Ayurvedic Herbs

MANJISTHA (Stem)

Manjistha consists of dried stem of Rubia cordifolia Linn. (Fam. Rubiacem); a perennial herbaceous prickly creeper or climber upto 10m long, found throughout the country ascending to 3750 m.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Yojnavalli, Vastrarajini, Rakta
Assam. : Phuvva
Beng. : Manjistha, Manjith
Eng. : Indian Maddar
Guj. : Manjitha
Hindi. : Manjitha, Manjit
Kan. : Manjustha
Kash. : —
Mal. : Manjatti
Mar. : Manjihtha
Ori. : —
Punj. : Manjistha, Manjit
Tam : Manjitte
Tel. : Manjishtha
Urdu. : Majeeth

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Stem slender, more or less cylindrical, slightly flattened, wiry, about 0.5 cm thick, brown to purple coloured; surface scabrous, stiff and grooved with longitudinal cracks; prickles present in the immature stem; nodes distinct having two leaf scars, one on either side; fracture, short.

b) Microscopic

Mature stem shows exfoliating cork, ruptured at places, forming dome-shaped structure, consisting of 3-12 or more layered radially arranged, squarish and tangentially elongated, thin-walled cells, appearing polygonal in surface view; secondary cortex 3-5 layered consisting of tangentially elongated, thin-walled cells, some of which contain acicular crystals of calcium oxalate as isolated or in bundles; a few cells contain sandy crystals as black granular masses; secondary phloem, a wide zone of reddish colour, composed of sieve elements and phloem parenchyma, fibres absent; phloem parenchyma smaller towards inner side gradually becoming larger and tangentially elongated towards periphery, a few cells contain sandy crystals of calcium oxalate; secondary xylem forms a continuous cylinder of reddish colour, composed of vessels, tracheids, fibres and xylem parenchyma; vessels numerous, distributed uniformly throughout xylem, larger towards outer side and smaller towards centre; in macerated preparation, vessels show great variation in shape and size having lignified walls and pitted thickening; xylem fibres thick-walled, long and short, longer ones have narrow lumen while shorter ones have wide lumen with pitted thickenings; xylem parenchyma also vary in shape and size having pitted or reticulate thickening; centre occupied by narrow pith consisting of thinwalled, parenchymatous cells, a few cells contain sandy crystals of calcium oxalate.

Powder – Pink; shows numerous fragments of cork, lignified xylem vessels, tracheids, and fibres with pitted and reticulate xylem parenchyma having red coloured contents; acicular and sandy crystals as black granular masses.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 12 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 17 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 two spots at Rf. 0.92 (grey) and 0.98 (green). Under UV (366 nm) two fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.92 (grey) and 0.98 (pink). On exposure to Iodine vapour six spots appear at Rf. 0.28, 0.37, 0.53, 0.72, 0.92 and 0.98 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C six spots appear at Rf. 0.28, 0.37 (both grey), 0.53 (bluish grey), 0.72 (grey), 0.92 (grey) and 0.98 (violet

CONSTITUENTS – Glycosides

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Guru
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Krmighna, Kaphapittasamaka, Svarya, Vrsya, Varnya, Visa, Sothaghna, Kusthaghna, Pramehaghna, Stambhan, Artavajanana, Rasanyana, Sonitasthapana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Arvindasava, Asvagandharista, Usirasava, Candanasava, Brhanmanjisthadi Kvatha, Manjisthadi Taila, Khadiradi Gutika (Mukha)

THERAPEUTIC USES – Yoni Roga, Aksi Roga. Slesmaja Sotha, Karpa Roga, Manjistha Meha, Raktatisara, Kustha, Visarpa, Prameha, Sarpavisa, Bhagna, Arsa, Vyanga

DOSE – 2-4 g. of the drug.

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MARICA (Fruit)

Marica consists of fully mature dried fruit of Piper nigrum Linn. (Fam. Piperacem); a climber, cultivated from Konkan Southwards, especially in North Konkan Kerala, and also in Assam; fruits ripen from December to March, depending upon climatic conditions; fruits harvested from December to April.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Vellaja, Krsna, Usana
Assam. : —
Beng. : Golmorich, Kalamorich, Morich
Eng. : Black Pepper
Guj. : Kalimori
Hindi. : Kalimirch
Kan. : Karimonaru, Menaru
Kash. : —
Mal. : Kurumulaku
Mar. : Kalamiri
Ori. : —
Punj. : Galmirich, Kalimirch
Tam. : Milagu
Tel. : Miriyalu, Marichamu
Urdu. : Filfil Siyah, Kalimirich

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruits greyish-black to black, hard, wrinkled, 0.4-0.5 cm in dia.; odour, aromatic; taste, pungent.

b) Microscopic

Fruit consists of a thick pericarp for about one third of fruit and an inner mass of perisperm, enclosing a small embryo; pericarp consists of epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp; epicarp composed of single layered, slightly sinuous, tabular cells forming epidermis, below which, are present 1 or 2 layers of radially elongated, lignified stone cells adjacent to group of cells of parenchyma; mesocarp wide, composed of band of tangentially elongated parenchymatous cells having a few isolated, tangentially elongated oil cells present in outer region and a few fibro-vascular bundles, a single row of oil cells in the inner region of mesocarp; endocarp composed of a row of beakershaped stone cells; testa single layered, yellow coloured, thick-walled sclerenchymatous cells; perisperm contains parenchymatous cells having a few oil globules and packed with abundant, oval to round, simple and compound starch grains measuring 5.5-11.0 μ in dia.; having 2-3 components and a few minute aleurone grains.

Powder – Blackish-grey; shows debris with a characteristic, in groups, more or less isodiametric or slightly elongated stone cells, interspersed with thin-walled, polygonal hypodermal cells; beaker-shaped stone cells from endocarp and abundant polyhedral, elongated cells from peri sperm, packed tightly with masses of minute compound and single, oval to round, starch grains measuring 5.5-11.0 μ in dia.; having 2-3 component and a few aleurone grains and oil globules.

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 0.5 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 (7 : 3) shows in visible light four spots at Rf. 0.05, 0.08 (both light green), 0.27 (light yellow) and 0.52 (yellow). Under UV (366 nm) ten fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.05, 0.08 (both light brown), 0.20 (light blue), 0.46 (blue), 0.52 (greenish yellow), 0.57 (bluish yellow), 0.66 (light blue), 0.74 (light pink), 0.82 and 0.97 (both blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour eleven spots appear at Rf. 0.05, 0.08, 0.14, 0.20, 0.27, 0.34, 0.46, 0.57, 0.66, 0.74 and 0.97 (all yellow). On spraying with Dragendorff reagent followed by 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent nine spots appear at Rf. 0.05 (lightorange), 0.14, 0.20, 0.27 (all orange), 0.46, 0.57 (both yellowish orange), 0.66, 0.74 (both orange) and 0.97 (light orange). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C twelve spots appear at Rf. 0.05, 0.08, 0.20, 0.27, 0.46, 0.52, 0.57, 0.66, 0.74, 0.82, 0.90.and 0.97 (all violet).

T.L.C. OF PIPERINE –

Preparation of the Extract:
Extract 1 g of Pepper powder by heating under reflux for 15 minutes with 10 ml methanol. Filter, evaporate the filtrate so as to reduce it to 2 ml and use for TLC application.
Standard Piperine:
Dilute 5 gm in 5 ml methanol Adsorbent: Silica gel plate Solvent System: Toluene: Ethyl acetate (7:3) (saturate the chamber for at least 30 minutes)
Application: Pepper extract : 20 μ }}–band form. Piperine : 10 μ }
Running distance: 10 to 12 cms
Drying: Air rying for 15 to 20 min. and then in an oven for 5 min.
Detection: Cool and spray the plate thoroughly with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heat at 1100 C for 5-10 min. under observation. When piperine spots appear lemon yellow, the plate is to be taken out. Over-heating turns yellow spots to violet.
Rf. of Piperine: Approximately 0.5 in case of hand made plates

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids (Piperine, Chavicine, Piperidine, Piperetine) and Essential Oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Slesmahara, Dipana, Medohara, Pittakara, Rucya, Kaphavatajit Vatahara, Chedana, Jantunasana, Chedi, Hrdroga, Vataroga.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Maricadi Gutika, Maricadi Taila, Trikatu Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Svasa, Sula, Krmiroga, Tvagroga

DOSE – 250 mg – 1 g. of the drug in powder form.

