B.ph.-3 Yr Cognosy Unit 4 As Per Ruhs 2014

UNIT IV
Studies on traditional drugs :

UNIT -IV
Studies of traditional drugs, common vernacular names, botanical sources, morphology, and
chemical nature of chief
constituents, pharmacology, categories and common uses and marketed formulation of following
indigenous drugs:
Amla, kantkari, satavari, tylophora, bhilawa, kalijiri, bach, rasna, punarnava, chitrak,
apamarg,gokhru, shankhapushpi, brahmi,adusa, arjuna,ashoka, methi, lahsun, palash, guggal,
gymnema, shilajit, nagarmotha and neem.
Amla
Synonyms:
Indian goose berry, Emblica
Chemical Category: annins
Biological Source:
hese are fresh or dried ripe fruits of Emblica officinalis !aerth "#hyllanthus emblica
$inn.%
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Geograhical !istri"ution:
&ainly in deciduous forests of India. It also found in in Sri $anka and &yanmar.
he leaves are feathery with small oblong pinnately arranged leaflets. he trees are
characteristic greenish grey and white smooth bark.
#a"itat and !escrition:
Amla tree about ' to () m in height with large dense branches.
$acroscoic Character:
Colour: *resh fruit+ green to yellowish+green
,ried *ruit: ,ark brown
%dour : -dourless
Taste : Sour and Astringent taste which gives sweetish sensation after some times
with saliva.
Si&e: (..+ /.. cm in diameter
Shae: Spherical and depressed globose.
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'(tra )eatures:
*ruits are fleshy obscurely 6 lobed with 7+trygonous seeds. hey are very hard and
smooth in appearance.
Chemical constituents:
Amla is richest source of vitamin 8. It contains 7)) to 9.) mg per hundred of g of
fresh pulp. Apart from that, fruit also contains about )..: fat, #hyllemblin and .:
tannin.Amla fruits are also rich in mineral matters like phosphorus, iron and calcium. It
contains appreciable amounts of pectin. he fresh fruit contain about 9.: of moisture.
he fruits are dehydrated and stored. It is found that vitamin content of dried fruits is not
lost considerably. It may be due to the presence of tannins, which retards o;idation of
vitamin+8
*harmacology: In vitro researches on Amla demonstrating antiviral and anti microbial
properties. E;perimental preparations of leaves, bark or fruit has shown potential efficacy
against laboratory models of disease and ,iabetes. A human pilot study demonstrated
reduction of blood cholesterol levels in both normal and hypercholesterolemic men.
5istopathological observation reveals that both the fruit e;tract and ascorbic acid could
prevent the to;ic effects induced by lead nitrate and aluminium sulphate but e;tract was
more effective than ascorbic acid alone.
To(icology: 2o to;icology has been found.
Uses:
<sed as natural source of =itamin+8.
<sed in the treatment of various disease caused by =itamin >8 deficiency, like scurby.
<seful in diabetes and liver diseases.
Also has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, diuretic and la;ative properties.
,ried amla is useful in treatment of anaemia, ?uandice and cough.
Amla is Important constituent of @riphalaA an Ayurvedic formulation.
&ore than '): of 8hyvan#rash "an important 2utritive Ayurvedic preparation% consists
of amla.
It helps in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar level.
It is a natural hair conditioner and provides good nourishment and helps in normal blood
supply.
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It promotes glow on skin and delays wrinkles or loosening of skin, so it delays ageing
process.
$ar+eted roducts:
riphala
8hyawanprash
Amla 5air oil
&entate
0onisal
Amlaki capsule
Amla churana
Amla shampoos
,anta+ari
Synonyms: Indian solanum, 4ateli, 4antkan, 1ellow+0erried 2ightshade, 8hoti 4atheri,
,husparsha,
Chemical Category: Steroidal glucoalkaloid
Botanical Source: It consists of either fruits or whole plant of Solanum xanthocarpum.
Family: Solanaceae
Geograhical Source: hroughout India
!escrition
4antkari, botanically known as Solanum Xanthocarpum, is a very spiny diffused herb, with a
height of up to (./ meters. he young branches are densely covered with minute star+shaped hair,
while the mature branches are BigBag, covered with yellow, sharp shining prickles and spread
close to the ground. he midribs and other nerves of the leaves have sharp yellow prickles and
grow up to () cm in length. he purple flowers, that are / cm long with five petals, can be seen
in small bunches, sometimes opposite to the leaves.
&ainly fruits of the plants constitutes the drug.
$acroscoy: -)ruit.
8olour+ 1ellow or pale yellow with green veins
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-dour: 2one
aste+ 0itter
Shape+ !lobular druping berries
Chemical Constituents:
he main chemical constituents of the 4antkari are the steroidal alkaloids like Solasodine ,"C%+
Solanocarpine " a glucoalkaloid% , solasonine. "C%+Solanocarpine and Solasodine are generally
isolated from the berries"fruits% of the plant.
-ther constituents: carpesterol, solanocarpidine, potassium nitrate, fatty acid, sitosterol,
isochlorogenic acid, neochronogenic acid, chronogenic acid, caffeic acid, solasodine, solasonine,
solamargine, Duercetin, apigenin, histamine, acetylcholine etc.
*harmacological Action: *ruits eaten as anthelmintic and for the treatment of indigestion. 3oot
is an e;pectorant and used in Ayurvedic medicine for cough, asthama, chest pain. Also used for
flatulence, sore throat and toothache. 5as higher conc. of solasodine, a starting material for the
manufacture of cortisone and se; hormones. It cures asthama, cough, branchspasm, sore throat,
constipation, an effective e;pectorant and diuretic.
Uses :
4antkari is useful in treating worms, cold, hoarseness of voice, fever, dysuria,
enlargement of the liver, muscular pain, spleen and stone in the urinary bladder.
In reatment of 8ough: ,ecoction made with 4antakari and long pepper will be useful,
so it is having bronchodilator and antitussive action.
It has higher concentration of solasodine, a starting material for the manufacture of
cortisone and se; hormone.
2asal administration of kantkari is beneficial in migraine, asthma and headache.
Its dried fruit is used in making cigarettes. he smoke from these cigarettes is held in the
mouth cavity, to treat dental infections.
he juice of the berries is used in curing sore throat.
he fumigation of kantakari is helpful in piles.
he herb is made to a paste and applied on swollen and painful joints to reduce the pain
and swelling in arthritis.
3oots and seeds are used as an e;pectorant in asthma, cough and pain in chest.
he decoction of the root is given with honey, to treat cough.
he root is ground to a paste and mi;ed with lemon to cure snake and scorpion bites.
Its stem, flowers and fruits, being bitter and carminative, are used for relieving burning
sensation in the feet.
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4antakari fruits also facilitate seminal ejaculation, alleviate worms, itching, and fever and
reduce fats.
he fruit works as an aphrodisiac in males.
Its seeds are helpful for treating irregular menstruation and dysmenorrheal in females.
he herb is beneficial in the treatment of cardiac diseases associated with edema, since it
is a stimulant to the heart and a blood purifier.
To(icology: 2o to;ic effects noted.
!ose: ,ecoction 6)+') mlE powder F+7 g.
Caution :4antkari should not be taken during pregnancy.
$ar+eted roducts:
Som &adhu
4ankari 8apsules
4antakari !rit
?as+4off and 4ashar 8ough Syrup
S#ATAVA/I
Common 0ernacular name
5indi
Sanskrit
English
Botanical sources
0otanical name Asparagus racemosus
*amily $iliaceae
$orhology
he tuberous root bits are dirty white in colour longitudinally wrinkled with yellow hard central
core. It is starchy and slightly bitter followed by sweet taste.
A. Macroscopic + he tuberous roots are borne in a compact bunch and are fleshy, and spindle
shaped. hey are marketed in pieces .+(. cm in length and / cm in thiclmess. hey are silvery
white or ash+colored e;ternally and white internally, more or less smooth when fresh, developing
longitudinal wrinldes when dry
0. Microscopic + he inner parenchymatous Bone ofcorte; is composed of ('+/6 layers in upper
and 6/+69 layers in the middle tuberous portion ofthe roots. he cells are thin > walled cellulosic,
with circular to oral outlines and distinct inter cellular spaces. In some roots F+6 layers ofcorte;
immediately adjacent to the endodermis are modified into a sheath of stone cells round the
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endodermis. he number ofvascular bundles is F)F. in the upper levels and F.+6. in the middle
tuberous portions of the roots.
Standards
*oreign organic matter 2ot more than /.) per cent.
Ethanol+soluble e;tractive 2ot less than (..) per cent.
Gater+ soluble e;tractive 2ot less than /).) per cent
otal ash 2ot more than (..) percent.
Acid+insoluble ash 2ot more than F.) per cent.
$oss on drying 2ot more than (..) per cent
Chemical nature o) chie) constituents
Asparagamine A, a polycyclic alkaloid was isolated from the dried roots and subseDuently
synthesiBed to allow for the construction of analogs.
wo new steroidal saponins, shatavaroside A and shatavaroside 0 together with a known
saponin, filiasparoside 8, were isolated from the roots of Asparagus racemosus.
*ive steroidal saponins, shatavarins =I+H, together with five known saponins, shatavarin I "or
asparoside 0%, shatavarin I= "or asparinin 0%, shatavarin =, immunoside and schidigerasaponin
,. "or asparanin A%, have been isolated from the roots of Asparagus racemosus.
Isoflavone, '+metho;y+.,7,6I+trihydro;yisoflavone 9+-+beta+,+glucopyranoside.
*harmacology
Shata0ari is balaya action, leaves boiled in oil are used for massage in brain
disease, vata disorders and weakness.
Shata0ari leaves are used in measles and smallpo;.
Shata0ari is brain tonic and pain reliever, gives energy to brain and nerves. It is used in
epilepsy and syncope and vata disorders.
Shata0ari alleviates bleeding disorders.
Shata0ari is good cardiotonic.
Shata0ari is well known glalactagogue in human as well as animals.
Shata0ari is a foetal tonic and aphrodisiac.
Shata0ari work as rasayan in threatened abortion, menorrhagia, suppressed lactation and
low sperm count.
Shata0ari is useful in general debility and muscle strengthener.
Shata0ari is diuretic used in dysuria and gives strength to urinary bladder.
Shata0ari is good eye tonic, useful in impaired eye sight and in many eye diseases.
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Categories 1 common uses
Asparagus racemosus is an important plant in traditional medicine in tropical and
subtropical India. Its medicinal usage has been reported in the Indian and 0ritish
#harmacopoeias and in traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, <nani and Siddha.
he roots are used in Ayurvedic medicine, following a regimen of processing and drying. It is
generally used as a uterine tonic, as a galactogogue "to improve breast milk%, in hyperacidity, and
as a general health tonic.
$ar+eted )ormulation
Satavara;
Sataveryadi churna
Satavari churna
Shata0ari
Synonym:
Shatmuli
Chemical Category: Steroidal !lycoside
Biological source
hese are the dried roots and the leaves of Asparagus racemosus.
It contains not less than ).(: of Shatavarin+I= on dried basis.
Family: $iliaceae
Geograhical distri"ution:
It is found distributed through out tropical Asia, Africa and Australia. In India, It is found in
5imalayas upto an altitude of (F)) to (6)) m and all tropical parts of India. Shatavari occurs as
wild plant in dry and deciduous forests of &aharastra.
$acroscoic Character:
Colour: 3oots are silver white or light ash coloured e;ternally and white internally.
%dour: 2one
Taste : Starchy slightly bitter followed by sweet taste.
Si&e: 3oots are . to (. cm in length and (+F cm in diameter.
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Shae: Spindle shaped J 8ylindrical, fleshy, tuberous, straight or slightly curved
and swollen in the middle.
Fracture: Irregular
'(tra )eatures: $ongitudinally wrinkled with yellow hand central core. Ghen soaked in
water, the roots swell and become soft and flaccid.
he shatavari roots contains 6 steroid saponins: Shatavarin I+I= ")./:%.
Shatavarin+I is the major glycoside with F glucose and rhamnose moieties attached to
sarsapogenin, where as in shatavarin I= two glucose and one rhamnose moieties are
attached.
*lowers and fruits of sahtavari contain Duercetin, rutin and hyperoside , while leaf
contains diosgenin and Duercetin.
*haramcology: Asparagus racemosus "Satavari% is recommended in Ayurveda for the
prevention and treatment of reproductive disorders of women such as Se;ual disability,
amenorrhea, dysammenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine , bleeding , endometrosis, gonorrhea,
prolapsed of uterus etc. It is also recommended as a galactogogue in case of laction inadeDuacy.
Asparagus racemosus has been successfully used by some medicinal practioner as anti+
inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunomodulator for many infectious diseases. Asparagus
racemosus can als improve the milk production and reproduction capacity of dairy animals . he
use of satavari can also boost the immune system and conseDuently prevent the infection of
reproductive organs of cow. It can also be effectively used to reduce the stress of dairy animals
and improve their productivity thus producing clean and healthy milk from them.
Uses:
- As galactogogue, tonic and diuretic.
- Shatavarin I is reported to possess antio;ytocic properties.
- Also in treatment of rheumatism and nervine disorders.
- Its use in Ayurveda in threatened abortion and safe delivery is justified by uterine
blocking activity.
- Also as demulcent, aphrodisiac and antiseptic.
To(icological Acti0ity: 2o to;ic effects are noticed.
$ar+eted Formulations:
5imalya Shatavari 8apsules
Shatavari 3oot #owder -rganic+Asparagus
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Tylohora-Indian iecacuanha %
Synonyms: Antamul, Anantmul, ?angli pikvam, Emetic Swallow+wory, Indian Ipecac.
Biological source: It is a mainly leaves and root of ylophora indica or . asthmatica
Family : Asclepiadaceae
!escrition: ylophora is a perennial climbing plant native to the plains, forests, and
hills of southern and eastern India. he portions of the plant used medicinally are the
leaves and root.
Chemical constituents: he tylophora indica contains phenanthroindoliBidine alkaloids
like tylophorine, tylophorinine, tylophorinidine and septicine.
0ut major constituent in ylophora is the alkaloid tylophorine "appro;. ).(:%.
Steam distillation of alcoholic e;tract of the air dried root powder gave p+
metho;ysalicyaldehyde and a small amount of oil matter.
*harmacology:$aboratory research has shown this isolated plant e;tract e;erts a strong
anti+inflammatory action. est tube studies suggest that tylophorine is able to interfere
with the action of mast cells, which are key components in the process of inflammation.
hese actions seem to support ylophoras traditional use as an anti + asthmatic and anti
+allergenic medication by Ayurvedic practitioners.
Uses : he leaves and roots have emetic, cathartic, la;ative, e;pectorant, diaphoretic and
purgative properties. It has also been used for the treatment of allergies, cold, dysentery,
hay fever and arthritis. It has reputation as an alternative and as a blood purifier, often
used in rheumatism and syphilitic rheumatism. 3oot or leaf powder is used in diarrhoea,
