C

Caccinia crassifolia O. Kuntze. Habitat  Common in Punjab,

Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya
Synonym  C. glauca Savi. Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Family  Boraginaceae. Siddha/Tamil  Kattagatti, Vilivi,
Villi.
Habitat  Native to Baluchistan.
Available in Indian market as Folk  Kodhab.
Gaozabaan. Action  Root and leaves—
Unani  Gaozabaan. (Accord- deobstruent, emmenagogue; used
ing to National Formulary of for uterine obstructions.
Unani Medicine, Borago officinalis
The leaves and stem bark gave alka-
Linn. and other species of Boragi-
loids, L-stachydrine and L--hydroxy-
naceae are used as Gaozabaan.)
stachydrine. Presence of quercetin,
Action  Leaf—diuretic, anti- isoorientin, hydroxybenzoic acid, sy-
inflammatory, demulcent; used for ringic acid, vanillic acid and -hydro-
strangury, asthma and cough. xy--methoxy benzoic acid has also
been reported. The stembark contains
The stems and leaves gave sapoge- an alkaloid cadabicine, and dry pods
nins—caccigenin, caccigenin lactone contain cadabalone.
and -deoxycaccigenin; rutin and
a saponin derived from caccigenin.
The leaves also gave a glucoside, cac-
cinin. Caccinin and its aglucone cac- Caesalpinia bonduc
cinetin (which is the dimethylallyl es- (L.) Roxb. Dandy & Exell.
ter of caffeic acid) is diuretic; saponins Synonym  C. bonducella Flem.
exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. C. crista Linn.
Flowers contain pyrrolizidine alka-
loid, the diester of retronecine. Ben- Family  Caesalpiniaceae.
zoic acid has also been isolated from Habitat  Throughout the hotter
the flowers. parts of India. Common in West
Bengal and South India. Often
grown as hedge plant.
Cadaba fruticosa (L.) Druce. English  Fever Nut, Bonduc Nut,
Nikkar Nut.
Synonym  C. farinosa Forsk.
Ayurvedic  Puutikaranja, Lataa-
C. indica Lam.
karanja, Kantaki Karanja, Karanjin,
Family  Capparidaceae. Kuberaakshi (seed).
108 Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.) Willd.

Unani  Karanjwaa. Caesalpinia coriaria

(Jacq.) Willd.
Siddha/Tamil  Kazharchikkaai.
Family  Caesalpiniaceae.
C Action  Seed—antiperiodic,
Habitat  Grows abundantly in
antirheumatic. Roasted and used
as an antidiabetic preparation. South India, also cultivated in
Leaf, bark and seed—febrifuge. North-western India and West
Leaf and bark—emmenagogue, Bengal.
anthelmintic. Root—diuretic, English  American Sumac, Divi-divi
anticalculous. Plant.
Siddha/Tamil  Kodivelam.
The seeds contain an alkaloid cae-
Folk  Libi-dibi; Divi-divi.
salpinine; bitter principles such as bon-
ducin; saponins; fixed oil. Action  Bark—febrifuge, antiperi-
The seed powder, dissolved in wa- odic. Pod—astringent (in piles).
ter, showed hypoglycaemic activity in Fruit—semen coagulant.
alloxanized hyperglycaemic rabbits.
Aqueous extract of the seeds produced All parts of the plant contain tan-
similar effects in rats. The powder nin, the maximum amount occurring
forms a household remedy for treat- in the pods (.%). The tannins from
ment of diabetes in Nicobar Islands. pods comprise pyrogallol type of hy-
In Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, roots drolysable tannins and consists of gal-
are used in intermittent fevers and di- lotannin and ellagitannin. Divi-divi
abetes. closely resembles myrobalans both in
In homoeopathy, the plant is consid- nature and contents of tannins. Seeds
ered an excellent remedy for chronic contain little or no tannin.
fever. The plant is used for treating freck-
(Three plant species—Pongamia les. Leaves contain ellagic and gallic
pinnata Pierre, Holoptelea integrifo- acids, catechol and tannins.
lia (Roxb.) Planch. and Caesalpinia Ethanolic extract of the leaves
bonduc (L.) Roxb. are being used as showed antifungal activity.
varieties of Karanja (because flowers
impart colour to water). P. pinnata
is a tree and is equated with Karanja, Caesalpinia digyny Rottl.
Naktamaala and Udakirya; H. integri-
folia, also a tree, with Chirabilva, Puti- Family  Caesalpiniaceae.
ka (bad smell) and Prakiryaa; and C. Habitat  Bengal, Assam and
bonduc, a shrub, with Kantaki Karanja Andamans up to , m.
or Lataa Karanja.)
English  Teri Pods.
Ayurvedic  Vaakeri.
Dosage  Seed kernel—– g powder.
(CCRAS.) Siddha/Tamil  Nunigatcha.
 Caesalpinia sappan Linn. 109

