Ayurvedic Herbs

SIRISA (Stem Bark)

Sirisa consists of stem bark of Albizzia lebbeck Benth. (Fam. Fabacem), a large tree, common throughout the country, ascending to 1200 m on the Himalayas.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Bhandi, Sitapuspa, Sukapriya, Mrdupuspa
Assam. : —
Beng. : Sirish, Siris
Eng. : Siris Tree, Lebbeck Tree
Guj. : Shirish
Hindi. : Siris, Shiris
Kan. : Bagey, Bage Mara, Hombage
Kash. : —
Mal. : Vaka, Nanmenivaka
Mar. : Siris
Ori. : Sersuan, Sirisha
Punj. : Sirish, Sareehn
Tam. : Vakai
Tel. : Dirisena
Urdu. : Siris

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Bark 1.5 – 2.5 cm thick, external surface dark brown, rough due to longitudinal fissures and transverse cracks, rhytidoma forming major part of bark and peeling off in flakes exposing buff coloured surface, middle bark brown, inner bark much fibrous. light yellow to grey; fracture, laminated in outer region and fibrous in inner region; taste, very astringent.

b) Microscopic

Mature bark about 2 cm thick, shows dead tissue of rhytidoma; cork consists of a few layers of thin-walled, transversely elongated and radially arranged cells; secondary cortex wide, composed of radially elongated to squarish, moderately thickwalled cells containing orange to reddish-brown contents; a few of the cells contain prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; stone cells, variable in shape and size, present in singles or in groups throughout the region; secondary phloem consists of sieve elements, phloem parenchyma, phloem fibres and crystal fibres, traversed by phloem rays; prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate present in most of the phloem parenchyma cells; tangential bands of ceratenchyma present in middle and outer phloem region; phloem fibres. elongated, thick-walled, lignified, present in many concentric strips, mostly enclosed by crystals sheath throughout the middle and inner regions of phloem; crystal fibres having a number of septa, each chamber containing a single prismatic crystal of calcium oxalate; phloem rays numerous, radially elongated, somewhat wavy in outer phloem region and bi to multiseriate in the inner phloem region. being 2 – 5 cells wide and 7 – 25 cells high.

Powder – Greyish-brown; shows large number of stone cells, prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, crystal fibres and phloem fibres.

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 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 12 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 6 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9: 1) shows under UV (366 nm) a fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.63 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour two spots appear at Rf. 0.07 and 0.21 (both yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Phosphomolybdic acid reagent and heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes two spots appear at Rf. 0.07 and 0.21 (both light blue).

CONSTITUENTS – Saponins and Tannins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Anusna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Sothahara, Tridosahara, Visghna, Tvagdosa, Varnya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Vajraka Taila, Dasanga Lepa, Ayakrti, Devadarvarista, Brhanmaricyadi Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Pama, Kustha, Kandu, Visarpa, Kasa, Vrana, Sotha, Svasa, Musaka Visa, Sita Pitta, Raktadusti, Pinasa, Vismajvara, Pratisyaya, Sarpdansa, (Casake), Visadusti, Suryavarta, Ardhavabhedaka, Krmi Roga, Netrabhiasanda.

DOSE – 25-50 g. (Kwatha),
3-6 g. (Curna),

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STHAUNEYA (Leaf)

Sthauneya consists of dried leaf of Taxus baccata Linn. (Farn. Taxacem); an evergreen conifer, about 6.5 m high, distributed in the temperate Himalayas at altitudes between 1800-3300 m and in the hills of Meghalaya and Manipur at an altitude of 1500m.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Sukapuspa, Vikarna
Assam. : —
Beng. : Birmi, Bhirmie, Talish Patra, Bhada Getela
Eng. : Himalayan Yew
Guj. : Gethela Barmi
Hindi. : Thuner, Talispatra Bhed
Kan. : Sthauneyak
Kash. : —
Mal. : Thuriangam, Tuniyankam
Mar. : Sthauney Barmi
Ori. : Talisabhed, Chalisa Patra
Punj. : Birmi
Tam. : Talisapatri-Bhedam
Tel. : Taleesa Patri Bhedamu
Urdu. : Birmi, Zarnab

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs as whole or broken leaf pieces, entire leaf flattended, linear with recurved margins, 1.3-4.0 cm long and 0.1-0.3 cm wide, tip sharp pointed and prickly, entire. thick, brown above, but paler below; petiole, very short; odour. pleasant; taste, acrid, bitter and disagreeable.

b) Microscopic

Leaf-
Lamina – shows dorsi ventral structure, margin slightly turned downward; upper epidermis single layered covered with thick, striated cuticle; lower epidermis single layered with papillate projection; sunken stomata present only on lower surface, overhung by subsidiary cells; palisade two layered; spongy parenchyma 3-5 layered. thin-walled, oval or irregular in shape, containing reddish-brown contents; vascular bundle single, present in the midrib within an endodermis.

Powder – Brown; shows fragments of reddish-brown spongy parenchyma cells and very rarely xylem tracheids, polygonal epidermal cells with striated cuticle and a few sunken stomata in surface view.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 6 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 10 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 on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4 : 1 : 5) shows under UV (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.67 (pink), 0.95 (grey) and 0.98 (pink). Under visible light shows three spots at Rf. 0.91 (pink), 0.95 (pink) and 0.98 (greenish yellow). On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at Rf. 0.08, 0.29, 0.60, 0.70, 0.82, 0.91 and 0.95 (all yellow).

CONSTITUENTS –Alkaloids – Taxine, Ephedrine, Glycoside, Tannins, Resins, Reducing Sugars and Formic Acid.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Tikta
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Jantughna, Kaphahara, Medhya, Vatahara, Sukravardhaka, Pittasamaka, Varna Prasadana, Lomasanjanana.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Mahanarayanataila, Bala Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Rakta Vikara, Trsna, Tila Kalaka, Daha, Kustha, Krmi Roga, Pidika, Arbuda (Karkata)

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

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SURANA (Corm)

Surana consists of dried corm of Amorphophallus campanulatus (Roxb.) Blume. (Fam. Aracem); a stout, herbaceous plant, cultivated throughout the plains of the country.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Arsoghna, Kandala
Assam. : —
Beng. : Ole
Eng. : Elephant Foot
Guj. : Sooran
Hindi. : Suranakanda, Zamikanda
Kan. : Suranagadde
Kash. : —
Mal. : Chena, Kattuchena, Kattuchenai, Cena Karana
Mar. : Jungli Suran, Suran
Ori. : Olooakanda, Suran
Punj. : Gimikanda
Tam. : Karunai Kizhangu
Tel. : Mancai Kanda Durada Gadda
Urdu. : Zamin-qand, Zamikand

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs as cut pieces of different shapes and sizes; external surface of cork blackish-brown, rough due to numerous scars and a few adventitious roots, internal portion creamish white; fracture, short; taste, acrid.

b) Microscopic

Corm shows a wide zone of cork consisting of 5-25 tangentially elongated, rectangular, thin-walled cells, a few inner layers containing rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, and plenty of simple and compound starch grains; ground tissue very wide consisting of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; a few cells containing both rosette and acicular crystals of calcium oxalate; starch grains both simple and compound, spherical in shape consisting of 2-4 components, measuring 3-31 n in diameter; vascular bundles poorly developed, scattered in ground tissue; vessels arranged in groups of 2-3, having spiral thickenings; a few parenchyma cells of ground tissue containing yellowish cell contents.