dysentery and intermittent fever. ,ried leaves are emetic diaphoretic and e;pectorant. It
is regarded as one of the best indigenous substitute for ipecacuanha "8ephalis
ipecacuanha or Ipecac%. he roots are suggested to be a good natural preservative of food.
It is traditionally used as a folk remedy in certain regions of India for the treatment of
bronchial asthma , inflammation , bronchitis, allergies, rheumatism and dermatitis. It also
seems to be a good remedy in traditional medicine as anti+psoriasis, seborrheic,
anaphylactic, leucopenia and as an inhibitor of the SchultB+,ale reaction. he roots are
suggested to be a good natural preservative of food.
$ar+eted Formulation
$iv.+./ "5imalaya 5erbal 5ealthcare%
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B#I23A
Synonyms: 0hallataka, 0hilawan, !odambi, 0hilanean
Chemical category: A tarry oil containing anacardic acid, non+volatile alcohol "8ardol%.
Biological source: It is obtained from the fruits of Semecarpus anacardium.
Family+ Anacardiaceae
Geograhical !istri"ution:
0hilwa is cultivated throughout India in the areas with hot weather such as 0engal,
orissa, 0ihar and some parts of 5imalaya upto the height of ())) metres. he fruit of this
plant is known as 0hilawan.
!escrition:
0hilwa is an average growing tree normally upto ()+(. m high and the bark is dark grey
in colour which produces an irritating substance.
he leaves of this plant are F)+7) cm long and (/+F) cm wide, glabrous and pubescent.
he flowers produces are green+white and fruit is /+F m broad, ovate, smooth berry
which turns black after ripening.
Chemical Constituents :
The following constituents are obtained from the juice of the pericarp:
- A monohydro;yphenol called KsemicarpolL, (: of the e;tract.
- A o+dihydro;y compound called as K0hillawanolL, 67: of the e;tract .
- A non+volatile corrosive residue forming about (': of the e;tract.
- Rest amount contains Trans- isomer of ursuhenol , anacardic acid, cardol, catechol
and anacardol , fi;ed oil.
*harmacology:
(. Antiathrogenic e))ect: he imbalance between the pro+o;idants and antio;idants is
the main cause of development of atherosclerosis. o prevent such condition,
antio;idant therapy is beneficial. Semecarpus anacardium "SA%shows such
antio;idant property. I has capacity to scavenge the supero;ide and hydro;yl radicals
at low concentrations. he process of atherogenesis initiated by pero;idation of lipids
in low density lipprotein was also inhibited by it.
/. Antiin)lammatory e))ect: SA nut ;tract have the antinflammatory effects of on
developing and developed adjuvant arthritis. It significantly decreased the
carragenan+induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma. hese result indicate the
potent anti+inflammatory effect and therapeutic efficacy of SA.
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F. Anti-o(idant Acti0ity: It has been reported in various species to possess potent
antio;idant activity. Investigation shows that ethyl e;tract and aDueous e;tract of the
drug shows antio;idant activities. Administration of the aDueous e;tract of SA to
plasma+transplanted mouse leads to increase in the activity of antio;idant enBymes.
6. CNS Acti0ity: he beneficial effect of nuts of SA, e;tracted with milk, occur on
82S, mainly for locomotor and nootropic activities in different e;perimental animal
models.
.. Antimicro"ial acti0ity: the aDueous and organic solvent e;tracts of the palnt and
screened for antimicrobial " ,isc diffusion method% and phytochemical properties.
he petroleum ether "#EE% and aDueous e;tract fractions showed inhibitory effect
against Staphylococcus aureus " () mm% and Shigella fle;neri at ())mgMml,
respectively.
To(icology: he drug should be used with care, preferably under the direction of the
Dualified practitioner, since the anacardic acid allergenic. he ma;imum tolerated dose of
a .): alcoholic e;tract of the fruit when given intraperitoneally to mice was found to be
/.) mgMkg body weight.
Uses :
- 0hilwa is used both e;ternally and internally for the wide range of diseases. he
seeds, fruit and oil are held high for its medicinal value.
- he oil from bhilwa is applied to heal cracked feet, and if mi;ed with sesame oil it
works wonder for wounds and sores in preventing pus formation.
- It has also been employed for its multifarious properties and considered beneficial for
ailments like piles, colitis, diarrhea, dyspepsia, tumours and worms.
- 0hilwa is mi;ed with milk can be applied on skin infections scabies, ecBema, and
ringworms.
- In ayurveda bhallataka is known as @rasayanaA which rejuvenates skin from various
skin ailments.
$ar+eted roducts:
Amrta bhalla taka $eha
Sanjivani =ati
0hallataka rasayan
0hallatakadi modaka
,ali4iri:
Synonyms: Iron weed, #urlple fleebane, vernonia anthelmintica, 0an jira
Biological source: It consists of the seeds of 8entratherum anthelminticum or =ernonia
anthelmintica
Family: Asteraceae
Geogrohical source: =ernonia anthelmintica is found in India and Sri lanka.
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!escrition: It is straight big herb.
2ea0es:-leaves are covered with hair. $eaves are mostly 9+' cm long. heir margin are
notched .
Flo5ers:-flowers head (..+/..6 cm in diameter. J each head with F)+6) minute purplish
flowers.
Fruits:- it is 6.6+7.7mm long,cylindrical J hairy with () narrow ridges, seeds having
bitter taste.
he seeds are said to be contain resins and an alkaloid known as =ernonine. he bitter
principle , which was presumably the active principle of the drug, amounted to over (:
of the weight of the seeds.
*harmacological action: Anthelmintic, in skin diseases, tonic, stomachic, diuretic,
employed for destroying pediculi. It contains bitter principles. According to ayurveda,
5erbs are taken in combination with other herbs to neutraliBe the to;icity of one herb
with the opposing effect of the other or to enhance the particular effect of one herb with
the help of other.
Uses: <sed as anthelmintic and purgative in minute dose. Sometimes used e;ternally for
skin diseases. his is different from 8arum carvi. 8arum carvi is also known as kala Bira
or shah Bira. he plant is also useful as a refreshment and sterile for promoting
urination. Its effectiveness in thread worm infections has been confirmed in test in
hospitals.So it is used mainly as Anthelmintic, in skin diseases, tonic, stomachic diuretic,
employed for destroying #ediculi.
To(icology: 2o to;ic effects are noticed.
$ar+eted roducts:
Ananda churana
0lood cleaner
4ani capsule
VAC# - AC%/US.
Synonyms:
8alamus, 0ach, !hoda =aj, =aj, sweet flag.
Biological Source: hese are the dried rhiBomes of plant known as Acorus calamus .
It contains not less than (..: of the volatile oil.
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Family:Araceae
Geoograhical source6 culti0ation and collection: Eastern Europe , England and in
8entral Asia. In India, it is cultivated in 5imalayas and also in Sikkim.
he rhiBomes are collected during autumn when volatile oil content is ma;imum.
$acroscoic characters:
Colour: 3hiBomes are brown in colour.
%dour7 8haracteristic and aromatic
Taste: 0itter, pungent and disagreeable.
Si&e: . to (. cm in length and ( to / cm in thickness.
Shae: he rhiBomes are cylindrical and branched.
Te(ture: 3ough
Fracture: Short
$icroscoic Characters :
he transvers section of the unpeeled acorus rhiBome shows rarely cork followed by the
corte;. he large stele separated by a prominent endoderms is e;hibited. 2umer6ous,
small, ovate vascular bundles are scattered throughout the section. he oleoresinous cell
and abundant starch grains are also found. 8alcium o;alate prisma are seen
accompanying the fibres. annin cell are found parenchyma of the drug. -uter part of
corte; contains smaller cells and sometimes, may be collenchymatous. Stele is composed
of rounded parenchyma enclosing large air spaces and vascular bundles. =ascualr bundles
are more near endodermis and are concentric type. Secretive cells are present in
parenchyma.
Seci)ic characters: he rhiBomes are some what shrunken with deep longitudinal
wrinkles. he leaf scars are more prominent on upper surface and encircle the rhiBomes.
he under surface of rhiBomes bear very small, but raised circular root scars. he lateral
branching is occasional.
Chemical constituents: he drug contains (.. to F..: of volatile oil, starch, resin
"/..:% and tannin "(..:%. =olatile oil contains asaraldehyde. he other contents of the oil
are asarone and eugenol. 8alamus also contains a bitter amorphous principle known as
acorine. he oil from north American race is devoid of asarone, where as , European race
contains about () : asarone.
*harmacology:
89Antispasmodic action is proved by spamogen on ileum of rabbit, guinea pig and albino
rat.
:9Alpha- asarone in small doses potentiate the effect of reserpine while beta+asarone does
not.
;9Asarone reduces spontaneous motor activity and causes reduction of an;iety of rats.
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Uses: calamus is used as carminative, bitter stimulant and vermifuge. Asarone has
sedative and tranDuilliBing properties.
In india the drug also used in epilepsy and depression.
To(icology: 2o to;ic effects are noticed.
Storage7 8alamus rhiBome are stored in well closed container.
/asna
Synonyms
!alanga, East India root, 8hinese ginger, $esser galangal
Biological Source
hese are the dried rhiBomes of Alpinia officinarum, belonging to family Ningiberaceae.
he rhiBomes are trimmed, washed, cut into segments and dried. hey contain not less
than )..: of volatile oil. 8ommercially, they are known as lesser galangal rhiBomes,
while the greater rhiBomes are obtained from Alpinia galangal.
Geograhical Source and Collection:
he drug is found throughout the Eastern 5imalayas and in south west India. It is a
perennial herb, about ( to / m in height bearing rhiBomes. he drug is collected in
Autumn.
$acroscoic Characters
8olour + he rhiBomes are reddish+brown e;ternally and
$ight orange brown.
-dour + 8haracteristically aromatic
aste + Aromatic and pungent.
SiBe + he rhiBomes are about / to ' cm in length and / cm
In thickness
Shape + hey are irregularly branched and marked with fine
Annulations
3hiBomes are tough and have a fibrous fracture
Chemical Constituents:
he green rhiBomes contain ).7: to (..: of volatile oil. he oil contains methyl
cinnamate "about 6':%, cineole "about /.:%, camphor and pinene. It also contains resin,
oily pungent galangol, alpinol, yellow crystalline substance known as galangin, and di+
o;yflavanol. he anti+inflammatory triterpene compounds reported are sorghumol and
bochmerd.
Standards:
*oreign organic matter + not more than /:
otal ash + not more than F..:
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Acid+insoluble ash + not more than (:
Chemical Test:
Shake about ( g finely powdered rasna with 7): alcohol for () minutes and filter. #ut a
drop on filter paper and dry it. E;amine the same under ultraviolet light, a bright bluish+
white fluorescence is observed.
*harmacology: 5eplacosane and octacosane show anti+inflammatory activity.
Uses:
!alanga is used as an aromatic, a stimulant and carminative similar to ginger. It has
antibacterial properties. In india, it is used in treatment ofrheumatism and catarrhal
affections.
To(icology: Acute -:< hr. and chronic "O) days% oral to;icity studies on the etanolic
e;tracts of the rhiBomes of Alpinea galangal carried out in mice. Acute doses were )..,
(.), and F gMkg body weight while the chronic dosage was () mgMkgMday as the e;tract.
All e;ternal morphological, hematological and spermatogenic changes, in addition to
body wt are recorded. ,uring this investigation no significant morality as compared to
the controls are observed.
!alanga treated animals was significant as in the control group. 5ematological studies
revealed a significant rise in the 308 level of !alanga+treated as compared to the
controls. he gain in weights of se;ual organs and increased sperm motility and sperm
counts were observed in both groups of e;tract treated male, mice, however, these
changes were highly significant in galangal+treated group.
SUBSTITUT'
Alpinia galanga "?ava galanga or greater galangal% is similar to the official varieties, but,
less pungent. It does not contain flavonoids. he alcoholic e;tract does not show any
fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
$ar+eted roducts: he 3asna is marketed under the following names:
- Alpinia "E;tract%
- 3asna 8hurana
- ,ashmularishta
*unarna0a
Common 0ernacular name :- 3agweed, santhi, moto satado, ataki,
sanadika, gonajali, sanadika, sothaghna
Botanical sources :-, #unarnava consists of the dried root of oerhaa!ia diffilsa
$inn. "syn. " reperis $inn% "*am. 2yctaginaceae%.
$orhology :-
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0oerhaavia diffusa is a perennial creeping weed, prostrate or ascending herb, up to ( m long or
more having spreading branches. he plant grows profusely in the rainy season, and mature
seeds are formed in -ctober+2ovember. ,ue to its sticky nature, the plant gets stuck on the
clothes of human beings and on the legs of animals, which helps in its dispersal from one place
to another .
/oots: he roots are stout and fusiform with a woody root stock. It has a large root system
bearing rootlets. he tap root is tuberous, cylindrical to narrowly fusiform to conical or tapering,
light yellow, brown or brownish gray. It is thick, fleshy and very bitter in taste. Some workers
have studied the regeneration of this plant through tissue culture. Induction of adventitious
shoots using stem e;plants of 0. diffusa. 3oots were also regenerated from the leaf segments of
0. diffusa when cultured in vitro. hese roots contained ).(.: alkaloid punarnavine. Increase in
levels of indole+ acetic acid "IAA% in &S medium reduced the number of roots regenerated from
the leaf segment, their length and alkaloid content.
A. Macroscopic + Stout, tapering, somewhat lmotty and twisted roots upto F) cm or more
long and )..+(.. cm thick often crowned with stem bases, gryesh+brown, surface is rough
due to minute, irregular, longitudinal striation J root scars.
B. Microscopic > .S. of root shows outermost layer of cork which consists of thin walled
tangentially elongated cells with brownish walls followed by thin walled (+/ layered cork
cambium. 8orte; many layered and composed of thin walled cells. Secondary corte; /+6
layered and parenchymtous. 8oncentric bands of;ylem tissues alternating with
parenchymatous tissues. =essels are radial with reticulate thickening. Simple and
compound starch grains with centric hilum and raphide crystals ofcalcium o;alate in
corte; region. *ibres are aseptate and spindle shaped with pointed ends.
Nature:-it is a herb mostly spreads on the ground.
2ea0es:-leaves are small with whitish on the lower surface and upper green.
Flo5ers:-flowers are very small reddish in colour.
Fruits:-fruits with five coloring glandular
$edicinal Uses:-his plants root is useful.
Standards:-
*oreign organic matter "/.7.(%. 2ot more than /.) per cent.
Ethanol+soluble e;tractive "/.7./%. 2ot less than ).. per cent.
Gater+soluble e;tractive "/.7.F%. 2ot less than O.) per cent by methodl.
otal ash "/.F.(O%. 2ot more than ().) per cent.
Acid+insoluble ash "/.F .(O%. 2ot more than F.) per cent.
$oss on drying "/.6.(O%. 2ot more than ().) per cent.
Chemical nature o) chie) constituents:-
&ajor components are sitosterol, esters of sitosterol, punarnavine, boerhaavia acid, boeravinone,
palmitic acid and many other compounds.

