Ayurvedic Herbs

SIGRU (Seed)

Sigru consists of dried seed of Moringa oleifera Lam. Syn. M. pterygosperma Gmrtn. (Fam. Moringacem), a small or medium sized tree, found wild in sub-Himalayan tract, and also commonly cultivated all over the plains of the country, for its leaves and fruits used as vegetable.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Sobhanjana, Aksiva, Mocaka
Assamese : Saijna, Sohjna
Bengali : Sajina, Sajna
English : Drum-stick Tree, Horse Radish Tree
Gujrati : Sargavo, Sekato
Hindi : Sahajana, Munga,
Kannada : Neegge, Nugge Beeta
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Muringa, Tiksnggandha
Marathi : Shevaga, Shegatabeeja
Oriya : Sajana, Munga, Munika
Punjabi : Sohaniana
Tamil : Muringai, Muringai Virai
Telugu : Munaga
Urdu : Sahajan, Sohanjana

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seeds hard, trigonous, having short wings; size 0.5 to 1.0 cm long and 0.3 to 0.5 cm wide; colour greyish-cream; odour, not characteristic; taste; slightly bitter.

b) Microscopic

Seed shows 10 to 15 layered, tangentially elongated, thin-walled cells of the testa, followed by a wide zone of cells of cotyledons consisting of round to oval, thinwalled, parenchymatous cells with intercellular spaces and containing mucilage and oil globules.

Powder– Cream coloured; shows groups of elongated, round to oval, parenchymatous cells; oval to elongated, thin-walled cells of testa showing striations in surface view 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 0.8 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 24 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract on Silica Gel ‘G’ plate using Chloroforyn : Toluene (75:25) as mobile phase shows under U.V. (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.52, 0.59 and 0.94 (all blue). On spraying with Anisaldehyde-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 110oC three spots appear at Rf. 0.52, 0.59 and 0.94 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Fixed Oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Caksusya, Dipana, Hrdya, Kaphahara, Sangrahi, Vatahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Sudarsana Curna, Sothaghna Lepa, Sarsapadi Pralepa, Sarvajvarahara Lauha

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sotha, Gulma, Krmiroga, Medoroga, Mukhajadya, Pliharoga, Vataroga, Vidradhi, Vrana, Netraroga, Apaci, Galaganda, Siroroga, Atinidra

DOSE – 5-10 gm of the drug in powder form.

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SIGRU (Stem Bark)

Sigru consists of dried stem bark of Moringa oleifera Lam. Syn. M. pterygosperma Gmrtn. (Fam. Moringacem), a small or medium sized tree, indigenous to the sub-Himalayan tract, found wild in lower Himalayas and cultivated all over the plains of India, for its leaves and fruits used as vegetables.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Sobhanjana, Bahola, Sakhapatra
Assamese : —
Bengali : Sajina, Sajne
English : Horse Radish Tree, Drum-stick Tree,
Gujrati : Saragave
Hindi : Sahijana
Kannada : Nugge, Nuggemara, Nuggekoyimara
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Muringya, Murinna
Marathi : Shewga
Oriya : Munga, Munika, Sajana
Punjabi : Sohajana
Tamil : Murungai
Telugu : Munaga chettu, Mulaya Chetta
Urdu : Sahajan, Sohanjana

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Mature bark, rough, deeply cracked, grey or dark green; young bark, greenish to greenish-brown, 1 to 3 cm thick or more, depending upon the age of plant; taste, bitter and pungent.

b) Microscopic

Cork region very wide, composed of 15 to 20 layers, thin-walled, radially arranged, rectangular cells with coloured contents; cork cambium consists of a single row of thin-walled, rectangular or tangentially elongated cells; secondary cortex very wide, composed of nearly cubical to rectangular, thin-walled parenchymatous cells containing a few rosette and cubical, rhomboidal or hexagonal crystals of calcium oxalate; several groups of thick walled, lignified, elongated to polygonal stone cells with striations and wide as well as narrow lumen present; a few small, simple, round to oval, starch grains measuring 5 to 14 n in dia., with concentric striations and hilum, and a few oil globules scattered in cortical region; secondary phloem consists of thin-walled, oval to polygonal parenchyma, fibres, and phloem rays; phloem parenchyma cells adjoining the sclerenchyma cells containing small rhomboidal or cubical crystals of calcium oxalate and many large lysigenous mucilage cavities filled with mucilage; groups of lignified fibres form nearly concentric, discontinuous zones, separated by phloem rays; rays many, 2 or 3 seriate, occasionally uniseriate; towards the inner phloem regions they are radially elongated but, become tangentially elongated in the outer phloem; most of the cells loaded with simple, starch grains and crystals of calcium oxalate.

Powder – Light brown, fragments of thin-walled, polygonal, sometimes rectangular cork cells; groups or single, thick-walled, lignified, elongated to polygonal stone cells with striations and lumen; a few rhomboidal, rosette crystals of calcium oxalate; a few oil globules; a very small, numerous, simple, oval to round, starch grains measuring 5 to 14 n in dia., with concentric striations and narrow hilum; pieces of phloem parenchyma, lignified phloem fibres and ray cells.

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 1 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 on Silica gel ‘G’ using Chloroform : Methanol (85:15) shows under U.V. (366nm) a fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.97 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour five spots appear at Rf. 0.15, 0.22, 0.49, 0.81 and 0.97 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic- Phosphomolybdic acid reagent six spots appear on heating the plate at 105oC for about fifteen minutes at Rf. 0.15, 0.22, 0.49, 0.66, 0.81 and 0.97 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Sterols and Terpenes.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Picchila, Ruksa, Sara, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Sophaghna, Sukrala, Caksusya, Dipana, Hrdya, Kaphaghna, Rocana, Samgrahi, Visaghna, Vidahakrt, Vataghna, Sirovirecanopaga, Pittotklesaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Sarasvata Ghrta, Vastyamayanaka Ghrta, Karpasasthyadi Taila, Ksara Taila, Visatinduka Taila, Khanda Lavana, Sarsapadi Pralepa, Sveta Karavira Pallavadya Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Aksiroga, Apaci, Arsa, Bhagandara, Gulma, Krmi, Medoroga, Vidradhi, Pliha Roga, Hrdya Roga, Galaganda, Vrana Sotha, Drsti Roga, Sarvapida Nivarani

DOSE – Stem Bark juice 10-20 ml.Stem Bark Powder 2-5 gm.

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SRNGATAKA (Dried Seed)

Srngataka consists of dried seeds of Trapa natans Linn. var. bispinosa (Roxb.) Makino. Syn. T. bispinosa Roxb. T. quadrispinosa Wall. (Fam. Trapacem), a very variable, rooted, aquatic herb occurring throughout the greater part of the country in lakes, tanks and ponds arid also extensively grown

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Srngata, Jalaphala, Trikonaphala
Assamese : —
Bengali : Paniphal, Singade, Jalfal
English : Water Chestnut
Gujrati : Shingoda, Singoda
Hindi : Singhara, Singhada
Kannada : Singade, Gara, Simgara, Simgoda
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Karimpolam, Vankotta, Jalaphalam, Karimpola
Marathi : Shingoda
Oriya : Paniphala, Singada
Punjabi : Singhade, Gaunaree
Tamil : Singhara
Telugu : Kubyakam, Singada
Urdu : Singhara

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seeds somewhat triangular to 4-angled in shape, with or without shallow groove on both surfaces, 2 to 3.0 cm long and 2.5 to 3.5 cm wide; externally reddish-brown; mostly one surface mottled, smooth in texture.

b) Microscopic

Shows testa of three zones, outer zone consisting of tangentially elongated or somewhat crushed, 3 to 6 layered parenchymatous cells, middle zone of lignified cells, inner zone of rectangular and tangentially elongated thin-walled cells having reddish brown contents; tegmen 2 or 3 layered, comprising of tangentially elongated cells, rest of the seed consisting of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; starch grains simple, or in groups, oval to round having distinct striations and hilum, measuring 6 to 45 n in dia, a few vascular strands with vessels showing spiral thickening, found scattered in this region. Distinction from Arrow root (a possible substitute)- Arrow root (Maranta arundinacea Linn.) starch is more irregular in shape, being ellipsoid, pear-shaped or even almost trigonal, occasionally showing small tuberosities; hilum stellar or cleft, slightly eccentric, being situated near the broader end; fine concentric striations are visible in most granules.

