Nili
Kan. : Kadu Nili, Nili
Kash. : —
Mal. : Avuri, Amari
Mar. : Nili, Neel
Ori. : —
Punj. : Neel
Tam. : Avuri
Tel. : Nili, Kondannili
Urdu. : Neel

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – Tap root having lateral roots, pale yellow to light yellowish-brown, hard, woody, cylindrical, nearly smooth except for a few having scattered lenticels; odour, not distinct; taste, slightly bitter.

Stem – Pieces woody, hard, slender, cylindrical, 0.1 to 1.5 cm in dia., surface, smooth, lenticels present; yellowish-green to greyish-brown in colour; no characteristic odour and taste.

Leaf – Compound, imparipinnate; leaflets, 1-5 cm long and 0.3-1.2 cm wide, oblong or oblanceolate with short mucronate tip; pale green to greenish-black; no characteristic odour and taste.

Flower – Numerous in nearly sessile spicate racemes, 10.0 cm long; calyx 1.2-1.5 mm long, hairy outside, teeth triangular, acute, as long as tube; corolla pink, papilionaceous, 4 mm long, back of standard petal pubescent, stamen 10, diadelphous; ovary sessile, linear, downy; stigma capitate.

Fruit – Pod nearly cylindrical. straight or slightly curved, apiculate, 2-3.2 cm long and 0.15-0.2 cm in dia., having 8-12 seeds; smooth, brown to dark brown.

Seed – Somewhat quadrangular with truncate ends, 0.2 cm long and 0.1 cm wide, smooth, yellowish-brown to greenish-brown in colour.

b) Microscopic

Root – Shows a narrow zone of cork, consisting of 4-10 layers of tangentially elongated, rectangular, thin-walled cells, with lenticels; secondary cortex a narrow zone, consisting of rectangular to polygonal, thin-walled cells containing rhomboidal to hexagonal crystals of calcaim oxalate; and groups of fibres; secondary phloem composed of usual elements; secondary xylem consisting of xylem parenchyma, vessels, fibres and rays; fibres large aseptate with pointed end; vessels solitary or 2-4 in groups having simple pits; medullary ray 1-4 cells wide; prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate present in secondary cortex, phloem, xylem parenchyma and rays; oil globules present in cortex and phloem parenchyma; starch grains simple, round to oval, measuring 3-11 n in dia. present in cortex, phloem, xylem parenchyma and rays. .

Stem – Young stem furrowed and ridged in outline; epidermis single layered, 5-10 layers of collenchymatous cells present in ridges; mature stem shows 5-15 layers of tangentially elongated, rectangular, thin-walled cork cells, broken by lenticels, a few upper rectagular cells filled with reddish-brown contents; secondary cortex consists of 5-7 layers of oval to elliptical, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, pericycle a discontinuous ring of fibres; secondary phloem and secondary xylem composed of usual elements; xylem traversed by rays; vessels solitary or 2-7 in radial rows, isolated vessels show spiral thickening and simple pits; fibres having narrow lumen and pointed ends; tracheids pitted; crystal fibres 4-12 chambered; each containing lor 2 prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; pith occupied by isodiametric, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; a few cells of secondary cortex, phloem and pith contain brown coloured substances; prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate and simple starch grains measuring 3-6 n in dia. found in secondary cortex, phloem and xylem parenchyma, pith and rays.

Leaf –
Petiole – appears nearly circular in outline having two lateral wings; epidermis single layered, covered externally with thin cuticle and followed internally by single layered collenchymatous hypodermis; unicellular hairs scanty’ to moderate with blunt tip; cortex 4-6 layered, consisting of oval to polygonal, elongated, thin-walled chlorenchymatous cells; pericycle scanty, present in the form of continuous or discontinuous ring; vascular bundle collateral and three in number; large one present in centre and two smaller in lateral wings; pith composed of rounded to oval, thin-walled parenchymatous cells; a few prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate present in phloem and pith region.

Midrib – shows a similar structure of epidermis, cuticle and hairs as in petioles;lower and upper epidermis followed by single and 2 or 3 layers of collenchymatous hypodermis respectively; parenchyma 2 or 3 layered, present on both sides; vascular bundle single, collateral, crescent-shaped, present centrally.

Lamina – shows a dorsiventral structure; epidermis, cuticle and hairs as in petiole and midrib; palisade 2 layered; spongy parenchyma 2-4 layered; a few patches of veins scattered between palisade and spongy parenchyma; a few prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate present in mesophyll cells; stomata paracytic and unicellular hairs present on both surface but abundant on lower surface; palisade ratio not more than 4; stomatal index 18-40 on lower surface and 10-16 on upper surface; vein islet number 15-18.

Fruit – Shows single layered epicarp; mesocarp 7-8 layered, more or less elliptical, tangentially, elongated, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, a few upper cells contain reddish brown content; vascular bundle present in the mesocarp region towards both ends, covered by sclerenchymatous sheath; endocarp present in the form of 3-5 layers of sclerenchymatous cells.

Seed – Shows a single layered, radially elongated, thin-walled, palisade-like cells, covered externally by a thin cuticle and internally, followed by a single layer of bearer cells; beneath bearer cells 2-4 tangentially elongated elliptical, thin-walled parenchymatous cells present; cotyledons consists of oval to angular, elongated, thinwalled parenchymatous cells.

Powder – Yellowish grey; shows aseptate fibres, vessels with spiral thickening and simple pits; groups of mesophyll cells, unicellular hairs; pieces of hexagonal, straight walled, epidermal cells in surface view; prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, rarely oil globules, and simple, rounded to oval, starch grains measuring 3-11 n in dia.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 5.2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1.0 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 2.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 7.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol : glacial Acetic acid: Water (5 : 1: 4) in visible light shows three spots at Rf. 0.38, 0.75 and 0.88 (all grey). On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at Rf. 0.15, 0.38, 0.50, 0.59, 0.67, 0.75 and 0.88 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 110°C for ten minutes nine spots appear at Rf. 0.15, 0.25, 0.38, 0.50, 0.59, 0.67, 0.75, 0.84 and 0.88 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Glycoside (Indican).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Sara
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Jantughna, Kaphahara, Kesya, Vatahara, Visaghna, Recani

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Nilikadya Taila, Gorocanadi Vati

THERAPEUTIC USES – Vata Rakta, Udararoga, Pliharoga, Krmiroga, Moha, Bhrama, Udavarta, Kativata, Kasa, Amaroga, Visodara, Jvara, Ksaya, Krmidanta.

DOSE – 10-20 g. of the drug for decoction.

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SALAPARNI (Root)

Salaparni consists of dried root of Desmodium gangeticum DC. (Fam. Fabacem), a nearly erect under shrub, 0.6 -1.2 m high, growing wild almost throughout India in the plains and Western Ghats, and upto 1500 m in the north upto Sikkim.