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MASAPARNI (Whole Plant)

Masaparni consists of dried whole plant of Teramnus labialis Spreng. (Fam. Fabacem), a very variable climbing or spreading hairy herb, found throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Mahasaha, Suryasani, Kamboj, Pandutomasa Pasni
Assam. : —
Beng. : Mashance, Bankalaai, Mashani
Eng. : Vogel-Tephrosis
Guj. : Banudad, Janglee, Adad
Hindi. : Mashvan, Banvdad, Mashoni
Kan. : Kadu Uddu
Kash. : —
Mal. : Katu Ulandu
Mar. : Ran Udid
Ori. : —
Punj. : Jangali Urad
Tam. : Kattu-Ulandu
Tel. : Karuminum, Mashperni
Urdu. : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – Tap root with lateral roots occurs in cylindrical, branched pieces, 3-5 cm long, and upto 1cm in dia., light brown to dark brown, with longitudinal and transverse cracks; lateral roots thin, smooth, moderately woody; fracture, laminated and short.

Stem – Cut pieces 5-8 cm long, upto 0.8 cm in dia, somewhat twisted and branched, or cylindrical, slender, rough due to cracks and longitudinal ridges and furrows, brownishgrey;
fracture, short and fibrous.

Leaf – Trifoliate, leaflet ovate-oblong, 6-12 cm long, base round or acute, light brownish-yellow.

Flower – Lax axillary racemes, 5-15 cm long, flowers red, pink, purple or white, slender, more or less hairy rachis.

Fruit – Pod upto 5 cm long, straight or sometimes slightly recurved, brownish-black to dark brown, having 6-8 or 12 seeds.

Seed – Oblong, cylindrical, slightly rounded at the ends; 2-3 mm long upto 2 mm in dia.; dark brown.

b) Microscopic

Root – Poorly developed cork, 4-10 layered, consisting of tangentially elongated cells with brown walls, exfoliating strips of crushed cork cells occasionally present; secondary cortex consisting of 3-8 rows of tangentially elongated, thin-walled cells; secondary phloem appearing dome-shaped, composed of sieve tubes, companion cells, parenchyma, fibres, and crystal fibres, the whole being traversed by phloem rays that funnel out beyond phloem; phloem parenchyma thin-walled, polygonal; phloem fibres numerous, lignified, thick-walled, septate, occur mostly in groups, among phloem parenchyma; crystal fibres present containing a prismatic crystal of calcium oxalate; cambium not distinct; secondary xylem consisting of vessels, fibres and crystal fibres all traversed by xylem rays; vessels solitary or in groups of 2-3 with pitted thickenings; tracheids present, fibres septate with thick-walls and pointed; xylem parenchyma nonlignified, thick-walled elongated cells; crystal fibres, elongated, thick-walled, divided by transverse partitions into chambers, each chamber containing a prismatic crystal of calcium oxalate; xylem rays, 1 to 6 cells wide, thin-walled radially elongated; prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, and starch grains present in secondary cortex, phloem fibres, phloem parenchyma and medullary rays; starch grains, numerous, mostly simple, rarely compound, oval to rounded with central hilum measuring 3-14 μ in dia.

Stem – Shows 6-11 layers, thin-walled, rectangular, exfoliated cork cells; secondary cortex consisting of thin-walled, oval to rectangular, parenchymatous cells having numerous groups of cortical fibres, arranged in radial rows; pericycle composed of isolated strands of fibres, occasionally with stone cells between them; secondary phloem composed of usual elements along with secretory cells; secondary xylem composed of usual elements; xylem fibres long, lignified; vessels simple pitted; ray 1 or 2 cells wide, pith composed of oval to polygonal, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells containing secretory cells.

Leaf –
Midrib – single layered epidermis covered by thick cuticle, and having a few unicellular hairs on both surfaces; this is followed by 4 or 5 layered, thick-walled polygonal, collenchymatous cells on both lower and upper surfaces; 2 or 3 layers of oval to polygonal, thin-walled parenchymatous cells present on both surfaces; ‘U’ shaped vascular bundles having usual elements.

Lamina – single layered epidermis covered by thick striated cuticle and having a few unicellular hairs on both surfaces; single layered palisade cell; 1 or 2 layers of thinwalled, polygonal parenchymatous cells containing chlorophyll on lower surface, a few small vascular bundles having usual elements scattered in central regions; stomata paracytic on both surfaces; stomatal index 28-34 on lower surfaces and 18-24 on upper surfaces; palisade ratio not more than 5; vein-islet number 6-8; veinlet termination number not more than 4.

Fruit – Single layered, thick-walled, radially elongated, epidermal cells, followed by one row of thick-walled, rounded to rectangular, stone cells of various sizes having narrow, lumen and centric striations, 3 or 4 layers of thin-walled radially elongated, parenchymatous cells and several layers of thick-walled, lignified sclerenchymatous cells of mesocarp.

Seed – Testa containing thick-walled, tangentially elongated, lignified, sclerenchymatous cells, followed by 2 layers of thin-walled, palisade-like cells, palisade internally supported by a single layered bearer cells; cotyledons consist of oval to polygonal, thin walled parenchymatous cells.

Powder – Light yellowish-cream; shows fragments of cork, parenchyma, tracheids, unicellular hairs, thick-walled, elongated, polygonal cells of testa, simple pitted vessel, septate, thick-walled and pointed fibres; prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, simple, oval to rounded starch grains measuring 3 -14 μ in dia.

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 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 7 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) seven fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 (all blue), 0.26 (light blue), 0.49, 0.74 (both blue) and 0.85 (light blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour four spots appear at Rf. 0.05, 0.10, 0.33 and 0.69 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110° C four spots appear at Rf. 0.05, 0.10, 0.33 (all violet) and 0.96 (dark violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Glycosides.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Balya, Grahi, Vrsya, Vatapittasamaka, Kaphavardhaka, Sukrala

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Amrtaprasa Ghrta, Asoka Ghrta, Vidaryadi Ghrta, Dhanwantara Ghrta, Narayana Taila, Brhat Masa Taila, Bala Taila, Mahanarayana Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Atisara, Pravahika, Vatapitta Jvara, Sukralpata, Raktapitta, Raktavikara, Daha, Sotha, Sirahsula

DOSE – 5-10 g. of the powder.

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MASURA (Seed)

Masura consists of dried seed of Lens culinaris Medic. (Fam. Fabacem), a small,
erect, pubescent herb, 15-75 cm high, cultivated throughout north India, particularly in
Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, and to a smaller extent in
Punjab. Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Supya, Pittabhesaja
Assam. : —
Beng. : Masuri
Eng. : Lentil
Guj. : Masura, Masoor, Masur
Hindi. : Masur
Kan. : Masura Bele
Kash. : —
Mal. : Chanam payar, Vattupparupu
Mar. : Masur, Massora
Ori. : —
Punj. : Masur, Masara
Tam. : Masoor Paruppu
Tel. : Masura Pappu, Masooralu
Urdu. : Masur

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seed lens-shaped, smooth, about 4 mm thick, greyish-brown and faintly mottled, cotyledons pink; taste, characteristic.

b) Microscopic

Seed testa consists of a single layer of epidermis composed of palisade-like cells, columnar and sclerenchymatous, with a tiny projection and shows a light, transparent line; below this, a single layer of hypodermis consisting of beaker or dumbbell shaped cells present; testa followed by cotyledons, consisting of a thin layer of upper and lower epidermis covered with a thin layer of cuticle; epidermis made up of rectangular cells oriented along their long axis; below epidermis, mesophyll consists of thin-walled, rounded or oval shaped, parenchymatous cells, generally filled with simple, round to oval, starch grains many with striations showing a fissured hilum; mostly measuring between 30-40μ in dia.

Powder – Cream coloured; shows black particles due to pieces of testa; fragments of thick-walled, elongated, oval to polygonal cells of testa and a few sclerenchymatous cells in surface view; irregular, wavy palisade-like cells, and simple, round to oval, starch grains upto 40 μ in dia., with striations and a fissured hilum.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 3 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 6 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 on exposure to Iodine vapour six spots at Rf. 0.11, 0.40, 0.44, 0.50, 0.65 and 0.80 (all yellow). On spraying with Ninhydrin reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 110°C seven spots appear at Rf. 0.11, 0.18, 0.24, 0.33, 0.44, 0.50 and 0.65 (all pink).

CONSTITUENTS – Flavonoids and Vitamins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Balya, Kaphapittasamaka, Sangrahi, Varnya, Vatamayakara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS –

THERAPEUTIC USES –Atisara, Muttrakrcchra, Jvara, Raktapitta

DOSE – 10-20 g.

