Ayush

JATIPHALA

Jatiphala consists of the endosperm of dried seeds (kernels of fruits) of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Fam. Myristicacem), dioecious or occasionally monoecious aromatic tree, about 10-20 m high, found mostly in Tamil Nadu and to some extent in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Assam.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Jatisasya, Jatiphala
Assamese : Jaiphal, Kanivish
Bengali : Jaiphala, Jaitri
English : Nutmeg
Gujrati : Jaiphala, Jayfar
Hindi : Jaiphal
Kannada : Jadikai, Jaykai, Jaidikai
Kashmiri : Jafal
Malayalam : Jatika
Marathi : Jaiphal
Oriya : Jaiphal
Punjabi : Jaiphal
Tamil : Sathikkai, Jathikkai, Jatikkai, Jadhikai, Jadhikkai
Telugu : Jajikaya
Urdu : Jauzbuwa, Jaiphal

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seed ellipsoid, 20-30 mm long and about 20 mm broad, externally greenishbrown sometimes marked with small irregular dark brown patches or minute dark points and lines slightly furrowed reticulately, a small light-coloured area at one end indicating the position of the radicle a groove running along the line of raphe to the darker chalaza at the opposite end, surrounded by a thin layer of peri sperm with infoldings appearing as dark ruminations in the abundant greyish-brown endosperm, embryo, in an irregular cavity, small with two widely spreading crumpled cotyledons and a small radicle odour, strong and aromatic, taste, pungent and aromatic.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of endosperm shows peripheral perisperm, of several layers of strongly, flattened polyhederal cells with brown contents, or containing prismatic crystals, inner layer of perisperm of thin-walled parenchyma about 40 n thick, infolding into the tissue of the endosperm to form the ruminations containing numerous, very largeoil cells with brown cell walls, vascular strands, in the peripheral region, numerous small spiral vessels, large celled, endosperm, parenchymatous With occasional tannin idioblasts with thin brown walls, containing numerous simple, rounded and compound starch grains, with upto about 10 components usually 2-8 individual grains, upto 20 n in diameter present, most of the cells with crystalline fat and often a large aleurone grain in each cell, containing a rhombic protein crystal upto 12 n and small aleurone grains with less regular crystalloids, embryo, of shrivelled and collapsed parenchyma.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 11 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 7 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Ether soluble extractive Not less than 25 per cent, Appendix 2.2.8
Volatile oil Not less than 5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.10

CONSTITUENTS – Essential oil and fixed oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Grahi, Vrsya, Mukhakledanasaka, Mukhadaurgandhyanasaka, Kaphavatapana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Jatiphaladi Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Atisara, Svasa, Chardi, Kasa, Pinasa, Grahani, Mukharoga, Sukrameha

DOSE – 0.5 – 1.0 g of the drug in powder form.

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GOKSURA (Fruit)

Goksura consists of dried, ripe, entire fruit of Tribulus terrestris Linn. (Fam Zygopyllaceae), an annual, rarely pernnial common weed of the pasture lands, road sides and other waste places, chiefly in hot, dry and sandy regions, grows throughout India as prostrate herb and upto 3,000 m in Kashmir.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Svadamstra, Goksuraka, Traikantaka, Trikatna
Assamese : Gokhurkata, Gokshura
Bengali : Gokhri, Gokshura
English : Caltrops fruit
Gujrati : Bethagokharu, Mithagokhru, Nanagokharu
Hindi : Gokhru
Kannada : Neggilamullu, Neggilu, Sannaneggilu
Kashmiri : Pakhda, Michikand
Malayalam : Nerinjil
Marathi : Gokharu, Sarate
Oriya : Gokhyura, Gukhura
Punjabi : Bhakhra, Gokhru
Tamil : Nerinjil, Nerunjil
Telugu : Palleru Kaya
Urdu : Khar-e-Khasak Khurd

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit stalked, light or greenish yellow, five ribbed or angled, more or less spherical in structure and covered with short stiff or pubescent hairs, 1 cm in diameter with five pairs, of prominent short stiff spines, pointed downwards, about 0.5 cm in length, tips of spines almost meet in pairs whole together forming pentagonal framework around fruit, ripe fruit separates into five segment, of each cocci and each appears as single-fruit, each coccus semi-lunar or plano-convex in structure one chambered, armed with a pair of spines, starting from its middle, containing four or more seeds, taste, slightly astringent.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of fruit shows small epidermal cells of each coccus rectangular, unicellular trichomes in abundance, mesocarp 6-10 layers of large parenchymatous cells, rosette of calcium oxalate crystals abundantly present, mesocarp followed by 3-4 compact layers of small cells containing prismatic 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 15 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 6 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Potassium nitrate, sterols, sapogenin with pyroketone ring (diosgenin), gitogenin and hecogenins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Brmhana, Vatanut, Vrsya, Asmarihara, Vastisodhana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Goksuradi Guggulu, Traikanaka Ghrta, Draksadi Cruna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sularoga, Arsa, Svasa, Daurbalya, Hrdroga, Kasa, Mutrakrcchra, Asmari, Prameha

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

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KAMPILLA

Kampilla consists of glands and hairs of fruit of Mallotus philippinensis Muell . Arg. (Fam. Euphorbiacem), a very common perennial shrub or small tree found in outer Himalayas ascending to 1500 m, mature fruits collected in February-March, reddish brown powder collected in cloth by shaking and rubbing the fruits with hands.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Rajanaka, Kampillaka
Assamese : Lochan
Bengali : Kamlagudi
English : Kamala
Gujrati : Kapilo
Hindi : Kabila
Kannada : Kapila, Chandrahettu, Kapilathettu
Kashmiri : Kameelak
Malayalam : Kampippala, Kampipalu
Marathi : Shendri, Kapila
Oriya : Kamalagundi
Punjabi : Kamila
Tamil : Kamala, Kampila
Telugu : Kampillamu
Urdu : Kamila

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fine, granular powder, dull-red or madder-red coloured, floating on water.

b) Microscopic

Under microscope glands appear depressed and globular, containing deep-red coloured resin, secreted by many club shaped cell radiating from a common centre, a number of stellate trichomes present, trichomes thick-walled, branching lignified with smooth margins, yellow coloured, arranged in small radiating groups.

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 50 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 1.0 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Resinous colouring matter (rottlerin).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Krmighna, Vranapaha, Virecana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Dhanvantara Ghrta, Misraka Sneha.

THERAPEUTIC USES – Adhmana, Gulma, Krmiroga, Vibandha, Vrana

DOSE – 0.5-1.0 g of the drug in powder form.