*harmacology :
Boerha0ia !i))usa -*unarna0a. : <sed in $iver diseases and as diuretic. It balances all doshas
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01 : I2,3A 43. ,5--
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"vata, pitta and kapha% in the body. 0eing a good liver stimulant, fresh punarnava leaves are used
to cure viral jaundice. 5owever, its juice can also be used along with any other therapy while
treating various other liver disorders an e;cellent remedy for jaundice. he decoction of the plant
is a remedy for intermittent fevers and intermittents with infracts of the spleen and liver. Also as
a good tonic and diuretic.
$ode %) Action : It may decrease levels of transaminases indicate stabiliBation of plasma
membrane and protection of hepatocytes against damage caused by hepatoto;in. SA# is related
to functioning of hepatocytes and increase in its activity is due to increased synthesis in presence
of biliary pressure and thus protect the liver disorders.
*recaution :
#lease keep this product out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight.
,o not refrigerate J avoid e;cessive heat. ,o not use if seal is broken.
Ad0erse reaction : 0oerhavia diffusa being an 5erbal Supplement no report e;erts any adverse
reaction.
!rug Interaction : 0eing an 5erbal Supplement, no drug interactions are reported.
Ayur0edic Alications
Ghite+edema, anemia, heart disease, cough, intestinal colic, kidney disordersE same uses as
red. 3ed+nervous system, heart disease, hemorrhoids, skin diseases, kidney stones, edema, rat
and snake bitesE chronic alcoholism, wasting diseases, insomnia, rheumatism, eye diseases,
asthma "moderate doses%, induces vomiting in large doses, jaundice, ascites due to early liver and
peritoneal concernsE urethritis. $eaf juice with honey, dropped into the eyes for chronic
ophthalmia.
$edicinal Uses
(. #unarnava, the spiderlings, is a genus of about 6) species of annual or perennial herbaceous
plants in the four oIclock flower family, 2yctaginaceae. he common name refers to the
appearance of a spider or spiderIs web given by the numerous long, slender and interlocking
stems of the inflorescences.
/. #unarnava is found in India and is a valuable medicinal plant.
F. #unarnava is beneficial in treating obesity.
6. #unarnava is effective in treating a disease called dropsy, a condition wherein e;cess of watery
fluid gets accumulated in the tissues and body cavities. A liDuid e;tract of this plant stimulates
urine secretion and discharge.
Theraeutic Uses:
5erb is used as diuretic
E;pectorant
Stomachic
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#rescribed in the treatment of jaundice
!iven in the loss of digestive power
Enlargement of spleen
<sed for relieving abdominal pains
$ar+eted )ormulation:-
#unarnava mandoor 3asa
#unarnavadi vati
#unarnavaaristha
Chitra+
5indi+ 8hita, 8hitrak
Sanskrit+ 8hitraka
English+ 8ylon leadwort, Ghite flower leadwort, !octor"ush9
Botanical sources
0otanical name+ #lumbago $e%lanica
*amily > #lumbaginaceae
$orhology
here is no consistency in the literature citing the classification of #.Beylanica as herb or shrub.
Some authors have described it as a perennial dicot herb P9,'Q while it has also been designated
as a shrub by others POQ.#. Beylanica plant attains a height of about )..>/ m "(.7>7.7 ft% "*igure
(A%. he leaves are alternate, simple, ovate or ovate+lanceolate, elliptical or oblong, )..>(/ cm
in length with a tapered base and often with a hairy margin. he stipules are absent and the
petiole is narrow ")>. mm long% with small auricles in young leaves. he inflorescence is of
terminal raceme+type about 7>F) cm long and many+flowered. *lowers are white in colour P6,
9Q and are borne in a;illary and terminal elongated spikes "*igure (0, 8%. hey are bise;ual,
regular, pentamerous, pedicellate and sweet+scented. he stamens are free, included. he style
is filiform with five elongated stigma lobes and the ovary is superior,
single+celled. he flowers are also characteriBed by having a tubular caly; "9>(( mm long and .+
ribbed% with glandular trichomes "hair% secreting a sticky mucilage. he plant flowers round the
year and pollination is primarily by insects. he mucilaginous glands aid in trapping insects and
fruit dispersal by animals. he fruit of the plant is an oblong "9..>' mm long% five+furrowed
capsule containing single seed. Each seed is oblong in structure, .>7 mm long and reddish+
brown to dark brown in colour. 3oots are straight, smooth, branched or unbranched, with or
without secondary roots and about F) cm or more in length and 7 cm in diameter PFQ. hey are
light+ yellow when fresh and become reddish+brown on drying. he roots have a strong and
characteristic odour with acrid and bitter taste.
Standards
otal ash 2& F:
Gater soluble ash 2& /.)O :
Acid Insoluble ash 2& ).'7 :
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UNIT IV
&oisture content 2& / :
*oreign organic matter 2& ( :
#. Beylanica contains a variety of important chemical compounds. ,ifferent plant parts of the
plant possess naphthaDuinones, alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, phenolic
compounds, flavanoids, saponins, coumarins, carbohydrates, fi;ed oil and fats and proteins P(,
(), ((, (/, (FQ. -f all the chemical constituentsA plumbagin is the principle active compound.
#lumbagin ".+hydro;y+/+methyl+(, 6+ naphthoDuinone+ 8((5'-F% is primarily present in roots
in higher amounts with only about (: in the whole plant P(6Q. he important chemicals reported
in #. Beylanica can be classified as in *igure .. A wide range of medicinal properties of #.
Beylanica are attributed to #lumbagin and other secondary metabolites. #lumbagin has shown
antibacterial activity against both gram+positive "e.g. Staphylococcus, Streptococcus,
#neumonococcus sp.% and gram+negative "e.g. Salmonella, 2eisseria% bacteria. It is also active
against certain yeasts and fungi "8andida, richophyton, Epidermophyton and &icrosporum
spp.% and protoBoa "$eishmania% P(, ((, (., (7Q. In low concentrations, plumbagin e;hibits
antimitotic activity comparable to that of colchicine. #lumbagin also has strong
antifeedant and moulting inhibiting effects on insects and has nematicidal and acaricidal
activities. he various biological activities e;hibited by #. Beylanica "able (% account for the
products of this plant being traded worldwide as Ayurvedic and homeopathic

*harmacology
+Effect on blood coagulation profile activity
+9): ethanol e;tract of drug stems shows ability to inhibit mast cell+dependent immediate
allergic reaction.
+.): alcoholic e;tract of drug having 82S stimulatory action.
+5aving anti+ &elicobacter p%lori activity.
+5aving anti+plasmodium activity.
#. Beylanica is a popular medicinal herb throughout Africa and Asia. It has been used as a remedy
for skin diseases, infections and intestinal worms viB. leprosy, scabies, ringworm, hookworm,
dermatitis, acne, sores and ulcers since time immemorial. he traditional systems
of medicine in different parts of the continents have been utiliBing all parts of #. Beylanica for a
variety of treatments. In Gest Africa the root or the leaves crushed with lemon juice, are used as
a counter+irritant and vesicant. In 2igeria the roots pounded with vegetable oil are used as a
treatment for rheumatic swellings. #owdered bark, root or leaves are used as a conventional
method to treat gonorrhoea, syphilis, tuberculosis, rheumatic pain, swellings and wounds
treatment system in Ethiopia. In other regions of Africa a paste of the root in vinegar, milk and
water is used to treat influenBa and &arketed formulation black water feverE root infusion is
taken orally to treat shortness of breathE root decoction with boiled milk is swallowed to treat
inflammation in the mouth, throat and chest. In &auritius and 3odrigues a root decoction is also
used to treat diarrhoea and dyspepsia.