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MUDGA (Seed)

Mudga consists of dried seeds of Phaseolus radiatus Linn. (Fam. Fabacem); an erect or sub-erect, much branched, 0.5 -1.3 m tall, annual herb, extensively cultivated all over the country as a pulse crop.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Mungalya
Assam. : —
Beng. : Moong
Eng. : Green Gram
Guj. : Mug, Mag
Hindi. : Munga
Kan. : Hesara, Hesoruballi
Kash. : —
Mal. : Cherupayar
Mar. : Mung
Ori. : Muga, Jaimuga
Punj. : Munga, Mungi
Tam. : Pattchai Payaru, Pasi Payaru, Siru Murg
Tel. : Pesalu, Peachha Peralu
Urdu. : Moong

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seed small, globular, about 0.4 cm long roughly square, smooth with white lateral hilum; usually green but some times yellowish-green; odour, not distinct; taste, slightly sweet

b) Microscopic

Seed coat shows a single layered, radially elongated, palisade-like cells, covered with a striated cuticle and supported internally by a single layered, thinwalled bearer cells, followed by 4-6 layered, thin-walled, tangentially elongated, elliptical, parenchymatous cells; cotyledons consist of oval of polygonal, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells having round to oval, simple, starch grains measuring 8-33 μ in dia. and rarely, oil globules.

Powder – Cream coloured; shows palisade-like cells, oval to polygonal, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; round to oval, simple, starch grains measuring 8-33 μ in dia. and occasional oil globules.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 4 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 1.5 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 under UV (366 nm ) four fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.56, 0.65, 0.82 and 0.95 (all blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at Rf. 0.01, 0.34, 0.56, 0.65, 0.78, 0.86 and 0.95 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 105°C seven spots appear at Rf. 0.26 (grey), 0.34 (violet), 0.65 (pink), 0.73 (pink), 0.82 (violet), 0.91 (violet) and 0.95 (pink).

CONSTITUENTS – Saponin, Starch, Albuminoids and Oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Grahi, Kaphahara, Pittahara, Varnya, Balaprada, Netrya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Balahathadi Taila, Marma Gutika, Kayasthyadi Varti.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Jvara, Netra Roga, Amlapitta

DOSE – 50-100 g. for yusa.

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KASA (Root Stock)

Kasa consists of dried root stock with attached stem portion of Saccharum spontaneum Linn. (Fam. Poacem), a perennial grass with slender culms, found throughout the country in warmer parts ascending upto 1,800 m in the Himalayas.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Kasa, Svetacamara
Assam. : —
Beng. : Chhote-Kase, Kash, Keshe
Eng. : Thatch-Grass
Guj. : Kansado, Kansa, Kansado, Ghans
Hindi. : Kans, Kasa
Kan. : Kirayikagachchha, Kasalu
Kash. : —
Mal. : Nannana, Kusa, Kuruvikarimpu
Mar. : Kasai
Ori. : —
Punj. : Kani
Tam. : Nanal, Nanalu, Karumbu, Kasa, Amaver
Tel. : Kakicheraku, Relu
Urdu. : Kansa, Kasa

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs in the form of root stock with attached stem portions having numerous dark brown roots; cylindrical, yellowish-brown to brown, 2-25 cm or more in length and 0.2-1 cm thick; fracture, splintery.

b) Microscopic

Root stock shows single layered epidermis, consisting of slightly oval, thinwalled cells, a few elongated, pointed, aseptate, long unicellular hairs arise from epidermis; cortex composed of 2-3 layered, elongated, thick- walled, palisade-like cells and 3-4 layers of thin-walled, oval to polygonal parenchymatous cells; endoderm is consisting of thin- walled, single layered cells, followed by 6-9 layered, thick-walled, lignified, polygonal, continuous ring of sclerenchymatous cells; pericycle single layered, composed of very small, thin-walled cells beneath endoderm is; ground tissues wide, composed of thin-walled, oval to polygonal, elongated parenchymatous cells having numerous, round to oval starch grains measuring 8-24 μ in dia., scattered ‘U’ shaped vascular bundle with sheath, also seen in this region.

Powder – Dark brown; shows fragments of thin-walled, tabular, somewhat rectangular, epidermal cells in surface view, oval to polygonal: thin-walled parenchymatous and thick-walled polygonal sclerenchymatous cells, pointed unicellular hairs, vessels with reticulate thickening, small round to oval starch grains, measuring 8-24 μ in dia.

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 4 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 4 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) one fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.83 (green). On exposure to Iodine vapour three spots appear at Rf. 0.30, 0.83 and 0.90 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 105°C six spots appear at Rf. 0.13, 0.23, 0.30 (all dull yellow), 0.69, 0.83 and 0.90 ( all grey).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Sara
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Pittahara, Vrsya, Balakrt, Srmahara, Rucikrt

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Karpuradyarka, Brahma Rasayana, Sukumara Gh rta, Traikantaka Ghrta, Trnapancamula Kvatha Curna, Mutravirecaniya Kasaya Curna, Stanyajanana Kasaya Curna, Asmarihara Kasaya Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Raktapitta, Mutarakrcchra, Asmari, Daha, Raktadosa, Sosa, Ksaya

DOSE – 3-6 g. of the drug in powder form.

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MULAKA (Seed)

Mulaka consists of dried seed of Raphanus sativus Linn. (Fam. Brassicacem); a biennial herb, cultivated throughout India, upto 3000 m in the Himalayas and other hilly regions, for its roots.

SYNONYMS

Sansk: Salamarkataka, Visra, Saleya, Marusambhava
Assam. : Mulo
Beng. : Mula
Eng. : Radish
Guj. : Mulo
Hindi. : Muli
Kan. : Moolangi, Moolaogi, Mullangi, Mugunigadde
Kash. : —
Mal. : Mullanki
Mar. : Mula
Ori. : Mula, Rakhyasmula
Punj. : Moolak, Moolee, Moola
Tam. : Mullangi, Mulakam, Mullangu, Millangi
Tel. : Mullangi
Urdu. : Turb, Mooli

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seed reddish-brown, irregularly globose, sometimes flattened, 2-4 mm long and 2 mm wide; surface generally smooth and sometimes wrinkled and grooved at micropylar end; taste, oily.

b) Microscopic

Seed shows testa; consisting of single layer of nearly rectangular cells, covered with thin cuticle, followed by a layer of radially elongated, reddish-brown columnar cells, and integument 2-3 layers of compressed, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; cotyledons and embryo consist of oval to polygonal, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells containing aleurone grains and oil globules.

Powder – Brownish-yellow; shows fragments of testa with hexagonal, thin-walled epidermis cells in surface view; oval to polygonal, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells of embryo and cotyledon; oil globules and aleurone grains present.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 5.5 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 4.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 11 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethlacetate (9: 1) shows under U.V. (366 nm) a fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.95 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour five spots appear at Rf. 0.17, 0.31, 0.39, 0.70 and 0.95 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes four spots appear at Rf. 0.17, 0.31, 0.39 and 0.95 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Fixed Oil and Volatile Oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Grahi, Hrdya, Kanthya, Kaphavatahara, Visahara, Vataslesmahara, Vahnidipana, Garbthasayasamikocaka, Kaphanissaraka, Mural, Pacaka, Vitanulomana, Mrdurecaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Sarspadi Lepa

THERAPEUTIC USES – Gulma, Hrdroga, Kantha Roga, Sidhmakustha Jvara,Svasa, Nasika Roga, Aksi Roga, Anartava

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

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KATPHALA (Fruit)

Katphala consists of dried fruit of Myrica esculenta Buch.- Ham. ex D. Don Syn. M. nagi Hook.f. (Fam. Myricacem); a dioecious, evergreen, small or moderate sized tree, 3-15 m high, found in sub-tropical Himalayas from Ravi eastwards to Assam, and in Khasi, Jaintia, Naga and Lushai hills a elevation of 900-2100 m,

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Mahavalkala
Assam. : Ajooree, Vdulbark
Beng. : Kayachhal, Katphal, Kayphal
Eng. : Box Myrtle, Bay Berry
Guj. : Kayphal
Hindi. : Kayphajl
Kan. : Kadujai Kai, Katphala, Kirisivari, Kirishivane
Kash. : —
Mal. : Marut
Mar. : Kaayphal
Ori. : —
Punj. : Kanphal, Kayphal
Tam. : Marudam, Marudampatai
Tel. : Kaidaryamu
Urdu. : Kaiphal

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit – A drupe, ellipsoid or ovoid, 0.7-1.0 cm long, 0.5-0.7 cm wide, dark brown, surface tubercled, very hard; taste, sourish sweet.

