Ayurvedic Herbs

PRASARINI (Whole Plant)

Prasarini consists of dried whole plant of Pmderia foetida Linn. (Fam. Rubiacem); an extensive foetid smelling perennial climber, found in most of the parts of country.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Sarani, Prasarani, Gandhapatra
Assamese : Bhedilata
Bengali : —
English : —
Gujrati : Prasarini
Hindi : Gandha Prasarini
Kannada : Hesarani, Prasarini bail
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Tala nili
Marathi : Hiranvel, Haranvel
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Prasarini
Tamil : Mudiyar Kundal
Telugu : Gontima goru-Teega
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – Tap root 2-4 cm long, 0.5-2 cm thick, cylindrical or sub cylindrical, tortuous, having a number of branches and rootlets; dark brown; surface rough due to longitudinal wrinkles, ridges and fissures; remnants of rootlet, thin scars and numerous horizontal lenticels also present; fracture, short in bark region and somewhat fibrous in wood; odour, disagreeable and foetid more marked in fresh samples; taste, indistinct.

Stem – Slender, sub-erect with diffuse branching, upto 4 cm thick; subcylindrical showing a dumb-bell shaped appearance in transverse view due to presence of two prominant furrows running opposite each other on both surfaces, externally dark brown, longitudinal anastomosing wrinkles, ridges and a few transverse cracks and circular lenticels, fracture, fibrous; odour, foetid more marked in fresh samples; taste, indistinct.

Leaf – Simple, petiolate, stipulate; 10-15 cm long, 5-6 cm broad; somewhat glabrous; ovate, entire, base narrow or broad, apex acute or cuspidate; stipule ovate, lanceolate, bifid, entire, acute, base broad with hairy surface, texture, thin; odour, foetid more distinct in fresh samples; taste, indistinct.

Flower – Violet to pink; bracteate, pedicellate, bisexual, calyx campanulate, acutely, toothed; corolla funnel-shaped, usually pubescent, somewhat gibbous and wooly inside, limb narrow, divided into five cordate crenulate segments, lobes short; filament short, inserted irregularly about the middle of the tube, anther erect within the tube; ovary turbinate, two celled containing one ovule, each attached to the bottom of the cell; style, simple; stigma two cleft with lobes bent amongst the anther.

Fruit – Berry, orbicular, ellipsoid, compressed, smooth with five lines on each side, one celled, two seeded, 1.1 cm across, red or black.

Seed – Compressed, smooth, enlarged with somewhat membranous ring all round.

b) Microscopic

Root – Mature root shows 6-13 layers of cork, composed of tangentially elongated cells, in outer few layers somewhat collapsed, lignified and filled with brown content; cork cambium 1-2 layers; secondary cortex 5-16 layers of thin-walled; somewhat radially arranged parenchymatous cells; secondary phloem appears as wedge-shaped conical masses consisting of sieve elements and parenchyma traversed by phloem rays; major portion of phloem element thick-walled, sieve elements form collapsed masses of ceratenchyma in outer region and intact in inner most region; uni to biseriate phloem rays composed of usually thick-walled cells in outer and middle phloem region; multiseriate phloem rays composed of thin-walled parenchymatous cells showing funnel-shaped dilatation in outer phloem region; in tangential section through inner phloem region sieve cells shows beaded thickening; cambium 1-3 layered; secondary xylem consists of wide zope of lignified and non-lignified tissue traversed by xylem rays; lignified tissue consists of vessels, tracheids and fibres; non-lignified tissue consists of thin-walled parenchymatous cells; xylem vessels distributed singly or in groups of two to three having variable shape and bordered pits; tracheids long and narrow having bordered pits; fibres long, narrow having simple pits; xylem parenchyma have simple pits or reticulate thickening; xylem ray cells thin-walled, circular to somewhat radially elongated in non-lignified zone and thick-walled, lignified and radially elongated in lignified zone having simple pits; starch grains as granular masses,
oil globules as small circular bodies and raphides of calcium oxalate present in a few cells of secondary cortex, phloem, xylem and medullary rays.

Stem – Mature stem shows 7-11 layers of cork composed of rectangular cells, a few outer layers lignified; secondary cortex 6-9 layers consisting of thin-walled parenchymatous cells; pericyclic fibres present in singles or in groups of two to three, much elongated and septate with very narrow lumen; secondary phloem much similar to that of root having thick-walled phloem elements, arranged in wedged-shaped conical masses, with ceratenchyma, two types of phloem rays, sieve cells with beaded thickening; cambium 1-2 layers; secondary xylem represented by lignified and nonlignified tissues; inner most xylem composed of thin compact band of 8-9 layers of lignified tissue with primary xylem attached towards pits, xylem vessels associated with tracheids, fibres and lignified or non-lignified parenchyma; a few xylem vessels show tyloses; all elements have similar pittings as described in case of root; uni and biseriate rays thin-walled but lignified; in lignified region, multiseriate rays usually thin-walled; centre of stem occupied by small pith and a few sclereids; a few cells of secondary cortex, phloem, xylem, medullary rays and pith contain starch grains, oil globules and raphides of calcium oxalate.

Leaf–
Petiole – shows similar structure as midrib but differs in possesing trichomes comparatively smaller, as well as two more somewhat spherical accessory bundles, one flanking on each side of median vascular bundle close to lateral extensions where they further split after reaching distal end of petiole; starch grains, oil globules and raphides of calcium oxalate similar to those of root and stem also present in parenchymatous cells of petiole, midrib and in mesophyll cells ofleaf.

Midrib – composed of single layered epidermis covered with cuticle; ground tissue consisting of 2-5 layered of collenchyma towards upper and lower side and rest parenchyma; a larger median crescent-shaped vascular bundle consisting usual elements with xylem towards upper side and phloem towards lower side.

Lamina – shows a dorsiventral structure; epidermis single layered covered externally with striated cuticle; uniseriate covering trichomes and paracytic stomata present on both surfaces; mesophyll composed of single layered palisade cells and 3-4 layered spongy tissue; in margin of leaf mesophyll replaced by thick- walled cells; veins usually surrounded by bundle sheath, larger veins transcurrent and smaller ones embedded; vein islet number 5-10 per sq. mm., palisade ratio 6.75-14.2 .

Powder – Dark green; shows fragments of cork cells, palisade cells, raphides of calcium oxalate, oil globules and starch grains

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 6 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 9 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids, Volatile Oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta
Guna : Guru, Sara
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Vatahara, Vrsya, Balakrt, Sandhankrt

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Dasamularista., Prasarini Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Vatarakta., Vataroga

DOSE – 2-4 g. of drug in powder form.

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YAVASAKA (Whole Plant)

Yavasaka consists of dried whole plant of Alhagi pseudalhagi (Bieb). Desv. (Fam. Fabacem); a small thorny shrub, mostly found in arid and dry regions of Gujarat, Punjab, Utter Pradesh and Rajasthan.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Yavasa, Yasa, Yavasaka
Assamese : Bhatuashak
Bengali : —
English : Persian Manna Plant
Gujrati : Javaso
Hindi : Javasa
Kannada : Turuchana gida, Javasa, Neladangara, ballidurabi, Duralabha
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Venkatithura, Valiya Kotithuva
Marathi : Dhamasa
Oriya : —
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Punaikanjuri, Kanchori
Telugu : Chinnadoolagondi, Dhanvayasamu
Urdu : Turanjabeen

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – Well developed, 20-30 cm long and 0.2-1 cm thick; gradually tapering, secondary and tertiary root absent; dark brown; fracture, short.

b) Microscopic

Stem – Cylindrical, glabrous, slightly rough at basal region with slender; hard, sharp axillary spines upto 3.8 cm long; branched, terete, striate, glabrous, nearly 0.1-1 cm thick; yellowish-green to yellowish-brown.

Leaf – Simple, alternate, oblong, mucronate obtuse, drooping, opposite, extipulate, 0.5-1 cm long, 0.5-0.7 cm broad. elliptical, smooth or puberulous with very short petiole, stipules green; no taste and odour.

Root -Shows 6-10 layers of tangentially elongated, radially arranged cork cells; cork cambium single layered, filled with reddish-brown contents; secondary cortex almost absent; phloem composed of sieve elements, phloem parenchyma and phloem fibres; some phloem parenchyma cells filled with tannin; xylem consists of vessels, tracheids, fibres parenchyma and xylem rays; vessels mostly solitary with simple pits; tracheids and fibres thick-walled, ascptate with bluntly pointed ends; medullary rays 1-4 cells wide, 3-45 cells long; pith composed of a few thin-walled, angular, parenchymatous cells; starch grains simple, rounded to oval, 5.5-14.75 n in dia. present throughout the region.

Stem – Shows a single layered epidermis covered externally with thick cuticle; cortex composed of 8-15 layers of oval, tangentially elongated cells, numerous tanniniferous cells found scattered in this region; pericycle present in form of fibre groups; phloem composed of sieve elements, parenchyma and fibres; some parenchyma cells filled with tannin; xylem consists of vessels, tracheids, xylem fibres, xylem parenchyma and xylem rays; vessels solitary or in groups of 2-3 with simple pits; tracheids and fibres, a few with thick wall and simple pits; medullary rays 2-3 cells wide pith composed of rounded, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, some cells filled with tannin.