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-8hitrak haritaki ",abur%
A*A$A/GA
Vernacular Names:
5indi+ 8hirchitta
Sanskrit+ Apamarg, Apamarga
English > 3ough chaff tree J #rickly chaff tree
Biological Source
0otanical name + Ach%ranthes aspera
*amily + Amaranthaceae
$orhology
A perennial stiff erect herb, measuring (+. feet in tall with simple elliptic leaves, single green to
pink ovate flower, small fruits "/..+Fmm% found throughout India, Africa, Asia and South
America, generally in hot climates. It is a common weed found on the way side and at waste
lands. P.Q
Ach%ranthes aspera is small, much branched, monoecious perennial subshrub up to ).'+( ; ).'m.
3ootstock stout, woody. Stems somewhat succulent at first, ribbed, becoming basally woody
with age, densely covered in velutinous, appressed hairs. $eaves opposite, densely clustered
toward branch tips 6.+.) ; /.+F)mm, spreading to decurved, mostly broadly ovate, ovate+
orbicular or ellipticE ape; blunt to abruptly sub acute, sometimes very shortly apiculateE base
attenuateE lamina somewhat fleshy, purple+grey, veins often purple, aba;ial and ada;ial surfaces
silky canescent, margins crenulate to crenate. #etioles .+()mm long, pink, fleshy, velutinous,
basal abscission Bone present. Inflorescence a terminal erect spike, (.)+/))mm longE peduncle
(.mm long, fleshy, white+villousE spike rachis fleshy, white+villous to purple+villousE flowers
bise;ual, retrorse, sessile, c. (')+/)) per spike, these spaced initially at ()+mm intervals along
rachis, diminishing rapidly to R(+mm intervals toward inflorescence ape;. P7Q
he bract persistent on rachis, ovate to lanceolate F+F.. ; )..+(mm, strongly retrorse,
chartaceous, weakly keeled near ape; only, pale white, margins entire, ape; acute, sometimes
with a small, ).(+)./mm long pale yellow mucro. 0racteoles /E abscissing with senescent
flowersE broadly ovate, )./+(mm long, chartaceous hyaline, lustrous, pale caramelE margins
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UNIT IV
entireE strongly keeled, keel lustrous, caramel brown, e;tending well beyond bract as a hardened,
channelled, strongly recurved, falcate spine 6+.mm long. #erianth segments "sepals% .,
lanceolate, central portion pale caramel+brown but distinctly pink tinged, margins pale yellow or
off+white opaDue, hyalineE segments sub eDual, 6..+7mm, channelled. Stamens 6, connate at
base, the filaments )..+(mm, alternating with 6 narrowly spathulate, ).6 ; ).7mm, white+hyaline,
petaloid, fimbriate+margined pseudostaminodesE anthers ).6+).7mm, yellow, bilocular, dehiscing
via longitudinal slitsE pollen yellow. Style ).7+(mm, pink to pale orange, arising from a fleshy
papillate style base ).'mm diammetreE stigma brown, truncate. <tricle /+/..mm long, dark
brown, turbinate, hartaceous, surmounted by the dry, somewhat woody, style base. Seed (./+(.' ;
).O+(./mm, ovoid to ellipsoid, dark chestnut brown.
Chemical Constituents
aspera contains a water+soluble base, betaineE a chloroform+soluble base which was a mi;ture of
two uncharacteriBed alkaloidal entities. he ethanol e;tract contained alkaloids and saponins but
were devoid of flavonoids and tannins. he shoot contained an aliphatic dihydro;yketone,
F7,69+dihydro;yhenpentacontan+6+oneE tritriacontanolE an essential oilE a long chain alcohol, (9+
pentatriacontanolE /9+cyclohe;ylheptacosan+9+olE (7+hydro;y+/7+methylheptacosan+/+oneE 6+
methylheptatriacont+(+en+()+ol and tetracontanol+/. Ecdysterone was found in the seeds, stem,
leaves and root. #entatriacontan, 7+pentatriacontanone, he;atriacontane and triacontane were
isolated from the chloroform e;tract of the stem. *lavonoids and alkaloids were found in the
inflorescence.
Standards
(. *oreign matter 2& (:
/. $oss on ,rying 2& (..FF:
F. otal Ash 2& ((.7:
6. Acid insoluble ash 2& /:
.. Gater soluble e;tractive 2$ (F:
7. Alcohol soluble e;tractive 2$ O:
aspera used in 8hinese folk medicine as an antipyretic, an anti+inflammatory agent, a diuretic
and for the treatment of constipation, fever "especially malarial fever%, bronchitis, sprains,
dysentery, asthma, hypertension, diabetes and as wound dressing. PFQ,P.Q,P9Q,POQ,P()Q he whole
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plant is used in the treatment of diabetes and as a blood purifier. P6Q he e;tract that is obtained
by boiling A" aspera material is used by the &asai of Sekenani valley, 4enya, to treat malaria.
he roots are used in infantile diarrhea and cold. he dry leaves are powdered and mi;ed with
honey for use in the early stages of asthma while the seeds are used as an emetic. he seeds,
leaves and twigs have been used for treatment of renal dropsy and bronchial diseases. he
8hakma community in Arunachal #radesh, India uses A" aspera to treat urinary disorders.
It is an antifertility herb in Ethiopia where the leaf, root and seed e;tracts are used for antifertility
effects, for placental retention and in postpartum bleeding. In India, it is used as an abortifacient
and for contraception besides for the treatment of renal dropsy, bronchial afflictions and leprosy.
In rural Indonesia, the e;tracted leaf juice is taken to prolong the duration between births while
pregnant mothers are forbidden from taking the juice. A" aspera is used by $atin American and
8aribbean women for menstrual pain and unspecified female complaints. It was given a level F
validity based on the fulfillment of the following criterium: SIf in addition to the ethnobotanical
data, phytochemical or pharmacological information also validates the use in rinidad, A" aspera
may e;ert a physiological action on the patient and is more likely to be effective than those at the
lowest level of validityS. In rinidad, A" aspera is used for venereal diseases while in 2epal it is
used to facilitate parturition.
A" aspera is also believed to have cardiac stimulant, astringent, diuretic, antiperiodic and
purgative actions. It is also used as an antiarthritic, estrogenic, antileprotic, antispasmodic,
antibacterial and antiviral agent, for the treatment of asthmatic cough, snakebite, hydrophobia,
urinary calculi, rabies, influenBa, piles, renal dropsy, gonorrhea and abdominal pain.
A paste of the leaves is applied topically to treat cuts and wounds. he fresh leaves are chewed
to treat herpes Boster. he pills "(>/ g each% are made from the crushed leaves which are then
applied on boils twice daily until healing occurs. he people of the 8oastal regions of 8ape
8omorin, India, use the plant to treat eye burns. he whole plant is dried and burnt to an ash
which is then mi;ed with common salt and massaged onto the gums and tooth area to relieve
toothache while the stem is used as a tooth brush.
*or veterinary purposes, the crushed leaves are used as a dressing to promote blood clotting.
*harmacology
T% Effects on thyroid hormones activity
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UNIT IV
Antifertility activity +he methanolic e;tract of A" aspera leaves "F and ... gMkg body
weight, p.o.% showed anti+fertility activity, with the higher dose significantly reducing the
survival of rat fetuses.
Inhibition of male reproductive ability activity + he .): ethanolic e;tract elicited
reproductive to;icity in male rats which may result from suppression of androgen
synthesis. he treated rats had reduced sperm count, reduced weight of epididymis,
reduced serum testosterone and reduced testicular Fb+hydro;ysteroid dehydrogenase
activity.
Antihyperlipidemic activity and inhibition of liver lipid pero;idation activity
Antitumor promoter activity
Immunostimulatory activity
Anti+inflammatory activity
Inhibition of angiotensin converting enByme activity
,iuretic activity
#ilochek !el -,abur.
8ystone "5imalaya herbal healthcare%
2eeri "AI&I$ #harmaceuticals%
<riflow "0ionewtir; labs.%
G%,#A/U
5indi+ !okharu
Sanskrit+ !okshura, shuuadamshtra, swadukantaka
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UNIT IV
English+ #uncture vine, caltrop, yellow vine
Botanical sources
0otanical name > Tribulus terrestris
*amily + . Nygophyllaceae
!okhru consists of dried fruits of Tribulus terrestris $."*am.Bygophyllaceae%. !okhru contains
not less than ).. per cent of diosgenin, calculated on the dried basis.

$orhology
,escription. #edicellate and globose fruits, having wedgeshaped cocci, covered with short and
stiff spines. #ossesses faintly aromatic smell and acrid taste.
A. Macroscopic + *ruit is pedicellate, having wedge+shaped cocci, covered with spines. Surface
of schiBocarp is rough.
0. Microscopic + #ericarp is differentiated into epicarp, mes7Icarp and eiidocail%: Epicarp is
surrounded by non+ glandular trichomes.
It is small prostrate, ()+7) cm height, hirsute or silky hairy shrub. $eaves are opposite, often
uneDual, paripinnateE pinnae from five to eight pairs, elliptical or oblong lanceolate. *lowers are
yellow in color. Its carpel fruits are of characteristic, stellate shape, somewhat round+shaped,
compressed, five cornered, and covered with princkles of very light yellow color. here are
several seeds in each crocus with transverse partitions between them. he seeds are oily in
nature. Ghen fresh, the root is slender, fibrous, cylindrical, freDuently branched, bearing a
number of small rootlets and is of light brown color. *ruits and roots are mainly used as a folk
medicine for the treatment of various ailments. 3oot occurs in pieces, 9+(' cm long and ).F+).9
cm in diameter, cylindrical, fibrous, freDuently branched, bearing a number of small rootlets,
tough, woody, yellow to light brown in color, surface rough due to the presence of small nodulesE
fracture fibrousE odor aromaticE taste sweetish astringent. he fruits of the herb are known as
K8hih+hsingL in 8hina or goat head in <SA. he spiky fruit looks like the cloven hoof of a cow
and, hence, is known as go+ksura "cow+hoof%. *ruits are faint greenish yellow with spines . hey
are globose, consisting of five, nearly glabrous, muriculate, wedge+shaped, woody cocci, each
with two pairs of hard sharp spines, one pair longer than the other. ips of spines almost meet in
pairs together forming pentagonal framework around the fruit. -uter surface of the schiBocarp is
rough. here are several seeds in each coccus, with transverse partitions between them. -dor of
fruits is faintly aromatic and taste is slightly acrid.
Standards
$oss of weight on drying 2& F(.)/:
&oisture content 2& ().7':
otal ash 2& (/..9:
Gater soluble ash 2& ((.)):
Acid+insoluble ash 2& 6.)):
3esidue on ignition 2& 9.6F:
Ethanol e;tractive value 2$ 7.6:
Gater e;tractive value 2$ ()../:
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he preliminary phytochemical study of revealed the presence of saponins,
flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and tannins.P7Q According to literature data, the saponin
composition and the saponin content of from different geographic regions is different.P9Q
4ostova et al. studied the chemistry and bioactivity of saponins in . hey reported that
furostanol and spirostanol saponins of tigogenin, neotigogenin, gitogenin, neogitogenin,
hecogenin, neohecogenin, diosgenin, chlorogenin, ruscogenin, and sarsasapogenin types are
freDuently found in this plant. In addition, four sulfated saponins of tigogenin and diosgenin type
were also isolated. &ajorly present are furostanol glycosides including protodioscin and
protogracillin, of which protodioscin is the most dominant saponin and spirostanol glycosides are
present in small Duantities.P9,'Q Gu et al. found that the Duantity of main Uavonoids is about (..
times that of main saponins. his indicated that the Uavonoid contents in should be studied,
developed, and further used.POQ 0hutani et al. isolated kaempferol, kaempferol+F+glucoside,
kaempferol+F+rutinoside, and tribuloside Pkaempferol+F+V+d+"7W+p+coumaroyl% glucosideQ from
leaves as well as fruits and identified them by spectroscopic analysis.P()Q $ouveau; et al.
detected (' flavonoids "caffeoyl derivatives, Duercetin glycosides, including rutin and
kaempferol glycosides% using high+performance liDuid chromatography "5#$8% in
four Tribulus species leaf e;tracts.P((Q 1ang et al. optimiBed the e;traction condition using
orthogonal e;periment.P(/Q &atin 1ekta et al. isolated three flavonoid glycosides, viB. Duercetin
F+'+glycoside, Duercetin F+'+rutinoside, and kaempferol F+'+glycoside from the aerial parts of
drug.
*harmacology
,iuretic activity
he diuretic properties of are due to large Duantities of nitrates and essential oil
present in its fruits and seeds. he diuretic activity can also be attributed to the presence
of potassium salts in high concentration.
Aphrodisiac activity
he e;tract e;hibited a pro+erectile effect on rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth
muscle e; vivo after oral treatment at doses of /.., ., and () mgMkg body weight for '
weeks.
Antiurolithic activity
An ethanolic e;tract of fruits was tested in urolithiasis induced by glass bead
implantation in albino rats.
Immunomodulatory activity
Saponins isolated from the fruits of demonstrated dose+dependent increase in
phagocytosis, indicating stimulation of nonspecific immune response.
Anti+diabetic activity
Saponin from possesses hypoglycemic properties.PF/Q significantly reduced the
level of serum glucose, serum triglyceride, and serum cholesterol, while serum
supero;ide dismutase "S-,% activity was found to be increased in allo;an+induced
diabetic mice. he decoction of showed inhibition of gluconeogenesis in mice.
8entral nervous system "82S% activity
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Swiss Albino mice demonstrated antidepressant and an;iolytic activity on administration
of /7) mgMkg dose of 3asayana !hana tablet comprising three potent well+established
rejuvenator herbs, viB. inospora cordifolia "stem%, Emblica officinalis "fruit%, and
"fruit and root%, present in eDual Duantities in the tablet. It was suggested that harmine, a
V+carboline alkaloid present in , is one of the main active constituents that contributes
to the above+mentioned activities. 5armine is an inhibitor of monoamine o;idase which
helps to increase level of dopamine in the brain.
is used in folk medicines as a tonic, aphrodisiac, palliative, astringent, stomachic,
antihypertensive, diuretic, lithotriptic, and urinary disinfectant. he dried fruit of the herb is very
effective in most of the genitourinary tract disorders. It is a vital constituent of !okshuradi
!uggul, a potent Ayurvedic medicine used to support proper functioning of the genitourinary
tract and to remove the urinary stones. has been used for centuries in Ayurveda to treat
impotence, venereal disease , and se;ual debility. In 0ulgaria, the plant is used as a folk medicine
for treating impotence. In addition to all these applications, the Ayurvedic #harmacopoeia of
India attributes cardiotonic properties to the root and fruit. In traditional 8hinese medicine, the
fruits were used for treatment of eye trouble, edema, abdominal distension, emission, morbid
leukorrhea, and se;ual dysfunction. is described as a highly valuable drug in the Shern+2ong
#harmacopoeia "the oldest known pharmacological work in 8hina% in restoring the depressed
liver, for treatment of fullness in the chest, mastitis, flatulence, acute conjunctivitis, headache,
and vitiligo. In <nani medicine, is used as diuretic, mild la;ative, and general tonic.
!okshuradi guggul
!okharu ghanvati
Shan+haushi
5indi+ Shankhpushpi, Shyamakranta, Syamakranta,
=ishnukanta, Shankhpushpi, #hooli, Shankaveli,
Shankhpushpi, Shnkhahuli
Sanskrit+ $aghuvishnukranta, 2ail #usher, 2ilasankhapuspi, Sankhapuspi,
8onvolvulus pluricaulis, =aishnava, =ishnugandhi,
=ishnukranthi,=ishnukranthi, =ishnukanta.
English+ English speedwheel
Botanical sources
0otanical 2ame"s%: (on!ol!ulus pluricaulis
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01 : I2,3A 43. ,5--
UNIT IV
*amily: !entianaceae
$orhology
8onvolvulus pluricaulis is a perennial herb that seems like morning glory. Its branches are spread
on the ground and can be more than F) cm long. he flowers are blue in color ". mm% and the
leaves, which are elliptic in shape "/ mm%, are located at alternate positions with branches or
flowers. 4nown as Aloe weed in English, the herb is commonly found in India, especially in the
state of 0ihar. All the parts of the herb are known to possess therapeutic benefits. It is believed
to be the only herb that is capable of enhancing all the aspects related to brain power, such as
learning, memory and the ability to recall. 5owever, its popularity stems from its ability to
treat insomnia effectively.
Standards
&oisture content > 2& 9 :
otal ash > 2& (' :
Sulfated ash > 2& 7 :
Gater soluble ash > 2& ' :
Gater insoluble ash + 2$ (( :
8hemical studies of whole plant have shown the presence of glycosides, coumarins, flavonoids
and alkaloids. Shankhpushpi, "the alkaloid% has been identified as active principle. 0. sitosterol
glycoside, 5ydro;y 8innamic acid, -ctacosanol tetracosane along with glucose, sucrose also
have been isolated from the plant drugs.
(.he 8onvolvulus pluricaulis plant e;tract is well known for treating insanity and
hematemesis.
/.$eaves of 8onvolvulus pluricaulis plant are used to treat bronchitis and asthma.
F. he plant root is herbal remedy to treat childhood fever.
6. 8onvolvulus pluricaulis plant e;tract avoids fluid retention in the body and
supports digestion.
.. he ethanolic e;tract of 8onvolvulus pluricaulis herb reduces the levels of "2E*A% non
esterified fatty+acid which is main cause of death due to cardiac arrest.
7. In Ayurveda 8onvolvulus pluricaulis plant is also used for treatment of epilepsy.
*harmacology
(. 8onvolvulus pluricaulis best for hypertension
/. 8onvolvulus pluricaulis for neurodegenerative diseases
F. 8onvolvulus pluricaulis Improve &emory
6. 8onvolvulus pluricaulis for hypertension J ulcers
.. 8onvolvulus pluricaulis for 0eauty
7. 8onvolvulus pluricaulis 8holesterol ,ecrease