SYNONYMS

Sansk : Sthira, Vidarigandha, Amsumati
Assam : —
Beng : Salparni
Eng : —
Guj : Salwan
Hindi : Sarivan, Salaparni
Kan : Murelchonne
Kash : —
Mal : Moovila
Mar : Salparni, Salwan
Ori : Saloporni
Punj : Shalpurni
Tam : Moovilai
Tel : Kolakuponna. Nakkotokaponna, Kolaponna
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Tap root, poorly developed, but lateral roots 15-30 cm long, and 0.1-0.8 cm thick, uniformly cylindrical with a number of branches; surface smooth bearing a number of transverse, light brown lenticels, bacterial nodules frequently present; light yellow; fracture fibrous; odour not characteristic; taste, sweetish and mucilaginous.

b) Microscopic

Mature root shows cork, 3-7 layers of thin-walled, tangentially elongated cells, having a few prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; cork cambium single layered; secondary cortex 4-10 layers of thin-walled, tangentially elongated cells having a few isolated cortical fibres; secondary phloem composed of parenchyma, sieve tubes, companion cells and fibres, traversed by phloem rays; sieve tubes collapsed in outer region, but intact in inner region; phloem fibres slightly elongated, lignified; phloem rays uni to multiseriate, 1-4 cells wide and 4-15 cells high; outer phloem region having occasionally prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; cambium 2-3 layers; secondary xylem having 1-2 growth rings, consisting of vessels, tracheids, xylem parenchyma, and xylem fibres, traversed by xylem rays; vessels, lignified, large, narrow, with both reticulate thickening or bordered pits; xylem parenchyma with rectangular or slightly elongated cells, resembling those of phloem parenchyma in shape but larger in size and xylem fibres resemble those of phloem fibres in shape but larger in size; xylem rays thickwalled possessing simple pits, 1-5 cells wide and 4-12 cells high; simple, round to oval starch grains measuring 7-25 n in dia. and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate present in secondary phloem and secondary xylem.

Powder -Light brown; shows fragments of rectangular cork cells, vessels having reticulate thickening and bordered pits, xylem fibres, ray cells, prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate and simple round to oval starch grains, measuring 7-25 n in dia.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 6 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 6 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Chloroform :
Methanol (9: 1) shows under UV (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.40, 0.85 and 0.96 (all blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour three spots appear at Rf. 0.40, 0.85 and 0.96 (all yellow).

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Guru
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Balya, Tridosahara, Vrsya, Visahara, Angamardaprasamana, Sukhaprasavakara, Sarvadosahara, Vatadosajit, Rasayani, Bharamhara, Santapanasini

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Dasamularista, Indukanta Ghrta, Amrtaprasa Ghrta, Dasamulasatapalaka Ghrta, Dhanvantara Taila, Narayana Taila, Mahavisagarbha Taila,
Mahanarayana Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Jvara, Meha, Arsa, Chardi, Sopha, Svasa, Kasahara, Krmi, Rajayaksma, Netra Roga, Hrdaya Roga, Rakta Gata Vata, Vata Ardhvabhedaka, Mudha Garbha

DOSE – 5 -10g. of the drug in powder form.
10-20 g. for decoction.

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NIRGUNDI (Leaf)

Nirgundi consists of dried leaf of Vitex negundo Linn. (Fam. Verbenacem); a large aromatic shrub or a small tree, upto 4.5 m in height, common throughout the country ascending to an altitude of 1500 m in the outer Himalayas. It is common in waste places around villages, river banks, moist localities and in the deciduous forests.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Sinduvara, Samphalika, Nila
Assam. : Aslak
Beng. : Nirgundi, Nishinda
Eng. : Five Leaved Chaste tree
Guj. : Nagod
Hindi. : Nirgundi, Sinduar, Sambhalu
Kan. : Lakkigida, Nekkigida
Kash. : —
Mal. : Indranee, Nirgundi
Mar. : Nirgundi
Ori. : —
Punj. : Sambhalu, Banna
Tam. : Karunochchi, Nocchi
Tel. : Nallavavilli, Vavili
Urdu. : Sambhalu, Panjangusht

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Leaves palmately compound, petiole 2.5 – 3.8 cm long; mostly trifoliate, occasionally pentafoliate; in trifoliate leaf, leaflet lanceolate or narrowly lanceolate, middle leaflet 5- 10 cm long and 1.6 -3.2 cm broad, with 1- 1.3 cm long petiolule, remaining two sub-sessile; in pentafoliate leaf inner three leaflets have petiolule and remaining two sub-sessile; surface glabrous above and tomentose beneath; texture, leathery.

b) Microscopic

Petiole – shows single layered epidermis having a number of unicellular, bicellular and uniseriate multicellular covering trichomes and also glandular trichomes with uni to tricellular stalk and uni to bicellular head; cortex composed of outer collenchymatous tissue and inner 6 – 8 layers of parenchymatous tissue; collenchyma well developed in basal region and gradually decreases in middle and apical regions; pericyclic fibres absent in basal region of petiole and present in the form of a discontinuous ring in apical region surrounding central horse shoe-shaped vascular bundle; a few smaller vascular bundles present ventrally between arms of central vascular bundle and two, or rarely three, bundles situated outside the arms.

Lamina – shows single layered epidermis having mostly unicellular hairs, bi and multicellular and glandular trichomes being rare; hypodermis 1 – 3 layered interrupted at places by 4- 8 palisade layers containing chlorophyll; a large number of veins enclosed by bundle sheath traverse mesophyll; stomata present only on the ventral surface, covered densely with trichomes; vein-islet and vein termination number of leaf are 23-25 and 5-7 respectively.

Powder – shows number of pieces or whole, uni-bi and multicellular covering trichomes, glandular trichomes, palisade tissues with hypodermis, and upper and lower epidermis, xylem vessels with pitted walls.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 8 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 10 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. 0.18 (blue) and 0.47 (red). On exposure to Iodine vapour four spots appear at Rf. 0.16, 0.47, 0.67 and 0.91 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and on heating the plate for ten minutes at 105° C four spots appear at Rf. 0.07, 0.47, 0.58 and 0.67 (all blue).

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids and Essential Oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kesya, Kaphasamaka, Vatasamaka, Sophahara, Caksusyam Visaghna, Smtriprada, Anulomna

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Vatagajankusa Rasa, Mahavata Vidhvansana Rasa, Ykrplihara Lauha, Dasamula Taila, Trivikrama Rasa, Nirgundi Taila, Tribhuvan Kirti Rasa,
Visa Tinduka Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sula, Sopha, Vatavyadhi, Amavata, Kustha, Kandu, Kasa, Pradara, Adhmana, Piha Roga, Gulma, Aruci, Krmi, Vrana, Nadi Vrana, Karnasula, Sutika, Jvara

DOSE – 10-20 ml. (Swarasa).