Leaf–
Petiole – appears circular in outline; shows single layered epidermis covered externally with cuticle; hypodermis 2-3 layered, filled with tannin, ‘D” shaped collateral vascular bundle present in central region; rest of tissue between vasculr bundle and hypodermis composed of thin-walled, parenchymtous cells some of which are filled with tannin.

Midrib – appears biconvex in outline; epidermis single layered, covered externally with thick cuticle; hypodermis 1-2 layered, filled with tannin; pericycle present in the form of fibres strands; vascular bundle collateral; xylem situated above phlome, rest of tissue between vascular bundle and pericyclic strand is parenchymatous.

Lamina – epidermis consisting of single layered cells, covered with cuticle; paracytic stomata present on both surfaces hypodermis single layered filler vith tannin; mesophyll not differentiated into palisade and spongy parenchyma, consisting of thin-walled oval to polygonal cells having chlorophyll; rounded to elongated tanniniferous cells found scattered in mesophyll.

Powder – Greenish-brown; shows fragments of epidermal cells consisting of rectangular to polygonal, elongated, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells with paracytic stomata, pitted vessels, fibres, tanniniferous cells, simple, round and oval starch grains measuring 5.5- 14.75 n in diameter.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 13.5 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 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Sugars (Melizitose, Sucrose, Invert Sugars).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Sara
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Balakrt, Dipana, Kaphahara, Pittahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Chinnodbhavadi Kvatha Curna, Gandharvahastadi Kvatha Curna, Bharangyadi Kvatha Curna, Arimedadi Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Chardi, Jvara, Kasa, Raktapitta, Trsna, Vatarakta, Visarpa

DOSE – 20 – 50 g. of the drug in powder form for decoction.

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PRIYALA (Seed)

Priyala consists of seed of Buchanania lanzan Spreng. Syn. B. latifolia Roxb. (Farn, Anacardiacem); an evergreen tree upto 15 m high, found throughout the country in dry deciduous forests.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Piyalaka, Bhaulavalkala
Assamese : —
Bengali : Chirangi, Chowl, Satdhan
English : —
Gujrati : Charal, Shalichokha
Hindi : Piyal, Piyar, Chiraungi
Kannada : Nurlaal
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Mural, Priyalam, Mural maram
Marathi : Charoli
Oriya : —
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Muolaima, Korka, Saraparuppu
Telugu : Sara, Sarapappu
Urdu : Chironji

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seed laterally much compressed, creamish-brown, mottled with darker brown lines, 0.4-0.6 cm long, 0.3-0.5 cm wide, occasionally separate cotyledons also occur, funicle stout, micropyle superior, linear, hilum present at the apex of round edge; slight pressure separates oily cotyledons; odour, pleasant; taste, sweetish-oily.

b) Microscopic

Seed – Longitudinal section of seed-coat shows epidermis consisting of polygonal cells with scattered, large, pitted, thick-walled, sclerenchymatous cells, occurring mostly in groups, followed by remnants of disorganised, collapsed cells of integument, which are of various size, thin-walled and parenchymatous cells filled with brownish content and form a pigment layer, below which a band of parenchymatous cells present, consisting of elongated or tubular cells; cotyledons consisting of epidermis and thin-walled parenchymatous cells, epidermal cells of cotyledons barrel-shaped and the parenchymatous cells polyhedral and filled with aleurone grains of globoid type,measuring 2.5-5.0 n in dia. and oil globules; procambium bundles, running longitudinally also occur among these parenchyma cells.

Powder – A creamish-brown paste; shows numerous mesophyll cells, filled with oil globules and aleurone grains of globoid type measuring 2.5-5.0 n in dia. and sclerenchymatous cells, in surface view seed coat polyhedral in shape, thick-walled and filled with brownish contents.

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 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 7 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica Gel ‘G’ plate using Benzene :
Ethylacetate (3:1) shows under U.V. (254 nm) two fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.72 and 0.94 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at Rf. 0.08, 0.27, 0.54, 0.72, 0.91, 0.94 and 0.98 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and on heating the plate for ten minutes at 105°c eight spots appear at Rf. 0.08, 0.27, 0.54, 0.72, 0.84, 0.91, 0.94 and 0.98 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Albuminoids, Oil and Starch.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Sara, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Sramahara, Balya, Bhagnasadhaka, Hrdya, Kaphakara, Pittahara, Vatahara, Vrsya, Sukrakara, Brmhana, Amavardhaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Pugakhanda, Priyala Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Daha, Ksata, Raktapitta, Ksaya.

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

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PRIYANGU (Inflorescence)

Priyangu consists of dried inflorescence of Callicarpa macrophylla Yahl. (Fam. Verbenacem); an erect, 1.2- 2.4 m high shrub, found throughout North and East India ascending to 1800 m in the West Himalayas from Kashmir to Assam, and abundant in Bengal plains.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Phalini, Vanita
Assamese : Priyangu
Bengali : Priyangu
English : —
Gujrati : Lata Priyangu
Hindi : Priyangu
Kannada : Priyangu, Gandhapriyangu
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Njazhal
Marathi : Priyangu, Gavhala
Oriya : Priyangu
Punjabi : Priyangu
Tamil : Gnazhal, Gnazalpoo
Telugu : Prakhanam, Prenkanamu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Inflorescence – Cymose, densely clothed with wooly hairs; 2.5-7.5 cm across, peduncle cylindrical, 1.5 – 3 mm in dia; densely hairy.

Flower – 0.5 cm long; brown, calyx, bell-shaped, 4 toothed covered with wooly hairs; corolla, brown, tubular, 4 lobbed spreading; stamens 4, equal in size, epipetalous, anther ovate, basifixed; filament very long, hairy; ovary 2-4 celled; style, long; stigma minutely capitate.

b) Microscopic

Peduncle – Shows more or less wavy outline, epidermis single layered with stellate hairs; cortex composed of 10-18 layers of elliptical, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, a few upper layers filled with reddish-brown contents; pericycle appears in the form of interrupted ring of pericyclic fibres; phloem composed of usual elements except phloem fibres; xylem consists of usual elements; vessels mostly solitary with spiral thickening; fibres aseptate.

Powder – Brown; shows abundant numbers of stellate hairs, spiral vessels, aseptate fibres, groups of thin-walled, elliptical, oval and round pollen grains with clear exine and yellowish in colour.

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 2 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 14 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Glycosides, Terpenes, Phenolic compound, Resin and Saponin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Pittahara, Vatahara, Rakta, Prasadana, Daurgandhyahara, Purisasangrahaniya, Mutravirajaniya, Sandhaniya, Vranaropana.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Khadiradi Gutika, (Mukharoga), Eladi Curna, Kanaka Taila, Kunkumadi Taila, Nilikadya Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Daha, Jvara, Rakta-Pitta, Pakvatisara, Svedadhikya.

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

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SALI (Root)

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

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Dhanya, Vrihi, Nivara
Assamese : —
Bengali : Chaval, Dhana, Cala, Chawl, Sali, Dhan
English : Rice, Paddy
Gujrati : Shalichokha, Bhata, Corava, Damgara, Coke
Hindi : Chaval, Dhana
Kannada : Bhatto, Nellu, Bhatta, Akki
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Ari, Nellu
Marathi : Tandulamul, Dhanarmul, Bhata Chamul
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Dhan, Jhona
Tamil : Arishi, Nelver
Telugu : Dhanyamu, Odalu, Biyyamu
Urdu : Chaval, Biranj

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root fibrous, thin, cylindrical, 5-15 cm in length and 0.05-0.1 cm thick with a few rootlets, soft, smooth; creamish-brown to greyish-brown.

b) Microscopic

Root – Shows single layered epidermis consisting of thin-walled, rectangular cells with a few unicellular root hairs; exodermis 1-2 layered, composed of thick-walled, sclerenchymatous cells; cortex differentiated into three zones; outer 5-8 and inner 2-3 layered, both consisting of round to oval, parenchymatous cells with intercellular spaces; middle zone consisting of radially elongated, parenchymatous cells having very large air-spaces; endodermis and pericycle both single layered; xylem and phloem form equal number of bundles arranged alternately with each other; centre occupied by a small pith composed of polygonal, thick-walled, sclerenchymatous cells.

Powder – Greyish-cream; shows groups of sclerenchymatous cells, pitted vessels and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 21 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 16 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Sugars

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Kasaya
Guna : Guru, Laghu, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Sukrala, Baddhalpavarcasa, Balya, Brmhana, Caksusya, Hrdya, Kaphahara, Mutrala, Pittahara, Rucya, Svarya, Vatahara, Varnakrt, Stanyajanana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Brahma Rasayana, Stanyajanana Kaska Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Stanyaksaya, Mutrakrcchra

DOSE – 50 g. of the drug for decoction.

