Ayush

SVETAJIRAKA

Svetajiraka consists of ripe fruits of Cuminum cyminum, Linn. (Fam. Umbelliferm), a glabrous, annual herb, 30-90 cm hight, flowers very small, white, about 38 mm long stalk in compound umbels, mostly cultivated in plains, plants pulled out, dried thrashed for collecting mature fruits.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Ajaji, Jiraka, Ajajika
Assamese : Jira
Bengali : Jira, Sadajira
English : Cumin seed. Cumin
Gujrati : Jirautmi, Jirn, Jiraugi, Jeeru, Jirun
Hindi : Jira, Safed jira
Kannada : Jirage, Bilejirege
Kashmiri : Safed Zoor
Malayalam : Jeerakam
Marathi : Pandhare jire
Oriya : Dhalajeera, Dalajira, Jira
Punjabi : Safed Jira, Chitta Jira
Tamil : Sheeragam, Chirakam, Jeerakam
Telugu : Jilakarra, Tella Jilakarra
Urdu : Zirah, Zirasafed

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit, a cremocarp, often separated into mericarps, brown with light coloured ridges ellipsoidal, elongated, about 4-6 mm long, 2 mm wide, tapering at ends and slightly compressed laterally, mericarps with 5 longitudinal hairy primary ridges from base to apex, alternating with 4 secondary ridges which are flatter and bear conspicuous emergences, seeds orthospermous, odour umbelliferous characteristic, taste, richly spicy.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of fruit shows epidermis consisting of short polygonal, tabular cells densely covered with short, bristle hairs on ridges, mesocarp with few layers of parenchyma and five vascular bundles under five primary ridges, six vittm under secondary ridges, four on dorsal and two on commissural surface, endocarp consists of polygonal cells containing fixed oil and aleurone grains carpophore consists of slender fibres.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 8 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 7 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 15 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Essential oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Grahi, Krmighna, Kaphavatahara, Pacana, Rucya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Hingvadi Curna, Jirakadyarista, Jirakadimodaka, Hi nguvacadi Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Agnimandya, Atisara, Krmiroga

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

Goto Main Page

SVETA SARIVA

Sveta Sariva consists of root of Hemidesmus indicus (Linn.) R. Br. (Fam. Asclepiadacem), a prostrate or semi-erect shrub found throughout India from upper Gangetic plains east-wards to Assam, throughout Central, Western and Southern India upto an elevation of 600 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Ananta, Gopasuta, Sariva
Assamese : Vaga Sariva
Bengali : Anantamul, Shvetashariva
English : Indian Sarasa Parilla
Gujrati : Upalsari, Kabri
Hindi : Anantamul
Kannada : Namada veru, Bili Namadaberu, Anantamool, Sogadeberu,
Namadaberu
Kashmiri : Anant mool
Malayalam : Nannari, Nannar, Naruneendi
Marathi : Upalsari, Anantamula
Oriya : Dralashvan Lai Anantamool
Punjabi : Anantmool, Ushbah
Tamil : Ven Nannar
Telugu : Sugandhi Pala, Tella Sugandhi
Urdu : Ushba Hindi

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Roots occur in pieces, about 30 cm long and 3-8 mm in diameter, cylindrical, thick, hard, somewhat tortuous, sparcely branched, provided with few thick rootlets and secondary roots, external appearance dark brown, sometimes with violet grey tinge, centre yellow, woody, surrounded by a mealy white cortical layer, bark brownish, corky, marked with transverse cracks and longitudinal fissures and easily detachable from the hard central core, odour, characteristic, taste, sweetish, slightly acrid and aromatic.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of root shows periderm consisting of three layers of tissues, cork, cork cambium and secondary cortex, cork cells radially flattened and rectangular in appearance filled with dark brown contents giving reactions of tannins, cork cambium, 2 or 3 layered, compressed, and filled with deep brown contents, secondary cortex, 3-4 layers of cells, similar to cork cells, with very little or no dark brown contents, secondary phloem consists of sieve elements, parenchyma, phloem ray cells along with several laticiferous ducts, parenchyma cells filled with starch grains, diameter 7-10 n, occasional prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, laticiferous ducts scattered in parenchymatous tissue, cambium very narrow: xylem traversed by narrow medullary rays, vessels and tracheids characterised by the presence of pitted markings, pith absent and central region occupied by woody tissues.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 15 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 13 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Easential oil, saponin, resin, tannins, sterols and glucosides.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Raktasodhaka, Visaghna, Tridosanasana, Dipana, Amanasana, Jvarahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Sarivadyasava

THERAPEUTIC USES – Agnimandya, Aruci, Atisara, Svasa, Jvara, Kasa, Kandu, Kustha, Raktavikara

DOSE – 20-30 g of the drug for decoction.

Goto Main Page

TAGARA

Tagara consists of predominantly dried rhizome, stolon and small portion of root of Valeriana wallichii DC, (Fam.Valerianacem): a hairy perennial herb, growing in temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan and Khasia hiils upto an altitude of 3,000 m, rhizomes dug in autumn, well washed with water and dried.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Kalanusari, Kalanusarika, Nata
Assamese : Tagar
Bengali : Tagar Paduka
English : Indian Valerian
Gujrati : Tagar Ganthoda, Tagar Gantho, Ghodawaj
Hindi : Mushkbala, Sugandhabala
Kannada : Mandibattal, Mandyavanthu, Mandibattalu, Tagar
Kashmiri : Bala, Mushkbala
Malayalam : Thakaram
Marathi : Tagar, Ganthode
Oriya : Tagarapaduka, Jalashiuli
Punjabi : Mushkobala, Sugandhbala
Tamil : Tagarai
Telugu : Grandhi Tagaramu
Urdu : Tagar

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Rhizome, of about 4-8 cm long and 4-10 mm thick pieces, dull yellowish-brow. sub-cylindrica1 and dorsiventrally somewhat flattened, rough, slightly curved and unbranched, upper surface marked with raised encircling leaf scars, under surface bearing numerous, small, circular prominent, root scars and a few stout rootlets, crown bearing remains of mrial stems with scale leaves, fracture short and horny, stolon connecting rhizomes stout, 1-5 mm long and 2-4 mm thick, yellowish-grey in colour, longitudinally wrinkled, usually with nodes and internodes and bearing adventitious roots, occasionally thin stolons 1-2 mm thick, root, yellowish-brown, 3-5 cm long and 1 mm thick, odour, strong and reminiscent of isovaleric acid, taste, bitter and somewhat camphoraceous.

b) Microscopic

Rhizome – transverse section of rhizome shows cork, consisting of 4-14 layers of lignified, cells occasionally containing oil globules, cortex parenchymatous containing numerous starch grain oil globules and yellowish-brown substance, outer 2 or 3 layers of cortex, collenchymatous occasional root traces appear as paler strands, endodermis single layered, pericycle, pareachymatous .and within it 12-18 collateral vascular bundles, separated by dark medullary ray present, pith large, parenchymatous, lacunar, containing starch grams, starch occurs as single or occasional compound grains of two components, individual grains being 7-30 n mostly, 10-25 n in diameter calcium oxalate crystals absent.

