Ayurvedic Herbs

INDRAVARUNI (Root)

Indravaruni consists of dried root of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. (Fam. Cucurbitacem); an annual or perennial, wild herb with prostrate or climbing stem, occurring throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Indravalli, Indravarunika, Gavaksi, Satakratulata, Endri
Assamese : —
Bengali : Rakhal Sasa Mul
English : Colocynth, Bitter apple
Gujrati : Indravaran, Indrayan, Indramanoa, Indarvaranova
Hindi : Indrayan
Kannada : Havumekke, Havumakke, Indravaruni, Tuntikai, Kadukavadi
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Valiyakattuvell, Valiya Pekkumatti, Cheeiyakattuvellari
Marathi : Endrayana, Indravarana
Oriya : Gothakakucti, Indrayanalata, Garukhiya
Punjabi : Kaudatumma, Tumbi
Tamil : Paikamatti, Paythumatti, Varithummati, Aruthununatti
Telugu : Chedu Puchcha
Urdu : Hanzal, Indrayan

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root available in cut pieces of 2-7 cm long, 0.2-2.5 cm thick, cylindrical, slightly twisted; dull yellow; longitudinal fissures present; fracture, short; taste, intensively bitter.

b) Microscopic

Root – Mature root shows wavy outline consisting of 6-10 layers of rectangular, thick walled, tangentially elongated cork cells, a few filled with dark brown contents; secondary cortex consists of 10-15 layers of elliptical, tangentially elongated, thin walled, parenchymatous cells; secondary phloem a narrow-zone, composed of sieve elements, parenchyma and medullary rays; xylem forms bulk of root, consisting of vessels, fibres, parenchyma and medullary rays; vessels mostly solitary or in groups of two to four having reticulate and spiral thickenings; fibres aseptate, thick-walled, pitted, elongated with pointed ends, lying around vessels; medullary rays poorly developed and uniseriate; starch grains oval to round in shape 2,5-7.5 n in dia. mostly simple or rarely compound having 2-3 components, found scattered throughout but more abundantly in phloem parenchyma.

Powder – Dirty yellow; shows aseptate fibres, reticulate and spiral vessels, starch grains simple or occasionally compound measuring 2.5 – 7.5 n in dia.

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 6.5 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 alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Chloroform:Methanol (85:15) shows under U.V. (366 nm) two fluorescent spots at Rf. 0.16 and 0.30 (both blue). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 105°C two spots appear at Rf. 0.16 and 0.30 (both greyish blue).

CONSTITUENTS – Saponin and traces of Alkaloid.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Sara
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Recana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Abhayarisa, Rodhrasava, Mrtasanjivani Sura, Brhatmanjisthadi Kvatha Curna, Narayana Curna, Misraka Sheha, Triphaladi Taila, Mahavisagarbha Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Apaci, Svasa, Gulma, Kamala, Kasa, Krmiroga, Kustha, Prameha, Vrana, Pliharoga, Visavikara, Gandamala.

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

Goto Main Page

KARAVALLAKA (Fresh Fruit)

Karavallaka consists of fresh fruit of Momordica charantia Linn. (Fam. Cucurbitacem); a monoecious climber found throughout the country often under cultivation, upto an altitude of 1500 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Karavella, Kathilla, Varivalli, Karavalli.
Assamese : Kakiral, Kakral
Bengali : Karolla
English : Bitter gourd
Gujrati : Karela
Hindi : Karela
Kannada : Hagalakai
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Kaippa, Pavackkai
Marathi : Karla
Oriya : Kalara, Salara
Punjabi : Karela
Tamil : Paharkai
Telugu : Kaakara Kaaya
Urdu : Karela

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit 2.5 – 25 cm long, oblong, pendulous, fusiform, usually pointed or beaked, ribbed and bearing numerous triangular tubercles, 3 valved at the apex when mature, surface rough; light green to green in colour containing numerous seeds; taste, extremely bitter.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Nil Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 8.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.6 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 28 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 under U.V. (366 nm) four fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.23 (red), 0.61 (light sky blue), 0.96 (sky blue), 0.98 (red & sky blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour four spots appear at Rf. 0.17, 0.46, 0.67 and 0.98 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic Phosphomolybdic acid reagent nine spots appear at Rf. 0.03, 0.16, 0.34, 0.43, 0.50, 0.60, 0.75, 0.81 and 0.98 (all blue).

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloid (Momoridicine) and Glycosides.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Bhedi, Dipana, Hrdya, Kaphahara, Vatahara, Raktadosahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Mahavisagarbha Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Svasa, Jvara, Kamala, Kasa, Krmiroga, Kustha, Pandu, Prameha, Raktavikara, Aruci.

DOSE – 10 – 15 ml. juice of fresh drug.

Goto Main Page

INDRAVARUNI (Leaf)

Indravaruni consists of dried leaves of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. (Fam. Cucurbitacem); an annual or perennial, wild herb with prostrate or climbing stem, occurring throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Satakratulata, Eandri, Gavaksi, Indravarunika, Indravalli
Assamese : Nantiyah
Bengali : Rahhalasa, Makhal
English : Colocynth, Bitter Apple
Gujrati : Indrayana, Indrayanoa, Insbak
Hindi : Indrayana
Kannada : Havumekke Kayi, Havamikke
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Kattu vellari, Kadu Indrayan, Peykommuti
Marathi : Indrayana, Kodu indrayan
Oriya : Gothkakudi, Mahakal
Punjabi : Tumma, Jamtumma
Tamil : Peyakkumutti, Peytumatti, Peyththumatti, Peykhumutti, Verittumatti
Telugu : Chedupuchcha
Urdu : Hanzal, Indrayan

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Leaves very variable, 3.6-6.3 cm long, 2.5-5.0 cm wide, pinnately lobed in outline, generally 3 lobed, sometimes 3-7 lobed, middle lobe largest, each lobe deeply pinnatifid; petiole 1.3-2.5 cm long, entire leaf densely hirsute; taste, very bitter.

b) Microscopic

Leaf– Petiole – shows ridged outline; epidermis single layered consisting of oval to rounded cells, covered with thick cuticle; hairs uniseriate, 2-4 celled, present on both surfaces; cortex consisting of 3-7 layers, round collenchymatous cells, followed by a single layered endodermis; pith consisting of thin-walled, isodiametric, parenchymatous cells; vascular bundles generally eight, arranged in discontinuous ring, bicollateral, each bundle surrounded by semilunar patches of sclerenchymatous cells towards endodermis.

Midrib – shows single layered epidermis, covered with cuticle on both surface; hair present on both surfaces, uniseriate, consisting of 2-3 cells, apical cells being pointed or blunt; cortex consisting of 2-3 layers of collenchymatous cells on dorsal side, followed by thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; vascular bundles present, two well developed, one smaller and other larger, conjoint, bicollateral, composed of xylem and phloem.

Lamina -shows single layered epidermis covered with cuticle, hairs similar to those of midrib and present on both surfaces, but more abundant on lower surface; palisade single layered, spongy parenchyma generally 5-8 layered, composed of thin walled, almost isodiametric cells, filled with chlorophyll contents and traversed by a number of veins, vein islet number 29-38 per sq. mm; palisade ratio 2.75-3.75; stomata anomocytic present on both surfaces, stomatal index on upper surface 12.5-28.5 and on lower surface 25.0 -31.2.

Powder – Coarse, olive green; shows entire or broken pieces of hairs; epidermal cells polygonal, moderately thick-walled, 27.5-49.5n long and 19-27 n wide; spongy parenchyma cells, anomocytic type of stomata and xylem vessels.