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,abur Shankhpushpi
#atanjali Sharbat 0rahmi
Brahmi
5indi > ?albrahmi, 2eerbrahmi
Sanskrit > 0rahmi
English > Indian pennywort
Botanical sources
0otanical name + acopa monnieri
*amily + #lantaginaceae
$orhology
he plant source for 0rahmi is 0acopa monniera, a small herb with light purple flowers. It grows
in wet and sandy areas and near streams in tropical regions. It is a creeping herb with numerous
branches and small fleshy, oblong leaves. *lowers and fruits appear in summer. he whole plant
is medicinally useful/6.
he plant is a profusely branched herb, rooting at the nodes and forming dense mats. he leaves
are fleshy.
*lowering and fruiting occur throughout the year in brief, successive durations.
The salient "otanical )eatures are descri"ed "elo5:-
- Stem: prostrate, "sub%succulent, herbaceous.
- 2ea0es: decussate, simple, oblong, ( ; ).6 cm, "sub%succulent, punctate,
penninerved, margin entire, ape; obtuse, "sub%sessile.
- Flo5er-s.: a;illary, solitary, bracteate "/ bracteoles%, linear, pedicel to ).. cm.,
purple in color.
- Caly(: . lobes "uneDual%E outer / lobes larger, ovate, 9 ; F.. mmE inner / lobes
linear, ... ; ).9 mmE median ( lobe oblong, ... ; / mm, imbricate,
"sub%succulent, punctate, obtuse, acute.
- Corolla: white with violet and green bands inside the throat, ).' cm across, . mm
tubeE . lobes, obscurely /+lipped, /CF, "sub%eDual, obtuse or emarginate.
- Stamens: 6, didynamousE filament pairs I and /.. mm anthers oblong, contiguous,
(. . mm.
- %0ary: -blong+globose, / mmE style slightly defle;ed, ... mmE stigma flat
capsule, oblong+globose, . ; /.. mm, septicidal or locilicidal, or 6+valved.
- Seeds: oblongE testa striate.
Standards
*oreign organic matter 2& 9.):
$oss on drying 2& (/.) :
otal ash 2& (/.) :
Acid+insoluble ash 2& F.. :
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01 : I2,3A 43. ,5--
UNIT IV
he pharmacological effects of 0acopa monniera are attributed to the presence of a
number of biologically active compounds, including alkaloids, saponins and sterols. he
compounds responsible for the memory enhancing effects of 0acopa monniera are triterpenoid
saponins called S0acosidesS. he best characteriBed compounds in 0acopa monnieri are
dammarane types of triterpenoid saponins known as bacosides, with jujubogenin or pseudo+
jujubogenin moieties as aglycone units.
P(/Q
0acosides comprise a family of (/ known analogs.
P(FQ
2ovel saponins called bacopasides I>HII have been identified more recently.
P(6Q
he alkaloids
brahmine, nicotine, and herpestine have been catalogued, along with ,+mannitol,apigenin,
hersaponin, monnierasides I>III, cucurbitacin and plantainoside 0.
P(.QP(7QP(9Q
he constituent most studied has been bacoside A, which was found to be a blend of bacoside
AF, bacopacide II, bacopasaponin 8, and a jujubogenin isomer of bacosaponin 8.
P('Q
hese
assays have been conducted using whole plant e;tract, and bacoside concentrations may vary
depending upon the part from which they are e;tracted. In one 0& sample, 3astogi et al. found
this bacoside profileXbacopaside I "..F9:%, bacoside AF "...O:%, bacopaside II "7.O:%,
bacopasaponin 8 isomer "9.)':%, and bacopasaponin 8 "6.(':%.
P(OQ
*harmacology
acopa displays antio;idant and cell+protective effects.
P/)Q
It also
inhibits acetylcholinesterase, activates choline acetyltransferase, and increases cerebral blood
flow.
P/(Q
In rats, bacoside A enhances antio;idation, increasing supero;ide dismutase, catalase,
and glutathione pero;idase activities.
P//Q
0rahmi augments h( and h/ cytokine production.
P/FQ
Several studies have suggested that acopa e;tracts may have protective effects in animal
models of neurodegeneration.
P/6QP/.QP/7QP/9QP/'QP/OQPF)Q
here have also been preliminary clinical studies
suggesting improvement of cognitive function in humans.
o;icology :+ he rat $,.) was found to be to be /6)) mgMkg following a single oral
administration.
PF(Q
ADueous e;tracts of acopa monnieri may elevate serum thyro;ine and
decreasespermatogenesis, sperm count, and fertility in male mice.
PF/Q
he most commonly reported adverse side effects of 0& in humans are nausea, increased
intestinal motility, and gastrointestinal upset.
&edicinal uses :
0rahmi is used in traditional Indian medicines for centuries. for the treatment of
bronchitis, chronic cough, asthma, hoarseness, arthritis, rheumatism, backache, fluid
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UNIT IV
retention, blood cleanser, chronic skin conditions, constipation, hair loss, fevers, digestive
problems, depression, mental and physical fatigue and many more. It is used to treat all
sorts of skin problems like ecBema, psoriasis, abscess and ulceration. It stimulates the
growth of skin, hair and nails. 0rahmi posses anticancer activity. It is taken to get relief
from stress and an;iety. According to the Ayurveda 0rahmi has antio;idant properties. It
has been reported to reduce o;idation of fats in the blood stream, which is the risk factor
for cardiovascular diseases. 0rahmi is considered as the main rejuvenating herb for the
nerve and brain cells.
-ther uses : 0rahmi is rich in =itamin 8 and can be used in the salads, soups and
sandwiches. 0rahmi oil restores and preserves the memory. In India it is given to the
infants to boost memory power intelligence.
o Sharbat 0rahmi
o 0rahmi vati
o 0rahmi gutika
o 0acopa "himalaya%
A!USA
5indi Arusa, Adulsa, 0aansa, 3usa
Sanskrit Shawetavasa, =asa, =asaka
English &alabar nut
Botanical sources
0otanical name Adhatoda !asi)a
*amily Acanthaceae
$orhology
&acroscopic 8haracters: he leaves are pale green, fruity in young in odor, taste in bitter,
oblong shape, '.) to (6./ cm in length, 6 to . cm in width in siBe, glabrous in surface
characteristics.
&icroscopic 8haracters: he transverse section of leaf showed palisade, epidermis,
spongy mesophyll, phloem, ;ylem and aba;ial surface. he leaves of Adhatoda vasica was pale
green in color, with fruity odour and 0itter taste. he siBe was '.) to (6./ cm in length and 6 to .
cm in width. he shape of leaves is oblong with glabrous, shiny surface characteristics. he
leaves of Adhatoda vasica were subjected to microscopical studies using transverse section. he
transverse section of leaves of Adhatoda vasica showed fibres, starch grain, oil globules.
Standards
(. otal ash value 2& (/.) :
/. Acid insoluble ash 2& (.. :
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UNIT IV
F. Gater soluble ash 2& 6.) :
6. $oss on drying 2& O.':
he leaves of the plant contain an essential oil and alkaloids vasicine, 2+o;ides of
vasicine, vasicinone, deo;yvasicine and maiontone. he roots are known to contain vasicinolone,
vasicol, peganine and /I + hydro;y + 6 + glucosyl +o;ychalcone. he flowers contain V+sitosterol
,+glucoside, kaempferol, its glycosides and Duereetin.

*harmacology
<terine activity:
he uterotonic activity of vasicine was studied in detail both by in vitro and in vivo
methods employing the uteri under different hormonal influences and of different species of
animals. he uterotonic activity seemed to be similar to that of o;ytocin and methylergometrine.
he abortifacient effect of vasicine like its uterotonic effect was more marked under the priming
influence of oestrogens.
=asicine induced abortion was studied in rats, guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits. Study showed
that vasicine acted through the release of #!s. SynthesiBed vasicine and vasicinone derivatives in
in+vitro studies were found to have o;yto;ic activity at the dose above ( gMml.
he aDueous solution of the leaves at the dose of (9.mgMkg bw revealed ()) percent
abortifacient activity in albino rats.
he e;tract of the plant at / per cent concentration level revealed abortifacient activity.
=asicine showed uterotonic activity on human myometrium strips which was in some cases even
more marked than that of two known o;yto;ics, pitocin and methergin. he response of the
uterus to drugs depended on its hormonal status
.
E;pectorant:
he petroleum ether e;tract of the leaves .)mgMkg bw i.p. and i.v.