Stolon–transverse section of stolon shows cork, consisting of 2-5 layers, cortex upto 25 layers, pareachymatous, followed by 20 collateral vascular bundles, which in young stolons separated by cellulosic parenchymatous medullary rays and in older stolons become lignified, pith wide and lacunar, root traces absent.

Root– transverse section of root shows small, central parenchymatous pith, surroundod by tetrach to polyarch xylem and a wide parenchymatous bark.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 12 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 30 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 19 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Essential oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Snigdha
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Visaghna, Tridosahara, Raktadosahara, Manasadoshara.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Dhanvantara Taila, Mahanarayana Taila, Devadarvadyarisa, Jatiphaladi Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Netraroga, Apasmara, Unmada, Siroroga

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

Goto Main Page

TAMALAKI

Tamalaki consists of root, stem and leaf of Phyllanthus fraternus Webst. Syn. Phyllanthus niruri Hook. f. non Linn. (Fam. Euphorbiacem), an annual herb, 20-60 cm high, found in Central and Southern India extending to Ceylon.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Mahidhatrika, Bhumyamalaki, Bahuphala
Assamese : Bhuin Amla
Bengali : Bhumamla, Bhumi amalaki
English : —
Gujrati : Bhoi Amali, Bhony amari, Bhonyamali
Hindi : Bhui Amala
Kannada : Nelanelli
Kashmiri : Kath
Malayalam : Kizanelli, Keezhanelli, Ajjhada
Marathi : Bhuiawali
Oriya : Bhuin Amla
Punjabi : Lodhar
Tamil : Kizhukai nelli, Kizanelli
Telugu : Nela usirika
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root-small, 2.5-11 .0 cm long. nearly straight, gradually tapering, with a number of fibrous secondary and tertiary roots, external surface light brown, fracture, short.

Stem-Slender, gabrous, light brown, cylindrical, 20-75 cm long, branching profuse towards upper region bearing 5-10 pairs of leaves, internode, 1-3.5 cm long, odour, indistinct, taste, slightly bitter.

Leaf-compound and leaf-let arranged in two rows with a rachis, alternate, opposite and decussate almost sessile, stipulate, oblong, entire, upto 1.5 cm long and 0.5 cm wide, greenish-brown in colour, odour, indistinct, taste, slightly bitter

b) Microscopic

Root-transverse section shows, 4-6 layers of cork consisting of thin-walled, rectangular, tangentially elongated and radially arranged cells, filled With reddish-brown content, secondary cortex consists of 8-10 layers of thin-walled, tangentially elongated parenchymatous cells, secondary phloem narrow consisting of sieve elements, phloem parenchyma and traversed by narrow phloem rays, secondary xylem represented by a broad zone of tissues, composed of vessels, tracheids, fibres and parenchyma, all elements being thick-walled and lignified having simple pits, xylem rays uniseriate.

Stem-transverse section shows, a single layered epidermis composed of thick-walled, flattened, tangentially elongated cells, older stem shows 4-5 layers of cork, composed of thin-walled, tabular, tangentially elongated and radially arranged cells, filled With reddish-brown content, cortex composed of 4-6 layers of oval, tangentially elongated, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, some cortical cells filled with yellowish-brown content, endodermis quite distinct, pericycle represented by a discontinuous ring, composed of several tangentially elongated strands of lignified fibres with thick walls and narrow lumen, secondary phloem narrow, composed of sieve elements, dispersed in mass of phloem parenchyma, secondary xylem composed of vessels, fibres, parenchyma and traversed by numerous uniseriate rays, vessels mostly simple pitted, a few show spiral thickenings, fibres narrow elongated, with narrow or sometimes blunt ends with simple pits, centre, occupied by a pith composed of thin-walled, circular to oval parenchymatous cells, occasionally cluster crystals of calcium oxalate present in parenchymatous cells of ground tissue.

Leaf-transverse section of leaf shows, a biconvex outline, epidermis on either side, single layered covered externally by a thick cuticle, a palisade layer present beneath upper epidermis, intercepted by a few parenchymatous cells in the middle, meristele composed of small strands of xylem towards upper surface and phloem towards lower surface, rest of tissue of leaf composed of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells some having cluster crystals of calcium oxalate, lamina shows a dorsiventral structure, mesophyll differentiated into palisade and spongy parenchyma, epidermis on either side composed of thin-wa1led, tangentially elongated cells, covered externally by a thick cuticle, anisocytic type stomata present on both epidermises, palisade single layered, mesophyll composed of 3-5 layers of loosely arranged cells having a number of veins traversed in this region, a few cluster crystals of calcium oxalate present in spongy parenchyma.

Powder-Powder of the drug, brown coloured, under microscope shows, fragments of cork cells, vessels and fibres.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 16 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 7 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 13 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Phyllanthin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Mutrala, Rocana, Dahanasani, Pittasamaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Cyavanaprasa, Citraka Haritaki, Madhuyastyddi Taila, Pippalyddi Ghrta, Satavariguda

THERAPEUTIC USES – Amlapitta, Kasa, Ksaya, Kustha, Pandu, Prameha, Trsa, Ksata, Mutraroga

DOSE – 10-20 ml of the drug in juice form.
3-6 of the drug in powder form.

Goto Main Page

TVAK

Tvak is the dried inner bark (devoid of cork and cortex) of the coppiced shoots of stem of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. (Fam. Lauracem), a moderate sized evergreen tree usually attaining a height of 6-7 .5 m, cultivated on the Western Ghats and adjoining hills, bark collected during April-July and October-December.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Darusita
Assamese : Dalcheni
Bengali : Daruchini, Darchini
English : Cinnamon bark
Gujrati : Dalchini
Hindi : Dalchini
Kannada : Dalchini Chakke
Kashmiri : Dalchini, Dalchin
Malayalam : Karuvapatta, Ilavarngathely
Marathi : Dalchini
Oriya : Dalechini, Guda twak
Punjabi : Dalchini, Darchini
Tamil : Lavangapattai, Karuvapattai
Telugu : Lavangapatta, Dalchini chekka
Urdu : Darchini

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Bark pieces about 0.5 mm thick, brittle, occurs as single or double, closely packed compound quills, upto a metre or more in length and upto about 1 cm in diameter, outer surface, dull yellowish-brown, marked with pale wavy longitudinal lines with occasional small scars or holes, inner surface darker in colour, striated with longitudinally elongated reticulation, fracture, splintery, free from all but traces of cork, odour, fragrant, taste, sweet, aromatic with sensation of warmth.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of bark (devoid of cork and c.ortex) shows except at certain places pericyclic sclerenchyma, 3 or 4 rows of isodiametric cells, sometimes tangentially elongated, inner and radial walls often being thicker than the outer, some containing starch grains, small groups of pericylic fibres embedded at intervals in the sclerenchyma, phloem of tangential bands of sieve tissue alternating with parenchyma, and containing axially elongated secreting cells containing volatile oil or mucilage, phloem fibres with very thick walls, upto 30 n in diameter, isolated or in short tangential rows, sieve tubes narrow with transverse sieve plates, collapsed in outer periphery, medullary rays of isodiametric cells, mostly 2 cells wide, cortical parenchyma and medullary rays containing small starch grains mostly below 10 n in diameter, minute acicular crystals of calcium oxalate present.

