Ayurvedic Herbs

AGNIMANTHA (Root)

Agnimantha consists of dried mature roots of Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn. (Fam. Verbenaceae); a large shrub or small tree reaching upto 9 m in height, with more or less pubescent branches, found in dry parts throughout the country.

SYNONYMS –

Sansk. : Ganikarika; Jaya, Jayanti
Assam. : —
Beng. : Ganiyari, Arani, Goniari
Eng. : —
Guj. : Arani, Aranimula, Arni
Hindi. : Urni
Kan. : Taggi, Taggi Beru
Kash. : —
Mal. : Munja
Mar. : Takalimula
Ori. : Ganiary
Punj. : —
Tam. : Tazhutazhai
Tel. : Taluki
Urdu. : —

DESCRIPTION –

a) Macroscopic:

Drug pieces 7-15 cm long, 0.2 -3.0 cm thick, occasionally branched, cylindrical, tough, yellowish-brown externally, bark thin, occasionally easily peeled, outer surface rough due to exfoliation, wood light yellow, fracture hard; taste, slightly astringent.

b) Microscopic:

Root shows exfoliating cork, consisting of 10-15, occasionally more, rows of tangentially elongated, thin-walled cells; secondary cortex consists of round to oval parenchymatous cells, a few containing rhomboidal crystals of calcium oxalate; secondary phloem consists of isodiametric, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, a few of them containing rhomboidal crystals of calcium oxalate; phloem rays distinct, consisting of radially elongated cells; secondary xylem shows a wide zone, consisting of usual elements, all being lignified; vessels found in single as well as in groups of 2-3, scattered throughout xylem region; xylem parenchyma simple pitted, squarish wide lumen; xylem rays 1-5 seriate, consisting of radially elongated cells; rhomboidal crystal of calcium oxalate packed in xylem parenchyma and xylem rays; abundant simple, round starch grains measuring 6-17 μ in dia., found scattered throughout.

Powder – Dull yellow; shows fragments of cork cells, small, pointed, aseptate, lignified fibres, simple, pitted vessels, lignified cells packed with rhomboidal crystals of calcium oxalate and numerous simple, round to oval starch grains having narrow hilum, measuring 6-11 μ in diameter.

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 2 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 Chloroform :
Methanol (85 : 15) shows under U.V. (366 nm) four fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.10 (light yellow), 0.38, 0.59 and 0.90 (all blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour six spots appear at Rf. 0.10, 0.38, 0.59, 0.78, 0.87 and 0.98 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic- Phosphomolybdic acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 105°C six spots appear at Rf. 0.10, 0.38, 0.59, 0.78, 0.87 and 0.98 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Sterols

PROPERTIES AND ACTION –

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Vatahara, Svayathuhara.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS -Dasamularista, Dasamula Kvatha Curna, Indukanta Ghrta, Dhanvantara Ghrta, Gorocanadi Vati, Narayana Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sotha, Pandu, Arsa, Vatavikara, Vibandha, Agnimandya, Adhmana, Gulma, Mutrakrcchra, Mutraghata.

DOSE – 12-24 g. of the drug in powder form for decoction.

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CIRABILVA (Fruit)

Cirabilva consists of dried fruit of Holoptelea integrifolia Planch. (Fam. Ulmaceae); a large, spreading, glabrous, deciduous tree, 15-18 m high, distributed throughout the greater part of India upto an altitude of 600 m and sometimes grown on the road side.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Putigandha
Assam. : —
Beng. : —
Eng. : —
Guj. : Kanjo, Chirbil, Chirmil
Hindi. : Chirabil, Chiramil, Papri
Kan. : Tapasimara, Chirabilwa
Mal. : Avil, Aval
Mar. : Baval, Vavala
Ori. : Duranja, Karanj, Putikaranj
Punj. : Papri, Chirbid
Tam. : Avil Pattai
Tel. : Nemalinara, Tapazi
Urdu. : Papri

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit a one seeded samara; light brown, obliquely elliptic or orbicular, 1.5- 2.5 cm wide, 2.5-3.5 cm long, winged and stalked, indehiscent, pubescent, wings reticulately veined.

b) Microscopic

Fruit shows single layered epicarp having numerous, pointed, unicellular hairs; mesocarp composed of 3-5 layered, oval to polygonal, elongated parenchymatous cells; a few vascular bundles and tannin cells found scattered in this region; endocarp consisting of 2-3 layered, round to oval, sclerenchymatous cells with striations and narrow lumen; perisperm in seed composed of single layered, parenchymatous cells filled with reddish-brown content; endosperm and embryo composed of colourless cells containing oil globules.

Powder – Reddish-brown; shows fragments of thin walled, oval to polygonal parenchymatous cells of endosperm, taniniferous oil globules, unicellular hairs, thickwalled, polygonal, sclerenchymatous cells, polygonal cells of testa in surface view.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 Percent Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 9 Percent Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 Percent Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 10 Percent Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 13 Percent 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 0.85 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour five spots appear at Rf 0.11, 0.38, 0.44, 0.50 and 0.85 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes five spots appear at Rf. 0.11, 0.38, 0.44, 0.50 and 0.85 (all violet)

CONSTITUENTS – Fixed Oil

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Pittahara, Stambhaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Piyusavalli Rasa, Gandharvahastadi Kvatha Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Chardi, Arsa, Krmi, Kustha, Prameha.

DOSE – 1-3 g.

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AMBASTHAKI (Root)

Ambasthaki consists of dried roots of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (Fam. Malvaceae); an annual, erect, shrub, generally cultivated in the hotter parts of India.

SYNONYMS –

Sansk. : —
Assam. : —
Beng. : Masts Pal, Mesta
Eng. : Jamaican Sorrel
Guj. : Ambodi
Hindi. : Patsan, Patna
Kan. : Pudisoppu, Kempu Pundrike Pullichekir
Kash. : —
Mal. : Pariccakam, Pulicheera
Mar. : Lalambari
Ori. : Khataa, Kanria, Tak Bhend
Punj. : Kolada
Tam. : Pulichikire
Tel. : Pundikura, Gongura
Urdu. : Patsan

DESCRIPTION –

a) Macroscopic:

Tap root greyish-brown in colour, stout, cylindrical with many lateral branches gradually tapering towards lower end, moderately rough due to minute longitudinal wrinkles, 1-2 cm thick; fracture, fibrous in bark region and short in wood region; no characteristic odour and taste.

b) Microscopic:

Mature root shows 3-5 layers of cork consisting of tangentially elongated rectangular cells; secondary cortex almost absent, when present 2-3 layered, oval to polygonal, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; secondary phloem composed of usual elements; secondary xylem consists of vessels, tracheids, fibres and parenchyma traversed by xylem rays; vessels solitary or 2-4 in groups with pitted thickening; fibres and tracheids short to moderately long with pitted walls; medullary rays 1-3 cells wide and multicelled in height; starch grains both simple and compound and the later having 2-3 components, measuring 5.5-14 μ in dia. present in phloem parenchyma, xylem parenchyma and ray cells.

Powder – Greyish-brown; shows pitted vessels, fragments of cork cells, fibres and tracheids, both simple and compound starch grains measuring 5.5-14 μ in dia. having 2-3 components.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH –

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 11 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 2 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) four fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.36, 0.61, 0.92 (all blue) and 0.95 (pink). On exposure to Iodine vapour twelve spots appear at Rf. 0.06, 0.12, 0.17, 0.22, 0.29, 0.36, 0.44, 0.59, 0.61, 0.72, 0.82 and 0.92 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Ethanolic Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes seven spots appear at Rf. 0.29 (grey), 0.36 (violet), 0.44, 0.61, 0.73, 0.82 and 0.92 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Sterols and Polysaccharides.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION –

Rasa : Madhura, Amla, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu
Virya : —
Vipaka : Amla
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Rucikara, Asthisandhanaka, Vranaropana, Dipana, Kanthasodhana.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Pusyanuga Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Pakvatisara, Kapharoga, Galaroga, Vataroga, Asthibhagna, Vrana.

DOSE – 5 -10 g.