Seed – Ovoid, 0.6 cm long, 0.3 cm wide, surface very smooth, light brown; taste, oily.

b) Microscopic

Fruit – Shows epicarp cells isodiametric in surface view, mass of reddish-brown, thinwalled, parenchymatous cells, a few elongated tubercled cells with smooth walls; endocarp hard and stony consisting of sclerenchymatous cells.

Seed – Seed coat shows single layered, thick, brown coloured cells; cotyledons composed of single layered, thin-walled epidermal cells containing oil gloubles and aleurone grains; mesophyll cells thin-walled, isodiametric, fully packed with oil gloubles and aleurone grams.

Powder – Yellowish-brown; shows rectangular to hexagonal, thin-walled seed coat and polygonal epidermal cells in surface view; tubercled parenchymatous cells, oil globules and aleurone grains.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 2.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 15 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 ‘GF 254’ plate using n-Butanol:
Acetic acid: Water (4:1:5) shows in visible light five spots at Rf. 0.25, 0.43, 0.57, 0.75 (all grey) and 0.88 (yellowish green). Under U.V. (366 nm) seven fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.09, 0.18 and 0.30 (all light blue), 0.43 (green), 0.49 (blue), 0.65 (blue) and 0.71 (pink). On exposure to Iodine vapour eleven spots appear at Rf. 0.07, 0.09, 0.12, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.43, 0.52, 0.57, 0.75 and 0.88 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C six spots appear at Rf. 0.09 (black), 0.30 (black), 0.57 (light brown), 0.71 (light pink), 0.82 (light pink) and 0.88 (yellowish green).

CONSTITUENTS – Waxy Material.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphavatahara, Rucya, Dahahara, Mukharogasamaka, Dhatuvikarajit

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Brhatphala Ghrta, Pusyanuga Curna, Arimedadi Taila, Bala Taila, Mahavisagarbha Taila, Khadiradi Gutika (Mukha Roga), Khadiradi Gutika (Kasa), Maha Vatagajan kusa Rasa.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Gulma, Meha, Jvara, Arsa, Grahani, Pandu Roga, Hrallasa, Mukha Roga, Kasa, Svasa

DOSE – 3-5 g.

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MUNDITIKA (Leaf)

Munditika consists of dried leaf of Sphmranthus indicus Linn. (Fam. Asteracem); an aromatic, much branched herb, 30-60 cm high found abundantly in damp and shady places in plains all over the country, ascending to an altitude of 1,500 m in the hills.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Mundi, Sravani, Kadamba, Puspika, Alambusta
Assam. : Kamadarus
Beng : Surmuriya, Chhagal Nadi, Mudmudiya
Eng. : —
Guj. : Gorakhmundi
Hindi. : Mundi
Kan. : Mundi
Kash. : —
Mal. : Mirnagnee, Atookamanni, Mirangnee
Mar. : Mundi, Baras Bondi
Ori. : Buikadam
Punj. : Gorakhmundi
Tam. : Kotook, Karandai, Kottakarthai
Tel. : Bodasaramu, Bodataramu
Urdu. : Mundi

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Leaf sessile, decurrent, 2-7 cm long, 1-1.5 cm wide, obovate-oblong, narrowed to the base, dentate or serrate, hairy, greenish-brown; odour, slightly aromatic, but disappears on long storage; taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic

Leaf –
Midrib – Shows a single layered epidermis, covered with ordinary trichomes upto 5 cells high and glandular trichomes having unicellular stalk and group of 4-10 cells head, on both surfaces, followed in turn by 4-6 layered collenchyma and 3-4 layered parenchyma cells at both surfaces; vascular bundles 3-4, situated centrally having usual elements, xylem vessels arranged radially.

Lamina – Shows a single layered epidermis having numerous trichomes similar to those of midrib on both surfaces; mesophyll not differentiated into palisade and spongy parenchyma cells; stomata anisocytic present on both surfaces, stomatal index 32-38 on lower surface and 20- 29 on upper surface, stomatal number 47-54 on lower surface and 15-22 on upper surface, vein islet number 20-26.

Powder – Light greenish-brown; shows fragments of parenchyma, glandular hairs, multicellular trichomes, xylem vessels, polygonal, wavy, thin-walled epidermal cells in surface view, stomata, ordinary trichomes upto 5 cells high and glandular trichomes having unicellular stalk and a head of 4-1 0 cells.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 28 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 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 Chloroform: Methanol (9 : 1) shows three spots at Rf. 0.27, 0.72 and 0.90 (all yellowish green) in visible light. Under U.V. (366 nm) five fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.27, 0.42 (both blue). 0.54 (orange), 0.72 and 0.90 (both blue). On spraying with 5% Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 110°C for ten minutes three spots appear at Rf. 0.27, 0.72 (both grey corresponding to Citral) and 0.96 (blue).

CONSTITUENTS – Essential Oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Medhya, Visaghna, Vatakaphahara, Arsadosa, Vinasaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Navaratnaraja, Mrganka Rasa, Arka Mundi

THERAPEUTIC USES – Gandamala, Apaci, Kustha, Krmi, Pandu, Slipada, Medaroga, Apasmara, Kasa, Mutrakrcchra, Tvaka Roga, Stana Saithalya, Yoniroga, Amatisara, Amaroga, Vataroga, Gudaroga, Pliharoga, Chardi, Amavata, Gatradurgandhya, Suryavarta, Ardhavabhavabhedaka

DOSE – 3-6 g. of the drug.

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KATPHALA (Stem Bark)

Katphala consists of dried stem bark of Myrica esculenta Buch.- Ham. ex D. Don, Syn. M. nagi Hook.f. (Fam. Myricacem); a dioecious evergreen, small or moderate sized tree, 3-15 m high, found in subtropical Himalayas from Ravi eastward to Assam, Khasi, Jaintia, Naga and Lushai hills upto an elevation of 900-2100 m.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Mahavalkala
Assam. : Ajooree Vdulbark
Beng. : Kaychhal, Katphal, Kayphal
Eng. : Box Myrtle, Bay Berry
Guj. : Kayphal
Hindi. : Kayphal
Kan. : Kadujai Kai, Katphala, Kirisivari, Kirishivane
Kash. : —
Mal. : Marut
Mar. : Kaayphal
Ori. : —
Punj. : Kanphal, Kayphal
Tam. : Marudam, Marudampatai
Tel. : Kaidaryamu
Urdu. : Kaiphal

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs in pieces of variable length, 1-2.5 cm thick, slightly quilled, fissured longitudinally and transversely, outer surface rough, grey to brownish-grey, inner surface dark brown and smooth; fracture, hard; taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic

Mature stem bark shows multilayered cork, composed of rectangular, tangentially elongated, thin-walled cells, some filled with red contents; secondary cortex a wide zone, composed of thin-walled, rectangular to polygonal, parenchymatous cells, a number of cells filled with red colouring matter and simple, round to oval starch grains measuring 6-11 μ in dia.; a number of stone cells, in singles or in groups, circular polygonal or oval, thick-walled, lignified with simple pits and radiating canals, found scattered throughout secondary cortex; secondary phloem consists of sieve elements, phloem fibres, crystal fibres, stone cells and phloem parenchyma traversed by phloem rays; numerous prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate present in secondary phloem; phloem fibres with blunt or pointed end and highly thick-walled, with very narrow lumen present in groups; stone cells similar to those found in secondary cortex, mostly in singles or in groups of 2-3, sometimes associated with fibre groups in phloem parenchyma; in isolated preparation and tangential sections crystal fibres show more than twenty chambers having single prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate in each chamber; a number of phloem parenchyma cells containing red colouring matter; phloem rays 1-4 seriate, containing red colouring matter.

Powder – Rusty red; shows a number of stone cells, phloem fibres, crystal fibres and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate and simple, round to oval, starch grains measuring 6-11 μ in dia.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 4 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 13 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 (7 : 3) in visible light shows four spots at Rf. 0.08 (grey), 0.32 (yellow), 0.51 (grey) and 0.58 (yellow). Under UV (366 nm) three fluorescent zones appear at Rf. 0.49, 0.67 (both light blue) and 0.86 (blue). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 110°C for ten minutes six spots appear at Rf 0.08, 0.21 (both grey), 0.35 (Pink), 0.52, 0.67 and 0.80 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Tannin and Glycosides.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dahahara, Dhatuvikarajit, Kaphavatahara, Mukharogasamaka, Kahaphaladi Nasya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Brhatphala Ghrta, Pusyanuga Curna, Arimedadi Taila, Bala Taila, Mahavisagarbha Taila, Khadiradi Gutika (Mukha Roga), Khadiradi Gutika (Kasa), Maha Vatagajan Kusa Rasa.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Gulma, Meha, Jvara, Arsa, Grahani, Pandu Roga, Hrllasa, Mukha Roga, Kasa, Svasa, Agnimandhya, Aruchi, Kantharoga

DOSE – 3-5 g.