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

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GOKSURA (Root)

Goksura consists of root of Tribulus terrestris Linn. (Fam. Zygophyllacease): an annual prostrate herb, rarely perennial common weed of the pasture lands, road sides and other waste land, chiefly growing in hot, dry and sandy regions throughout India and upto 3,000 m in Kashmir.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Goksuraka, Trikatna, Svadamstra, Traikantaka
Assamese : Gokshura, Gukhurkata
Bengali : Gokshura, Gokhri
English : Caltrops root
Gujrati : Be tha gokharu, Nana gokharu, Mithogokharu
Hindi : Gokhru
Kannada : Sannanaggilu, Neggilamullu, Neggilu
Kashmiri : Michirkand, Pakhda
Malayalam : Nerinjil
Marathi : Sarate, Gokharu
Oriya : Gukhura, Gokhyura
Punjabi : Bhakhra, Gokhru
Tamil : Nerinjil, Nerunjil
Telugu : Palleruveru
Urdu : Khar-e-Khasak Khurd

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Drug consists of root, 7-18 cm long and 0.3-0.7 cm in diameter, slender, cylindrical, fibrous, frequently branched bearing a number of small rootlets, tough, woody and yellow to light brown in colour, surface becomes rough due to presence of small nodules, fracture fibrous, odour aromatic, taste, sweetish and astringent.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of primary roots show a layer of epidermis followed by 4-5 layers of thin-walled parenchymatous cortex, endodermis distinct, pericycle enclosing diarch stele, in mature root, cork 4-6 layered, cork cambium single layered followed by 6-14 layers of thin-walled parenchymatous cells with varying number of fibres, distributed throughout, some secondary cortex cells show secondary wall formation and reticulate thickening, fibres found in groups resembling those of phloem, secondary phloem divided into two zones, outer zone characterised by presence of numerous phloem fibres with a few sieve tubes slightly collapsed, inner zone frequently parenchymatous, devoid of fibres often showing sieve tubes and companion cells, phloem rays distinct, few cells get converted into fibres in outer region, cambium 3-5 layered, wood composed of vessels, tracheids , parenchyma and fibres and traversed by medullary rays, vessels scattered, arranged in singles or doubles towards inner side, in groups of three to four on outer side having bordered pits, tracheids long, narrow with simple pits, xylem parenchyma rectangular or slightly elongated with simple pits and reticulate thickening, xylem fibres few, trachieds elongated with simple pits, medullary rays heterogenous, 1-4 cells wide, starch grains and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate present in secondary cortex, phloem and medullary rays cells, few prismatic crystals also present in xylem ray cells.

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 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids and saponins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Mutrala, Vrsya, Vatanut, Brmhana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Sahacaradi Taila, Dasamula Kvatha Curna, Dasam ulakautraya Kvatha Curna, Dasam ulapancakoladi Kvatha Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Svasa, Hrdroga, Kasa, Vataroga, Sularoga, Mutrakrcchra, Asamari

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

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KANCANARA

Kancanara consists of the dried, stem bark of Bauhinia variegata Blume (Fam. Leguminosm): a medium sized tree occurring in sub-Himalayan tract extending eastwards to Assam, Eastern, Central and South India.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Kancanaraka
Assamese : Kancan, Kanchan
Bengali : Kanchana, Rakta Kanchana
English : Mountain Ebony
Gujrati : Champakati, Kanchnar, Kachnar
Hindi : Kachanar, Kanchanar, Kachnar
Kannada : Keyumandar, Kanchavala
Kashmiri : Kalad
Malayalam : Chuvanna Mandharam
Marathi : Kanchana, Raktakancana
Oriya : Kachana, Kaniara
Punjabi : Kanchnar
Tamil : Sigappu mandarai, Sihappu mantarai
Telugu : Deva Kanchanam
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Bark, dark brown, sometimes with silvery patches, rough, compact, exfoliating in woody strips and scales, outer surface with small transverse and longitudinal cracks, internal surface white, taste, astringent

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of mature stem bark shows a wide stratified cork, outer cork composed of thin-wailed, slightly compressed, yellow brown cells followed by a number of layers of brown coloured cells, inner cork composed of transversely elongated orange brown cells, cork interrupted at certain places due to formation of rhytidoma, some secondary cortex composed or 15 or more rows or transversely elongated to circular, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, some secondary cortex cells contain orange brown contents: groups of stone cells found scattered in this region occasionally arranged in 1-7 or more tangential rows, pericyclic fibres, thick-walled with narrow lumen, scattered in secondary cortex in singles or in groups, secondary phloem consists of sieve tubes, companion cells, phloem parenchyma and fibres traversed by funnel shaped medullary rays , phloem fibres arranged in radial rows throughout phloem region, prismatic and rhomboidal crystals or calcium, oxalate abundantly found in phloem and secondary cortex regions, very rarely found in cork cells, cluster crystals also present in secondary cortex and secondary phloem, crystal fibres also found in secondary phloem. Powder – pinkish, under microscope showing abundant crystals of calcium oxalate, sc1ercids in singles or in groups with wide lumen, bits of fibres, cork and secondary cortex cells, containing coloured content, and numerous crystal fibres

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 11 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 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 6 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Tannins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Grahi, Tridosahara, Gandavrddhihara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Kancanaraguggulu

THERAPEUTIC USES – Apaci, Gandamala, Krmiroga, Vrana, Gudabhramsa

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

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GAMBHARI

Gambhari consists of dried, mature root and root bark of Gmelina arborea Roxb. (Fam. Verbenaceae) , tree about 18 m high, with a clear bole of 6-9 m and a girth of 1.5-2.1 m, found in the lower Himalayas, the Nilgiris and the East and West Coasts of India.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Kasmari, Kasmarya
Assamese : Gamari
Bengali : Gambhar, Gamar
English : Candhar Tree
Gujrati : Shivan
Hindi : Gambhar, Khambhari
Kannada : Shivanigida, Shivani
Kashmiri : Kashmari
Malayalam : Kumizhu, Kumpil
Marathi : Shivan
Oriya : Gambhari
Punjabi : Gumhar, Kumhar
Tamil : Kumishan, Kumizhan
Telugu : Peggummudu, Peggummadi
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root – Occurs in pieces with secondary and tertiary branches, root pieces nearly cylindrical with uneven surface, greyish brown, fracture somewhat tough in bark, brittle and predominant in woody portion. Root bark-mature root bark when fresh, yellowish in colour, dry pieces curved and channelled, thinner ones forming single quills, external surface rugged due to presence of vertical cracks, ridges, fissures and numerous lenticels, fracture short and granular, taste, mucilaginous, sweetish with slight bitterness.

b) Microscopic

Root-transverse section of root shows 6-8 layers of cork cells, secondary cortex, including primary and secondary phloem about two third consisting of wood, cork brownish, cells arranged in tangential direction and broken at places towards upper layers, cortex characterised by the presence of thin-walled parenchymatous cells with starch grains , resin ducts present in abundance throughout cortex, scattered stone cells fibre like or elongated common, fibres present, occurring mostly in singles, cells of cortex also contain rosette crystals of calcium oxalate and oil globules, primary phloem characterised by the presence of sieve tubes with companion cells, phloem parenchyma, soft bast fibres and ray cells, phloem fibres occur singly and scattered cortical cells 40-70 n by 25-35 n and bast fibres, 300-1000 n by 10-15 n development of cork takes place in second or third layer of primary cortex, wood consists of simple pitted wood parenchyma and medullary rays, wood cells mainly composed of vessels and tracheids and inner wood consists of a major portion of fibres together with a few vessels, vessels numerous and form almost a ring near the periphery of xylem cylinder and somewhat spares, being scattered in groups or singly nearer the central region, lumen of vessels somewhat large, dimensions of vessels 130-250 n by 50-100 n and those of the tracheids 175-300 n by 30-50 n wood fibres abundant and with simple pits , cambium distinct, medullary rays generally 1-2 celled thick with abundant starch grains cells oblong to rectangular.