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DANTI (Root)

Danti consists of dried root of Baliaspermum mantanum Muell.-Arg. (Fam. Euphorbiaceae); a leafy undershrub, distributed in outer range of Himalayas from Kashmir to Assam and in moist deciduous forests elsewhere in India.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Danti
Assam. : Danti
Beng. : Danti
Eng. : Wild Croton
Guj. : Danti
Hindi. : Danti
Kan. : Kadu Haralu
Mal. : Neervalam, Dantti
Mar. : Danti
Ori. : Danti
Punj. : Danti
Tam. : Danti
Tel. : Konda Amudamu
Urdu. : Danti

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root pieces almost cylindrical, straight or ribbed with secondary and tertiary roots, 0.2-1 cm thick and upto 10 cm or more in length, tapering at one end, tough, externally brown; surface, rough due to longitudinal striations, transverse cracks and scars of rootlets; internally cream-coloured; transversely smoothened root shows thin, brown bark and yellowish-white central core; taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic

Shows 5-18 layered cork, consisting of brown coloured, suberised or lignified brick-shaped cells, a few cells containing tannin and red colouring matter; secondary cortex consists of 2-7 layers of oval to elliptical, tangentially elongated cells, a few cortical fibres are also present in this region; secondary phloem consists of usual elements, traversed by uni to biseriate phloem rays; secondary xylem consists of usual elements; vessels and tracheids, bordered pits, a few having reticulate thickening; fibres slightly thick-walled, narrow lumen and blunt tips; xylem rays 1 or 2 cells wide; rosette crystals of calcium oxalate and starch grains, present only in secondary cortex and phloem; starch grains solitary and in groups, simple, round to oval measuring 6-17 μ india.

Powder – Brown; shows fragments of cork more or less rectangular, thick-walled in surface view; rosette crystals of calcium oxalate; numerous phloem fibres with narrow lumen and blunt tips, border pitted- and reticulate vessels, tracheid and tannin cells, round to oval simple starch grains measuring 6-17 μ in diameter, and in groupsoccasionally.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Percent Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 10 Percent Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 3 Percent Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 1.5 Percent Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 3 Percent 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) a fluorescent zone at Rf 0.65 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour two spots appear at Rf 0.51 and 0.65 (both yellow). On spraying with 50% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C two spots appear at Rf 0.51 and 0.65 (both grey).

CONSTITUENTS – ß- Sitosterol and Triterpenoids, Resinous Glycosides, Phorbol Esters.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu
Guna : Laghu, Sara, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Sodhaka, Dipana, Kaphahara, Raktadosahara, Vidahara, Rocaka, Vikasi, Vrana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Dantyadyarista, Punarnava Mandura, Abhayarista, Kankayana Gutika, Dantiharitaki, Kalyanaka Ksara, Kaisora Guggulu

THERAPEUTIC USES – Tvakadosa, Daha, Sotha, Udararoga, Sularoga, Krimi, Arsa, Asmari, Kandu, Kusta, Vrana, Pliha, Vrddhi, Gulma, Kamala

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

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AMRA (Seed)

Amra consists of dried seed of Mangifera indica Linn. (Fam. Anacardiaceae), a tree found wild or cultivated throughout the country.

SYNONYMS –

Sansk. : Amrabijamajja
Assam. : —
Beng. : Am
Eng. : Mango
Guj. : Aambaro, Ambanoo, Aambo, Keri
Hindi. : Aam
Kan. : Amavina
Kash. : —
Mal. : Manga
Mar. : Aamba
Ori. : Amkoili, Ambakoiti
Punj. : Amb
Tam. : Mangottai Paruppu, Maangottai
Tel. : Mamidi-Jeedi
Urdu. : Aam

DESCRIPTION –

a) Macroscopic:

Seed 3-4.5 cm long, 1.5-2.5 cm wide, ovoid, oblong covered with wrinkled integument, both outer and inner integument closely united, outer integument buff coloured, inner integument reddish-brown; taste, bitter and astringent.

b) Microscopic:

Seed shows outer integument consisting of tangentially elongated, irregular, thinwalled, parenchymatous cells, with poorly developed conducting tissues of vessels showing spiral thickenings towards inner integument, inner integument consisting of slightly rectangular, wavy and large thin-walled parenchymatous cells; cotyledons 2, composed of isodiametric, parenchymatous cells fully packed with simple and compound starch grains; compound starch grains consisting of 2-6 components, each starch grain round to oval, measuring 2-28 μ in dia., a few conducting tissues with spiral vessels also found scattered in parenchymatous cells of cotyledons.

Powder – Greyish-buff; shows reddish-orange coloured cells of integument, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, simple and compound starch grains, consisting of 2-6 components, measuring 2-28 μ in diameter.

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 10 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 U.V. (366 nm) two fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.62 (yellowish) and 0.92 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour five spots appear at Rf. 0.07, 0.29, 0.62, 0.77 and 0.93 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 110°C five spots appear at Rf. 0.07 (grey), 0.29 (grey), 0.62 (grey), 0.77 (brown) and 0.93 (brown).

CONSTITUENTS – Tannins – Pyrogallotannins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION –

Rasa : Madhura, Kasaya
Guna : Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Vatakara, Sangrahi, Krmighna

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Pusyanuga Curna, Brhat Gangadhara Curna, Asokarista

THERAPEUTIC USES – Atisara, Pravahika,Chrdi, Daha, Tvagroga.

DOSE – 1-2 g. of the drug in powder form.

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DHATTURA (Seed)

Dhattura consists of dried seeds of Datura metel Linn.; Syn. D. fastuosa L., D. alba Ramph; D. cornucopaea Hort. (Fam. Solanaceae); occurring wild throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Kanaka, Ummatta, Dhustura
Assam. : Dhatura
Beng. : Dhutura, Dhutra
Eng. : White Thorn Apple
Guj. : Dhaturo
Hindi. : Dhatura
Kan. : Umbe
Kash. : —
Mal. : Ummam
Mar. : Dhatra
Ori. : Dudura
Punj. : Dhatura
Tam. : Oomattai, Umattai
Tel. : Ummettha, Erriummetta
Urdu. : Dhatura

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seed reniform, compressed, flattened, surface finely pitted; 0.6 cm long, 0.4 cm wide; light brown to yellowish-brown in colour; thicker towards the curved edge, which is rugose; large, pale strophiole near micropyle; odourless; taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic

Shows in outline more or less elongated, irregular or wavy structure having bulgings at either side; testa single layered consists of thick-walled, lignified, sclerenchymatous cells forming club-shaped structure, followed by 3-5 layered more or less tangentially elongated, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; endosperm encloses more or less curved embryo composed of polygonal, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, filled with aleurone grains and abundant oil globules.

Powder – Brown and oily; shows fragments of testa of groups of thick-walled, light brown sclerenchymatous cells; polygonal, thin-walled parenchymatous cells containing oil globules and aleurone grains.

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 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:
Diethylamine (7:2: 1) shows under U.V. (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf 0.18, 0.33 (both light blue) and 0.93 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour three spots appear at Rf 0.33, 0.47 and 0.93 (all yellow). On spraying with Dragendorff reagent two spots appear at Rf 0.33 and 0.47 (both orange).

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids – Tropane Alkaloids – Hyoscyamine etc. and Fixed Oil

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Guru, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Varnya, Madakari, Visahara, Krmihara, Vranahara, Kanduhara, Bhramahara, Vamaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Kanakasava, Suta, Sekhara Rasa, Jvarankusa Rasa, Laksmi Vilasa Rasa (Naradiya), Kanakasundara Rasa, Dugdha Vati, Piyusavalli Rasa

THERAPEUTIC USES – Krmi, Yuka, Liksa

DOSE – 30-60 mg.

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AMRA (Stem Bark)

Amra consists of dried stem bark of Mangifera indica Linn. (Fam. Anacardiaceae), a tree found wild or cultivated throughout the country.