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SANKHAPUSPI (Whole Plant)

Sankhapuspi consists of whole plant of Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy (Fam. Convolvulacem); a prostrate, sub-erect, spreading, hairy, perennial herb with a woody root stock, found throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Sankhpuspa, Sankhahva
Assamese : —
Bengali : Sankhapuspi
English : —
Gujrati : Shankhavali
Hindi : Shankhapushpi
Kannada : Bilikantisoppu, Shankhapushpi, Shankhauli
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : —
Marathi : Sankhahuli, Shankhavela, Sankhapuspi
Oriya : Sankhapuspi
Punjabi : Ksirapuspi, Sankhapuspi, Sankhahuli
Tamil : Kakattam, Kakkanangudi, Karakhuratt, Sanghupushpam
Telugu : Shankhapushpi
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – Usually branched, cylindrical, ribbed having some rough stem nodules and small secondary roots, 1-5 cm long, 0.1-0.4 cm thick, yellowish-brown to light brown.

Stem – Slender, cylindrical, about 0.1 cm or less in thickness with clear hairy nodes and internodes; light green.

Leaf – Shortly petiolate, linear-lanceolate, acute, hairy on both surfaces; 0.5-2 cm long and 0.1-0.5 cm broad; light green.

Flower – White or pinkish; solitary or in pairs sessile or sub-sessile in the leaf axis; sepals narrowly, linear-lanceolate, sparsely hairy; corolla shortly discoid; stamen 5, free, epipetalous, alternate with the petals, inserted deep in the corolla tube; ovary superior and bicarpellary.

Fruit – Capsule, oblong globose with coriaceous, pale brown pericarp.

Seed – Brown; minutely puberulous.

b) Microscopic

Root – Appears nearly circular in outline; cork composed of 10-15 layers of tangentially elongated, thick-walled cells; cortex composed of 6-10 layers of oval to elongated, elliptical, parenchymatous cells and yellowish-brown, tanniniferous, secretory cells present in this region; phloem composed of sieve elements, phloem parenchyma and phloem rays; xylem consisting of usual elements; vessels solitary or in groups of two with simple pits; fibres and tracheids aseptate and pitted; medullary rays 1-3 cells wide and multicellular in length; starch grains solitary or in groups, simple and composed of 2-3 components, round to oval in shape, measuring 3-8 n in dia., present in cortex, phloem, xylem rays and parenchyma.
Stem – Shows single layered epidermis, covered with thick cuticle; at places unicellular hairs present; cortex differentiated in two zones, 2-3 upper collenchymatous and 1-2 lower parenchymatous layers, both having round to oval, elongated, thin- walled cells; endoderrnis single layered; pericycle present in the form of single strand of fibres; phloem a narrow zone, mostly composed of sieve elements and parenchyma; xylem consists of vessels, fibres and parenchyma; medullary rays and tracheids not distinct, vessels mostly solitary with spiral thickening; fibres aseptate having pointed ends and narrow lumen; strand of internal phloem present around the slightly lignified pith.

Leaf–
Midrib – appears convex in lower and concave in upper side; epidermis single layered, covered with thick cuticle; lower epidermis followed by 2-3 layers of chlorenchymatous cells; vascular bundle bicollateral, composed of usual elements of phloem and xylem; rest of tissue between chlorenchyrna and vascular bundles composed of 4-5 layers of parenchymatous cells.

Lamina – shows epidermis on both surfaces covered with thick cuticle; hairs unicellular, present on both surfaces, palisade two layered, spongy parenchyma 4-5 layered; a few bicollateral vascular bundles present in spongy parenchyma; palisade ratio 6-9; vein islet number 21-25 per sq. mm. , stomatal index in lower surface 17-20 and in upper surface, 13.8-17.0; stomatal number in lower surface 184-248, and in upper surface 202-238 per sq. mm.

Powder – Light yellowish-green; shows groups of vessels with spria1 thickening and simple pits, fibres and tracheids, simple and compound starch grains, measuring 3 – 8 n in dia., unicellular hairs, mesophyll cells and gives positive test for tannin.

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 8 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.

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloid

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Sara
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Balya, Ayusya, Kaphahara, Medhya, Pittahara, Rasayana, Mohanasaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Brahmi Ghrta, Agastyaharitaki, Rasayana, Brahma, Rasayana, Manasmitra Vataka, Gorocanadi Vati, Brahmi Vai

THERAPEUTIC USES – Manasaroga, Apasmara

DOSE – 3-8 g. of the drug in powder form

Note: In certain parts of India, Clitoria ternatea Linn. and Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. are used as Sankhapuspi

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SAPTALA (Whole Plant)

Saptala consists of dried whole plant of Euphorbia dracunculoides Lam. (Fam. Euphorbiacem); a much branched, 20-40 cm high, annual herb, found throughout India in the plains and low hills.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Satala, Carmasahva, Caramakasa
Assamese : —
Bengali : Chagalpupti
English : —
Gujrati : Satale
Hindi : Titali, Joyachi, Chagulputputi
Kannada : Satala, Bilikalli, Kalli
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Chasma Lantha, Pathiri
Marathi : Nivadung
Oriya : Naagapheni, Siju, Saptala
Punjabi : Kangi
Tamil : Tillakada, Thusimullai
Telugu : Tillakada
Urdu : Thuhar

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – Small, 4-5 cm long, 0.5-2 mm thick, cylindrical, ribbed, gradually tapering, having a few secondary roots, pale brown, fracture, short, odour and taste indistinct.

Leaf – 1.7-7 cm long, 0.2-0.8 cm wide, sessile, linear, lanceolate or linear oblong, subacute, base rarely rounded or sub-cordate; greenish-yellow; odour and taste not distinct.

Flower – Involucre broadly campanulate, sub-sessile, solitary, 2.5 mm across at the mouth, glabrous outside and pubescent inside, lobes short, ovate, ciliolate; gland semilunate, horned; filament pubescent; style, 1 mm long, free to the base, shortly 2-fid at the apex.

Fruit – Capsule, smooth; 3-4 mm in dia; trilocular, 3- celled with or without attached pedicel.

Seed – 3 mm long, ellipsoidal to oblong with a white, leprous tuberculate testa, rounded at the base, grooved at one side, with an arillode at the oblique depressed apex.

b) Microscopic

Root – Young root shows exfoliated, single layered epidermis; mature root shows thin walled cork, composed of 10-12 layers of rectangular cells; secondary cortex consists of 4- 6 layers of oval, elliptical, parenchymatous cells; oval to elongated elliptical thick walled, lignified cells with wide lumen; groups of stone cells and a few fibres present in this region; endoderm is and pericycle not distinct; secondary phloem composed of sieve elements and parenchyma; secondary xylem consists of vessels, fibres, tracheids and medullary rays; all elements thick-walled and lignified; fibres and vessels having simple pits; starch grains simple, rounded to oval, 2.75 n in dia; found scattered in phloem region; rarely a few oil globules also present.

Stem – Shows a single layered epidermis composed of thick-walled, flattended, tangentially elongated cells; older stem shows 4-5 layers of cork composed of thinwalled, rectangular, tangentially elongated and radially arranged cells; cortex composed of 4-5 layers of oval to rectangular, tangentially elongated elliptical, thin-walled parenchymatous cells; stone cells oval to elongated, elliptical, thick-walled lignified, with wide lumen present in this region; endodermis not distinct; pericycle represented by groups of lignified fibres; secondary phloem narrow, composed of sieve elements, phloem parenchyma and a few elongated laticiferous sacs; secondary xylem composed of vessels, fibres and tracheids, traversed by numerous xylem rays; all elements, thickwalled and lignified, vessels having simple pits; fibres elongated and aseptate; centre occupied by a pith, consisting of thick-walled, circular to oval, parenchymatous cells; some rounded, small laticiferous sacs present in peripheral pith cells, filled with yellowish-brown content; starch grains more abundant in phloem and pith region, simple, solitary or in groups, rounded to oval, measuring 5.5-19.25 n in diameter.

Leaf–
Midrib – shows slightly convex outline; epidermis single layered, covered externally with thick, striated cuticle; hypodermis consists of single layered collenchymatous cells towards lower side; vascular bundle collateral and surrounded by 4-6 layers of thinwalled, parenchymatous cells.

Lamina -shows slightly wavy outline; epidermis on either covered with thick cuticle; paracytic stomata present on both surfaces; mesophyll differentiated into palisade and spongy parenchyma; palisade single layered present on both sides; spongy parenchyma 4-5 layered consisting of irregularly arranged cells present between upper and lower palisade; a few small collateral vascular bundles embedded in spongy parenchyma.

Powder – Light yellow; shows vessels with simple pits, aseptate fibres; oval to elongated, elliptical, stone cells thick-walled, lignified with wide lumen; simple, rounded to oval starch grains, measuring 3-19 n in diameter.