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 6 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 18 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. (366 nm) five fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.46, 0.61, 0.75, 0.94 (all green) and 0.97 (red). On spraying with 5% Methanolic- Sulphuric acid reagent and on heating the plate for ten minutes at 105°C four spots appear at Rf. 0.61 (green), 0.75 (green), 0.83 (grey) and 0.94 (grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Colocynthin, traces of an Alkaloid and Flavonoids.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Sara
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Recana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Nili Bhrngadi Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kesapata, Palita, Kustharoga.

DOSE – For external use only

Goto Main Page

KANUKA (Rhizome)

Kauka consists of the dried rhizome with root of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. (Fam. Scrophulariacem); a perennial, more or less hairy herb common on the northwestern Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim. Rhizome is cut into small pieces.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Tikta, Tiktarohini, Kaurohini, Kavi, Sutiktaka, Kauka, Rohini.
Assamese : Katki, Kutki
Bengali : —
English : Hellebore
Gujrati : Kadu, Katu
Hindi : Kutki
Kannada : Katuka rohini, katuka rohini
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Kaduk rohini, Katuka rohini
Marathi : Kutki, Kalikutki
Oriya : Katuki
Punjabi : Karru, kaur
Tamil : Katuka rohini, Katuku rohini, Kadugurohini
Telugu : Karukarohini
Urdu : Kutki

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Rhizome – 2.5-8 cm long and 4-8 mm thick, subcylindrical, straight or slightly curved, externally greyish-brown, surface rough due to longitudinal wrinkles, circular scars of roots and bud scales and sometimes roots attached, tip ends in a growing bud surrounded by tufted crown of leaves, at places cork exfoliates exposing dark cortex; fracture, short; odour, pleasant; taste, bitter. .

Root – Thin, cylindrical, 5-10 cm long, 0.05-0.1 cm in diameter, straight or slightly curved with a few longitudinal wrinkles and dotted scars, mostly attached with rhizomes, dusty grey, fracture, short, inner surface black with whitish xylem; odour, pleasant; taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic

Rhizome – Shows 20-25 layers of cork consisting of tangentially elongated, suberised cells; cork cambium 1-2 layered; cortex single layered or absent, primary cortex persists in some cases, one or two small vascular bundles present in cortex; vascular bundles surrounded by single layered endodermis of thick-walled cells; secondary phloem composed of phloem parenchyma and a few scattered fibres; cambium 2-4 layered; secondary xylem consists of vessels, tracheids, xylem fibres and xylem parenchyma, vessels vary in shape and size having transverse oblique articulation; tracheids long, thick-walled, lignified, more or less cylindrical with blunt tapering ends; xylem parenchyma thin-walled and polygonal in shape; centre occupied by a small pith consisting of thin-walled cells; simple round to oval, starch grains, measuring 25-104 n in dia., abundantly found in all cells.

Root -Young root shows single layered epidermis, some epidermal cells elongate forming unicellular hairs; hypodermis single layered; cortex 8-14 layered; consisting of oval to polygonal, thick-walled, parenchymatous cells; primary stele tetrach to heptarch, enclosed by single layered pericycle and single layered, thick-walled cells of endodermis; mature root shows 4-15 layers of cork, 1-2 layers of cork cambium; secondary phloem poorly developed; secondary xylem consisting of vessels, tracheids, parenchyma and fibres; vessels have varying shape and size, some cylindrical with taillike, tapering ends, some drum shaped with perforation on end walls or lateral walls; tracheids cylindrical with tapering pointed ends; fibres aseptate, thick-walled, lignified with tapering blunt chisel-like pointed ends.

Powder – Dusty grey; shows groups of fragments of cork cells, thick-walled, parenchyma, pitted vessels and aseptate fibres, simple round to oval, starch grains, measuring 25 – 104 n in diameter.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 7 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 20 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Chloroform:
Methanol (95 : 5) shows under U.V. light (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.05 (blue), 0.30 (blue) and 0.35 (green). On exposure to Iodine vapour nine spots appear at Rf. 0.10, 0.17, 0.21, 0.30, 0.37, 0.41, 0.62, 0.72 and 0.84 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% methanolic sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 105°C seven spots appear at Rf. 0.05, 0.10, 0.17, 0.21, 0.30, 0.41 and 0.84 (all brownish grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Glucoside (Picrorhizin).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Hrdya, Pittahara, Dipani, Bhedini, Jvarahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Arogyavardhini Gutika, Tiktaka Ghrta, Sarvajvarahara Lauha, Mahatikataka Ghrta.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Svasa, Daha, Jvara, Kamala, Kustha, Visamajvara, Arocaka.

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

Goto Main Page

JAMBU (Seed)

Jambu consists of dried seeds of Syzygium cuminii (Linn.) Skeels Syn. Eugenia jambolana Lam.; E. cuminii Druce. (Fam. Myrtacem); a large evergreen tree, attaining a height of 30 m and a girth of 3.6 m with a bole up to 15 m, found throughout India upto an altitude of 1,800 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : —
Assamese : —
Bengali : Badjam, Kalajam
English : Jambul tree
Gujrati : Gambu, Jamun
Hindi : Jamuna
Kannada : Nerale Beeja, Jambu Nerale
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Njaval
Marathi : Jambul
Oriya : Jam Kol, Jamu Kol
Punjabi : Jaamun
Tamil : Naval
Telugu : Alla Nereduchettu, Neredu chettu
Urdu : Jamun

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

2-5 seeds, compressed together into a mass resembling a single seed, the whole seed enclosed in a cream coloured, coriaceous covering, smooth, oval or roundish, 1 cm long, 1 cm wide, brownish-black; taste, astringent.

b) Microscopic

Seed – Shows cotyledons consisting of single layered epidermis, mesophyll composed of isodiametric, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells fully packed with simple starch grains, oval, rounded measuring 7-28 n in dia., a few schizogenous cavities are also found.

Powder – Brown coloured; shows a few parenchymatous cells and numerous oval, rounded starch grains, measuring 7-28 n in diameter.

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 6 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 alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene:Ethylaceate (90: 10) shows under U.V. light (366 nm) one fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.30 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour four spots appear at Rf. 0.12, 0.20, 0.30 and 0.95 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 105°C, three spots appear at Rf. 0.20, 0.30 and 0.95 and 0.95 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Glycoside (Jamboline), Tannin, Ellagic acid and Gallic acid.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Amla, Kasaya
Guna : Guru, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Grahi, Kaphahara, Pittahara, Vistambhi, Vatala

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Pusyanuga Curna.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Madhumeha, Udakameha.

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

Goto Main Page

JAMBU (Stem Bark)

Jambu consists of dried stem bark of Syzygium cuminii (Linn.) Skeels Syn. Eugenia jambolana Lam.; E. cuminii Druce. (Fam. Myrtacem); a large evergreen tree, attaining a height of 30 m and a girth of 3.6 m with a bole up to 15 m, found throughout India upto an altitude of 1,800 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Mahajambu, Ksudrajambu
Assamese : Jam
Bengali : Jaam
English : —
Gujrati : Jambu, Jambuda
Hindi : Jomuna, Raja Jambu
Kannada : Merale, Jamneralm, Jambu, Neralamara
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Njaval, Naval
Marathi : Jambhool
Oriya : Jamukoli, Jamu, Jam
Punjabi : Jammu
Tamil : Naaval, Navval Sambu, Mahamaram, Nagal
Telugu : Nesedu
Urdu : Jamun

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs in slightly curved or flat pieces, 0.5-2.5 cm thick, younger bark mostly channelled, external surface more or less rough and rugged due to exfoliation and vertical cracks, light grey to ash coloured, internal surface fibrous, rough, and reddish brown, fracture, short and splintery; taste, astringent.