SYNONYMS –

Sansk. : Amra
Assam. : Aam
Beng. : Ama, Am
Eng. : Mango
Guj. : Ambo
Hindi. : Ama
Kan. : Mavu
Kash. : —
Mal. : Mavu
Mar. : Amba
Ori. : Am, Amba
Punj. : Amb
Tam. : Mamaram
Tel. : Amaramu
Urdu. : Aam

DESCRIPTION –

a) Macroscopic:

Drug occurs in pieces of variable size and thickness, surface rough due to longitudinal cracks, fissures and scattered, raised lenticels, greyish to dark brown externally and yellowish-white to reddish internally; odour, pleasant; taste, astringent.

b) Microscopic:

Mature bark, shows a wide cork consisting of tangentially elongated cells, a few outer layers brown and inner lighter in colour, at a few places lenticels appear; secondary cortex almost absent; secondary phloem wide, consisting of sieve elements, parenchyma and phloem fibres, traversed by medullary rays, resin canals and yellow coloured elongated, tannin sacs abundantly scattered throughout phloem region; stone cells thick walled, lignified, rectangular with wide lumen also present in single or in groups; starch grains and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate present in number of phloem cells; phloem fibres in groups composed of 2-15 or more cells, long and thick walled, phloem rays 1-3 seriate, 3 seriate rays more common, somewhat wavy, thinwalled, radially elongated and filled with crystals of calcium oxalate and simple, round starch grains, measuring 12-16μ in diameter.

Powder – Brown; shows fragments of cork cells, stone cells, single or in groups; phloem fibres, prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; simple, spherical to elliptical, starch grains measuring 12 – 16 μ in diameter.

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 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 20 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 under U.V. (366 nm) three violet spots at Rf. 0.12, 0.73 and 0.87. On exposure to Iodine vapour four yellow coloured spots appear at Rf. 0.33, 0.51, 0.74 and 0.88. On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and after heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes, three grey coloured spots appear at Rf. 0.49, 0.69 and 0.88.

CONSTITUENTS – Tannins – Protocatechuic Acid, Catechin, Mangiferin, Alanine, Glycine, α -Aminobutyric acid, Kinic and Shikimic Acids.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION –

Rasa : Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Grahi, Vranaropana, Kaphapittasamaka, Rucya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Nyagrodhadi Curna, Nyagrodhadi Kvatha Curna, Candanasava, Grahanimihira Taila, Mutra Sangrhaniya Kasaya Curna.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Atisara, Vrana, Agnimandya, Grahani, Prameha, Yoni Roga

DOSE – 3-6 g. of powder.
25-50 g. for decoction.

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AMRATA (Stem)

Amrata consists of dried stem of Spondias pinnata (Linn. f.) Kurz Syn. S. mangifera Willd., S. acuminata Roxb. non Gamble (Fam. Anacardiaceae); a small, aromatic, deciduous tree, upto 27 m high and 2-5 m in girth, found wild or cultivated almost throughout the country, ascending upto an altitude of 1500 m in the Himalayas, and also distributed in Andamans.

SYNONYMS –

Sansk. : Amrataka, Markatamrah, Kapitana,
Assam. : Amda
Beng. : Amda
Eng. : Indian Hog. Plum, Hog Plum
Guj. : Jangali Ambo, Ambeda
Hindi. : Ambada
Kan. : Ambate, Amatemara
Kash. : —
Mal. : Ambazham
Mar. : Ambada
Ori. : Aabada
Punj. : —
Tam. : Mampulecci, Mampulicci
Tel. : Ambalamu
Urdu. : —

DESCRIPTION –

a) Macroscopic:

Stem occurs in cut pieces, about 3.5 – 10.0 cm long, 1.0-3.0 cm in dia., cylindrical, more or less rough due to longitudinal wrinkles; occasionally a few round, prominent leaf scars also present, reddish-grey externally having lenticel, white or cream coloured internally with prominent dark brown centre, light in weight; fracture very hard; odour and taste not characteristic.

b) Microscopic:

Mature stem shows a wide zone of cork ranging from 15-25 rows, comprising of tangentially elongated, radially arranged, thin-walled cells containing reddish-brown contents, a few outer cells exfoliating; secondary cortex consisting of 15-17 layers, oval to polygonal, tangentially elongated, thin-walled cells, followed by 2-3 tangential bands comprising of groups of stone cells; secondary phloem consisting of usual elements; phloem fibres arranged in tangential bands, thick-walled, lignified; prominent lysigenous cavities surrounded by a number of tannin sacs present in between the patches of phloem fibres; phloem parenchyma consisting of thin-walled cells having a few prismatic  crystals of calcium oxalate; secondary xylem consists of usual elements, lignified; vessels single or in groups of 2-4 having simple pits, occasionally reticulate thickening, fibres fusiform with blunt tips; tracheids thick-walled; xylem rays 1-2 cells wide and 3-11 cells high; starch grains simple, round to oval having concentric striations and hilum, measuring 3-14 μ in dia., present in secondary cortex, phloem parenchyma, xylem parenchyma and xylem rays.

Powder – Grey; shows fragments of cork cells, phloem fibres, stone cells mostly in groups, occasionally single; a few prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, simple and reticulate vessels; starch grains simple, round to oval having concentric striations and hilum in centre, measuring 3-14 μ in diameter.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH –

Foreign matter Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 6 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 2 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 Chloroform :
Ethylacetate : Formic acid (5 : 4 : 1) shows in visible light three spots at Rf. 0.08, 0.74 and 0.83 (all grey). Under UV (366 nm) five fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.04, 0.79, 0.83, 0.87 (all blue) and 0.93 (sky blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour six spots appear at Rf. 0.13, 0.48, 0.74, 0.83,0.87 and 0.93 (all yellow). On spraying with 10% Ferric chloride solution (aqueous) reagent two spots appear at Rf. 0.04 and 0.93 (both blue).

CONSTITUENTS – Tannins

PROPERTIES AND ACTION –

Rasa : Kasaya, Amla
Guna : Guru
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Vataghna, Saraka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Dadhika Ghrta

THERAPEUTIC USES – Daha, Ksaya, Rakta Vikara, Atisara

DOSE – 1-3 g. of powder.

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APAMARGA (Root)

Apamarga consists of dried root of Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Fam. Amaranthaceae); a stiff erect, 0.1-0.9 m high, herb found commonly as a weed throughout the country up to 900 m.

SYNONYMS –

Sansk : Adhahsalya, Sikhari, Mayuraka
Assam : Chirchita
Beng : Apang
Eng : Prickly Chaff Flower
Guj : Aghedo
Hindi : Chirchira, Latjira
Kan : Uttarane, Uttaren
Kash : —
Mal : Kadaledee
Mar : Anghada
Ori : —
Punj : Puthakanda, Lattajeera
Tam : Nayuruvi
Tel : Uttareni
Urdu : Chirchita

DESCRIPTION –

a) Macroscopic:

Tap root cylindrical slightly ribbed, upto 1.0 cm in thickness, gradually tapering, rough due to presence of some root scars; secondary and tertiary roots present; yellowish-brown; odour, not distinct; taste not characteristic.

b) Microscopic:

Mature root shows 6-10 layered, rectangular, tangentially elongated, thin-walled cork cells; secondary cortex consisting of 6-9 layers, oval to rectangular, thin-walled parenchymatous cells having scattered, thick-walled, irregular lignified stone cells, followed by 5-6 discontinuous rings of anomalous secondary thickening, composed of vascular tissues; small patches of sieve tubes are distinct in the phloem parenchyma demarcating the xylem rings; secondary xylem composed of tracheids, fibres and parenchyma; vessels with both simple and bordered pits and with scalariform thickening, measuring 135-348 μ in length and 32-64 μ in width; fibres pointed at both ends with walls moderately thickened, measuring 260-740 μ in length and 12-24 μ in width; tracheids have tapering ends, measuring 165-535 μ in length and 17-34 μ in width. In A. bidentata BL. vessels show bordered pits and reticulate thickening; medullary rays not distinct; stone cells and prismatic crystals absent in cortex.

Powder – Yellowish-brown; shows fragments of rectangular cork cells, stone cells, vessels showing bordered pits and scalariform thickening, fibres and a few prismatic 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 9 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 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 (95:5) shows under UV (366 nm) five fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.05, 0.19, 0.43, 0.50 and 0.97 (all light blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour six spots appear at Rf. 0.05, 0.12, 0.43, 0.50, 0.92 and 0.97 (all yellow). On spraying with Dragendorff reagent followed by 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent two spots appear at Rf 0.12 and 0.97 (both light orange).