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 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 alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Chloroform :
Methanol (95:5) shows under U.V. (366 nm) two blue fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.04 and 0.67. On exposure to Iodine vapour three spots appear at Rf.0.04, 0.46, and 0.57 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 105°C two spots appear at Rf. 0.46 (brown) and 0.87 (violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Glyco-alkaloid (Euphorbine).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Raktadosahara, Vatala, Vidbhedini

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Brahmi Ghrta, Misraka Sneha, Narayana Curna.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Anaha, Gulma, Udararoga, Vibandha, Udavartta, Visarpa.

DOSE – 50 g. of the drug for decoction.

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SATAHVA (Root)

Satahva consists of the dried ripe fruits of Anethum sowa Roxb. ex Flem. Syn. A. graveolens Linn. var. sowa Roxb.; A. graveolens DC.; Peucedanum sowa Roxb.; P. graveolens Benth. (Fam. Apiacem); a tall, glabrous, aromatic herb found throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions of the country and cultivated.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Satapuspa
Assamese : —
Bengali : Suva, Sulpha, Shulupa, Sowa
English : Indian Dil Fruit
Gujrati : Suva
Hindi : Soya, Sova
Kannada : Sabasige
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : —
Marathi : Badishep, Shepa, Shepu
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Soya
Tamil : Satakuppa
Telugu : Sadapa
Urdu : Shibt, Soya

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruits, dark brown, often stalk attached, broadly oval and compressed dorsally; mericarps usually separate and free, 4 mm long, 2-3 mm broad and 1 mm thick, glabrous, traversed from the base to apex by 5 lighter coloured primary ridges of which 3 dorsal, slightly raised, brown, filiform and incospicuous, 2 lateral prolonged into thin, yellowish membranous wings; odour, faintly aromatic resembling that of caraway, and a warm, slightly sharp taste, akin to caraway.

b) Microscopic

Fruit – Pericarp shows epidermis of polygonal tabular cells having thick outer wall and striated cuticle; mesocarp, parenchymatous, some cells lignified and show reticulate thickening; endocarp consists of tabular cells sometimes with sinuous anticlinal walls; vittm, 4 on the dorsal valleculm and 2 on the commissural surface, extending the length of each mericarp with an endothelium of brown cells and containing volatile oil; dorsal costm three, one larger and the two lateral broadly winged, each costm with vascular strands; endosperm much flattened and consists of thick-walled, cellulosic, parenchyma containing fixed oil and numerous aleurone grains upto 5 n in diameter containing micro-rosette crystals of calcium oxalate; carpophore split, passing at the apex into the raphe of each mericarp containing a vascular strand of sclerenchymatous fibres and spiral vessels.

Powder – Brown; shows spiral vessels, micro-rosette crystals of calcium oxalate and oil globules, aleurone grains upto 5 n in diameter.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 14 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 15 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Volatile oil Not less than 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.10

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene shows on exposure to Iodine vapour two spots at Rf. 0.59 and 0.68 (all yellow). On spraying with Anisaldehyde-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 110° C three spots appear at Rf. 0.37 (pink) 0.59 (blue) and 0.68 (violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Essential Oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Snigdha
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Kaphahara, Vatahara, Sulprasamana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Gorocanadi Vati, Brhat Phala Ghrta, Narayana Curna, Sadbindu Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sula, Atisara, Jvara, Vrana, Netra Roga

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

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SIGRU (Leaf)

Sigru consists of dried leaf of Moringa oleifera Lam. Syn. Moringa pterygosperma Gmrtn. (Fam. Moringacem); a small or medium sized tree, found wild in sub Himalayan tract, commonly cultivated throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Sobhanjana, Bahala, Tiksnagandha, Aksiva, Mocaka
Assamese : —
Bengali : Sajina, Sajna, Sajne
English : Horse Radish Tree, Drum Stick Tree
Gujrati : Sargavo, Sekato, Saragavo Parna
Hindi : Shajoma, Mungna
Kannada : Neegge, Nugge ele
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Murinna, Tishnagandha, Muringa, Muringa Elai
Marathi : Sevaga, Segata, Segata pana, Shewgachi pane
Oriya : Sajana, Munga, Munika
Punjabi : Sohanjana
Tamil : Murungai, Murungai Ilai
Telugu : Munaga Aku
Urdu : Sehjan

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Leaves tripinnate compound, available in the form of leaflets and some broken pieces of rachis, slender, thickened, and articulated at the base; leaflet 1.2-2 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide, entire, elliptic, ovate or obovate, rounded or narrowed at base and obtuse at apex; smooth and greenish-grey to pale green; odour and taste not distinct.

b) Microscopic

Rachis – Rachis shows single layered epidermis, followed by single layer of pigmented collenchymatous hypodermis; cortex consisting of 5-10 layered, oval to elliptical, thin walled, parenchymatous cells; pericycle forming a broken ring, consisting of pericyclic fibres; vascular bundle collateral; pith composed of wide zone of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; rosette crystals of calcium oxalate present in cortex, pith and phloem parenchyma.

Leaflet – Leaflet shows dorsiventral structure; epidermis and unicellular hairs present on both the surfaces; palisade single layered; spongy parenchyma 2-3 layers; central region  occupied by a crescent-shaped, collateral vascular bundle surrounded by 2-4 layers of collenchymatous cells; rosette crystals of calcium oxalate present in mesophyll and collenchymatous cells; stomata anornocytic, present on both surface but more on lower sur face; palisade ratio 6-11; stomatal index 10-13-15 stomatal number 100-137 upper
surface and 290-350 lower surface per mm square; vein islets number 50-65.

Powder -Greyish-green; shows groups of spongy parenchyma, palisade cells; spiral vessels, unicellular hairs with blunt tip; pieces of polyhedral epidermal cells in surface view, stomata and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 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 8 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 22 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene :
Ethylacetate (9: 1) shows six spots at Rf. 0.05, 0.18, 0.26 (all green),0.36 (yellowish green), 0.46 (dark green) & 0.94 (yellow) in visible light. Under U.V. (366 nm) six fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.05, 0.18, 0.26, 0.36, 0.46 (all red) & 0.94 (blue). On spraying with 5% Methanolic Phosphomolybdic acid reagent six spots appear on heating the plate for ten minutes at 105° C at Rf. 0.38, 0.46 (both blue), 0.52 (green), 0.59 (blue), 0.69 (blue) and 0.87 (blue). On spraying with Anisaldehyde-Sulphuric acid reagent ten spots appear on heating the plate for ten minutes at 105°C at Rf. 0.05, 0.20, 0.26, (all green), 0.30 (pink), 0.36 (green), 0.46 (green), 0.53 (yellow), 0.69 (yellow), 0.82 (yellow) and 0.94 (violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Carbohydrate, Protein, Carotene and Ascorbic acid.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Caksusya, Medohara, Pittahara, Vatahara, Sukra Nasaka, Krmihara, Brmhana, Sirovirecaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Ratnagiri Rasa, Visatinduka Taila, Ekangavira Rasa

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sopha, Gulma, Krmiroga, Medoroga, Pliharoga, Vidradhi, Galaganda.

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

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STHULAILA (Seed)

Sthulaila consists of dried seed of Amomum subulatum Roxb. (Fam. Zingiberacem); a herb with leafy stem and perennial root stock; cultivated in swampy places along the sides of mountain streams in Bengal and Assam.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Bhadra, Bhadraila
Assamese : —
Bengali : Baara aliach
English : Greater or Nepal cardamom
Gujrati : Elaicho, Mothi Elichi
Hindi : Bari elachi
Kannada : Dodda Yalakki, Nepdi Elakki
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Valiya Elam, Perelam
Marathi : Mothi Elayachi
Oriya : Bada aleicha, Aleicha
Punjabi : Budi Eleichi
Tamil : Periya Elam, Bermlam, Kattu Elam
Telugu : Pedda Elakulu
Urdu : Badi Elaichi, Heel Kalan

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seed 0.4 cm long, 0.3 cm wide, irregularly ovoid with 3 flattened face covered externally with a colourless, membraneous aril; brown to dark brown; odour, aromatic; taste, spicy pungent.

b) Microscopic

Seed -Shows a very thin membraneous aril composed of several layers of collapsed cells containing oil globules and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; testa consists of single layered epidermis of rectangular cells followed by 1-2 layers of collapsed, thin-walled parenchymatous cells, beneath this a single layered large rectangular cells containing oil globules present, which is internally surrounded by several layers of flattened, thin walled, parenchymatous cells; perisperm consists of polygonal, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells containing round to oval starch grains measuring 2-5 n in dia., and cluster crystals of calcium oxalate; perisperm surrounded externally by thick-walled, sclerenchymatous, radially elongated dark brown beaker cells; perispenn encloses the endosperm and embryo, both composed of polygonal, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, rich in protein.

Powder – Light brown; shows fragments of testa, polygonal, thin-walled, perisperm cells, oil globules, rarely cluster crystals of calcium oxalate, rounded to oval, simple, starch grains measuring 2-5 n in diameter.

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 1.5 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 14 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Volatile oil Not less than 1 v/wper cent, Appendix 2.2.10

CONSTITUENTS – Volatile Oil (rich in Cineole).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipani, Kaphahara, Vatahara, Rocaka, Mukhasodhaka, Angamardaprasamana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Sarivadyasava, Karpuradyarka, Kalyanaka Ghrta, Vastyamayantaka Ghrta, Manasamitra Vataka.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Svasa, Kasa, Mukharoga, Trsna, Chardi, Hrllasa, Kandu.