Powder – Creamish-grey; shows abundant simple and compound starch grains, measuring 3-31 n in dia., fragments of cork cells, a few rosette and acicular crystals of calcium oxalate.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 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 9 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Benzene: Ethylacetate (9: 1) on exposure to Iodine vapour shows for four spots at Rf. 0.09, 0.66, 0.74 and 0.85 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Phosphomolybdic acid and heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes four spots appear at Rf. 0.09, 0.66, 0.74 and 0.85 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Betulinic Acid, β-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Lupeol, Triacontane, Glucose, Galactose, Rhamnose and Xylose.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Vasada
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Kaphahara, Rucya, Visambhi, Vatakara Pittakara, Gudakilahrt, Raktapittakara, Dadrukara, Kusthakara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Suranavaloha, Surnavataka, Samudradya Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Arsa, Plihagulma, Svasa, Kasa, Asthila

DOSE – 2-10 g. of the drug in powder form.

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SVETACANDANA (Heart Wood)

Svetacandana consists of dried heart wood of Santalum album Linn. (Fam. Santalacem), an evergreen, semi parasitic tree, 8 to 18 m in height and 2 to 4 m in girth, widely distributed in the country, commonly found in the dry regions of peninsular India from Vindhya mountains southwards, especially in Karnataka and Tamilnadu; it is cultivated for its aromatic wood and oil.

SYNONYMS

Sansk : Srikhanda, Svetacandana
Assam : Sandale Avyaj
Beng : Chandan
Eng : Sandal Wood
Guj : Sukhad
Hindi : Chandan, Safed Chandan
Kan : Shrigandhamara, Shrigandha, Chand
Kash : —
Mal : Chandanam
Mar : Chandan
Ori : —
Punj : Chandan
Tam : Chandana maram, Sandanam, Ingam
Tel : Gandhapu Chekka, Manchi Gandham, Tella Chandanam, Sriga
Urdu : Sandal Safed

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Yellowish-brown to pale-reddish orange, heavy, dense, hard but split easily; transversely smooth surface shows alternating light and dark concentric zones with numerous pores, traversed by very fine medullary rays; odour, persistently aromatic; taste, slightly bitter.

b) Microscopic

Wood consists of tracheids, vessels, fibres, xylem parenchyma and traversed by medullary rays; vessels numerous scattered singly throughout the region, rarely two together, barrel-shaped, pitted and with transverse to oblique pen oration with tail-like projections, at one or both ends; a few tracheids elongated with tapering ends and possess bordered pits on their walls; fibres many, lignified with pointed tips; xylem parenchyma mostly rectangular, a few of them contain prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; xylem rays numerous, run straight, uni to triseriate, mostly biseriate, thickwalled, radially elongated having golden yellow to brownish contents and contain a few prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate.

Powder – Light-brown and aromatic; shows pitted vessels with tails, isolated or associated with fibres, fragments of fibres, square to rectangular-shaped parenchyma, prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, and numerous oil globules.

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 8 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7
Volatile Oil Not less than 1.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.10

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (93 : 7) shows on exposure to Iodine vapour six spots at Rf 0.05, 0.10, 0.27 (all yellowish brown), 0.60 (dark brown), 0.82 and 0.91 (both yellowish brown). On spraying with Anisaldehyde-Sulphuric acid reagent- and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 1I0dC six spots appear at Rf. 0.05, 0.10, 0.27 (all bluish violet), 0.60 (violet). 0.82 and 0.91 (both bluish violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Volatile oil (α- and β- Santalol)

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Hrdya, Krmighna, Kaphahara, Pittahara, Vrsya, Varnya, Visghna, Durgandhahara, Dahaprasamana, Trsnahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Ayaskrti, Asvagandhadyarista, Sarvivadyasava, Arimedadi Taila, Baladhatryadi Taila, Marma Gutika, Candanasava, Candanadi Curna, Candanadi Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sosa, Daha, Raktapitta, Raktarsa, Hikka, Vamana, Rakta Tisara, Pradara, Sukrameha, Netra Roga, Mutraghata, Bhrama, Raktavikara, Krmi Roga.

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

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SYONAKA (Root)

Syonaka consists of dried root of Oroxylum indicum Vent. (Fam. Bignoniacem); a small tree, distributed throughout the country, chiefly in evergreen forest upto 600 m.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Dirghavrnta, Prthsuimba, Katvanga
Assam. : Kering
Beng. : Sonagachh
Eng. : —
Guj. : Tentoo
Hindi. : Sonapatha, Shyonak, Tentoo
Kan. : Tigudu
Kash. : —
Mal. : Palagripayanni
Mar. : Tentoo
Ori. : Pamponiya
Punj. : Tatpaling, Talvarphali
Tam. : Peruvagai
Tel. : Dundilumu, Gumpena, Pampini
Urdu. : Sonapatha

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug available in cut pieces, having secondary roots, greyish-brown to light brown, cut surface brownish-cream, cylindrical, ribbed at few places, 5-16 cm long, 1-3 cm thick, external surface rough due to longitudinal and transverse cracks, fracture, short; taste, slightly sweet.

b) Microscopic

Root mature root shows 10-30 or more layers of tangentially elongated, radially arranged cork cells filled with reddish-brown content; secondary cortex composed of oval to polygonal, parenchymatous cells; stone cells, thick-walled, lignified of various shapes and sizes with narrow lumen, distinct pits and striations; secondary phloem composed of sieve tubes, parenchyma, fibres and groups of stone cells; groups of fibres traversed by 2-8 cells wide phloem rays; secondary xylem consists of usual elements; xylem vessels of various sizes, occur in singles and groups of 2-5 cells arranged radially having reticulate thickening; xylem rays 2-4 cells wide; fibres having wide lumen and pointed tips, and tracheids present.

Powder – Brownish-cream; shows groups of stone cells, fragments of cork, phloern fibres with wide lumen and pointed tips and reticulate vessels and tracheids.

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 20 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 42 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4: 1 : 5) shows under UV (366 nm) a fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.10 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour six spots appear at Rf. 0.10, 0.30, 0.58, 0.70, 0.85 and 0.95 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid and heating the plate for ten minutes at 105°C five spots appear at Rf. 0.25, 0.58, 0.70, 0.85 and 0.95 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Flavonoids and Tannins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Kaphapittasamaka, Grahi

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Amrtarista, Dantyadyarista, Dasamularista, Narayana Taila, Dhanavantara Ghrta, Brahma Rasayana, Dasamula Kvatha Curna, Cyavanaprasa, Awaleha

THERAPEUTIC USES – Vatatisara, Kasa, Aruci, Basti Roga, Amavata, Udara Roga, Urustambha, Vatavyadhi, Karna Roga, Sotha

DOSE – 5-10 g. in powder form.
25-50 g. in decoction.