CONSTITUENTS – Saponins

PROPERTIES AND ACTION –

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Sara, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Vatahara, Pacana, Rucya, Kaphanasaka, Medohara, Mutrala, Vantihara.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Agastya Haritaki Rasayana, Maha Pancagavya Ghrta, Vastyamayantaka Ghrta, Maha Visagarbha Taila, Panaviraladi Ksara, Apamarga Ksara Taila, Ksara Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Chardi, Adhmana, Kandu, Sula, Apaci, Granthi, Bhagandara, Hrda Roga, Jvara, Svitra,Vadhirya, Udara Roga, Yakrt Roga, Danta Roga, Rakta Vikara.

DOSE – 5-10 g

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ARALU (Stem Bark)

Aralu consists of dried stem bark of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. (Fam. Simarubaceae); a large deciduous tree occurring in Bihar, Chhota Nagpur, Madhya Pradesh, forests of Ganjam, Vishakhapatnam and Deccan.

SYNONYMS –

Sansk : Katvanga, Dirghavrnta
Assam : Aralu
Beng : —
Eng : —
Guj : Aralavo
Hindi : Arlu, Maruk, Ghoda Karanj
Kan : Hiremara Hebbever
Kash : Merumaram, Mattipongilyam
Mal : Merumaram, Mattipongilyam
Mar : Ghoda Karanj
Ori : Dakshinakabala, Mahala
Punj : Aruo
Tam : Peruvagai
Tel : Peddmanu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION –

a) Macroscopic:

Bark thick, external surface light grey, granular and rough due to presence of longitudinal ridges, internal surface yellowish-white and fibrous; fracture, fibrous; odour, disagreeable when fresh; taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic:

Stem Bark cork multilayered, compactly arranged, tangentially elongated, thinwalled cells obliterated at certain points due to rhytidoma; secondary cortex narrow, composed of tangentially elongated cells, a few cells contain rosette and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; phloem, wide, consisting of sieve elements, parenchyma, fibres and stone cells; a few layers of outer phloem collapsed forming ceratenchyma; stone cells, in groups and in singles, present towards outer region of phloem; lignified fibres present in groups in radial rows in inner phloem region; calcium oxalate crystals similar to those found in secondary cortex also found in phloem region; medullary rays not distinct.

Powder – Brownish-yellow, fragments of cork cells; groups or single, oval to polygonal, thick-walled, lignified, stone cells, having wide lumen with distinct striations, lignified phloem fibres, a few rosette 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 8.5 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 1.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 5.5 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) twelve fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.07 (sky blue), 0.10 (sky blue) 0.21, 0.38, 0.47 (all yellow), 0.57 (sky blue), 0.71 (light sky blue), 0.76, 0.81 (both yellow), 0.84 (sky blue), 0.93 (whitish blue) and 0.97 (sky blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour twelve spots appear at Rf. 0.07, 0.10, 0.21, 0.38, 0.47, 0.57, 0.71, 0.76, 0.81, 0.84, 0.93 and 0.97 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105°C for fifteen minutes thirteen spots appear at Rf. 0.07, 0.01(both grey), 0.21 (light brown), 0.24 (blue), 0.38, 0.47 (both light brown), 0.52 (pink), 0.59 (blue), 0.71, 0.76 (both light brown), 0.84 (blue), 0.93 and 0.97 (both dark grey).

CONSTITUENTS – β-Sitosterol, Quassinoids, Ailantic Acid, 2-6 Dimethoxy-Benzoquinone and Melanthin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION –

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Grahi, Pacana, Kaphapitta, Samaka, Vranasodhana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Pusyanuga Curna, Brhat Gangadhara Curna, Aralu Putapaka

THERAPEUTIC USES – Atisara, Krmi, Arsa, Sannipata Jvara, Bhrama, Tvakaroga, Chardi, Kustha, Pravahika, Grahani, Prmeha, Svasa, Gulma, Musaka Visaja Roga

DOSE – 1-3 g.

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ARKA (Stem Bark)

Arka consists of dried stem bark of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br. (Fam. Asclepiadaceae); an erect shrub exuding milky white latex from cut parts, found wild more or less throughout India.

SYNONYMS –

Sansk. : Surya
Assam. : Akand, Akan
Beng. : Akanda, Akone
Eng. : Maddar
Guj. : Aakado
Hindi. : Aak, Madar, Akavana
Kan. : Ekka, Ekkagida
Kash. : —
Mal. : Errikku
Mar. : Rui
Ori. : Arakku
Punj. : Akk
Tam. : Vellerukku, Erukku
Tel. : Jilledu
Urdu. : Madar, Aak

DESCRIPTION –

a) Macroscopic:

Drug occurs in channelled, quilled and fibrous pieces, upto 0.1 – 0.5 cm thick, external surface yellowish brown having longitudinal cracks, internal surface greenish, smooth, with an occasional wood tissue attached; fracture, fibrous; odour and taste not distinct.

b) Microscopic:

Stem bark shows exfoliated cork, consisting of 6-8 layers of tangentially elongated, thick-walled cells; where cork has not developed, epidermis present consisting of a single layered rectangular cells covered externally with striated cuticle; secondary cortex composed of tangentially elongated, oval, rounded or rectangular thinwalled, parenchymatous cells having intercellular spaces, some cells contain rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, a number of rounded, oval to elongated, single or groups of stone cells and latex cells also found scattered in this region; pericyclic fibres numerous, lignified; secondary phloem composed of sieve elements, phloem parenchyma, phloem fibres and phloem rays; phloem parenchyma rectangular to polygonal in shape having rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, latex cells and stone cells similar to those found in secondary cortex; phloem fibres aseptate with bordered pits; phloem rays mostly uniseriate and run straight.

Powder – Light yellowish-green; shows fibres, stone cells, rosette crystals of calcium oxalate and latex cells.

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 1.5 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 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 (1: 1) shows under UV (366 nm) four fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.63, 0.71, 0.81 and 0.87 (all blue). On spraying with Dragendorff reagent followed by 5% Methanolic Sulphuric acid reagent one spot appears at Rf. 0.08 (orange).

CONSTITUENTS – α – and β- Calotropeols, β-Amyrin, Giganteol, a Colourless wax, small amount of Tetracyclic Terpenes and Traces of Sterols.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION –

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Sara, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Vatahara, Sodhana, Virecan, Lekhan, Ropana.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Abhaya Lavana, Arka Lavana

THERAPEUTIC USES – Udararoga, Kustha, Kandu, Vrana, Pliharoga, Gulma, Arsa, Krmiroga.

DOSE – 0.5-1 g. in powder form.

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ASANA (Stem Bark)

Asana consists of dried stem bark of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. (Fam. Fabaceae); a moderate to large sized, deciduous tree, upto 30 m high and 2.5 m in girth, with straight clear bole, found throughout deciduous forests in peninsular India.

SYNONYMS –

Sansk : Bijaka, Pitasara, Asanaka, Bijasara
Assam : Aajar
Beng : Piyasala, Pitasala
Eng : Indian Kino Tree
Guj : Biyo
Hindi : Vijayasara, Bija
Kan : Bijasara, Asana
Kash : Lal Chandeur
Mal : Venga
Mar : Bibala
Ori : Piashala
Punj : Chandan Lal. Channanlal
Tam : Vengai
Tel : Yegi, Vegisa
Urdu : Bijasar

DESCRIPTION –

a) Macroscopic:

Drug consists of pieces of stem bark, 1-1.5 cm thick, channeled, usually yellowish-grey with brownish spots due to exudates, outer surface rough and uneven due to protuberances and exfoliations, longitudinal and horizontal cracks present, inner surface fairly smooth; fracture fibrous, breaks with much difficulty; taste, astringent.

b) Microscopic:

Stem bark shows the presence of rhytidoma; idioblasts consisung of lysigenous cavities, present in a row just below cork; secondary cortex not distinct; secondary phloem occupies almost two third of the thickness of bark consisting of sieve elements, phloem parenchyma, phloem fibres, crystal fibres and traversed by a number of phloem rays; sieve elements and parenchyma found collapsed towards the middle and outer regions of phloem, forming ceratenchyma; phloem parenchyma thin-walled, circular to oval; phloem fibres single usually numerous in groups forming alternating bands throughout phloem region, thick-walled and lignified with a small lumen; rhomboidal crystals of calcium oxalate found scattered throughout the region; lysigenous cavities and tanniniferous ducts filled with red colour masses distributed throughout phloem region; phloem rays very close to each other, mostly uniseriate but biseriate rays also occasionally found .