DOSE – 0.5 -1 g. of the drug in powder form.

Note – Cluster crystals of calcium oxalate are present in Sthulmla (Amomum subulatum Roxb.(Seed), while absent in Suksamaila (Elettaria cardamomum Maton. (Seed).

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TEJOVATI (Stem Bark)

Tejovati consists of dried stem bark of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. Syn. Z. alatum Roxb. (Fam. Rutacem); an evergreen or sub-deciduous shrub or occasionally a small tree upto 6 m high, stem and branches, armed with long, sharp prickles, found in the hot valleys of the Himalayas from Jammu to Khasia hills at 600-1800 m and eastern ghats in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh at 1200 m, also sometimes planted for hedges in Assam.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Tejohva
Assamese : —
Bengali : Tejovati
English : —
Gujrati : Tejabala, Tejbal
Hindi : Tejbal
Kannada : Tejapatri, Jimmi, Tumbura, Tumburudra, Tejovanti
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Thumboonal, Thumbooni, Valiyavaluzhavam
Marathi : Tejabal
Oriya : Tejabala
Punjabi : Tejovati, Tejabal
Tamil : Thejyovathi
Telugu : Tejovathi
Urdu : Kabab-e-Khandan

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Bark corky, channelled and single quilled with large marks of tubercular prickles;0.1-0.2 cm thick, external surface pale brown, rough with numerous scattered patches of lenticels, rather deeply furrowed; internal surface smooth, light yellow to pale brown; fracture, short; odour, aromatic; taste, aromatic pungent.

b) Microscopic

Stem Bark – Shows exfoliated cork interrupted by lenticels at some places; cork 15-20 layers of tabular, brownish, thick-walled cells; secondary cortex 10-20 layers of tangentially elongated or oval, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; small groups of stone cells and some fibres found scattered in this region; secondary phloem consisting of sieve elements, parenchyma and fibres traversed by phloem rays; phloem fibres thickwalled, lignified, aseptate and arranged in tangential rows; stone cells found in tangential bands alternating with phloem fibres; a number of secretory cells found scattered throughout secondary phloem; phloem rays 1-2 cells wide and 10-15 cells high; secretory cells contain ing oily or resinous substances; prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate and simple starch grains found scattered in secondary cortex, phloem parenchyma and phloem rays; starch grains round and oval, measuring 2.75 – 13.75 n in diameter.

Powder – Yellowish-brown; shows fragments of cork cells; aseptate fibres, stone cells, prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, oil globules and starch grains, round and oval measuring 2.75 – 13.75 n in diameter.

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 8.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 13 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – A bitter crystalline principle identical with Berberine, a Volatile Oil and Resin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

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

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Pancatikta Guggulu Ghrta, Kalaka Curna (Lepa).

THERAPEUTIC USES – Aruci, Svasa, Amavata, Kasa, Mukharoga, Hikka.

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

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TULASI (Whole Plant)

Tulasi consists of dried whole plant of Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Fam. Lamiacem); an erect, 30 – 60 cm high, much branched, annual herb, found throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Surasa, Krsnatulasi, Bana Tulasi
Assamese : Tulasi
Bengali : Tulasi
English : Holy Basil
Gujrati : Tulasi, Tulsi
Hindi : Tulasi
Kannada : Tulasi, Shree Tulasi, Vishnu Tulasi
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Tulasi, Tulasa
Marathi : Tulas
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Tulasi
Tamil : Tulasi, Thulasi, Thiru Theezai
Telugu : Tulasi
Urdu : Raihan, Tulsi

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – Thin, wiry, branched, hairy, soft, blackish-brown externally and pale. violet internally.

Stem – Erect, herbaceous, woody, branched; hairy, sub quadrangular, externally purplish-brown to black, internally cream, coloured; fracture, fibrous in bark and short in xylem; odour faintly aromatic.

Leaf – 2.5-5 cm long 1.6 – 3.2 cm wide, elliptic oblong, obtuse or acute, entire or serrate, pubescent on both sides; petiole thin, about 1.5-3 cm long hairy; odour, aromatic; taste, characteristic.

Flower – Purplish or crimson coloured, small in close whorls; bracts about 3 mm long and broad, pedicels longer than calyx, slender, pubescent; calyx ovoid or campanulate 3-4 mm bilipped, upper lip broadly obovate or suborbicular, shortly apiculate, lower lip longer than upper having four mucronate teeth, lateral two short and central two largest; corolla about 4 mm long, pubescent; odour, aromatic; taste, pungent.

Fruit – A group of 4 nutlets, each with one seed, enclosed in an enlarged, membranous, veined calyx, nutlets sub-globose or broadly elliptic, slightly compressed, nearly smooth; pale brown or reddish with small black marking at the place of attachment to the thalamus; odour, aromatic; taste, pungent.

Seed – Rounded to oval; brown, mucilaginous when soaked in water, 0.1 cm long, slightly notched at the base; no odour; taste, pungent, slightly mucilaginous.

b) Microscopic

Root – Shows a single layered epidermis followed by cortex, consisting of seven or more layers of rectangular, round to oval polygonal, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, filled with brown content, inner layers of cortex devoid of contents; phloem consisting of sieve elements, thin-walled, rectangular parenchyma cells and scattered groups of fibres, found scattered in phloem; xylem consists of vessels, tracheids, fibres and parenchyma; vessels pitted; fibre tracheides, long, pitted with pointed ends; fibres thick walled and with pointed ends.

Stem – Shows a single layered epidermis with uniseriate, multicellular covering trichomes having 5-6 cells, occasionally a few cells collapsed; cortex consists of 10 or more layers of thin-walled, rectangular, parenchymatous cells; phloem consists of sieve elements, thin-walled, rectangular parenchyma cells and fibres; fibres found scattered mostly throughout phloem, in groups and rarely in singles; xylem occupies major portion of stem consisting of vessels, tracheids fibres and parenchyma; vessels pitted; fibres with pointed ends; centre occupied by nan-ow pith consisting of round to oval, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells.

Leaf–
Petiole – shows somewhat cordate outline, consisting of single layered epidermis composed of thin-walled, oval cells having a number of covering and glandular trichomes; covering trichomes multicellular 1-8 celled long,rarely slightly reflexed at tip; glandular trichomes short, sessile with 1-2 celled stalk and 2-8 celled balloonshaped head, measuring 22-27 in dia; epidermis followed by 1 or 2 layers and 2 or 3 layers of thin-walled, elongated, parenchyma cells towards upper and lower surfaces respectively; three vascular bundles situated centrally, middle one larger than other two; xylem surrounded by phloem.

Midrib – epidermis, trichomes and vascular bundles similar to those of petiole except cortical layers reduced towards apical region.

Lamina – epidermis and trichomes similar to those of petiole; both anomocytic and diacytic type of stomata present on both surfaces, slightly raised above the level of epidermis; palisade single layered followed by 4-6 layers of closely packed spongy parenchyma with chloroplast and oleo-resin; stomatal index 10-12-15 on upper surface and 14 – 15 – 16 on lower surface; palisade ratio 3.8; vein islet number 31 – 35.

Powder – Greenish: shows thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, a few containing reddish brown contents, unicellular and rnulticellular-trichomes either entire or in pieces; thin walled fibres, xylem vessels with pitted thickenings, fragments of epidermal cells in surface view having irregular shape, oil globules, rounded to oval, simple as well as compound starch grains having 2-5 components, measuring 3-17 n in diameter.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 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 8 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of Tulasi oil obtained by stem distillation is carried out on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene : Ethylacetate (93:7) Tulasi oil is diluted in chloroform-toluene (1: 10). Eugenol to be applied as standard also diluted in 130 ratio and 10 nl of each to be applied in band form. After running distance of 10 cm the plate is air drying for 15 minutes and than kept in the over for 2 to 5 minutes. On cooling spray, in thoroughly vanillin – Sulphuric acid reagent and heat the plate at 110° C for 5 – 1- minutes Under observation. Record Rf. values of eugenol and caryophyllence. Eugenol (orange brown) approx. Rf. value 0.7, caryophyllence (reddish violet) runs to solvent front.

CONSTITUENTS – Essential Oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Hrdya, Kaphahara, Rucya, Vatahara, Pittavardhini, Durgandhihara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Tribhuvanakirti Rasa, Muktapancamrta Rasa, Muktadi Mahanjana, Manasamitra Vataka

THERAPEUTIC USES – Asmari, Svasa, Chardi, Hikka, Kasa, Krmiroga, Kustha, Netraroga, Parsva Sula

DOSE – 1-3 ml of the drug in juice form.
1-2 g of the drug in powder form (seed).