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TALA (Inflorescence)

Tala consists of dried male inflorescence of Borassus flabellifer Linn. (Fam. Aracem); a tall, stout, dioecious palm tree having a height of 11.8-30 m and girth 1-2 m, bearing a terminal crown of 30-40 large fan like leaves, 90 cm – 1.6 m in width, cultivated and also found wild throughout India in the Peninsular coastal areas and in fields.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Lekhyapatra
Assam. : —
Beng. : Tala
Eng. : Palmyra Palm
Guj. : Tada, Tad
Hindi. : Tal
Kan. : Talimera, Oleyagida, Nelatalea Talimara
Kash. : —
Mal. : Panavirala
Mar. : Tada, Toad
Ori. : —
Punj. : Tad
Tam. : Panaimaram, Panai
Tel. : Tadi, Tati
Urdu. : Taad

DESCRIPTION

Macroscopic:

Drug available in transversely cut pieces of inflorescence, measuring upto 1 cm thick and 2.5 – 3 cm in dia., transversely cut surface shows a central axis with a number of male flowers arranged around it, external surface yellowish-grey and rough due to scales; flower unisexual, actinomorphic, sessile, arranged in a close spiral on the infloresence axis, 3-4 mm long, reddish-brown in colour; perianth consists of 6 sepals, tough, persistent, free, valvate; stamen 6, in two whorls of three each, 1-1.5 mm long, yellowish in colour; filament free, united at base into a ring; anther linear and basifixed; no smell and taste.

Powder -Reddish-brown; shows fragments of thin-walled, slightly wavy, large, oval to polygonal parenchymatous cells of perianth epidermis in surface view; numerous, simple, yellowish-orange, spherical-shaped pollen grains, measuring 16-44 n in dia., with distinct exine and intine; large brown pieces of thick-walled, single layered pollen sac, 34 layered, endothelial cells having a few small pollen grains.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 7.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 4 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 8 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4 : 1 : 5) shows under UV (366 nm) a blue fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.93. On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C four spots appear at Rf. 0.44, 0.61, 0.73 (all light brown) and 0.93 (brown).

CONSTITUENTS – Kernels contain Galactomannan (Polysacchride)

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Sita, Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Sukrala, Brmhana, Krmighna, Pittahara, Vatahara, Vrsya, Tarpaka, Sirovirecaka, Vastisuddhikara, Medakara, Vrannasaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Avlttoladi Bhasma (Ksara), Panviraladi Bhasma, (Tala Puspodbhaba Ksara) Guda Pippali

THERAPEUTIC USES – Raktapitta, Urahksata, Svasa, Daha, Krmi, Mutrakrcchra, Sophaghna, Vandhyakara

DOSE – 1-3 g

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TRIVRT (Root)

Trivrt consists of dried root of Operculina turpethum (Linn.) Silva Manso Syn. Ipomoea turpethum R. Br. (Fam. Convolvulacem); a large perennial twiner with milky juice and fleshy roots, found growing wild nearly throughout the country, ascending to 900 m, also occasionally grown in gardens; the roots being fleshy, care is taken in drying as they decay easily; roots therefore cut into pieces and the cut portions are exposed to sun for a day or so, after which it is finally dried in shade.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Syama, Tribhandi
Assam. : —
Beng. : Teudi, Tvuri, Dhdhakalami
Eng. : Terpeth Root, Indian Jalap
Guj. : Kala Nasottara
Hindi. : Nishothra
Kan. : Vili Tigade
Kash. : —
Mal. : Trikolpokanna
Mar. : Nisottar
Ori. : Dudholomo
Punj. : Nisoth
Tam. : Karum Sivadai
Tel. : Tella, Tegada
Urdu. : Turbud, Nishoth

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Roots occur in pieces, 1.5-15 cm long, 1-5 cm dia., usually unbranched, cylindrical, elongated, bearing thin rootlets; thicker pieces, occasionally split and show central wood portion; surface dull grey, reddish-grey to light brown, showing deep furrows or longitudinal wrinkles giving a rope-like or columnar appearance; transversely cut surface shows thick, whitish bark and light yellow centre; fracture in bark, short; in wood, fibrous; odour, indistinct; taste, slightly acrid and nauseating when kept in mouth for some time

b) Microscopic

Mature root shows thin cork, consisting of3-5 rows of brown cells; secondary cortex 4-6 layered, composed of tangential elongated, thin-walled cells; some of the cortical cells become thick-walled appearing as isolated, oval to subrectangular sclerenchymatous cells having wide lumen; secretory cavities surrounded by subsidiary cells and resin canals found scattered in secondary cortex; secondary phloem, a wide zone, consisting of sieve elements and phloem parenchyma; vascular bundles arranged in a continuous and a discontinuous ring, traversed by uni and biseriate medullary rays; numerous resin cells also seen in phloem in longitudinal rows; xylem shows 3-5 radiating arms; small patches of intraxylary phloem often formed; xylem vessels in singles or 2-3 in groups, having simple pits on their walls; calcium oxalate crystals as prisms and rosettes found scattered in cortex, phloem parenchyma, xylem parenchyma and medullary ray cells; starch grains, both simple .and compound, simple ones elliptical to spherical with central cleft hilum, compound grains consisting of 2-4 components, size vary from 5-44 n in dia., found scattered in cortex, phloem parenchyma, xylem parenchyma and medullary ray cells.

Powder – Greyish to light brown; shows parenchymatous cells, cellulosic fibres with pointed tips, vessels with simple pits, simple and compound starch grains elliptical to spherical with central cleft, measuring 5-44 n in dia., having 2-4 components, rosette and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Nil Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 10 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 10 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’ plate using Toluene : Ethylacetate (9:1) shows under UV (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.08, 0.21 (both light blue) and 0.58 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour seven spots appear at Rf. 0.21, 0.41, 0.49, 0.58, 0.71, 0.90 and 0.97 (all yellow). On spraying with VanillinSulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C seven spots appear at Rf. 0.21, 0.41, 0.49 (all light violet), 0.58, 0.70, 0.90 and 0.97 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Resinous Glycosides.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphapittahara, Pittahara, Vatala, Virecana, Sukhavirecanaka, Jvarahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Hrdyavirecana Leha, Asvagandharista, Avipattikara Curna, Manibhadra Guda

THERAPEUTIC USES – Malabandha, Gulma, Udara Roga, Jvara, Sopha Pandu, Pliha, Vrana, Krmi, Kustha, Kandu

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

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SALMALI (Stem Bark)

Salmali consists of the mature stem bark of Bombax ceiba Linn. Syn. B. malabaricum DC., Salmalia malabarica Schott. & Endl. (Fam. Bombacacem), a deciduous tree attaining a height upto 40 m and a girth upto 6 m or more and distributed throughout the hotter parts of the country upto 1500 m or more.