b) Microscopic

Stem Bark -Mature bark shows a wide zone of cork differentiated into upper and lower cork zones, forming a rhytidoma; cork consisting of tangentially elongated rectangular cells, upper few layers thick, stratified and reddish-brown, having groups of 2-4 stone cells and crushed elements of phloem; lower cork thin and colourless; cork cambium not distinct; secondary phloem composed of sieve elements, and phloem rays; phloem parenchyma thin-walled and polyhedral in shape; stone cells, oval to angular, elongated; fibres aseptate; both stone cells and fibres single or in groups present throughout this  region; phloem rays 1-4 cells wide; reddish-brown content, rosette crystals of calcium oxalate and simple, round to oval starch grains, measuring 5-11 n in diameter

Powder – Light brown; shows fragments of thin-walled cork cells, aseptate fibres; single or in groups, oval to angular, elongated, stone cells; rosette and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate and simple, round to oval starch grains, measuring 5-11n 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 9 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 11 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Tannins

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Kasaya
Guna : Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Grahi, Kaphahara, Pittahara, Vatala, Stambhaka, Krmidosaghna

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Usirasava.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Atisara, Raktapitta.

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

Goto Main Page

JAYAPALA (Seed)

Jayapala consists of dried seed of Croton tiglium Linn. (Fam. Euphorbiacem); a small evergreen tree, 5-7 m high, found throughout tropical India.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Mukula, Tintidiphala.
Assamese : Kanibish
Bengali : Jaipala
English : Croton
Gujrati : Nepalo, Jamalagota
Hindi : Jamalgota
Kannada : Nepal, Japal beej, Japala, Nervala
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Nervalam, Neervalam
Marathi : Jepal, Japal
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Japolota
Tamil : Nervalam, Neervalam, Valam
Telugu : Nepalamu
Urdu : Jamalgota

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seed albuminous, ovate, oblong, slightly quadrangular, convex on dorsal and somewhat flattened on ventral surface, about 12 mm in length and resemble castor seed in shape, dull cinnamon-brown, often mottled with black due to abrasion in testa, caruncle easily detatched and usually absent, hilum on ventral side less distinct than that of castor seed, raphe runs along ventral surface of seed, terminating in a dark chalaza at opposite extremity, kernel yellowish and oily, consisting of a large endosperm, enclosing papery cotyledons and a small radicle, no marked odour; kernel gives at first oily taste followed by an unpleasant acridity.

b) Microscopic

Seed – Shows a hard testa, consisting of an epidermal layer, covered externally with a thick cuticle and composed of oval and tangentially elongated cells, filled with brownish content; epidermis followed by a layer of radially elongated cells, slightly bent at middle, upper half portion filled with reddish-brown and lower half filled with yellow contents; inner most zone consists of tangentially elongated, thin-walled cells; endosperm consists of polygonal parenchymatous cells filled with oil globules, a few cells having rosette crystals of calciwn oxalate; central region of endosperm shows a dicotyledonous embryo consisting of thin-walled parenchymatous cells.

Powder – White with black particles of testa; under microscope shows elongated cells containing reddish-brown and yellow contents, oil globules and a few rosette crystals of calcium oxalate.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 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 15 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 n-Butanol :
Acetic acid : Water (4: 1 :5) shows under U.V. (366 nm) three spots at Rf. 0.34, 0.54 and 0.84 (all violet). On exposure to Iodine vapour six spots appear at Rf. 0.10, 0.29, 0.39, 0.49, 0.63 and 0.90 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes three spots appear at Rf. 0.34 (grey), 0.54 (yellow), 0.84 (brown).

CONSTITUENTS – Fixed oil, Resins & Phorbol esters.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Recana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Icchabhedi Rasa, Asvakancuki Rasa.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Jvara, Udararoga, Vibandha

DOSE – 6-12 mg. of the drug in powder form.

Goto Main Page

JAYANNI (Leaf)

Jayanticonsists of fresh and dried leaf of Sesbania sesban (Linn.) Merr.,Syn. S. mgyptiaca Pers. (Fam. Fabacem); a quick growing, short lived shrub, 1.8-6 m high, found cultivated throughout plains of the country upto an altitude of 1200 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Jayanti, Jaya, Suksma patra,
Assamese : —
Bengali : Jayanti
English : —
Gujrati : Rajashinganee, Jayanti
Hindi : Jaita, jayata
Kannada : Arinintajinamgi, Karijimangai, Arishimajingai,
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Semp, Atti, Itthikkanni
Marathi : Jait
Oriya : Jayantipatra
Punjabi : Jainta
Tamil : Karum-sempai
Telugu : Sominta, Jalugu, Nelichettu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Leaves pinnately compound, 7.5-15.5 cm long, rachis shortly produced above last pair of leaflet; paripinnate, leaflets 6-16 pairs, opposite, linear, oblong, glabrous, entire, mucronate to acuminate, very shortly stalked, 1.0-3.3 cm long, 0.3-0.8 cm wide.

b) Microscopic

Leaflet Rachis – shows single layered epidermis, followed by 2-3 layered collenchymatous and 4- 7 layered round, thin-walled parenchymatous cells; vascular bundles arranged in a ring, having secretory cavities in phloem, each bundle covered externally with sclerenchymatous sheath, one smaller vascular bundle present in both the wings; pith small, consisting of thin-walled, polygonal, parenchymatous cells.

Lamina – shows single layered epidermis on both surfaces, stomata anisocytic, present on both surfaces, palisade single layered, spongy parenchyma consisting of round cells, small veins situated between palisade and spongy parenchyma cells, stomatal index on upper surface 11-20 and on lower surface 11-25, palisade ratio 3.25-4.50 and vein islet number 27-36 per square mm.

Powder – Dull green; shows spongy parenchyma, palisade cells; xylem vessels with scalariform thickening and stomata.

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 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 7 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 25 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 (90: 10) shows under U.V. (366 nm) six fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.05, 0.11, 0.19, 0.29, 0.56 (all pink) and 0.97 (yellow). On exposure to Iodine vapour ten spots appear at Rf. 0.05, 0.11, 0.19, 0.29, 0.37, 0.48, 0.56, 0.69, 0.91 and 0.97 (all yellow). On spraying with 5 % Methanolic-Phosphomolybdic acid reagent and heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes nine spots appear at Rf. 0.05, 0.11, 0.19, 0.29, 0.37, 0.48, 0.56, 0.91 and 0.97 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Protein, Calcium and Phosphorus.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Rasayana, Vatahara, Kanthasodhana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Ratnagiri Rasa, Vajrakapata Rasa.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Mutrakrcchra, Galaganda, Visaroga.

DOSE – 3-6 g. in powder form.

Goto Main Page

JYOTISMATI (Seed)

Jyotismati consists of dried, brownish-orange, ripe seeds, devoid of capsule wall of Celastrus paniculatus Willd. (Fam. Celastracem); a large climbing shrub, mostly found all over the hilly parts of the country upto an altitude of 1200 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : —
Assamese : Kapalphotla
Bengali : —
English : Staff tree
Gujrati : Malkangani
Hindi : Malkangani
Kannada : Doddaganugm, Gangunge beeja, Gangunge humpu, Kangondiballi
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Ceruppunnari, Uzhinja
Marathi : Malkangoni
Oriya : Malkanguni, lyotishmati
Punjabi : Malkangoni
Tamil : Valuluvai
Telugu : Malkangani, Peddamaveru
Urdu : Malkangani

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Dried ripe seeds more or less covered by orange-red crusty aril, seed without aril also prescent, measuring 5-6 mm in length and 2.5-3.35 mm in breadth, a few roughly three sided being convex on the sides and a few two sided with one convex and other more or less flat side, one edge of many seeds show a faint ridge or raphe on the whole margin; surface generally smooth and- hard; colour, light to dark brown; odour, unpleasant; taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic

Seed – Shows single layered epidermis covered externally with thick cuticle and filled with tannin, followed by 4-6 layers of thin-walled, collapsed, parenchymatous cells and layer of radially elongated stone cells; parenchyma of top one or two layers longer than of the below with triangular intercellular spaces; inner most layer of parenchyma containing prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; beneath stone cells layer quadrangular to octagonal, tangentially elongated cells filled with brownish contents; endosperm composed of polygonal, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells having oil gloubles and aleurone grains; embryo spathulate in fleshy endosperm containing oil globules and aleurone grains.