0ronchodilator:
=asicinone isolated from the leaves had a bronchodilator action. =asicine showed
bronchodilator activity in both in vivo and in vitro e;perimental studies.
.
Antitussive:
he plant e;tract was evaluated in e;perimental models for antitussive activity /)
.
Anti tuberculer activity:
It was found that bromhe;ine and ambro;ol, the semi+synthetic derivatives of vasicine
have activity against &ycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro.
5ypoglycaemic:
Ethanolic e;tract of the leaves.
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UNIT IV
#latelet activity:
vasicine hydrochloride >alkaloid from leaves
.
Gound healing:
Alcoholic and chloroform e;tracts in the form of ointment.
.
EnByme activity:
he decoction of the leaves of the plant activated the trypsin enByme.
.
Anti+inflammatory activity:
.): ethanolic e;tract of the plant "e;cluding root% .
.
Antimicrobial:
he alcoholic e;tracts of the leaves and root showed antibacterial activity against
Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. he water e;tract of the leaves also showed activity
against Staphylococcus aureus.
.
Antiviral:
he crude e;tract of the leaf, the bark and the plant.
.
Anthelmintic:
he leaves "oil% as well as the alkaloids, vasicine and vasicinone were screened against
Ascaris lumbaricoides neuromuscular preparations.
Adhatoda vasica 2ees "=asaka% is used in various chest affections and enjoys wide
reputation as an
e;pectorant in the indigenous system of medicine. it was used also by traditional midwives at the
time of
delivery. he leaves, the roots and flowers of Adhatoda vasica are e;tensively used in indigenous
medicine
as remedy for cold, cough, bronchitis and asthma. 0oth the decoctions and powder from
constituents of
many preparations use din the Ayurvedic medicine for various affections of the respiratory tract.
In chronic
bronchitis and asthma it is said to be very useful. he medicine was considered so useful in
tuberculosis
that it was said that no man suffering form this disease need despair as long a vasica plant e;ists
in this
world. he juice of the leaves is used in diarrhoea and dysentery and powdered leaves in malaria
in
southern India.
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Adhatoda vasica is traditionally used in many of the following ways:
Y ?uice from the leaves and the decoction of the leaves and roots are helpful in asthma, bronchitis
and
chronic coughs and breathlessness.
Y <sed for bleeding due to idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, local bleeding due to peptic
ulcer, piles,
menorrhagia.
Y 3elief in pyorrhoea and for bleeding gums by locally application.
Y 3elieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions
Y Stimulates contraction of the uterine muscle, facilitating or speeding up childbirth
Y $owers blood pressure
=asarista
=asarishtam
A/=UNA
5indi
Sanskrit
English
Botanical sources
0otanical name Terminalia arjuna
*amily 8ombretaceae
AIjuna consists ofdried stem bark ofTerminalia arjuna "3o;b% Gight J Am"*am.
8ombretaceae%.
$orhology
!escrition:- A flat or minutely curved thick pieces of bark with reddish gray colour
and astringent taste.
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Identi)ication:-
A. Macroscopic + Stem bark pieces, flat or minutely curved, with reddish gray e;ternal
surface and darker inner surface. Internal surface has longitudinal minute ridges.
*ractures longitudinal.
0. Microscopic + 8ork consisting of7+() layers ofelongated cells, phloem broad,
medullary rays uruseriate. 8alcium o;alate clusters abundant. *ew of the parenchyma
cells contain colouring matter.
Standards
*oreign organic matter 2ot more than /.) perent.
Ethanol+soluble e;tractive 2ot less than /).) percent.
GaterS,soluble e;tractive 2ot less than /).) percent
otal ash 2ot more than F).) percent.
Acid+insoluble ash 2ot more than /.) percent.
$oss on drying 2ot more than ().) percent
&ain chemical constitutes are tannins, triterpenoid saponins "arjunic acid, arjunolic acid,
arjungenin and arjunic acid%, flavonoids, gallic acid, ellagic acid and phytosterols.
*harmacology
he antio;idants are molecules capable of decreasing or preventing the o;idation of substrate
molecules. he o;idation reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions and
subseDuently can cause a large number of cardiovascular diseases in humans . Antio;idant
compounds terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and inhibit
other o;idation reactions by being o;idiBed themselves . he synthetic antio;idants "butylated
hydro;yanisole, butylated hydro;ytoluene, tertiary butyl hydro;yDuinone and propyl gallate%
being used in food products to prevent o;idative damages in terms of food spoilage and
rancidity in fatty foods had been band in advanced countries and being discouraged even in
developing countries due to their perceived carcinogenic attributes and other to;ic properties .
&oreover, there is a growing awareness among consumers regarding food additive safety .
here is an ongoing Duest in progress to search natural antio;idants from plant e;tracts as a safe
alternate of synthetic antio;idants . &any plant based compounds such as ascorbic acid,
polyphenols, vitamin E, carotenes, ;ynthophylls and tannins had been investigated for their
antio;idant potential to be used in different food products to improve their shelf life and
functional properties.
Terminalia Ar4una 1 The Three #umors:
It aci)ies +aha with its astringent, light and dry Dualities. It aci)ies itta with its cool
properties.
Toical Alication %) Terminalia Ar4una:
0ecause of its astringent properties, it powder or decoction is good for application on 5ounds. It
helps in their healing.
Terminalia Ar4una 1 %ur !igesti0e System:
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01 : I2,3A 43. ,5--
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Its astringent nature make it useful in "leeding iles and diarrhea with blood. 0ilious affections
are relieved by this herb. It has general tonic effect in Cirrhosis o) 2i0er.
T9 Ar4una 1 Cardio0ascular System:
It is cardio-tonic thus providing nutrition to heart muscles and strengthening them. It normaliBes
the disturbed rhythms of heart and also reduces the heart rate. his is found to be helpful in
edema as well. It reduces the clotting tendency o) "lood. It reduces the stress and nervousness
of the heart. It helps in re0ersing the hardening o) the "lood 0essels.
T9 Ar4una 1 /esiratory System:
It is )ound to "e use)ul in cough -articularly sutum 5ith haemotysis. along 5ith Vasa
-Adhatoda 0asica. lea0es9 So it could "e used as adjuvant in tubercular cough9 It can "e used
5ith sugar6 rice 5ater and e>ual >uantity o) red sandal5ood in hemoptysis9 This hels to
sto the "lood and heal the ulcer9
T9 Ar4una 1 Urinary System:
It is use)ul in urinary tract infections and reduces the "urning micturition9 Because o) its
diuretic action it 5as )ound to "e hel)ul )or renal or urinary bladder stones9
T9 Ar4una 1 Se(ual #ealth:
Spermatorrhea is relie0ed 5ith the decoction o) Ar4una "ar+ and 5hite sandal according to
Sushruta9 5arita also ad0ised its decoction in gonorrhea9 It reli0es the leucorrhea and
e(cessi0e menstrual "leeding9
T9 Ar4una For S+in Ailments:
=agbhata ad0ised it to "e alied locally 5ith honey )or acne9
General '))ects %) Terminalia Ar4una:
It can "e gi0en as the adjuvant in chronic fevers, particularly tuberculosis9 %n rolonged use it
is good )or o"ese ersons6 in chronic oisoning and general de"ility9
Terminalia Ar4una 1 $usculos+eletal System:
3ith mil+ it is gi0en in fractures and contusions with e;cessive ecchymosis as it romotes the
union o) )ractures9
Arjunaristha
AS#%,A
Common 0ernacular names:
Sanskrit 4ankeli, !andhapushpa
5indi =and ichitrah
English Ashoka , Sorrowless
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Botanical sources
0otanical name :+ Saraca indica
*amily :+ *abaceae
$orhology
Saraca indica -r Saraca asoca is a small evergreen tree 9+() m high. It occurs the
up to the altitude 9.) meters. $eaves are parpinnate (.+/) cm long and the leaflets 7+(/, oblong
and rigidly sub+coriaceous. $eaves are narrowly lanceolate, cork like at the base and with a shot
pestistipules are intra+petiolar and completely united. he bark is dark brown or grey or almost
black with warty surface. Stem bark are rough and uneven due to the presence of rounded or
projecting lenticles. 0ark channeled, smooth with circular lenticles and traversely ridged,
sometimes cracked. *racture splinting e;posing striated surface, a thin whitish and continuous
layer is seen beneath the cork leaver. *lowers are fragrant . *lowers are #olygamous apetalous,
yellowish orange turning to scarlet, in short laterally placed corymbose, a;illary panicles, bract
small, deciduous, caly; petaloid. Seeds are 6+', ellipsoid+oblong and compressed.
Standards
water Soluble e;tractive 2$ 7):wMw
Alcohol Soluble e;tractive 2$ 6):wMw
#5 "(: wMv solution%: . to 9
$oss on drying: 2& .:wMw
&oisture 8ontent : 2& .: wMw
Ash 8ontent: 2& .: wMw
Sulphated Ash 8ontent: 2& .: wMw
Chemical Nature o) chie) constitutes
he #hytochemical study shows the presence of various chemical constituents of
Ashoka plant.
0ark+ procyanidin, epicatechin, ((I+ leucopelargonidin and leucocyanidin.
*lower+ oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stiaric acids sitosterol Duercetin, kaempferol, Duercetin,
apigenin+ 9+)+p+,+glucoside, #elargonidin+ F,.+ diglucoside, cyanidin+F, .+ diglucoside,
palmitic, stearic, linolenic, leucocyanidin and gallic acid. Seed and #od contains oleic, linoleic,
palmitic and stearic acids, catechol, "+% epicatechol and leucocyanidin. *ive lignan glycosides,
lyoniside, nudiposide, .+metho;y+O+V+;ylopyranosyl, isolariciresinol, and schiBandriside, and
three flavonoids, epicatechin, epiafBelechin+"6VZ'%+epicatechin and procyanidin 0/, together
with V+sitosterol glucoside, were isolated from dried bark.
*harmacology
&any herbs and spices have been shown to impart antio;idant effects in food. here are
several reports that the e;tracts "ethanolic, hydroalcoholic and acetone% of Saraca indica bark
showed the antio;idant activity. #anchawat and Sisodia "/)()% studied in vitro antio;idant
activity of Saraca asoca ro;b. de wilde stem bark by using ,##5 "(,(,diphenyl+/ picryl
hydraByl% in+vitro model% and reported that the antio;idant property of the various e;tracts may
be due to high phenolic component P/Q. Evaluation of antio;idant and antihyperglycemic activity
of the petroleum ether, chloroform and methanolic e;tract of Saraca asoca ,e wild leaves by
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01 : I2,3A 43. ,5--
UNIT IV
streptoBotocin induced model in mice and in vitro ,##5 and 5/- radical scavenging model has
been reported by 4umar et al. "/)(/%. hey concluded that the oral administration of the e;tract
caused a significant reduction in blood glucose level in diabetic mice and showed significant
antio;idant activity PFQ. 8omparative study of the Saraca indica and #terospermum acerifolium
with ascorbicacid in dose dependent manner on the basis of antio;idant activity by in vitro
,##5 model was carried out by Amin et al."/)(/%. hey determined that the processed Saraca
indica and pterospermum acerifolium e;hibited potential antio;idant properties P6Q. #atel et al.,
"/)(F% studied cardioprotective effect of saraca indica against cyclophosphamide induced
cardioto;icity in rats and determined that the free radical generated during treatment with
cardioprotective cause membrane injury. he biochemical, E8! and histopathology reports
supported the cardioprotective effect of Saraca indica which could be attributed to antio;idant
activity P.Q
Category and Uses
he tree is popular for its medicinal properties. issues of the ovary and
the endometrium are stimulated by this treeAs e;tract. 0ark of the tree is used to make the
medicine which is also useful where there are indication of ergot and bleeding in the uterine
region. In menorrhagia which is caused due to the bleeding in the uterine region, internal
bleeding and leucorrhe, it proves to be very useful.
$ar+eted Formulations
Ashokarishta
Ashokkwath
Seed powder
*lower powder
Ashokghrita
$ethi
Sanskrit &ethika
5indi &ethi
English *enugreek
Botanical sources
0otanical name :+ Trigonella foenum-graecum
*amily :+ *abaeace
Standards
Ash 2ot more than ..) per cent.
$oss on drying 2ot more than (/.) per cent,
Swelling #ower. 2ot less than 7.)
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$orhology
Seeds+
he macroscopical characters of seeds are +Solid+rhomboidal, pebble like shape,
F+.cm long, /mm thick, plain surface, yellow, bitter mucilaginous taste and have
characteristic odor.
$eaves+
he macroscopical characters of fenugreek leaf are trifoliate, stipules triangular,
leaflets obovate to oblong, ()+F) mm long, .+(. mm wide, obtuse to truncate at ape;,
narrowed towards the baseE margins shallowly serrate to dentate, glabrous. Infloresences
short, a;illary racemes, green, pungent in taste and have smooth surface.
It contains simple alkaloids consisting mainly of trigonelline "up to ).(F:%,
choline ").).:%, gentianine, and carpaineE much of the trigonelline is degraded during roasting
to nicotinic acid and other pyridines and pyrroles.
*harmacology
0oth water and alcoholic e;tracts have been reported to have a stimulating effect on the
isolated guinea pig uterus, especially during the last period of pregnancy, indicating that these
e;tracts may have a highly o;ytocic activityE they were suggested as possible replacements for
o;ytocin. he water e;tract has also been reported to have accelerating effects on the heartbeats
of the isolated mammalian heart.
rigonelline and fenugreek infusion have been shown to have hypoglycemic effects in animals.
5owever, the effects of trigonelline in diabetics have been inconclusive.
Ghen fed both before and after e;perimental diabetes induction, fenugreek has antidiabetic
activities in rats.
o;icology :+
Avoid use in pregnancy as fenugreek has documented uterine stimulant effects. It has been used
to stimulate milk production in nursing mothers. E;cretion into milk has not been studied. he
effects of anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin may be potentiated. #atients taking anticoagulants
should consult their health care provider before taking fenugreekE dosage adjustments may be
necessary. ,yspepsia and mild abdominal distention have been reported in studies using large
doses of the seeds. 8ulinary Duantities are essentially devoid of adverse effectsE however, a case
of hypersensitivity to fenugreek in curry powder has been reported.
Category and Uses
8linical data from very small studies suggest the use of fenugreek for cholesterol lowering. It is
used as a flavoring in Indian and Asian cookery, and in folk medicine for the treatment of boils,
cellulitis, and tuberculosis, and for its anti+inflammatory and diuretic effects.
,iametri;
0io+!$#
!urukripa churna
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&adhumehari
Garlic -2ahsun.
5indi $ahsun, $ashan
Sanskrit $ahsuna, 1ovanesta, 3osona
English !arlic , #ootmanAs treacle
Botanical sources
0otanical name :+ Allium sati!um
*amily :+ $iliaceae
$orhology
Allium Sativum $ consists of several outer layers of thin sheathing protective leaves
which
surround an inner sheath. he latter enclose the swollen storage leaves called KclovesL.
ypically, the bulb possesses a doBen sterile sheathing leaves within which are 7>'
cloves
bearing buds making a total of ()>/) cloves. and /)>6) well+developed but short and
embedded roots. he cloves are asymmetric in shape, e;cept for those near the centre .
-3!A2-$E#I8 #3-#E3IES:+
-dor strong, characteristic alliaceous taste very persistently pungent and acrid.

&I83-S8-#I8 85A3A8E3ISI8S:+
he bulbs show a number of concentric bulbletsE each is .>()mm in diameter and
consists of an
outer scale, an epidermis enclosing a mesophyll free from chlorophyll, a ground tissue and a
layer of lower epidermal cells. ,ry scales consist of / or F layers of rectangular cells having end
walls with a broadly angular slant. hese cells contain many rhomboid crystals of calcium
o;alate. he upper epidermal cells ne;t to the dry scale layer consist of a single layer of
rectangular to cubical cells ne;t to which are several layers of large parenchymatous cells.
Among these cells are interspaced many vascular bundles, each of which consists of ;ylem and
phloem arranged alternately. $ower epidermis consists of cubical cells which are much smaller
than the upper epidermal cells. he same arrangement of tissues is met within different bulblets,
/ or F of which are arranged concentrically.
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Standards
otal ash 2ot more than ..) percent.
Acid+insoluble ash 2ot more than (.) per cent.
$oss on drying 2ot more than 7..) per cent
It contains a wealth of sulphur compounds most important for the taste in allicin "diallyl
disulphide o;ide% which is produced enBymatically from alliin "S+/+ propenyl+$+cystiene
sulfo;ide% if cells are damaged. Its biological function is to repel herbivorous animals. Allicin is
deactivated to diallyl disulfides. herefore, minced garlic changes its aroma if not used
immediately.

