Ayurvedic Herbs

KAKAJANGHA (Seed)

Kakajangha consists of dried mature seed of Peristrophe bicalyculata (Retz.) Nees (Fam. Acanthacem), an erect hispid herb 60 to 180 cm tall, found in forests and waste lands almost throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Nadikanta, Kakatikta, Pracibala, Sulomasa, Vayasajangha
Assamese : —
Bengali : Naaskaaga
English : —
Gujrati : Kaaliaghedi, Kariaghedi, Aghedi
Hindi : Atrilal, Masi, Kaakjanghaa
Kannada : Cibigid, Cibirsoppu
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Raankiraayat
Marathi : Ghaatipittaapapadaa, Raankiraayat
Oriya : —
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Chebira
Telugu : Chebira
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Black, orbicular, 1.7 to 2 mm, slightly rugose, bitter with oily feeling on tongue and no special odour.

b) Microscopic

Seed :Transverse section of seed shows testa having single layered epidermis, cells appearing straight walled and angular in surface view producing short stout unicellular hairs having recurved hooks and dark contents; tegmen 2 layered, parenchymatous; cotyledon has outer most epidermis and inner single layer of palisade like parenchyma and 4 or 5 layers of shorter cells; cotyledon shows provasculature at some places; cells contain protein aleurone grains and oil at some places.

Powder :The powder is blackish-yellow in colour; it shows hairs, a few cells of palisade parenchyma and cells of cotyledon with oil can also be seen, straight walled packed angular epidermal cells of testa with scars of hairs.

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 0.1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 20 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on silica gel ‘G’ (0.2 mm thick ness) plate using toluene : dichloromethane : ethanol : formic acid (10:3:3:1) shows under U.V. (366 nm) five greenish blue fluorescent bands at Rf. 0.14, 0.18, 0.22, 0.39, 0.54. On exposure to Iodine vapour six bands appear at Rf. 0.18 (greenish brown), 0.22, 0.37 (both light brown), 0.53, 0.68, 0.74 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Ethanolic-sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 105oC, eleven bands appear at Rf. 0.14, 0.22, 0.30, 0.37 (all light brown), 0.48 (greenish brown), 0.53 (yellowish brown), 0.56 (brown), 0.59 (pinkish brown), 0.68 (lower half blue and upper half pink), 0.74, 0.87 (both pinkish brown).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Picchila, Sara
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Varnya, Visaghna, Kaphapittanut, Krmighna, Vranahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Mahavisagarbha Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Slipada, Sosa, Balagraha, Dustavrana, Grahani, Jvara, Kandu, Pradara, Pratisyaya, Raktapitta, Visamajvara, Badhirya, Pandu, Ksata Ksina, Jantakrmi, Sidhma, Sarpavisa, Sastraksata, Galaganda, Apaci

DOSE – 1- 3 g.

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KAKANAJA (Fruit)

Kakanaja consists of dried mature fruit of Physalis alkekengi Linn. (Fam. Solanacem), it occurs in S. Europe through China to Japan; it does not occur in India, but fruits are available in the Indian bazaar, in the name of kakanaja.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Rajaputrika
Assamese : —
Bengali : Kakanaja
English : Winter cherry, Bladder cherry
Gujrati : Kakanaja
Hindi : Kakanaja
Kannada : Kakanaja
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Kakanaja
Marathi : Kakanaja
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Kaaknaj
Tamil : Sisayakkaali, Tottakkaali
Telugu : Kupante
Urdu : Kakanaj

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Red coloured berry, globose, about 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter, outer surface wrinkled, with dried flesh; unilocular, completely packed with seeds, overlapping, centrally oriented, insignificant placenta present; seeds 1.8 to 2.2 mm, numerous, flat, with curved embryo, hilum in the concavity; fruit sweet and sour in taste.

b) Microscopic

Fruit – Cuticle present; fruit wall not distinguishable as epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp clearly; the outer layer consists of a single layer of non lignified, thin walled cell with brown contents; below this are a few layers of horizontally oriented cells with orange contents and loosely arranged layers of parenchyma, with mucilage cells; inner layers of the fruit wall and the placentm proliferate into the locule packed with minute seeds.

Seed – T.S. is elongated with a projection at both ends; testa has an outermost papillose thin walled cells followed by thickened sclereids, which appear bone shaped at the projected parts, the latter showing pits on their walls; below are 2 or 3 layers of thin walled cells followed by a thick cuticle and inner lignified single layered tegmen; endosperm contains thin walled polygonal parenchymatous cells filled with aleurone grains, oil globules and occasional sandy calcium oxalate crystals; embryo curved if present.

Powder – The powder is brownish-orange in colour; shows sclereids, parenchymatous cells, endospermic parenchymatous cells rich in oil and aleurone grains.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 6 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 10 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 the alcoholic extract on silica gel ‘G’ (0.2 mm thick ness) plate using toluene : methanol (7:3) shows eleven bands at Rf. 0.11 (dark brown), 0.38, 0.44, 0.46, 0.52, 0.56 (all light grey), 0.66 (dark brown), 0.72, 0.78, 0.83, 0.88 (all light grey), on spraying with 5% Ethanolic-sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 105oC.

CONSTITUENTS – Auroxanthin, mutatoxanthin, phydalein, zeaxanthin, β- Cryptoxanthin from the calyx of the fruit; glycoalkaloids detected in the seeds but alkaloids were absent in the fruit.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Balya, Mutrala, Vatahara, Dahasamaka, Virecana, Sulanasini, Raktavidravani

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Lauha Rasayana

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sopha, Svasa, Jvara, Kasa, Kandu, Visarpa, Vrana, Puyameha, Tamakasvasa

DOSE – 5-10 g. in the powder form.

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KALIYAKA (Root and Stem)

Kaliyaka consists of the dried root & stem of Coscinium fenestratum (Gmrtn.) Colebr. (Fam. Menispermacem), a large woody climber with stout stem and branches, occurring in the Western Ghats.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Kalambaka, Kaliya, Kaliyakhya, Kaleyaka
Assamese : —
Bengali : —
English : False Calumba
Gujrati : —
Hindi : Jhaar-ki-hald
Kannada : Mardaa arashinaa
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Maramanjal
Marathi : Venivel
Oriya : —
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Atturam, Kadari, Manjalkoid
Telugu : Manu pasupu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – 5 to 30 cm or more in length, 2 to 5 cm. in diameter, somewhat longitudinally grooved, transversely cut surface smooth, yellow; texture rough and fibrous; acrid in taste; no particular odour.

Stem – 15 to 30 cm. or more in length, 2 to 8 cm. in diameter, straight or occasionally slightly twisted, pale grey or greyish yellow with a fairly smooth surface, marked with longitudinal striations spaced about a mm apart, cut surface yellowish-green to yellow in colour showing wedge shaped areas, fissured with shallow vertical slits of varying length; texture, hard; acrid in taste.

b) Microscopic

Root – Transverse section circular in outline; cork cream coloured, 20 to 30 or more rows of uniform rectangular cells with 1 to 2 stone cells; outer cortical tissue characterized by the presence of very prominent yellowish band almost in the form of ring of thick walled, pitted stone cells; prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate found in the thick walled cells; sieve tubes with simple perforation plate; evident in L.S.; narrow radiating wedge shaped xylem strips; alternating with wedge shaped, broad, multiseriate medullary rays with thick walled cells filled with rod shaped crystals of calcium oxalate and starch grains which are circular, appearing lenticular on edge view, simple, 30-45 nm in diameter; hilum indistinct or dot-like, centrally placed if present, lamellm indistinct; vessels filled with tyloses and in mature root these tyloses become thick walled giving the appearance of stone cells; fibres long, lignified.

Stem – The transverse section circular in outline, shallowly crenate; cork 20 to 40 cells thick; cortex 5 to 8 layers of tangentially elongated parenchymatous cells having very conspicuous yellowish crenate bands of hard tissue or stone cells with radiating canals and filled with dark yellow contents, almost capping the wedge shaped medullary rays and phloem; sclerotic elements cubical to oval with very thick pitted walls filled with prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; phloem distinct; xylem narrow, radiating, wedge shaped as in root, vessels 70 to 160 nm in diameter, solitary, pitting reticulate with small lenticular orifices, occluded with thick walled tyloses; fibres septate to nonseptate, septate fibres having 2 to5 septa, 270 to 400 nm long and 12 nm in diameter; medullary rays extend from pith to periphery, broad, multiseriate, 15 to many cells high and 2 to many cells wide; pith consist of two regions: (i) 4 to 6 layers of smaller collenchymatous cells in the periphery; (ii) parenchymatous cells circular to polyhedral in shape with intercellular spaces, cells larger towards the centre.