Powder – Yellowish-brown; shows plenty of lignified fibres, crystal fibres, reddish – brown contents and free rhomboidal 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 18 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 7.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 11.5 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 six spots at Rf 0.09, 0.22, 0.41 0.52, 0.63 and 0.78 (all brown). On exposure to Iodine vapour six spots appear at Rf 0.09, 0.22, 0.41, 0.63,0.78 (all brown) and 0.92 (yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic Phosphomolybdic acid reagent six spots appear on heating the plate at 105°C for about ten minutes at Rf. 0.09, 0.22 (both blue), 0.41 (faint blue), 0.63, 0.78 and 0.92 (all blue).

CONSTITUENTS – Tannins and Gum Kino (which contains Kino-Tannic Acid, 1- Epicatechin and a reddish brown colouring matter).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION –

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Pittahara, Saraka, Vatartidosanut, Galadosaghna, Kesya, Tvacya, Raktamandalnasini, Slesmahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Narasingha Ghrta Rasayana

THERAPEUTIC USES – Pandu, Prameha, Medodosa, Kustha, Krmiroga, Svitra, Madhumeha, Sthoulya.

DOSE – 32-50 g. of the drug for decoction.

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ASTHISAMHRTA (Stem)

Asthisamhrta consists of dried stem of Cissus quadrangularis Linn. (Fam. Vitaceae); a perennial fleshy cactus-like climber with tendrils and a quadrangular stem, found throughout the hotter parts of India alongside hedges.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Vajravalli,Chatudhara
Assam. : Harjara
Beng. : Hadajora
Eng. : —
Guj. : Hadasankala
Hindi. : Hadjod
Kan. : Mangaraballi
Kash. : —
Mal. : Changalam Parande
Mar. : Kandvel
Ori. : Hadbhanga
Punj. : Haddjor
Tam. : Perandai
Tel. : Nalleru
Urdu. : Hathjod

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs as pieces of stem of varying lengths; stern quadrangular, 4-winged, internodes constricted at nodes; a tendril occasionally present at nodes; internodes 4-15 cm long and 1-2 cm thick; surface smooth, glabrous, buff coloured with greenish tinge, angular portion reddish-brown; no taste and odour.

b) Microscopic

Mature stern shows squarish outline with prominent projection at each anular point; epidermis single layered, covered externally with thick cuticle; epidermal cells thin-walled, rectangular and tangentially elongated, followed by 2-3 layers of cork and single layered cork cambium; cortex composed of 8-16 layers of thin-walled, circular to oval parenchymatous cells; four patches of collenchymatous cells present in all the four angular points embedded in cortical region like an umbrella arching over large vascularbundles; in the projected portion of angular region cortical cells filled with brown-red contents present; endodermis not distinct; stele consists of a large number of vascular bundles varying in size arranged in the form of a ring separated by rays of parenchyma; 3 -4 vascular bundles larger in size, in each angular region, below collenchymatous patch, while rest of bundles smaller in size; vascular bundles collateral and open type, capped by sc1erenchymatous sheath which is well developed in larger bundles; cambium and interfascicular cambium quite distinct; central region occupied by a wide pith composed of thin-walled, circular to oval parenchymatous cells; idioblasts containing raphides and isolated acicular crystals of calcium oxalate present in the outer region of cortex and also in a number of cells throughout the region; rosette crystals of calcium oxalate also found in most of the cells in cortical region; starch grains present throughout the cortical and the pith regions.

Powder – Brown; shows fragments of vessels, fibres, parenchymatous cells and a few rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, starch grains and idioblast. containing raphides and isolated acicular crystals of calcium oxalate.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 22 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 4 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 20 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9:1) shows under U.V. (366 nm) two fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.59 and 0.91 (both blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour four spots appear at Rf. 0.46, 0.56, 0.66 and 0.91 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C five spots appear at Rf. 0.06, 0.46 (both violet), 0.59 (light violet), 0.66 and 0.91 (both violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Calcium Oxalate, Carotene and Ascorbic Acid

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Sara
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Dipana, Vataslesmahara, Asthisandhanakara, Caksusya, Vrsya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Laksadi Guggulu

THERAPEUTIC USES – Krmi, Arsa, Asthibhagna, Sandhi Cyuta

DOSE – 10-20 ml. (Svarasa)
3-6 g. (Powder)

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ATMAGUPTA (Seed)

Atmagupta consists of dried mature seed of Mucuna prurita Hook., Syn. M pruriens Baker. (Fam. Fabaceae); a slender extensive climbing plant found almost all over the country.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Kapikacchu, Markati, Kandura
Assam. : Banar Kakua
Beng. : —
Eng. : Cowhage
Guj. : Kavach, Kaucha
Hindi. : Kewanch, Kaunch
Kan. : Nasugunne, Nasugunnee
Kash. : —
Mal. : Naikuruna
Mar. : Khajkuhilee, Kavach
Ori. : Baikhujnee
Punj. : Tatgajuli, Kawach
Tam. : Poonaikkali
Tel. : Doolagondi, Duradagondi
Urdu. : Kanwach, Konch

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seed ovoid, slightly laterally compressed, with a persistent oblong, funicular hilum, dark brown with spots; usually 1.2-1.8 cm long, 0.8-1.2 cm wide, hard, smooth to touch, not easily breakable; odour, not distinct; taste, sweetish-bitter.

b) Microscopic

Mature seed shows a thin seed-coat and two hard cotyledons; outer testa consists of single layered palisade-like cells; inner testa composed of 2 or 3 layers, outer layer of tangentially elongated, ovoid, thin-walled cells, inner 1 or 2 layers of dumb-bell or beaker-shaped, thick-walled cells; tegmen composed of a wide zone of oval to elliptical, somewhat compressed, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; some cells contain starch grains; cotyledons composed of polygonal, angular, thin-walled, compactly arranged, parenchymatous cells, containing aleurone and starch grains; starch grains small, simple, rounded to oval measuring 6-41 μ in dia., but not over 45 μ in dia.; a few vascular bundles with vessels showing reticulate thickening or pitted present,

Powder – Pale cream coloured; shows fragments of testa with palisade-like cells thinwalled parenchyma, reticulate and pitted vessels, aleurone and starch grains small, simple, rounded to oval measuring 6-41 μ in dia., but not over 45 μ. in dia.

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 1 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 23 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7
Fixed oil Not less than 3 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.8

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate, using n-Butanol : Acetic acid:
Water (4:1:5), shows in visible light four spots at Rf. 0.51, 0.59, 0.69 (all grey) and 0.92 (light yellow). Under UV (366 nm) six fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.45 (blue), 0.51, 0.59, 0.69 (all grey), 0.79 (light blue) and 0.92 (blue). On spraying with Ninhydrin reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C seven spots appear at Rf. 0.17, 0.28, 0.34 (all pink) 0.51 (orange), 0.59 (pink), 0.69 (grey) and 0.92 (pink).

CONSTITUENTS – Fixed Oil, Alkaloid and 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Kaphanasaka, Vatasamana, Vrsya, Pittanasaka, Raktadosanasaka, Brhmana, Balya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Brhat Masa Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Vatavyadhi, Kampavata, Klaivya, Raktapitta, Dustavrana,Daurbalya.

DOSE – 3-6 g.