Powder – Oily, dark brown; under microscope shows groups of endospermic parenchyma, stone cells, oil globules and aleurone grains and shows fluorescence under U.V. light as following :-
Powder as such : Grenish -brown Powder + 1 N NaOH in
Methanol : Light green Powder + Nitrocellulose in
Amyl Acetate : Yellowish-green

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 1.5 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 9 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Oil contents Not less than 45 per cent, Appendix 2.2.8

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract of drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene :
Ethylacetate (90 : 10) shows two spots at Rf. 0.82 (pink) & 0.94 (yellow) in visible light. Under U.V. (366 nm) four fluorescent zones visible at Rf. 0.54, 0.82, 0.89, (all blue) & 0.94 (yellow). On exposure to Iodine vapour eight spots appear at Rf. 0.04, 0.15, 0.20, 0.35, 0.54, 0.63, 0.82 & 0.89 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes four spots appear at Rf. 0.35, 0.54 (both blue), 0.82, 0.89 (both greenish blue).

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids, Oil and Tannins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Sara, Usna, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : (Prabhava : Meddhya), Sirovirecanopaga, Dipana, Kaphahara, Vamaka, Vatahara, Virecaka, Meddhya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Smrtisagara Rasa, Jyotismati Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Vatavyadhi, Smrtidaurbalya, Svitra.

DOSE – Seed: 1-2 g. Oil : 5-15 drops.

Goto Main Page

KADAMBA (Stem Bark)

Kadamba consists of dried stem bark of Anthocephalus cadamba Miq., Syn. A. indicus A. Rich. (Fam. Rubiacem), a deciduous, large tree, attaining a height of 18 m with a girth of about 2 m, found all over India on the slopes of evergreen forests upto 500 m and planted in parks and near temples etc.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Vrtta Puspa, Priyka
Assamese : Roghu, Kadam
Bengali : Kadam
English : —
Gujrati : Kadamb, Kadam
Hindi : Kadam, Kadamba
Kannada : Kadamba, Kadamba mara, Kadavala, Neirumavinamara
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Attutekka, Katampu
Marathi : Kadamb
Oriya : Holiptiya, Kadamba Nipo, Kadambal
Punjabi : Kadamb
Tamil : Arattam, Indulam, Kadappai, Vellai Kadambam, Vellaikhadambu, Kadambu Needam, Vellai Kadambu
Telugu : Kadambamu, Kadimi Chettu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Bark externally greyish-green with shallow fissures, exfoliating in small irregular woody scales, internally light reddish to reddish-brown, easily separates from inner bark into tangential strips; taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic

Stem Bark -Outer most zone of the bark shows rhytidoma with cork 4-6 layers wide, composed of thin-walled, rectangular cells; phloem fibres same in structure as found in inner bark; middle bark composed of rectangular or tangentially elongated cells without intercellular spaces, some cells contain chlorophyll, most cells thick-walled but a few thin-walled containing prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, a few cells with brown contents; inner bark consists of groups of fibres alternating with phloem, traversed by uni to triseriate, elongated cells of phloem rays; phloem composed of sieve tubes, phloem fibres, companion cells and phloem parenchyma; cells of phloem parenchyma thinwalled and polygonal; phloem fibres lignified with narrow lumen and pointed ends; outer region of inner bark and phloem tissues thin-walled, comparatively large and consisting of rounded to polygonal cells a few phloem cells in this region compressed; phloem rays uni-to triseriate and arranged close to one another, cells distinct and slightly elongated, some cells at the periphery of inner bark tilled with chlorophyll contents.

Powder – Brown; shows fragments of cork cells, phloem cells, fibres, 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 9 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 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 Ethylacetate :
Methanol : Water (100:13.5:10) shows under U.V (366 nm) nine fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.03, 0.13, 0.21, 0.31, 0.57, 0.64, 0.79, 0.83 and 0.90 (all yellow) On spraying with 5% Methanolic Sulphuric acid reagent on heating the plate at 110°C for ten minutes four spots appear at Rf. 0.63 (yellowish grey), 0.70 (orange yellow), 0.79 (grey) and 0.90 (grey).
CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids, Steroids, Fats and Reducing Sugars

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Lavana, Kasaya
Guna : Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Pittahara, Vatahara, Vranaropana, Vedanastapana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Nygrodhadi Kvatha Curna, Grahanimihira Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Daha, Raktapitta, Vrana, Yonidosa, Visavrana (Dansaja Vrana).

DOSE – 0.5 – 1.5 g. of the drug in powder form.

Goto Main Page

KAKAMACI (Whole Plant)

Kakamaci consists of the dried whole plant of Solanum nigrum Linn. (Fam. Solanacem); a herbaceous annual weed, 30-45 cm high, found throughout the country in dry parts, quite common in cultivated lands, road sides and gardens.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Dhvanksamaci
Assamese : Kakamachi, Pikachia, Datkachu
Bengali : Gudakamai
English : Garden Night Shade
Gujrati : Piludi
Hindi : Makoya
Kannada : Ganikayeagida, Ganikegida, ganike, Ganikesopu, Kage hanninagids
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Karinthakkali, Manatakkali, Manjathakkali
Marathi : Kamoni
Oriya : Lunlunia, Lunilunika
Punjabi : Mako
Tamil : Manarthakkali, Manaththakkali, Manitakkali, Maniththakkali
Telugu : Kamanchi
Urdu : Makoh

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – Tap root with a few branches and numerous small lateral roots, externally smooth, pale brown; bark thin, easily peeled off exposing pale yellow wood.

Stem – Erect, glabrous or pubescent, green, rounded at the basal region and angular at the apical region, slightly woody and branched.

Leaf – Simple, 2.5-8.5 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, ovate or oblong, sinuate, toothed or lobed, narrowed at both ends; petiolate, thin.

Flower – Small, extra-axillary, sub-umbellate, 3-8 flowered cymes, peduncles 6-20 mm long, slender; pedicels 6-10 mm long, very slender; calyx 2-3 mm long, glabrous, five lobed, oblong, obtuse, 1.25 mm long; corolla 4-8 mm long, divided more than half way down into 5 oblong sub-acute lobes, white or pale violet; filaments short, flattened, hairy at base; anther 1.2-2.5 mm long, yellowish, oblong, obtuse notched at apex; ovary globose, glabrous; style cylindric, hairy in lower part.

Fruit – A berry, 6mm in dia., obtuse, usually purplish-black but sometimes red, yellow or black; smooth shining

Seed – Discoid, 1.5 mm in dia., smooth, minutely pitted, yellow.

b) Microscopic

Root -Shows cork consisting of 2-4 rows of tangentially elongated cells; cortex of large, slightly elongated, thin-walled cells having patches of lignified sclerenchyma fibres, most of the cortical cells contain oval to round, starch grains, measuring 2.5-11 n in dia., single or with two or rarely 3 components; a few parenchyma cells contain microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate; phloem consists of thin-walled, polygonal cells, phloem rays uniseriate, filled with starch grains; xylem composed of vessels and parenchyma; vessels arranged in groups of 2-4 in radial rows; parenchyma thick-walled containing microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate; rays composed of thin-walled, radially elongated cells.