Powder – Powder of both root and stem yellow with greenish tinge, bitter and odourless. Microscopical examination shows the presence of fibres, tyloses, stone cells containing prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, starch grains circular appearing lenticular shaped on edge view, simple, 30-45 nm in diameter hilum indistinct or dot like centrally placed if present, lamellm indistinct, fragments of vessels, tracheids and parenchymatous cells; when treated on microscopic slide with 1N NaOH aqueous solution and mounted in nitrocellulose in amylacetate emits very characteristic canary yellow colour under UV-365 nm.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 11 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Total alkaloid as berberine chloride Not less than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.18

Stem –
Foreign matter : Not more than 1 percent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Moisture content : Not more than 6 percent, Appendix 2.2.9.
Total ash : Not more than 3 percent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid insoluble ash : Not more than 2 percent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol soluble extractive : Not less than 3 percent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water soluble extractive : Not less than 8 percent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Total alkaloid as berberine chloride : Not less then 1 percent, Appendix 2.2.18.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the methanolic extract on precoated silica gel ‘G’ plate (0.2 mm thick) using isopropanol : formic acid : water (45 : 0.1 : 0.4) shows under UV (366 nm) fluorescent spots at Rf. 0.10, 0.17, 0.24, 0.34, 0.39, 0.5, 0.56, 0.78 at similar Rf. On spraying with modified Dragendroff’s reagent orange spots appear at Rf. 0.10, 0.24, 0.34, 0.83 and 0.89.

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids-berberine, palmitine, jatrorrhizine, proto-berberne, N, N-dilindacarpine, thalifendine and columbamine.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Stem : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Stem : Laghu, Stem : Ruksa
Virya : Sita, Stem : Sita
Vipaka : Katu, Stem : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Pacana, Pittahara, Slesmasamasmana, Kaphamedohara, Anulomaka, Raktasodhaka, Stem : Slesmasamasmana, Stem : Pittahara, Stem : Kaphamedohara, Stem : Dipana, Stem : Pacana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – (No Formulations)

THERAPEUTIC USES – Root :, Agnimandya, Ajirna, Krmi., Karnasula, Prameha, Raktapitta, Vrana, Tikta-Usna, Jirna Jvara, Adhmana, Kamala, Stem :, Agnimandya, Asmari, Ajirna, Daha, Jvara, Krmi, Kustha, Panduroga, Prameha, Upadamsa, Vrana, Adhamana Yakrt Vikana, Yuvanapidaka, Vyanga

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DUGDHIKA (Whole Plant)

Dugdhika consists of whole plant of Euphorbia prostrata W. Ait. (Fam. Euphorbiacem), an accepted substitute for E. thymifolia, the official drug; it is a small more or less pubescent, much branched prostrate annual, found throughout India as a naturalized weed.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Svaduparni, Ksirini, Laghudugdhika, Nagarjuni, Goraksadugdhi
Assamese : —
Bengali : Bara, Kharui, Kerai, Dudiya, Shwet Keruee
English : —
Gujrati : Raati Dudhelee, Naagalaa dudhelee
Hindi : Dudhi, Duddhi, Dudhdee, Chhotidudhi
Kannada : Kempu nene hakki
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Nilappal
Marathi : Lahaan naaytee, Naayeti, Lahaandudhi
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Dodhak, Hajardana, Baradodk, Hazardana
Tamil : Sittirappaladi, Sittirappaladi
Telugu : Peddivari manubaala
Urdu : Dudhi

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Branched prostrate with many stems spreading from the roots, slender upto 20 cm long; leaves green but occasionally purplish red, opposite, 2.5 to 5 mm long and 2 to 4 mm broad, oblong or subquadrate, tip mucronate, base symmetric and more or less cordate, margin serrulate in upper portion, glabrous above, slightly pubescent beneath especially on the apex; petiole short, 1 mm or even less in length; tap root 1 to 3 mm in diameter; inflorescence cyathium in short axillary racemiform clusters, involucre lobes 5, deltoid ovate, ciliate; nectary gland 4, minute; ovary tricarpellary, suborbicular, stipitate, narrowly limbed long styles; stigma three branched, each bifid; capsule 1 to 1.5 mm long, densely hairy on ridges, hairs occasionally present on the surface; fruit subglobosely trigamous, long stalked; seeds 0.6 to 0.8 mm long, oblong, 4 angled, smooth with 5 to7 transverse ribs, reddish brown and bluntly pointed; smell oily; no characteristic taste.

b) Microscopic

Root – T. S. of young root circular in outline, endodermis without casparian bands; triarch stele; mature roots phelloderm 6 to 8 layers, outer most layer thickly suberized; cork cells obliterated; cambium indistinct; broad xylem vessels solitary or in a group of 2 or 3, surrounded by a number of radially arranged narrow vessels and tracheids; medullary rays short, one or two seriate and extend upto phloem.

Stem – Cross section of stem circular in outline, thick, non striated cuticle, interrupted by unicellular or multicellular uniseritate trichomes upto 185 n long and 15 n broad; paracytic stomata at some places; cortex with a few latex canals; pericyclic fibres in groups; cambium not discernible; medullary rays narrow, 1 or 2 cell wide, parenchymatous pith with intercellular spaces.

Leaf – Two types of hairs present (a) multicellular, multiseriate glandular hairs with single apical cell at leaf margins only, (b) uniseriate 1 to 3 celled hairs on the margins, at abaxial side and in apex; cross section shows dorso-ventral structure, single layered upper and lower epidermis, mesophyll and vascular bundles; in surface view, the abaxial epidermal cells angular with straight cell walls, stomata anomocytic to anisocytic, stomatal indices 17.6 to 26.3 and density 60 to 130; adaxial epidermal cell walls slightly wavy with globular thickening at the angles; stomata anisocytic, stomatal indices 11.4 to 18.7 and stomatal density 25 to 60; palisade ratio 3 to 6; vascular bundles collateral, with bundle sheath; laticiferous canals observed; vein islet 1 to 5 and vein termination numbers is 3 to 13.

Powder – Powder yellowish-green, tasteless with oily odour; on microscopical examination it shows angular and slightly wavy epidermal cells with stomata, uniseriate, 1 to 3 celled trichomes or hairs and some pieces of glandular hairs parenchymatous patches, laticiferous canals, pollen grains, pieces of nectary glands, fragments of vessels, tracheids, fibres and stomata; when treated with 1N NaOH in methanol shows purple colour with yellowish tinge, and in acetic acid reddish yellow colour under UV – 254 nm.

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 0.2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 11 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 27 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the methanolic extract on precoated silica gel ‘G’ plate (0.2 mm thick) using toluene : ethyl acetate (80 : 20) shows under UV (366 nm.) fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.05 (Maroon), 0.15 (light blue) and 0.66 (red). On spraying with anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 1200C, spots appear at Rf. 0.12 (bright green), 0.23 (pinkish blue), 0.32 (pink), 0.38 (grey), 0.48 (dark greyish blue), 0.52 (pink), 0.61 (magenta), 0.66 (magenta) and 0.94 (blue).

CONSTITUENTS – Glucoside, Galactoside, β-sitosterol, Compesterol, Stigmasterol, Cholesterol.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Lavana, Katu, Tikta
Guna : Guru, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Mutrala, Vrsya, Garbhakaraka, Vistambhini, Grahi, Malastambhaka, Dhatuvrddhikara, Hrdya.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Gaganasundara Rasa

THERAPEUTIC USES – Svasa, Krmi, Kusta, Prameha, Raktapitta, Pravahika, Raktarsa, Palita, Danta-ghuna, Dadru, Sphota

DOSE – 5-10 g.