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 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 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Volatile oil Not less than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.10.

CONSTITUENTS – Essential oil, tannin and mucilage.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphavatahara, Rucya, Visaghna, Kanthasuddhikara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Sitopaladi Curna, Caturjata Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Arsa, Hrdroga, Krmiroga, Trsa, Mukhasosa, Kanthamukharoga, Pinasa, Vastiroga

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

Goto Main Page

TVAKPATRA

Tvakpatra consists of dried mature leaves of Cinnamomum tamala (Buch. Ham.) Nees & Eberm. (Fam. Lauracem): a small evergreen tree upto 7.5 m high and occurs in tropical, sub- tropical Himalayas between 900-2300 m, often raised from seeds, sown in nursery, leaves collected in dry weather from about ten years old plant during October- March.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Patra, Varanga, Coca
Assamese : Tejpat, Mahpat
Bengali : Tejpatra, Tejpata
English : Indian Cinnamon
Gujrati : Tamala patra, Develee
Hindi : Tejpatra
Kannada : Tamalapatra, Dalchini Ele
Kashmiri : Dalchini pan, Tajpatra
Malayalam : Karuvapatta patram
Marathi : Tamalpatra
Oriya : Tejapatra
Punjabi : Tajpater
Tamil : Lavangapatri
Telugu : Akupatri
Urdu : Tezpat

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Leaves-12.5-20 cm long, 5-7.5 cm wide at the centre, 3 converging nerves from base to apex young leaves pink, petiole 7.5-13 mm long, margin entire, apex acute or accuminate, both surfaces smooth, stomata paracytic odour, aromatic, taste, slightly sweet, mucilaginous and aromatic.

b) Microscopic

Petiole and midrib-transverse section of petiole and midrib shows epidermis externally covered with cuticle, uniseriate, multicellular (1 to 3 cells), trichomes present, oil cells single or in group, isolated large stone cells, much lignified showing striations found scattered, most of the parenchymatous cells of cortex with reddish-brown contents, pericycle represented by a few layers of sclerenchymatous cells, stele more or less planoconvex as in the midrib of leaf, xylem on upper and phloem on lower side consisting of usual elements, present.

Lamina-transverse section of lamina shows dorsiventral structure, represented by palisade tissue on upper and spongy parenchyma on lower side, epidermis same as in midrib, externally covered with cuticle, below upper epidermis single row of closely packed palisade layer followed by multilayered, irregular, thin-walled cells of spongy parenchyma without intercellular spaces, idioblasts containing oil globules present in mesophyll and also in palisade, lower epidermis covered externally with cuticle, lamina intervened by several small veinlets: vascular bundles covered with thick-walled fibres on both side.

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 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 6 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 9 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Volatile oil Not less than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.10.

CONSTITUENTS – Essential oils (d-α phellandrene and eugenol).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu
Guna : Laghu, Picchila, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphavatahara, Rucya, Arsoghna

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Citrakadi Taila, Kasisadi Taila, Vajraka Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Arsa, Aruci, Pinasa, Hrllasa

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

Goto Main Page

UDUMBARA

Udumbara consists of dried bark of Ficus racemosa Linn. Syn. Ficus glomerata Roxb. (Fam. Moracem), a large deciduous tree distributed all over india, found throughout the year, grows in evergreen forests, moist localities and bank of streams to the elevation of 1800 m, often cultivated in villages for shade and its edible fruits.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Sadaphala
Assamese : Jangedumuru, Yagyadimru
Bengali : Jagnadumur, Yagnadumur
English : Cluster Fig. Country fig.
Gujrati : Umbro, Umerdo, Umardo, Umarado
Hindi : Gulara, Gular
Kannada : Attihanninamara, Oudumbara, Athimara, Attigida
Kashmiri : Rumbal
Malayalam : Athi
Marathi : Atti, Gular, Umber
Oriya : Jajnadimbri, Dimbiri
Punjabi : Kath Gular, Gular
Tamil : Atti
Telugu : Atti, Medi
Urdu : Gular

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Bark greyish-green, surface soft and uneven, 0.5-1.8 cm thick, on rubbing white papery flakes come out from outer surface, inner surface light brown, fracture fibrous, taste, mucilaginous without any characteristic odour.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of bark shows cork, 3-6 layers of thin-walled cells filled with brownish content, cork cambium single layered, secondary cortex 6-12 layered, composed of thin-walled rectangular cells arranged regularly, a number of secondary cortex cells contain starch grains and some contain rhomboidal crystals of calcium oxalate, most of the cells filled with chloroplast giving green appearance, cortex a fairly wide zone composed of circular to oblong, thin-walled cells, containing orange-brown content, most of the cells filled with simple and compound starch grains, a number of cells also contain cubical and rhomboidal crystals of calcium oxalate, some cortical cells get lignified with pitted walls found scattered singly or in large groups throughout cortical region, secondary phloem a very wide zone composed of parenchyma with patches of sieve tubes, companion cells by medullary rays, phloem parenchyma circular to oval and thin-walled, phloem fibres much elongated, lignified, very heavily thickened and possess a very narrow lumen: medullary rays uni to pentaseriate widen towards peripheral region , a number of ray cells also get lignified and show pitted wall as described above, laticiferous cells also found in phloem region similar to parenchyma but filled with small granular masses, starch grains and rhomboidal crystals of calcium oxalate also found in most of phloem parenchyma and ray cells, cambium, when present, 2-3 layered, of tangentially elongated thin-walled cells.

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 1 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 9 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Tannins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Kasaya
Guna : Guru, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kaphapittasamaka, Medohara, Mutrasangrahaniya, Vranasodhaka, Vranaropaka, Raktastambhana.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Nyagrodhadi Kvatha Curna, Mutrasangrahaniya Kasaya Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Daha, Medoroga, Raktapitta, Yonidosa

DOSE – 3-6 g of the drug in powder form.
20-30 g of the drug for decoction.