Stem – Shows single layered, epidermis of cubical to barrel-shaped cells, covered with thick, slightly striated cuticle; trichomes multicellular, uniseriate; secondary cortex composed of 2-4 layered collenchyma, but 4- 10 layered in angular parts; tangentially elongated,’ oval parenchymatous cells, some containing numerous microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate and simple, oval to round starch grains, measuring 2.5-8.25 n in dia., endoderrnis single layered; pericycle consists of intermittent ring of patches of fibres either isolated or in groups of 2-4; vascular bundles-collateral, conjoint and open; cambium 2-4 layered; xylem vessels arranged radially smaller being towards centre, showing spiral thickening and simple perforations; tracheids pointed tipped and with pitted walls; xylem rays homogenous, uniseriate; internal phloem, in small or large patches, usually accompanied by fibres, embedded in perimedullary zones; pith large, composed of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells with small intercellular spaces, a few cells containing microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate.

Leaf– Petiole – shows single layered epidermis of oval or tangentially elongated cells, covered with striated cuticle; covering trichomes, uniseriate, 3-5 celled having pointed tips and
warty walls, glandular hairs with 1-2 celled stalk and 2-7 celled head; epidermis single layered; chlorenchyma 2-3 layered, compactly arranged; 5-8 layered parenchyma consisting of round, thin-walled cells with smaller intercellular spaces, a few containing microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate; central vascular bundle shallow, arcshaped, bicollateral; two smaller bundles present laterally on either side of main vascular bundles one in each lateral wing of the petiole.

Midrib – shows upper and lower epidermis of round to oval cells, covered with striated cuticle, trichomes similar to those found on petiole; collenchyma 2-3 layered on both surfaces; parenchyma 4-6 layered, thin-walled with small intercellular spaces; arc-shaped bicollateral vascular bundle placed centrally.

Lamina – dorsiventral, both upper and lower epidermis single layered, composed of oval to tangentially elongated cells covered with thick cuticle; palisade single layered; spongy parenchyma 4-6 layered containing chloroplasts with intercellular spaces; a few vessels with spiral thickenings, present beneath palisade parenchyma; in surface preparation a large number of multicellular, warty hairs with pointed tips and glandular hairs are present; epidermis with irregular outline, stomata anisocytic, scattered on both surfaces but more abundant in lower surface; palisade ratio 2-4; vein islet number 7-10; stomatal index 15-17 on upper epidermis and 22-23 on lower epidermis.

Fruit – Shows thin, papery epicarp, pulpy mesocarp and exile placentation; seeds at first remain attached to the placenta but afterwards separate from it and lie free in pulp of fruit.

Powder – Creamish-green; shows fragments of vessels with spiral thickening; a few broken pieces of pointed, unicellular hairs; single, oval to round and compound with three components of starch grains, measuring 2.5 – 11 n in diameter.

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 7 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 15 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene :
Ethylacetate (90 : 10) shows two spots at Rf. 0.06 & 0.34 (both brown) in visible light. Under U.V. light (366 nm) two fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.06 & 0.34 (both pink). On exposure to Iodine vapour three spots appear at Rf. 0.06, 034 and 0.97 (all yellow).

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids and Saponins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Sara, Snigdha
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Bhedana, Hrdya, Kaphahara, Pittahara, Rasayana, Svarya, Vatahara, Vrsya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Hrdayarnava Rasa, Maha Visagarbha Taila, Rasaraja Rasa.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sotha, Arsa, Hrdroga, Jvara, Kandu, Kustha, Prameha, Hikka. Chardi, Netraroga.

DOSE – 5 -10 ml. of the drug in juice form.

Goto Main Page

KAMALA (Flower)

Kamala consists of dried flowers (devoid of stalk) of Nelumbo nucifera Gmrtn. Syn. Nelumbium speciosum Willd. (Fam. Nymphmacem); a large, aquatic herb with creeping stem, occurring throughout warmer parts of the country upto an altitude of 1000 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Abja, Aravinda, Padma, Kalhara, Sitopala, Pankaja
Assamese : Podum
Bengali : Padma Phool, Salaphool
English : Lotus
Gujrati : Kamal,
Hindi : Kamal, Kanwal
Kannada : Kamal, Tavare, Naidile, Tavaregedd
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Tamara, Venthamara, Chenthamara, Senthamara
Marathi : Komala
Oriya : Padma
Punjabi : Kanwal, Pamposh
Tamil : Tamarai, Thamaraipoo, Aravindan, Paduman, Kamalam, Sarojam
Telugu : Kaluva, Tamarapuvow
Urdu : Kamal

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs as entire or pieces of flowers, comprising of calyx, corolla, androecium, gynoecium and thalamus; entire flower 10-15 cm in dia., yellowish-brown; sepals leaf-like, crimpled, 3-5 cm long, 1.3-2 cm wide, dark brown, broken pieces also occur; petals numerous, crimp led, elliptic, obtuse, membranous, finely veined, 2-4 cm long, 1.2-2 cm wide yellowish-brown; anther, erect, linear 1.4-2 cm long, extended into clavate appendages; gynoceium apocarpous; carpels many, free, embedded in a creamy, top shaped fleshy thalamus (torus) 3-5 cm long and 2.5-3 cm wide; fruit an etmrio of achenes, becoming loose in their sockets when ripe; seed hard, black, starchy and large.

b) Microscopic

Flower Petal – shows single layered epidermis on both surfaces, consisting of rectangular cells covered with striated cuticle; ground tissue consisting of polygonal, parenchymatous
cells with wide air-sacs.

Stamen Filament – filament appears circular in outline, consisting of single layered epidermis covered with striated cuticle; followed by ground tissue of oval, angular, parenchymatous cell; vascular bundle single, present in centre consisting of usual elements of xylem and phloem tissues.

Anther – shows four chambered anther, two on either sides, connected by parenchymatous cells containing vascular bundle; anther consists of a single layer of epidermis, composed of thin-walled, rectangular, parenchymatous cells followed by single layer of endothecium consisting of thin-walled, columnar, parenchymatous cells; spore sac contains yellow, spherical pollen grains with smooth exine and intine walls, measuring 50-61 n in diameter.

Powder – Dusty brown; shows fragments of vessels with spiral thickening, spherical, yellow pollen grains, measuring 50-61 n in dia. having smooth exine and intine.

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 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 14 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloid (Nelumbine).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Sita, Laghu
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Kaphahara, Mutra Virajaniya, Pittahara, Santapahara, Varnya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Aravindasava, Catura Kaval Ghrta.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Raktapitta, Visarpa, Trsna Daha, Visavikara.