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 0.3 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 20 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids and lignans (arboreal, isoarboreal and related lignans).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Guru
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Sothahara, Bhedana, Dipana, Pacana, Tridosajit, Visaghna, Medhya, Jvarahara.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Dasamularisa, Dasamulaharitaki, Dasamula Ghrta, Dasamula Sapalaka Ghrta

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sotha, Daha, Jvara, Trsna, Arsa

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

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KANKOLA

Kankola consists of mature, dried fruits of Piper cubeba Linn.f. (Fam. Piperacem), woody, climbing, perennial with dioeceous flowers in spike, cultivated to a small extent in India, specially in the Karnataka state, fruits collected when mature but still unripe and carefully dried.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Kankolaka, Cinosana, Cinatiksna, Kakkola, Kankolika
Assamese : Kakkol, Kababcheni
Bengali : Kahabcbini, Sugandhamaricha
English : Cubebs, Tailed Pepper
Gujrati : Chanakabab, Chinikabab
Hindi : Seetalchini, Kababchini
Kannada : Gandhamenasu, Balamenasu
Kashmiri : Kushfal, Kababchini
Malayalam : Cheenamulaku, Takkolam, Valmulaku
Marathi : Kankol
Oriya : Kababchini
Punjabi : Kababchini, Sardchini
Tamil : Vaali milaku, Valmilagu
Telugu : Chalavamiriyalu, Tokamiriyalu
Urdu : Kababchini

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Fruit wrinkled, rounded, 5-7 mm in diameter, light brown to dark brown, about 7 mm long stalk attached, pericarp red to slightly brown, testa fused with pericarp, fruit hard and stony albumen white and oily, odour, aromatic end characteristic, taste, pungent and slightly bitter.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of fruit shows an outer layers of epidermis, externally covered with thick cuticle, a raw of 2-5 small, crushed, brown and thick-walled cells below, mesocarp composed of large, thin-walled parenchymatous cells, oil cells and vascular bundles, endocarp of multi-layered sclereids heavily lignified with narrow lumen, testa and tegmen composed of elongated cells tegmen cells hyaline and kernel cells greyish in colour.

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 14 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 11 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Essential oil (cubebin).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Dipana, Kaphavatahara, Pacana, Rucya, Vastisodhana, Mukhadaurgandhyahara

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Dasamularisa, Kumaryasava

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sula, Aruci, Mutrakrcchra, Mukharoga

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

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ERANDA

Eranda consists of dried, mature roots of Ricinus communis Linn. (Fam. Euphorbiaceae), a tall glabrous shrub or almost small tree 2-4 m high, found throughout India, mostly growing wild on waste land and also cultivated for its oil seeds.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Gandharvahasta, Vatari, Pancangula, Citra, Urubu, Rubu
Assamese : Eda, Era
Bengali : Bherenda
English : Castor oil plant
Gujrati : Erandio, Erando
Hindi : Arand, Erand, Andi, Rend
Kannada : Haralu, Oudala gida
Kashmiri : Aran, Banangir
Malayalam : Avanakku
Marathi : Erand
Oriya : Jada, Gaba
Punjabi : Arind
Tamil : Amanakku
Telugu : Amudapu veru
Urdu : Bedanjir, Arand

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root light in weight almost straight with few rootlets, outer surface dull yellowish brown, nearly smooth but marked with longitudinal wrinkles, some places whitish-yellow and soft, odourless, taste, acrid.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of root shows thin layer of cork of squarish to tangentially elongated, thin-walled cells, beneath cork, secondary cortex of thin-walled, tangentially elongated cells, narrow cortex of rounded to tangentially elongated thin-walled parenchymatous cells, some containing large oil globules, rosettes of calcium oxalate crystals and round simple or compound starch grains, phloem a broad zone, consisting of sieve tubes, phloem parenchyma and phloem fibres, fibres long, mostly septate, highly thickened, having narrow lumen, some fibres surrounded by concentric rows of cells containing crystals of calcium oxalate, sieve tubes, thin-walled with companion cells and phloem parenchyma in the inner region of phloem more prominent , some phloem parenchyma cells contain crystals of calcium oxalate , cambium 3-5 layered, cells rectangular in shape, xylem occupies major part of root, pentarch, five groups of primary xylem distinct in the centre of the wood, xylem consists of vessels, parenchyma and fibres , vessels uniformly scattered throughout the xylem region, either solitary or in groups, larger in size towards phloem, with bordered pits , xylem parenchyma less ia number around vessels containing starch grains, xylem fibres long and thick-walled, medullary rays uni-to-biseriate, more or less straight, 4-5 seriate rays, sometimes found near protoxylem groups, ray cells, thin-walled, slightly radially elongated in phloem region, thick-walled in xylem region, all ray cells contain starch grains.

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 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 9 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloid (ricinine).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Vatahara, Vrsya, Amapacana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Grandharvahastadi Kvatha Curna, Vatari Guggulu, Gandharvahasta taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sotha, Jvara, Udararoga, Amavata, Vastisula, Kaisula

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

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KANTAKARI

Kanakari consists of mature, dried whole plant of Solanum surattense Burm. f., Syn. Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad . & Wendl , (Fam. Solanacem), perennial, very prickly diffused herb of waste land, found throughout India.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Vyaghri, Nidigdhika, Ksudra, Kantakarika, Dhavani, Nidigdha, Dusparsa
Assamese : Katvmdana, Kantakar
Bengali : Kantakari
English : Febrifuge plant
Gujrati : Bharingani
Hindi : Katai, Katali, Ringani, Bhatakataiya, Chhotikateri
Kannada : Nelagulla, Kiragulla
Kashmiri : Kath
Malayalam : Kantakari chunda
Marathi : Bhauringani, Kataringani
Oriya : Bhejibaugana, Ankarati, Chakada Bhoji
Punjabi : Kandiari
Tamil : Kandangatri, Kandankatri, Kandanghathiri
Telugu : Nelamulaka, Pinnamulaka, Mulaka, Chinnamulaka, Vakudu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Root-10-45 cm long, few mm to two cm in diameter, almost cylindrical and tapering, bearing a number of fine longitudinal and few transverse wrinkles with occasional scars or a few lenticels and small rootlets, transversely smoothened surface shows a thin bark and wide compact cylinder of wood, fracture, short, taste, bitter.

Stem-herbaceous, prickly with prominent nodes and internodes, green when fresh, young branches, covered with numerous hairs, mature ones glabrous, furrows more prominent in young stem appearing almost circular towards basal region, stem pieces 8-10 mm thick of variable length, external surface light green, when dry, surface yellowish green and smooth, transversely smoothened surface shows a very thin bark and prominent wood, centre shows a large and distinct, pith, mr ture and dry stem often with hollow pith, fracture short to slightly fibrous.