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KAPITANA (Stem Bark)

Kapitana consists of stem bark of Thespesia populnea (L.) Soland. ex Correa syn. Hibiscus populneus Linn. (Fam. Malvacem), a fast growing, medium-sized evergreen tree, upto 10 m tall with yellow, cup-shaped flowers having maroon centre and distributed throughout coastal forests of India and also largely grown as a roadside tree.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Parisah, Kandarala, Phalisah, Gardabhandah
Assamese : —
Bengali : Gajashundi, Paraasapipula
English : Portia tree, Umbrella tree
Gujrati : Paaraspipalo
Hindi : Paaraspipal
Kannada : Huvarasi
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Punavasu, Pupparutti
Marathi : Parasa pimpala
Oriya : —
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Chilanti, Punarasu
Telugu : Ganyaraavi, Munigangaraavi
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Bark occurs in flat to slightly curved pieces, varying in thickness according to age and parts of tree from where it is taken; external surface rough due to numerous irregularly scattered lenticels, fissured, exfoliating in irregular scales, greyish-brown; inner surface, laminated, foliaceous, reddish-brown; fracture, fibrous; no characteristic odour; taste, astringent.

b) Microscopic

Shows outer exfoliating layer in hard, woody, older barks; cork cells, thin-walled, 10 to 20 layered, rectangular; cortex many layered, outer cortex consisting of closely packed, small, polygonal cells, inner cortex composed of large, rectangular to polygonal cells; bast fibres, abundant in groups, outer groups radially elongated and inner tangentially; medullary rays of two types, narrow, uni to triseriate of slightly elongated rectangular cells and wide, multiseriate, irregularly arranged; large ducts in cortex filled with yellow to orange contents; yellow inclusions present in the cells of outer cortex; rosette calcium oxalate crystals scattered in cortex and medullary rays; starch grains, simple or compound in phloem region.

Powder -Reddish-brown; shows stratified cork tissue, numerous fibres in groups with narrow lumen and bluntly pointed ends; phloem parenchyma cells with large single rosette calcium oxalate crystal; starch grains, simple to 2 or 3 compound; hilum, distinct.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 13 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on precoated silica gel ‘G’ plate (0.2 mm thick) using chloroform : methanol : formic acid (100:2.5:1) shows spots at Rf. 0.12 (brown), 0.18 (brown), 0.29 (brown) and 0.61 (reddish when hot turns yellowish on cooling) on spraying with vanillin-sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105oC for about ten minutes.

CONSTITUENTS – Flavonoids, steroids and sesquiterpenoidal quinines.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Sukrala, Kaphahara, Medohara, Pittahara, Stambhana, Vatahara, Mutrasangrahaniya, Sandhaniya, Sangrahi, Bhagnasandhanakrta, Pumsavanam

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Nyagrodhadi Kvatha Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sotha, Daha, Dadru, Kandu, Prameha, Raktapitta, Raktavikara, Trsa, Vrana, Yoniroga, Medoroga, Tvakroga, Balavisarpa, Pama

DOSE – 100 ml kvatha.

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ELAVALUKAM (Seed)

Elavalukam consists of dried mature seed of Prunus avium Linn.f. (Fam. Rosacem), a tree cultivated in Kashmir and lower Himalayas of Uttar Pradesh and W. Bengal; seeds available in the market are enclosed in hard woody endocarp.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Aileyah, Elavaluh, Elukakhyah
Assamese : —
Bengali : Elavaaluka
English : Sweet Cherry
Gujrati : —
Hindi : Aaluvaalu, Gilaas, Krusabala
Kannada : —
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : —
Marathi : —
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Aaluvaalu
Tamil : —
Telugu : Jeevakamu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Brown kernel, ovoid, with pointed apical end and blunt opposite end, with ridges on the surface, measuring 0.8 to 1 cm in length, weighing about 300 mg each; similar to a tiny almond kernel, having same taste and smell.

b) Microscopic

Seed – T.S. of seed shows the outermost uneven layer of stone cells interrupted by longitudinally running spirally thickened vascular element; stone cells oval to circular, thick walled, pitted, pit canal clear, lumen narrow (distinction from stone cell of P. amygdalus, where stone cells are squarish, with large lumen, showing pit occasionally and from stone cell of P. domestica, where stone cells are very thick walled, closely striated with small or obliterated lumen); size varies greatly; stone cell layer intermingled with very conspicucous pigment layer which contains hexagonal cells in surface view with well marked pits on the walls followed by 2 or 3 layers of disintegrated cells; thick, brown inner epidermal layer covers the parenchymatous cells of cotyledon which are angular, thick walled, completely filled with protein granules and oil globules; provasculature can be seen in the cotyledon.

Powder – White, oily with brown pieces of seed coat, stone cells oval to circular thick walled with pit canals, spirally thickened vascular elements, parenchymatous cells containing oil and protein granules.

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 0.1 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 16 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract of the drug on silica gel ‘G’ plate (0.2 mm thick) using toluene : dichlora methane : ethanol : formic acid (10:5:3:1) as mobile phase shows seven bands on exposure to Iodine vapour at Rf. 017 (dark brown), 0.30, 0.46, 0.60. 0.67, 0.71, 0.77 (all light brown). On spraying with 5% Ethanolic sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for 10 minutes at 105oC eight bands appear at Rf. 0.17, 0.30 (both dark brown), 0.46, 0.52, 0.58, 0.67, 0.71, 0.77 (all light brown).

CONSTITUENTS – Prunasin (D-mandelonitrile-β-glucoside), Quercetin-3-0- rutinosyl-7, 3-0-biglucoside, Kmmpferol-3-0-rutinosyl-4′-di-0- glucosideand 6-ethoxykmmpferol.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Visaghna., Yonidosahara, Varnya, Stambhana, Sukrasodhaka, Vedanasthapana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Asvagandha Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Arsa, Aruci, Daha, Jvara, Kasa, Kandu, Kustha, Pandu, Raktapitta, Trsna, Unmada, Vrana, Chardi, Hrdroga, Krniroga, Mukharoga, Medroga

DOSE – 3 – 6 g.

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KARKASA (Root)

Karkasa consists of the root of Momordica dioica Roxb. ex Willd. (Fam. Cucurbitacem) a vine found throughout India up to an altitude of 1500 m, also cultivated for its fruits, which are used as vegetables.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Karkotaki, Vandhya Karkotaki
Assamese : —
Bengali : Titkaankarol
English : —
Gujrati : Baanjhakartolaa, Kankodi
Hindi : Vanakakodaa, Baanja, Khekhasaa, Kakodaa
Kannada : —
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : —
Marathi : Vaanjh-Kartoli, Kartole
Oriya : Kaankada
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Paluppakai
Telugu : Aagaakar
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Finely chopped pieces of tuberous roots, outer surface rough and greyish-brown, central portion white to cream, starchy, friable; fracture, fibrous; odourless and slightly bitter taste.

b) Microscopic

T.S. shows cork 6 to 9 cells deep, cells brick-shaped and arranged in rows with greyish-brown contents; cork cambium cells similar in structure and size followed by a zone of compressed cells 2 to 4 cells deep; cortex composed of about 10 layers of cells, thin walled, irregular in shape and parenchymatous, towards the inner side of the cortex, scattered solitary or groups of sclerenchymatous cells are present; phloem 6 to 8 cells deep, phloem parenchyama usually filled with starch grains of about 16 to 25 n in diam.; xylem composed of scattered vessel strands and xylem parenchyma; most of the vessels are usually solitary or found in groups of 2 or 3; xylem parenchyma contains round or oval starch grains similar to that in phloem.

Powder: Whitish-brown, free flowing, characterized by the presence of sclerenchymatous cells, showing radial pit canals and narrow lumen; starch grains, cork cells and parenchymatous cells are also present.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 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 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 31 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of water extract on silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-butanol : Acetic acid : Water (40:10:50) shows nine spots at Rf 0.19, 0.23, 0.24, 0.27, 0.36, 0.40, 0.53, 0.72 and 0.89 on spraying with 10% alcoholic sulphuric acid and heating the plate for 15 minutes at 110oC.

CONSTITUENTS – α- eleostearic acid, 2-acetyl-5-chloropyrrole.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Tiksna
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Rasayana, Rucikara, Vranasodhaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Hiraka Rasayana, Visanasaka Yoga (Ayurved Prakash), Kakadani Taila, Kalagnirudra Rasa, Sannipata Vidhvanisa Rasa, Candrarudra Rasa

THERAPEUTIC USES – Asmari, Arsa, Svasa, Hikka, Jvara, Kamala, Kasa, Ksaya, Mutrakrcchra, Madhumeha, Netraroga, Sarpavisa, Visarpa, Sarpavisavikara, Raktarsa, Siroroga

DOSE – 3-6 g.