SYNONYMS

Sansk: Moca, Picchila, Raktapuspa, Kantakadhya, Tulini
Assam. : Semul
Beng. : Shimul, Simul
Eng. : Silk-Cotton Tree
Guj. : Shemalo
Hindi. : Semal, Semar
Kan. : Kempuburunga
Kash. : —
Mal. : Mullilavu
Mar. : Sanvar, Katesavar
Ori. : —
Punj. : Simble
Tam. : Elavam
Tel. : Buruga
Urdu. : Sembhal

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Bark 0.5-1 cm thick, pale-ashy to silvery-grey externally, brownish internally, external surface rough with vertical and transverse cracks, mucilaginous on chewing; fracture, fibrous.

b) Microscopic

Stem bark shows 10-15 layered, transversely elongated, radially arranged, thinwalled, cork cells with a few outer layers having brown coloured contents; rhytidoma present at certain places interrupting the cork; secondary cortex con- sists of moderately thick-walled, parenchymatous cells containing orange brown contents; stone cells in singles or in groups, thick-walled, oval to irregular, and tangential bands of stone cells having striations with narrow lumen, measuring 13-33 n in dia., occur throughout the secondary cortex; secondary phloem consists of usual elements traversed by phloem rays, elements in the outer region form tangential bands of ceratenchyma; a number of concentric bands of fibres alternating with groups of sieve elements also present; fibres lignified having narrow lumen and pointed tips; phloem rays numerous and wavy, 1-6 seriate, cells being radially elongated and moderately thick-walled; rosette crystals of calcium oxalate scattered throughout the secondary cortex, phloem parenchyma and ray cells; mucilage canals and tannin cells present in the parenchymatous cells of cortex.

Powder – Reddish-brown; shows fragments of cork cells, parenchymatous cells, single or groups of thick-walled, oval to irregular, stone cells having striations with narrow lumen, measuring 13-33 n in dia., rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, phloem fibres and numerous reddish-brown coloured masses and tannin cells.

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 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 7 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9:1) shows under U.V. (366 nm) one fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.59 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour four spots appear at Rf. 0.11, 0.44, 0.59 and 0.92 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C three spots appear at Rf. 0.44, 0.59 and 0.92 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Saponins, Tannins and Gums.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Picchila, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Sothahara, Kaphavardhaka, Pittahara, Vatahara, Dahaprasamana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS –

THERAPEUTIC USES – Raktapitta, Vrana, Daha, Yuvanapidika

DOSE – 5-10 g. (Powder).

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TUMBINI (Fresh Fruit)

Tumbini consists of fresh fruit (devoid of stalk) of Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) StandI. Syn. L. leucantha Rusby., L. vulgaris Ser. (Fam. Cucurbitacem); a large, pubescent, climbing or trailing herb, cultivated throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Alabu, Tumbi
Assam. : —
Beng. : Laus, Loki
Eng. : Bottle Gourd
Guj. : Dudi, Tumbadi
Hindi. : Lauki, Ghia
Kan.. : Isugumbala, Tumbi
Kash. : —
Mal. : Chorakka, Churan, Choraikka, Piccura, Tumburini, Cura, Tumburu
Mar. : Phopla
Ori. : —
Punj. : Tumbi, Dani
Tam. : Shorakkai, Surai, Suraikkai
Tel. : Sorakaya, Anapakaya
Urdu. : Ghiya, Lauki

DESCRIPTION

Macroscopic:

Fruit a pepo, 30 – 60 cm long, bottle, mace or club-shaped, hard when ripe; external surface, smooth; pale green in colour.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than Nil Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 12 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 25 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (85 : 15) shows under UV (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.13 (light blue), 0.66 (pink) and 0.88 (light pink). On exposure to Iodine vapour three spots appear at Rf. 0.13, 0.33 and 0.57 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C two spots appear at Rf. 0.13 and 0.57 (both light brown).

CONSTITUENTS – Saponin and Fatty Oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Hrdya, Kaphahara, Pittahara, Rucikara, Vrsya, Bhedaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Mahavisagarbha Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Jvara, Kasa, Svasa, Visa Roga, Sopha, Vrana, Sula

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

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SANA (Seed)

Sana consists of dried seed of Crotolaria juncea Linn. (Fam. Fabacem), an erect shrubby annual, cultivated nearly throughout the country, and also found wild as an escape.

SYNONYMS

Sansk : Sana, Malya Puspa
Assam : Ausa, Suila
Beng : Shanpat
Eng : Sunnhemp
Guj : Sun, Hemp
Hindi : Sunn, San
Kan : Senabu
Kash : —
Mal : Chanampayaru, Pulivanji
Mar : Sanavu
Ori : Champal Beeja
Punj : Sann
Tam : Sanal
Tel : Giliginta
Urdu : San

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seed 0.5-0.7 cm long, 0.3-0.4 cm wide, flat and compressed, asymmetrically reniform; surface, glossy; colour, olive- green to grey; taste, mucilaginous.

b) Microscopic

Seed shows testa, consisting of palisade like macrosclereids, covered externally by smooth, thick cuticle, followed by single layer of lignified flask shaped cells with intercellular spaces; the tissue beneath, consisting of tangentially elongated, thin-walled, crushed parenchymatous cells; endosperm consisting of an aleurone layer containing aleurone grains and associated parenchymatous cells; cotyledons two, consisting of many layered, thin-walled, compactly arranged parenchymatous cells containing abundant aleurone grains.

Powder – Greyish-yellow; shows polygonal, slightly thick-walled cells of the testa in surface view, beaker or flask shaped cells, palisade like macrosclereids, oval to polygonal, thin walled parenchymatous cells and aleurone grains.

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 5.5 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 on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9: 1) shows under U.V. (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.05 (blue), 0.32 (faint sky blue) and 0.94 (sky blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour eight spots appear at Rf. 0.05, 0.20, 0.26, 0.39, 0.67, 0.74, 0.94 and 0.98 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Phosphomolybdic acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 105°C eight spots appear at Rf. 0.05, 0.20, 0.26, 0.39, 0.67, 0.74 (all grey), 0.94 and 0.98 both blue).

CONSTITUENTS – A bitter principle ‘Corchorin’ .

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Amla, Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Vatahara, Garbh Anulomaka, Vantikrt, Rakta Pravartaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Sarsapadi, Pralepa, Dasmuladya Ghrta, Muktadya Curna, Kulatthadya Ghrta

THERAPEUTIC USES – Agnimandya, Jvara, Hrdroga, Mukharoga, Raktadosa, Carma Roga, Timra, Angamarda. Garbhasrabakara

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

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UDUMBARA (Fruit)

Udumbara consists of dried fruit of Ficus glomerata Roxb. Syn. F. racemosa Linn. (Fam. Moracem); a large deciduous tree distributed throughout ever green forests in India, upto an elevation of I800 m, in moist localities and bank of streams, and also often planted in villages for shade and its edible fruits.