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

Goto Main Page

KAPITTHA (Fruit Pulp)

Kapittha consists of dried pulp of mature fruit of Feronia limonia (Linn.) Swingle. Syn. F. elephantum Correa (Faro. Rutacem); a deciduous, glabrous tree with strong, sharp,
straight, axillary thorns, found throughout the plains of India, Siwalik range and forests, at base of Himalayas upto an elevation of 450 m; often cultivated in many parts of India; fruit rind is removed and the pulp is bruised and dried.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Danta Satha, Kapipriya
Assamese : —
Bengali : Kayet Bml, Kavataleal, Kavita
English : Wood apple
Gujrati : Kotha, Kondhu
Hindi : Kaitha
Kannada : Bekalu, Belada hannu, Bilvara, Belalu, Balada, Haminamara
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Vilar maram, Villanga Kaaya
Marathi : Kavatha
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Kainth
Tamil : Vilamaram, Vilangai
Telugu : Velaga
Urdu : Kaith

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit pulp occurs mostly in broken pieces and sometimes entire, measuring about 4-5 cm in dia; semicircular, rough, hard, having longitudinal ridges and furrows; reddish brown; odour, aromatic; taste, sour.

b) Microscopic

Fruit Pulp – shows irregular, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; numerous idioblast cells filled with reddish-brown content; stone cells, slightly triangular and oval, with concentric striations and narrow lumen, found in groups; a few fibro-vascular bundles distributed in the pulp; xylem vessels having spiral thickenings.

Powder – Reddish-brown; shows fragments of fibro-vascular bundles, stone cells, triangular to oval with concentric striations and narrow lumen, vessels and idioblast filled with cell content.

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 12 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 25 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 :Ethylacetate : Formic acid (5:4:1) shows one spot at Rf. 0.91 (grey) in visible light. Under U.V. (366 nm) three fluorescent zones appear at Rf 0.14 (sky blue), 0.91 (blue) and 0.95 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour six spots appear at Rf. 0.06, 0.12, 0.37, 0.50, 6.91 and 0.95 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 110°C for ten minutes five spots appear at Rf. 0.12 (brown), 0.37 (brown), 0.50 (violet), 0.91 (violet) and 0.95 (violet) .

CONSTITUENTS – Citric acid and Mucilage.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Amla, Kasaya, Unripe Pulp: Amla, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Unripe Pulp: Guru
Virya : Sita, Unripe Pulp: Usna
Vipaka : Madhura, Unripe Pulp: Amla
Karma : Vrsya, Pittavatahara, Sangrahi, Vrananasaka, Unripe Pulp: Kaphaghna, Lekhana, Grahi, Vatala

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Kapitthastaka Curna, Yavanyadi Curna.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Svasa, Ripe-Trsa, Hikka, Vami, Unripe-Grahani Roga, Agnimandya.

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

Goto Main Page

KARAMARDA (Stem Bark)

Karamarda consists of dried stem bark of Carissa carandas Linn. (Fam . Apocynacem); a dichotomously branched large shrub or small tree, met throughout India in wild state, sometimes cultivated.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Krsnapakphala
Assamese : —
Bengali : Karamach
English : —
Gujrati : Karamadan
Hindi : Karijige
Kannada : Karimkar
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Karimkar
Marathi : Karamanda
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Garna
Tamil : Kalakke
Telugu : —
Urdu : Karaunda

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Bark occurs in small and thin, flat or slightly curved pieces, rough due to longitudinal striations; external surface brownish-grey, internal surface grey and smooth, light in weight; fracture, short.

b) Microscopic

Stem Bark -Mature bark shows a wide zone of stratified cork having lenticels at a few places; secondary cortex composed of thin-walled, tubular, parenchymatous cells having groups of stone cells; cortical fibres in single or groups of 2-3, a few stone cells attached with cortical fibres; secondary phloem consisting of usual elements; prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate found scattered in cortical cells and phloem parenchyma; starch grains simple, measuring 3-7 n in dia. and compound having 2-3 components, found scattered in cortical and phloem parenchyma cells.

Powder – Greyish-brown, shows single and groups of stone cells, prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, simple and compound starch grains, measuring 3-7 n india.

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 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 8 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 under U.V. (366 nm) one fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.52 (light sky blue). On spraying with Anisaldehyde-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about fifteen minutes at 1050C four spots appear at Rf. 0.35, 0.58 (both light grey), 0.90 (pink) and 0.97 (violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Glycosides and S-Sitosterol.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Amla
Guna : Guru, Sara
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittakara, Vatahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Marma Gutika.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kusthahara.

DOSE – 48 g. of the drug for decoction.

Goto Main Page

KARANJA (Root Bark)

Karanja consists of dried root bark of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Merr., Syn. P. glabra Vent. (Fam. Fabacem), a glabrous tree, upto 18 m or sometimes more in height, found almost throughout the country upto an altitude of 1200 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Karanjaka, Naktamala, Naktahva, Ghrtakaranja
Assamese : Korach
Bengali : Natakaranja, Dahara karanja
English : —
Gujrati : Kanaji
Hindi : Karanj
Kannada : Honge
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Pungu, Ungu
Marathi : Karanja
Oriya : Karanja
Punjabi : Karanj
Tamil : Pungai
Telugu : Ganuga
Urdu : Karanj

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs in pieces of varying sizes; reddish-brown externally and yellowishwhite, internally; external surface rough, due to peeling off, of outer thin skin and presence of numerous irregularly scattered and transversely arranged rows of lenticels; fracture, fibrous; taste, very bitter.

b) Microscopic

Root Bark -Shows cork consisting or 5-15 or more rows of rectangular, tangentially elongated, thin-walled, cells; secondary cortex wide composed of polygonal, tangentially elongated cells, most of the cells containing both simple and compound starch grains having 2-5 components round to oval in shape, 3-11 n in dia., a few cells contain yellowish-brown contents and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; stone cells found scattered in this region in singles and groups, single cells of varying shape and size; secondary phloem very wide, composed of tangentially arranged fibres alternating with sieve tubes and phloem parenchyma, traversed by phloem rays; most of phloem parenchyma cells contain starch grains and crystals, similar to those present in secondary cortex; phloem rays many, mostly straight, 1-2 seriate, consisting of thin-walled, radially elongated cells towards inner region and tangentially elongated towards periphery; most of ray cells contain starch grain, similar to those present in secondary cortex.

Powder -Creamish-yellow; shows thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, cork cells, phloem fibres, stone cells and simple and compound starch grains measuring 3-11 n in diameter.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 11 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 3.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 17 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica Gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene:Ethylacetate (9:1) shows under U.V. (366 nm) eleven fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.04 (blue), 0.08 (greenish blue), 0.13 (Sky blue), 0.18 (blue) 0.25 (sky blue), 0.31 (sky blue), 0.37 (greenish yellow), 0.42 (sky blue), 0.47 (greenish yellow), 0.51 (light blue), 0.80 (light blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour nine spots appear at Rf. 0.09, 0.18, 0.31, 0.37, 0.47, 0.47, 0.51, 0.80 and 0.98 (all yellow).

CONSTITUENTS – Flavones Kanugin, Demethoxy-kanugin

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Vatahara, Kandughna, Visaghma, Vranasodhana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Prabhanajana Vimardana Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Krmiroga, Kandu, Prameha, Kustha, Dustavrana, Yoniroga, Antravidradhi.

DOSE – 1-3 g. of the drug for decoction.