Powder – White; numerous simple, solitary and groups of circular to oval starch grains, having concentric striations and distinct hilum in centre, measuring upto 45 n in dia; a few fragments of testa consisting of oval to polygonal, thin-walled, parenchyma cells in surface view.

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 0.3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
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 n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4:1:5) vlv shows under U.V. (366 nm) one fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.60 (blue). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at Rf. 105oC three spots appear at Rf. 0.30 (grey), 0.43 (grey), and 0.93 (violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Starch and Protein.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Kasaya, Madhura
Guna : Guru
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Sramahara, Sukrakara, Garbhasthapana, Grahi, Pittahara, Vrsya, Stanyajanana, Rakta Stambhaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Amrtaprasa Ghrta, Saubhagya Sunthi, Pugakhanda

THERAPEUTIC USES – Asthibhagna, Daha, Mutrakrcchra, Prameha, Raktapitta, Trsa, Visarpa, Garbha Srava, Sopha(external), Vatavyadhi

DOSE – 5-10 mg of the drug in powder form.

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SRUVAVRKSA (Leaf)

Sruvavrksa consists of dried leaf of Flacourtia indica Merr. Syn. F. ramontchi L Herit. (Fam. Flacourtiacem), a small deciduous, usually thorny tree or shrub, found in the sub-Himalayan tracts and outer Himalayas upto 1220 m and also common throughout Chota Nagpur, Deccan and South India.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Vikankata, Gopakanta
Assamese : —
Bengali : Bincha, Bainchi, Bewich
English : Governors Plum, Madaraskara Plum
Gujrati : Kankata
Hindi : Bilangra
Kannada : llumanika, Dodda Gejjalakai
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Vavankataku, Vikamkath, Yaliya Nzerinigal, Loloikka
Marathi : Kaker
Oriya : Kantheikoli, Vaincha, Uincha
Punjabi : Kakoa, Kukoya
Tamil : Sottaikala, Kat Ukala
Telugu : Putregu, Kanavegu Chettu, Vikankata
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Leaves simple, sessile, 3 to 5 cm long and 1 to 3 cm wide, ovate to obovate, glabrous above, more or less pubescent beneath, serrate towards apex, and crenate in basal region, greenish-grey.

b) Microscopic

Leaf-
Midrib – Epidermis, single layered, covered externally with thin cuticle; followed by 1 or 2 layers of collenchyma and 3 to 5 layers parenchyma; lower epidermis with 2 or 3 layers of adjacent collenchyma and 2 or 3 layers of parenchyma; vascular bundle single, situated in the centre, covered by fibre sheath on both sides; a few unicellular, hooked, trichomes present on lower surface; a few rosette and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate scattered in parenchyma cells.

Lamina – Epidermis single layered on both surfaces, covered with thin cuticle; a few simple, unicellular hairs with blunt tips present on lower surface; 2 layers of palisade cells and 2 or 3 layers of spongy parenchyma cells present; rosette and a few prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate present in epidermis, palisade and spongy parenchyma cells; a few veinlets present in between palisade and spongy parenchyma; stomata anisocytic, present on lower surface; palisade ratio 2 or 3; vein islet number 8 to 10 per sq. mm; veinlet termination number 10 to 12 per sq. mm; stomatal index 24 to 26.

Powder – Greenish-grey, shows fragments of collenchymatous, and parenchymatous cells; elongated, thick -walled pointed fibres; sinuous walled epidermal cells in surface view, containing rosette and a few prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; palisade cells, a few anisocytic stomata, and pieces of unicellular hairs present.

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 0.6 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 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) four fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.26, 0.76, 0.88 (all blue) and 0.98 (red). On exposure to Iodine vapour four spots appear at Rf. 0.26, 0.48, 0.61 and 0.88 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 105oC six spots appear at Rf. 0.34, 0.48, 0.61, 0.76, 0.88 and 0.98 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Tannin and Sugar.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Amla, Tikta
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Dipana, Kaphahara, Pittahara, Pacana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Aragvadhadi Kvatha Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sopha, Kamala, Raktavikara

DOSE – 50-100 gm for decoction.

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SRUVAVRKSA (Stem Bark)

Sruvavrksa consists of dried stem bark of Flacourtia indica Merr. Syn. F. ramontchi L Herit. (Fam. Flacourtiacem), a small deciduous, usually thorny tree or shrub, found in the sub-Himalayan tract and outer Himalayas upto 1220 m and also common throughout Indian deciduous forests.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Gopakanta, Vikankata
Assamese : Bainchi, Bewich, Bincha
Bengali : Governors Plum, Madaraskara
English : —
Gujrati : Kankata
Hindi : Bilangra
Kannada : llumanika, Dodda Gejjala Kai
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Vayankataku, Vikamkath, Yali Nzerinigal
Marathi : Kaker
Oriya : Kantheikoli, Vaincha, Vinch
Punjabi : Kakoa, Kukoya
Tamil : Kat Ukala, Sottaikala
Telugu : Kanavegu Chettu, Putregu, Vika

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs in 2 to 5 cm long and 1 to 3 mm thick, curved, quilled or flat pieces; external surface smooth, reddish-grey, having lenticels, internal surface reddishbrown; fracture, short.

b) Microscopic

Mature bark shows 4 to 13 layers of exfoliated cork consisting of tangentially elongated and radially arranged, thin-walled cells, a few containing reddish-brown contents; secondary cortex consisting of oval to elliptical, tangentially elongated, parenchymatous cells, followed by a zone of compactly arranged fibre and groups of stone cells; secondary phloem composed of sieve elements, parenchyma, phloem rays and phloem fibres; lignified phloem fibres oval to polygonal mostly in groups; phloem rays 1 or 2 cells wide and 3 to 10 cells deep, slightly thick-walled; prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate present in secondary cortex and phloem parenchyma; starch grains simple, round to oval measuring 3 to 11 n in dia.

Powder – Crearnish-brown; shows cork cells, lignified phloem fibres, prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, numerous, round to oval starch grains measuring 3 to 11 n in dia,

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 16 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 11 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Chloroform : Methanol (9:1) shows under U.V. (366nm) one fluorescent spot at Rf. 0.27 (Sky blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour four spots appear at Rf. 0.13, 0.20, 0.27 and 0.64 (all brownish yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 105oC five spots appear at Rf. 0.06, 0.13, 0.20, 0.27 and 0.64 (all greyish brown).

CONSTITUENTS – Tannin and Flacourtin, a phenolic glucoside ester.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Tiksna
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Dipana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Aragvadhadi Kvatha Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Raktavikara, Sopha (Sotha), Dusta Vrana

DOSE – 50-100 gm of the drug for decoction.