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GANDIRA (Root)

Gandira consists of dried mature root of Coleus forskohlii Briq. syn. C. barbatus Benth. (Fam. Lamiacem), a perennial branched aromatic herb; found in subtropical western Himalayas, Nilgiri hills, Gujarat and Bihar, and also cultivated in Maharashtra.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Gandira (Sthalaja)
Assamese : —
Bengali : —
English : —
Gujrati : Garmar, Garmal
Hindi : Garmar
Kannada : —
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : —
Marathi : —
Oriya : —
Punjabi : —
Tamil : —
Telugu : Jeevakamu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Roots light in weight, light brown, longitudinally wrinkled, tapering, with a few rootlets, cut surface yellowish-white; fracture, short, characteristic pleasing odour; taste, slightly bitter and pungent.

b) Microscopic

T.S. of root is irregular in outline, epidermal cells not discernible due to secondary growth; outermost multilayered storied cork of rectangular cork cells, below which is 1 or 2 layered cork cambium, followed by rectangular parenchymatous secondary cortical region in which oval stone cells with narrow lumen and walls with radiating canals and containing rhomboidal calcium-oxalate crystals present; vascular cambium in the form of continuous ring; phloem consists of sieve tubes, companion cells and phloem parenchyma; medullary rays well developed, radiating, varying in size, heterogenous as seen in tangential section; thin walled; in young root these are very broad as compared to the older ones; xylem represented by diffuse porous vessels, mostly solitary; xylem parenchyma surrounding the tracheids and vessels, filled with starch grains of 20 to 60 n m in diameter, hilum distinct, star-shaped central cleft, lamellm occasionally observed; xylem parenchyma well developed in the young root, however in the older one fibres abundant; central zone comprises of compactly arranged vessels, fibres and fibre tracheids, oil cells with oil globules present in cortical phloem and xylem regions.

Powder – Powder yellowish-brown with pleasant aromatic smell, bitter in taste; powder shows numerous simple circular, ovoid, elliptical simple starch grains, 20 to 60 n m in diameter, hilum distinct, star-shaped central cleft, occasionally lamellm observed; oil cells with oil globules, tracheids and vessels, parenchymatous cells filled with starch, tailed vessels, fibre tracheids, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals; powder becomes greenish-brown under UV 254 nm with nitrocellulose in amylacetate and also with 50% KOH.

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 16 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 23 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Essential oil Not less than 0.1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.10
Coleonol Not less than 0.15 per cent, Appendix 2.2.17A

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the methanolic extract on precoated silica gel ‘G’ plates (0.2 mm thick) using toluene : ethyl acetate : methanol (80 : 20 : 0.5) shows under UV (366 nm) fluorescent spots at Rf. 0.14 (brick red), 0.20 (red), 0.25 (pink), 0.32 (brick pink), 0.46 (blue), 0.55 (brick red), 0.59 (brick red), 0.67 (blue), 0.87 (green) and 0.95 (blue). On spraying with anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent and on heating the plate for ten minutes at 120oC, spots appear at Rf. 0.14 (brown), 0.2 (brown), 0.25 (light brown), 0.46 (grey), 0.55 (orangish brown), 0.59 (brown) and 0.87 (yellow).

CONSTITUENTS – Diterpene, coleonol, coleosol, deoxy-coleonol, forskohlin, naphthopyrone, coleoforsine.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Ruksa, Sara, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Vatahara, Tridosahara, Vranasodhana, Vidahi

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Krmighna Kasaya Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sula, Sotha, Arsa, Gulma, Kasa, Krmi, Kustha, Udara, Dusta Vrana, Hutavisa, Pliiharoga, Mandagni, Mutrabandha, Malabandha

DOSE – 3-5 g.

Remarks: Being a controversial drug, at present, the above species may be accepted as Sthalaja Gandira. Others are Jalaja and a tree (Sara-taru) species.

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KARNASPHOTA (Seed)

Karnasphota consists of the seed of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. (Fam. Sapindacem), commonly found as a weed throughout India, ascending upto 1,200 m. in the North West Himalayas.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Sakakralata (S.y.), Kakadani, Kakamardanika, Kakatikta
Assamese : —
Bengali : Jyotishmati (of Bengal)
English : Ballon Vine, Heart’s Pea
Gujrati : Bodha, Kapaalphodi, Nayaphatki, Shivajaala
Hindi : Kaanphuti, Lataaphataki
Kannada : Kanakayya
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Ulinna
Marathi : Fatphati, Kaanphuti, Khiljala
Oriya : —
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Modikkottan, Mudukkottan, Mudakkarutana(Siddha)
Telugu : Vekkudutiga
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seeds are about 4 to 6 mm, subglobose, black, shiny with a whitish scar of aril, nutty flavour; no odour.

b) Microscopic

T.S. shows an outermost thick yellowish layer of cuticle; testa shows a single layer of radially elongated, brown and thick walled palisade like cells showing linea lucida and with stellately lobed lumen as seen in surface view; a wide zone of sclereids with thick walled highly sinuous, light yellow to yellowish-brown lignified cells showing radiating canals on their walls in surface view; tegmen consists of parenchyamatous cells; ground tissue of the embryo consists of angular to hexagonal parenchyma cells with oil globules; starch grains absent.

Powder – Powder light brown in colour, with black fragments of the seed coat and has the taste and odour of cucurbitaceous seed with a nutty flavour; shows surface view of palisade layer with hexagonal outline and stellately lobed lumen, surface view of the much sinuous sclereid layer and oil globules.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 21 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Fixed oil Not less than 20 percent, Appendix 2.2.8

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of methanolic extract on silica gel ‘G’ plate (0.2 mm thick) using toluene : ethyl acetate : diethyl amine (85:15:0.5) shows under UV (366 nm) fluorescent spots at Rf. 0.10 (white), 0.21 (blue) and 0.70 (blue). After spraying with anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105oC for ten minutes spots appear at Rf. 0.15 (blue), 0.34 (greenish blue), 0.44 (bluish black), 0.64 (blue) and 0.71 (blue). T.L.C. of the methanolic extract using butanol : acetic acid : water (6:1:2) after spraying with anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent shows spots at Rf. 0.08 (green), 0.15 (green), 0.23 (green), 0.28 (purple), 0.38 (green), 0.47 (pink), 0.53 (yellowish green), 0.83 (purple) and 0.93 (purple).

CONSTITUENTS – Fixed oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Medhya, Vatahara, Visaghna, Mutrala, Kesya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Amatisaranasaka Yoga, Vasadilepa, Nagaradi Taila, Lausunadi Kasaya

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sula, Sopha, Jvara, Pandu, Vrddhi, Sandhi-Vata, Graha Badha, Bhutabadha, Visabadha

DOSE – 1-2 g.

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GAVEDHUKA (Root)

Gavedhuka consists of the dried root of Coix lachryma-jobi Linn. syn. C. lachryma Linn. (Fam. Graminem), a perennial or annual grass found in India, widely distributed throughout the plains and warm slopes of hills upto 1500 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Gavedhu, Gavedhuka
Assamese : —
Bengali : Gadagad, Dedhaan, Devaan
English : Adlay, Jobs tears
Gujrati : Kasai
Hindi : Kasai, Garheduaa, Garahedu, Gargari
Kannada : Manjutti
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Kaatugotampu, Kaakkappalunku
Marathi : Kasai
Oriya : —
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Kaattukuntumani
Telugu : Adaviguruginja
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Roots fibrous, 1 to 3 mm in thickness, present in tufts, unbranched with tapering ends, hollow in centre, straw coloured, woody smell and pungent taste.

b) Microscopic

T.S. of root shows presence of ruptured piliferous layer consisting of closely packed elongated cells; below the epidermis one layered exodermis, a well developed cortex, with several layers of parenchymatous cells, mostly oval or rounded with intercellular spaces present; exodermal cells are lignified; cortex consists of 4 or 5 layered thick walled sclerenchymatous cells towards periphery; middle region consists of large thin walled parenchymatous cells and the inner region is made up of air spaces traversed by broad trabeculm; endodermis characterised by the presence of casparian strips on both transverse and radial walls, pericyclic fibres thick walled; vascular bundles polyarch, composed of alternating strands of xylem and phloem, both with their usual elements; parenchymatous pith present, starch absent.