Goto Main Page

KARANJA (Root)

Karanja consists of dried root of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Merr., Syn. P. glabra Vent. (Fam. Fabacem); a glabrous tree, upto 18 m or sometimes more in height, found almost throughout the country upto an altitude of 1200 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Ghrtakaranja, Karanjaka, Naktahva, Naktamala
Assamese : Korach
Bengali : Dahara karanja, Natakaranja
English : —
Gujrati : Kanaji
Hindi : Karanj
Kannada : Honge
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Pungu, Ungu
Marathi : Karanja
Oriya : Karanja
Punjabi : Karanj
Tamil : Pungai
Telugu : Ganuga, Kanuga
Urdu : Karanj

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs in pieces of varying sizes, bark, reddish-brown or dull brown, rough due to the presence of numerous, irregularly distributed, and also transversely arranged rows of lenticels, bark does not easily separate from xylem, internally light yellow, light in weight, fracture, fibrous in bark portion and hard to break in xylem portion where the root is thick when in pieces splits longitudinally; taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic

Root -Shows cork consisting of 5-15 or more rows of rectangular, tangentially elongated, thin-walled, cells; secondary cortex wide composed of polygonal, tangentially elongated cells, most of the cells containing both simple and compound starch grains consisting of 2-3 components, rounded to oval in shape, 3-11 n in dia., some cells containing yellowish-brown contents and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; stone cells found in single as well as in groups of varying shapes and size; secondary phloem a very wide zone, consisting of tangentially arranged fibres, alternating with sieve elements and phloem parenchyma traversed by phloem rays mostly straight, 1-2 seriate, consisting of radially elongated, thin-waned cells towards inner region, tangentially elongated towards outer region; starch grains, and crystals similar to those of cortical cells, also present in phloem parenchyma and phloem rays; secondary xylem consisting of vessels, tracheids, fibres and parenchyma; vessels found scattered throughout secondary xylem region in singles or groups of 2-4 or rarely, more; fibres thick-walled arranged in tangential bands traversed by xylem rays; xylem parenchyma cells thin-walled, rounded to oval in shape; xylem rays uni to triseriate consisting of radially elongated cells; starch grains and calcium oxalate crystals are similar to those present in cortical cells and also found scattered in xylem parenchyma and xylem ray cells.

Powder -Light yellow; shows fibres in singles or groups; xylem vessels entire or in pieces with reticulate thickenings; starch grains in abundance both simple and compound, consisting of 2-3 components, measuring 3-11 n in dia., stone cells 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 8 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 7 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Karanjin, Kanugin, Demethoxy-kanugin, Pongachromene & Tetra-O- Methylfisetin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kandughna, Kaphahara, Pittahara, Vatahara, Visaghna, Vranasodhana,

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Dhanvantara Ghrta.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Dustavrana, Krmiroga, Kustha, Prameha, Yoniroga, Kandu, Antravidradhi, Vidradhi.

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

Goto Main Page

GUNJA (Root)

Gunja consists of dried root of Abrus precatorius Linn. (Fam. Fabacem); a climber, all along Himalayas ascending to 900 m, spreading throughout the plains; flowering in August-September, fruits ripen during winter.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Raktika, Kakananti
Assamese : Rati
Bengali : Kunch, Shonkainh
English : Jequirity
Gujrati : Rati, Chanothee, Chonotee
Hindi : Ratti, Ghungchi
Kannada : Guluganji, gulagunja
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Kunni, Cuvanna Kunni
Marathi : Gunja
Oriya : Kainch
Punjabi : Ratti
Tamil : Kunrimani, Kundumani
Telugu : Guriginga, Gurivinda
Urdu : Ghongchi, Ratti

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root, simple or branched, cylindrical, most often irregularly curved, light brown, surface profusely warty and somewhat rough on account of eruptive development of numerous small lenticels; bark thin, slightly corky, soft, exfoliating in small flakes, exposing internally both cream or yellowish-white; internal bark yellow with a leathery fibrous texture; wood hard light-yellowish or cream coloured; odourless; taste, feebly sweetish, becoming mildly bitter.

b) Microscopic

Root – Shows thin cork of 3-5 layers of narrow, tangentially elongated cells, some with brownish content; cork cambium, when distinct, composed of 1-2 cells wide, thinwalled, comparatively larger and slightly tangentially elongated cells, followed by 2-4 rows of spherical ovoid or slightly elongated stone cells with thick, pitted walls, small groups of 4-10 sclerenchymatous cells, smaller than stone cells, present at short intervals; secondary phloem consists of usual elements traversed by medullary rays diverging towards periphery; parenchyma thin-walled, mostly tangentially elongated with occasional patches of sieve elements in somewhat collapsed form; small groups of sclerenchyma, similar to those occurring in cortex are also present; cells in inner phloem region appear circular to polyhedral; in older samples phloem elements usually found in compressed condition forming obliquely and tangentially arranged irregular patches; medullary rays distinct and 1-6 cells wide, thin-walled and rectangular, tangentially elongated towards distal end of ray and radially elongated in xylem parts and bast region, mostly containing starch grains of various sizes; cambium forms a complete ring of 1-2 rows of very narrow cells outside the wood; wood composed of narrow concentric, annular bands of very thick-walled wood fibres alternating with similar but wider zone of thick-walled parenchyma; vessels of varying sizes with thick, pitted walls; medullary rays usually uni or biseriate but a few broader rays, 5-10 or more rows of cells occasionally present; parenchyma cells of wood and bast filled with simple, rounded to oval starch grains measuring 5.5-13.75 n in diameter.

Powder – Greyish-brown; shows fragments of cork, stone cells, groups of sclerenchymatous cells, numerous xylem fibres, xylem vessels with pitted walls, rounded to oval simple starch grains measuring 5.5 -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 9 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 4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Glucoside (Glycyrrhizin).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Sita, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Kesya, Pittahara, Vatahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Nili Bhrngadi Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Indralupta, Mukhasosa, Sula.

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

Goto Main Page

KARANJA (Stem Bark)

Karanja consists of dried stem bark of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Merr., Syn. P. glabra Vent. (Fam. Fabacem); a glabrous tree, upto 18 m or sometimes more in height, found almost throughout the country upto an altitude of 1200 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Ghrtakaranja, Karanjaka, Naktahva, Naktamala
Assamese : Korach
Bengali : Dahara karanja, Karanja, Natakaranja
English : —
Gujrati : Kanaji
Hindi : Karanj
Kannada : Honge
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Pungu, Ungu
Marathi : Karanja
Oriya : Karanja
Punjabi : Karanj
Tamil : Pungai
Telugu : Ganuga, Kanuga
Urdu : Karanj

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Bark available in channelled, recurved, slightly quilled, usually 0.2-1 cm thick, lenticellate pieces, more or less smooth; outer surface ash-grey to greyish-brown and internal surface yellowish-white to cream coloured; fracture, short and fibrous, odour, unpleasant; taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic

Bark – Shows 5-20 or more layers of cork, composed of rectangular, thick-walled cells, filled with reddish-brown content, at some places lenticels also appear; secondary cortex 10-15 layered having oval to polygonal, tangentially elongated, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; beneath secondary cortex a large group of oval to elongated stone cells, arranged in a tangential manner, forming a continuous or discontinuous band; secondary phloem composed of sieve elements, phloem parenchyma, phloem fibre and stone cells, traversed by medullary rays; sieve elements and parenchyma composed of rectangular to polygonal thin-walled cells, alternating with stone cells; fibre small, polygonal, thin-walled and aseptate, a few associated with stone cells and arranged radially; medullary rays wavy, usually 2-4 cells wide, radially elongated and rounded to oval in shape, a few stone cells scattered in secondary cortex as in secondary phloem; rhomboidal crystals of calcium oxalate found in secondary cortex; starch grains simple, rounded to oval and compound having 2-4 components, present in secondary cortex, phloem parenchyma and rays cells; oil globules found in secondary phloem only.