*harmacology
(.Antilipemic "cholesterol lowering%:+ !arlic can prevent blood clotting and increase the
rate at which blood clots are broken down, but large amounts+ ten or more cloves a day+ may
have to be eaten before any effect is noticed.
/. Antihypertensive :+It showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure "S0#%
and in diastolic blood pressure ",0#%.
F. Antibiotic :+ !arlic has the broadest spectrum of any antimicrobial substance that we
know of X it is antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiprotoBoan and antiviral.L his
property belongs to the garlic constituent allicin, which is released when you cut a garlic clove.
his is the chemical that gives fresh garlic its strong biting flavor, and you need to use fresh
garlic to get a reliable antibiotic effect. !arlic appears to have antibiotic activity whether taken
internally or applied topically. 3esearchers found that the urine and blood serum of human
subjects taking garlic had activity against fungi.
Uses 1 categories
!arlic in useful in a variety of skin disorders. #imples disappear without a scar when
rubbed with raw garlic several times a day. Even very persistent forms of acne, in some
adults, have been healed with garlic. he e;ternal use of garlic helps to clear the skin of
spots pimples and boils.
!arlic is a useful remedy for the digestive system. 8rushed cloves of garlic may be
infused in water or milk and taken for all disorders of digestion. It has an antiseptic effect
and is an e;cellent remedy for infectious diseases and inflammations of the stomach and
intestine.
!arlic juice has beneficial effect on the entire system. he ethers in garlic juice are so
potent and penetrating that they help dissolve accumulation of mucus in the sinus.
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It has been used as an antiseptic in wounds and ulcerations with beneficial results.
cavities, bronchial tubes and the lungs. hey help in the e;pulsion of poisons from body
through pores of the skin.
Studies found that garlic even offers protection against the influenBa virus.
!arlic normaliBes blood sugar as in diabetes mellitus.
!arlic can help in the normaliBation of body functions. his means that it can lower the
blood pressure in high blood pressure sufferers and can increase it in cases of low blood
pressure. he same appears to be true of different body functions not just blood pressure.
!arlic can stimulate your immune system. In one study, people who ate two to three
heads of garlic a day for three weeks show significantly more activity in special white
blood cells that fight tumors.
It may prevent heart attack. If a patient takes garlic after a heart attack, the cholesterol
level comes down. hough the earlier damage may not be repaired, the chances of new
attacks are reduced.
!arlic aids weak digestion because it stimulates the secretion of gastric juices.
It is also useful in treating various forms of diarrhea. -ne garlic capsule taken thrice a
day is usually sufficient to correct mild cases of diarrhea of dysentery.
!arlic oil
,ivya pidantak oil
,ivya pidantak gel
*alash
5indi #alash, ,hak, #alah
Sanskrit 4insukh
English *lame of the *orest, 0astard eak, #arrot ree
Botanical sources
0otanical name utea monosperma
*amily *abaceae
$orhology
0utea monosperma is an erect tree with height of (/+(. m and irregular branches bark rough, ash
coloured, and young parts downy.
he $eaves of plant are F+foliate, with ()+(. cm long petioles and stipules linear lanceolate, all
obtuse, glabrous above when old, finely silky and conspicuously reticulate veined beneath,
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petioles 7 mm long, stout+stipels subulate, deciduous. he coriaceous "the terminal ()+/) cm
long, broadly ovate $eaflets from a cuneate base, the lateral smaller, ()+(. by 9.. > () cm,
obliDuely rounded at the base, eDuilateral, the lower side the larger%
"(%
. he 8aly; of flower is (F
mm long, dark rachis, pedicels about twice as long as the caly;, densely brown+velvety bracts
and flowers are large, in a rigid racemes (. cm long, deciduous, olive+green, densely velvety
outside, clothed with silky hairs within teeth short, the / upper connate, the F lower eDual,
deltoid and the corolla is F.'+. cm long, clothed with silky, silvery hairs at outside. -range or
salmon colored, standard /.. cm broad, keel semi+circular, beaked, veined. #ods stalked are
(/..+/) by /..+ . cm, and thickened at the sutures, reticulate veined argenteocanesent stalked /
cm long.
Standards
(. Ash =alue ": wMw%:
otal ash /..) [ ).)/
Acid insoluble ash (.O' [ ).)(
Gater soluble ash ).9' [ ).)(
Sulphated ash F.69 [ ).)F
/. E;tractive value ": wMw%:
Alcohol )... [ ).)F
Gater (9.(. [ ).(F
F. Solubility est ": wMw%:
Alcohol ).7) [ ).)/
Gater (./7 [ ).)(