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MUSTA (Rhizome)

Musta consists of dried rhizome of Cyperus rotundus Linn. (Fam. Cyperacem); occurring throughout the country, common in waste grounds, gardens and roadsides, upto an elevation of 1800 m.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Mustaka, Varida
Assam. : Mutha, Somad Koophee
Beng. : Mutha, Musta
Eng. : Nut Grass
Guj. : Moth, Nagarmoth
Hindi. : Motha, Nagarmotha
Kan. : Konnari Gadde
Kash. : —
Mal. : Muthanga, Kari Mustan
Mar. : Moth, Nagarmoth, Motha, Bimbal
Ori. : —
Punj. : Mutha, Motha
Tam. : Korai, Korai-Kizhangu
Tel. : Tungamustalu
Urdu. : Sad Kufi

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug consists of rhizome and stolon having a number of wiry roots, stolon 10-20 cm long having a number of rhizomes, crowded together on the stolons, rhizomes bluntly conical and vary in size and thickness, crowned with the remains of stem and leaves forming a scaly covering, dark brown or black externally, creamish-yellow internally; odour, pleasant.

b) Microscopic

Rhizome shows single layered epidermis, followed by 2-6 layers, suberised sclerenchymatous cells; epidermis and outer sclerenchymatous layers filled with dark brown content; ground tissue of cortex consists of circular to oval, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells with small intercellular spaces; a few fibro-vascular bundles present in this region; endoderm is distinct and surrounding the stele; wide central zone beneath endodermis, composed of circular to oval, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells with intercellular spaces, numerous collateral, closed, vascular bundles surrounded by bundle sheath, scattered in this region; vessels narrow having simple reticulate, and scalariform thickening and oblique pore; simple round to oval starch grains measuring 6-28 μ in dia., a number of pigmented cells filled with reddish-brown content, present throughout the cortex and stele.

Powder – Creamish-brown; shows reddish-brown cells, reticulate and simple pitted vessels; fibre-like, closely packed sclerified cells, narrow vessels with scalariform thickness and oblique pore from the remnants of leaves simple, round to oval, starch grains, measuring 6-28 μ in diameter.

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 4 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 11 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7
Volatile oil Not less than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.10

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. 0.88 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour three spots appear at Rf. 0.44, 0.55 and 0.73 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 105°C three spots appear at Rf. 0.44, 0.55 and 0.73 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Volatile Oil

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Sothahara, Dipana, Grahi, Krmighna, Pacana, Visaghna, Pittakaphahara, Sthoulyahara, Trsnanigrahana, Tvakadosahara, Jvaraghna

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Musakarista, Mustakadi Kvatha, Asokarista, Mustakadi Curna, Mustakadi, Mustakadi Lehya, Dhamya Pancaka Kvatha Curna, Piyusavalli Rasa, Gulmakatanala Rasa, Mahalaksadi Taila, Sadangapaneeya

THERAPEUTIC USES – Agnimandya, Ajerna, Trsna, Jvara, Sangrahani, Svasa, Kasa, Mutrakrcchra, Vamana, Stanyavikara, Sutikaroga, Atisara, Amavata, Krimiroga

DOSE – 3-6 g. (Powder).
20-30 ml. (Kwatha).

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KOLA (Fruit Pulp)

Kola consists of dried fruit pulp (devoid of seed) of Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. Syn. Z. jujuba Lam. (Fam. Rhamnacem); a small, evergreen sub-deciduous tree, wild and also extensively cultivated throughout the country and found in Himalayan region upto about 1370 m.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Koli, Badari
Assam. : Vagari
Beng. : Kul Vadar, Vadar, Vadai, Narkolikul
Eng. : Jujube
Guj. : Bor
Hindi. : Desi Ber
Kan. : Borehannu
Kash. : —
Mal. : Lanta, Lantakkura
Mar. : Bor
Ori. : Borakoli
Punj. : Desi ber
Tam. : Ilandai
Tel. : Regi
Urdu. : Ber

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Pulp pieces irregular in shape, shrunk, with external surface smooth and glossy, 2 mm in thickness, brittle, colour, orange red; odour, not distinct; taste, sour.

b) Microscopic

Fruit pulp shows single layered epicarp consisting of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, covered with thin layer of cuticle; mesocarp differentiated into two zones, outer zone consisting of 5-10 layers of rectangular, thin-walled, parenchymaous cells, inner mesocarp consisting of oval to polygonal, thin-walled, crushed parenchymatous cells, most of the mesocarp cells filled with reddish-brown substance, which is tannin when tested; a few fibro- vascular bundles found scattered in this region,

Powder – Orange; shows round to oval, thin-walled, reddish-brown cells of meso carp, slightly thick-walled, polygonal epicarp cells in surface view.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 4.5 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 25 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 45 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 (9: 1: 10) shows under UV (366 nm) a fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.34 (light blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at Rf. 0.11, 0.17, 0.34, 0.43, 0.54, 0.66 and 0.84 (all yellow). On spraying with 60 % Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 120°C five spots appear at Rf. 0.17, 0.34 (both black), 0.43, 0.66 and 0.84 (all grey). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C two spots appear at Rf. 0.17 and 0.34 (both black).

CONSTITUENTS – Vitamin C, Sugars and Minerals.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Amla, Kasaya
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Dipana, Grahi, Rucya, Vatahara, Pacana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Dhanvantara Taila, Yavani Sadhava

THERAPEUTIC USES – Daha, Raktavikara, Trsna, Aruci.

DOSE – 3-6 g. (Dried Pulp).

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NAGAVALLI (Leaf)

Nagavalli consists of leaf of Piper betle Linn. (Fam. Piperacem); a dioecious, perennial creeper, climbing by many short adventitious rootlets, widely cultivated in hotter and damper parts of the country.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Tambuli
Assam. : Pan
Beng. : Pan
Eng. : Betel Leaf
Guj. : Pan
Hindi. : Pan
Kan. : Veelyadele Ele
Kash. : —
Mal. : Vettila
Mar. : Pan, Nagvel, Vidyachepan
Ori. : —
Punj. : Pan
Tam. : Vettilai
Tel. : Tamalapaku, Tamulapaku
Urdu. : Pan

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Leaf varies greatly in size, 7.5-20.0 cm, ovate cordate, entire, glabrous, apex acuminate to acute, lamina membranous, upper surface deep green and lower surface lighter in colour, primary or sub-primary nerves usually 7, sometimes 5-9; odour, aromatic; taste, stightly pungent.

b) Microscopic

Leaf –
Petiole – Single layered epidermis composed of cubical to slightly tangentially elongated cells covered with thick, striated cuticle; epidermal cells elongate to form uni to bicellular, occasionally multicellular hairs; epidermis followed by a discontinuous collenchymatous zone in the form of arcs, and a multilayered parenchymatous zone; vascular bundles arranged in the arcs, phloem surrounds xylem; vascular bundles usually of two sizes larger ones 7 in number and smaller ones 2 in number.

Midrib – Epidermis single layered, composed of colourless cubical cells, covered with wavy cuticle; epidermis followed by 2-3 layers of irregular colourless cells of hypodermis and a few layers of collenchyma, towards lower side collenchyma multilayered; vascular bundle shows phloem surrounding xylem; lower epidermis single layered and covered with wavy cuticle; some epidermal cells elongate to form uni to bicellular-occasionally multicellular hairs.

Lamina – Shows dorsi ventral structure; epidermis single layered, tangentially elongated, covered with thick striated cuticle on both sides; hypodermis 2-3 layered; having chloroplasts, occasionally with secretory cells; mesophyll differentiated into palisade and spongy parenchyma; palisade single layered; spongy parenchyma 3-4 layered composed of irregularly round cells, a few secretory cells also present in this region; hairs a few uni to bicellular, occasionally multicellular, all being uniseriate present on both surfaces; stomata anisocytic palisade ratio not over 4; stomatal index 11-13; vein islet number 2-7.