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PATTANGA (Heart Wood)

Pattanga consists of dried heart wood of Cmsalpinia sappan Linn. (Fam. Cmsalpiniacem), a shrub or small tree, about 6 to 9 m in height, found in South India and Bengal; usually cultivated as a hedge plant.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Patranga, Pattanga
Assamese : Baggam, Bakam
Bengali : Bokom
English : Sappan Wood
Gujrati : Patang
Hindi : Pagang, Bakam
Kannada : Patang
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : —
Marathi : Patang
Oriya : —
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Anaikuntrumani
Telugu : Bukkapuchettu
Urdu : Pattang

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs in pieces, moderately hard, about 2.5 cm thick, smooth, dark brown on one surface and creamish-white on the other, and yellowish-orange in between; fracture, fibrous; odour and taste not characteristic.

b) Microscopic

Shows vessels, tracheids, fibres and xylem parenchyma, traversed by numerous xylem rays; vessels numerous, barrel-shaped with bordered pits, scattered throughout xylem in single or in groups of 2 to 5, a few vessels filled with yellowish pigment; fibres spindle-shaped, pointed at both ends; xylem rays numerous uni to biseriate found more common, 3 to 30 cells high, ray cells round or oval; calcium oxalate crystals and starch grains absent.

Powder – Creamish-white; shows group of fibres and vessels; crystals of calcium oxalate and starch grains absent.

Identification
a) Colour test – i) 5 gram of sample extracted in 100 ml of water, filtered and seen in . daylight is saffron in colour; ii) 5 gram of sample extracted in 100 ml of 95% of alcohol, filtered and seen in daylight is reddish, which becomes carmine on addition of 5% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide; iii) small fragments of wood impart crimson colour in lime water.

b) Fluorescence – Extract obtained in the test for water soluble extractive greenish brown under U.V. light (254 nm) and brownish-green under (366 nm); extract obtained in the test for alcoholic soluble extractive greenish yellow under U.V. light (254 nm) and darkbrown, under (366 nm).

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 1 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 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 alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ using n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4:1:5) shows in visible light three spots at Rf. 0.75 (pink), 0.89 (grey), and 0.94 (dirty yellow). Under U.V. (366 nm) four fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.66 (blue), 0.75 (pink), 0.89 (grey) and 0.94 (dirty yellow). On exposure to Iodine vapour four spots appear at Rf. 0.66, 0.75, 0.89 and 0.94 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic- Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 110oC four spots appear at Rf. 0.66. 0.75 (both light pink), 0.89 (grey) and 0.94 (orange).

CONSTITUENTS – Brasilin, Essential oils, Saponin Glycoside, Amino Acids and Sugars.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Pittahara, Varnya, Dosahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Karpuradyarka, Arimedadi Taila, Kunkumadi Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Daha, Mukharoga, Pradara, Vrana, Rakta Dosa

DOSE – 5-10 gm.

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TALAMULI (Rhizome)

Talamuli consists of dried rhizome of Curculigo orchioides Gmrtn. (Fam. Amaryllidacem), a small herb, upto 30 cm high with tuberous root stock, occurring wild in sub-tropical Himalayas from Kumaon eastwards, ascending upto 1830 m in Khasi hills, Manipur and the Eastern Ghats, also from Konkan southwards; drug is collected from two year old plants, washed well and cleared of rootlets, sliced and dried in shade.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Bhumitila
Assamese : Talmuli, Tailmuli
Bengali : Talmalu, Tallur
English : —
Gujrati : Kalirnusali
Hindi : Syahmusali, Kalimusli
Kannada : Neltal, Neltathigodde, Nelatale, Nelatelegadde
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Nilappenea
Marathi : Kali musali, Bhuimaddi
Oriya : Talamuli
Punjabi : Syah musali, Musali safed,
Tamil : Nilappanai
Telugu : Nel tadigadda
Urdu : Musali Siyah, Kali Musali

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs in transversely cut pieces of 2.5 to 5 cm long, cylindrical, straight to slightly curved, cut surface 1.0 to 4.5 cm in dia.; external surface blackish-brown, cut surface cream coloured; surface with numerous shallow wrinkles and transverse cracks; with a few rootlets and root scars; nodes and internodes prominent; taste, mucilaginous and slightly bitter.

b) Microscopic

Shows a narrow strip of cork, consisting of 5 to 7 rows of light brown cubical to rectangular cells; secondary cortex consists of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, densely filled with starch grains and acicular crystals of calcium oxalate, either isolated or in bundles, in a few cells; a few small, round to tangentially elongated, lysigenous cavities also found scattered in this region; a few vascular bundles found embedded in cortical region with phloem towards outer side, and consisting of a few xylem elements; ground tissue consists of parenchymatous cells, some of which contain acicular crystals of calcium oxalate; numerous fibro-vascular bundles found scattered throughout the region, mostly towards peripheral region having phloem, almost encircled by xylem vessels having annular and spiral thickenings; starch grains simple, rounded to oval and also compound of 2 to 4 components, measuring 4 to 21 n in dia., present in cortical and central region, a number of deep red, resin canals found throughout the region, mucilage in the form of colourless mass found in a few cortical parenchymatous cells.

Powder – Greyish; vessels with annular and spiral thickenings; simple, round to oval, starch grains measuring 4 to 21 n in dia., and compound starch grains having 2 to 4 components and a few acicular crystals of calcium oxalate; mucilage in the form of colourless mass found in a few cortical parenchymatous cells

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 9 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 17 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of 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) four fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.39, 0.77, 0.90 and 0.97 (all yellow). On exposure to Iodine vapour twelve spots appear at Rf. 0.06, 0.13, 0.17, 0.25, 0.39, 0.50, 0.62, 0.70, 0.77, 0.88, 0.90 and 0.97 (all yellow). On spraying with Dragendorff reagent followed by sodium nitrite three spots appear at Rf. 0.39, 0.70 and 0.88 (all light purple).

CONSTITUENTS – Tannin, Resin, Sapogenin and Alkaloid

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Guru, Picchila
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Sramahara, Dahahara, Pittahara, Vrsya, Brhmana, Rasayana, Pustiprada, Balaprada

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Gandharvahastadi Kvatha Curna, Candanadi Curna.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Arsa, Vataroga, Karsya, Kstaksina

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

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PIPPALI (Fruit)

Pippali consists of the dried, immature, catkin-like fruits with bracts of Piper longum Linn. (Fam. Piperacem), a slender, aromatic climber with perennial woody roots, occurring in hotter parts of India from central Himalayas to Assam upto lower hills of West Bengal and ever green forests of Western ghats as wild, and also cultivated in North East and many parts of the South.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Kana, Magadhi, Magadha, Krsna, Saundi
Assamese : Pippali
Bengali : Pipul
English : Long Pepper
Gujrati : Lindi Peeper, Pipali
Hindi : Pipar
Kannada : Hippali
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Pippali
Marathi : Pimpali, Lendi Pimpali
Oriya : Pipali, Pippali
Punjabi : Magh, Magh Pipali
Tamil : Arisi Tippali, Thippili
Telugu : Pippalu
Urdu : Filfil Daraz

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit greenish-black to black, cylindrical, 2.5 to 5 cm long and 0.4 to 1 cm thick, consisting of minute sessile fruits, arranged around an axis; surface rough and composite; broken surface shows a central axis and 6 to 12 fruitlets arranged around an axis; taste, pungent producing numbness on the tongue; odour, aromatic.

b) Microscopic

Catkin shows 6 to 12 fruits, arranged in circle on a central axis, each having an outer epidermal layer of irregular cells filled with deep brown content and covered externally with a thick cuticle; mesocarp consists of larger cells, usually collapsed, irregular in shape and thin-walled; a number of stone cells in singles or in groups present; endocarp and seed coat fused to form a deep zone, outer layer of this zone composed of thin-walled cells and colourless, inner layer composed of tangentially elongated cells, having reddish-brown content; most of endocarp filled with starch grains, round to oval measuring 3 to 8 n in dia.