SYNONYMS

Sansk : Jantuphala, Hemadugdha
Assam : Jambhaij, Jamij
Beng : Jogmadumur
Eng : Cluster Fig
Guj : Umardo
Hindi : Gullar, Gular, Umar
Kan : Athimaro
Kash : —
Mal : Atti
Mar : Umbar
Ori : Dumburi, Dumuri
Punj : Gullar, Umbra, Rumbn
Tam : Atti
Tel : Atti, Medi
Urdu : Goolar, Gular

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Dried syconus fruit, sub-globose with persistent peduncle; 1.0 -2.3 cm long, 0.7 – 1.8 cm in dia., brownish-grey, wrinkled ostiole in apex region, inner hollow receptacle, a few insect debris also found in inner walls of syconus; odour, not distinct; taste, astringent or acrid in unripe fruit.

b) Microscopic

Fruit shows single layered epidermis covered with thick -cuticle having numerous unicellular hooked hairs and reddish-brown content; epidermis followed by 5-8 layers oval to polygonal, collenchymatous cells and oval to polygonal, thinwalled parenchymatous cells respectively; a few rosette crystals of calcium oxalate and reddish content found in collenchymatous cells; vascular traces, laticiferous cavities and pitted, round to oval lignified stone cells, with wide lumen present in parenchymatous zone. Powder – Brown; shows unicellular hooked hairs, epidermal cells and stone cells.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 9 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 15 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9 : 1) shows under UV (366 nm) eight flourescent zones at Rf. 0.05 (light blue), 0.14 (blue), 0.24 (light blue), 0.38 (light blue), 0.45 (light blue), 0.55 (blue), 0.93 (blue) and 0.96 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour nine spots appear at Rf. 0.05, 0.24, 0.38, 0.45, 0.51, 0.55, 0.65, 0.93 and 0.96 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C nine spots appear at Rf. 0.05, 0.24,0.38,0.45, 0.51,0.55,0.63,0.93 and 0.96 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – β-Sitosterol, Lupeol Acetate and Carbohydrates.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Kasaya
Guna : Guru, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Kaphahara, Pittahara, Varnya Ropana, Vrana Sodhana, Bhagna
Sandhanaka, Raktadosahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Marma Gutika

THERAPEUTIC USES – Raktapitta, Murccha, Daha, Trsna, Pradara, Granthi Roga.

DOSE – 10-15 g. of the drug in powder form.

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SARA (Root)

Sara consists of dried roots of Saccharum bengalense Retz. Syn. S. sara Roxb.; S. munja Roxb. (Fam. Poacem); an erect grass attaining a height of 5.5 m, found mainly in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Bengal and Orissa.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Bhadra, Munja
Assam. : —
Beng. : Sara
Eng. : —
Guj. : Sarkat
Hindi. : Sarkand, Moonja
Kan. : Munji Hullu, Hodake Hullu
Kash. : —
Mal. : Ama, Amaveru, Sara, Munjappullu
Mar. : Munja, Trikande
Ori. : Sara
Punj. : Moonja, Sarkanda
Tam. : Munjipul, Munjappullu
Tel. : Munja
Urdu. : Munja, Sarkanda

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Roots numerous, arising from a common root stock, cylindrical, 5-30 cm long, 0.1-0.5 cm in dia., pale straw coloured with attached rootlets, bark papery; fracture splintery.

b) Microscopic

Root shows single layered epidermis consisting of cubicular to rectangular, thinwalled cells; hypodermis single layered composed of parenchymatous cells; beneath hypodermis continuous ring of 2-5 layered, thick-walled, lignified, sclerenchymatous cells found scattered; cortex consisting of oval to round, thinwalled parenchymatous cells, those of inner layers becoming smaller in size and rectangular in shape; endoderm is single layered forming a ring around stele, consisting of tangentially elongated cells; pericycle single layered composed of thinwalled cells; xylem and phloem form equal number of bundles, arranged alternately in rings consisting of usual elements; metaxylem elements much bigger than protoxylem; pith distinct consisting of thinwalled, polygonal, parenchymatous cells having intercellular spaces.

Powder – Light greyish-brown; shows lignified, thick-walled, sclerenchymatous cells, and vessels with reticulate thickenings.

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 4 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 3.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol : Acetic Acid: Water (4:1:5) shows in visible light two spots at Rf. 0.69 and 0.97 (both grey). Under UV (366 nm) five blue fluorescent zones appear at Rf. 0.10, 0.19, 0.35, 0.69 and 0.97. On exposure to Iodine vapour eight spots appear at Rf. 0.05, 0.10, 0.19, 0.35, 0.44, 0.69, 0.80 and 0.97 (all yellowish brown). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 110°C for ten minutes eight spots appear at Rf. 0.10, 0.19,0.35,0.61 (all grey), 0.80 (violet), 0.92 (grey), 0.95 and 0.97 (both violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Sugars.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Anusna
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Balya, Caksusya, Dahahara, Kaphahara, Vrsya, Trtdosahara, Trsnahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Trnapancamula Kvatha Curna, Brahma Rasayana, Sukumara Ghrta

THERAPEUTIC USES – Daha, Aksiroga, Trsna, Visarpa, Mutrakrcchra, Bastisula, Murcha, Bhrama.

DOSE – 20 -50 g. of Kvatha Curna for decoction.
6 -10 g. (Powder).

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USIRA (Root)

Usira consists of dried fragrant fibrous roots of Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) Nash (Fam. Poacem); a densely tufted grass, found throughout the plains and lower hills of the country, especially on the banks of rivers and rich marshy soil, ascending to an altitude of 1200 m.

SYNONYMS

Sansk : Virana, Adhaya, Sevya
Assam : Usir, Virina
Beng : Venarramula, Khaskhas
Eng : Cuscus Grass
Guj : Sugandhi Valo, Valo
Hindi : Khasa, Gandar, Bena, Khas
Kan : Mudivala, Baladaberu, Lamanch, Bala Deberu
Kash : —
Mal : Ramaceam, Vetiver, Lamajja, Ramacham
Mar : Bala, Vala
Ori : Ushira, Benachera
Punj : Panni, Khas
Tam : Vetiver, Vilamichaver
Tel : Vetivelu, Vettiveru
Urdu : Khas

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Clusters of wiry roots upto 2 mm in diameter, minute, longitudinally grooved; colour varies from cream, grey or light yellow to brown; fracture, short and splintery; odour, strong aromatic; taste, slightly bitter.