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TULASI (Leaf)

Tulasi consists of dried leaf of Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Fam. Lamiacem), an erect, 30-60 cm high, much branched annual herb, found throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Bana Tulasi, Krsnatulasi, Surasa
Assamese : Tulasi
Bengali : Tulasi
English : Sacred Basil, Holy Basil
Gujrati : Tulasi, Tulsi
Hindi : Tulasi
Kannada : Tulasi
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Tulasi
Marathi : Tulas
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Tulasi
Tamil : Thulasi, Tulasi
Telugu : Tulasi
Urdu : Raihan, Tulsi

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Leaves 2.5-5 cm long, 1.6-3.2 cm wide, elliptic-oblong, obtuse or acute, entire or serrate, pubescent on both surfaces, petiolate, thin, petiole 1.5-3 cm long, hairy; odour, aromatic; taste, characteristic.

b) Microscopic

Leaf–
Petiole – shows cordate outline, consisting of single layered epidermis composed of thin walled, oval cells having a number of covering and glandular trichomes; covering trichomes multicellular, uniseriate 1-8 celled long, rarely slightly reflexed at tip; glandular trichomes short, sessile or with 1-2 celled stalk, and 2-8 celled, balloon-shaped head, enclosed in a cuticular bladder, measuring 22-27 n dia., upper epidermis, followed by 3-4 layers of collenchymatous and 1-2 layers of parenchymatous cells; lower epidermis followed by 1-3 layers of collenchymatous and 2-3 layers of parenchymatous cells; three vascular bundles situated centrally, middle one larger than the other two, consisting of xylem and phloem.

Midrib – epidermis, trichomes and vascular bundles similar to those of petiole, except reduced in cortical layers towards apical region of midrib.

Lamina – epidermis and trichomes similar to those of petiole on both surfaces; stomata anomocytic and diacytic present on both surfaces and slightly raised above the level of epidermis; palisade single layered followed by 4-6 layeres of closely packed spongy parenchyma with chloroplasts and oleo-resin; stomatal index 10-13-15 on upper surface and 14-15-16 on lower surface; palisade ratio 3.8; vein islet number 31-33.

Powder – Light-green; shows fragments of polygonal, less wavy walled epidermal cells in surface view, covering and glandular trichomes as a whole or in pieces, palisade and spongy parenchyma, anomocytic and diacytic stomata.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 19 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 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 alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9: 1) shows in visible light nine spots at Rf. 0.03 (dark green), 0.04, 0.08 (both green), 0.12 (light green), 0.21, 0.33 (both green) 0.45 (yellowish green), 0.85 & 0.93 (both light green). Under U.V. (366 nm) eight fluorescent zones appear at Rf. 0.04, 0.30, 0.33, 0.45, 0.83 (all pink) 0.85 (blue), 0.93 (pink) & 0.98 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour eleven spots appear at Rf. 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.21, 0.33, 0.45, 0.54, 0.75, 0.83, 0.88 and 0.93 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 1100 Cfor ten minutes ten spots appear at Rf. 0.08 (violet), 0.12 (light violet), 0.21 (brown), 0.33 (violet), 0.45 (violet), 0.54 (blue), 0.75 (violet), 0.83 (blue), 0.93 (violet) and 0.98 (blue).

CONSTITUENTS – Essential Oil (Carvacrol, Caryophyllene, Nerol and Camphene etc.,).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipani, Hrdya, Kaphahara, Pittahara, Vatahara, Krmighna

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Manasamitra Vataka, Tribhuvana Kirti Rasa, Mukta Pancamrt Rasa, Mahajvarankusa Rasa.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Aruci, Svasa, Hikka, Kasa, Krmiroga, Kustha, Pratisyaya, Parsvas ula

DOSE – 2-3 g. of the drug in powder form.

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VACA (Rhizome)

Vaca consists of dried rhizome of Acarus calamus Linn. (Fam. Aracem); a semiaquatic herb, wild or cultivated throughout the country ascending upto 1800 m in the Himalayas.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Ugragandha, Ugra, Sadgrantha
Assamese : —
Bengali : —
English : The Sweet Flag
Gujrati : Ghoduvaj, Ghodvach
Hindi : Bach, Gora-bach
Kannada : Baje, Narru Berua
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Vayambu
Marathi : Vaca, Vekhandas
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Varch, Ghodavaca
Tamil : Vasambu, Pillai maruntho
Telugu : Vasa
Urdu : Waja-e-Turki

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs in simple or rarely with thumb-like branches at nodes; sub cylindrical to slightly flattened, somewhat tortuous or rarely straight, cut pieces of 1-5 cm long, and 0.5-1.5 cm thick; upper side marked with alternately arranged, large, broadly, triangular, transverse leaf scars which almost encircle the rhizome; at nodes leaf sheath mostly having an appearence present; lower side shows elevated tubercular spots of root scars; light-brown with reddish-tinge to pinkish externally, buff coloured intemally; fracture, short; odour, aromatic; taste, pungent and bitter.

b) Microscopic

Rhizome – Shows single layered epidermis; cortex composed of spherical to oblong, thin-walled cells of various sizes, cells towards periphery, smaller, somewhat collenchymatous, more or less closely arranged cells towards inner side, rounded and form a network of chains of single row of cells, enclosing large air spaces, fibro-vascular bundles and secretory cells having light yellowish-brown contents, present in this region; endodermis distinct; stele composed of round, parenchymatous cells enclosing large air spaces similar to those of cortex and several concentric vascular bundles arranged in a ring towards endodermis, a few vascular bundles scattered in ground tissues; starch grains simple, spherical, measuring 3-6 n in dia., present in cortex and ground tissue.

Powder – Buff coloured; shows fibres, reticulate, annular vessels and simple spherical starch grains, measuring 3-6 n in diameter. Observation of powder and its extracts on exposure under UV light :-
a. Powder as such: – Yellowish-cream
b. Extracts in
i. Petroleum ether-No change
ii. Chloroform-Light green
iii. Methanol-Yellowish green
iv. Benzene-No change

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 7 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 9 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 16 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Volatile oil Not less than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.10

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene:
Ethylacetate (9:1) shows two spots at Rf. 0.14 (violet) and 0.73 (violet) on spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 105°C.

CONSTITUENTS – Volatile Oil (principal constituents of the Volatile oil are Asamyl alcohol, Eugenol and Asarone), also contains a bitter principle Acorin (Glucoside), Starch and Tannin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipani, Krmihara, Kanthya, Kaphahara, Medhya, Vatahara, Mala M utravisodhani, Vamak

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Vacadi Taila, Vaca Lasunadi Taila, Sarasvata, Curna, Sarasvata Rista, Manasmitra Vataka, Candra Prabha Vati, Khadiradi Vati, Hinguvacadi Curna.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sula, Apasmara, Svasa, Kasa, Vibandha, Unmada, Adhmana, Karna Srava, Smrti daurbalya.

DOSE – 60 -120 mg of the drug in powder form.
1- 2 g. of the drug in powder form for inducing vomiting.

Note: Sodhana of Vaca is to be done before internal use.

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VATSANABHA (Root)

Vatsanabha consists of dried roots of Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf. ex Holmes (Fam. Ranunculacem); plant is an erect, perennial herb, occurs in subalpine and alpine zones of the western Himalayas, in high plateaus between 2000-4000 m, roots are generally collected late in September.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Amra, Visa Vajranaga, Sthavaravisa, Vatsanagaka
Assamese : Mithavish, Bish
Bengali : Kathavish
English : Aconite
Gujrati : Vachhanaag, Basanaag
Hindi : Bisa, Meethabisha, Bachhnaag, Teliya Bish
Kannada : Basanalli, Vatsanabha, Vatsanabhi, Vachanaga
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Vatsanabhi
Marathi : Bachnaga
Oriya : Tahara, Mahura, Mithvisa
Punjabi : Mitha Visha, Mithatelia
Tamil : Vasanaavi, Vatsanabhi, Nabhi, Vasanabhi
Telugu : Vatsanaabhi, Naabhi
Urdu : Bachnak, Mithalelia, Beesh, Atees

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Roots paired, occasionally separated due to breakage, ovoid, conical, small portions of stem sometimes attached, tapering downwards to a point, 2-4.5 cm, rarely 5 cm long, 0.4 – 1.8 cm thick, gradually decrease in thickness towards tapering end; wrinkled longitudinally and transversely, rough due to root scars; dark brown to blackish-brown; fracture, cartilaginous, hard and white within the cambium ring and brownish outside cambium; odour indistinct, taste, slightly bitter followed by a strong tingling sensation, poisonous.

b) Microscopic

Root -Shows epidermis 1-3 layered, suberised, papillose on outside, primary cortex consisting of 8-10 layers of oval to tangentially elongated, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, without or with a few intercellular spaces, a few rectangular or triangular stone cells in singles found scattered in this zone; primary cortex separated by distinct endodermis; inner bark parenchymatous, consisting of round to oval cells, containing a few groups of phloem strands, occupying more than half the radius; cambium having 6 – 10 angles; xylem vessels arranged almost in a ring, some scattered, often forming ‘V’ shaped ring, enclosing xylem parenchyma in older portions; bundles compact often wedge-shaped having acute apex; xylem exarch, metaxylem vessels met in centre; starch grains simple measuring 6-18 n in dia. and compound grains consisting of 2-5 components with hilum in centre, present in cortical cells, phloem parenchyma and xylem parenchyma.