Leaves-petiolate, exstipulate, ovate–oblong or elliptic, sinuate or sub-pinnatifid, subacute hairy, 4-12.5 cm long and 2-7.5 cm wide, green, veins and midrib full with sharp prickles, odour and taste not distinct.

Flower– ebracteate, pedicellate, bisexual, pentamerous, regular, complete, bright blue or bluish purple, calyx-persistent, gamosepalous, tube short, globose, linear-lanceolate, acute, hairy, 0.5-1 .3 cm long and densely prickly, corollagamopetalous, lobes deltoid, acute, hairy, 1-2 cm long and purple in colour, stamens 5, epipetalous, basifixed, filament short 1-1.5 mm long, anther, oblong lanceolate, 0.7-0.8 cm long, ovary superior, ovoid, glabrous, bilocular with axile placentation having numerous ovules.

Fruit-Berry globular, measuring 0.8-1 cm in diameter, surrounded by persistent calyx at base unripe fruits variegated with green and white strips, ripe fruit shows different yellow and white shades.

Seeds-circular, flat, numerous, embedded in a fleshy mesocarp about 0. 2 cm in diameter, glabrous taste, bitter and acrid.

b) Microscopic

Root– transverse section of mature root shows cork composing of 3-6 layers of thinwalled, rectangular and tangentially elongated cells, cork cambium single layered followed by 6-15 layers of thin-walled, tangentially elongated to oval or circular parenchymatous cells, stone cells either single or in groups of 2-20 or even more present in this region, secondary phloem composed of sieve elements and phloem parenchyma traversed by medullary rays, stone cells present in singles or in groups of 2-20 or more in outer, and middle phloem regions, phloem rays 1-4 cells wide and 2-22 cells high, cambium 3-5 layered of thin-walled rectangular cells, xylem composed of vessels, tracheids, fibre trachieds, parenchyma and transversed by medullary rays, all elements being lignified, vessels and tracheids with bordered pits, fibres with a few simple pits, xylem parenchyama rectangular or lightly elongated with simple pits and rarely with reticulate thickening, xylem rays 1-3 cells wide and 1-20 cells high, microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate as sandy masses and simple starch grains present in secondary cortex, phloem and medullary rays.

Stem-transverse section of mature stem, 1.5-2 cm thick consists of 6-12 layers of cork of thin- walled somewhat rectangular cells, epidermis remains intact for a long time, secondary cortex consists of 7-11 layers of parenchymatous cells, some cells thickened and lignified forming stone cells primary cortex remains intact even in quite mature stage but later gets crushed, pericyclic fibre, occur singly or in small groups of 2-3, secondary phloem consists of sieve elements, parenchyama, a few fibres, stone cells and traversed by phloem rays, fibres found scattered in singles or in small groups in outer and middle phloem region, inner phloem devoid of fibres, stone cells present in singles or in small groups of 2-4, phloem rays, 1-2 or rarely 3 cells wide, cambium composed of 2-3 layers, xylem consists of vessels, tracheids, parenchyma, fibres and traversed by xylem rays, vessels vary grea tly in shape and size and show bordered pits, tracheids elongated with irregular walls and bordered pits, fibres much elongated, thick-walled and lignified with tapering and pointed ends, some having truncated ends or bifurcated at one or both ends with a few simple pits, trancheids fibres smaller than fibres, with both ends tapering and have reticulate thickening, xylem parenchyma cubical to rectangular with simple or bordered pits or reticulate thickening, xylem rays conspicuous by their pitted thickenings, longer size and radial elongation of cells, 1-2 or rarely 3 cells wide and 2-25 cells high, internal phloem composed of sieve elements and parenchyma, forming more or less continuous band and embedded in perimedullary zone, a few phloem fibres similar to those of outer phloem region also present, central region occupied by a large pith, microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate as sandy masses and simple starch grains present in cortex, secondary cortex, phloem, medullary rays and pith cells.

Leaves-Petiole-transverse section of petiole shows circular to wavy outlines, epidermis single layered, covered externally by a thick cuticle, hypodermis consists of 3-4 layers of
collenchymatous, cells, one large-crescent-shaped, bicollateral, central vascular bundle and two small lateral bundles present, rest of tissue of petiole composed of polygonal, angular, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, epidermis shows mostly stellate and rarely urn to tricellular hairs.

Midrib-transverse section of midrib shows a biconvex structure, epidermis on either side covered externally by a thick cuticle, below epidermis 3-4 layers of collenchyma present, stele composed of crescent-shaped, bicollateral, central vacscular bundle and two small lateral vascular bundles, rest of tissue composed of thin-walled, parenchyma, some stellate hair present on epidermis.

Lamina-transverse section shows dorsiventral structure, epidermis on either side, wavy in outline, covered externally by a thick cuticle, on upper side mesophyll composed of a single layered palisade and 4-6 layers of loosely arranged spongy parenchyma, some stellate hairs (4-8 armed) present on both sides of epidermis, anisocytic stomata present on both surfaces, vein-islet number 46-80 on lower epidermis (mean 63), 61-80 on upper epidermis (mean 70), stomatal index 20-25 (mean 22.5) on lower epidermis, 14-24 (mean 19) on upper epidermis, palisade ratio 1.7-4 (mean 2 .85).

Fruit-transverse section of mature fruit shows single layered epidermis, covered externally by a thin cuticle, 1-2 layers of collanchyma present below epidermis, mesocarp composed of thin-walled, oval to polygonal cells, some fibre., vascular bundles present scattered, seed consists of thick-walled radially elongated testa, narrow endosperm with embryo, some cells of endosperm contain oil globules.

Powder – Greenish, under microscope shows single or groups of stone cells, groups of aseptate fibre with tapering ends, pitted vessels, groups of spongy parenchyma, fragments of palisade tissue, anisocytic stomata, stellate hairs and simple, rounded to oval starch grains measuring 2.75-11 n in dia.

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 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 6 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 16 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Glucoalkaloids and sterols.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Sothahara, Dipana, Pacana, Amadosanasaka, Kanthya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Kanakaryavaleha, Pancatiktaka Ghrta, Vyaghriharitaki