Powder– Powder light brown in colour, woody smell and pungent taste; shows thick walled fibres with broad lumen, tracheids with dense helical thickenings and border pits; shows hexagonal striated epidermal cells; double walled hexagonal sclerenchymatous cells of exodermis.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the methanolic extract on silica gel ‘G’ plate (0.2 mm thick) using toluene: ethyl acetate: methanol (85:15:0.5) shows under UV (366 nm) spots at Rf. 0.33 (greenish blue) and 0.71 (light blue). After spraying with anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent, spots appear at Rf. 0.34 (green) and 0.42 (purple).

CONSTITUENTS – Benzoxazolinones, amino acids (leucine, tyrosine, histadin, arginine and coicin).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Mutrala, Pittahara, Karsniya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Visnu Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Mutrakrcchra, Netra-Masurika, Pittaja Chardi, Sthaulya

DOSE – 3-6 g.

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KARNASPHOTA (Root)

Karnasphota consists of the root of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. (Fam. Sapindacem), commonly found as a weed throughout India, ascending upto 1200 m. in the North Western Himalayas.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Sakakralata (S.y.), Kakadani, Kakamardanika, Kakatikta
Assamese : —
Bengali : Jyotishmati
English : Ballon Vine, Heart’s Pea
Gujrati : Bodha, Kapaalphodi, Shivajaala, Nayaphataki
Hindi : Kaanphuti, Lataaphataki
Kannada : Kanakayya
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Ulinna
Marathi : Fatphati
Oriya : —
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Modikkottan, Mudakkarutana(Siddha), Mudukkottan
Telugu : Vekkudutiga
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Tap root, thick, reddish-brown, hard, woody, branched rootlets, 2 to 5 mm thick.

b) Microscopic

T.S. shows outermost 3 or 4 layers of cork, cells of which are flattened and crushed, followed by a single layered cork cambium, followed by a cortex 10 to 15 layers deep, with cells compactly arranged and laterally elongated; endodermis single layered; phloem present, cambium 2 or 3 layered thick, xylem contain vessels of various diameters, medullary rays uniseriate, protoxylem points discernible among collapsed cells of pith.

Powder– Light brown. Fibres and pitted vessels are seen.

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 9 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 methanolic extract on silica gel ‘G’ plate (0.2 mm thick) using phenol : water (3:1) shows spots at Rf 0.06 (pinkish brown), 0.17 (pinkish brown), 0.22 (greyish green), 0.29 (brown), 0.34 (greyish green) and 0.46 (purple) after spraying with 10% ethanolic-sulphuric acid reagent.

CONSTITUENTS –

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Mutrala, Kaphasamaka, Kesya, Medhya, Rasayanana, Vamaka, Vatahara, Visaghna., Virecaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Aragvadhadi Kvatha Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sula, Sopha, Jvara, Kustha, Pandu, Sarpavisa, Vrddhi, Kamala, Smrti Ksaya, Sandhivata, Musikavisa, Jvarayukta-Kasa Indralupta, Sannipatodara, Asmari, Bhuta-Badha, Grahabadha

DOSE – 1-3 g.

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GHONTA (Fruit)

Ghonta consists of fruit of Ziziphus xylopyrus Willd. (Fam. Rhamnacem), a straggling shrub distributed in North-West India, U.P., Bihar and South India, in moist deciduous forests.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Ghoti, Gotika
Assamese : —
Bengali : Kulphal
English : Jujab
Gujrati : Gatbadar, Gatabordi
Hindi : Ghunta, Kakora, Kaathabera
Kannada : Yeranu
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : —
Marathi : Ghoti, Bhorghoti
Oriya : —
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Kottai, Mulkottai
Telugu : Gotti, Got, Gotiki
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit is a drupaceous berry, globular or rounded, diameter 1.2 to 1.8 cm; surface rough, warty; colour dark brown; point of detachment of stalk marked by a rounded concave depression upto 2 mm in diameter and a raised ring along the circumference; a pointed beak at the opposite end; occasionally seen; pericarp leathery and hard; endocarp stony; fruit 3-celled, each locule with one dark brown, orbicular, compressed, beaked, seed 5 to 8 mm across; cotyledons creamish yellow; odour not very distinct; taste, slightly astringent.

b) Microscopic

A transverse section of the fruit reveals a thick cuticle followed by epidermis consisting of unevenly arranged rounded cells; scattered thick-walled, uniseriate, multicellular trichomes present on epidermis; mesocarp with three zones – narrow outer and inner zones of small, compactly arranged parenchyma cells; a third wide middle spongy zone composed of thin walled parenchyma cells, lacunated and containing scattered vascular strands; endocarp consisting of thick walled stone cells, narrow fibres and a few lacunm, some stone cells containing prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate up to 12 n in size; occasional inroads of mesocarp into the endocarp also seen; epidermis and a few outer layers of mesocarp adjacent to it contain abundant brown substances. A section through the testa shows radially elongated, narrow, transluscent cells, followed by a subepidermal zone of crushed, thin walled, parenchyma cells demarcated inside by a reddish brown lining. A section through the cotyledons shows an outermost epidermal layer of small, squarish cells and a ground tissue composed of rectangular thin walled, prominently nucleated cells rich in fixed oil.

Powder – Thick walled uniseriate, multicellular, 200 to 260 n long trichomes; fibres (upto 50 n in width) and angular stone-cells with radial canals and circular striations, 40 to 170 n in size are seen- tissue fragments of epidermis in surface view present.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 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 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 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on silica gel ‘G’ plate (0.2 mm thick) using chloroform : methanol (95:5) as mobile phase shows on spraying with methanolic: sulphuric acid reagent and on heating the plate for ten minutes at 110oC spots at Rf. 0.24 (Pink), 0.39 (Pinkish orange), 0.48 (Yellow), 0.61 (Pink), 0.71 (Blue).

CONSTITUENTS – The pulp of the fruit contains reducing sugars, sucrose, citric acid, carotene, vitamin C and tannins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Visaghna, Vatakaphahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Aragvadhadi Kvatha Curana

THERAPEUTIC USES – Dustavrana, Jvara, Kandu, Kustha, Prameha, Raktavikara, Vrana, Svayathu, Nadivrana, Vamana

DOSE – 3-6 g.

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GUNDRAH (Rhizome and Fruit)

Gundrah consists of rhizome with root of Typha australis Schum. and Thonn. syn. T. angustata Bory and Chaub., (Fam. Typhacem), a hardy perennial, monoecious plant, often growing gregariously in fresh water and marshy places, commonly found throughout India, upto 1730 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Gunthah, Gunthah
Assamese : —
Bengali : Hogalap
English : Lesser Indian Reed-mace
Gujrati : Ghaabaajariyu
Hindi : Pater, Gondpater
Kannada : —
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : —
Marathi : Ramban, Paankanis
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Gundra
Tamil : —
Telugu : Jammugaddi, Enugajamu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Rhizome – 1 to 5 cm. long and 1 to 2.5 cm. wide pieces, external surface light brown, core yellowish-brown, transverse ridges on external surface, small roots and scaly leaves present attached on runners; fracture, hard, fibrous.

Root – Adventitious, rootlets present, 2 to 15 cm long, yellowish-brown; fracture, fibrous.

b) Microscopic

Rhizome – T.S. shows circular outline; single layered epidermis consisting of tangentially elongated cells, covered with thin cuticle; cortex divided into two parts – outer cortex comprising of 7 to 11 layers of thin walled parenchymatous cells, oval to polygonal in shape, having intercellular spaces; patches consisting of 10 to 35 fibres distributed in the entire outer cortex; fibres thick walled with tapering tips, varying in length from 160 to 930 n and in width from 10 to 30 n; inner cortex consisting of mrenchyma; endodermis single layered; vascular bundles 35 to 42 in number, collateral, conjoint, vessels prominent; pith consisting of thin walled parenchymatous cells with intercellular spaces; starch grains in pith region, single or compound, spherical to oval and measuring from 5 to 25 n in diam.; pith mucilagenous, as seen when mounted in Ruthenium red treated with a few drops of 10% lead acetate solution.

Root – T.S. shows epiblema followed by a 4 to 6 layered hypodermis of thin walled cells and a broad cortex consisting of radially elongated air spaces separated by trabeculm; a few layers of cells forming the innermost layer of cortex, in contact with endodermis; vascular bundles with xylem vessels forming a circle; fibres thick walled with tapering tips, varying in length from 260 to 1480 n and in width from 10 to 24 n.