Goto Main Page

UPAKUNCIKA

Upakuncika consists of seeds of Nigella sativa Linn. (Fam. Ranunculacem), a small herb, 45 -60 cm high, mostly cultivated in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar and Assam.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Sthulajiraka, Upakunci, Susavi
Assamese : —
Bengali : Mota Kalajira, Kalajira
English : Small Fennel, Nigella Seed
Gujrati : Kalonji jeeru, Kalounji
Hindi : Kalaunji, Mangaraila
Kannada : Karijirige
Kashmiri : Kath
Malayalam : Karinjirakam
Marathi : Kalaunji jire, Kalejire
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Kalvanji
Tamil : Karunjeerakam, Karunjiragam
Telugu : Peddajila karra
Urdu : Kalongi

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seeds, flattened, oblong, angular, rugulose tubercular, small, funnel shaped, 0.2 cm. long and 0.1 cm. wide, black, odour, slightly aromatic, taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of seed shows single layer of epidermis consisting of elliptical, thick-walled cells covered externally by a papillose cuticle, filled with reddish-brown content, epidermis followed by 2-4 layers of thick-walled, tangentially elongated, parenchymatous cells, followed by a pigmented layer composed of tangentially elongated, cylindrical thick-walled cells filled with reddish-brown pigment, below pigmented layer, parenchyma composed of thick-walled rectangular, radially elongated cells, present in a layer, endosperm consists of moderately thick-walled, rectangular to polygonal cells, a few filled with oil globules, embryo embedded in endosperm.

Powder-Black, oily to touch, under microscope show, groups of parenchyma, endosperm cells and oil globules.

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 0.2 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 15 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Essential oil, fixed oil, resin, saponin and tannin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Caksusya, Dipana, Hrdya, Krmighna, Medhya, Pacana, Pittala, Rucya, Sangrahi, Vatakaphapaha, Garbhasayavisodhana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Narayana Curna, Kankayana Gutika

THERAPEUTIC USES – Atisara, Adhmana, Gulma, Krmiroga

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

Goto Main Page

VARUNA

Varuna consists of dried stem bark of Cratmva nurvala Buch-Ham (Fam. Capparidacem), a small wild or cultivated tree found throughout the year in India, often found along streams, also in dry, deep boulder formation in Sub-Himalayan tracts.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Varana
Assamese : —
Bengali : Varuna
English : Three leaved caper
Gujrati : Vayvarno, Varano
Hindi : Baruna, Barna
Kannada : Bipatri, Mattamavu, Neervalamara
Kashmiri : Kath
Malayalam : Neermatalam
Marathi : Vayavarna, Haravarna, Varon
Oriya : Baryno
Punjabi : Barna, Barnahi
Tamil : Maralingam
Telugu : Bilvarani
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Thickness or bark varies, usually 1-1.5 cm according to the age and portion of the plant from where the bark is removed, outer surface, greyish to greyish-brown with ashgrey patches, at places, surface rough due to a number of lenticels, shallow fissures and a few vertical or longitudinal ridges, inner most surface smooth and cream white in colour, fracture tough and short, odour, indistinct, taste, slightly bitter.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of mature stem bark shows, an outer cork composed of thinwalled, rectangular and tangentially elongated cells, phellogen single layered, thinwalled, tangentially elongated cells followed by a wide secondary cortex, consisting of thin-walled, polygonal to tangentially elongated cells with a number of starch grains, starch grains mostly simple, occasionally compound with 2-3 components also present’, large number of stone cells in groups of two or more, found scattered in secondary cortex, single stone cells not very common, stone cells vary in size and shape, being circular to rectangular or elongated with pits and striations on their walls, stone cells distributed somewhat in concentric bands in phloem region except in inner region of phloem which is devoid of stone cells, secondary phloem comparatively a wide zone, consisting of sieve tubes, companion cells, parenchyma and groups of stone cells, alternating with medullary rays, sieve elements found compressed forming ceratenchyma in outer phloem region, whereas in inner region of phloem, intact, medullary rays mostly multiseriate composed of thin-walled, radially elongated cells, tangentially elongated towards outer periphery, a number of starch grains similar to secondary cortex also present in phloem and ray cells, few rhomboidal crystals of calcium oxalate also found in this region, inner most layer is cambium.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 13 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 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 8 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Saponin and tannin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Bhedi, Dipana, Vataslesmahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Varunadi Kvatha Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Asmari, Gulma, Mutrakrcchra, Vidradhi

DOSE – 20-30 g of the drug for decoction.

Goto Main Page

VASA

Vasa consists of fresh, dried, mature leaves of Adhatoda vasica Nees (Fam. Acanthacem), a sub-herbaceous bush, found throughout the year in plains and sub- Himalayan tracts in India, ascending upto 1200m, flowers during February-March and also at the end of rainy season, leaves stripped off from older stems and dried in drying sheds.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Vrsa, Atarusa, Vasaka
Assamese : Titabahak, Bahak, Vachaka
Bengali : Baksa, Vasaka
English : Vasaka
Gujrati : Aduso, Ardusi, Adulso
Hindi : Aduss, Arusa
Kannada : Adsale, Adusoge, Atarusha, Adsole, Adasale
Kashmiri : Vasa
Malayalam : Attalataka m, Atalotakam
Marathi : Vasa, Adulsa
Oriya : Basanga
Punjabi : Bhekar, Vansa, Arusa
Tamil : Vasambu, Adathodai
Telugu : Addasaramu
Urdu : Adusa, Basa

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Leaves, 10-30 cm long and 3-10 cm broad, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, slightly acuminate, base tapering, petiolate, petioles 2-8 cm long, exstipulite, glabrescent, 8-10 pairs of lateral vein bearing few hairs, dried leaves dull brown above, light greyish brown below, odour, characteristic, taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of leaf shows, dorsiventral surface with 2 layers of palisade cells, in surface view, epidermal cells sinuous with anomocytic stomata on both surfaces, more numerous on the lower, clothing trichomes few, 1-3, rarely upto 5 celled, thinwalled, uniseriate, upto 500 n and glandular trichomes with nicellular stalk and 4 celled head measuring, 25-36 n in diameter in surface view, cystoliths in mesophyll layers, elongated and cigar shaped, acicular and prismatic forms of calcium oxalate crystals present in mesophyll , palisade ratio, 5-6, 5-8.5, stomatal index, 10.8-14.2-18.1 for lower surface.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 21 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 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 22 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids and essential oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Hrdya., Kaphapittahara, Raktasangrahika, Kasaghna

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Vasakasava, Vasavaleha

THERAPEUTIC USES – Svasa, Kamala, Kasa, Ksaya, Kustha, Prameha, Raktapitta

DOSE – 10-20 ml of the juice of fresh leaves.
10-20 g of the dried drug for decoction.