THERAPEUTIC USES – Aruci, Svasa, Jvara, Kasa, Pinasa, Svarabheda, Parsvasula

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

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DHATAKI

Dhataki Dhataki consists of flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa (Linn.) Kurz. (Fam. Lythraceae) : much branched, semi deciduous, undershrub or shrub, 1-3 m high, rarely upto 3 m, found throughout India, ascending to 1500 m in Himalayas and also in the Gangetic plains , also cultivated in gardens.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Bahupuspi, Tamrapuspi, Vahnijvala
Assamese : Dhaiphool
Bengali : Dhaiphul
English : Fire flame bush
Gujrati : Dhavadi, Dhavani
Hindi : Dhai, Dhava
Kannada : Dhataki, Tamrapushpi
Kashmiri : Kath
Malayalam : Tattiripuvu, Tatire
Marathi : Dhayati, Dhavati
Oriya : Dhaiphula, Dhatuki
Punjabi : Davi, Phul Dhava
Tamil : Kattati, Kattathi., Kattattipoo
Telugu : Aarl Puruvu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Flower, about 1.2 cm long, occurs as single or in bunches of 2-15, calyx 1.0-1.6 cm long, ridged and glabrous, bright red when fresh but fades on drying, with campanulate base and oblique apex having 6 triangular and acute teeth, each tooth being, 2-2.5 mm long, 6, very minute accessory sepals attached outside at the juncture of calyx tooth and deeper in colour, petals 6, attached inside the mouth of calyx-tube, shightly longer than calyx tooth, alternating with calyx-tooth pale rose or whitish, thin, papery, lanceolate, acuminate, stamens 12, united at the base, about 1.5-2 cm long, filament filiform, curved at the apex, keeping anthers inside calyx-tube , anthers dorsifixed brown, almost rounded or broadly ovate, carpels 2, united, ovary superior, style filiform, longe, than ovary and stamens, taste, astringent.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of sepal shows, single layered cuticularised epidermis, provided with both glandular and covering trichomes ;glandular trichomes, multicellular, long, consisting of a stalk and a globose, thin-walled, multicellular head, covering trichomes, unicellular thick-walled broad at base and pointed at the apex, ground tissue consisting of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells surface view of petal shows thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, provided with very few sparsely distributed covering trichomes, transverse section of filament shows, epidermis consisting of single layered tangentially elongated cells, covered with a very thick-cuticle, ground tissue consisting of thin walled parenchymatous cells with intercellular spaces, surrounding a central. vascular cylinder of spirally thickened vessels, transverse section of anther shows, single layered epidermis, covered with cuticle followed by several layers of thickened cells, surrounding both the pollen-sacs having numerous pollen grains, pollen grains roughly tetrahedral with three pores, measuring 12-16 n approximately , central region consisting of thin-walled cells emboding vascular bundles.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 10 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 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 28 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Tannin and glucoside.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Grahi, Visaghna, Garbhasthapana, Krminut, Sandhaniya.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Brhat Gangadhara Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Atisara, Raktapitta, Trsna, Vrana, Visarpa

DOSE – 3-6 g. of drug in powder form.

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KANYASARA

Kanyasara consists of dried juice of leaves of Aloe barbadensis Mill. Syn. Aloe vera Tourn.ex Linn, Aloe indica Royle. (Fam. Liliacem), shrub planted in many Indian gardens and found growing throughout India.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Kumarirasasambhava, Sahasara
Assamese : Musabhar, Machambar
Bengali : Ghritakalmi
English : Indian Aloe
Gujrati : Eliyo, Eariyo
Hindi : Musabhar, Elva
Kannada : Karibola, Lolesara satva, Lovalsara, Lolesara
Kashmiri : Musabbar, Siber
Malayalam : Chenninayakam
Marathi : Korphad
Oriya : Musabara
Punjabi : Kalasohaga, Mussabar, Alua
Tamil : Kattazhi, Satthukkathazhai
Telugu : Musambaram
Urdu : Musabbar, Ailiva, Siber

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Dark chocolate brown, to black, compact, irregular masses: surface dull, opaque with slightly vitreous appearance, odour, characteristic, taste, nauseous and bitter.

b) Microscopic

Powder when mounted in glycerin or lactophenol and examined under the microscope shows innumerable crystalline, yellowish-brown to chocolate coloured particles of varying size and shape.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTHIdentification:

Mix 0.5 g with 50 ml of water, boil until nearly dissolved, cool, add 0.5 g of Kieselguhr and filter, to the filtrate apply the following tests-

(i) Heat 5 ml of filtrate with 0.2 g of Borax until dissolved, add a few drops of this solution to a test-tube nearly filled with Water, a green fluorescence is produced.
(ii) Mix 2 ml of filtrate with 2 ml of a freshly prepared solution of Bromine, a pale yellow precipitate is produced.

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 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 80 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 60 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Moisture content Not more than 10 per cent, Per cent of its weight when dried to constant weight at 105o C 2.2.9

CONSTITUENTS – Anthraquinone, glycoside

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu
Guna : Usna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Bhedi, Pittanirharana, Rajahpravartaka, Jvaranut.

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Rajahpravartini Vati, Cukkumtippalyadi Gutika

THERAPEUTIC USES – Jvara, Udararoga, Kastartava, Yakrdvikara

DOSE – 125 – 500 mg of the drug in powder form.

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KARANJA

Karanja consists of seeds of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Merr, Syn. Pongamia glabra vent.(Fam. Leguminosm),a medium sized glabrous tree with a short bole and spreading crown and found almost throughout India upto an altitude of 1200 m.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Karanjaka, Naktamala, Naktahva, Ghrtakaranja
Assamese : Korach
Bengali : Nata Karanja, Dahara Karanja
English : Smooth leaved pongamia
Gujrati : Kanajo, Karanji
Hindi : Dithouri, Karuaini
Kannada : Honge, Hulagilu
Kashmiri : Kath
Malayalam : Avittal, Ungu, Unu, Pungu
Marathi : Karanja
Oriya : Karnja
Punjabi : Karanj
Tamil : Pungan, Pongana
Telugu : Lamiga, Kanuga
Urdu : Karanj

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seed usually one and rarely two, elliptic or reniform in shape, 1.7-2.0 cm long and 1.2-1.8 cm broad, wrinkled with reddish leathery testa, micropylar end of cotyledons slightly depressed while other side semi-circular in shape.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of seed shows, testa composed of a layer of palisade like outer epidermis, filled with brown pigment, covered externally with a thick cuticle, a layer of large, thin walled, somewhat rectangular cells, 2-4 layers of thick-walled parenchyma cells, a few rows of cells with small inter-cellular spaces, 2-3 layers of thick-walled elongated cells, a few layers of spongy parenchyma having large inter-cellular spaces, a number of parenchyma cells containing brown pigment, cotyledons composed of outer layer of epidermis with cylindrical cells, externally covered with thin cuticle, epidermis followed by rectangular to polygonal cells of mesophyll, filled with globules, also present scattered in this region.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 23 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 13 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Fixed oil, flavones and traces of essential oil.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Krmijit, Kushaghna, Kaphavataghna, Vranasodhana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Aragvadhadi Kvath Curna, Pathyadilepa

THERAPEUTIC USES – Vrana, Krmi, Kustha.

DOSE – 0.25 g of the drug in powder form.
5-10 g of the drug for decoction.