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SALI (Fruit)

Sali consists of dried fruit of Oryza sativa Linn.(Fam. Poacem); an annual herb, cultivated throughout India.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Tandulama, Dhanya
Assam. : —
Beng. : Dhan, Chaval, Chanval
Eng. : Rice, Paddy
Guj. : Bhat, Chorya, Chokha
Hindi. : Chaval, Dhan
Kan. : Akkiege, Nellu
Kash. : —
Mal. : Ari
Mar. : Tandul, Sali Bhat
Ori. : —
Punj. : —
Tam. : Arshee, Nellu, Arisi
Tel. : Dhanyamu, Vadlu, Biyyamu
Urdu. : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit small, one seeded, caryopsis, about 0.6-1 cm long and 0.2-0.3 cm wide, oblong to ovoid, somewhat angular, blunt, sometimes pointed; surface rough due to minutes trichomes, faintly longitudinal ridges and furrows, mostly 6 rows, somewhat compressed , flattened and tightly enclosed by lemma and palea; yellowish-brown; seed, smooth upto 0.6 cm long, oval to oblong, slightly flattened; blunt, oblique, slightly angled in embryo region; light creamy to white; odour not characteristic; taste, sweet.

b) Microscopic

Fruit shows wavy irregular outline; pericarp and testa fused together; pericarp consists of single layered, thick, lignified sclerenchymatous outer epidermis with clear pits, covered by a few thick, blunt, sometimes pointed trichomes and 2-3 layered circular to oval fibre, followed by 3-5 layered, tangentially elongated, thick-walled, tabular parenchymatous cells, having a few scattered fibro vascular. bundles and single layered, thin, elongated, slightly wavy inner epidermal cells; testa consists of thinwalled, elongated, 2-3 layered parenchymatous cells with a interrupted tube cells followed by single layered, oval to rectangular, parenchymatous layer containing aleurone grains; endosperm albuminous, consisting of wide, thin-walled, elongated to polygonal, parenchymatous cells packed with numerous, minute, single polyhedral starch grains, having, hilum without concentric striations, measuring 3-12 n in dia., compound starch grains 2-150 components; empryo small, lying in a groove at one end of the endosperm, separated by a layer of epithelium; empryo consists of a shieldshaped cotyledon known as scutellum.

Powder – Light cream; fragments of elongated thick-walled, lignified sclerenchymatous cells, endosperms cells filled with starch grains, parenchymatous cells of endosperm filled with granules, small pieces of blunt trichomes; minute, single, polyhedral with starch granules having hilum without concentric striations, measuring 3-12 n in dia., and compound starch granules with 2-150 components.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 6 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 1 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 UV (366 nm) eight fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.11, 0.15, 0.17 (all blue), 0.21 (green), 0.27 (blue), 0.30 (blue), 0.35 (green) and 0.94 (blue). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Phosphomolybdic acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 110°C three spots appear at Rf. 0.21,0.30 and 0.94 (all blue).

CONSTITUENTS – Carbohydrate -Starch.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Anuras, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Hrdya, Pittahara, Rucikara, Vrsya, Visaghna, Swalpa Vatakara, Svalpa Kapha Kara, Mutral, Brhamma, Baddhavarcasaka, Svarya.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Lasunadi Ghrta, Dadhik Ghrta, Tandulodanam

THERAPEUTIC USES – Jvara, Trsna, Vrana, Atisara, Balatisara, Pradara.

DOSE – 100 ml. Tandulodaka.

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PADMAKA (Heart Wood)

Padmaka consists of heart wood of Prunus cerasoides; D. Don (Fam. Rosacem); a middle or large sized tree, found in temperate Himalayan region from Garhwal to Sikkim upto an elevation of 910-1820 m.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Padmagandhi, Pitarakta
Assam. : Diengsoh-iog-Krems
Beng. : Padmakastha
Eng. : Biyd Cherry
Guj. : Padmakastha, Padmaka
Hindi. : Padmakha, Padma Kastha, Paja
Kan. : Padmaka
Kash. : —
Mal. : Pathimukam
Mar. : Padmakastha, Padmaka
Ori. : —
Punj. : Pajja
Tam. : Padmakashdham
Tel. : Padmakashtham
Urdu. : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug available in variable pieces, yellowish-brown to orange, to which some whitish portion of sap wood still attached; heavy, dense, moderately hard and very strong, odour, very faint; no taste.

b) Microscopic

Mature heart wood consisting of vessels, fibres, tracheids and xylem parenchyma traversed by xylem rays; vessels lignified, moderately thick-walled, reticulate thickening, fairly large, with bordered pits having an oval-shaped, lateral perforation at each end, measuring, upto 220 n in length and upto 68 n in width; fibres occur mostly in groups, usually found associated with other xylem elements, moderately thick-walled, narrow lumen, pointed at both ends, 55-137 n long; tracheids usually thick-walled, lignified, elongated cells; xylem parenchyma composed of thick-walled, found associated with vessels and fibres, oval to elongated, polygonal cells; xylem rays uni to multiseriate, uni and biseriate more common, multiseriate, generally 3-6 cells wide, 40-50 cells high; cut materials, when treated with ferric chloride solution turn the yellow pigments blue or black, indicating tannin

Powder – Reddish-brown; shows fragments of abundant groups or single pointed fibres measuring 55-137 n in length, moderately thick-walled, fairly large vessels with reticulate thickening and bordered pits, thick-walled, lignified tracheid cells, pieces of ray cells and xylem parenchyma cells.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 1 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 UV (366 nm) a fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.64 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at Rf. 0.15, 0.32, 0.42, 0.53, 0.59, 0.64 and 0.76 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 105°C four spots appear at Rf. 0.15, 0.32, 0.53 and 0.59 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Flavonoids.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Garbhasthapana, Rucya, Vatala

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Khadiradi Gutika, Guducyadi Kvatha Curna, Brhacchagatadya Ghrta, Satavaryadi Ghrta, Guducyadi Taila, Usirasava, Candanasava, Dasamularista, Mrtasanjivani Sura, Karpuradhyarka

THERAPEUTIC USES – Visphota, Daha, Kustha, Raktapitta, Vami, Trsa, Bhrama, Visarapa

DOSE – 1-3 g. (Curna).

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PATALA (Root)

Patala consists of dried root of Stereospermum suaveolens DC. (Fam. Bignoniacem); a large deciducus tree upto 18 m high and 1.8 m in girth with a clear bole of about 9 m, found throughout the moist parts of the country.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Amogha, Madhuduti, Krsnvrnta, Tamrapuspi
Assam. : Parul
Beng. : Parul
Eng. : Rose Flower Fragrant
Guj. : Podal
Hindi. : Podal
Kan. : Padramora
Kash. : —
Mal. : Padiri
Mar. : Padal
Ori. : Boro, Patulee
Punj. : Padal
Tam. : Padari
Tel. : Kaligottu, Kokkesa, Podira
Urdu. : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root occurs in about 6-9 cm long, 1-1.5 cm thick cut pieces, cylindrical, externally brown to creamy, rough due to vertical fissures, cracks, ridges and transverse fine lenticels, internally dark brown, lamellation or stratification due to presence of concentric bands of fibres; fracture tough and fibrous; odour, not distinct; taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic

Root cork consists of 25-35 layers of rectangular cells with 3-5 stratified layers, lignification being more prominent where the stratification starts, arranged with 1-3 tangential rows of narrow cells alternating with 3-5 tangential rows of wider cells; cork cambium composed of 1 -2 layers of tangentially elongated cells; secondary cortex arranged more or less radially, becomes polyhedral to isodiameteric in inner region, a few cells getting converted into stone cells which are regular in shape and show projection; secondary phloem wide, forms cerantenchyma between two obliquely running rays; some rays and phloem cells get converted into irregular, polygonal shaped stone cells, measuring 10- 150 n in width, phloem parenchyma being intact; medullary rays multiseriate, being 3-4 cells wide, and 8-11-15 cells high; fibres tapering, pointed or slightly blunt, with a small peg-like projection at both ends; sieve tube gets collapsed in outer region forming strips of ceratenchyma; a few small microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate present in phloem parenchyma and rays; secondary xylem wide having usual elements; vessels simple, pitted, lignified; fibres large, pointed, aseptate; rays multiseriate, 2- 3 cells wide.