Goto Main Page

VIDANGA

Vidanga consists of dried mature fruits of Embelia ribes Burm. f. (Fam. Myrsinacem), large scandent shrub with long slender, flexible branches, distributed throughout hilly parts of India upto 1600 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Jantughna, Krmighna, Vella, Krmihara, Krmiripu
Assamese : Vidang
Bengali : Vidang
English : —
Gujrati : Vavding, Vavading, Vayavadang
Hindi : Vayavidanga, Bhabhiranga, Baberang
Kannada : Vayuvilanga, Vayuvidanga
Kashmiri : Babading
Malayalam : Vizhalari, Vizalari
Marathi : Vavading, Vavding
Oriya : Bidanga, Vidanga
Punjabi : Babrung, Vavaring
Tamil : Vayuvilangam, Vayuvidangam
Telugu : Vayuvidangalu
Urdu : Baobarang, Babrang

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit brownish-black, globular 2-4 mm in diameter, warty surface with a beak like projection at apex, often short, thin pedicel and persistant calyx with usual1y 3 or 5 sepals present, pericarp brittle enclosing a single seed covered by a thin membrane, entire seed, reddish and covered with yellowish spots (chitra tandula), odour slightly aromatic, taste, astringent.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of fruit shows epicarp consisting of single row of tabular cells of epidermis, usually obliterated, in surface view cells rounded with wrinkled cuticle, mesocarp consists of a number of layers of reddish-brown coloured cells and numerous fibrovascular bundles and rarely a few prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, inner part of mesocarp and endodennis composed of stone cells, endodermis consisting of single layered, thick-walled, large, palisade-like stone cells, seed coat composed of 2-3 layered reddish-brown coloured cells, endosperm cells irregular in shape, thick-walled, containing fixed oil and proteinous masses, embryo small when present otherwise most of the seeds sterile.

Powder-Reddish, under microscope shows reddish parenchyma and stone cells.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Identification:-

(I) Shake 1 g of the powdered seeds with 20ml of Solvent Ether for five minutes and filter. To a portion of the filtrate add 5 per cent vlv solution of Sodium Hydroxide, a deep violet colour is developed in the aqueous layer. To the other portion add 2 drops of Dilute Ammonia solution, a bluish violet precipitate is obtained.
(II) Boil 5 g of the powdered seeds :with 25 ml alcohol and filter. Divide the deep red coloured filtrate into two portions. To one portion, add solution of lead Acetate, a dirty green precipitate is produced. To the other portion add solution of ferric chloride a reddish-brown precipitate is produced.

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 9 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

ASSAY

Contains not less than 2 per cent w/w of embelin (limits 1.85 to 2.15) when assayed as follows:-
Weigh accurately about 10 g of powder (40 mesh) and transfer to a 500 ml glass stoppered flask Shake occasionally for thirty minutes with 150 ml of Solvent Ether. Pack the whole mass in a percolator, allow to macerate for thirty minutes and extract with Solvent Ether till the ethereal solution ceases to give a pink colour with a drop of Dilute Ammonia Solution. Distil off the Ether, treat the residue with small quantity of light Petroleum (b.p. 40o C to 60o C) cool in ice, filter through a Buchner funnel under suction and reject the filtrate. Wash the residue with further small quantities of cooled Ether (b. p. 40o C to 60o C). Transfer the residue to a tared beaker with sufficient quantity of Solvent Ether, remove the Light Petroleum and dry the residue of embelin to constant weight at 80o. The melting range of the residue is 142o C to 144o C .

CONSTITUENTS – Benzoquinones, alkaloid (Christembine), tannin and essential oil

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Anulomana, Dipana, Krminasana, Vatakaphapaha

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Vidangarista, Vidanga Lauha, Vidangadi Lauha

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sula, Krmiroga, Udararoga, Adhmina

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

Goto Main Page

SATI

Sati consists of sliced, dried rhizomes of Hedychium spicatum Ham.ex Smith (Fam. Zingiberacem), a perennial rhizomatous herb, measuring upto 1 m occurs in parts of western and central regions of sub-tropical Himalayas at an altitude of 1500-2000 m, grows abundantly in Kumaon and Punjab.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Sathi, Gandhamulika
Assamese : Katuri, Sati
Bengali : Shati, Kachri
English : Spiked ginger lily
Gujrati : Kapurkachri, Kapurkachali
Hindi : Kapurkachri
Kannada : Goul Kachora, Seenakachora, Kachora
Kashmiri : Kapoorkachara
Malayalam : Katcholam, Katchooram
Marathi : Kapurakachari, Gablakachari
Oriya : Gandhasunthi
Punjabi : Kachur, Kachoor
Tamil : Poolankizangu Kichili Kizongu
Telugu : Gandha Kachuralu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Rhizomes 15-20 cm long, 20-25 mm in diameter, externally yellowish-brown hut changed to dark brown on storage, drug available in pieces of 2.5 cm diameter, edge of each piece is covered by a rough reddish-brown layer marked with numerous scars and circular rings, rudiments of root-lets visible, odour, camphoraceous, taste, bitter.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of rhizome shows an outermost thick layer of suberised, dark brown cells of outer cork consisting of 10-15 or more layers of irregular parenchymatous cells, inner cork consisting of a few layered light brown, rectangular, radially arranged cells followed by a wide zone of cortex, 30-40 cells thick, some cortical cells filled with flattened and oval-oblong starch grains, numerous oleo-resin cells also found in this region which have suberised walls containing green-yellow oil, a thin endodermal layer present beneath cortex, central cylinder distinguished by presence of peripheral plexus of irregular congested vascular bundles with poorly developed mechanical tissues, vascular bundles scattered irregularly throughout ground tissue, bundles closed and collateral possessing group of two or more xylem elements, ground tissue composed of large parenchymatous cells with abundant starch grains and oil.