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KARAVIRA

Karavira consists of dried leaves of Nerium indicum Mill. Syn. Nerium odorum Soland (Fam.Apocynacem), a large evergreen woody shrub with milky Juice, found throughout the year in upper Gangetic plains, Himalayas, from Nepal to Kashmir upto 2000 m. Central and Southern India, also cultivated near temples and gardens.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Hayamaraka, Harapriya, Asvamara.
Assamese : Karbira, Karavi, Karvir
Bengali : Karavi, Kalkephul
English : Indian Oleander
Gujrati : Kanera, Karena, Karen
Hindi : Kaner
Kannada : Kanagalu, Kanagile
Kashmiri : Gandeela, Gandula
Malayalam : Kanave eram, Arali, Kattalari
Marathi : Kanher
Oriya : Kaniara, Kaniar
Punjabi : Kaner
Tamil : Arali, Alari, Aatrulari
Telugu : Ganneru
Urdu : Kaner

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Leaves exstipulate, linear, lanceolate, 10-20 cm long and upto 2.5 cm wide, thick, dark green and shining above and dotted beneath, venation unicostate, reticulate with midrib being stout and the secondary veins arising in very large number, running parallel, stomata anamocytic.

b) Microscopic

Petiole-transverse section of petiole shows a single layer of epidermis covered externally by thick cuticle, epidermal cells elongate to form unicellular, non-lignified and nonglandular hairs, a wide zone of cortex, composed of 4-7 layers of collenchymatous cells and a Wide zone of parenchyma follows the epidermis, parenchymatous cells thinwalled,
more or less isodiametric with intercellular spaces, some cells contain rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, petiole receives three vascular bundles from stem, central one large and crescent shaped while other two much smaller and somewhat circular present on each side of central vascular bundle, phloem present on upper side and xylem on lower Side With usual elements.

Lamina-transverse section of lamina shows an isobilateral structure, upper epidermis composed of penta or hexagonal parenchymatous cells, externally covered with thick cuticle, below upper epidermis. 2-3 layers of hypodermis present, palisada 3-4 layered composed of elongated and compactly arranged cells, vascular strands also seen in between palisade and spongy parenchyma, spongy parenchyma filled with chlorophyll, towards lower surface 2-3 layered palisade, below which parenchyma and lower epidermis present, lower epidermis also coated with the cuticle externally, in lower surface many pits possessing stomata, unicellular, non-glandular and non-lignified trichomes, rosette crystals of calcium oxalate present throughout lamina, average palisade ratio 4: 1.

Midrib-transverse section of midrib shows epidermis composed of a layer of cells, externally covered with cuticle, some epidermal cells on upper and lower sides form unicellular hairs, between epidermis and parenchyma 2-4 rows of thick-walled cells, more prominent towards lower side, some parenchymatous cells contain rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, laticifers found scattered singly or in groups of 2 in this region, beneath the vascular bundle a sn ip of fibres present, vascular bundle ‘U’ shaped, xylem being towards lower side and phloem towards the upper consists of tracheids, vessels and parenchyma, vessels with end-openings, rarely with side openings tracheids many with spiral, annular or reticulate thickenings on their walls.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 12 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 9 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 20 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 20 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Cardiac glucoside (oleandrin).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Svasahara, Caksusya, Krmighna, Kandughna, Kushaghna, Vranapaha, Jvarapaha

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Kasisadi Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Hrdroga, Jvara, Krmiroga, Kandu, Kustha, Netraroga, Vrana,Tamakasvasa

DOSE – 30-125 mg of the drug in powder form.
*Dose should not exceed the higher limit.

NOTE-Sodhana of this drug is to be done before use as described in the appendix.

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GUNJA

Gunja consists of seeds of Abrus precatorius Linn. (Fam. Leguminosm): a climber met with all along Himalayas ascending to 900 m, spreading throughout plains, flowering
in August-September, and fruits ripen during winter.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Raktika, Kakananti
Assamese : Rati
Bengali : Kunch, Shonkainch
English : Jequirity
Gujrati : Rati, Chanothee
Hindi : Ratti, Ghungchi
Kannada : Galuganji, Gulagunjee
Kashmiri : Kath
Malayalam : Kunni, Cuvanna Kunni
Marathi : Gunja
Oriya : Kainch
Punjabi : Ratti
Tamil : Kuntri, Kunrimani, Kundamani
Telugu : Guriginja, Gurivinda
Urdu : Ghongcha, Ratti

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Characterised by smooth, glossy surface and bright scarlet colour with black patch hilum, ovoid or sub-globular, 5-8 mm long, 4-5 mm broad.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of seed shows testa about 75 μ thick, greater parts being formed by epidermis, composed of radially, much elongated cells, arranged irregularly and measure 45-50 μ in length, Inner region of thin testa consists of collapsed cells forming a hyaline layer about 25 μ thick, endodermis composed of thick-walled cellulosic parenchyma, isodiametric cells larger towards inside, walls mainly of hemicellulose and swell considerably in water, outer one or two layers of cells of endodermis (pseudoepidermis) formed of rather smaller cells, walls of which swell to less extent in water.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 15 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – An albuminous substance (abrine and abralin).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa, Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Kesya, Vranapaha, Vatapittajvarapaha, Kandughna, Garbhanirodhaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Mrtasanjivani Gutika, Guμjabhadra Rasa

THERAPEUTIC USES – Kustha, Vrana, Vatavyadhi, Indralupta

DOSE – 60-180 mg of the drug in powder form*.

Note: Sodhana of this drug is to be done before use as described in the Appendix.
* The dose should not exceed the higher limits.

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HARIDRA

Haridra consists of the dried and cured rhizomes of Curcuma longa Linn. (Fam. Zingiberacem), a perennial herb extensively cultivated in all parts of the country, crop is harvested after 9-10 months when lower leaves turn yellow rhizomes carefully dug up with hand-picks between October-April and cured by boiling and dried.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Rajani, Nisa, Nisi, Ratri, Ksanada, Dosa
Assamese : Haldhi, Haladhi
Bengali : Halud, Haldi
English : Turmeric
Gujrati : Haldar
Hindi : Haldi, Hardi
Kannada : Arishina
Kashmiri : Ledar, Ladhir
Malayalam : Manjal
Marathi : Halad
Oriya : Haladi
Punjabi : Haldi, Haldar
Tamil : Manjal
Telugu : Pasupu
Urdu : Haldi

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Rhizomes ovate, oblong or pyriform (round turmeric) or cylindrical, often short branched (long turmeric), former about half as broad as long, latter 2-5 cm long and about 1-1.8 cm thick, externally yellowish to yellowish-brown with root scars and annulations of leaf bases, fracture horny, fractured surface orange to reddish brown, central cylinder twice as broad as cortex: odour and taste characteristic.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of rhizome shows epidermis with thick-walled, cubical cells of various dimensions, cortex characterised by the presence of mostly thin-walled rounded parenchyma cells scattered collateral vascular bundles, a few layers of cork developed under epidermis and scattered oleo-resin cells with brownish contents; cork generally composed of 4-6 layers of thin-walled, brick-shaped parenchyma, cells of ground tissue contain starch grains of 4-15 n in diameter, oil cell with suberised walls containing either orange-yellow globules of volatile oil or amorphous resinous matter, vessels mainly spirally thickened, a few reticulate and annular.

Identification-

1) On the addition of Concentrated Sulphuric acid or a mixture of Concentrated Sulphuric acid and alcohol to the powdered drug, a deep crimson colour is produced.
2) A piece of filter paper is impregnated with an alcoholic extract of the powder, dried, and then moistened with a solution of Boric acid slightly acidified with Hydrochloric acid, dried again, the filter paper assumes a pink or brownish red colour which becomes deep blue or greenish-black on the addition of alkali.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 9 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 8 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 12 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Volatile oil Not less than 4 per cent, Appendix 2.2.10

CONSTITUENTS – Essential oil and a colouring matter (curcumin).