Powder – Brown, no specific odour and slightly acrid taste; shows abundant starch grains measuring 5 to 25 n in diam., fragments of fibres, parenchyma cells and bordered pitted
vessels.

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 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 8 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on silica gel ‘G’ plates (0.2 mm thick) using chloroform : methanol (80:20) shows under UV (254nm) three spots at Rf. 0.30, 0.58 and 0.72 (all violet). Under UV (366nm) three fluorescent spots appear at Rf. 0.58, 0.62 and 0.72 (all blue). On exposure to iodine vapour five spots appear at Rf. 0.14, 0.30. 0.40, 0.58 and 0.72 (all yellow). On spraying with 10% ethanolic potassium hydroxide and then observing under UV (366nm) shows two fluorescent spots at Rf. 0.58 (green) and 0.62 (blue). On spraying with 10% methanolic-sulphuric acid and heating the plate at 110oC for ten minutes six spots appear at Rf. 0.18 (brown), 0.40 (purple), 0.58 (brown), 0.62, 0.67 (both purple) and 0.76 (brown).

CONSTITUENTS – Flavonoids (Quercetin, isorhamnetin-3-0-rutinoside); sterols (β- sitosterol, lanosterol, cholesterol).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Kasaya
Guna : Guru
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Mutravirecaniya, Sukrasodhaka, Stanyajanana, Vatahara, Pittasamsamana, Stanyasodhaka, Rajosodhaka, Mutraasodhaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Mutravirecaniya Kasaya Curna, Stanyajanana Kasaya Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Asmari, Mutrakrcchra, Raktapitta, Sarkara, Mutraghata, Stanya Ksaya

DOSE – 3-6 g.

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HIMSRA (Root)

Himsra consists of root of Capparis spinosa Linn. (Fam. Capparidacem), a thorny shrub distributed in the plains, lower Himalayas, and Western Ghats.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Ahimsra, Kanthari, Tiksna, Kantaka Tiksnagandha
Assamese : —
Bengali : —
English : Ceper Plant
Gujrati : Kabaree
Hindi : Kabara, Hainsaa, Kanthara
Kannada : —
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : —
Marathi : Kabar
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Barar, Kaur
Tamil : —
Telugu : Jeevakamu
Urdu : Kabar

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root pieces are upto 5.5 cm in thickness; bark rough to touch, thick showing longitudinal lenticels; freshly broken surface light yellowish; wood hard and compact; remnants of robust and slender rootlets present on the bark; colour varies from pale yellow to reddish-brown; no particular odour or taste.

b) Microscopic

A transverse section of root characterised by outermost layer of slightly suberised corky zone of several layers showing irregular and broken outline; cork cambium made of 4 or 5 layers of thin walled, small, squarish cells; cortex consisting of thin walled, irregular or somewhat tangentially elongated cells; angular sclereids in groups of 2 to 3 and upto 30 n in size scattered in cortex; phloem in the form of multiple layers of cells forming a continuous cylinder around inner vascular zone, separated from the xylem by 4 to 5 layers of vascular cambium; wedges of vascular elements with thick walled cells span the centre of the root and the outer zone; vessels isolated or in groups of two, distributed uniformly among xylem parenchyma, which has granular contents; medullary rays of thin walled, mostly uniseriate, rectangular cells, often having granular contents; pith absent.

Powder – Powder shows vessel fragments with simple pitted thickenings and tracheids with tapering or blunt ends; sclereids upto 30 n size and in groups of 2 or 3.

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 5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the alcohol soluble extract of the drug on precoated silica gel ‘G’ plate (0.2 mm thick) using chloroform:methanol (95:5) under UV (366nm) shows spots at Rf 0.01 (Blue), 0.11 (Blue); 0.93(Blue).On spraying with anisaidehyde: sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110o C three spots appear at Rf 0.32(Orange), 0.62 (Purple), 0.68 (Cream).

CONSTITUENTS – The roots contain alkaloid stachydrine. Glucobrassicin, neoglucobrassicin and 4-methoxyglucobrassicin have also been identified in the roots.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipani, Kaphahara, Vatahara, Rucya.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Amratadi Taila, Kutikhadi Vatika, Himsradya Ghrta

THERAPEUTIC USES – Arsa, Gulma, Kasa, Vatarakta, Vrana, Vatavikara, Svasa, Galaganda, Amavata, Grdhrasi, Raktagranthi, Vatikayoniroga, Vatasopha, Granthi

DOSE – 1 – 3 g.

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HINGUPATRI (Leaf)

Hingupatri consists of dried leaf of Ferula jmschkeana Vatke (Fam. Apiacem), a perennial herb, producing a bunch of radical leaves around the base of the flowering axis and distributed in north-western Himalayas, on dry sunny slopes between 2000 and 3900 m; abundant in Kashmir, Ladakh and Lahaul & Spiti in Himachal Pradesh.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Hinguparni, Hingupatrika, Baspika
Assamese : —
Bengali : Hing, Desaj Hing
English : —
Gujrati : Hing, Hingro, Hinglavadharni, Hingupatri
Hindi : Hingupatri
Kannada : Doddahingina Balli
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Kayam, Penungayam, Perungkayam
Marathi : Hing Patree
Oriya : Hengu
Punjabi : Hinge, Hing
Tamil : Inguva, Perungayam
Telugu : Hingo Patramu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Leaf upto 50 cm long, green, both radical and cauline, cauline are alternately arranged on the axis, 2 or 3 lobed, pubescent when young, petiole of cauline leaves broadly sheathing, decurrent, lobe oblong, upto 10 cm long, margin of the lobes distinctly serrate; odour, nil; taste, slightly spicy.

b) Microscopic

T.S. of cauline leaf shows midrib prominent below, isobilateral with a single layer each of upper and lower epidermis of slightly thick walled cells and somewhat drum shaped in nature; anomocytic stomata present on both surfaces; simple unicellular trichomes present only on the lower epidermis; lamina wavy in outline with ridges and grooves, each groove containing a patch of collenchymatous cells below epidermis; secretory canals present below the collenchymatous patches, lined by 8 to 10 parenchymatous cells; two layers of palisade cells present on both surfaces, spongy tissue composed of somewhat elongated cells; vascular bundles collateral with xylem above and phloem below; stomatal index 13 to 17;palisade ratio of 5 to 7 and vein-islet number 2 or 3.

Powder – Yellowish green; shows under microscope, epidermis with anomocytic stomata, epidermal cells with unicellular trichomes, palisade cells, numerous isolated trichomes and vessels with spiral thickenings.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 13.0 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1.10 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 30 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the methanolic extract on precoated silica gel G plate using methanol : chloroform (40: 60); shows under UV (365 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.52 (blue fluorescence), 0.39 (quinching brownish-purple) and 0.12 (blue fluorescence). On expossure to iodine vapour three zones appeared as brown colour spots. On spraying with 2% vanillin sulfuric acid reagent shows three spots at Rf. 0.52 (Pink), 0.39 (cream coloured) and 0.12 (brownish with blue tinge).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Hrdya, Pacana, Vatakaphahara, Rucikara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Kumaryasava

THERAPEUTIC USES – Arsa, Bastisula, Hrdroga, Krmi, Pliharoga, Unmada, Vibandha, Garbhni, Gulmaroga, Apasnara

DOSE – 3-6 g.

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ITKATA (Root)

Itkata consists of dried root of Sesbania bispinosa W. F. Wight (Fam. Fabacem) an erect 1.5 to 2.5 m tall, annual, shrub with minute prickles on rachis and young branches, usually found as a weed in the rice fields or water logged areas in the plains of India.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Utkata, Vanajayanti
Assamese : —
Bengali : Dhanicha, Dhunsha
English : —
Gujrati : Sasee Ikad, Ikad
Hindi : Ikkada
Kannada : Mullu jinangi
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Kitamu
Marathi : Raanshevari, Chinchani
Oriya : Tentua
Punjabi : Jhanjhan
Tamil : Mudchembai, Nirchembai
Telugu : Ettejangaa
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Chopped pieces of roots of variable sizes and thickness usually irregular in shape and with thick and thin rootlets, main roots 0.2 to 2.0 cm in diam. solid, no root nodules observed, outer surface light brown, smooth; wood cream in colour, odourless and tasteless.

b) Microscopic

T.S. shows discontinuous cork, compressed and broken, 3 to 6 cells deep, thin walled; cortical cells parenchymatous, some containing prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate of about 16 to 25 n size and some containing tannins; towards the inner side of the cortex conical patches of sclerenchymatous fibre present, broader towards inner side and narrower towards the outside, phloem is about 5 cell deep, thin walled; cambium compressed, not very distinct; xylem vessels; usually with scalariform thickenings; ray cells uniseriate, with simple starch grains of 10 to 40 n size and occasionally prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; pith absent.