b) Microscopic

Root shows an epidermis consisting of tangentially elongated cells having brownish content, followed by a layer of hypodermis, consisting of thin-walled cells, similar to epidermis; cortex consisting of 2-3 layers of thick-walled, lignified sclerenchymatous cells towards periphery and mrenchymatous cells towards centre; endoderm is, single layered of barrel-shaped cells with highly thickened inner walls; pericycle many layered with thick-walled, sclerenchymatous cells enclosing radial vascular bundles arranged in a ring; simple, round to oval, starch grains measuring 8-12 n in diameter present in mrenchyma, pericycle and pith 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 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 5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7
Volatile oil Not less than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.10

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4:1 :5) shows under U.V. (366 nm) two fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.49 and 0.72 (both blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour three spots appear at Rf. 0.28, 0.75 and 0.94 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes four spots appear at Rf. 0.19, 0.33, 0.73 and 0.94 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Essential Oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Pacana, Pittaghna, Stambhana, Vataghna, Dabaklantihara, Kaphapttahrt

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Usirasava, Yogarajaguggulu, Sadanga Kvatha Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Jvara, Trsna, Mutrakrcchra, Vrana

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

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SARALA (Heart Wood)

Sarala consists of dried heart wood of Pinus roxburghii Sargent (Fam. Pinacem), a large tree upto 30 m high and 2.5 m in girth, growing on the Himalayas from 600 m to l830m.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Surdhiasuka, Pita Vrksa
Assam. : —
Beng. : Tarper Telargaach, Sarala Gach
Eng. : Long Leaved Pine
Guj. : Saral
Hindi. : Cheed
Kan. : Saral
Kash. : —
Mal. : Saral, Saralam
Mar. : Saral
Ori. : —
Punj. : Cheel
Tam. : Saral, Shirsal
Tel. : Saral
Urdu. : Cheer, Sanobar

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug available as chips of heart wood, yellowish-brown when fresh and becoming brown on exposure; surface, smooth; fracture, short; resin canal strands and growth rings seen on fractured surface; taste, not distinct; odour, resinous and aromatic.

b) Microscopic

Wood non-porous; medullary rays and schizogenous resin ducts present, alternating bands of autumn wood and spring wood present; tracheids of spring wood, large, polygonal in shape and thinner than autumn tracheids; autumn tracheids small and nearly squarish in shape with several bordered pits arranged uniseriately on the radial walls of tracheids; medullary rays mostly uniseriate and upto 6 cells high, biseriate rays, upto 20 cells high, but only occasionally seen; schizogenous resin ducts fairly abundant in autumn wood and spring wood; each duct associated with some thin walled, cellulosic parenchyma.

Powder – Yellowish-brown; shows numerous tracheids and pieces of medullary rays, and few resin debris.

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 0.3 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 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (8 : 2) shows under UV (366 nm) four fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.14 (yellow), 0.28, 0.48 and 0.55 (all sky blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour five spots appear at Rf. 0.14, 0.19, 0.24,0.28 and 0.61 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and on heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes three spots appear at Rf. 0.28, 0.61 and 0.92 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Oleo-resin and Flavonoids.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Snigdha, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphavatasamaka, Vranasodhaka, Svedahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Karpuradyarka, Rajanyadi Curna, Sudarsana Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Karnaroga, Kantha Roga, Aksiroga, Daha, Murccha,Vrana, Kasa Svarabhramsa, Yuka.

DOSE – 1-3 g. in powder form.

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UTPALA (Flower)

Utpala consists of dried flower of Nymphma stellata Willd. (Fam. Nymphacem); an aquatic herb, generally found in tanks and ponds throughout the warmer parts of the country.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Kumuda, Nilotpal
Assam. : —
Beng. : Kumud, Sundi
Eng. : Indian Blue Water Fily
Guj. : Poyanu
Hindi. : Neel Kamal, Kumudinee
Kan. : Neeltare
Kash. : —
Mal. : Ambal Poovu
Mar. : Kamoda, Neel Kamal
Ori. : —
Punj. : Neel Kamal, Kamalini
Tam. : Alli, Ambal
Tel. : Allitamara, Kaluvapoovu
Urdu. : Neelofar

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug occurs mostly in broken form of varying sizes of dried pieces of flowers and buds, dark brown, attached with a pedicel of 0.5-1.0 cm long when present; sepals-5 – 6 cm long, 1.5 – 2.0 cm wide, oblong, lanceolate, tip acute or subacute, free, adnate to base of disc; petals – 3.5 – 4.5 cm long 2.0-2.5 cm wide, linear-oblong or lanceolate, yellowish-brown; stamen- 6 to indefinite, free, adnate to fleshy thalamus; filamentsdilated at base; anther – with lingual appendages, introrse, dithecous; gynoecium 3 to indefinite, enclosed by thalamus; style short; ovary unilocular.

b) Microscopic

Sepal – Single layered epidermis on either side, unicellular hairs present on upper epidermis; both epidermis followed by 4-6 layers of collenchymatous cells with angular thickenings; central region occupied by 4-5 layers of elongated, thin-walled, spongy parenchymatous cells; large stellate air canals and vascular tissues present in this region; tanniniferous content present in collenchymatous cells.

Petal -Epidermis on either side, followed by 2-3 layers of collenchymatous cells, central region composed of 3-4 layers, elongated spongy parenchyma; stellate air canals and vascular stellate tissues present in this region; tanniniferous contents also found scattered in petals.

Stamen – Single layered upper and lower epidermis, followed by 2-3 layers, rounded to oval, large parenchymatous cells; 3-4 layers elongated parenchymatous cells present in centre; stellate air canals present in this region; anther shows 4 splitting pollen chambers attached with parenchymatous connective tissues, vascular tissues and stellate idioblasts present in this region, endothecium consisting of single layered columnar cells, stromium in both the chambers and a few rounded 22 – 27 n in dia., pollen grains having thick smooth, exine and a thin intine.

Powder – Brown; shows groups of parenchymatous cells, stellate air canals, uniseriate hairs, yellowish-brown rounded pollen grains, measuring 22 – 27 n in dia., having ‘thick, smooth, exine and thin intine.

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 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 22 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Chloroform :
Ethylacetate : Formic acid (5 : 4 : 1) shows in visible light three spots at Rf. 0.59, 0.68 and 0.81 (all bluish grey). On spraying with 10% Ferric Chloride solution (aqueous) two spots appear at Rf. 0.68 and 0.81 (both blue and correspond to that of Tannic acid).

CONSTITUENTS – Tannins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Kasaya
Guna : Picchila, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Kesya, Medhya, Pittanasaka, Rucya, Rasayana, Dahapausikara, Daha, Dradhykara, Raktaprasadak.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Asokarista, Arvindasava, Usirasava, Candanasava, Kalyanaka Ghrta, Samangadi Curna, Kanaka Taila, Jatyadi Taila, Tungadrumadi Taila, Manjesthadi Taila, Candanadi Lauha, Triphala Ghrta.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Pipasa Daha, Raktapitta, Chardi, Murccha, Hrdraoga, Mutra Kecchra, Jvaratisara.

DOSE – 3-6 g. of the drug.