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Krmighna, Kushaghna, Varnya, Visaghna, Kaphapittanut, Pramehanasaka

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Haridra Khanda

THERAPEUTIC USES – Pandu, Prameha, Vrana, Visavikara, Kustha, Tvagroga, Sitapitta, Pinasa

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

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HARITAKI

Haritaki consists of the pericarp of mature fruits of Terminalia chebula Retz. (Fam. Combretacem), a moderate sized or large tree found throughout India, chiefly in deciduous forests and areas of light rainfall, but occasionally also in slightly moist forests, upto about 1500 m elevation, throughout India, flowers appear from April, August and fruits ripen from October-January.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Abhaya, Kayastha, Siva, Pathya, Vijaya (Not Bhanga)
Assamese : Shilikha
Bengali : Haritaki
English : Myrobalan
Gujrati : Hirdo, Himaja, Pulo-harda
Hindi : Harre, Harad, Harar
Kannada : Alalekai
Kashmiri : Halela
Malayalam : Katukka
Marathi : Hirda, Haritaki, Harda, Hireda
Oriya : Harida
Punjabi : Halela, Harar
Tamil : Kadukkai
Telugu : Karaka, Karakkaya
Urdu : Halela

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Intact fruit yellowish-brown, ovoid, 20-35 mm long, 13-25 mm wide, wrinkled and ribbed longitudinally, pericarp fibrous, 3-4 mm thick, non-adherent to the seed, taste, astringent.
b) Microscopic Transverse section of pericarp shows epicarp consisting of one layer of epidermal cells inner tangential and upper portions of radial wall thick, mesocarp, 2-3 layers of collenchyma, followed by a broad zone of parenchyma in which fibres and sc1ereids in group and vascular bundles scattered, fibres with peg like out growth and simple pitted walls, sclereids of various shapes and sizes but mostly elongated, tannins and raphides in parenchyma, endocarp consists of thick-walled sclereids of various shapes and sizes,
mostly elongated, epidermal surface view reveal polygonal cells, uniformly thickwalled, several of them divided into two by a thin septa, starch grains simple rounded or oval in shape, measuring 2-7 n in diameter, found in plenty in almost all cells of mesocarp.

Powder– Brownish in colour, under microscope shows a few fibres, vessels with simple pits and groups of sclereids.

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 5 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 40 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 60 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Tannins, anthraquinones and polyphenolic compounds.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Amla, Katu, Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu, Ruksa
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Caksusya, Dipana, Hrdya, Medhya, Sarvadosaprasamana, Rasayana, Anulomana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Triphala Curna, Triphaladi Taila, Abhayarista, Agastya Haritaki Rasayana, Citraka Haritaki, Danti Haritaki, Dasamula Haritaki, Brahma Rasayana, Abhaya Lavana, Pathyadi Lepa

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sotha, Arsa, Aruci, Hrdroga, Kasa, Pandu, Prameha, Udavarta, Vibandha, Jirnajvara, Visamajvara, Siroroga, Tamaka Svasa, Gulma, Udararoga

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

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HINGU

Hingu consists of oleo-gum-resin obtained from rhizomes and roots of Ferula foetida Regel., Ferula narthex Bioss,and other species of Ferula (Fam. Umbelliferm), a perennial herb, occurring in Persia and Afghanistan, resin collected after making incisions at the upper part of tap root of more than five year old plants by scrapping in March, April, just before flowering, whole process repeated many times, after one or two days or after a few weeks when it gets hardened.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Ramaha, Sahasravedhi
Assamese : Hin
Bengali : Hing
English : Asfoetida
Gujrati : Hing, Vagharni
Hindi : Hing, Hingda
Kannada : Hing, Ingu
Kashmiri : Eng
Malayalam : Kayam
Marathi : Hing, Hira, Hing
Oriya : Hengu, Hingu
Punjabi : Hing
Tamil : Perungayam
Telugu : Inguva
Urdu : Hitleet, Hing

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Rounded, flattened or masses of agglutinated tears, greyish-white to dull yellow, mostly 12-25 mm in diameter, freshly exposed surface, yellowish and translucent or milky white, opaque, slowly becoming pink, red, finally reddish brown, odour, strong, characteristic and persistent, taste, bitter and acrid.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Identification

(I) Freshly broken surface when touched with sulphuric acid a bright red or reddishbrown colour is produced, changing to violet when acid washed off with water.
(II) Boil 0.2 g with 2 ml Hydrochloric acid for about 1 minute, cool, dilute with an equal volume of water, and filter into 3 ml of dilute solution of Ammonia, fluorescence is produced.

Absence of colophony resin:-Triturate 1 g with 10 ml of Light Petroleum (b.p. 40o-60o) for 2 minutes, filter into a test tube and add to the filtrate 10 ml of a fresh 0.5 per cent w/v aqueous solution of copper acetate, shake well and allow the liquids to separate, petroleum layer does not show any green colour, indicating absence of colophony resin.

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 3 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 50 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6.
Water-soluble extractive Not less than 50 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

ASSAY

Place about 5 g accurately weighed, in a small beaker furnished with a glass rod, and tared add 50 ml of Alcohol (90 per cent), and boil gently. Filter the hot solution through a tared filter paper and boil the residue with further quantities of Alcohol (90 per cent); unitl all soluble matter is removed, using the glass rod to disintegrate the soluble matter. Wash the filter paper with hot alcohol (90 per cent) transfer the paper to the beaker, dry the 100o, and weigh. The- residue weighs not more than 50 per cent of the original sample taken.

CONSTITUENTS – Essential oil, gum and resin.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Katu
Guna : Tiksna
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Anulomana, Dipana, Hrdya, Krmighna, Pacana, Rucya, Vatakaphaprasamana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Hingvastaka Curna, Hingvadi Curna, Hinguvacadu Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sularoga, Adhmana, Gulma, Hrdroga, Krmiroga, Udararoga, Agnimandya, Anaha

DOSE – 125-500 mg of the drug.

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ATASI

Atasi consists of dried, ripe seeds of Linum usitatissimum Linn. (Fam. Linaceae), an erect annual herb, 0.6-1.2 m high, extensively cultivated throughout the plains of India upto an altitude of 800 m, capsule ripen by end of June, dried seeds separated from capsule by thrashing.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Uma, Ksuma
Assamese : Tisi, Tusi
Bengali : Masina, Atasi
English : Linseed
Gujrati : Alshi, Arasi
Hindi : Alsi
Kannada : Agasebeeja, Semeagare, Agasi
Kashmiri : Alsi
Malayalam : Agastha, Agasi, Cheru charm
Marathi : Atshi
Oriya : Atushi
Punjabi : Ali
Tamil : Ali, Virai
Telugu : Avisa
Urdu : Alsi, Katan

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Seed small, brown, glossy with minutely pitted surface, about 4-6 mm long and 2-2.5 mm in maximum width, elongated-ovoid, flattened, rounded at one end and obliquely pointed at the other, near which on one edge, a light depression enclosing hilum and micropyle, embryo consisting of two yellowish-white, flattened planoconvex cotyledons and a radicle, nearly fills the seed and completely surrounded by a thin, whitish endosperm, both endosperm and embryo oily, testa mucilaginous when soaked in water, odour, characteristic, taste, oily when chewed.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of seed shows testa consists of isodiametric cells with mucilaginous outer walls, collenchymatous cells of middle layer of seed coat cylindrical, single layered, yellowish brown, longitudinally elongated, about 120-190μ long and 14-17 μ wide, thick, lignified and with pitted walls, single layer of flattened polygonal pigment cells with reddish-brown contents, aleurone grains in the cotyledons, upto 20 μ in diameter, each with globoid and crystalloid, abundant globule of fixed oil and occasional starch grains present.