Powder – Deep moss green, shows fragments of parenchyma, oval to elongated stone cells, oil globules and round to oval, starch grains, measuring 3 to 8 n in dia.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 7 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 7 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T. L. C. of alcoholic extract of the drug on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (90: 10) as mobile phase. Under U.V. (366 nm) six fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.15, 0.26, 0.34, 0.39, 0.50 and 0.80. On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at Rf. 0.04, 0.15, 0.26, 0.34, 0.39, 0.50 and 0.93 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105oC for ten minutes five spots appear at Rf. 0.04, 0.22, 0.35, 0.43 and 0.82. On spraying with Dragendorff reagent three spots appear at Rf. 0.15, 0.26 and 0.34 (all orange).

CONSTITUENTS – Essential Oil and Alkaloids

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Snigdha
Virya : Anusna
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Dipana, Hrdya, Kaphahara, Rucya, Tridosahara, Vatahara, Vrsya, Rasayana, Recana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Amrtarista, Ayaskrti, Cyavanaprasa Avaleha, Gudapippali, Asvagandhadyarista, Kumaryasava, Candanasava, Siva Gutika, Kaisora Guggulu

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sula, Arsa, Gulma, Hikka, Kasa, Krmi, Ksaya, Kustha, Pliha Roga, Prameha, Svasa, Trsna, Udara Roga, Ama Vata, Amadosa, Jvara

DOSE – 1-3 gm.

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TALISA (Leaves)

Talisa consist of dried needle like leaves of Abies webbiana Lindl (Fam. Pinacem), plant is a tall, evergreen tree with thick, spreading, horizontal branches attaining a height of 60 m found in Himalayas at an altitude of 2800-10000 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Patradhyam
Assamese : Talish
Bengali : Talish Pala, Taleesh Patra
English : Himalayan Siver
Gujrati : Talish Patra
Hindi : Talish Patra
Kannada : Tales Patra, Talisapathra, Shukodara
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Talisapatra, Taleesapatri
Marathi : Laghu Taleespatra
Oriya : Talis
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Talispatra, Taleesapatri
Telugu : Taleesapatri
Urdu : Zarnab

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Leaves flat, 1 to 5.5 cm long, about 2 mm broad; shining, midrib in the upper surface channelled down the middle but raised beneath; with two faint white lines on either side of the midrib beneath, petiole very short, greyish-brown; odour, terebinthinelike; taste, astringent.

b) Microscopic

Mature leaf shows single layered epidermis on either side covered with thick cuticle; upper epidermis followed by single layered sclerenchymatous hypodermis, lower epidermis shows papillate projections at some places followed by 1 or 2 layers sclerenchymatous hypodermis; palisade 2 layered; spongy parenchyma 4-6 layered; vascular bundle single, situated centrally, consisting of xylem and phloem, enclosed by a single layered endodermis; xylem on upper side and phloem on lower side; cambium inconspicuous; secretory cavities two in numbers, located on either side of vascular bundle, stomata sunken type, present only on the lower surface.

Powder – Greenish-brown; shows sclerenchymatous cells, palisade, spongy parenchyma and a few epidermal cells.

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 0.5 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 15 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract on Silica Gel ‘G’ using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9:1) shows in visible light five spots at Rf. 0.09, 0.41, 0.59, 0.67 (all green) and 0.92 (light green). Under U.V. (366 nm) eight fluorescent zones visible at Rf. 0.05 (orange), 0.09 (blackish) 0.14 (orange), 0.43 (red), 0.54 (blue), 0.62 (blackish red), 0.67 and 0.92 (both red). On exposure to iodine vapour eleven spots appear at Rf. 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.17, 0.39, 0.50, 0.57, 0.65, 0.73, 0.85 and 0.92 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105oC for ten minutes eleven spots appear at Rf. 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.17, 0.39, 0.50, 0.57, 0.65, 0.73, 0.85 and 0.92 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Essential Oil & Alkaloid.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Hrdya, Vatakaphapham, Slesmapittajit

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Draksadi Curna, Talisadi Curna, Bhaskara Lavana, Pranada Gutika, Jatiphaladi Curna, Puga Khanda, Talisadi Modaka

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kasa, Agnimandya, Hikka, Krmi, Ksaya, Mukharoga, Svasa, Gulma, Amadosa, Chardi, Aruci

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

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PLAKSA (Fruit)

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

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Jati
Assamese : Pakar
Bengali : Pakar
English : —
Gujrati : Peep, Pakadee
Hindi : Pakhar, Pilkhin
Kannada : Karibasari, Kadubasari, Jeevibsari Basa
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Itthy, Kallal
Marathi : Pimpari, Paicta
Oriya : Pakali, Pakal
Punjabi : Pilkhan
Tamil : Kallal, Itthi
Telugu : Juvvi, Erra-Juvvi
Urdu : Pakhar

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit a syconus, 0.5 to 1.0 cm in dia., attached with pedicel; sub-globose, wrinkled, glabrous, having three basal bracts; greyish-brown to yellowish-brown; taste, astringent.

b) Microscopic

Fruit shows single layered, thin-walled epidermis followed by a narrow zone of 2 to 5 layers, of round, oval, rectangular, lignified stone cells with wide lumen; rest of mesocarp very wide consisting of oval to polygonal, collenchymatous cells containing brownish contents; a few vascular traces found scattered in this zone; inner zone consisting of stone cells similar in shape and size to those found scattered in outer zone; male and female flower attached to inner layer of mesocarp.

Powder -Dark greyish-brown; shows fragments of epidermal cells; single, or groups of lignified stone cells; collenchymatous cells; a few debris of male and female flowers present.

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 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 15 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract on Silica Gel ‘G’ using n-Butanol : Acetic Acid : Water (4: 1 :5) shows in visible light three spots at Rf. 0.27, 0.63 (both grey) and 0.97 (yellowish green). Under U.V. (366 nm) six fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.53, 0.63, 0.84, 0.91, 0.94 (all blue) and 0.97 (pink). On exposure to Iodine vapour twelve spots appear at Rf. 0.12, 0.16, 0.22, 0.27, 0.38, 0.50, 0.63, 0.73, 0.84, 0.91, 0.94 and 0.97 (all yellow). On spraying with Ninhydrin reagent a single spot appears at Rf. 0.97 (brick red).

CONSTITUENTS – Amino Acids.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Kasaya
Guna : Sita
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – (No Formulations)

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sotha, Srama, Bhrama, Daha, Murccha, Raktapitta, Pralapa

DOSE – 5-10 gm.

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TILA (Seed)

Tila consists of dried seeds of Sesamum indicum Linn. (Fam, Pedaliacem), a herb extensively cultivated throughout the plains of India upto 1200 m for its seeds.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Tila
Assamese : Simmasim
Bengali : Tilagachh
English : Sesame, Gingelly-oil Seeds
Gujrati : Tall
Hindi : Tila, Teel, Tili
Kannada : Accheellu, Ellu
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Ellu
Marathi : Tila
Oriya : Til
Punjabi : Til
Tamil : Ellu
Telugu : Nuvvulu
Urdu : Kunjad

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seed white, brown, grey or black, flattened ovate in shape, smooth or reticulate, 2.5 to 3 mm long and 1.5 mm broad, one side slightly concave with faint marginal lines and an equally faint central line; taste, pleasant and oily.

b) Microscopic

Testa of seed shows single layered palisade-like, thin-walled, yellowish coloured cells, and the rest of the testa composed of collapsed cells; endosperm 3 layered, rarely 2 layered, consisting of cellulosic polygonal cells of parenchyma containing fixed oils and small aleurone grains; cotyledons two, externally covered with thin cuticle; single layered epidermal cell, followed by a single row of palisade- like cells; rest of the tissues consist of polygonal, parenchyma cells containing fixed oil and aleurone grains.