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BHARANGI (Root)

Bharangi consists of dried roots of Clerodendrum serratum (Linn.) Moon (Fam. Verbenaceae); a shrub distributed throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Angaravalli, Brahmanayastika
Assam. : —
Beng. : Bamun Hatee, Baman hatee, Bhuijam
Eng. : —
Guj. : Bharangee
Hindi. : Bharangee
Kan. : Gantubarangee
Kash. : —
Mal. : Cheruteku
Mar. : Bharangee, Bharang
Ori. : Chinds
Punj. : Bhadangee
Tam. : Cheruteku
Tel. : Ganttubrarangee
Urdu. : Bharangi, Baharangi

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Mature root hard, woody, cylindrical, upto 5 cm thick, external surface light brown having elongated lenticels; bark, thin and easily separated from a broad wood which shows marked medullary rays and concentric growth rings in a transversely cut surface; fracture, short; taste, acrid.

b) Microscopic

Mature root shows stratified cork composed of 14-20 layers of thin-walled, tangentially elongated cells; each stratification consists of 3-5 layers of cells; secondary cortex wide, outer 2 or 3 layers radially arranged and tangentially elongated, inner cells polyhedral or circular to ellipsoidal with intercellular spaces; a few cells modified into stone cells with greatly thickened wall having concentric striations and radiating canals with narrow lumen; some cells contain acicular crystals of calcium oxalate and a few contain brown colouring matter; secondary phloem consists of sieve elements and parenchyma mostly collapsed in outer region, forming ceratenchyma; some phloem parenchymatous cells modified into stone cells similar to those in secondary cortex but somewhat smaller and with greater thickening’ of walls; secondary xylem diffused porous consisting of vessels, tracheids, fibres and xylem parenchyma traversed by xylem rays; macerated preparation show wider vessels cylindrical, drum-shaped, some being elongated at one end having bordered pits, rarely reticulate or pitted, while narrower ones elongated with spiral to reticulate thicken- tracheids long, cylindrical with tapering ends and bordered pits; xylem fibres moderately thick-walled with mostly tapering, pointed ends and oblique bordered pits; xylem parenchyma square to rectangular with simple pits on their walls; medullary rays 1-4 cells wide and 2-50 cells high, 2 or 3 cell wide rays more common, having simple pits on their walls; acicular crystals and abundant simple and compound starch grains measuring up to 20 μ in dia. present in a number of cells throughout the region.

Powder – Light-brown; shows vessels reticulate, spiral and with bordered pits, starch grains simple and compound, round to oval, measuring upto 20 μ in dia. and acicular crystals; stone cells as describes under microscopy present.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 11 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 6 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 n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4:1:5) shows in visible light two spots at Rf. 0.62 and 0.74 (both dirty yellow). Under UV light (366 nm) three fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.62 (yellowish green), 0.68 (blue) and 0.74 (yellowish green). On spraying with 5% Methanolic Sulphuric acid and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C two spots appear at Rf. 0.62 and 0.74 (both grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Saponins

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Kaphahara, Pacana, Rucya, Vatahara, Swasahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Ayaskrti, Kanakasava, Dasamularista, Rasnadi Kvatha Curna, Dhanvantara Ghrta, Maha Vatagajankusa Rasa.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Gulma, Jvara, Svasa, Kasa, Yaksma, Pinasa, Sotha, Hikka, Raktadosa.

DOSE – 3-6 g. of powder.
10-20 g. of kwatha curna.

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BIJAPURA (Fresh Fruit)

Bijapura consists of fresh fruit of Citrus medica Linn. (Fam. Rutaceae); an evergreen shrub or small tree, about 3.6 m high with short, thick and thorny branches, cultivated sparsely throughout the warm-moist regions of the eountry.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Matulunga
Assam. : Jaradeda
Beng. : Bijipura, Mutulanga
Eng. : Wild Lemon, Citron
Guj. : Bijora
Hindi. : Bijoura
Kan. : Madavala, Madalahannu, Madala
Kash. : —
Mal. : Matala Narakam, Gonapatinarakam, Bongi, Mathulanarakam, Mathulanga
Mar. : Mahalunga, Bijora
Ori. : Jambhira
Punj. : Galgal
Tam. : Turunji Pazham, Kadarangai
Tel. : Madi Phalam
Urdu. : Turanj

DESCRIPTION

Macroscopic:

Fruit-hesperidium, 5-10 cm long, ovoid, oblong or globose, nipple-shaped at the end with thick, rough or irregular or warted rind; dark green when unripe and yellow when ripe; pulp, pale yellow; taste, acidic and sweetish.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Nil 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 20 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water -soluble extractive Not less than 40 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene : Ethylacetate (9 : 1) shows under U.V. (3661 nm) seven fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.03 (light sky blue), 0.08 (yellowish green), 0.11(light sky blue), 0.19(light sky blue), 0.39 (light sky blue), 0.56 (dark sky blue) and 0.66 (light sky blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour ten spots appear at Rf. 0.03, 0.04, 0.08, 0.11, 0.16, 0.38, 0.43, 0.53, 0.72 and 0.93 (all yellow).

CONSTITUENTS – Volatile oil

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Amla
Guna : Laghu, Snigdha
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Amla
Karma : Kanha Sodhaka, Chardigrahana., Dipana, Hrdya, Jihvasodhaka, Kaphahara, Medhya, Pittahara, Vatahara, Varnanasaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Ksara Taila, Hinguvadi Curna, Kankayana Gutika, Tarunarka Rasa, Sankha Dravaka, Madiphala Rasayana

THERAPEUTIC USES – Raktapitta, Svasa, Kasa, Aruci, Trsna, Udara Roga, Vibandha, Madatyaya, Hikka, Agnimandya

DOSE – 10-20 ml. of juice.

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BILVA (Root)

Bilva consists of dried root of Aegle marmelos Corr. (Fam. Rutaceae); an armed, medium sized tree, occurring in the plains and upto 1000 m in the hills, as well as cultivated throughout the country, particularly in sacred groves.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Sriphal
Assam. : Bael, Vael
Beng. : Bela, Bilva
Eng. : Bael Root, Bengal Quince
Guj. : Bilivaphal, Bill, Bilum
Hindi. : Bel, Bela, Sriphal
Kan. : Bilva
Kash. : —
Mal. : Koovalam
Mar. : Baela, Bel
Ori. : Bela
Punj. : Bil
Tam. : Vilvam
Tel. : Maredu
Urdu. : Bel

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root cream yellow or pale yellowish-brown, thin, irregularly and shallowly ridged due to formation of longitudinal and transverse lenticels, surface ruptured, peeling off in layers, internal surface cream to light yellow; fracture, short; taste, sweet.

b) Microscopic

Root shows lignified and stratified cork consisting of 3 or 4 alternating bands of 4-14 layers of smaller cells and a few layers of larger cells having golden yellow contents; secondary cortex, a wide zone, consisting of large, polyhedral, parenchymatous cells and stone cells of varying shapes and sizes, thick-walled, lignified, scattered throughout region; secondary phloem consists of sieve elements, fibres, parenchyma and crystals fibres traversed by phloem rays; some sieve elements compressed, forming tangential bands of ceratenchyma alternating with bands of lignified phloem fibres in outer phloem region, but intact in inner phloem region; phloem parenchyma radially and transversely elongated; phloem fibre groups arranged in concentric rings, fibre groups in inner phloem region extend tangentially from one meduallary ray to another, each group consisting of 2-35 or more cells; fibres long, generally with tapering ends but occasionally forked, lignified, some others have wavy walls; crystal fibres numerous,  long, about 9-30 chambered, each containing a prismatic crystal of calcium oxalate; medullary rays uni to triseriate in inner region while bi to pentaseriate in outer region of phloem; cambium consists of 3-7 rows of tangentially elongated to squarish cells; secondary xylem consists of vessels tracheids, fibres and xylem parenchyma; vessels scattered throughout xylem region, in groups of 2-5, single vessels also found, varying in shape and size, mostly drum-shaped, with bordered pits some having a pointed, tail-like process at one end; fibres thick-walled with blunt or pointed tips; xylem parenchyma rectangular in shape; medullary rays uni to triseriate, bi and triseriate rays more common, triseriate rays 12-40 cells high, uniseriate rays 4-10 cells high; prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate present; starch grains simple, 5-19 μ in dia., mostly round to oval with centric hilum; compound starch grains having 2-3 components present in inner few layers of cork cells, secondary cortex, phloem and xylem rays.

Powder – Grey to greyish-brown; shows thick-walled, angular cells of cork, numerous prismatic crystal of calcium oxalate, crystal fibres, starch grains simple, 5-19 μ in dia., mostly round to oval with centric hilum; compound starch grains having 2-3 components, fragments of xylem vessels with bordered pits and thick-walled xylem fibres.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 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 7 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 n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4:1:5) shows under UV (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.54 (bright sky blue). 0.84 (light sky blue) and 0.93 (bright sky blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at Rf. 0.15, 0.27, 0.54, 0.67, 0.78 and 0.93 (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. 0.15, 0.27, 0.32, 0.38 (all grey), 0.54 (yellow) 0.67, 0.84 (light grey) and 0.93 (brown) .