Powder – Dark brown; shows fragments of rectangular cork and phloem parenchyma cells; groups of single, thick- walled, cubical to rectangular, lignified stone cells having striations and wide lumen; a number of microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate, intact and scattered outside.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 8 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 6 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 10 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 n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4: 1 :5) shows in visible light three spots at Rf. 0.62, 0.85 and 0.92 (all light yellow). Under UV (366 nm) five fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.47, 0.53 (both light blue), 0.62 (bluish pink), 0.74 (blue) and 0.85 (light green). On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at Rf. 0.14, 0.28, 0.47, 0.53, 0.74, 0.85 and 0.92 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic Phosphomolybdic acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C four spots appear at Rf. 0.47, 0.74, 0.85 and 0.92 (all bluish grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Bitter Substances, Sterols, Glycosides and Glyco-Alkaloids.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Anusna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Rucya, Tridosahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Amrtarista, Dasmularista, Bharangi Guda, Indu Kanta Ghrta, Dhanvantari Taila, Dasamula Kvatha Curna.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Svasa, Sotha, Arsa, Chardi, Hikka, Trsa, Amlapitta, Rakta Vikara, Mutravikara, Agnidadha, Vrana Ruja, Visphota, Medoroga

DOSE – 5-10 g. (Powder)
25-50 ml. (Decoction).

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PHALGU (Fruit)

Phalgu consists of dried fruits of Ficus hispida Linn. f. (Fam. Moracem); a moderate sized tree or shrub, distributed throughout the outer Himalayan range from Chenab eastwards to Bengal, Central and South India and Andaman Islands.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Kakodumbur, Malayu, Malpu
Assam. : Khoskadumar, Tanvardi, Teenbarree
Beng. : Kakdumur, Kathdumur, Kakadumbar
Eng. : Wild Fig, Devil Fig
Guj. : Tedumbaro, Dhedadambaro, Dhedhumbro
Hindi. : Konea-dumbar, Kathumar
Kan. : Kadaatti, Arjeeru Hamu, Anjeeru, Onagida, Hanna, Adane
Kash. : —
Mal. : Peyatti, Kattatti, Erumanakku, Parakasimi
Mar. : Rambal, Kalodumbar, Bhuiumbar
Ori. : Dimiri, Ani Dambura
Punj. : Rumbal
Tam. : Peyatti
Tel. : Brahma medi, Kakimedi
Urdu. : Kath Gular

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Dried syconus fruit, ovoid with a central circular hole and short stalk, 1-2 cm in dia., wrinkled; greyish-brown; seeds less than 1 mm in dia. and yellowish-brown in colour, odour and taste not characteristic. ‘

b) Microscopic

Fruit shows a sinlge layered epidermis, covered with thick cuticle having a few unicellular trichomes, epidermis, followed by 4-6 layers of hexagonal to polygonal, collenchymatous cells, a few cells contain rosette crystals of calcium oxalate; mesocarp composed of large, oval to polygonal, thick-walled parenchymatous cells, a few vascular vessels showing spiral thickening.

Powder – Greyish-brown; shows groups of oval to polygonal, thin-walled cells of mesocarp and endosperm, fragments of polyhedral, thick-walled epidermal cells in surface view, spiral vessels and abundant unicellular trichomes.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 13 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 3 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 12 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol :
Acetic acid: water (4:1:5) shows under U.V. (366 nm) two fluorescent zones at Rf 0.36 and 0.92 (both blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour four spots appear at Rf. 0.20, 0.36, 0.41 and 0.92 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 105°C two spots appear at Rf. 0.20 (grey) and 0.92 (brown).

CONSTITUENTS – Tannins and Saponins,

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Amla, Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Grahi, Kaphahara, Vatahara Pittahara, Mansakara, Sukrakara, Mala Stambhana, Trptikaraka, Brmihana, Vistambhi

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Citrakadi Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Vrana, Sveta Kusta, Pandu, Arsa, Kamala, Atisara, Daha, Ksata, Visaroga, Tvakaroga, Raktavikara, Kandu, Kustha, Sopha, Raktapitta, Vatapittajaroga

DOSE – 10-20 g.

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PHALGU (Root)

Phalgu consists of dried root of Ficus hispida Linn. f. (Fam. Moracem); a moderate sized tree or shrub, distributed throughout the outer Himalayan range from Chenab eastwards to Bengal, Central and South India and Andaman Islands.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Kakodumbur, Malayu, Malpu
Assam. : Khoskadumar, Tanvardi, Teenbarree
Beng. : Kakdumur, Kathdumur, Kakadumbar
Eng. : Wild Fig, Devil Fig
Guj. : Tedumbaro, Dhedadambaro, Dhedhumbro
Hindi. : Konea-dumbar, Kathumar
Kan. : Kadatti, Arjeeru Hamu, Anjeeru, Onagida, Hanna, Adane
Kash. : —
Mal. : Peyatti, Kattatti, Erumanakku, Parakasimi
Mar. : Rambal, Kalodumbar, Bhuiumbar
Ori. : Dimiri, Ani Dambura
Punj. : Rumbal
Tam. : Peyatti
Tel. : Brahma medi, Kakimedi
Urdu. : Kath Gular

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Roots 4 -17 cm long, 1.0-2.5 cm thick, almost cylindrical, occasionally somewhat compressed at places, external surface brown to dark brown with deep, elliptical cracks and tangentially arranged rows of lenticels; fracture, splintery.

b) Microscopic

Root shows 5-10 layers of cork, consisting of thin-walled, compressed cells, outer layers exfoliating; secondary cortex a wide zone consisting of irregularly arranged, tangentially elongated, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, some of which contain rosette crystals of calcium oxalate and dark red coloured contents; secondary phloem consisting of usual elements, comprising of thin-walled cells; cellulosic phloem fibres found scattered throughout secondary phloem in singles and in groups of 2-3; a few phloem parenchyma and phloem ray cells contain rosette crystals of calcium oxalate; secondary xylem situated centrally, consisting of usual elements, all being lignified; xylem vessels numerous, equally distributed throughout secondary xylem region, in singles as well as in groups of 2-6, xylem rays numerous, straight and 1-5 cells wide.

Powder – Yellowish-brown; shows cellulosic phloem fibres, xylem vessels in broken pieces with pitted thickenings and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 7 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 6 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 6 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) on exposure to Iodine vapour shows six spots at Rf. 0.05, 0.15, 0.30, 0.34, 0.92 and 0.98 (all yellow). On spraying with Dragendorff reagent followed by 5% aqueous Sodium Nitrite solution four spots appear at Rf. 0.30, 0.34, 0.92 and 0.98 (all light brown).

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Sita, Guru
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Malastambhaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Mahapancagavya Ghrta

THERAPEUTIC USES – Svitra, Kandu, Kustha, Vrana, Raktapitta, Sopha, Pandu, Raktavikara, Kamala, Arsa.

DOSE – 1-3 g. of the drug in powder form.