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 4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 8 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Essential oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Sulahara, Grahi, Kaphavataghna, Mukhasodhana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Agastyharitaki Rasayana, Satyadi Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sula, Svasa, Chardi, Kasa, Kandu, Mukharoga

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

Goto Main Page

VIJAYA

Vijaya consists of dried leaves of cultivated or wild plants of Cannabis sativa Linn. (Fam. Cannabinacem) , an annual, erect, dioecious herb, one to two m high, found almost throughout the year, practically naturalised in the Sub-Himalayan tracts in India and abundantly found in waste lands from Punjab eastwards to Bengal and extending Southwards.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Bhanga, Madani
Assamese : Bhan, Bhang
Bengali : Bhang, Sidhi
English : Indian Hemp,
Gujrati : Bhang
Hindi : Bhaang, Bhanga
Kannada : Bhangigida, Ganjagida
Kashmiri : Pang, Bangi
Malayalam : Kanchavu
Marathi : Bhang, Ganja
Oriya : Bhanga, Ganjei
Punjabi : Bhang
Tamil : Ganja
Telugu : Ganjayi
Urdu : Qinaab, Bhang

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Leaves palmately compound, leaflets linear, lanceolate with serrate margins, 5-20 cm long, pointed, narrow at base, upper surface dark green and rough, lower pale, downy, leaves of female plants longer than the male, odour, strong and characteristic, taste, slightly acrid.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of leaves and bracts, shows dorsiventral surface, upper epidermis with unicellular, pointed, curved, conical trichomes with enlarged bases containing cystoliths of calcium carbonate, mesophyll contains cluster crystals of calcium oxalate in many cells consisting of usually one layer of palisade cell and spongy tissue, trichomes on lower epidermis conical, longer, 340-500n but without cystoliths, numerous glandular trichomes, sessile or with a multicellular stalk and a head of about eight radiating, club-shaped cells secreting oleo-resin, present in the lower epidermis especially on mid-rib, bracteoles with undifferentiated mesophyll and on lower surface bear numerous glandular trichomes.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 15 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 13 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Resin (Cannabinols, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Grahi, Kaphahara, Nidrajanana, Pacana, Vajikara, Vakvrdhana, Vyavayi

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Jatiphaladi Curna, Madanananda Modaka

THERAPEUTIC USES – Agnimandya, Anidra, Atisara, Klaibya, Grahaniroga

DOSE – 125-250 mg of the drug in powder form.

Note:-Sodhana of this drug to be done before use as described in the appendix

Goto Main Page

SNUHI

Snuhi consists of stem of Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. (Fam. Euphorbiacem), a large branched, erect, glabrous, succulent, xerophytic shrub occurring wild on rocky ground throughout central India and extensively grown as a hedge plant.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Sudha, Vajradruma, Snuk
Assamese : —
Bengali : Manasasij
English : Milkhedge
Gujrati : Thor, Kantalo
Hindi : Thuhar, Sehunda
Kannada : Muru Kanina Kalli
Kashmiri : Kath
Malayalam : Kalli, Kaikalli
Marathi : Nivadung
Oriya : Thor, Kantalothor
Punjabi : Thohar
Tamil : Elaikalli, Perumbu Kalli
Telugu : Kadajemudu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Stem, green, cylindrical, showing, spiral ridge portion only, dried stem, tough with pairs of sharp stipular thorns, with hollow space in centre containing white reticulate mass, taste, acrid.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section shows a single layered epidermis composed of squarish, thinwalled, parenchymatous cells, followed by a thick zone of cortex, differentiated into two parts, outer of thin walled, rectangular, oval and oblong parenchymatous cells of about 20 layers depth, inner wider zone, consisting of about 30-40 layers of thin-walled, oblong or ovoid, elongated parenchymatous cells having a number of rounded and oval latex cells, some contain dark yellowish latex, the number of latex cells gradually reduce towards outer side, below cortex, about 10 layers of phloem present, containing group of fibres towards cortex, xylem consists of vessels, tracheids, fibres and xylem parenchyma, pith consists of thin-walled, rounded or oval, parenchymatous cells, starch and calcium oxalate crystals absent.

Powder– Cream yellow, under microscope shows, vessels, fibres and cortical cells, starch and calcium oxalate crystals absent.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 8 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 15 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Resin, gum and triterpenes.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Guru, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Bhedana, Tiksnavirecana, Amakaphavatahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Abhaya Lavana, Citrakadi Taila, Avittoladi Bhasma, Vajraksara

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sotha, Gulma, Kustha, Meha, Udararoga.

DOSE – 125 -250 mg of the drug in powder form.

Note– Sodhana of this drug is to be done before use as described in appendix.

Goto Main Page

YASTI

Yasti consists of dried, unpeeled, stolon and root of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn, (Fam. Leguminosm) , a tall perennial herb, upto 2 m high found cultivated in Europe. Persia, Afghanistan and to little extent in some parts of India.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Yastimadhuka, Yastika, Madhuka, Madhuyasti, Yastyahva
Assamese : Jesthimadhu, Yeshtmadhu
Bengali : Yashtimadhu
English : Liquorice root
Gujrati : Jethimadha, Jethimard, Jethimadh
Hindi : Mulethi, Mulathi, Muleti, Jethimadhu, Jethimadh
Kannada : Jestamadu, Madhuka, Jyeshtamadhu, Atimadhura
Kashmiri : Multhi
Malayalam : Irattimadhuram
Marathi : Jesthamadh
Oriya : Jatimadhu, Jastimadhu
Punjabi : Jethimadh, Mulathi
Tamil : Athimadhuram
Telugu : Atimadhuramu
Urdu : Mulethi, Asl-us-sus

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Stolon consists of yellowish brown or dark brown outer layer, externally longitudinally wrinkled, with occasional small buds and encircling scale leaves, smoothed transversely, cut surface shows a cambium ring about one-third of radius from outer surface and a small central pith, root similar without a pith, fracture, coarsely fibrous in bark and splintery in wood, odour, faint and characteristic, taste, sweetish.

b) Microscopic

Stolon– transverse section of stolon shows cork of 10-20 or more layers of tabular cells, outer layers with reddish-brown amorphous contents, inner 3 or 4 rows having thicker, colourless walls, secondary cortex usually of 1-3 layers of radially arranged parenchymatous cells containing isolated prisms of calcium oxalate, secondary phloem a broad band, cells of inner part cellulosic and outer lignified, radially arranged groups of about 10-50 fibres, surrounded by a sheath of parenchyma cells, each usually containing a prism of calcium oxalate about 10-35 n long, cambium form tissue of 3 or more layers of cells, secondary xylem distinctly radiate with medullary rays, 3-5 cells wide, vessels about 80-200 n in diameter with thick, yellow, pitted, reticulately thickend walls, groups of lignified fibres with crystal sheaths similar to those of phloem, xylem parenchyma of two kinds, those between the vessels having thick pitted walls without inter-cellular spaces, the remaining with thin walls, pith of parenchymatous cells in longitudinal rows, with inter-cellular spaces.

Root-transverse section of root shows structure closely resembling that of stolon except that no medulla is present, xylem tetrarch , usually four principal medullary rays at right angles to each other, in peeled drug cork shows phelloderm and sometimes without secondary phloem all parenchyrnatous tissues containing abundant, simple, oval or rounded starch grains, 2-20 n in length.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Total Ash Not more than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 2.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 20 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, asparagine, sugars, resin and starch

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Balya, Caksusya, Vrsya, Varnya, Vatapittajit, Raktaprasadana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Eladi Guika, Yastimadhuka Taila, Madhuyastyadi Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kasa, Ksaya, Svarabheda, Vatarakta, Vrana

DOSE – 2-4 g of the drug in powder form.