Powder – Blackish coloured; shows palisade-like cells in surface view, parenchyma cells, aleurone grains and oil globules.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 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 20 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Fixed Oil Not less than 35 per cent, Appendix 2.2.8

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9 : 1) shows under UV (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.57, 0.64 (both light blue) and 0.72 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour five spots appear at Rf. 0.08, 0.57, 0.64, 0.72 and 0.94 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110o C seven spots appear at Rf. 0.08, 0.57, 0.64, 0.72 (all violet), 0.76, 0.84 (both light violet) and 0.94 (violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Fixed Oil

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Vyavai, Guru, Snigdha, Suksma
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Balya, Kesya, Pittala, Rasayana, Sangrahi, Vataghna, Varnya, Visaghna, Snehana, Svarka, Snehopaga, Kushthakara, Vitbardhaka, Mutrabandhaka, Medhavardhala, Agnivardhaka, Avasadakara, Kesa, Krsnakara, Kasa Vardhaka, Karnapalivardhaka, Kaphakopaka, Mrdurecaka, Vrana Samsodhaka, Vrana Pacaka, Vrana Dahanasaka, Bhagna Prasadhaka, Vajikara, Agnibala Vardhaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Narasimha Curna, Jatiphaladya Curna, Samangadi Curna, Haridradi Lepa, Vrsya, Pupalika Yoga, Nagaradi Yoga, Tiladi Upanaha, Tiladi Yoga,
Priyaladi Yoga, Mustadi Upanaha, Sunthyadi Curna, Pathyadi Gutika, Hingvadi Yoga, Paniya Ksara, Bhallatakadi Modaka

THERAPEUTIC USES – Asmari, Aksiroga, Atisara, Amasula, Galaganda, Gulma, Hikka, Krmi, Ksaya, Kasa, Kustha, Pinasa, Pradara, Pravahika, Raktatisara, Svasa, Trsa, Visarpa, Udvarta, Yonisula, Udara, Anaha, Sirah Sula, Parsva Sula, Raktarsa, Gudabhramsa, Vatarakta, Nadi Vrana, Svitra, Granthi, Upadamsa, Vidaraka, Alasa, Khalitya, Palitya, Pratisyaya, Sankhaka, Sakuni Graha, Kumara, Pitrmesagraha, Mutraghata, Dantaroga, Dantaharsa, Vatika Mukharoga, Atidgdha, Pliharoga, Musika Dansa, Karnapali Sora

DOSE – Powder 5-10 gm/day.

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PRIYALA (Stem Bark)

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

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Priyala, Carah, Kharaskandhah
Assamese : —
Bengali : Chironji, Pial
English : Calumpang Nut Tree
Gujrati : Chaaroli
Hindi : Chiraunji, Piyaar, Chironji
Kannada : Kolatmavu, Chalaali
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Priyaalam, Mural maram
Marathi : Chaaroli Jhaada
Oriya : Char, Charakoli, Priyal
Punjabi : Chironji
Tamil : Saarapparuppu
Telugu : Sarapappu Chettu, Chinna morilli Mori, Saara
Urdu : Habb-us-Samena

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Bark occurs in 3 to 11 cm long, and about 1.0 cm thick pieces; external surface greyish-brown, rough due to formation of fissures; internal surface reddish-brown and fibrous; recurved, flat or more or less channelled; fracture, fibrous.

b) Microscopic

Shows a wide zone of rhytidoma, consisting of oval thick-walled cork cells, hardened dead cortical cells, having a few oil globules, groups of lignified phloem fibres, stone cells and a large number of lysigenous cavities with yellow contents; secondary phloem a wide zone composed of oval to polygonal, parenchymatous cells containing prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate and a few oil globules; groups of round to oval stone cells having distinct striations with both narrow and wide lumen; phloem rays usually biseriate, composed of round to oval, slightly thick-walled cells.

Powder -Greyish-brown; shows fragments of parenchymatous cells, phloem fibres, stone cells and a few prismatic crystals and oil globules.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 18 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 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 15 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol ; Acetic acid Water (4:1:5) shows in visible light two spots at Rf. 0.14 and 0.91 (both grey). Under U.V. (366nm) two fluorescent zones appear at Rf. 0.70 and 0.78 (both blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour two spots appear at Rf. 0.14 and 0.91 (both yellow). On spraying with Ferric chloride solution two spots appear at Rf. 0.14 and 0.91 (both dirty blue).

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids, Tannins, Saponins, reducing Sugars, Triterpenoids and Flavonoids

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Sara, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Hrdya, Pittahara, Vatahara, Vrsya, Dahahara, Raktaprasadana, Virecanopaga

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Asoka Ghrta, Nyagrodhadi Kvatha Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Jvara, Raktapitta, Trsa, Rakatisara

DOSE – 5-10 gm.

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TULASI (Seed)

Tulasi consists of seeds of Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Fam. Lamiacem), an erect, branched, annual herb, found throughout the country, and also cultivated

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Surasa, Surasa, Bahumaniri, Bhutaghn
Assamese : Tulasi
Bengali : Tulasi
English : Holi Basil, Sacred Basil
Gujrati : Tulsi, Tulasi
Hindi : Tulasi
Kannada : Tulasi, Sri tulasi
Kashmiri : Tulasi
Malayalam : Tulasi
Marathi : Tulasi
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Tulasi
Tamil : Tulasi, Thulasi, Thiruthazhai
Telugu : Tulasi, Manchi Tulasi, Nalla Tulasi
Urdu : Tulsi

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seeds round to oval, about 0.1 cm long, brown with mucilaginous outer covering, slightly notched at the tip and broadly rounded at the base; no odour; taste, pungent, and slightly mucilaginous.

Powder – Brown; shows groups of polygonal, thick-walled, epidermal cells, 28 to 55 n in size; oval to polygonal, parenchymatous cells containing oil globules and starch grains simple as well as compound, having 2 to 5 components, single grains measuring 3 to 17 n in dia. Swelling Index- Not less than 5, when determinied as follows: Introduce the accurately weighed seeds into a 25 ml glass stoppered measuring cylinder. The length of the graduated portion of the cylinder should be 125 mm; the internal diameter 16 mm subdivided in 0.2 ml and marked from 0 to 25 ml in up wards direction. Add 25 ml of water, and shake the mixture thoroughly at intervals of every 10 minutes for 1 hour. Allow to stand for 3 hours at room temperature. Measure the volume in ml occupied by the seeds, including any sticky mucilage. Carry out simultaneously not less than 3 determination and calculate the mean value of the individual determinations, related to 1 g of seeds.

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 4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9:1) as mobile phase shows under U.V. (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.36, 0.56 (both red) and 0.93 (blue). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 110oC five spots appear at Rf. 0.04, 0.23, 0.36, 0.70 and 0.93 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Fixed Oil and Mucilage

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dahakrta, Vranasodhaka, Hrdya, Krmighna, Kaphahara, Pittahara, Vatahara, Rucikrt, Dipana, Visahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Muktadi Mahanjanasa

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sopha, Aruci, Hikka, Kasa, Krmi, Kustha, Mutrakrcchra, Pratisyaya, Svasa, Parsvasula, Putigandha, Garavisa, Rakta Vikara, Jantuvisa, Bhutaroga

DOSE – 1-2 gm of the seed in powder form.