Action  Root—astringent and fruits contain tannins, gums, resin,

antipyretic, used in phthisis and benzoic acid. Presence of cyanidin-
scrofulous affections. ,-diglucoside is also reported from
The roots gave a phenolic compound
the flowers, hydrocyanic acid from the
leaves. The root contains caesalpin type
C
vakerin, identical with bergenin. The diterpenoids along with sitosterol.
ethanol-water extract of roots inhibits The leaves have displayed anticancer
the growth of Mycobacterium tubercu- activity in laboratory animals. A diter-
losis. penoid, isolated from the root, also
The pods contain % tannin (with- showed anticancer activity.
out seeds, more than %). The bark In Pakistan, the leaf and flower ex-
contains % tannin (without seeds, tract exhibited activity against Gram-
more than %). The tannin is pure positive bacteria.
gallo-tannin and gallic acid.
Dosage  Root—– g powder.
(CCRAS.) Caesalpinia sappan Linn.
Family  Caesalpiniaceae.
Caesalpinia pulcherrima Sw. Habitat  Native to India and
Malaysia. Cultivated in Bengal and
Family  Caesalpiniaceae. South India, also grown as a hedge
Habitat  Cultivated in gardens plant.
throughout India. English  Sappan.
English  Barbados Pride, Peacock Ayurvedic  Pattanga, Patanga,
Flower. Pattraanga, Raktasaara, Ranjana,
Ayurvedic  Padangam, Ratnagandhi, Pataranjaka, Suranga, Kuchandana.
Krishnachuudaa. Unani  Bakam.
Siddha/Tamil  Mayirkonrai, Nalal. Siddha/Tamil  Patangam, Anaikun-
Folk  Guleturaa, Sankeshwara. trumani.
Action  Leaves—laxative, an- Folk  Patang.
tipyretic. Used in Eastern India Action  Wood decoction—
as a substitute for senna. Dried emmenagogue, antidiarrhoeal; used
and powdered leaves are used in in skin diseases.
erysipelas. Flowers—anthelmintic.
Also used for cough and catarrh. The heartwood gave an anti-inflam-
Root—a decoction is prescribed matory principle brazilin; amyrin glu-
in intermittent fevers. Bark— coside, amino acids and carbohydrates.
emmenagogue, abortifacient. EtOH (%) extract of stem exhibited
semen coagulant activity.
The plant contains a flavonoid, my- Aqueous and chloroform extracts of
ricitroside. The leaves, flowers and the wood exhibited inhibitory action
110 Cajanus cajan (Linn.) Millsp.

on cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. The lipid disorders and obesity; external-