CONSTITUENTS – Auraptene, Coumarins, Glycosides

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Mutrala, Tridosaghna

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Manasa Mitra Vataka, Amrtarista, Dantyadyarista, Agastya Haritaki Rasayana, Dasamularista, Dasamula Kvatha Curna, Bilvadi Leha.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Vatavyadhi, Sotha, Sula, Agnimandya, Chardi, Mutrakrcchra,Amavata

DOSE – 2-6 g. of the drug in powder form.

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BIMBI (Whole plant)

Bimbi consists of dried whole plant of Coccinia indica W. & A. = C. cordifolia Cogn. Syn. Cephalandra indica Naud. (Fam. Cucurbitaceae); a climbing or prostrate, much branched, perennial herb, growing wild throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sansk : Tundika, Tundikeri
Assam : Kawabhaturi
Beng : Bimbu, Telakucha
Eng : Ivy-Gourd
Guj : Kadavighilodi, Ghilodi
Hindi : Kundaruki-Bel
Kan : Tonde-Balli
Kash : —
Mal : Kova, Nallakova
Mar : Tondale
Ori : Pitakundii, Kainchikakudi
Punj : Kanduri
Tam : Kovai
Tel : Donda Tiga
Urdu : Kunduru

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root -Root available in cut pieces with a few lateral roots, surface rough due to longitudinal striations and lenticels, cylindrical, 0.5 -2.5 cm in dia., greyish-brown. Stem -Slender, soft, 0.3-1.5 cm in dia., branched, longitudinally grooved, glabrous, nodes swollen, whitish dots over external surface, a few tendrils attached with nodes, greyish coloured externally and cream to light yellow internally, fracture, fibrous; no odour and taste.

Leaf -Petiolate, petiole cylindrical, simple 2-3.2 cm long, 3.8-9 cm or rarely 10 cm long, palmately lobed, with 3 to 5 lobes or angles, lobes broad, obtuse or acute, more or less sinuate, occasionally constricted at the base, often with circular patches of glands between nerves; lamina bright green above, paler beneath, surface studded and sometimes rough with papillae.

Flower -Ebracteate, pedicellate, incomplete, unisexual, actinomorphic, pentamerous. Male Flower pedicel 2-3.8 cm long, subfiliform, calyx tube glabrous, broadly campanulate, 4.5 mm long linear; corolla 2.5 cm long, white, veined, pubescent inside, glabrous outside, segments 4.5 -7.5 mm long, triangular, acute, staminal column glabrous, capitulum of anthers subglobose; Female Flower pedicel 1.3 – 2.5 cm long, calyx and corolla as in male flowers; staminodes 3, subulate, 3 mm long, ovary fusiform, glabrous, slightly ribbed, stigma 3, bifid.

Fruit -A pepo, ovoid, glabrous, 3.5 – 4.5 cm long and 1.5-2 cm thick, greenish-brown to yellowish-brown with white linings; no odour and taste.

Seed – Somewhat obovoid, 0.7 cm long and 0.2-0.3 cm wide rounded at apex, much compressed, yellowish-grey.

b) Microscopic

Root – Shows 7 or more rows of thin-walled cork cells having lenticels at places; secondary cortex 4-7 layered, oval to elliptical, tangentially elongated, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells having groups of oval to rectangular, elongated stone cells in lower region; secondary phloem composed of usual elements; phloem fibres absent; secondary xylem consists of usual elements; vessels mostly solitary with simple pits; tracheids simple pitted; fibres simple pitted with pointed tips and arranged around the vessels; medullary rays 6-10 or more cells wide; starch grains abundant, simple, round to oval, measuring 3-11 μ in dia., and compound having 2-4 components present in secondary cortex, phloem and xylem parenchyma and ray cells.

Stem -Mature stem with ridges and furrows, shows a single layered epidermis composed of tabular cells externally covered with cuticle, or the epidermis interrupted at certain places due to formation of cork cells; collenchyma 2-4 layered consisting of isodiametric cells; secondary cortex narrow, consisting of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; pericycle present in the form of discontinuous ring of pericyclic fibres; vascular bundles 10 in number, bicollateral, widely separated by broad strips of ground tissue arranged in a single ring, inner part of which almost meeting at centre of stem; secondary phloem consists of sieve-tubes, companion cells and phloem parenchyma; inner phloem semilunar in shape; secondary xylem in the centre of each bundle, consists of vessels, tracheids, fibres and xylem parenchyma; vessels numerous uniformly scattered throughout xylem, lignified, pitted and with spiral thickening; tracheids pitted; pith small, composed of thin walled parenchymatous cells.

Leaf –
Petiole – Shows single layered epidermis, consisting of flattened, tangentially elongated cells, covered externally with, striated cuticle; cortex differentiated into 2-5 layered collenchyma and 2-6 layered circular, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells with conspicuous intercellular spaces; vascular bundles bicollateral, arranged in a single ring, usually nine, seven larger and two smaller, traversed by wide parenchymatous cells of medullary rays; some bundles capped by one or two layered, thick-walled, lignified, polygonal pericyclic sclerenchyma; centre occupied by very wide pith composed of large isodiametric parenchymatous cells.

Midrib -Single layered epidermis, on either side, externally covered with striated cuticle, followed by 1-3 layers of well developed collenchyma on the dorsal side and 3-5 layers on the ventral side; vascular bundles, bicollateral, three, ventral larger and two dorsal smaller; layers of collenchymatous cells gradually reduce to 2 or 3 towards dorsal side, 1 or 2 on ventral side and ultimately towards apex of leaf, collenchyma reduces to 1 layer on ventral side and 2 layers on dorsal side; parenchyma 2-3 layered on both sides; vascular bundles single, semicircular; vessels arranged in radial rows.

Lamina -Dorsiventral structure with single layered upper and lower epidermis, externally covered with striated cuticles; epidermal cells show almost straight walls and anomocytic stomata in surface view; below upper epidermis palisade single layered; spongy parenchyma represented by 3-6 layers of loosely arranged cells, a number of veins surrounded by parenchyma, present in mesophyll.

Fruit -Epicarp single layered; mesocarp composed of a wide zone of thin-walled parenchymatous cells differentiated into two regions, outer 5-6 layers rectangular to polygonal, smaller in size, while inner region composed of oval to polygonal cells of larger size; a few fibro-vascular bundles present in this region.

Seed -Testa show ridges and furrows at a few places, more prominent at lateral sides, and consisting of oval to polygonal, thin-walled parenchymatous cells, upper most layer forms radially elongated thin-walled colourless cells; tegmen consists of single layered radially elongated, thin walled, lignified cells, followed by a layer of thin-walled, collapsed parenchymatous cells; a few starch grains 3-6 μ in dia. scattered in this region; embryo consists of hexagonal to polygonal, thin-walled cells having a few oil globules.

Powder – Greyish-brown; shows groups of round to polygonal parenchymatous cells, reticulate, spiral and pitted vessels, aseptate fibres, palisade cells, stone cells, simple and compound, round to oval, starch grains, measuring 3-11 μ in diameter, fragments of epidermis with straight walled cells and anomocytic stomata.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 21 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 14 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Chloroform: Methanol : Ammonia (90:18:2) shows under UV (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.23 (blue), 0.47 (red) and 0.61 (blue). On spraying with Dragendorff reagent one spot appears at Rf. 0.38 (orange).

CONSTITUENTS – Saponins and Fixed Oil in seeds.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Guru, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Pittahara, Vatakara, Atirucya, Lekhhana, Stambhana, Vibandhadhmanakara, Chardikara.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Vastyamayantaka Ghrta

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kasa, Svasa, Jvara, Raktavikara, Daha. Sopha, Pandu.

DOSE – 3-6 g. of the drug in powder form.
5-10 ml. (Svarasa).