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PRIYANGU (Fruit)

Priyangu consists of dried fruit of Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl. (Fam.Verbenacem), a stout shrub, about 1.2 to 1.8 m high, occurring in the sub-Himalayan tracts from Hazara eastwards to Assam upto 1800 m. and in Upper Gangetic and West Bengal plains;

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Phalini, Vanita
Assamese : —
Bengali : Priyangu
English : —
Gujrati : Ghaunla, Priyango
Hindi : Priyangu
Kannada : Kadu-edi, Sannanathdagida, Proyangu, Navane
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Nazhal, Kadurohini, Njazhal, Jnazhal
Marathi : Gauhala, Gahula, Priyangu
Oriya : Priyangu
Punjabi : Priyangu
Tamil : Gnazalpoo
Telugu : Prenkhanamu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit globose, 1 to 3 mm in dia., yellowish-brown with or without fruit stalk; 4- toothed, bell-shaped calyx sometimes attached; fruit contains four one seeded pyrenes; taste, astringent; no characteristic odour.

b) Microscopic

Fruit shows pericarp differentiated into an epicarp, a mesocarp and an endocarp; epicarp thin, forms skin of fruit consisting of outer epidermal cells; a few epidermal cells elongate to form short stalked, disc-shaped, 2 to 4 celled glandular hairs; some other epidermal cells form stellate hairs; mesocarp composed of 5 to 8 layered, thinwalled, parenchymatous cells; endocarp hard and stony, consisting of sclerenchymatous cells, which are larger towards inner side and smaller towards outer side; seeds four in each fruit; yellowish coloured; endosperm 2 to 6 layered consisting of isodiametric cells; cotyledons 2, consisting of isodiametric cells.

Powder – Brown; shows fragments of straight walled, lignified cells of seed coat; oval to elongated, elliptical endocarp cells in surface view; single and groups of elongated, oval to rectangular, lignified stone cells having concentric striations, radial canal, with narrow lumen; a few glandular and stellate hairs and pieces of polygonal endosperm cells.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 6.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4:1:5) shows under U.V. light (366 nm) one conspicuous fluorescent spot at Rf. 0.82 (sky blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour two spots appear at Rf. 0.82 & 0.92 (both yellowish brown). On spraying with Ferric Chloride (10% aqueous solution) two spots appear at Rf. 0.82 & 0.92 (both greyish brown).

CONSTITUENTS – Fixed Oil

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Sita, Guru, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Sangrahi, Balakrta, Udrikta Raktaprasadana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Jirakadi Modaka, Brhatphala Ghrta, Brhatcchagaladya Ghrta, Vyaghri Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Chardi, Daha, Jvara, Raktadosa, Brahma, Vataroga, Vaktrajadya

DOSE – 1-2 gm. of the durg in powder form.

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PRSNIPARNI(Whole Plant)

Prsniparni consists of dried whole plant of Uraria picta Desv. (Fam. Fabacem), an erect, under shrub upto 90 cm high, distributed throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Citraparni, Kalasi, Dhavani, Prthakparni, Shrigalavinna
Assamese : —
Bengali : Salpani, Chhalani, Chakule
English : —
Gujrati : Pithavan
Hindi : Pithavan, Dabra
Kannada : Murele Honne, Ondele honne, Prushniparni
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Orila
Marathi : Pithvan, Prushnipamee
Oriya : Prushnipamee, Shankarjata
Punjabi : Detedarnee
Tamil : Oripai
Telugu : Kolakuponna
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – Occur in pieces of varying size, thickness of 1 to 2 cm, gradually tapering, tough,woody, cylindrical; externally light yellow to buff, internally pale yellow; surface bearing fine longitudinal striations; fracture, splintery or fibrous; taste, slightly acrid.

Stem – About 8.0 to 16.0 cm long, 0.2 to 0.4 cm in diameter, in cut pieces; cylindrical, branched, pubescent, external surface light yellow to brown; transversely cut and smoothened surface shows buff-white colour, mature stem longitudinally wrinkled, leaf scar present at nodes; fracture, fibrous.

Leaf – Very variable, imparipinnate, upto 20 cm or more long, upto 2 cm wide; leaflets on the upper part of the stem 5 to 7, rigidly sub-coriaceous, linear-oblong, acute, blotched with white; glabrous above, finely reticulately veined and minutely pubescent beneath, base rounded; leaflets on the lower part of the stem 1 to 3, sub-orbicular or oblong.

b) Microscopic

Root – Shows 5 or 6 layers of thin-walled, tabular, regularly arranged cork cells; cork cambium single layered; secondary cortex composed of 4 to 6 layers of oval, tangentially arranged, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, a few fibres present singly or in groups; secondary phloem composed of sieve elements, parenchyma and fibres traversed by phloem rays; sieve elements somewhat collapsed towards periphery but intact in inner phloem region; phloem parenchyma composed of rounded to somewhat oval cells, larger towards periphery; fibres thick-walled, lignified with narrow lumen and tapering ends;phloem rays 1 to 5 cells wide, their cells being oval or rectangular in the portion nearer the wood but broader towards their distal ends; secondary xylem composed of vessels, tracheids, fibres, crystal fibres and parenchyma traversed by xylem rays; vessel very few, mostly confined to inner and outer part of xylem; fibres similar to those of phloem fibres and arranged in close set concentric bands; in isolated preparation vessels are cylindrical, pitted with transverse to oblique perforation; tracheids possess bordered pits; xylem parenchyma mostly rectangular with simple pits; xylem ray cells isodiametric showing simple pits; starch grains simple, round to oval, measuring 6 to 17n in dia., distributed throughout parenchymatous cells of secondary cortex, phloem and xylem; prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate present in crystal fibres, as well as in many parenchymatous cells of secondary cortex, phloem and ray cells. Stern – Shows single layered epidermis covered with cuticle, a few epidermal cells elongate outwards forming papillm; cortex 8 to 10 cells wide, consisting of oval to circular, thin walled, parenchymatous cells; groups of pericyclic fibres present in the form of discontinuous ring; phloem consisting of usual elements except phloem fibres; phloem rays 2 to 4 cells wide; xylem consisting of usual elements; vessels mostly simple pitted; fibres simple with blunt tips; xylem rays 1 to 4 cells wide and 2 to 8 cells in height; pith wide, consisting of thin-walled, round to oval parenchymatous cells.

Leaf-
Midrib – single layered epidermis on either surfaces covered with striated cuticle having a few unicellular or bicellular, hooked or straight and pointed tipped hairs present on bothsurfaces but more on lower surface; collenchyma 2 or 3 layered, followed by 2 layers of parenchyma cells; single row of pericyclic fibers present on both sides; vascular bundle located centrally.

Lamina – shows single layered epidermis on either surfaces, a few unicellular or bicellular, hooked or straight, pointed tipped hairs present on lower surface; mesophyll differentiated into single layered palisade and spongy parenchyma; spongy parenchyma cells oval to rounded having small intercellular spaces; numerous paracytic stomata present on lower surface; stomatal index 27 to 36 on lower surface; palisade ratio 4 or 5; vein-islet number 29 to 32 per sq. mm.; vascular bundle present centrally.

Powder – Greenish-yellow; shows simple pitted vessels; fragments of fibres, tracheids, parenchyma cells; pieces of hairs; palisade cells; a few prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; epidermal cells wavy walled in surface view showing paracyic stomata and starch grains simple, round to oval, measuring 6 to 17 n in dia.