methanolic extract of the sappan lignan ly for promoting breast development,
showed sleep-time-elongation effect and attributed blood purifying proper-
C in mice. Significant anti-hypercholes-
terolaemic activity is attributed to ben-
ties to the root.
Amino acid analysis of the seed ex-
zilic compounds. tract showed that phenylalanine
The oil exhibited antibacterial and (.% of the total amino acids) is
antifungal activity. responsible for about % of the anti-
Plant pigments find use in facials sickling potency of the seed extract.
which are resistant to light, heat and Seeds also contain riboflavin and
water and are non-irritating. pyridoxine. Root bark contains isofla-
vones, sterols, triterpenoids, flavones,
Dosage  Heartwood—– g (API
anthraquinone derivatives. Plant also
Vol. IV.)
contains an isoflavone, cajanol.
The aqueous extract of leaves
showed vasodilatory effect in exper-
Cajanus cajan (Linn.) Millsp. imental animals.
Synonym  C. indicus Spreng. Unroasted nuts had hypoglycaemic
effect in mice; roasted seeds, in con-
Family  Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. trast, had a hyperglycaemic effect.
Habitat  Cultivated as pulse crop, (Sharon M. Herr.)
chiefly in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar,
Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Dosage  Root—– g powder. (API
Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. Vol. III.)
English  Pigeon Pea, Red Gram.
Ayurvedic  Aadhaki, Tuvari, Tuvara,
Shanapushpikaa. Calamus rotang Linn.
Unani  Arhar. Synonym  C. roxburghii Griff.
Siddha/Tamil  Thuvarai.
Family  Palmae; Arecaceae.
Action  Green leaves are considered
hypocholesterolaemic. Pulse shows Habitat  Central and South India.
cholesterol and phospholipid English  Rotang, Rattan, Chair
lowering effect (reported to cause Bottom Cane.
flatulence). A paste of leaves with
Ayurvedic  Vetra, Abhrapushpa.
salt and water, is taken on an empty
stomach for jaundice. Leaves are Siddha/Tamil  Pirambu.
used in diseases of the mouth, and
Action  Astringent, antidiarrhoeal,
topically for treating measles and
anti-inflammatory (used in chronic
other eruptions.
fevers, piles, abdominal tumours,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In- strangury), antibilious, spasmolytic.
dia indicated the use of the seed in Wood—vermifuge.
 Calendula officinalis Linn. 111

The plant is used in convulsions and Unani  Zergul.

cramps. The presence of a saponin in Siddha/Tamil  Thulvkka Saamanthi.
the stem, an alkaloid in the leaves and
Action  Flowers—anti-inflam-
a flavonoid in the root is reported.
matory, antiseptic, stimulant, C
antispasmodic, emmenagogue,
antihaemorrhagic, styptic. Used
Calamus tenuis Roxb.
in gastric and duodenal ulcers
Synonym  C. amarus Lour. and dysmenorrhoea; externally
Family  Palmae; Arecaceae. for cuts, bruises, burns, scalds.
Plant—antiprotozoal. Flower—
Habitat  The sub-Himalayan tract
antimicrobial. Essential oil—
from Dehra Dun to Assam. antibacterial.
English  Bareilly Cane.
Key application  In inflammation of
Ayurvedic  Vetra (var.) (Vetasa, the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, in-
Salix caprea Linn., is a different ternally and externally. Externally,
drug). on poorly healing wounds, ul-
Action  See C. rotang. cuscruris. (German Commission E,
WHO, ESCOP.) Anti-inflammatory,
vulnerary. (The British Herbal
Calamus travancoricus Pharmacopoeia.)
Bedd. ex Hook. f. The flowers contain triterpenes,
Family  Palmae; Arecaceae. sterols, flavonoids, carotenes, bitter
Habitat  Deccan peninsula, from glycosides, resins, volatile oil, mucilage
Malabar to Travancore. (do not contain tannins). Polysaccha-
rides from flowers exhibited immuno-
English  Cane. stimulating and antitumour activity in
Ayurvedic  Vetra. several in vitro test systems.
Siddha/Tamil  Pirambu. An alcoholic extract has been shown
to have antitrichomonal activity.
Action  Tender leaves are used in
Wound healing and anti-inflam-
dyspepsia, biliousness and as an matory properties are attributed to Mn
anthelmintic. See C. rotang. and carotene. An aqueous alcoholic ex-
tract of florets showed CNS inhibitory
effect with marked sedative activity in
Calendula officinalis Linn. experimental animals.
Family  Compositae; Asteraceae. The extract of flower-heads exhibit-
ed estrogenic activity (reduces period
Habitat  Throughout India; wild in pains and regulates menstrual bleed-
Punjab. ing).
English  Pot-Marigold, Marigold; Calephlone, the extract containing
Calendula. the total polyphenols of the inflores-
112 Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl.

cence, has a marked cholagogic effect Dosage  Dried inflorescences

in rats and has been found helpful in powder—– g (API Vol. II); fruit
the treatment of CCl-induced hepati- powder—– g. (API Vol. IV.)
C tis. A hypocholesterolaemic saponin
has been extracted from the plant.
Calophyllum apetalum Willd.

Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl. Synonym  C. wightianum T. Anders.