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SARALA (Root)

Sarala consists of dried root of Pinus roxburghii Sargent. (Fam. Pinacem); a large tree upto 30 m high and 2.5 m in girth, growing on the Himalayas from 600m to 1830m.

SYNONYMS

Sansk : Surabhidaruka, Pita Vrksa
Assam : —
Beng : Tarpin Telargaach, Sarala Gaach
Eng : Long Leaved Pine
Guj : Sarala
Hindi : Cheel
Kan : Sarala
Kash : —
Mal : Sarala, Saralam
Mar : Sarala
Ori : —
Punj : Cheel
Tam : Sarala, Shirsal
Tel : Sarala
Urdu : Cheer, Sanobar

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root well-developed, 3-3.5 cm thick, hard, woody, cylindrical; reddishbrown; surface rough due to longitudinal and transverse striations; fracture, hard; no smell and taste.

b) Microscopic

Mature root shows 10-15 layers of thin-walled, tangentially elongated cork cells filled with tannin; secondary cortex consists of a wide zone of thin-walled, rectangular to polygonal elongated cells mostly filled with starch grains, and of embedded resin canals; phloem a narrow strand composed of sieve tubes, parenchyma and phloem rays; tannin and starch grains also present in this region; xylem composed of tracheids, medullary rays and embedded resin ducts; tracheids thickwalled, with bordered pits; xylem rays 1-2 cells wide and filled with starch grains; simple, round to oval, rarely elongated starch grains, measuring 11-25 n in dia.

Powder – Reddish-brown; shows fragments of cork cells, tracheids with bordered pits, resin canals, simple round to oval, starch grains measuring 11-25 n in dia. and fragment of phloem and xylem rays filled with starch grains.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.3 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 8 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 3 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Chloroform :
Methanol (9:1) shows under U.V. (366 nm) three fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.75, 0.88 and 0.96 (all blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour five spots appear at Rf. 0.17, 0.53, 0.75, 0.88 and 0.96 (all yellow). On spryaing with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes three spots appear at Rf. 0.75, 0.88 and 0.96 (all grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Resins – Oleo-resin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Snigdha, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphavatasamaka, Vranasodhaka, Svedahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Karpuradyarka, Rajanyadi Curna, Sudarsana Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Karna Roga, Kantha Roga, Aksi Roga, Daha,Vrana, Kasa, Svarabhramsa

DOSE – 1-3 g. in powder form.

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SARSAPA (Seed)

Sarsapa consists of dried seed of Brassica campestris Linn. (Fam. Brassicacem), an erect, stout, simple or branched, glaucous, annual herb, 50 to 60 cm tall with amplexicaul leaves, commonly cultivated in Bengal, Bihar, D.P. and Punjab, and also found occasionally as an escape in waste places and fields.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Katusneha, Siddhartha
Assam. : —
Beng. : Sarisa
Eng. : Mustard
Guj. : Sarasad, Rai
Hindi. : Saraso
Kan. : Sasuve, Sasuvm, Sasive
Kash. : —
Mal. : Katuka
Mar. : Mohari
Ori. : —
Punj. : Sarayo, Sarson
Tam. : Kaduga
Tel. : Avalu
Urdu. : Sarson

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seeds small, slightly oblong, pale or reddish-brown, bright, smooth, 1.2- 1.5 mm in dia.; under magnifying glass it is seen to be minutely reticulated; taste, bitter and sharp.

b) Microscopic

Seed shows single layered colourless testa followed by 3-5 layered, non-lignified, hexagonal, thick-walled cells filled with yellowish-brown contents; embryo and endosperm consists of hexagonal, thin-walled parenchymatous cells containing oil globules.

Powder – Yellow in colour with brown particles and oily, slightly bitter and sharp in taste; shows frequently thick-walled, fragments of reddish-brown cells of hypodermis, yellowish hyaline masses.

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 8 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 16 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 the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9 : 1) shows under UV (366 nm) two fluorescent zones at Rf. O. 12 and 0.59 (both blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour three spots appear at Rf. 0.12, 0.59 and 0.70 (all yellow). On spraying with Anisaldehyde-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 1050 C three spots appear at Rf. 0.12, 0.59 and 0.70 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Fixed Oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Snigdha, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Kaphahara, Pittakara, Vatahara, Vidaha, Hrdya.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Maha Yogaraja Guggulu, Karpasasthyadi Taila, Kunkumadi Taila, Prabhanjana Vimardana Taila, Vajraka Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kandu, Kustha, Kosthakrmi, Grahabadha.

DOSE – 0.5-1 g. in paste form.

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SATAPATRIKA (Flower)

Satapatrika consists of dried flower of Rosa centifolia Linn. (Fam. Rosacem); a small erect shrub, 1-1.8 m high, cultivated in gardens.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Devataruni, Karnika,
Assam. : Varde Ahamar
Beng. : Golap
Eng. : Rose
Guj. : Moshamee Gulab
Hindi. : Gulab
Kan. : Rojahu
Kash. : –
Mal. : Rosappoovu
Mar. : Gulab
Ori. : —
Punj. : Gulab
Tam. : Rojapoo
Tel. : Rojapuvvu, Gulabi
Urdu. : Gulab, Ward

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Flower stalked, pinkish-yellow, consists of sepals, petals and stamens attached to pedicel with thalamus at the base; stalk 0.6-3.5 cm long, light green, slender, covered with numerous prickles and hairs; thalamus 1.0-1.8 cm long, light greenishbrown, covered with numerous prickles and hairs; sepal 5, free, 1.3-2.4 cm long, unequal, leaflike, upper part creamish-green and light yellowish-green on lower part, having glandular hairs; petals numerous, pinkish-yellow, 1.5-4.2 cm long, 1.3-2.5 cm wide, smooth obovate to sub-cordate; stamens numerous, free, unequal, dorsifixed, darkbrown; filament 0.3-0.5 cm long; carpels many free, ovary inferior; styles lateral, hairy, free; stigma terminal; taste, astringent; odour, aromatic.

b) Microscopic

Sepal – Shows single layered epidermis on both surfaces; numerous long, unicellular hairs present on upper surface, a few glandular hairs on lower surface; both epidermises followed by a wide zone of mesophyll consisting of round to oval, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; a number of vascular bundles found scattered in this region. Petal – Shows lower epidermis papillose and without cuticle; upper epidermis single layered with thin striated cuticle, followed by mesophyll consisting of oval to polygonal, elliptical, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells; a number of vascular bundles found scattered in this zone.