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 4 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 8 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethyl acetate (9:1) shows under U.V. (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.13 (Red), 0.26 (light blue) and 0.30 (Red). On exposure to Iodine vapour nine spots appear at Rf. 0.07, 0.18, 0.26, 0.30, 0.44, 0.63, 0.86, 0.91 and 0.97 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105oC for ten minutes eight spots appear at Rf. 0.18, 0.26, 0.30, 0.39, 0.44, 0.86, 0.91 and 0.97 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS –

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Amla, Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Sara
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Dipana, Sangrahi, Tridosahara, Vatahara, Vrsya, Sothahara, Angamardaprasamana, Sandhaniya, Jivanu Nasaka, Balavardhaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Amrtarista, Angamarda Prasamana Kasaya Curna, Dasamula Taila, Vyaghritaila, Madhyama Narayana Taila, Siraha Suladi Vajra Rasa, Dasamularisa.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Atisara, Chardi, Daha, Jvara, Kasa, Raktatisara, Raktavikara, Svasa, Unmada, Vatarakta, Vrana, Vataroga, Raktarsa, Kaphajamadatyaya Trsna, Nataprabala, Ekahika Jvara, Pilla (Netra Roga) Asthibhagna

DOSE – 20-50 gm powder for decoction.

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PUSKARA (Root)

Puskara consists of dried root of Inula racemosa Hook. f. (Fam. Asteracem), a stout herb, 0.5 to 1.5 m high, mostly found in Western Himalayas upto 2600 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Kasmira, Pouskara
Assamese : Pohakarmul, Puskar
Bengali : Pushkara, Pushkaramula
English : Orris Root
Gujrati : Pushkarmula
Hindi : Pohakar Mul
Kannada : Pushkara Moola
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Puskara
Marathi : Pokhar Mool
Oriya : Puskara
Punjabi : Pokhar Mool
Tamil : Pushkarmulam
Telugu : Pushkara Mulamu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root available in cut pieces, upto about 15 cm long and 0.5 to 2.0 cm in dia.; cylindrical, straight or somewhat curved; surface rough due to longitudinal striations and cracks, scars of lateral rootlets and rhytidoma present, externally brownish-grey and internally yellowish-brown; fracture, short and smooth; odour, camphoraceous and aromatic; taste, bitter and camphoraceous.

b) Microscopic

Mature root shows a wavy outline due to development of rhytidoma; cork composed of 8 to 12 layers of thick-walled, tangentially elongated, rectangular cells, some filled with reddish-brown contents; secondary cortex 1 or 2 layers or absent; secondary phloem consists of sieve elements and parenchyma having secretory cavities and traversed by medullary rays; cambium not distinct; wood occupies bulk of root consisting of vessels, tracheids, fibres, parenchyma, secretory cavities and medullary rays; vessel have reticulate thickenings, a few fibres occur in small patches adjacent to vessels and abundant in xylem parenchyma, thin-walled; a few small tracheids; parenchyma in general contain granular, slightly yellowish or colourless inulin granules and also a few yellowish oil globules; starch grains either absent or very rarely seen in cortical and ray cells; yellowish resinous masses present in secretory canals.

Powder – Reddish-brown; under microscope shows fragments of cork cells, vessels, fibres and parenchyma cells containing tannin and inulin.

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 0.6 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 on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Benzene: Ethylacetate (9:1) shows on exposure to Iodine vapour nine spots at Rf. 0.23, 0.28, 0.34, 0.39, 0.48, 0.51, 0.64, 0.73 and 0.94 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 105o C eight spots appear at Rf. 0.11, 0.28, 0.34, 0.39, 0.48, 0.64, 0.73 and 0.94 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Essential oil

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphavatajit

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Kankayana Gutika, Kumaryasava, Mahanarayana Taila, Manasamitravaaka, Dasamularista, Lodrasava, Rasnadi Kvatha Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Aruci, Adhmana, Hikka, Jvara, Kasa, Svasa, Parsvasula, Sopha, Ardita, Pandu

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

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RUDRAKSA (Seed)

Rudraksa consists of seeds of Elmocarpus sphmricus Gmrtn. K. Schum (Fam. Elmocarpacem), a medium sized, ornamental tree, found in the lower Himalayas and in the Western ghats at higher elevation.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Chattu Sampangi
Assamese : —
Bengali : Rudrakya
English : —
Gujrati : Rudraksh, Rudraksha
Hindi : Rudraki
Kannada : Rudrakshi mara, Rudraksh
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Rudraksha
Marathi : Rudraksha
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Rudraksha
Tamil : Rudraksha
Telugu : Rudraksha
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seed stony, very hard, spherical, obovoid or oval, variable in size, about 1 or 2 cm in dia.; longitudinally grooved, tubercled, brown, divided into five segments.

b) Microscopic

Seed coat consists of multilayered, oval to polygonal stone cells and internally followed by 8 to 10 layers of tangentially elongated, oval-shaped, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, filled with reddish-brown contents, excepting the middle 2 or 3 layers; endosperm consists of oval to polygonal, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; rosette crystals of calcium oxalate and oil globules present in this region; embryo slightly curved and consists of oval to polygonal, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, a few having oil globules.

Powder – Reddish-brown; shows polygonal lignified with narrow lumened stone cells, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells with reddish-brown contents, rosette crystals of calcium oxalate and oil globules.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Nil Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 1.2 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 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ using n-Butanol : Acetic acid : Water (4:1 :5) under U.V. (366 nm) shows one fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.91 (violet). On exposure to Iodine vapour three spots appear at Rf. 0.19, 0.31 and 0.52 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methnaolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105oC for ten minutes a single spot appears at Rf. 0.91(grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Fixed Oil and Fatty Acids.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Snigdha, Sthula
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : —
Karma : Medhya, Raksoghna, Arogyaprada, Hrdyam (Saumanasya Karah)

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Gorocanadi Vati, Cukkumtippalyadi Gutika, Dhanvantara Gutika, Svaramukadi Gutika, Mrtasanjivani Gutika

THERAPEUTIC USES – Matisudhikara, Uccharaktacapa, Prgyaparadha, Hrdyaroga, Romantika, Manasaroga, Anidra

DOSE – 1-2 gm internally.

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SARJA (Exudate)

Sarja consists of resinous exudate of Vateria indica Linn. (Fam. Dipterocarpacem), a large, evergreen tree, upto 30 m high with a cylindrical bole, indigenous to the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats from North Kanara to Kerala and also extensively planted as an avenue tree in Karnataka; resinous exudate is obtained by making semicircular incisions on the stem through the cork cambium up to the surface of sapwood.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Devdhupa, Karsya, Sasyasumbara, Ajakarna
Assamese : —
Bengali : Shakgachha, Chandras
English : White Damar tree, India Cop tree
Gujrati : Chandras
Hindi : Sandras, Safed Damar
Kannada : Rala
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Payin
Marathi : Raal
Oriya : Sava
Punjabi : —
Tamil : Kungiliyam, Vellai Kuntarakam, Vellai Kundarakam
Telugu : Tellaguggilarnu, Telladamaramu
Urdu : Sandaras, Raal

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Rough, irregular, solid, brittle masses, breaking into angular pieces, upto 1.5 cm thick, light-yellow to pale yellow in colour; odour fragrant; tasteless.

b) Microscopic

Slightly soluble in alcohol in which it forms ajelly-like mass; insoluble in petroleum ether (40oC-60oC), forming white precipitate; insoluble in carbon-disulphide but yields jelly-like mass, dissolves entirely and gives a dense red colour with concentrated sulphuric acid; dissolves mostly in chloroform giving white or milky solution; (Sal resin dissolves almost entirely in petroleum ether forming a pale cream solution and also dissolves entirely in carbon-disulphide). Test for presence of Colophony – (Distinction from Sala and Shallaki resin)

1. Dissolve 0.1 g in 10 ml of acetic anhydride by gentle heat, cool, and add I drop of sulphuric acid; a bright purplish-red colour, rapidly changing to violet, is produced.
2. Shake 0.1 g of powder with 10 ml of light petroleum (b.p. 50o-60o), and filter; shake 5 ml of the filtrate with 10 ml of dilute solution of copper acetate; the petroleum layer assumes a bright bluish-green colour.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Nil Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 0.1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Negligible
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 60 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ using Benzene: Methanol (95:5) shows under UV (366 nm) three fluorescent spots at Rf. 0.04, 0.28 and 0.93 (all blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at Rf. 0.04, 0.28, 0.48, 0.65, 0.76, 0.85 and 0.93 (all yellow). On spraying with Anisaldehyde-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110oC seven spots appear at Rf. 0.04, 0.28, 0.48, 0.65, 0.76, 0.85 and 0.93 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Resins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Snigdha, Usna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphaghna, Vatahara, Varnya, Visaghna, Krmighna, Svedahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Kacchuradi Curna Lepa, Pinda Taila, Lavangadi Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Atisara, Grahani, Krmi Roga, Kandu, Kustha, Prameha, Rakta Dosa, Vata Rakta, Vrana, Yoni Roga, Pandu, Karna Roga, Badhirya, Visphoa, Medoroga, Ksudraroga, Lippa, Manasa Roga, Musika Visa, Vidradhi, Dagdhaka

DOSE – 1-2 gm Internal, External.