Powder – Greyish-green; shows polygonal epidermal cells in surface view, simple pitted vessels and a few uni to tricellular hairs, anisocytic type of stomata, palisade and spongy parenchyma cells and simple pitted vessel.

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 3 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 in visible light five spots at Rf. 0.11 (green), 0.18 (light green), 0.23 (yellow), 0.34 (grey) and 0.61 (greyish green). Under U.V. (366 nm) seven fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.11, 0.16 (both pink), 0.23 (brown), 0.34 (pink), 0.43 (pink), 0.61 (pink) and 0.76 (grey). On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at Rf. 0.08, 0.11. 0.18. 0.34, 0.61, 0.76 and 0.88 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin- Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C seven spots appear at Rf. 0.08, 0.11, 0.18 (all the three greenish grey), 0.34 (grey), 0.43 (violet), 0.61 and 0.76 (both light green).

CONSTITUENTS – Essential Oil, Amino Acids, Vitamins and Enzymes.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Sara, Tiksna, Vasada
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Slesmahara, Balya, Rucya, Sramahara, Mukhadourgandhyahara, Mukhamalahara, Vata Hara, Raktapittakarni, Svaryam, Vrsya.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Lokanatha Rasa , Puspadhanva Rasa, Brhat Sarvajvarahara Lauha, Laghu Sutasekhara Rasa, Brhat Visamajvarantaka Rasa

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kandu, Hrllasa, Agnimandya, Jvara, Hrdroga, Svarabheda

DOSE – 10-20 ml of Swarasa.

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KOLA (Steam Bark)

Kola consists of dried stem bark of Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. Syn Z. jujuba Lam. (Fam Rhamnacem); a small, evergreen sub-deciduous tree, wild and also extensively cultivated throughout the country and found on Himalayan region upto about
1370 m.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Koli, Badara, Badari, Karkandhu
Assam. : Bagori, Bayur
Beng. : Kula
Eng. : Jujube
Guj. : Bor
Hindi. : Desi Ber
Kan. : Boehannumara
Kash. : —
Mal. : Lanta
Mar. : Bor
Ori. : Borakali
Punj. : Desi ber
Tam. : Ilandai
Tel. : Regi, Regu
Urdu. : Ber

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Bark available in pieces of variable length, usually 0.6 – 1 cm thick, external surface, blackish-grey, hard, rough due to deep furrows and fissures, exfoliating in irregular scales exposing inner brownish-red fibrous zones; no taste or odour

b) Microscopic

Stem bark shows a thick portion of rhytidoma, made up of about 25 – 30 alternate bands of cork and dead cells of secondary cortex and secondary phloem, cork consists of thin-walled, rectangular, about 5-6 layered, crushed, parenchymatous cells, mostly filled with dark brown pigment; secondary cortex consists of round, oval and crushed rectangular cells; groups of stone cells, fibres and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate scattered throughout rhytidorna; secondary phloem consists of sieve elements, phloem fibres, crystal fibres, phloem parenchyma, a few stone cells and phloem rays; phloem fibres arranged in alternate bands with phloem parenchyma, phloem parenchyma consists of rectangular, thin-walled cells, a few contain prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; crystal fibres present, divided into numerous chambers, each containing single prismatic crystal of calcium oxalate; phloem rays uniseriate to biseriate, upto 10 cells high, consists of round, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; stone cells, mostly rectangular, occur associated In groups of 2-4 with bands of phloem fibres.

Powder – Reddish-brown; shows fragments of cork cells, phloem fibres with wide lumen and pointed tips, crystal fibres, phloem rays, rectangular stone cells and 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 13 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 15 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 Chloroform: Methanol (95 : 5) shows under U.V. (366 nm) a fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.84 (light blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour two spots appear at Rf. 0.80 and 0.84 (both yellow). On spraying with Dragendorff reagent followed by 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid a spot appears at Rf. 0.84 (orange).

CONSTITUENTS – Tannins and Alkaloids.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Stambhana, Vranasodhana, Visphotasamani

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Nyagrodhadi Kvatha Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Tvaka, Raktatisara, Vrana

DOSE – 3-5 g. (Powder).
10-2- g. (Decoction).

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KOSATAKI (Whole Plant)

Kosataki consists of dried whole plant of Luffa acutangula (Linn.) Roxb. (Fam. Cucurbitacem); a large monoecious, annual climber, found wild and also cultivated throughout the greater part of India.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Krtavedhana , Jali, Dhamarg
Assam. : —
Beng. : Zinga
Eng. : Ribbed Gourd
Guj. : Turiya, Kadawa, Turiya
Hindi. : Turai, Satputia
Kan. : Hire-Valli
Kash. : —
Mal. : Peerkam Kai
Mar. : Dodka Turiya
Ori. : Tarada
Punj. : Turiya
Tam. : Peerkku
Tel. : Beera, Chedu beeha, Varri beera
Urdu. : Turai

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – Occurs in cut pieces, 8-12 cm long, and 0.5-0.7 cm thick, yellowish-brown; almost cylindrical, rough due to longitudinal wrinkles, having a few adventitious roots; fracture, short

Stem – 0.2-0.4 cm thick, 5 angled, glabrous, scabrid, having tendrils; brownish-yellow.

Leaf – petiole 3-8 cm long; somewhat twisted, wrinkled, scabrid, angular; brownishyellow; lamina crimpled, curled, corrugated, pale or light-green, 6-9 cm long and broad; palmately 5-7 angled or sub lobate, scabrid on both surfaces, base cordate, nerves and veins prominent beneath

Flower – Male flower in small racemes or single, calyx pubescent, 1.3 cm long, lobes lanceolate, light greenish-yellow; corolla yellow, 2 cm long, spreading, obovate; stamens 3; Female flower solitary, yellow; pedicel 5-10 cm long; ovary strongly ribbed; stigma, trifid.

Fruit – A pepo; 9-12 cm long, and 2-4 cm broad; cylindrical or club-shaped, obovate in shape, tapering towards the base; pale yellowish-brown; outer surface covered with 8-10 prominent longitudinal ribs; three chambers, inner part being fibrous and easily detachable as a whole from the outer part.

Seed – Ovoid-oblong, 0.6-0.8 cm long, and 0.5-0.6 cm wide; much compressed, slightly corrugated on the edges, black; taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic

Root – Shows wavy outline composed of cork cells, a few outermost layers of secondary cortex disintegrated, remaining outer cortical cells lignified, and a number of large, thinwalled, lignified, variously shaped stone cells with very wide lumen found; inner cortical cells thin-walled and parenchymatous; secondary phloem consisting of thinwalled cells of usual elements; secondary xylem tissues lignified traversed by multi seriate, radially elongated, thin-walled ray cells; xylem vessel simple pitted; a few simple, round to oval starch grains measuring 4-7 μ in dia., having striations and distinct hilum found in secondary cortex.

Stem – Shows 5 prominent ridges; epidermis single layered, covered by cuticle; cortex composed of 6 -10 or more layered, oval to polygonal, collenchyma cells under ridges, followed by 4-6 layered, compact band of thick-walled, polygonal, lignified cells; ground tissues composed of round to oval, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, embedded with 10 bicollateral, open, conjoint, endarch vascular bundles, 5 of outer ring present opposite the ridges while rest 5 of the inner ring face the furrows; secondary phloem and xylem consisting of usual elements; xylem vessel bordered pitted; a few simple starch grains, round to oval, having striations with distinct hilum, measuring 5-8 μ in dia., found scattered in cortical and pith region.

Leaf –
Petiole – shows 6-7 prominent ridges having sJingle layered epidermis, covered by thick cuticle; secondary cortex -wide in each ridge, composed of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; ground tissue a wide zone having 6 or 7 bicollateral, vascular bundles present in each ridge.

Lamina – shows single layered epidermis on both surfaces, having simple unicellular hairs with blunt tips and glandular hairs with unicellular stalk of variable length and spherical head having 3 or 4 cells; mesophyll differentiated into palisade and spongy parenchyma; vascular bundles bicollateral; stomata, anomocytic, present on both surfaces; stomatal number 59 – 64 on lower surface and 29 -39 on upper surface; stomatal index 13-14 on lower surface and 9-10 on upper surface; palisade ratio not over 3; vein islets number. 14-19 per sq. mm.