Powder – Yellowish brown, fibrous, free flowing, characterized by the presence of large cells filled with tannins, some small parenchymatous cells containing tannins, long fibres, simple starch grains, tracheids and vessels with scalariform thickenings.

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 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 6 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of methanol extract on silica gel 60 F 254 plate using Toluene : Acetone (90:10) shows eight spots at Rf 0.15, 0.24, 0.38, 0.46, 0.58, 0.61, 0.74 and 0.78 on spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for 15 minutes at 110oC.

CONSTITUENTS – Amino acids such as lysine, arginine, histidine.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Mutravirecaniya, Pittahara, Stanyajanana, Vatahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Mutravirecaniya Curna, Stanyajanana, Kasaya Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Asmari, Sarkara, Jvara, Kasa, Mutraghata, Mutrakrcchra, Pratisyaya, Netraroga, Pittasmari, Mutraruja

DOSE – 3-6 g.

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ITKATA (Stem)

Itkata consists of dried stem of Sesbania bispinosa W. F. Wight (Fam. Fabacem) an erect 1.5 to 2.5 m tall, annual, shrub with minute prickles on rachis and young branches, usually found as a weed in the rice fields or water logged areas in the plains of India.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Utkata, Vanajayanti
Assamese : —
Bengali : Dhanicha, Dhunsha
English : —
Gujrati : Ikad, Sasee Ikad
Hindi : Ikkada
Kannada : Mullu jinangi
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Kitamu
Marathi : Chinchani, Raanshevari
Oriya : Tentua
Punjabi : Jhanjhan
Tamil : Mudchembai, Nirchembai
Telugu : Ettejangaa
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug consists of chopped pieces of stem, 0.2 to 2.5 cm in diam. with fine striations; size and thickness variable, minute prickles observed only on thin young branches; greenish-brown externally and cream coloured internally; pith soft and white; odourless and tasteless.

b) Microscopic

T.S. shows wavy outline, epidermal cells tabular with moderately thick cuticle; some containing granular substances; cortex 5 to7 cells deep, composed of thin walled cells; some of those present below the epidermis contain tannins; endodermis present; pericycle composed of 3 to 6 cell layers of discontinuous patches of sclerenchymatous fibres about 20 to 33 n in diam.; towards the inner side of the sclerenchymatous fibre patches, tannin filled ducts of different sizes present; phloem 3 to 6 cells deep; cambium 3 to 5 cells deep, made up of compressed thin walled cells; xylem forms a closed ring around the central pith, showing secondary growth; the number of primary xylem equal to the ridges present on the outer surface of the stem; xylem vessels range from 24 to 82 n in diam.; towards the inner side of the primary xylem, a cavity filled with tannins is present similar to that beneath the phloem; ray cells show starch grains; pith parenchymatous.

Powder :Yellowish-brown, fine fibrous, free flowing, characterized by the presence of large thin walled cells filled with tannins, thin walled parenchymatous cells abundant, tissues with stomata present, tracheids and fibre cells are also found.

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 2 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 methanol extract on silica gel 60 F 254 plate using Toluene : Acetone (90:10) shows seven spots at Rf 0.15, 0.23, 0.28, 0.31, 0.38, 0.55 and 0.91 on spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for 15 minutes at 110oC.

CONSTITUENTS – Amino acids such as lysine, arginine, histidine.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Pittahara, Vatahara, Slesmaprakopaka, Stanyajanana Mutravirecaniya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Candanadi Taila (Caraka)

THERAPEUTIC USES – Asmari, Jvara, Kasa, Mutraghata, Mutrakrcchra, Netraroga, Pittasmari, Pratisyaya, Srkara, Mutraruja.

DOSE – 3-6 g.

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JALAPIPPALI (Whole Plant)

Jalapippali consists of the dried whole plant of Phyla nodiflora Greene syn. Lippia nodiflora Mich. (Fam. Verbenacem) a small creeping perennial herb found commonly in sandy wet, grassy places along bunds of irrigation channels, canal edges and river banks
almost throughout greater part of India and up to 900 m on the hills.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Jalapippalika, Toyavallari, Saradi, Matsyadani, Matsyagandha
Assamese : —
Bengali : Bukkana, Kaanchadaa
English : Purple Lippia
Gujrati : Rataveliyo
Hindi : Jalpipali, Panisigaa, Bhuiokaraa
Kannada : Nelahippali
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Nirtippali, Podutalai (Siddha)
Marathi : Jalpippali, Ratavel
Oriya : —
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Potuttali
Telugu : Bokkena
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – Fibrous, branched, brown in colour, 2 to 10 cm in length and 1.0 to 1.5 mm in diam., nodal roots are smaller, 0.5 to 1.0 cm in length and unbranched.

Stem – Much branched, sub quadrangular, 1 to 2 mm in diam., rooting at nodes, more or less clothed with appressed, two armed, white hairs when seen under 10x, brownishgreen, length of internode 5.0 to 9.0 cm.

Leaf – Opposite, sub-sessile, 1.5 to 3.7 cm long and 1 to 2 cm broad, spathulate, cuneate at the base, deeply and sharply serrate in the upper part, appressed by two armed, white minute hairs on both sides.

Flower – Sessile, densely packed in long pedunculate axillary spikes, mature ones 1.0 to 2.0 cm long and 0.4 to 0.5 cm broad, flowering densely becoming oblong during fruiting; peduncles 2.5 to 7.5 cm long, bracts about 2.5 mm long, broadly elliptic or obovate, cuneate at base, mucronate, glabrous; calyx 2.0 mm long, membranous, bilobed, compressed, mitre-shaped, pubescent underneath with ordinary trichomes closely covering the fruit, the acuminate lobes projecting beyond it; corolla 2.5 to 3.0 mm long, white or light pink, bilipped, upper lip erect and bifid, lower lip 3 lobed of which the middle lobe largest, falling off as a calyptra when fruits ripens; stamens 4, didynamous, anthers 2-celled, dehiscing longitudinally, dorsifixed; ovary superior, bicarpellary, ovules in each cell solitary; style short, stigma oblique, subcapitate.

Fruit – Small, 1.5 to 2.0 mm long, globose, oblong, spliting into two, 1-seeded planoconvex pyrenes; seeds exalbuminous about 1 mm in size.

b) Microscopic

Root – T.S. shows slightly wavy outline composed of a single layered epiblema; cortex 6 to 9 cells deep, most of the outer cortical cells in the nodal roots contain chloroplast; some of the cortical cells towards the inner side are thick walled; phloem cells are irregularly thick walled consisting of sieve tubes, companion cells and phloem parenchyma; xylem composed of vessels, tracheids, parenchyma and fibers; vessels are variable in size, range in diameter from 16 to 65 n; medullary rays about 2 or 3 cells in width, cells are pitted; pith absent.

Stem – T.S. shows a nearly quadrant outline with ridges and deep furrows, striated cuticle, a single layer of epidermis with cells longer than broad; surface possesses unicellular trichomes with two unequal arms which usually gets detached; cortex is about 7 cells deep in the furrows, mainly chlorenchyma while those of ridges are of collenchyma; a few cells contain amorphous inclusions and many inner cells contain chloroplast; endodermis observed; pericycle 2 or 3 layers of cells, thick walled; phloem compressed and 5 or 6 cells deep; xylem a continuous ring, broader at the troughs. Pith large, composed of thin walled parenchymatous cells; central cells usually degenerated, but several others may occasionally contain a few chloroplasts.

Leaf – Isobilateral, epidermis single layered followed by a layer of palisade cells; occasionally, a layer palisade also occurs adjacent to the lower epidermis; in surface view, the epidermal cells have straight walls; stomata diacytic, present on both lower and upper surface, but more in number on lower surface, covering and glandular trichomes occur on both the surfaces; unicellular, 2 unequally armed warty trichomes, with pointed tips are frequent on both the surfaces; midrib vascular bundle possesses xylem on dorsal side and phloem on ventral side; stomatal index of upper and lower surface 11 to 18 and 18 to 30 respectively; the palisade ratio of upper surface 6 to 11 and that of lower 8 to 13.