Powder – Light grey; shows vessels, a few aseptate fibres, and numerous simple and compound starch grains having hilum in the centre, single grain measuring 6-18 n india.

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 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 8 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 24 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Chloroform:
Methanol (90:10) shows six spots at Rf. 0.10, 0.20, 0.39, 0.56, 0.74 and 0.96 (all yellow) on exposure to Iodine vapour. On spraying with Dragendorff reagent two spots appear at Rf. 0.39 and 0.96 (both orange).

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Vikasi, Viyavayi, Laghu, Ruksa, Usna, Tiksna, Yogavahi
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Rasayana, Trid°sahara, Sv®dala, Pittasantapakaraka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Tribhuvanakirti Rasa, Anandabhairava Rasa, Sutasekhara Rasa, Vatavidhwansana Rasa, Mahavisagarbha Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Vataroga, Sannipata, Vatakaphajvara, Jvaratisara, Kanharoga.

DOSE – 15 – 30 mgs of the drug in powder form.

Note: It is dangerous to exceed the normal dose.

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VIDARI (Tuberous Root)

Vidari consists of sliced and dried pieces of tuberous root of Pueraria tuberosa DC. (Fam. Fabacem); a perennial climber with very large tuberous root, distributed nearly throughout the country except in very humid or very arid regions and ascending upto 1200 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Vidari, Vidarika, Bhumikusmanda
Assamese : Bhedeleton, Bhuikumra
Bengali : Vidari, Bhumikusmanda, Bhuinkumra
English : —
Gujrati : Vidarikanta, Bhonykoru, Eagio, Bhoikolu, Sakharvel
Hindi : Vidarikanda
Kannada : Nelagumbala Gudde, Nelagumbala, Gumadi belli, Nelagumbula,
Gumadigida
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Mudakku
Marathi : Bhuikohala, Ghodvel
Oriya : Bhuiankakharu
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Nilapoosani
Telugu : Nelagummuda, Darigummadi
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug available in the form of longitudinally sliced pieces of variable size; outer surface reddish-brown, smooth except for protuberances at some places; cut surface creamish-brown, starchy and somewhat porous; usually does not break, but pliable; taste, sweetish.

b) Microscopic

Tuberous Root – Mature tuber shows 20-30 layers of cork consisting of rectangular, thinwalled, tangentially elongated and radially arranged cells filled with dark reddish-brown content except in a few inner layers; secondary cortex consists of 6-15 layers of circular, oval to rectangular and tangentially elongated, thin-walled cells, yellow band of 2-6 layers of compactly arranged stone cells present towards inner side of cortex; stone cells moderately thick-walled, varying in shape and size and having well marked striations and pits; a number of prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate found in parenchymatous cells, and also rarely in stone cells; secondary phloem consists of sieve elements and phloem parenchyma having a number of strands of phloem fibres and a few stone cells; sieve elements somewhat collapsed in outer region forming tangential bands; phloem fibres much elongated, highly thickened, lignified with narrow lumen; a number of tanniniferous ducts filled with brown content, distributed throughout this region; xylem forms whole of inner white spongy zone, consisting of several concentric rings of one or a few xylem vessels associated with a few xylem elements; vessels mostly drum-shaped having reticulate thickening; xylem rays multi seriate and well marked consisting of thin walled, radially elongated cells, a few latex duct also present; plenty of starch grains mostly simple, somewhat round, angular to oval, having central hilum and striations, measuring 5.5 – 13.75 n in dia. present in all parenchymatous cells.

Powder – Buff coloured; shows plenty of starch grains with central hilum and striations measuring 5.5 – 13.75 n in dia., fragments of cork, prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, a few xylem vessels with reticulate thickening and phloem fibres.

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 4.5 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 24 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Gluconic and Malic acids.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Sukrala, Balya, Mutrala, Pittahara, Rasayana, Svarya, Vatahara, Varnya, Stanyada, Jivaniya, Brmhaniya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Marma Gutika, Vidaryadikvatha Curna, Vidaryadi Ghrta, Manmathabhra Rasa, Pugakhanda (Aparah).

THERAPEUTIC USES – Daha, Raktapitta, Angmarda, Daurbalya, Sosa.

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

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PLAKSA (Stem Bark)

Plaksa consists of dried stem bark of Ficus lacor Buch. – Ham. = F. lucescens Blume., Syn. F. infectoria Roxb. (Fam. Moracem); a large spreading tree, with occasional mrial roots, found nearly throughout the country and commonly planted as an avenue and ornamental tree.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Parkari, Parkati, Jati
Assamese : —
Bengali : Pakur
English : —
Gujrati : Paras pipalo, Pepli
Hindi : Pakad
Kannada : Karibasari, Kadubasari, Jeevibasari, Basari, Juvvebasari
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Itti, Ittiyadi, Itthy
Marathi : —
Oriya : Pakali, Pakal
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Icchi, Itthi, Kallalnaram
Telugu : —
Urdu : Pakhad

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Bark rough, occurring in flat to curved, quilled pieces, measuring 0.4-0.7 cm in thickness; external surface ash or whitish-grey; numerous transversely arranged lenticels; ranging from 0.1 cm – 1.3 cm in length, lip-shaped and exfoliating; internal surface rough, fibrous, longitudinally striated, reddish-brown; fracture, fibrous.

b) Microscopic

Shows 5-8 layered cork consisting of thin-walled, rectangular cells, a few external layers exfoliating; secondary cortex very wide consisting of compactly arranged, rectangular, thick-walled, pitted cells, patches of circular to elongated, lignified, elliptical stone cells with radiating canals, a few with concentric striations; a few prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate and reddish-brown contents found scattered throughout the secondary cortex; secondary phloem very wide consisting of mostly stratified layers of collapsed cells forming ceratenchyma, groups of fibres, phloem parenchyma, laticiferous cells, traversed by 2-5 seriate phloem rays; phloem fibres lignified with wide lumen and pointed tips; thin-walled, rectangular, a few phloem parenchyma containing prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate.

Powder – Reddish-brown; shows thick-walled parenchyma with simple pits; stone cells in groups and singles, prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, elongated phloem fibres with wide lumen and pointed tips.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 10 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 5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 6 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Sterols, Sugar, Tannin, Alkaloid and Saponin

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Kasaya
Guna : Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Sramahara, Kaphahara, Medohara, Pittahara, Stambhana, Dahahara, Sangrahi, Bhagnasadhaka, Yonidosahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Nyagrodhadi Kvatha Curna, Nalpamaradi Taila, Marma Gutika

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sotha, Raktapitta, Visarpa, Vrana, Yoniroga, Murca, Atisara.

DOSE – 50 g. of the drug in powder form for decoction.

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YAVA (Fruit)

Yava consists of dried fruit of Hordeum vulgare Linn. Syn. H. sativum Pers. (Fam. Poacem); an annual, erect herb, 50-100 cm high, cultivated chiefly in North India.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Dhanyaraja, Tiksnasuka, Hayesta
Assamese : —
Bengali : Jau, Jav
English : Barley
Gujrati : Cheno, Jau
Hindi : Jav
Kannada : —
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Javegambu
Marathi : Yava, Java
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Javo
Tamil : Barley
Telugu : Barlibiyam, Yava Dhanya
Urdu : Jau

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit a caryopsis, elliptic, oblong, ovoid-and tapering at both ends, smooth, about 1 cm long and 0.2-0.3 cm wide, dorsally compressed and flattened on the sides with a shallow longitudinal furrow, 3-5 ridges having shallow depression between them, grains tightly enclosed and adhering the lemma and palea; pale-greenish-yellow; odour, not distinct; taste, sweetish-acrid.

b) Microscopic

Fruit -Shows single layered epidermis consisting of crescent-shaped, round to oval wavy walled cells, followed by 2-3 layers, thick-walled, sclerenchymatous fibres; below the sclerenchyma are present irregular, square or quadrilateral, spongy parenchymatous cells, a few cell walls having silica bodies through which run the fibro-vascular bundles of the ribs, followed by more or less, polygortal inner epidermal cells, a few inner epidermal cells having unicellular claw-shaped hair and stomata; pericarp composed of cells with more or less compressed parenchymatous cells; seed coat appears as a colourless line; perisperm composed of cells with more or less wavy walls having narrow lumens; endosperm divided into two zones, 2-4 cells deep aleurone layers, and the rest starch layers; starch grains simple, round to oval, measuring 3-30 n in diameter.

Powder – Creamish-white; shows groups of fragments of polygonal, thin-walled flowering glume cells in surface view, sclerenchymatous fibres, scalariform vessels and abundant round to oval, simple starch grains, measuring 3-30 n in diameter.