Fruit – Section shows irregular outline due to 8-10 prominent ribs; epicarp consist of single layered papillose epidermis covered with thick, striated cuticle having a few bristles, followed by 4-6 layers of thin-walled, tangentially elongated parenchymatous cells, some cells especially near the ribs, having brownish contents; below this thickwalled, polyhedral, continuous band of stone cells present, measuring 24-40 μ in dia.; outer 6-8 layers of this band consists of closely packed thick-walled sclereids, while the inner 2-4 layers, thick-walled and distinctly pitted; rnesocarp broad, composed of a zone of rounded to tangentially elongated, parenchymatous cells having bicollateral vascular bundles, followed by 8-10 layers of thick-walled, polyhedral, sclerenchyma and fibres.

Seed – Testa consists of a single layer of rectangular, thick-walled, sclerenchymatous cells, followed by a tegmen, composed of 5 or 6 layered, oval to polygonal, parenchymatous cells and a single layered elongated, lignified, sclerotic palisade-like cells; endosperm composed of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; cotyledons flat, consisting of thin-walled, oval to polygonal, parenchymatous cells.

Powder – Greyish-brown; shows fragments of cork cells, thick-walled, wavy or sinuous epidermal cells, lignified sclerotic or palisade-like cells of testa, sclerenchymatous cells, pieces of unicellular and glandular hairs, vessel with spiral and reticulate thickening, simple or groups of elongated, lignified stone cells, simple, rounded to oval starch grains having concentric striations and narrow hilum, measuring 4-7 μ in dia.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 16 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 4 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 13 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) four fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.34, 0.74, 0.80 and 0.91 (all blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour eight spots appear- at Rf. 0.13, 0.17, 0.34, 0.51, 0.65, 0.74, 0.78 and 0.96 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes three spots appear at Rf. 0.34, 0.78 and 0.96 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Bitter Principles, Saponins, Sapogenins and Fixed Oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Alpa Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Tiksna
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphapittaghna, Malavisodhani, Vamanopaga, Tridosahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Abhaya Lavana

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kustha, Pandu, Pliharoga, Sopha, Gulma, Adhmana, Garavisa, Arsa, Kamala, Gandamala

DOSE – 5 – 10 g.

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KUMUDA (Flower)

Kumuda consists of dried flowers of Nymphma alba Linn. (Fam. Nymphmacem); a perennial aquatic herb, very common in ponds, streams and fresh water lakes and upto 1800 m.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Kumudam, Sitolpalam, Sasikanta, Syamavrnta
Assam. : —
Beng. : Kumuda, Shandh Shaluka
Eng. : Indian Blue Water Lily
Guj. : Piyanu
Hindi. : Kui, Kanval, Kokka
Kan. : Bilenaydile, Biletavare
Kash. : —
Mal. : Ampal
Mar. : Kamod
Ori. : —
Punj. : —
Tam. : Nalla Kalav, Vellampal, Allittamarai
Tel. : Allikada, Tellakaluva
Urdu. : Kamal

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Flower white, solitary, 10-13 cm across; sepals 4, outside greenish to brownish, inside whitish; petals about 10, white; stamens many, outer ones being transformed successively from petals; anthers linear small without appendages; pistil syncarpous, carpels 10-16, sunk in fleshy disk, ovary multicellular and crowned by a large stigma with 16 rays, each with a cylindrical appendages, ovules many, fruit a berry.

Powder – Light-brown; shows polygonal, thin-walled epidermal cells in surface view, stellate hairs and spherical or trigonal pollen grains, measuring 11-24 μ in dia.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 18 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 9 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 20 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Chloroform: Methanol (85 : 15) shows under U.V. (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.66 (red), 0.77 (blue) and 0.88 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour three spots appear at Rf. 0.66, 0.92 and 0.96 (all brown).

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids and Glycosides.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Picchila, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Balya, Hrdya, Pittahara, Stambhana, Vatahara, Garbha Sthapana, Sramahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Triphaladi Taila, Bala Asvagandha Laksadi Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Raktadosa, Daha, Hrdroga, Raktapitta

DOSE – 3-6 g.

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KUSA (Root Stock)

Kusa consists of dried root stock of Desmostachya bipinnata Stapf. (Fam. Poacem); a tall, tufted, perennial grass, 30-150 cm high, found throughout the country in hot and dry places.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Yagyabhusana, Sucyagra
Assam. : Kush
Beng. : Kush
Eng. : Saved Gram
Guj. : Dabb
Hindi. : Kush
Kan. : Darbha Hullu
Kash. : —
Mal. : Darbha, Darbhapullu
Mar. : Darbha
Ori. : Kusha
Punj. : Kush, Dale
Tam. : Darbaipul
Tel. : Darbhagaddi
Urdu. : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs in 6-20 cm long, 0.3-0.5 cm thick cut pieces, almost cylindrical; internodes smooth, stout, mostly covered with shining sheath, having distinct nodes; brownish-yellow; a few thin, fibrous, ash coloured roots arise at nodes; fracture, short.

b) Microscopic

Root stock shows single layered epidermis, covered with striated cuticle; hypodermis composed of 3-5 layered, circular to polygonal, sclerenchymatous cells; cortex consisting of 5-9 layered, circular parenchymatous cells with small intercellular spaces; a few collateral vascular bundles found scattered in this zone, followed by 5-8 layered, discontinuous sclerenchymatous ring; ground tissue composed of continuous mass of slightly thick-walled, non-lignified, parenchymatous cells; numerous, collateral, vascular bundles found scattered in this zone and each covered by sclerenchymatous sheath; xylem vessels simple pitted; starch grains simple round to oval, with centric hilum, measuring 8-14 μ in dia., and compound having two components, found scattered in hypodermis, cortex and ground tissues.

Powder – Yellowish-brown; shows fragments of circular to polygonal sclerenchymatous cells with distinct lumen and striations; long, pointed fibres; simple pitted xylem vessels; starch grains simple round to oval with centric hilum measuring 8-14 μ. in dia. and compound having two components.

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 7 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 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 under U.V. (366 nm) seven fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.06, 0.15, 0.24, 0.36, 0.64, 0.83 and 0.94 (all blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour twelve spots appear at Rf. 0.06, 0.15, 0.24, 0.36, 0.47, 0.55, 0.64, 0.70, 0.76, 0.83, 0.90 and 0.94 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 105°C eight spots appear at Rf. 0.15, 0.24, 0.36, 0.64, 0.76, 0.83, 0.90 and 0.94 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Terpenes.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Mutrala, Kaphapittahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Karpuradyarka, Sukumara Ghrta, Asmarihara Kasaya Curna, Trnapancamula Kvatha Curna, Mutravirecaniya Kasaya Curna, Stanyajanana Kasaya Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Mutrakrcchra, Visarpa, Daha, Asmari, Trsna, Bastiroga, Pradararoga, Raktapitta

DOSE – 50-100 g. of powder for decoction.

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LANGALI (Tuberous Root)

Langali consists of dried tuberous root of Gloriosa superba Linn. (Fam. Liliacem) a climber with leaf tendril and large, solitary or corymbose, showy flowers with perianth segments having wavy margins, greenish at first, later becoming yellow and finally scarlet or crimson coloured, and found wild throughout the tropical regions upto 2,000 m.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Kalihari, Garbhanut, Halini, Agnisikha
Assam. : —
Beng. : Bisalanguli
Eng. : Glory Lily
Guj. : Khadiyanag
Hindi. : Kalihari
Kan. : Kolikutumana Gade
Kash. : —
Mal. : Mathonni
Mar. : Karianag
Ori. : —
Punj. : Kariyari
Tam. : Kalappoi Kizhangu
Tel. : Potthidumpa
Urdu. : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Tuberous roots thick, almost cylindrical or slightly laterally flattened, occurring in pieces of 15-30 cm long and 2.5 – 3.8 cm thick, often bifurcated with tapering ends, resembling a plough-share, one arm generally more than double the length of the other; brownish externally and yellowish internally; fracture, short; taste, acrid and bitter.

b) Microscopic

Tuberous root shows single layered epidermis, externally cuticularised, consisting of rectangular cells, followed by ground parenchyma, with scattered small vascular bundles; parenchyma cells large, thin-walled, polygonal to circular, having conspicuous intercellular spaces, most of the cells specially of the outer layers filled with starch grains, simple, round to oblong, or polyhedral, measuring 8-33 μ in dia., showing clear hilum and concentric striations, occasionally compound with 2-3 components, measuring 24-36 μ in dia.; vascular bundles collateral, numerous, scattered throughout ground tissue, consisting of xylem and phloem; each vascular bundle enclosed by sclerenchymatous sheath, xylem composed of vessels, tracheids and parenchyma; vessels having mostly reticulate thickening, smaller ones having spiral thickening, tracheids with reticulate thickening; xylem parenchyma cells usually rectangular; phloem consisting of sieve tubes, companion cells and phloem parenchyma; phloem parenchyma cells very small and thin-walled.