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PRAPUNNADA (Seed)

Prapunnada consists of dried seed of Cassia tora Linn. (Fam. Fabacem); a herbaceous annual occurring as a weed throughout the country in plains, ascending 1500 m in the Central Himalayas.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Edagaja, Dadrughna
Assam. : Kulb
Beng. : Chavuka, Chakunda, Panevar
Eng. : Ring Worm Plant, Fetid Cassia
Guj. : Kovaraya
Hindi. : Pavand
Kan. : Tagache
Kash. : —
Mal. : Tagaraa
Mar. : Tankala
Ori. : —
Punj. : Panwal, Chakunda, Chakwad
Tam. : Vshittgarai
Tel. : Tagiris
Urdu. : Panwar

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seed hard, 1 cm long, 3-4 mm thick, oblong or rhombohedral, both ends appear as if cut off obliquely, greenish-brown to brownish-black, smooth and shiny; odourless; taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic

Seed shows seed coat consisting of longitudinally elongated cells, covered with thick, smooth cuticle, followed by palisade layer composed of closely packed, radially arranged, non-lignified, thickened columnar cells, and by a single layer of dumb-bell shaped, thick-walled, parenchymatous cells; a wide zone of thick-walled, parenchymatous cells forming inner layer of testa present, differentiated into outer 8 – 10 layers of tangentially elongated, parenchymatous cells and a single layer of broad cells which are squarish in shape; a few vascular bundles scattered in this zone; embryo consists of radicle, plumule and two cotyledons; epidermis of cotyledon consists of a single layer, externally covered with cuticle, followed by two layers of palisade-like cells of mesophyll; mesophyll of ventral side composed of rectangular to polygonal cells filled with round to oval starch grain, measuring 8-12 n in dia., a few vascular bundles and a few rosette crystals of calciuhrolllalate upto 49 n in dia.; scattered in this region.

Powder – Light brown; shows fragments of testa, parenchymatous cells, very small, numerom: simple, round to oval, starch grains measuring 8-12 n in dia., and a few rosette crystals of calcium oxalate upto 49 n in diameter.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 7 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 14 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4:1:5) shows in visible light three spots at Rf 0.33, 0.47 and 0.57 (all light yellow). Under UV (366 nm) three fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.33 (blue), 0.47 (light pink) and 0.57 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at Rf. 0.27, 0.33, 0.47,0.57, 0,62, 0.71 and 0.82 (all yellow).

CONSTITUENTS – Anthraquinones, Fixed OiL

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Recana, Kaphavatasamaka Krmighna, Lekhana, Kusthaghnama Visaghana Tvaka, Varnaprasadakaram, Tvacya.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Nimbadi Curna, Kasisadi Ghrta, Maha Visagarbha Taila, Brhanmariyadi Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kaphavatajanya Vikara, Kustha, Vrana Vikara, Dadru, Paksaghata, Vibhandha, Gulma, Krmi, Pama, Kandu, Svasa, Kasa.

DOSE – 1-3 g. of powder,

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RAKTACANDANA (Heart Wood)

Raktacandana consists of heart wood of Pterocarpus santalinus Linn. f. (Fam. Fabacem); a medium sized, deciduous tree upto 10-11 m high and 1.5 m in girth, mostly found in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring area of Chennai and Karnataka at an altitude of 150-900 m.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Raktanga, Ksudracndana, Raktasara
Assam. : Sandale, Sandal Ahmar
Beng. : Raktachandana
Eng. : Red Sanders, Red Sandal Wood
Guj. : Ratanjali, Lalchandan
Hindi. : Raktachandanam, Lalchandana
Kan. : Raktha Chandanam
Kash. : —
Mal. : Rakta Chandanam
Mar. : Rakta Chandana
Ori. : —
Punj. : Lal Chandan
Tam. : Senchandanam
Tel. : Erra Chandanamu
Urdu. : Sandal Surkh

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs as irregular pieces, deep blood-red to dark purplish-red or almost black, hard, but can be easily split, odourless; taste, slightly astringent.

b) Microscopic

Heart wood shows alternating bands of darker and lighter zones; vessels large, mostly isolated and connected by fine, bright red rays, consisting of xylem parenchyma; prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate occur in a few celIs; red colouring matter present in a number of cells of vessels and other cells; fibres abundant; xylem rays mostly uniseriate.

Powder – Red or purplish-red; shows a number of fibres, vessels and xylem parenchyma cells and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Identification –
Fluorescence test on aqueous and alcoholic extracts :-
i) 5 g. powder extracted in 100 ml of water and filtered shows in day light – pale yellow to brownish-red colour; under U.V. light (366 nm) emerald green, and under U.V. light (254 nm) light green.
ii) 5 g. powder extracted in 100 ml of alcohol and filtered shows in day light brownish – redcolour; under U.V. light (366 nm) reddish -brown, and under U.V. light (254) yellowish-green colour.
Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.3 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 1 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 in visible light a spot at Rf. 0.37 (light pink). Under U.V. (366 nm) five fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.07 (blue), 0.13 (grey), 0.3e (blue), 0.37 (grey), and 0.57 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour eight spots appear at Rf. 0.07, 0.13, 0.16, 0.26, 0.37, 0.43, 0.74 and 0.80 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C seven spots appear at Rf. 0.04 (violet), 0.07, 0.13 (both light violet), 0.37, 0.43 (both violet), 0.74 and 0.80 (both light violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Glycosides, Colouring Matter.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Guru, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Pittahara, Vrsya, Visaghna, Netraroga

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Candana Bala Laksadi Taila, Candanadi Lauha

THERAPEUTIC USES – Chardi, Trsna, Raktadosahara, Tvara, Vrana

DOSE – 3-6 g. of the drug (powder).

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RAKTAPUNARNAVA (Root)

Raktapunarnava consists of dried root of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. (Fam. Nyctaginacem); a trailing herb with stout root stock and many diffused, slender, prostrate or ascending branches, occurring thought the plains of India.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : S othaghni, Rakta puspa
Assam. : Ronga Punarnabha
Beng. : Rakta Punarnava
Eng. : Hog Weed
Guj. : Saturdi
Hindi. : Gadapurna, Lalpunarnava
Kan. : Kommeberu
Kash. : —
Mal. : Chuvanna Tazhutama
Mar. : Rakta Punarnava
Ori. : Laalapuiruni
Punj. : Iteit (Lal), Khattan
Tam. : Mookarattai (Shihappu)
Tel. : Atikamamidi, Erragalijeru
Urdu. : Surkh Punarnava

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root well developed, fairly long, somewhat tortuous, cylindrical, 0.2 – 1.5 cm in dia.; yellowish-brown to brown; surface, rough due to minute longitudinal striations and root scars; fracture, short; odour, not distinct; taste, slightly bitter.

b) Microscopic

Mature root shows anomalous growth; cork composed of thin-walled, tangentially elongated cells in the outer few layers; cork cambium 1-2 layers of thin-walled cells; secondary cortex consists of 2-3 layers of parenchymatous cells, followed by cortex composed of 5-12 layers of thin-walled, oval to polygonal cells; several concentric bands of xylem tissue, alternating with zone of parenchymatous tissue, present below cortical region; number of bands vary according to thickness of root and consist of vessels, tracheids and fibres; vessels mostly found in groups of 2-8 in radial rows, having simple pits and reticulate thickening; tracheids, thick-walled with simple pits; fibres aseptate, elongated, thick-walled with pointed ends; phloem occurs as hemispherical or crescent patches outside each group of xylem vessels and composed of sieve elements and parenchyma; a broad zone of parenchymatous tissue, in between two successive rings of xylem elements, composed of thin-walled, more or less rectangular cells arranged in radial rows; central region of root occupied by primary vascular bundles; numerous raphides in single or in group present in cortical region and in parenchymatous and xylem tissue; starch grains simple and compound, having 2-4 components, found in abundance in most of the cells of cortex and xylem elements; simple starch grains mostly round in shape, measuring 2.75-11 n in dia.