Powder – Light-brown in colour; fragments of petal of epidermis consisting of thinwalled, sinuous cells extended to form papillm; xylem vessel with spiral thickenings long, pointed, uniseriate, unicellular hair and stalked capitate glandular hairs; abundant, smooth, spherical pollen grains, measuring 27- 41 n in dia., containing clear intine and exine with three distinct pores.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 7.5 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 15 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 the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ using n-Butanol : Acetic acid:
Water (5:1:4) shows in visible light six spots at Rf. 0.42 (violet), 0.50 (pink), 0.66, 0.82, 0.87 and 0.92 (all yellow). Under U.V. (366 nm) five fluorescent zones are visible at Rf. 0.42 (blue), 0.50 (pink), 0.82, 0.87 and 0.92 (all blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour six spots appear at Rf. 0.42 (grey), 0.50 (pinkish grey), 0.66, 0.82, 0.87 and 0.92 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 110°C eight spots appear at Rf. 0.19 (greyish black), 0.32 (greyish black), 0.42, 0.50 (both violet), 0.66, 0.82, 0.87 and 0.92 (all brown).

CONSTITUENTS – Essential Oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Sukrakara, Dipana, Hrdya, Kaphahara, Netrya, Pittahara, Vatahara, Varnaya.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Vasanta Kusumakara Rasa, Tarunarka (Gulabjala), Pravala Pisti, Mukta Pisti, Zahara Mohara Pisti, Trnakanta Mani Pisti

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kustha, Daha, Mukhasphota, Raktapitta, Raktavikara.

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

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SIMSAPA (Heart Wood)

Simsapa consists of dried heart wood of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. (Fam. Fabacem), a medium sized, deciduous tree, found in western Himalayas upto 1220 m altitude and from Sikkim to upper Assam, and extensively planted throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Krsana Sara, Syama
Assam. : —
Beng. : Shishu
Eng. : Sissoo Tree
Guj. : Sisam
Hindi. : Seesam
Kan. : Eragundimavu, Bindi
Kash. : —
Mal. : Irupoola
Mar. : Sisu, Shisav
Ori. : Sisu, Sinsapa
Punj. : Sheesham
Tam. : Irupoolai
Tel. : Irugudu, Virugudu, Sissoo
Urdu. : Sheesham

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug consists of pieces of wood of variable lengths and widths, brown, very hard and strong; close-grained, annual ring not distinct, rays fine, pores uniformly distributed joined by wavy concentric bands; fracture hard and tough.

b) Microscopic

Heart wood shows well developed xylem, consisting of usual elements, vessels simple pitted, solitary or 2-3 in groups, arranged in radial rings, a few contain reddishbrown content; parenchyma thick walled and paratracheal; medullary rays 1-3 cells wide; fibres abundant in numbers and present in groups alternating with the bands of xylem parenchyma.

Powder – Brown; under microscope shows fibres, tracheids and parenchymatous cells.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Identification –
Fluorescence test on aqueous and alcoholic extracts
i) 5 g. extracted in 100 ml of water and filtered shows in day light – light-brown colour; under U.V. light (366 nm) greenish-brown, and under U.V. light (254 nm) yellowishgreen.
ii) 5 g. extracted in 100 ml of alcohol and filtered shows in day light – darkbrown colour; under U.V. light (366 nm) dark-brown, and under U.V. light (254) dark-brown.

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 0.1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 7 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (7: 3) in visible light shows nine spots at Rf. 0.14, 0.19, 0.27 (all grey), 0.52 (yellow), 0.56, 0.62, 0.70, 0.75 and 0.86 (all grey. Under UV (366 nm) five fluorescent zones appear at Rf. 0.19 (yellowish blue), 0.27, 0.42 (both light blue), 0.52 and 0.70 (both blue). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C eleven spots appear at Rf. 0.19(orange), 0.27, 0.30 (both grey), 0.36 (yellowish grey), 0.47 (grey), 0.52 (green), 0.56 (grey), 0.62 (light green), 0.70 (grey), 0.86 (geen) and 0.88 (grey).

CONSTITUENTS – Fixed Oil, Essential Oil, Tannins and Flavonoids.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Guru, Picchila
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphahara, Medohara, Pittahara, Vatahara, Varnya, Kaphavisosna, Medovisosana, Sukradosahara, Saiya, Rucikara Gabrhapatini Sosahai Pipana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS –Ayaskri, Narasimiha Ghrta, Mahakhadira Ghrta

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kustha, Krmi, Daha, Svitra, Vrana, Mutrasarkara, Basti Roga, Hikka, Prameha, Arsa, Jvara, Gulma, Asmari, Atisara, Rakta Vikara, Sosa, Sopha, Pandu, Chardi, Pinasa, Dusta Vrana, Vasameha, Sarvajvara

DOSE – 5 -10 g. of the drug in powder form.
10 -20 g. for decoction.

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SIMSAPA (Stem Bark)

Simsapa consists of dried stem bark of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. (Fam. Fabacem); a medium sized, deciduous tree, found in Western Himalayas upto 1220 m altitude, and from Sikkim to upper Assam, and extensively planted throughout the country.

SYNONYMS

Sansk. : Krsana Sara, Syama
Assam. : —
Beng. : Shishu
Eng. : Sissoo Tree
Guj. : Siram
Hindi. : Seesam
Kan. : Eragundimavu, Bindi
Kash. : —
Mal. : Irupoola
Mar. : Sisu, Shisav
Ori. : Sisu, Sinsapa
Punj. : Sheesham
Tam. : Irupoolai
Tel. : Irugudu, Virugudu, Sissoo
Urdu. : Sheesham

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Bark 3-5 cm long, curved or flat, fibrous, cut pieces; external surface rough with shallow, broad longitudinal fissures, exfoliating in irregular, woody strips and scales; pale yellow to dark reddish-brown; fracture, fibrous.

b) Microscopic

Mature stem bark consists of 6-25 or more rows of rectangular, thin-walled, radially arranged cork cells, a few outer layers exfoliating; secondary cortex wide consisting of round or oval, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, a number of groups of sclerenchymatous cells, found scattered throughout secondary cortex, a few cortical cells contain prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; secondary phloem very wide consisting of usual elements of thin-walled cells and tangential strips of phloem fibres; collapsed, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells present in tangential strips throughout the secondary phloem; most of phloem fibres and parenchyma cells contain prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; phloem rays short, uni to triseriate, consisting of radially elongated, thin-walled, parenchymatous. cells.

Powder – Light brown; shows thin-walled parenchymatous cells, phloem fibres, fragments of cork cells and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2
Total ash Not more than 14 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 5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 7 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7

T.L.C. –

T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9 : 1) shows under UV (366 nm) five fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.28, 0.59, 0.71, 0.78 and 0.93 (all blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour six spots appear at Rf. 0.34, 0.51, 0.59, 0.71. 0.75 and 0.78 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for fifteen minutes at 105° C six spots appear at Rf. 0.34, 0.51, 0.59, 0.71, 0.75, 0.78 (all violet).

CONSTITUENTS – Flavonoids.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Balya, Rucikara, Tridosahara, Vamaka, Vransodhana, Garbhapatkar, Medoara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Narasimhaghrta Rasayana

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kustha, Svitra, Krmi, Bastiroga , Dusta, Vrana, Daha, Kandu, Hikka, Sopha, Visarpa, Pinasa

DOSE – 3-6 g. of the drug in powder form
50-100 ml of the drug for decoction

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