Powder – Brown; shows fragments of parenchyma cells, simple starch grains, round to oblong or polyhedral measuring 8-33 μ dia. showing clear hilum and concentric striations, occasionally compound with 2-3 components, measuring 24-36 μ in dia., sclerenchymatous cells, a few xylem vessels and tracheids.

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 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 15 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. 0.24 (blue), 0.88 and 0.94 (both black). On exposure to Iodine vapour eight spots appear at Rf. 0.09, 0.16, 0.24, 0.38, 0.59, 0.75, 0.88 and 0.94 (all yellow). On spraying with Dragendorff reagent followed by 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid two spots appear at Rf. 0.88 and 0.94 (both orange).

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids and Resins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Sara, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Vatahara, Garbhapatana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Nirgundi Taila, Kasisadi Taila, Mahavisagarbha Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kustha, Sopha, Arsa, Vrana, Sula, Krmi, Bastisula, Garbha, Salya, Vatavyadhi

DOSE – 125-250 mg. of purified drug.

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LASUNA (Bulb)

Lasuna consists of bulb of Allium sativum Linn. (Fam. Liliacem); a perennial bulbous plant, cultivated as an important condiment crop in the country.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Rasona, Yavanesta
Assam. : Maharu
Beng. : Lasuna
Eng. : Garlic
Guj. : Lasan, Lassun
Hindi. : Lahasun
Kan. : Bulluci
Kash. : —
Mal. : Vellulli, Nelluthulli
Mar. : Lasun
Ori. : —
Punj. : Lasan
Tam. : Vellaipoondu
Tel. : Vellulli, Tellapya, Tellagadda
Urdu. : Lahsan, Seer

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs as entire bulb or isolated cloves (bulblets); bulb sub-globular, 4-6 cm in diameter, consisting of 8-20 cloves, surrounded by 3-5 whitish papery membranous scales attached to a short, disc-like woody stem having numerous, wiry rootlets on the under side; each clove is irregularly ovoid, tapering at upper end with dorsal convex surface, 2-3 cm long, 0.5 – 0.8 cm wide, each surrounded by two very thin papery whitish and brittle scales having 2-3 yellowishgreen folded leaves contained within two white fleshy, modified leaf bases or scales; odour, peculiarly pungent and disagreeable; taste, acrid gives warmth to the tongue.

b) Microscopic

A clove of bulb shows tri to tetrangular appearance in outline; outer scale consists of an outer epidermis, followed by hypodermal crystal layer, mesophyll made of parenchyma cells and an inner epidermis; both outer and inner epidermis consists of sub rectangular cells; hypodermis consists of compressed, irregular, tangentially elongated cells, each cell having large prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, while many cells contain small prismatic crystals also, mesophyll several layers of parenchymatous cells having a few vascular tissues with spiral vessels; inner epidermis similar to outer one; inner scale similar to outer scale but outer epidermis composed of sclerenchymatous cells; prismatic crystals in hypodermis slightly smaller. In surface view cells of outer epidermis elongated, narrow with thin porous wall while those of inner epidermis similar to outer one but non-porous; cells of hypodermal crystals layer ellipsoidal with thick porous walls, each cell having large prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, many cells also contain small prismatic crystals in addition to bigger ones; inner scale shows markedly sclerenchymatous cells with greatly thickened walls and very narrow lumen; cells of hypodermal crystal layer somewhat smaller with walls more frequently pitted, size of crystals also smaller.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 4 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 2.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Loss on drying Not less than 60 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.9
Volatile Oil Not less than 0.1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.10

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol :
Isopropanol Acetic acid: Water (3 : 1: 1 : 1) shows under UV (366 nm) two fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.58 and 0.72 (both light blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour nine spots appear at Rf. 0.18, 0.26, 0.34, 0.38, 0.46, 0.58, 0.72, 0.77 and 0.93 (all yellow): On spraying with Ninhydrin reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C seven spots appear at Rf. 0.26, 0.38, 0.46, 0.58, 0.67, 0.72 and 0.93 (all pink). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C seven spots appear at Rf. 0.26, 0.38, 0.46, 0,58, 0.67, 0.72 and 0.93 (all gery).

CONSTITUENTS – Volatile Oil containing Allyl Disulphide and Diallyl Disulphide. It also contains Allin, Allicin, Mucilage and Albumin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu
Guna : Guru, Picchila, Sara, Snigdha, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Balya, Caksusya, Dipana, Hrdya, Kaphahara, Medhya, Raktadosahara, Vatahara, Vrsya, Varnya, Pittadusanakara, Bhagnasandhanakara, Rasayana, Jantughna, Kanthya, Asthi Mamsa Sandhankar

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Lasunadi Vati, Lasunadi Ghrta And Vaca Lasunadi Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Jirna, Jvara, Krmiroga, Gulma, Kustha, Arsa, Kasa, Svasa, Pinasa, Sula, Karnasula Vatavyadi, Hikka, Medoroga, Yoni Vyapata, Visucika, Pliha Vrddhi, Ksaya, Visama Jvara, Apasmara Unmada, Sasa, Sopha, Hrdroga, Vatsula, Trikasula, Vrana Krmi

DOSE – 3 – g. of the drug.

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MAHABALA (Root)

Mahabala consists of dried roots of Sida rhombifolia Linn. (Fam. Malvacem), an erect annual or perennial undershrub, 1.5 m high, distributed throughout the country especially in moist regions, ascending to an altitude of 1800 m in the Himalayas.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Atibala, Pitapuspi
Assam. : —
Beng. : Pitabedala, Kheriti
Eng. : Country Mallow
Guj. : Mahabala
Hindi. : Pitabala, Pitabariyar
Kan. : Kisangihettutti-gida
Kash. : —
Mal. : Anakkuruntotti
Mar. : Mahbala
Ori. : —
Punj. : Khurunti
Tam. : Kurunthotti
Tel. : Gubatada, Pedda Mutheera Pulagum
Urdu. : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs as entire root or cut pieces of varying lengths, 7-8 mm in thickness, with wavy lateral roots comparatively thinner than main roots having numerous rootlets, brownish-yellow, surface, rough due to scars of small rootlets and lenticels; fracture, hard and splintery.

b) Microscopic

Mature root shows cork consisting of 3-10 rows of narrow, rectangular, tangentially elongated, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, a few containing rosette crystals of calcium oxalate; secondary phloem composed of phloem fibres in wedgeshaped patches with thin-walled parenchyma in between; phloem rays thin-walled, tangentially elongated towards secondary cortex; a few rosette crystals of calcium oxalate found scattered in phloem parenchyma; secondary xylem composed of vessels, fibre, parenchyma and rays; vessels arranged in radial rows, fibres moderately long, thick-walled, lignified with wide lumen and pointed apex; xylem rays 2-3 cells wide, a few containing rosette crystals of calcium oxalate; in Bala (S. cordifolia Linn.) 1-3 cells wide with rosette crystals of calcium oxalate; 1 or 2 cells wide with rhomboidal crystals of calcium oxalate in Atibala (Abutilon indicum Sw.), and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate present in secondary cortex and absent in xylem rays in Nagabala (S.veronicmfolia Lam.).

Powder – Creamish-grey; shows moderately large, thick-walled, lignified fibres, with wide lumen and pointed tips, fragments of cork cells simple, pitted vessels and a few 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 8 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 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 4 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 U.V. (366 nm) five fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.08 (blue), 0.35 (blue), 0.46 (blue), 0.78 (blue) and 0.95 (pink). On exposure to Iodine vapour eight spots appear at Rf. 0.08, 0.15, 0.39, 0.50, 0.66, 0.81, 0.89 and 0.99 (all yellow). On spraying with Dragendorff reagent followed by 5% Methanolic-Sulphurc acid reagent two spots appear at Rf. 0.04 and 0.74 (both orange).

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids (Vasicinone and Vasicine).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Picchila, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Grahi, Pittaghna, Vataghna, Sukravrddhikara, Ojovardhaka, Kantivardhaka, Balya.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Mahavisagarbha Taila, Navratna Rajamrganka Rasa

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sukraksaya, Ksata, Ksaya, Visamajvara, Daurbalya, Vatavyadhi, Vatarakta, Raktapitta, Sopha

DOSE – 3-6 g of the drug in powder form.

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