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ADHAKI (Root)

Adhaki consists of dried root of Cajanus cajan (Linn.) Millsp. (Fam. Fabaceae); an annual or perennial, erect shrub, 1.2-3.1 m high, cultivated almost throughout as a pulse crop upto an altitude of 1830 m in the Himalayas. It is mainly grown in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

SYNONYMS –

Sansk : Tuvari
Assam : Ruharmah
Beng : Adar, Aaharee, Arhar
Eng : Pigeon Pea, Red Gram
Guj : Tuvar, Tuvera, Tur, Tuver
Hindi : Arahad, Arahar
Kan : Togari, Tovaree, Togari, Kari Uddu, Togaribele
Kash : —
Mal : Thuvara, Tuvara
Mar : Toor, Toori, Tura
Ori : Harada, Kandulagachha
Punj : Arhar
Tam : Tovarai, Thovary, Adagi Tuvari, Thuvarai, Tuvarai, Thovarai
Tel : Kandulu, Kadulu
Urdu : Arhar

DESCRIPTION –

a) Macroscopic:

Root stout, branched, cylindrical, tapering having a number of secondary roots and rootlets, surface rough due to transversely running light brown lenticels, cream to light yellow externally, dirty white internally; fracture, hard and fibrous; odour, characteristic; taste, acrid.

b) Microscopic:

Mature root shows 3-7 layers of cork of rectangular, tangentially elongated, thin walled cells, interrupted at certain places by lenticels; secondary cortex consists of outer 3-7 layers of thin-walled, somewhat tangentially elongated parenchymatous cell, followed by a row of oval to elongated stone cells, thick-walled, elliptical, with wide lumen; some adjoining parenchymatous cells contain prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; in the inner region strands of isolated or groups of 2-12 lignified fibres present; secondary phloem consists of sieve elements, fibres and phloem parenchyma, traversed by phloem rays; phloem fibres lignified, variable in size with pointed tips and wide lumen scattered throughout phloem region in single or in groups; some stone cells, mostly in groups and possessing yellowish contents, also found scattered in inner phloem; phloem rays numerous, uni to triseriate and straight; ray cells rectangular to rounded in inner phloem region, rounded to tangentially elongated in outer phloem; cambium consisting of 4-6 rows of thin-walled, narrow, tangentially elongated colourless cells; xylem occupies bulk of root and composed of vessels, tracheids, xylem parenchyma and fibres; vessels of varying sizes having pitted walls occur in small groups of 2-3 and also as occasionally isolated units in larger groups of 4-7; fibres short with wide lumen and pointed tips; parenchyma thin walled and rectangular; xylem rays numerous, uni to triseriate, biseriate being more common, straight, 3-25 cells high, radially elongated.

Powder – Cream coloured; shows numerous pieces of pitted vessels, fibres, cork cells, sclereids and a few 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 3.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.7 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 2 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 alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Ethylacetate : Methanol (90 : 10) v/v shows under U.V. (366 nm) six fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.06, 0.20, 0.69, 0.80, 0.90 (all blue) and 0.92 (yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic Sulphuric acid six spots appear on heating the plate at 105°C for about ten minutes at Rf. 0.06, 0.22, 0.30, 0.80, 0.88 and 0.92 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Saponins and Reducing Sugars.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION –

Rasa : Madhura, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Vatakara, Pittahara, Kaphahara, Grahi, Varnya, Rucikara, Visaghna

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Mahapancagavya Ghrta, Kankayana Gutika

THERAPEUTIC USES – Raktavikara

DOSE – 2-6 g. of the drug in powder form.

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CANGERI (Whole Plant)

Cangeri consists of dried whole plant of Oxalis corniculata Linn. (Fam. Oxalidaceae); a small annual or perennial, more or less erect herb with creeping or subterranean stem, 6-25 cm high, found throughout warmer parts of the country and also in all tropical and temperate climate, growing upto an elevation of 3000 m in North- West Himalayas.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Cangeri, Amlapatrika
Assam. : Chengeritenga
Beng. : Amrul
Eng. : Indian Sorrel
Guj. : Ambolee, Changeri, Teen Panaki, Rukhadi
Hindi. : Tinpatiya, Changeri, Ambilosa
Kan. : Pullamouradi, Sivargee, Purachi Soppu
Mal. : Pulliparel
Mar. : Ambutee, Ambatee, Ambti, Bhui Sarpati
Ori. : —
Punj. : Khatkal, Khattibootee, Khatmittha
Tam. : Puliyarai
Tel. : Pulichinta
Urdu. : Changeri, Teen Patiya

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – Dark brownish, thin, about 1-2 mm thick, branched, rough, soft; no odour and taste.

Stem – Creeping, brownish-red, soft, very thin, easily breakable; no odour and taste.

Leaf – Palmately compound, trifoliate; petiole-green, thin, about 3-9 cm long, cylindrical, pubescent; leaflet-green, 1-2 cm long, obcordate, glabrous, sessile or sub sessile, base cuneate; taste, somewhat sour.

Flower -Yellow, axillary, sub-umbellate.

Fruit – Capsules cylindrical, tomentose.

Seed -Tiny, dark brown, numerous, broadly ovoid transversely striate.

b) Microscopic

Root – Shows 3-4 layers of cork, composed of thin-walled rectangular cells, brownish in appearance; cortex, a wide zone, consisting of rectangular and oval, thin-walled parenchymatous cells filled with simple starch grains, yellowish pigment and tannin; inner cortical cells rectangular and polygonal, smaller in size than miter ones; cortex followed by thin strips of phloem consisting of sieve tubes, companion cells and phloem parenchyma, cambium not distinct; xylem consists of vessels, tracheids, fibres and xylem parenchyma; vessels cylindrical, pitted some with tail-like projection at one end; tracheids pitted with pointed ends; a few starch grains simple, round to oval measuring 3-11μ in dia., present scattered throughout the region.

Stem – Shows single layered epidermis, composed of rectangular to oval cells, some of which are elongated to become unicellular covering trichomes; cortex consists of 4-5 layers of thin-walled, circular and polyhedral parenchymatous cells; endodermis single layered of thin-walled rectangular cells; pericycle composed of two or three layers of squarish and polygonal sclerenchymatous cells; vascular bundles 6-7 in number, arranged in a ring, composed of a few elements of phloem towards outer side and xylem towards inner side; xylem composed of pitted vessels, tracheids, fibres and xylem parenchyma; central region occupied by pith composed of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, a few simple, round to oval starch grains measuring 3-11 μ in dia, scattered throughout the region.

Leaf –
Petiole – Shows rounded or plano-convex outline consisting of single layered epidermis of rectangular or circular, thin-walled cells; cortex 3-4 layers of thin-walled, circular, oval or polygonal parenchymatous cells, generally filled with green pigment; endodermis single layered followed by 2-3 layers of sclerenchymatous pericycle, less developed towards upper side of petiole; vascular bundles 5 in number, arranged in a ring, consisting of phloem towards outer side and xylem towards inner side; centre occupied by a small pith; a few simple, round to oval starch grains, measuring 3-11 μ in dia., scattered throughout.

Lamina – Shows single layered epidermis on upper and lower surfaces, composed of rectangular cells; covering trichomes unicellular; palisade single layered composed of thin-walled, columnar cells, filled with green pigment; below palisade 2-3 layers of thinwalled, spongy parenchyma consisting of circular to oval cells filled with green pigment; stomata paracytic.

Powder– Greenish-brown; shows fragments of trichomes, parenchymatous, sclerenchymatous cells, fibres, epidermis showing irregular cell walls in surface view; a few simple, rounded to oval starch grains, measuring 3-11 μ in diameter.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Percent Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 20 Percent Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 10 Percent Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 5 Percent Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 13 Percent Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C.of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene :Ethylacetate (8 :2) shows under UV (366 nm) one fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.65 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour three spots appear at Rf. 0.27, 0.53 and 0.65 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C three spots appear at Rf. 0.27, 0.53 and 0.65 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Vitamin C, Carotene, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid and Malic Acid.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Amla, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Amla
Karma : Dipana, Grahi, Kaphahara, Rucikara, Vatahara, Pittakara,Agnivardhaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Cangeri Ghrta

THERAPEUTIC USES – Grahani, Arsa, Kustha, Atisara

DOSE – 5-10 ml. (Svarasa).
It is also used externally.

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