Goto Main Page

SUKSMAILA

Suksmaila consists seeds of dried fruits of Elettaria cardamomum (Linn.) Maton and its varieties (Fam. Zingiberacem), a stout large perennial herb, growing naturally in moist forests of western ghats up to 1500 m, also cultivated in many other parts of south India at an elevation from 750-1500m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Truti, Ela
Assamese : Sarooplaachi
Bengali : Chota elaich
English : Cardamom
Gujrati : Elchi, Elachi, Elayachi
Hindi : Choti Ilayachi
Kannada : Elakki, Sanna Yalakki
Kashmiri : Kath
Malayalam : Elam, Chittelam
Marathi : Velloda, Lahanveldoda, Velchi
Oriya : Gujurati, Chotaa leicha, Alaicha
Punjabi : Illachi, Chhoti Lachi
Tamil : Siruelam
Telugu : Chinne Elakulu, Sanna Elakulu
Urdu : Heel Khurd

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit – 1-2 cm long ovoid or oblong and more or less three sided with rounded, angles, greenish to pale-buff or yellowish in colour, base rounded or with the remains of pedicle, apex shortly beaked, surface almost smooth or with slight longitudinal striations, small trilocular fruit, each containing about 15-20 seeds in a row of doubles, adhering together to form compact mass.

Seed-dark brown to black, about 4 mm long and 3 mm broad, irregularly angular, transverscIy wrinkled but not pitted, with a longitudinal channel containing raphe, enclosed in a colourless, membranous aril, odour, strongly aromatic, taste, characteristic.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of seed shows flattened, aril, thin-walled parenchymatous cells, testa with outer epidermis of thick-walled, narrow, elongated cells, followed by a layer of collapsed parenchyma, becoming 2 or 3 layered in the region of raphe, composed of large, thin-walled rectangular cells containing volatile oil, a band of 2 or 3 layers of parenchyma and an inner epidermis of thin-walled, flattened cells, inner integument 2 layered, an outer palisade sclerenchyma with yellow to reddish-brown beaker shaped cells, 20 n long in radial direction and 12 n wide, thickened on inner and anticlinal walls, each cell with a small bowl shaped lumen containing a warty nodule of silica and an inner epidermis of flattened cells, peri sperm cells thin-walled, packed with minute rounded polyhedral starch grains, about 1-2 to 4-6 n in diameter and containing 1-7 small prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, about 10-20 n long, endosperm of thinwalled parenchyma containing protein as a granular hyaline mass in each cell, embryo, of small thin-walled cells containing aleurone grains, starch absent in endosperm land embryo, fibres sclerenchymatous, large vessels present in pericarp.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than Nil 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 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Volatile oil Not less than 4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.10

CONSTITUENTS – Essential oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Katu
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Anulomana, Dipana, Hrdya, Mutrala, Rocana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Eladi Modaka, Eladi Curna, Sitopaladi Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Aruci, Svasa, Chardi, Kasa, Mutrakrcchra

DOSE – 250-500 mg of the drug in powder form.

Goto Main Page

YAVANI

Yavani consists of dried fruit of Trachyspermum ammi (Linn.) Sprague ex Turril Syn. Carum copticum Benth & Hook. f. Ptychotis ajwan DC. (Fam. Umbelliferm), an annual, erect herb, upto 90 cm tall, cultivated almost throughout India, uprooted and thrashed for collecting the fruits

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Dipyaka, Yamani, Yamanika, Yavanika
Assamese : Jain
Bengali : Yamani, Yauvan, Yavan, Javan, Yavani, Yoyana
English : Bishop’s weed
Gujrati : Ajma, Ajmo, Yavan, Javain
Hindi : Ajwain, Jevain
Kannada : Oma, Yom, Omu
Kashmiri : Kath
Malayalam : Omam, Ayanodakan
Marathi : Onva
Oriya : Juani
Punjabi : Lodhar
Tamil : Omam
Telugu : Vamu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit, consists of two mericaprs, greyish brown, ovoid, compressed, about 2 mm long and 1 mm wide with pale coloured protuberances, 5 ridges and 6 vittm in each mericarp, usually separate, 5 primary ridges pale in colour, odour, characteristic, thymolic, taste, pungent.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of fruit shows two hexagonal structures attached with each other by a carpophore, epicap consists of a single layer of tangenitially elongated tabular cells, externally covered with cuticle at some places having thick-walled, unicellular trichomes as protuberances with serrate wall, mesocarp consists of moderately thickwalled, rectangular to polygonal tangentially elongated cells having some vascular bundles and vittm, carpophore present as groups of thick-walled radially elongated cells, integument, barrel shaped of tangentially elongated cells, endosperm consists of thinwalled cells filled with oil globules, embryo, small and circular, composed of polygonal thin walled cells.

Powder-Oily, greyish-brown, under microscope, presence of Oil globules and groups of endosperm cells, characterised.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 9 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.2 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 13 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Volatile Oil Not less than 2.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.10.

CONSTITUENTS – Essential oil and fixed oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Sulahara, Anulomana, Dipana, Krmighna, Pacana, Rucya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Yavani Sadava

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sula, Adhmana, Anaha, Gulma, Krmiroga, Udararoga

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

Goto Main Page

KULATTHA

Kulattha consists of dry seeds of Vigna unquiculata (Linn.) Walp. Syn. Dolichos biflorus Linn. (Fam Leguminosm); an annual branched, sub-erect or twining, downy or glabrescent; herb; cultivated all over India.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Khalva, Vardhipatraka
Assamese : —
Bengali : Kulattha, Kalaya
English : Horse gram
Gujrati : Kalathi, Kulathi
Hindi : Kulathi, Kurathi
Kannada : Huruli, Hurali
Kashmiri : Kath
Malayalam : Mudiraa
Marathi : Kulitha
Oriya : —
Punjabi : Lodhar
Tamil : Kollu, Kaanam
Telugu : Ulavalu
Urdu : Kulthi

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seeds, hard, surface smooth, ellipsoid, flattened, greyish to reddish brown, 4-6 mm long and 4 mm wide, micropyle prominent, taste, somewhat astringent.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of seed shows testa consisting of a single layer of columnar, thin-walled, parenchymatous, palisade like cells covered with a thin cuticle followed by single layer of rectangular to square bearer cells and 3-4 layers of thin-walled rectangular parenchymatous cells, more wide at micropyler region, cotyledon consisting of single layer of upper and lower epidermis covered with a thin cuticle, epidermal cells thin-walled, rectangular and parenchymatous followed by mesophyll, consisting of angular parenchymatous cells, filled with numerous simple starch grains and protein bodies also present.