Powder – Light yellow; shows vessels with reticulate thickening or simple pits, fibres, fragments of cork cells, raphides of calcium oxalate and simple, rounded, starch grains, measuring 2.75 – 11 n in dia., and compound starch grains having 2-4 components.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 10 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.8 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 10 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Chloroform :
Methanol (8 : 2) shows under UV (366 nm) six fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.11, 0.38 (both blue), 0.70, 0.84 (both light blue), 0.90 (light pink) and 0.94 (light blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at Rf. 0.05, 0.11, 0.28, 0.38, 0.43, 0.84 and 0.94 (all yellow). On spraying with Dragendorff reagent followed by 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent two spots appear at Rf. 0.08 and 0.94 (both orange).

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloid, Hentriacontane, β-Sitosterol, Ursolic Acid.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Sita, Laghu, Ruksa, Sara
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Sophaharra, Dipana, Vatakara, Kaphaghna, Pittahara.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Kumaryasava, Dadhika Ghrta, Dhanvantara Ghrta, Punarnavadyarista

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sopha, Pandu, Hrdroga, Kasa, Arsa, Vrana, Urahksatasula, Sotha.

DOSE – 1-3 g. of powder.
10-20 ml. (Fresh Juice).

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RAMASITALIKA (Whole Plant)

Ramasitalika consists dried whole plant of Amaranthus tricolor Linn.; Syn. A. gangeticus Linn.; A. melancholicus Linn. A. polygamus Linn. Hook. f., A. tristis Linn.; (Fam. Amaranthacem), an erect, diffuse, stout, annual herb, found throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Marisarakta, Aramasitalika
Assam. : —
Beng. : Lal Shak
Eng. : —
Guj. : Tandaljo (Lal)
Hindi. : Lal Marsa
Kan. : Dantu, Harave Soppu, Dantina Soppu, Chikkarive
Kash. : —
Mal. : Aramaseetalam
Mar. : Mash
Ori. : —
Punj. : Lal Marsa Sag
Tam. : Mulaikkeerai
Tel. : Erra Tatakura
Urdu. : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root -Tap root, cylindrical, yellowish, 0.3-0.5 cm thick, with a few secondary roots and numerous rootlets.

Stem – Stem cylindrical with longitudinal ridges and furrows, branched, light greenishyellow, 0.2-0.4 cm thick; fracture, short.

Leaf – Leaf simple, 5-12 cm long, 2.5-7 cm wide, very variable in shape, rhomboidovate, lanceolate or deltoid-ovate, obtuse, petiolate, membranous.

Flower – Flowers clustered in the axils and forming a long terminal, more or less interrupted spike; bracteole 3 mm long, lanceolate, membranous, perianth 4 mm long; sepals 3, white with pinkish tinge, stamens three, anthers dorsifixed.

Seed – Seed 1.5 mm in dia., biconvex, smooth, shiny black.

b) Microscopic

Root – Shows cork consisting of 3-6 rows of thin-walled cells, a few outer layers exfoliating; secondary cortex consisting of 6-11 rows of tangentially elongated, tabular, thin-walled parenchymatous cells, a few of them containing microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate; secondary phloem arranged in continuous ring, consisting of thinwalled cells; phloem parenchyma cells containing microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate; secondary xylem arranged in the form of a ring, beneath which there are scattered vascular bundles consisting of xylem and phloem; vascular bundles, situated in the centre are comparatively larger; ground tissue consisting of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, a few cells containing microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate.

Stem – Shows many thick-walled, oval to polygonal, collenchymatous cells present in the ridges seen in outline; epidermis single layered with tabular cells under a thickcuticle; cortex differentiated into 3-9 layered, thick-walled, tangentially elongated, chlorenchyma cells having a few microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate; vascular bundles collateral arranged in a concentric band consisting of phloem and xylem elements; inside the band, in the ground tissue a number of conjoint vascular bundles found scattered; ground tissue consisting of oval or round, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, these cells are smaller toward periphery and larger towards centre, a few of these cells contain microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate.

Leaf-
Petiole – Shows two notches which are lateral in position, epidermis single layer, followed by, 1 or 2 layers ventrally and 1 to 7 layers dorsally of collenchyma; rest of the cortex consisting of thin-walled parenchymatous cells, a few of them containing microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate; vascular bundles arc-shaped in three separate patches, elongated in the notches central one nearly circular, each consisting of xylem and phloem.

Midrib – Shows single layered epidermis on both surfaces, followed by 1-2 layered collenchyma; rest of the cortex consisting of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells a few of them containing rnicrosphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate; vascular bundles 4 in number in basal region and single in number towards apical region.

Lamina – Shows single layered epidermis on both surfaces; upper epidermal cells, thinwalled, oval to polygonal, with a few uni-to bicellular pointed hairs, sinuous walls and a few stomata in surface view; lower epidermal cells composed of thin-walled cells oval to polygonal, having a number of rosette crystals of calcium oxalate and a few microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate; walls sinuous, stomata both anomocytic and anisocytic type; palisade parenchyma 2 or 3 layered; spongy parenchyma 3 or 4 layered consisting of circular, irregularly arranged cells

Powder -Light green; shows lignified vessels with spiral thickening, rosette and microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate, fragments of irregular, sinuous, polyhedral, thin-walled, parenchymatous epidermal cells and palisade cells, anomocytic and anisocytic type of stomata.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 17 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 2.6 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 17 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. (366nm) four fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.05, 0.17, 0.34 and 0.40 (all pink). On exposure to Iodine vapour five spots appear at Rf. 0.17, 0.34, 0.40, 0.56 and 0.98 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Phosphomolybdic acid reagent and heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes three spots appear at Rf. 0.17, 0.56 and 0.98 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Fatty Oils, Sitosterol, Calcium and Magnesium.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Kincit Guru, Ruksa, Sara
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Pittahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Candrakala Rasa

THERAPEUTIC USES – Daha, Sosa, Visphota, Vrana

DOSE – 10-20 ml of the drug in juice form.

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RASNA (Leaf)

Rasna consists of dried leaf of Pluchea lanceolata Oliver & Hiern.(Fam. Asteracem); an annual, ashy and pubescent, undershrub having spreading roots extending to several metres; it grows abundantly in sandy soils in upper Gangetic plain and Rajasthan. It flowers during cold season.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Suvaha, Sugandha,Yukta
Assam. : Rasnapat
Beng. : Rasna
Eng. : —
Guj. : —
Hindi. : Rayasan, Rayasana, Rasna
Kan. : Rasna, Dumme-Rasna
Kash. : —
Mal. : —
Mar. : Rasna, Rayasana
Ori. : —
Punj. : Reshm
Tam. : —
Tel. : Sanna Rashtramu
Urdu. : Rauasan, Rasna

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Leaves simple, 3-5 cm long, 0.6-2 cm broad; sessile, obtuse, lanceolate to ovatelanceolate; margin entire or toothed around the apex, unequal at base; both surfaces pubescent, distinct small hairs more prominent near veins; texture, brittle, papery; odour, characteristic; taste, astringent and slightly bitter.

b) Microscopic

Leaf-
Midrib – shows single layered epidermis covered by thick, striated cuticle; collenchyma 2-5 layered towards xylem, 1-3 layered towards phloem; beneath collenchyma 2-5 layers of parenchyma present on both sides; central portion occupied by a large vascular bundle, xylem facing towards upper and phloem towards lower epidermis; vascular bundle surrounded by sclerenchymatous sheath appearing as a cap above and below; vascular bundle consists of wide phloem, a thin cambium and xylem; phloem consists of phloem parenchyma and a few phloem fibres; xylem consists of tracheids, vessels and xylem parenchyma; vessels arranged radially; parenchyma and palisade cells of leaf contain oil globules, scattered rosette crystals of calcium oxalate are both in lamina and midrib.