Powder: Greenish-brown, fibrous, free flowing, characterized by the presence of glandular hairs, 2 armed trichomes which are usually attached to a epidermal cell from the slightly protruded stalk present in the middle, trichomes warty, leaf epidermis characterized by the presence of circular trichome scars, vessels and palisade cells.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 27 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 12 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of methanol extract on silica gel ‘G’ plate using Chloroform : Methanol (95:05) shows five spots at Rf 0.21, 0.26, 0.34, 0.40 and 0.79 on spraying with Vanillin- Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for 15 minutes at 110oC.

CONSTITUENTS – Flavonoids namely nodiflorin A and nodiflorin B, nodifloretin, lippiflorins A and B.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipani, Hrdya, Kaphahara, Pittahara, Rucya, Visaghna., Mutral, Jvaraghna, Sukarala, Mukhasodhani, Caksusya, Sangrahi

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Akika, Pisti, Akika Bhasma

THERAPEUTIC USES – Svasa, Daha, Jvara, Krmi, Raktadosa, Trsa, Visarpa, Vrana, Raktaroga, Bhrama, Murcha, Pittatisara

DOSE – 2 to 3 g powder, 1/2 to 2 ml juice.

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JIVAKAH (Pseudo Bulb)

Jivakah consists of dried and fresh pseudo-bulb of Malaxis acuminata D. Don syn. Microstylis wallichii Lindl. (Fam. Orchidacem), a short stemmed terrestrial herb up to 25 cm in height, distributed throughout India on hills at an altitude of 2000 -3000 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Jivya, Dirghayu, Cirajivi
Assamese : —
Bengali : —
English : Jeevak
Gujrati : —
Hindi : Jeevak
Kannada : —
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Jeevakam
Marathi : —
Oriya : —
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Jeevakam
Telugu : Jeevakamu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fresh pseudo bulb conical in shape, fleshy, green, smooth, shining, 1 to 9 cm long and 1 to 3 cm broad, slightly mucilagenous, covered with shining, transluscent light green, membraneous, 3 or 4 sheathing leaves arranged alternately and having parallel venation; stem rudimentary; roots arising at the union of stem and bulb. Dried pseudo bulbs conical, transluscent, reddish-brown in colour, measuring 2 to 5 cm long and 0.25 to 1 cm wide, covered with sheathing leaves, which are light brown, membraneous with parallel venation; surface rough, punctated, fracture hard; cut surface dark brown, coarsely granulated with irregular margins and white spots; pleasant smell; astringent, slightly mucilagenous in taste.

b) Microscopic

T.S. of pseudo bulb oval to circular in outline; section passing through scaly leaves which exfoliate, showing a single layered, thick walled, sclerified epidermis having acicular crystals of calcium oxalate, followed by mesophyll adjacent to the upper epidermis composed of 2 to 4 layers of elongated cells with lignified reticulate thickening the lignification was confirmed with phloroglucinol and Conc. HCl, devoid of chlorolplast; vascular bundles prominent, phloem well developed with large sieve plates, surrounded by sclerenchymatous bundle sheath; section passing through bulb shows a single layer of cuticle and a layer of thick walled sclerified epidermal cells; below this lie 1 or 2 layers of large sclerified cells and these extend unevenly into ground parenchymatous tissue; ground parenchyma irregular, with large air spaces with passage cells in the form of small protuberances at some places; vascular bundles scattered throughout the ground tissue surrounded by thick walled sclerenchymatous cells, which occasionally extend into intercellular spaces.

Powder – Yellowish-brown in colour, pleasant smell, slightly bitter and astringent in taste, shows groups of mesophyll cells with reticulate thickenings inside; vessels with spiral, scalariform and reticulate thickening; fibre tracheids of about 600 nm long upto 80 nm broad, and tracheids (about 19 nm long and 40 nm broad); groups of parenchyma with accicular crystals of calcium oxalate, sieve plates, sieve tubes and angular parenchymatous cells. Powder when treated with conc. HNO3 on microscopic slide emits light green fluorescence under UV 365 nm.

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 4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 12 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Starch Not less than 19 per cent, Appendix 2.2.13

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the methanolic extract on precoated silica gel ‘G’ plate (0.2 mm thick) using toluene : ethyl acetate (90 : 10) [double run] shows spots after spraying with anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 120oC at Rf. 0.12 (orange), 0.18 (purple), 0.29 (grey), 0.38 (orange) and 0.59 (brown).

CONSTITUENTS – Alcohol (ceryl alcohol), glucose, rhamnose and diterpenes.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Picchila, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Balya, Pittahara, Rasayana, Vatahara, Dhatuvardhaka, Sukrala, Bramhana, Snehopaga, Jivaniya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Manasamitra Vataka, Dasamularista, Cyavanaprasa, Brahma Rasayana, Sivagutika, Amrtaprasa Ghrta, Asoka Ghrta, Dhanvantara Taila, Bala Taila, Guducyadi Taila, Brhat Asvagandha Ghrta

THERAPEUTIC USES – Svasa, Daha, Kasa, Ksaya, Raktapitta, Raktavikara, Karsya, Sosa

DOSE – 5-10 g.

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KADARAH (Heart Wood)

Kadarah consist of dried pieces of heart wood of Acacia suma Buch.-Ham. (Fam. Mimosacem), a medium sized tree with white bark exfoliating in papery flakes with horizontal patches of darker colour, found in W. Bengal, Bihar and Southern Western Ghat.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Somavalkh, Svetakhadirah
Assamese : —
Bengali : Shvet Khadir
English : White Cutch tree, White Catechu
Gujrati : Gorada, Gordio baaval
Hindi : Safed Khair
Kannada : Kandarah
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Venkarinnali, Somarayattoli
Marathi : Paandharaa Khair
Oriya : —
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Kovil, Shilaiyunchai
Telugu : Tellatumma, Tellasundra, Tellachandra
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Heart wood in cut rectangular pieces showing knots; pale yellow, rough; fracture, hard, emits faint odour of wood, almost tasteless.

b) Microscopic

Heart wood – Transverse section shows diffuse porous wood, indistinct growth rings; vessels occasionally occur in pairs or in group of 3; paratracheal parenchyma abundant, vasicentric, filled with starch granules and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, medullary rays wide, straight, multiseriate. A tangential section shows heterocellular, multiseriate; medullary rays 5 to 7 times higher than the breadth; that is upto or over 50 cells vertically and about 10 to 12 cells across at their widest level; medullary rays are surrounded by crystal sheath with prismatic crystals; fibres are aseptate pitted; compactly arranged narrow squarish lignified tracheids; vessels with simple bordered pits; xylem parenchyma contain prismatic crystal of calcium oxalate; gums and tannins.

Powder – Yellow coloured, coarse, not free flowing; under microscope shows a number of fibres, vessels, thick walled cells of medullary rays, occasional crystals of calcium oxalate and thick lignified tissues and starch grains, fluorescence test negative, when an extract in alcohol / water is examined under 366 nm and 254 nm.

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 2 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 8 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on silica gel ‘G’ (0.2 mm thick ness) plate using toluene : methanol (7:3) shows ten bands at Rf. 0.13, 0.26, 0.34, 0.38 (all yellow), 0.43 (purple), 0.47 (light brown), 0.51 (sky blue), 0.61 (pinkish brown), 0.69 (pink with blue border) 0.78 (grey). On spraying with 5% Ethanolic-sulphuric acid reagent and on heating the plate for ten minutes at 105oC, ten bands appear at Rf. 0.11, 0.21, 0.29, 0.53 (all purple), 0.66, 0.71 (both brown), 0.78 (purple core with blue border), 0.83, 0.90, 0.99 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – An alkaloid diaboline, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, oleanolic acid and its 3β-acetate, a saponin containing oleanolic acid, galactose, mannose.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta
Guna : Vasada
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Varnya, Raktasodhaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Ayaskrti

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kandu, Kustha, Mukharoga, Pandu, Raktadosa, Vrana, Madhumeha, Udarda, Medodosa, Svitra

DOSE – 2-6 g.

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