Powder-Whitish in colour, under microscope shows broken pieces of testa, parenchymatous cells and starch

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than Nil 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 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 12 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – An enzyme (urease) and oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Sara
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Vidahi; Svedasangrahaka, Krmihara, Kaphavatahara.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Saptasara Kvatha Curna, Dhanvantara Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Asmari, Nasartava

DOSE – 12 g of the drug in powder form for decoction.

Goto Main Page

KUSTHA

Kustha consists of dried roots of Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke (Fam. Compositm), a tall, robust, perennial herb with thick roots, found in Kashmir at an altitude of 2500-3600 m, roots collected in September-October.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Amaya, Pakala
Assamese : Kud, Kur
Bengali : Kudo
English : —
Gujrati : —
Hindi : Kutha
Kannada : Changal Kustha
Kashmiri : Kuth
Malayalam : Kottam
Marathi : Upleta, Kustha
Oriya : Kudha
Punjabi : Kuth
Tamil : Goshtam, Kosbtham, Kottam
Telugu : Changalva Koshtu
Urdu : Qust

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug greyish to dull brown, thick, stout, fusiform to cylindrical, 7-15 cm long, 1.0-5.5 cm broad, thicker roots with collapsed centre, occasionally ridged, wrinkles longitudinal and anastomosed, rootlets rarely present, cut surface shows two regions, outer periderm ring thin, inner porous woody portion lighter in colour showing fine radial striations and often the central portion collapsed, fracture, short, horny, odour, strong, characteristically aromatic, taste, slightly bitter.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of thin root shows thin periderm, followed by broad zone of phloem and still broader zone of xylem traversed by wide medullary rays, cork, 3-5 layered wide secondary cortical cells polygonal, mostly elongated, secondary phloem consists of mostly storage parenchyma, small groups of sieve tubes and companion cells and often phloem fibres, bast fibres thick-walled, lignified, upto 350 n in length, with many simple pits associated with fibre, tracheids and parenchyma, wood fibres smaller than bast fibres, with wider lumen and obtusely tapering ends, meduallary rays multi seriate and wider in phloem region, resin canals found throughout as large cavities, some roots possess a central cylinder of sclerenchyma, while others have parenchymatous centre with scattered xylem elements, in older roots, wood parenchyma collapses and takes a spongy appearance in the centre of root, inulin present in storage parenchyma. Powder-Deep brown or rusty, under microscope irregular bits of yellow, brown or orange-red fragments of resins and oils associated with thin-walled parenchymatous cells, broken bits of xylem vessels with scalariform, reticulate thickening and horizontal end walls.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 12 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 20 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Essential oil, alkaloid (saussurine) and bitter resin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

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

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Kttoamacukkadi Taila.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Svasa, Kasa, Kustha, Vatarakta, Visarpa

DOSE – 0.2-1.0 of the drug in powder form.

Goto Main Page

KUTAJA

Kutaja consists of dried stem bark of Holarrhena antidysenterica (Roth) A. DC. (Fam. Apocynacem): a small to medium sized tree, found throughout India, drug collected from 8-12 years old tree during the middle of rainy season (July to September) and again at the end of winter season by hewing and peeling and separated from attached wood.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Kalinga, Sakra, Vatsaka
Assamese : Dudhkuri
Bengali : Kurchi
English : Ester tree, Conessi bark
Gujrati : Kuda, Kadachhal, Kudo
Hindi : Kurchi, Kuraiya
Kannada : Kodasige, Halagattigida, Halagatti Mara
Kashmiri : Kogad
Malayalam : Kutakappala
Marathi : Pandhra Kuda
Oriya : Kurei, Keruan
Punjabi : Kurasukk, Kura
Tamil : Kudasapalai
Telugu : Kodisapala, Palakodisa
Urdu : Kurchi

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Small recurved pieces of varying sizes and thickness, outer surface buff to brownish longitudinally wrinkled and bearing horizontal lenticels, inner surface brownish, rough and scaly fracture short and granular, taste, acrid and bitter.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of dried stem bark shows cork consisting of 4-12 rows of tangentially elongated cells, radial 15- 45 n tangential 30-60 n cork cambium consists of a row of thin walled tangentially elongated cells, secondary cortex usually wide, parenchymatous, interspersed with strands of stone cells, stone cell rectangular to oval, with numerous pits often containing prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, non-lignified pericyclic fibres upto 52 mm thick, present in bark, secondary phloem wide consisting of sieve-tubes, companion cells, phloem parenchyma and stone cells, stone cells arranged in tangential rows in concentric manner associated with crystal sheath containing prisms of calcium oxalate, medullary rays mostly bi or triseriate rarely uniseriate becoming wide toward, outer part and consist of thin-walled, radially elongated, parenchymatous cells, medullary ray cells near stone cells become sclerosed.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Water-soluble extractive Not less than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 7 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 18 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.

ASSAY

Assay- Kutaja contains not less than 2 per cent of total alkloids when assayed by the following method:weigh accurately about 5 g in powder (No. 85 seive) and moisten with 10 ml of an Alcohol-chloroform mixture (1 :3) containing 2 per cent of Ammonia solution for 15 minutes. Pack the mixture in a small glass percolator surrounded by a jacket of hot water kept at 50o. Macerate with more of the alkaline Alcohol-chloroform mixture for an hour and collect 25 ml of percolate in a receiver containing 1 g of Oxalic acid dissolved in 5 ml of alcohol. Stop the percolation add l0 ml of the alcoholchloroform mixture containing 1 per cent w/v of Sodium Hydroxide and macerate for fifteen minutes. Continue the percolation adding further quantities of the alcoholchloroform mixture until the alkaloids are completely extracted. Mix the percolate well and extract by shaking with five 20 ml portions of 2 N Hydrochloric acid. Combine the acid extracts and make alkaline with dilute Ammonia Solution. Extract with four 10 ml portions of Chloroform, add 1 ml of 0.5 N Sodium Hydroxide, and extract again with Chloroform. Wash each Chloroform extract with the same two 10 ml portions of water contained in different separators. Combine the Chloroform extracts, add 20 ml of O.IN Sulphuric Acid and shake well for 5 Minutes. Transfer the acid Liquid to a conical flask, wash the Chloroform extract with two 20 ml portions of water and add the washing to the acid liquid in the conical flask. Titrate the excess of acid with 0.1N Sodium Hydroxide using the mixed 3 indicator. Each ml of 0.1N Sulphuric Acid is equivalent to 0.01657g of total alkaloids of Kutaja.

CONSTITUENTS – Conessine and related alkaloids.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

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

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Kutajarisa, Kutajavaleha, Kutajaghana Vati

THERAPEUTIC USES – Arsa, Atisara, Kustha, Pravahika, Trsna, Jvaratisara

DOSE – 20-30 g of the drug for decoction.

Goto Main Page