Powder -Yellowish-cream; shows groups of rectangular to polygonal, elongated, thin walled parenchymatous sieve tube; aseptate fibre and stone cells; rhomboidal crystals of
calcium oxalate; rounded to oval, simple and compound starch grains, measuring 3-14 n in dia, and rarely, oil globules.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 13 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 18 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Flavones and Furanoflavones like Karanjin, Pongapin, Demethoxykanugin, Kanugin, Pinnatin, Tetra-o-Methylfisetin, Gamatin, 5-Methoxyfurano (2″, 3″ 7 : 8), flavone and 5-Methoxy-3’4′ Methylene dioxyfurano (2″, 3″, 7 : 8) flavone & two new Furano compounds Glabra-I and Glabra-II. It also contains alkaloids and Triterpenoid saponin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kandughna, Kaphahara, Pittahara, Vatahara, Visaghma, Vranasodhana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Brhanmanjishadi Kvatha Curna, Mustakaranjadi Kvatha Curna.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Dustavrana, Antravidradhi, Krmiroga, Kandu, Kustha, Prameha, Vidradhi., Yoniroga

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

Goto Main Page

ARDRAKA (Rhizome)

Ardraka consists of fresh rhizome of Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Fam. Zingiberaceae); a herbaceous rhizomatous perennial, reaching up to 90 cm in height, widely cultivated in India. Rhizomes are dug in January-February, buds and roots are removed and washed well.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Katubhadra, Srngavera
Assamese : —
Bengali : Ada
English : Ginger
Gujrati : Adu
Hindi : Adarakha
Kannada : Alla, Hasishunti
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Inchi
Marathi : Ardrak, Ale
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Adi, Adrak
Tamil : Injee, Allam, lakottai, Inji
Telugu : Allamu, Allam
Urdu : Adrak

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs as entire rhizome or in pieces, rhizome laterally compressed bearing flattish ovate, oblique branches on upper side, each having a depressed scar at its apex, pieces 5-15 cm long, 1.5-6.5 cm wide (usually 3-4 cm) and 1-1.5 cm thick, fracture, short with projecting fibres, transversely cut surface shows a wide central stele having numerous greyish cut ends of fibres and yellow secreting cells; odour, gingery; taste, pungent

b) Microscopic

Rhizome – Shows a few layered, irregularly arranged, tangentially elongated, brown cells of outer cork and 6-12 rows of thin-walled, colourless, radially arranged cells of inner cork; secondary cortex consisting of hexagonal to polygonal, isodiametric, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells containing numerous circular to oval starch grains with striations and hilum at one end with clear concentric striations, measuring 5-25n in dia., idioblasts containing large yellowish to brownish globules of oleo-resin; walls of oil cells suberised; numerous closed, conjoint, collateral, cortical fibro-vascular bundles scattered throughout cortical zone, greater number occurring in inner cortical region, larger bundles consists of 2- 7 vessels, small cells of sieve tube, polygonal cells of parenchyma and group of fibres; vessels showing reticulate, scalariforrn and spiral thickening; fibres septate with a few oblique pores on their walls; endodermis single layered, free from starch; pericycle single layered enclosing central stele; stele consisting of thin-walled polygonal, isodiametric cells of parenchyma, filled with abundant starch grains, oleo-resin cells similar to those present in cortex; fibrovascular bundles of two types, those arranged along pericycle in a definite ring are smaller in size and devoid of fibres, vessels 2-5 in number, larger bundles found scattered throughout stele, composed of xylem, phloem, parenchyma and sheath of sclerenchyma.

Powder -Light yellow; shows thin-walled parenchymatous cells, septate fibres with oblique, elongated pits on their walls, reticulate and spiral vessels, oleo-resin cells abundent, single starch grains of varying shapes with eccentric hilum, measuring 5-25 n in diameter.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 0.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 8 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Moisture content Not more than 90 per cent, Appendix 2.2.9

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract of drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Benzene: Ethyl acetate (9: 1) in visible light four spots are seen at Rf 0.16, 0.35, 0.63 & 0.69 (all light yellow). Under U.V. (366 nm) three fluorescent zones appear at Rf. 0.16 (blue), 0.63 (grey) & 0.69 (grey). On exposure to Iodine vapour eleven spots appear at Rf. 0.03, 0.08, 0.13, 0.16, 0.35, 0.47, 0.63, 0.69, 0.76, 0.83 & 0.92 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin Sulphuric acid reagent & heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C eight spots appear at Rf. 0.08 (violet), 0.l6 (brownish violet), 0.35 (light violet), 0.47 (light violet), 0.63 (light violet), 0.69 (light violet), 0.76 (violet) & 0.92 (violet). CONSTITUENTS – Volatile Oil containing Cineole zingiberol, and sesquiterpene like zingiberene, bisobolene and sesqui phellandrene, gingerosol in the oleo-resin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu
Guna : Guru, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Dipana, Hrdya, Kaphahara, Vatahara, Rocana, Bhedana, Svarya, Vrsaya.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Ardraka Khandavaleha, Sarasvatarista.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sula, Vibandha, Anaha, Sopha, Kantharoga.

DOSE – 2-3 ml of the drug in juice form with honey.

Goto Main Page

ARIMEDA (Stem Bark)

Arimeda consists of dried stem bark of Acacia leucophloea Willd. (Fam. Fabaceae); a moderate-sized deciduous tree, upto 3 m in height, characteristic of dry regions, found in the plains of Punjab and in the dry forest tracts throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Irimeda, Vidkhadir
Assamese : —
Bengali : Guyababla, Sadabala
English : —
Gujrati : Haramibaval, Pilobaval, Haribaval
Hindi : Arimeda
Kannada : —
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Karivelam, Velvelam, Velvelakam
Marathi : Pandal Babal
Oriya : Arimeda
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Velvelam
Telugu : —
Urdu : Guar babool

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Mature bark 0.5-1 cm thick, hard, rough, incurved, exfoliating in irregular scales, externally yellowish-grey or almost black and longitudinally fissured, internally light brown to reddish-brown, internal surface longitudinally striated and fibrous, fracture, fibrous; odour and taste, not distinct.

b) Microscopic

Stem Bark -Mature bark shows dead tissues of rhytidoma consisting of cork cells, thinwalled cortical cells, stone cells and phloem cells, traversed by multiseriate medullary rays; cork consisting of 4-8 layers of thin-walled, square to rectangular cells, followed by numerous groups of sclereids of various shapes and sizes; secondary phloem wide, consisting of sieve elements, parenchyma, fibres and crystal fibres, all traversed by medullary rays; sieve elements get collapsed in outer and middle region forming tangential bands of ceratenchyma; phloem parenchyma thin-walled some cells contain prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; phloem fibres thin-walled, lignified, with tapering ends, arranged in more or less concentric bands forming tangential strips alternating with-thinwalled phloem elements; crystal fibres elongated, thick-walled having numerous chambers containing a prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate in each chamber; medullary rays multiseriate dilating towards outer side, composed of thin-walled, radially elongated cells.

Powder – Reddish-brown; shows groups of cork cells, sclereid, fibres, crystal fibres 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 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 14 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 13 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.LC. of alcoholic extract of drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Chloroform:
Ethylacetate : Formic Acid (54: 1) only one spot at Rf 0.69 (grey) is seen in visible light. Under UV (366 nm) two fluorescent zones appear at Rf.0.78 and 0.91 (both blue).On exposure to Iodine vapour a yellow coloured tailing appears from Rf.0 to 0.39 and a spot at Rf. 0.91 (yellow). On spraying with 10% aqueous Ferric Chloride solution a bluish grey coloured tailing appears from Rf. 0 to 0.39 and a spot at Rf. 0.91 (bluish grey)

CONSTITUENTS – n-Hexacosanol, β -Amyrin, β-Sitosterol and Tannin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Usna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphasosaka, Medasosaka, Visanasana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Khadiradi Gutika (Mukharoga), Arimedadi Taila (For external use i.e. Kavalagraha and Nasya)

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sopha, Kasa, Kandu, Kustha, Meha, Mukharoga, Visajavrana, Atisara, Visarpa, Pandu, Dantaroga, Krmi, Udardapra Samana

DOSE – 40 g for decoction.3-5 g in powder form.

Goto Main Page