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SATAVARI (Root)

Stavari consists of tuberous roots of Asparagus recemosus Willd. (Fam. Liliacem), an ascending, spinous much branched, perennial climber found throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Narayani, Vari, Abhiru, Atirasa
Assamese : Satmull
Bengali : Satamuli, Satmuli, Shatamuli
English : Asparagus
Gujrati : Satavari
Hindi : Satavar, Satamul
Kannada : Ashadi poeru, Halavu Bau, Narayani, Makkala
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Satavari Kizhangu
Marathi : Shatavari
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Satavar
Tamil : Shimai-Shadvari, Nilichedi Kishangu
Telugu : Sima-Shatawari (Dry Root), Pippipichara, Pilliteegalu (Fresh Root)
Urdu : Satawari

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root tuberous, 10 to 30 cm in length and 0.1 to 0.5 cm thick, tapering at both ends with longitudinal wrinkles; colour cream; taste, sweetish.

b) Microscopic

Shows an outer layer of piliferous cells, ruptured at places, composed of small, thin-walled, rectangular asymetrical cells, a number of cells elongated to form unicellular root hairs; cortex comprises of 25 to 29 layers, distinct in two zones, outer and inner cortex; outer cortex consists of 6 or 7 layers, compactly arranged, irregular to polygonal, thick walled, lignified cells; inner cortex comprise of 21 to 23 layers, oval to polygonal, thin-walled, tangentially elongated cells with intercellular spaces; stone cells, either singly or in groups, form a discontinuous to continuous ring in the upper part of this region; raphides of calcium oxalate also present in this region; 2 or 3 layers of stone cells encirle the endodermis; endodermis composed of thin-walled parenchymatous cells; pericycle present below endodermis; stele ex arch and radial in position; xylem consist of vessels, tracheids and parenchyma; xylem vessels have pitted thickening; phloem patches consists of usual element; pith composed of circular to oval parenchymatous cells, a few cells slightly lignified.

Powder – Yellowish-cream; fragments of lignified, thick-walled cells; vessels with simple pits, pieces of raphides, numerous, lignified, rectangular elongated’ stone cells having clear striations with wide as well as narrow lumen and groups of parenchyma.

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 0.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 45 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4:1:5) v/v shows on exposure to Iodine vapour three spots at Rf. 0.07, 0.50 and 0.67 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% methanolic sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110oC four spots appear at Rf. 0.07 (black), 0.41 (grey), 0.50 and 0.83 (both brownish yellow).

CONSTITUENTS – Sugar, Glycosides, Saponin and Sitosterol.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Sukrala, Balya, Hrdya, Medhya, Pittahara, Rasayana, Vrsya, Sukraja, Kaphavataghna, Vataharaa, Stanyakara, Netrya, Agnipustikara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Brahma Rasayana, Mahanarayana Taila, Satavari Guda, Puga Khanda, Saubhagyasunhi, Brhacchagalyadi Ghrta, Satavari Ghrta, Satavari Kalpa, Asvagandharista, Narasimha Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Amlapitta, Arsa, Atisara, Gulma, Ksaya, Raktatisara, Raktapitta, Raktavikara, Vatarakta, Visarpa, Soha, Parinama Sula, Mutrarakta, Vatajvara, Svarabheda, Naktandhya, Sutika Roga, Stanya Dosa, Stanya Ksaya

DOSE – 3-6 gm of the drug.

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SIGRU (Root Bark)

Sigru consists of dried root bark of Moringa oleifera Lam. Syn. Moringa pterygosperma Gmrtn. (Fam. Moringacem), a small or medium sized tree, found wild in sub-Himalayan tract, and also commonly cultivated throughout the country for its leaves and fruits used as vegetable.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Sobhanjana, Bahala, Tiksnagandha, Aksiva, Mocaka
Assamese : Saijna, Sohjna
Bengali : Sajina, Sajna
English : Horse Radish Tree, Drum-stick Tree
Gujrati : Saragavo
Hindi : Sahajan
Kannada : Neegge, Nugge Kand Chakke
Kashmiri : —
Malayalam : Muringa
Marathi : Sevaga, Segat Sala
Oriya : Sajina
Punjabi : Sohanjana
Tamil : Murungai
Telugu : Munaga, Mulaga
Urdu : Sohanjana, Sahajan

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occuts in pieces of variable sizes, external surface, light greyish-brown, rough, reticulated, marked with transverse row of lenticels; outer bark, thin, peeling off in small bits, internal surface, white.

b) Microscopic

Mature bark shows a very wide zone of cork, consisting of 25 or more rows of rectangular cells, arranged radially, a few inner layers, larger and cubicular in shape; secondary cortex composed of rectangular, thin-walled cells, a few containing starch grains and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate and a few others containing oil globules and coloured resinous matter; starch grains mostly simple and rarely compound, composed of 2 or 3 components, round to oval in shape, measuring 6 to 28 n in dia., groups of stone cells, round to rectangular, of various sizes, present in secondary cortex; mucilagenous cavities found scattered towards inner secondary cortical region; secondary phloem appreciably wide, consisting mainly of phloem fibres and phloem parenchyma; phloem fibres in large patches, alternating with phloem parenchyma; numerous starch grains and cell contents as described above also present in phloem cells; phloem rays numerous, long, 2 to 4 seriate, consisting of radially elongated, thin-walled cells containing numerous starch grains, similar to those present in secondary cortex.

Powder – Pinkish-brown; shows stone cells, phloem fibres, starch grains, measuring 6 to 28 n in dia., rosette crystals of calcium oxalate and oil globules.

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 10 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 11 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

T.L.C.

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9:1) shows under U.V. (366 nm) two fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.06 and 0.52 (both green). On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at Rf. 0.06, 0.33, 0.43, 0.54, 0.70, 0.78 and 0.87 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric mid reagent and heating the plate at 105oC for ten minutes six spots appear at Rf. 0.33, 0.43, 0.54, 0.70, 0.78 and 0.87 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids and Essential Oil

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Sara, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Caksusya, Dipana, Hrdya, Kaphahara, Medohara, Pacana, Pittakara, Samgrahi, Vatahara, Visaghna, Sukrala, Sophaghna, Rocana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Prabhanjana Vimardana Taila, Sarasvata Ghrta, Vastyamayanaka Ghrta, Kasara Taila, Manikya Rasa

THERAPEUTIC USES – Vrana Vikara, Grathi, Gulma, Karnasula, Medoroga, Vidradhi, Visarpa, Sopha, Krmiroga, Pliha Roga, Galaganda, Mukhajadya, Asmari, Mutra Sarkara, Kustha, Ksata, Antarvidradhi

DOSE – 25-50 gm of the drug in powder form.

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