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 1.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Water-soluble ash Not less than 4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.5
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 2.5 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 alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol :
Acetic acid: Water (4: 1 :5) shows under U.V. light (366 nm) seven fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.10, 0.22, 0.31, 0.45, 0.68, 0.83 (all violet) and 0.92 (yellow). On spraying with Phosphomolybdic acid reagent and on heating the plate for ten minutes at 105°C six spots appear at Rf. 0.10, 0.22, 0.31, 0.68, 0.83 and 0.92 (all grey). On spraying with Ninhydrin reagent eleven spots appear at Rf. 0.06, 0.14, 0.16, 0.24, 0.31, 0.36, 0.44, 0.53, 0.56, 0.65 & 0.72 (all pink.)

CONSTITUENTS – Starch, Sugars, Fats, Proteins (Albumin, Globulin, Prolamin and Glutilin) also contains Flavone Glycosides viz, Orientoside, Orientin, Vitexin etc.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Kasaya
Guna : Mrdu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Balya, Kaphahara, Lekhana, Mutrahara, Medahara, Pittahara, Purisakrt, Sthairyakara, Svarya, Vatakrt, Vrsya, Varnya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Dadhika Ghrta, Agastyaharitaki Rasayana, Eladya Modaka, Dhanvantara Ghrta, Gandharvahasta Taila, Dhanvantara Taila, Brhatmasa Taila, Sarsapadi Pralepa, Kayasthadya Vartti.
THERAPEUTIC USES – Svasa, Kasa, Medoroga, Pinasa, Prameha, Trsna, Urustambha, Kanharoga, Tvagroga
DOSE – 100 – 200 g. of the drug.

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MADHUKA (Flower)

Madhuka consists of flower usually without stalk or calyx of Madhuca indica J.F.Gmel. Syn. M. latifolia (Roxb.) Macbride, Bassia latifolia Roxb. (Fam. Sapotacem) ; a medium sized deciduous tree occurs in mixed deciduous forests throughout India, and also cultivated.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Gudapuspa
Assamese : Mahua, Mahuwa
Bengali : Mahuwa
English : The Indian Butter tree, Mahawash tree
Gujrati : Mahudo, Mahuwa
Hindi : Mahuwa
Kannada : Hippegida, Halippe, Hippe, Hippenara, Madhuka, Ippa, Eppimara
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Irippa, Ilippa, Iluppa, Eluppa
Marathi : Mohda
Oriya : Mahula
Punjabi : Maua, Mahua
Tamil : Katiluppai, Kattu Iluppai, Iluppi
Telugu : lppa Puvvu
Urdu : Mahuva

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug consists of mostly corolla and androecium; corolla fleshy, reddish-brown, tabular, lobes 7-14 (usually 8-9), ovate lanceolate, short, erect 0.5-2 cm long; stamen 20-30 (usually 24-26), epipetalous and arranged in two series; anther sub-sessile, epipetalous, basifixed, lanceolate, pointed at tip and hairy at the back with prominent dark brown connective strand; taste, sweet.

b) Microscopic

Corolla – Petal shows a single layered epidermis, followed by thin-walled, irregularly shaped parenchymatous cells; vascular bundles found scattered in parenchymatous tissues.

Androecium – Anther shows 4 pollen chambers and prominent cells of connective tissue in the centre of the chambers; epidermis single layered covered with thin cuticle; a few  unicellular hairs present on one side; endothecium composed of radially elongated, oval shaped, lignified cells; tapetum not distinct; pollen grains single or in groups, spherical, with clear exine and intine walls scattered in the pollen sac, a few cells of the vascular bundles are seen embedded in the connective tissues.

Powder – Dark brown; shows fragments of epidermal cells, unicellular hairs; round, brown pollen grains with clear exine and intine walls.

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 25 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 70 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Moisture content Not more than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.9

CONSTITUENTS – Sugars

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Sukrala, Balya, Pittakara, Vatahara, Sramahara, Ahrdya.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Madhukasava, Drakasadi Kvatha Curna, Eladi Modaka.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Svasa, Daha, Ksata, Ksaya, Trsna, Srama

DOSE – 10 – 15 g. of the drug.

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MATSYAKSI (Whole Plant)

Matsyaksi consists of dried whole plant of Alternanthera sessilis (Linn.) R. Br., Syn, A. triandra Lam., A. denticulata R. Br., A. nodiflora R. Br., A. repens Gmel., non Link. (Fam. Amaranthacem); a small prostrate or ascending herb with several spreading branches growing throughout the warmer parts ofthe country and frequently found in wet places especially around tanks and ponds.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Matsyagandha, Bahli, Matsyaduni, Gandali, Gartkalambuka
Assamese : —
Bengali : Sanchesak, Salincha Sak
English : —
Gujrati : Jalajambo
Hindi : Gudari Sag
Kannada : Honagonne soppu
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Kozuppa, Ponnankanni
Marathi : Kanchari
Oriya : Matsagandha, Salincha Saaga
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Ponnangkanni
Telugu : Ponnaganti Koora
Urdu : —–

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – Cylindrical, 0.1-0.6 cm diameter, cream to grey, numerous roots arising from the main tap root as lateral rootlets; fracture, short; no characteristic odour and taste.

Stem – Herbaceous, weak, mostly cylindrical occasionally sub-quadrangular at the apical region, with spreading branches from the base; yellowish-brown to light-brown; nodes and internodes distinct, internodes 0.5-5 cm long, often rooting at lower nodes; fracture, short; no characteristic odour and taste.

Leaf – 1.3-7.5 cm long, 0.3-2 cm wide, sometimes reaching 10 cm long, 2.5 cm wide, sessile, linear-oblong, or elliptic, obtuse or subacute; no characteristic odour and taste.

Flower – Flower in small axillary sessile heads, white often tinged with pink, bracteoles 1.2 cm long, ovate, scarious; perianth 2.5-3 mm long, sepals ovate, acute, thin, ovary obcordate, compressed, style very short, capitellate; no characteristic odour and taste.

Fruit – Utricle, 1.5 mm long, orbicular, compressed with thickened margins; no characteristic odour and taste.

b) Microscopic

Root – Shows circular outline consisting of 5-7 layered, thin-walled tangentially elongated and squarish, radially arranged cork cells; secondary cortex narrow, consistig of thin-walled, round or oval, parenchymatous cells; vascualr bundles radially arranged, numerous, consisting of thin-walled cells; xylem tissues lignified; conjunctive tissue between bundles consisting of oval, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; anomalous secondary growth occurs in the form of succession of rings of vascular bundles which are bicollateral, open and exarch; in the pith there are two larger vascular bundles composed of xylem and phloem; pith consisting of thin-walled, round to oval, isodiametric, parenchymatous cells.

Stem – Shows single layered epidermis consisting of round or oval, thin-walled cells covered with striated cuticle; cortex 6-10 layered consisting of thin-walled oval to round, parenchymatous cells and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate measuring 55-77 n in diameter; vascualr bundles arranged in a ring, with anomalous secondary growth; with are conjoint, bicollateral, open and endarch phloem narrow consisting of thinwalled cells traversed by phloem rays; xylem consisting of usual elements traversed by xylem rays; there are two vascular bundles sittuated in the peripheral region of pith, each bundle consisting of xylem and phloem; pith distinct, composed of thin-walled, round to oval parenchymatous cells with intercellular spaces, a few parenchymatous cells contain rosette crystals of calcium oxalate.

Leaf 

Midrib – shows single layered epidermis on both surfaces, covered wtith striated cuticle; collenchymatous cells, 2-4 layered towards ventral side forming 1-2 small patches, 1-2 layered towards dorsal side; parenchymatous cells, thin-walled round or oval, isodiametic cells, a few of them containing rosette crystals of calcium oxalate; vascular bundles three, each consisting of xylem and phloem, present in the centre.

Lamina – dorsiventral; shows wavy or undulate, irregular, single layered, tabular epidermis cells present on both surfaces; stomata paracytic, more on ventral side and less on dorsal side; palisade 2-3 layers; spongy parenchyma 3-4 layered of oval or irregular loosely arranged cells; a few of them containing rosette crystals of calcium oxalate; stomatal index 22-26 in lower surface and 12-20 upper surface; palisade ratio 3-5; vein-islet number 6-12 and veinlet termination number 8-10.

Powder – Olive green; shows fragments of parenchymatous cells, wavy or undulate irregular epidermal cells in surface view, paracytic stomata, palisade cells and xylem vessels with pitted and reticulate thickening and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 4.5 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 19 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica Gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene :
Ethylacetate (9:1) shows in visible light three spots at Rf. 0.16, 0.33 and 0.44 (all green). Under U.V. (366 nm) five fluorescent zones visible at Rf. 0.16, 0.33, 0.44, 0.54 and 0.68 (all red). On exposure to Iodine vapour eight spots appear at Rf. 0.18, 0.25, 0.35, 0.44, 0.59, 0.81, 0.94 and 0.96 (all yellow).

CONSTITUENTS – Sugar, Saponins & Sterols

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Grahi, Kaphahara, Vatahara, Pitthara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Traikantaka Ghrta.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kustha, Pittavikara., Raktavikara

DOSE – 2 -3 g. of the drug in powder form.

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