Lamina – shows isobilateral structure with palisade occurring in upper and lower mesophyll regions; epidermal cells tangentially elongated, covered by thick, striated cuticle; uniseriate, unbranched covering trichomes 2-3 cells long, present on both surfaces, basal cell short and slightly swollen, apical cells long; stomata, anisocytic and anomocytic present on both surfaces but more on lower surface; palisade tissue 2 or 3 layered on both sides, composed of radially elongated, thin-walled cells; spongy parenchyma composed of thin-walled, circular to elliptical, parenchymatous cells containing abundant chloroplasts with prominent intercellular spaces; a number of small veins, surrounded by a sclerenchymatous sheath present in mesophyll; vascular tissue much reduced and represented by a few phloem and xylem elements; average value of stomatal index on upper surface 14-24 and on lower surface 20-24; palisade ratio not more than 5; average value of vein islet number 27.

Powder – Light green; shows fragments of parenchyma, palisade cells, pointed 2-5 celled trichomes, a few oil globules and rosette 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 7 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 8 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 23 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4:1:5) shows in visible light three spots at Rf. 0.37, 0.71 and 0.82 (all grey). Under U.V. (366 nm) three fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.27, 0.71 and 0.82 (all dark brown). On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at . Rf. 0.08, 0.37, 0.62, 0.67, 0.71, 0.82 and 0.92 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 110°C eight spots appear at Rf. 0.08 (greyish brown), 0.17 (violet), 0.37 (brown), 0.62 (violet), 0.67, 0.71, 0.82 (all greyish brown) and 0.92 (violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Flavonoids – Quercetin and Isorhamnetin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta
Guna : Guru
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Amapacana, Kaphavatahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Dasamularista, Devadarvarista, Karpasasthyadi Taila, Rasnadi Kvatha Curna, Rasnaairndadi Kvatha Curna.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sotha, Vatavyadhi, Svasa, Kasa, Jvara, Udararoga, Sidhma, Adhyavata, Amavata, Vatarakta

DOSE – 25-50 g. (Decoction).

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SAHACARA (Whole Plant)

Sahacara consists of dried whole plant of Barleria prionitis Linn.(Fam. Acanthacem); a bushy, prickly undershrub, 0.6-1.5 m high, found throughout hotter parts of the country and also cultivated as a hedge plant.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Kurantaka, Koranda, Kerandaka
Assam. : Shinti
Beng. : —
Eng. : —
Guj. : Kanta-Smrio, Kantasalio
Hindi. : Sahacara
Kan. : Sahacara
Kash. : —
Mal. : Kirimkurunji, Karim Kurunni
Mar. : Koranta, Koranti
Ori. : Dasakeranda
Punj. : Sahacar
Tam. : Sammulli
Tel. : Mulu Gorinta Chettu
Urdu. : Pila Bansa, Piya Bansa

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – Well developed, upto 1 cm thick at the top, cylindrical and tapering, bearing lateral branches and numerous rootlets; surface rough due to numerous dot-like lenticels and root scars of fallen roots; external surface greyish-brown, bark thin with smooth internal surface; wood cream coloured; fracture, hard and laminated; odour and taste not characteristic.

Stem – Erect, 1-8 mm thick, terete, hard, glabrous, nodes swollen, branching at nodes, young stem grey, slightly four angled, usually with 3-4 divaricate spines at axil of leaf; mature stem cylindrical with longitudinally arranged or scattered dot-like lenticels; externally greyish to light brown; a few mature stem slightly hollow.

Leaf – Dorsiventral, variable in size,6-9.5 cm long, 2.5 – 3.5 cm wide, simple, elliptic, acuminate, entire, acute, reticulate, unicostate, glabrous above, glabrous or pubescent beneath; petiole short.

Flower – Sessile, often solitary in the lower axils.. becoming spicate above; bracts foliaceous, 16 by 4.5 mm, oblong or lanceolate, acute, bristle-tipped, nearly glabrous; bracteoles 1.3 cm long, narrowly linear, subulate (almost spinous), bristle-tipped; calyx, divided almost to the base, one of the outer sepals rather more than 1.3 cm long, the opposite sepal rather less than 1.3 cm long, 3.4 mm broad, both oblong-lanceolate, mucronate; the 2 inner sepals 1.5 mm wide and as long as the shorter of the outer ones, linear lanceolate, mucronate; corona, 3.2-4.5 cm long, yellow, slightly pubescent outside, glabrous inside, somewhat 2 lipped; upper lip 2 cm long or more, deeply 4 lobed, the lobes oblong-obovate, round; lower lip oblong-obovate, round, entire; tube 1.9 – 2.2 cm long; stamens 2 fertile and 2 staminodes; filaments of the fertile stamens exserted beyond the corona tube, those of the staminode very short; ovary superior of two fused carpels; style, simple, usually long with two stigma.

Fruit – Capsules, 2-2.5 cm long, ovoid with a long tapering solid beak; 2 seeded. Seed- Compressed, 0.8 cm in diameter and clothed with silky appressed hairs.

b) Microscopic

Root – Mature root shows cork of 6-25 layers of thin-walled, tangentially elongated cells; cork cambium single layered; secondary cortex composed of large, tangentially elongated, parenchymatous cells with small intercellular spaces; secondary phloem consists of sieve tubes, companion cells, phloem parenchyma, and traversed by phloem rays, phloem fibres found scattered throughout phloem region in single and groups, single fibres elongatea, thick-waned with narrow lumen; secondary xylem wide, vessels, tracheids, parenchyma, xylem fibres present; vessels, pitted, with transverse to oblique articulation; tracheids slightly broader in middle with tapering ends having pitted walls; xylem fibres thick-waned, lignified and pitted; xylem parenchyma rectangular with lignified walls; xylem rays uni to biseriate, uniseriate rays more common.

Stem – Cork 6-24 or more layers of rectangular and radially arranged cells; secondary cortex composed of thin-waned, tangentially elongated, 8-15 layers of parenchymatous cells, filled with brown contents; secondary phloem narrow, consisting of heterogenous type of cells; phloem fibres found scattered uniformly throughout phloem region in singles or in groups; fibres moderate in length, lignified with pointed tips; secondary xylem consists of vessels, tracheids, fibres, xylem parenchyma traversed by xylem rays; vessels numerous, vary in size, distributed throughout xylem region vessels having taillike projections at one or both ends and transverse to oblique perforations with spiral or pitted thickenings; tracheids pitted having pointed tips; xylem parenchyma mostly rectangular, thick-waned, lignified with simple pits; xylem rays usually uniseriate, occasionally biseriate; pith isodiametric of parenchymatous cells most of which contain single or group of acicular crystals of calcium oxalate, measuring 19-28 n in length and 3 n in width.