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 2 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 15 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.
Fixed oil Not less than 25 per cent, Appendix 2.2.8

CONSTITUENTS – Fixed oil, mucilage and protein.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Vataghna, Acaksusya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Sarsapadi Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Krmiroga, Kustha, Prameha, Siroroga

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

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ASVATTHA

Asvattha consists of dried bark of Ficus religiosa Linn. (Fam. Moraceae, a large perennial tree, glabrous when young, found throughout the plains of India upto 170 m altitude in the Himalayas, largely planted as an avenue and roadside tree especially near temples.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Pippala
Assamese : Ahant
Bengali : Asvattha, Ashud, Ashvattha
English : Pipal tree
Gujrati : Piplo, Jari, Piparo, Pipalo
Hindi : Pipala, Pipal
Kannada : Arlo, Ranji, Basri, Ashvatthanara, Ashwatha, Aralimara, Aralegida,
Ashvathamara, Basari, Ashvattha
Kashmiri : Bad
Malayalam : Arayal
Marathi : Pipal, Pimpal, Pippal
Oriya : Aswatha
Punjabi : Pipal, Pippal
Tamil : Ashwarthan, Arasamaram, Arasan, Arasu, Arara
Telugu : Ravichettu
Urdu : —

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Bark occurs in flat or slightly curved pieces, varying from 1.0-2.5 cm or more in thickness, outer surface brown or ash coloured, surface uneven due to exfoliation of cork, inner surface smooth and somewhat brownish, fracture, fibrous, taste, astringent.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of bark shows compressed rectangular to cubical, thick-walled cork cells and dead elements of secondary cortex, consisting of masses of stone cells, cork cambium distinct with 3-4 rows of newly formed secondary cortex, mostly composed of stone cells towards periphery, stone cells found scattered in large groups, rarely isolated,
most of parenchymatous cells of secondary cortex contain numerous starch grains and few prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, secondary phloem a wide zone, consisting of sieve elements, phloem fibres in singles or in groups of 2 to many and non-lignified, numerous crystal fibres also present, in outer region sieve elements mostly collapsed while in inner region intact, phloem parenchyma mostly thick-walled, stone cells present in single or in small groups similar to those in secondary cortex, a number of ray-cells and phloem parenchyma filled with brown pigments, prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate and starch grains present in a number of parenchymatous cells, medullary rays uni to multiseriate, wider towards outer periphery composed of thick-walled cells with simple pits, in tangential section ray cells circular to oval in shape, cambium when present, consists of 2-4 layers of thin-walled rectangular cells.

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 7 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.3 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 9 per cent, Appendix 2.2.7.

CONSTITUENTS – Tannins.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Kasaya
Guna : Guru, Ruksa
Virya : Sita
Vipaka : Katu
Karma : Varnya, Kaphapittavinasi, Sangrahi, Bhagnasandhanakara, Mutrasangrahaniya

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Nyagrodhadi Curna, Nyagrodhadi Kvatha Curna

THERAPEUTIC USES – Prameha, Raktapitta, Vrana, Vatarakta, Yonidosa

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

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ASVAGANDHA

Asvagandha consists of dried mature roots of Withania somnifera Dunal. (Fam. Solanaceae), a perennial shrub, found in waste land, cultivated field and open grounds throughout India, widely cultivated in certain areas of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan , roots collected in winter, washed and cut into short pieces.

SYNONYMS

Sanskrit : Hayagandha, Vajigandha
Assamese : Ashvagandha
Bengali : Ashvagandha
English : —
Gujrati : Asgandha
Hindi : Asgandh
Kannada : Angarberu, Hiremaddina-gida
Kashmiri : Asagandh
Malayalam : Amukkuram
Marathi : Asagandha, Askagandha
Oriya : Aswagandha
Punjabi : Asgandh
Tamil : Amukkaramkizangu
Telugu : Pennerugadda
Urdu : Asgand

DESCRIPTION

a) Macroscopic

Roots straight, unbranched, thickness varying with age. roots bear fibre-like secondary roots, outer surface buff to grey-yellow with longitudinal wrinkles, crown consists of 2-6 remains of stem base, stem bases variously thickened, nodes prominent only on the side from where petiole arises, cylindrical, green with longitudinal wrinkles, fracture, short and uneven, odour, characteristic, taste, bitter and acrid.

b) Microscopic

Transverse section of root shows cork exfoliated or crushed, when present isodiamatric and non-lignified, cork cambium of 2-4 diffused rows of cells, secondary cortex about twenty layers of compact parenchymatous cells, phloem consists of sieve tubes, companion cells, phloem parenchyma, cambium 4-5 rows of tangentially elongated cells, secondary xylem hard forming a closed vascular ring separated by multiseriate medullary rays, a few xylem parenchyma

IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH

Foreign matter Not more than 2 per cent, Appendix 2.2.2.
Total Ash Not more than 7 per cent, Appendix 2.2.3.
Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 per cent, Appendix 2.2.4.
Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 15 per cent, Appendix 2.2.6. (25 per cent)
Water-soluble extractive Nil Appendix 2.2.7.

ASSAY

Aswagandha consists of not less than 0.2 per cent of total alkaloids, when assayed as follows:

Take about 30g accurately weighed of the powdered drug, cover with Alcohol (90 per cent) and allow to stand overnight. Extract for 6 hours so wet apparatus and concentrate to a syrup residue. Treat with 25, 20, 15 and 10 ml portions of 5 per cent Sulphuric Acid until complete extraction of alkaloid is affected.

To the combined acid extracts add an excess of Dragandorf’s reagent. Filter under suction and dissolve the residue in Acetone, Shake the acetone solution with freshly prepared suspension of 2ml Silver Carbonate in 10 ml of Water. Filter the solution and wash the precipitate with Acetone, Alcohol and water in that order. Pass sufficient Hydrogen Sulphide through the filtrate. Boil the solution for 10 minutes, Inter and evaporate under vacuum in a tared flask. Add to the residue 5 ml of Ethyl Alcohol – evaporate to dryness, repeat the process once again and weight the residue to constant weight in a vacuum dessicator.

CONSTITUENTS – Alkaloids and withanolides.

PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Rasa : Tikta, Kasaya
Guna : Laghu
Virya : Usna
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Rasayana, Vatakaphapaha, Balya, Vajikarana

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS – Asvagandhadyarista, Asvagandhadi Leha, Balasvagandha Laksadi Taila

THERAPEUTIC USES – Sotha, Ksaya, Daurbalya, Vataroga, Klaibya

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

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