&oisture content /.)) [ ).)/
2ea0es: he leave sof 0utea monosperma contains!lucoside, 4ino+oil containing oleic and
linoleic acid, palmitic and lignoceric acid.
Bar+: 4ino+tannic acid, !allic acid, pyrocatechin. he plant also contains palasitrin, and major
glycosides as 0utrin, butolic acid, cyanidin, histidine, lupenone, lupeol, "+%+medicarpin,
miroestrol, palasimide and shellolic acid.
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Stem: Stigma sterol+e+,+glucopyranoside and nonacosanoic acid, F+N+hydro;yeuph+/.+ene and
/, (6+dihydro;y+ ((, (/+ dimethyl+'+o;o+octadec+(( enylcyclohe;ane.
Flo5er: monospermoside "butein F+e+d+glucoside% and isomonospermoside, chalkinessA,
aureoles, flavonoids "palasitrin, prunetin% and steroids, triterpene, butein, butin, isobutrin,
coreopsin, isocoreopsin "butin 9+glucoside%, sulphurein,
Gum: tannins, mucilaginous material, pyrocatechin.
Seed: A nitrogenous acidic compound, along with palasonin is present in seeds. It also contains
monospermoside "butein F+e+d+glucoside% and so monospermoside, oil "yellow, tasteless%,
proteolytic and lypolytic enBymes, plant proteinase and polypeptidase.
/esin: from seed coat allophanic acid, N+ Amyrin, e+sitosterone its glucoside and sucroseE
lactone+nheneicosanoic acid+delta+lactone, jalaric esters i, ii and laccijalaric esters iii, I=.
Sa: colourless isomeric flavanone and its glucosides, butrin, chalcones, butein, butin.
*harmacology
,ifferent part of and e;tract of utea monospermashows various biological and pharmacological
activities such as antimicrobial, antifertility, anticonvulsive, antihelmintic, antidiarrhoeal,
antimicrobial, wound healing, antigiardiasis and hepatoprotective, antihypertenstive, antitumor,
antidiabetic, anti+inflammatory, free radical scavenging activity.
It is used for timber, resin, fodder, medicine, and dye. he wood is dirty white and soft and,
being durable under water, is used for well+curbs and water scoops. !ood charcoal can be
obtained from it. he leaves are usually very leathery and not eaten by cattle.
Usage in leather
he gum is known as 0engal 4ino and is considered valuable by druggists because of its
astringent Dualities and by leather workers because of its tannin.?<@
Culinary use
he gum from the tree, called )amar)as in #indi, is used in certain food dishes.
Use as a dye
he flowers are used to prepare a traditional #oli colour. It is also used as a dyeing color for
fabric.
Use as a esticide
his plant kills &osDuitoes. hey are attracted by the smell and color of the flower. Eggs that are
laid into the liDuid within the flower will never hatch. Any mosDuito that touches the fluid can
never escape from it.
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$avanbahaskar churna
1ograj guggul
5ingwastak churna
GUGGA2
5indi
Sanskrit
English
Botanical sources!uggul 3esin is the oleoresin e;udation from (ommiphora wightii
"0urseraceae%.
0otanical name (ommiphora wightii
*amily "0urseraceae%.
!escrition. $ight to dark+brown conglomerates of tears, rounded or irregular, slightly sticky to
touchE odour, faintly balsamic.
$orhology
!uggul is spiny shrub or small tree with many branches, usually growing two or three
meter high, and found in the arid, rocky tracts of 3ajasthan, !ujrat and 4amatka in India. A
healthy tree yields /.)+.)) grams of resin in one season, and !uggul plants typically begin
yielding resin after five years.
Standards
!uggul 3esin contains not less than (.) per cent wMw and not more than (.. per cent wMw of
gugulsterones "N and E%.
alcohol soluble e;tractive 2$ F.:
Sulphated ash 2& ():
he drug contains oleoresin that have ).F9: essential oil, containg mainly myrecene,
dimyrecene and polymyrecene. Solvent e;traction, hydrolysis and column chromatography over
silica gel of guggul resin identifies a number of compounds such as diterpene hydrocarbon, a
diterpene alcohol, N+guggulsterone, E+guggulsterone, guggulsterol+I, guggulsterol+II,
guggulsterol+III, cholesterol, sensamin and camphorene.
he 2ational 8hemical $aboratory, #une, India, in collaboration with the 8entral ,rug
3esearch Institute of India, began a detailed chemical study of the
5ypocholesterolemicM5ypolipidemic activity of !uggul. he ethyl acetate soluble portion of
!uggul was found to posses 5ypolipidemic and anti+inflammatory properties. he ethyl acetate
insoluble portion was found to be to;ic. *urther, acid, base and neutral portions of ethyl+acetate+
soluble !uggul were separated. the neutral portion is responsible for the 5ypocholesterolemic
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activity, while the acid portion showed anti+inflammatory activity. he active ingredients
responsible for the use of the plant in the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels, are the
!uggulsterones, specifically !uggulsterone E and !uggulsterone N(. !uggul has a comple;
structure made up of various compounds such as $ignans, lipids, ,iterpenoids and steroids. en
steroids have been isolated from the resin, among these, N+!uggalsterone and E+!uggalsterone
have been found to have 5ypolipidemic effects. he other components of the ethyl acetate
e;tract e;ert a synergistic activity.
*harmacology
he drug not only prevented deteriorating changes in serum cholesterol, triglycerides,
and plasma fibrinogen level but also favorably increased plasma fibrinolytic activity. he
oleoresin fraction of !uggul possesses significant anti+arthritic and anti+inflammatory activities,
the minimum effective dose being (/.. mg.M()) g. body weight. he crude aDueous e;tract of the
oleo gum resin was found to suppress acute rat+paw edema induced by 8arrageenin. !um
!uggul also had a suppressive action against the !ranuloma pouch test. In adjuvant arthritis, the
e;tract suppressed the secondary lesions very effectively without having any significant action
on the primary phase. Side effects such as gastric ulceration, loss of weight and mortality were
negligible in the animals treated with the e;tract as compared to those treated with
0etamethasone
!uggul has been a key component in ancient Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine. 0ut has
become so scarce because of its overuse in its two habitats in India where it is found
X !ujarat and 3ajasthan that the Gorld 8onservation <nion "I<82% has enlisted it in its3ed
,ata $ist of endangered species.
!uggul produces a resinous sap known as gum guggul. he e;tract of this gum, called gugulipid,
guggulipid or guglipid, has been used in <2A2I J Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional <2A2I
medicine, for nearly F,))) years in India.
P/Q
he active ingredient in the e;tract is the
steroid guggulsterone, which acts as an antagonist of the farnesoid H receptor, once believed to
result in decreasedcholesterol synthesis in the liver. 5owever, several studies have been
published that indicate no overall reduction in total cholesterol occurs using various dosages of
guggulsterone, and levels of low+density lipoprotein "Sbad cholesterolS% increased in many
people.
P
!uggul can be purchased in a loosely packed form called dhoop, an incense from India, which is
burned over hot coals. his produces a fragrant, dense smoke. he burning coals which let out
the smoke are then carried around to different rooms and held in all corners for a few seconds.
his is said to drive away evil spirits as well as remove the evil eye from the home and its family
members.
&ahayograj guggul
Simhanad guggul
rayodashang guggul
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GA$N'$A
5indi
Sanskrit
English
Botanical sources
!udmar consists of the dried mature leaves of *%mnema s%l!estre 3.0r. "*am.
Asclepiadaceae%.
0otanical name *%mnema s%l!estre
*amily Asclepiadaceae
$orhology
A. Macroscopic + $eaves, simple, petiolate about / to 7 cm long and (to 6 em broad,
yellowish brown on ada;ial and dark green on aba;ial side.
0. Microscopic + <pper and lower epidermis covered with cuticle having uni to tri
cellular covering trichomes which are slightly curved at the bulbous base. 0elow the epidermis is
single layer ofpalisade cells followed by /+F layered spongy parenchyma. Starch gains are simple
and present in spongy parenchyma. &idrib region shows /+9 layers of collenchymatous cells.
Stomata are ofparacytic type, mostly on lower the surface. here is a fan shaped vascular bundle
in the centre. Each vascular bundle is collateral, closed and surrounded by parenchymatous
sheath. 3osette crystal of calcium o;alate present in the spongy parenchyma.
Standards
Ethanol+soluble e;tractive 2ot less than ..) per cent.
Gater+soluble e;tractive 2ot less than /).) per cent
otal ash 2ot more than (..) per cent.
Acid+insoluble ash 2ot more than 7.) per cent.
$oss on drying 2ot more than (6.) per cent,
he major bioactive constitutes of drug are a group of oleanane type terpenoid saponins
known as Kgymnemic acidsL. he latter contain several acylaed "tigloyl, methylbutyroyl etc.%
derivative of deacylgymnemic acid ",A!A% which is F+-+glucuronide of gymnemaginin
"F,(7,/(,//,/F,/'+he;ahydro;y+olean+(/+ene%. he individual gymnamic acids "saponins%
include gymnemic acids I+=II, gymnemosides A+*, gymnema saponins.
*harmacology
!ymnema contains substances that decrease the absorption of sugar from the intestine.
!ymnema may also increase the amount of insulin in the body and increase the growth of cells
in the pancreas, which is the place in the body where insulin is made.
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!ymnema is used for diabetes, metabolic syndrome, weight loss, and cough. It is also
used for malaria and as a snake bite antidote, digestive stimulant, la;ative,appetite suppressant,
and diuretic.
,iabecon tab. "5imalaya%
!lymin tab. "4erala Ayurveda $td.%
Amree capsules "Aimpl $td.%
S#I2A=IT
5indi 3al+yahudi, Shilajita
Sanskrit Shilajit, Silajit, Silaras
English Asphalt, &ineral #itch, ?ewAs pitch, =egetable Asphalt
Biological source
0iological name + Asphaltum
%rigin o) Shila4it
8onsidering its uniDue composition as a phytocomple;, very rich in fulvic acid,
researchers hypothesiBe thatShilajit is produced by the decomposition of plant material from
species such as Euphorbia royleana andrifolium repens . his decomposition seems to occur
through centuries, and on this basis, shilajit is considered a millenary product of nature.
5owever, further studies have identified that several other plant organisms may generate shilajit,
such as molds as 0arbula, *issidens, &inium, and huidium and other species like Asterella,
,umortiera, &archantia, #ellia, #lagiochasma, and Stephenrencella+Anthoceros
Standards
Ethanol+soluble e;tractive 2ot less than 7.. per cent.
Gater+ soluble e;tractive 2ot less than O.. per cent
otal ash 2ot more than '.F percent.
Acid+insoluble ash 2ot more than F.6 per cent.
Gater soluble ash 2ot more than 6.6 per cent.
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he composition of Shilajit is still a subject of discussion. It contains number of organic acids
like fulvic acid, humic acid and hippuric acid. races of benBoic acid are also present. 0esides
these, a special group of compounds known as benBopyrones are also present. 5umic acid is
fraction in Shilajit, which is insoluble in water .It, is dark brown to black in color. he fraction of
humic acid is light brown to yellow brown in color. he standardisation of Shilajit is based on
fulvic acid. he chemical formula, structure and characteristics of fulvic acid have been
determined by 2uclear &agnetic 3esonance Imaging "2&3%.
*harmacology
&odern clinical research has thrown light on anti+diabetic effects of Shilajit.In addition anti
o;idant and aphrodisiac activity has been reported. ,r. Salil 4. 0hattacharya and scientists from
the 2europharmacology $aboratory, ,epartment of #harmacology, Institute of &edial Sciences,
at 0anaras 5indu <niversity in India, undertook e;tensive clinical studies on the subject. Ghat
they proved was that it was the fulvic acid fraction in Shilajit, and other closely associated humic
compounds, that were responsible for the anti+diabetic activity and long reputed historical
success of that preparation. ,r. 0hattacharya recogniBed that the fulvic acids showed significant
success in preventing and combating free radical damage to pancreatic islet 0 cells, which is the
widely accepted cause for diabetes mellitus. Ghat he discovered was that the fulvic acid
significantly increases supero;ide dismutase "S-,% activity. ,r. 0hattacharyaIs clinical studies
showed that fulvic acids diminished the development and progression of diabetes, and assisted in
the treatment.
Categories and common uses
Shilajit is an important, known component of the ayurvedic medicine given its characteristics as
a rasayana. In this conte;t, health benefits such as an increase in longevity, rejuvenating, and
arresting aging roles have been attributed to it PFQ. raditionally, shilajit is consumed by people
from 2epal and the 2orth of India, and children usually take it with milk in their breakfast.
he Sherpas claim to have shilajit as part of their dietE they constitute a population of strong men
with very high levels of a healthy longevity. -ur laboratory has found evidence on the high
activity of the Andean form of shilajit in improving cognitive disorders and as a stimulant of
cognitive activity in humans
$ar+eted )ormulations
#atanjali Shilajit capsules
Shilajit !old
Sepman
NAGA/$%T#A
5indi &otha, 2agarmotha
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Sanskrit &ustak, 2agaramustaka, 0hadramusta
English 8ypriol , 2ut grass, <mbrella Sedge
Botanical source
0otanical name (%perus scariosus
*amily 8yperaceae
$orhology
It is perennial shrub that attains a height of \ to / feet it has a thin stem that is of
dark green in color. $eaves are long having (M7 to (MF inch broad and are sharp. he flowers are
present in the racemes presentation. *lowers are / to ' inch in length. he nodes on the stem are
thick that bears \ inch diameter, oval shape rhiBomes. It is aromatic and is white in color from
inside and brown from out side. he plant flowers in summers and fruits in winters.
Standards
Ethanol+soluble e;tractive 2ot less than 7.. per cent.
Gater+ soluble e;tractive 2ot less than O.. per cent
otal ash 2ot more than '.F percent.
Acid+insoluble ash 2ot more than F.6 per cent.
Gater soluble ash 2ot more than 6.6 per cent.
It rhiBome of it contains an aromatic oil that is ).. to ).7 :. here is also present a stable
oil. 0esides this it contains certain alkaloids, minerals and vitamins. he ash contains calcium,
phosphorus, sodium and some carbonates.
*harmacology
It is kapha and pitta suppressant. It is a good skin disorder healer. And also helps in early healing
of wounds. It provides strength to the body and gears up the nervous system. It also improves
breast and its functioning. It relieves from in and works and anti inflammatory agent. It improves
digestion. It curbs infection in the body. It helps in uterine contraction. It provides strength to the
body.
he essential oil ")..+).O:% from the tuber is used in perfumery, soap making and insect
repellent cream. ,ecoction of rhiBome with stem bits of Tinospora cardifolia and dried ginger is
given to treat malarial fever. ,ecoction of rhiBome with leaves of +uaria indica, Swertia
chira%ita, black pepper and ginger was used to treat typhoid fever. 3hiBome juice is given in the
dose of /. ml thrice daily for F days to treat constipation. he rhiBomes are scraped and
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pounded with green ginger mi;ed with honey prescribed in dysentery, gastric and intestinal
troubles. *resh tubers are applied to the breast as a galactagogue.
2agarmotha oil
Acini tabets herbal medicine
Nymid
$ivocid
N''$
5indi
Sanskrit
English
Botanical source
0otanical name A$adirachta indica
*amily &eliaceae
$orhology
A. Macroscopic-The leaves dark green, the petioles are short.he shape of mature leaflets
is more assymetrical and their margins are dentate with the e;ception of the base of their
basiscopal half, which is very strongly reduced and cuneate or wedge+shaped leaves.
0. Microscopic-,pper and lower epidermis, e;hibiting two layers ofpalisade cells below
the upper epidermis. he spongy parenchyma with intercellular spaces abundant on the border
line of palisade cells. &idrib shows numerous collenchymatous cells below upper and lower
epidermis. characteristic Bone of vascular bundles is present.
Standards
Ethanol soluble e;tractive . 2ot less than 9.) per cent.
Gater soluble e;tractive 2ot less than (O.) per cent
otal ash 2ot more than (/.) per cent.
Acid+insoluble ash 2ot more than /.) per cent.
$oss on drying 2ot more than (/.) percent
SalimuBBaman SiddiDui was the first scientist to bring
the anthelmintic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral constituents of the 2eem tree to the
attention of natural products chemists. In (O6/, he e;tracted three bitter compounds from neem
oil, which he named as nimbin, nimbinin, and nimbidin respectively.he process involved
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e;tracting the water insoluble components with ether, petrol ether, ethyl acetate and
dilute alcohol. he provisional naming was nimbin"sulphur+free crystalline product with melting
point at /). ]8, empirical composition 895()-/%, nimbinin "with similar principle, melting at
(O/ ]8%, and nimbidin "cream+coloured containing amorphous sulphur, melting at O)>()) ]8%.
SiddiDui identifiednimbidin as the main active antibacterial ingredient, and the highest yielding
bitter component in the neem oil.hese compounds are stable and found in substantial Duantities
in the 2eem. hey also serve as natural insecticides.
*harmacology
Antimalarial e))ects: !edunin has been reported as the antimalarial agent
of A$adirachta indica. 3esearchers have found that aBadirachtin and selected semi+
synthetic derivatives block the development of the motile male malarial gamete in !itro.
Antimicro"ial e))ect: 2I&+97, a spermicidal fraction obtained from neem oil, may
directly inactivate a virus versus preventing viral replication, as it did not inhibit viral
multiplication once the infection was present. 2I&+97 stimulated cellular mediated
immunity and lymphocyte proliferation, which may contribute to its antimicrobial effects.
Contraceti0e e))ects: he mechanism of action for the abortifacient effects of neem is
not known but several actions may occur. 2eem constituents may be absorbed and
transferred to susceptible organs, such as the ovaries, or uptake of neem may occur by
phagocytic cells. Abortion was preceded by a decrease in progesterone and chorionic
gonadotrophin "8!% in monkeys, which could affect the maintenance of the endometrium
and pregnancy. 5owever, neem did not injure corpus luteum function in nonpregnant
female baboons.
&ore likely mechanisms for abortive effects involve the activation of macrophages by
neem and subseDuent secretion of cytokines that may alter immune and non+immune
cells. In rats, 8,6 and 8,' cells "particularly 8,' cells% increased in the spleen O7 hours
after treatment onset and tumor necrosis factor alpha and gamma+interferon increased in
serum, mesenteric lymph nodes, and fetoplacental tissue. hese cell+mediated
immunomodulatory effects were confirmed in another animal study. Elevations in
gamma+interferon and tumor necrosis factor alpha "2*+alpha% were observed in rats
treated with neem while these cytokines were not elevated in control animals. Elevations
in these cytokines may be responsible for the adverse effects noted during implantation.
2eem treatment also increased 8,'C cells, which are known to secrete gamma+
interferon, 2*+alpha, and interleukin+/.
he postcoital contraceptive effect of neem may not be due to hormonal effects. 2eem
did not e;hibit estrogenic or progestational activity nor did it display hormonal
antagonistic effects. 2eem may have induced uterine damage, including endometrial
disruption and to;ic lesions. -ther possible mechanisms include a spermicidal or ovicidal
effect or a direct effect of neem on the Bygote, causing blastocidal activity. Endometrial
damage may also prevent proper implantation. hese results were confirmed in another
study that also concluded the effects of neem on uterine and ovarian tissue are not due to
hormonal effects. Subcutaneously administered neem oil caused histological and
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biochemical uterine changes in cyclic and ovariectomiBed rats that were not consistent
with changes e;pected to occur as a result of hormonal effects. -bserved effects included
luminal epithelial damage to the uterus and surrounding glands in cyclic rats. !lycogen
and protein depletion occurred in the ovary and uterus while acid phosphatase increased
in both cyclic and ovariectomiBed rats. 2o synergistic or antagonistic activity was
evidence when neem was given with estradiol dipropionate or progesterone. he to;ic
effects of neem oil versus hormonal effects may be responsible for these changes.
*esticidal e))ects: ABadiractin is a tetranortriterpinoid constituent of neem that interrupts
metamorphosis in insects, causing pesticidal effects.
To(ic e))ects: In rat liver mitochondria in !itro, neem oil was a strong mitochondrial
to;in, causing overall mitochondrial dysfunction and energy crisis. It caused uncoupling
of mitochondrial o;idative phosphorylation, resulting in decreased A# production,
inhibition of the electron+transport chain, and decreases in concentrations of
intramitochondrial acetyl 8oA and free 8oA+S5. he to;ic effects on mitochondrial
respiration may be due to alteration of fatty acid metabolism by neem oil. 3eye+like
syndrome symptoms noted in infants who had consumed neem oil may occur because of
its mitochondrial to;ic effects. 2eem oil consists mainly of long+chain saturated and
unsaturated fatty acids "stearic, oleic, palmitic, linoleic% and some medium chain fatty
acids. It also contains terpenoids, nimbin and nimbiol.

2eem oil induced mitochondrial
permeability transition in rat liver mitochondria, causing mitochondrial swelling,
depolariBation, and uncoupling of o;idative phosphorylation.
S+in Conditions
2eem has an almost magical effect on chronic skin conditions that fail to respond to
conventional treatments. Acne, psoriasis, ecBema, and ringworm are conditions that are
effectively treated by a 2eem preparation.
#air and Nails
Scalp conditions like dandruff, scaling and even hair loss improve with 2eem products.
1ellow or brittle nails, caused by the presence of yeast or fungi, are normalised by the use of
2eem.
Teeth and Gums
2eem mouth rinse is very effective in the treatment of infections, tooth decay, bleeding and
sore gums. A mouthwash, using 2eem oil, has been used at my
practice for the treatment of mouth ulcers.
Fungi6 *arasites and Viruses
Stringent laboratory condition tests have proved the efficacy of 2eem in destroying fungi,
parasites and viruses without killing off beneficial intestinal flora.
Page 52
01 : I2,3A 43. ,5--
UNIT IV
#atanjali kanti neem soap
2eem face wash "himalaya%
Nundu parad tablets
Page 53
01 : I2,3A 43. ,5--

B.ph.-3 Yr Cognosy Unit 4 As Per Ruhs 2014

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UNIT IV

Studies on traditional drugs :

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