Leaf –
Petiole – A single layered upper and lower epidermis covered externally with a thick cuticle, a few epidermal cells elongate to form unicellular hairs,cystolith develops in some epidermal cells; 2-6 layers of collenchymatous cells present in both upper and lower epidermis; parenchyma 3-8 layered in upper surface and 7-10 layered in lower surface towards proximal end and 5-7 layered at distal end, circular to polygonal and thin-walled; some contain raphides of calcium oxalate; vascular bundle semilunar, situated centrally in parenchymatous ground tissue; xylem vessels arranged in radial rows, protoxylem towards centre; two smaller vascular bundles present on either sides of central vascular bundle.

Midrib – Single layered epidermis on both surfaces covered externally with thick cuticle; collenchyma 2-5 layered on both surfaces, followed by 3-6 layers, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; vascular bundle single, crescent-shaped having usual elements. Lamina Single layered epidermis covered with thick cuticle on both surfaces, glandular trichomes present on both surfaces, while the non-glandular, unicellular, elongated with pointed tips, present only on lower surface; palisade single layered; spongy parenchyma thin-walled, irregular in shape; stomata diacytic and present on both surfaces but more abundant on lower surface; a few veins present in this region.

Powder – Green; shows fragments of cork, xylem vessels with spiral and pitted thickening, acicular crystals of calcium oxalate, measuring 19-28 n in length and 3 n in width, fibres, fragments of lamina of leaf with palisade and mesophyll cells; glandular and non-glandular hairs, epidermal cells with diacytic stomata.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 7 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 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 10 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol : Acetic acid’: Water (4:1:5) shows four spots at Rf. 0.57, 0.77, 0.91 and 0.94 (all light yellow) in the visible “light. Under U.V. (366 nm) four fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.57, 0.77, 0.91 (all blue) and 0.94 (black). On exposure to Iodine vapour six spots appear at Rf. 0.18, 0.43, 0.57, 0.77, 0.88 and 0.94 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic- Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105° C for ten minutes five spots appear at Rf. 0.57 (yellow), 0.77, 0.88 (both pink), 0.84 and 0.94 (both violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids, β-Sitosterol, Potassium.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Snigdha
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Kesya, Kasa, Ranjana, Visahara.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Sahacaradi Taila, Nilikadya Taila, Astavarga Kvatha Curna, Rasnarandadi Kvatha Curna.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kustha, Kandu, Vatarakta, Palit.

DOSE – 50-100 g. of the drug for decoction.

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SAHADEVI (Whole Plant)

Sahadevi consists of dried whole plant of Vernonia cinerea Lees. (Fam. Asteracem); an erect, rarely decumbent, branched herb, 12-75 cm high, found throughout India ascending to an altitude of 1800 m.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Uttamkanyaka, Dandotpala
Assam. : Schdevi
Beng. : Kuksim
Eng. : Purple Fleabane, Fleabane
Guj. : Sadoree, Sadodee
Hindi. : Sahadevi
Kan. : Sahadevee, Okarchendhi
Kash. : —
Mal. : Poovan Kuruntala, Mukkuthaipo
Mar. : Sadodee, Sahdevee
Ori. : —
Punj. : Sehdei
Tam. : Naichotte Poonde
Tel. : Garita Kammi, Sehadevi
Urdu. : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – 5-12 cm long, 1-7 mm thick, oblique and gradually tapering, bearing a few rootlets; external surface, dirty brown; fracture, short.

Stem – Glabrous, cylindrical, hairy, slightly branched; 10-17 cm long, 1-8 mm thick, grooved and ribbed; basal region of branches greenish-brown, apical region dark green, bearing a number of flowers; fracture, short.

Leaf – Simple, dark-green, smooth, alternate, opposite, exstipulate, 2.5-5 cm long, 1.8-3.6 cm broad, elliptical, lanceolate, obtuse or acutely toothed; shape and size variable; petiole short; odour, slightly characteristic.

b) Microscopic

Root – Mature root shows 4-5 layered cork, consisting of tabular, tangentially elongated, thick-walled cells filled with reddish-brown contents; secondary cortex consists of a wide zone of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells having a few resin ducts; secondary phloem, a narrow zone, composed of sieve elements and phloem parenchyma, traversed by phloem rays; xylem well-developed, composed of vessels, tracheids, fibres and  xylem parenchyma, traversed by 1-5 seriate xylem rays; xylem vessels usually solitary or 2-4 in groups with reticulate thickening; fibres aseptate and pointed.

Stem – Mature stem shows several bulges at places and consists of a single layered epidermis, externally covered with a striated cuticle; a number of epidermal cells elongate to form multicellular covering and T-shaped trichomes with 2-6 celled stalk; cortex 3-5 layers of thin-walled, tangentially elongated parenchymatous cells, a few filled with reddishbrown content, bulges show a few layers of collenchyma between epidermis and parenzhymatous cortex; endodermis single layered, composed of barrelshaped cells; pericycle occurs in the form of groups of pericyclic fibres; phloem consists of strands of sieve tubes, companion cells and phloem parenchyma; xylem consists of vessel, parenchyma and fibres; xylem vessls show reticulate thickening; parenchyma in abundance and paratracheal; fibres thick-walled, aseptate, short, with pointed ends; medullary rays 2-11 cells wide; central portion occupied by pith composed of hexagonal to polygonal, thin-walled parenchymatous cells; a few simple starch grains present in cortical cells; cluster crystals of calcium oxalate occasionally found in pith.

Leaf –
Petiole – shows a somewhat circular outline with two lateral projections one on each side; epidermis on both surfaces, covered externally with striated cuticle and have both type of trichomes as described in case of stem, followed by 2-3 layers of collenchyma on upper and lower side; stele composed of three collateral vascular bundles located in centre, central one larger and lateral two smaller; ground tissue composed of thin-walled parenchymatous cells, a few having oil globules and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate.

Midrib – shows similar structure as described in petiole except for 1 or 2 layers of collenchymatous cells below both epidermis and a single vascular bundle in centre; oil globules and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate present in a few cells of ground tissue.

Lamina – shows dorsiventral structure; epidermis single layered on either surface, composed of thin-walled, tangentially elongated cells, covered externally with striated cuticle; trichomes similar to those of stem; palisade single layered; spongy parenchyma 4-5 layered, loosely arranged cells; vascular bundles embedded in spongy parenchyma; rosette crystals of calcium oxalate and oil globules present in this region; anomocytic stomata present on both surfaces.

Powder – Greenish-brown; shows reticulate vessels, thick-walled fibres, a few rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, multicullular covering and T -shaped trichomes with 2-6 celled stalk, and epidermal cells irregular in shape in surface view, showing anomocytic stomata.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 14 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 2 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 15 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (95 : 5) shows on exposure to Iodine vapour two spots at Rf. 0.55 and 0.96 (both yellowish brown), On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 110°C three spots appear at Rf. 0.40, 0.55 and 0.96 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Saponins, Sapogenins, Flavonoids.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Sothahara, Kaphavatasamaka, Svaraghna, Nidrakara
IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Candrakala Rasa, Alamottadi Kashayam (S.Y.)

THERAPEUTIC USES – Jvara, Visamajvara, Sidhma, Visphota, Bhutabadha, Grahabadha, Sphotaka, Pradara, Slipada

DOSE – 10-20 ml. (Swarasa).
5-10 g. (Powder for external use only).

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