Family  Guttiferae; Clusiaceae.
Synonym  C. incana Roxb.
Habitat  The evergreen forests of
Family  Verbenaceae.
Western Ghats up to  m.
Habitat  Sub-Himalayan tracts,
Siddha/Tamil  Shirupinnai.
from Hazara eastwards to Assam,
up to , m. Action  Resin—antiphlogistic,
anodyne. Seed oil—antileprotic.
English  Perfumed Cherry.
Ayurvedic  Priyangu, Priyan- The leaves, stem, bark and root con-
gukaa, Priyaka, Gandhphali, tain friedelin. Leaves also contain
Gandhpriyangu, Phalini, Vanitaa, canophyllol and a triterpene lactone;
Kaantaa, Kaantaahvaa, Shyamaa, stem, beta-amyrin; bark, apetalic acid.
Anganaapriya. Heartwood contains a clathrate named
Unani  Habb-ul-Mihlb (Prunus wightianone palmitic acid. Wood con-
mahaleb Linn., Rosaceae). tains mesoinositol.
Siddha/Tamil  Gnazhal, Chokkala.
(Fruits of Aglaia roxburghiana Miq.
Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.
are used as Priyangu.)
Action  Leaves—applied hot in Family  Guttiferae; Clusiaceae.
rheumatic pains. Smoked to relieve Habitat  Coastal regions, particular-
headache. Seed—paste used in ly Orissa, Karnataka, Maharashtra
stomatitis. Wood—paste used in and the Andamans. Also cultivated
mouth and tongue sores. Seeds as an ornamental tree.
and roots—employed as stomachic.
English  Indian Laurel, Alexandrian
Bark—used in rheumatism and
diseases of genitourinary tract. Laurel.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of Ayurvedic  Punnaaga, Tunga,
India indicated the use of the fruit Sultaan champaa, Naagchampaa,
in emesis and giddiness. Raajchampaa.
Siddha/Tamil  Punnai, Punnagam.
The seeds and leaves contain cal-
literpenone and its monoacetate; the Action  Oil of seeds—specific for
former also contain fatty acids, beta- scabies and other skin diseases,
sitosterol and its beta-D-glucoside. and for rheumatism. Used in the
 Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br. 113

treatment of genitourinary and Unani  Madaar, Aak.

venereal diseases. Bark—juice is Siddha/Tamil  Erukku.
taken as purgative; pounded with
Action  Flowers—stomachic,
water is applied in orchitis, and
for dressing ulcers. Root bark— bechic, antiasthmatic. Milky juice— C
antibacterial, used for indolent purgative (gastrointestinal irritant).
ulcers. Leaf—used in vertigo and Roots—used in lupus, tuberculous
migraine, also for chicken pox, skin leprosy, syphilitic ulceration.
inflammations, scabies, sunburn. Leaves—juice poisonous. Used in
Flowers and stamens—used as external swellings. All parts—used
a substitute for Naagakesara (Mesua against bronchitis and asthma.
ferrea Linn.) The leaf extract showed antitussive
The root bark and heartwood con- activity due to the presence of alkaloids
tain xanthones. The xanthones exhib- and glycosides. The root contains gly-
ited anti-inflammatory activity in rats cosides .–.% on dry basis. The
against carrageenan-induce oedema; latex contains akudarin. Flowers con-
also CNS depressant activity. Jaca- tain beta-amyrin and stigmasterol.
reubin and -deoxy derivatives exhib- Dosage  Milky juice— mg; leaf,
ited antiulcer activity in rats. flower, root bark—– g powder.
Calophyllolide, a complex -Ph- (CCRAS.)
coumarin isolated from nuts, showed
antiarrhythmic (as effective as quini-
dine), bradycardiac coronary dilator,
and anticoagulant, also anti-inflam- Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br.
matory and antiarthritic activity. Family  Asclepiadaceae.
Dosage  Leaf, flower, bark—– g Habitat  An evergreen shrub
powder; – ml decoction. distributed in West and Central
(CCRAS.) India.
English  Swallow-Wart, Milk Weed,
(purple-flowered), King’s Crown.
Calotropis gigantea
Ayurvedic  Alarka, Surya, Su-
(Linn.) R.Br. ex.Ait.
uryaahvya, Vikirna, Vasuka,
Family  Asclepiadaceae. Tapana, Tuulaphala, Kshirparna,
Habitat  Throughout India. Arkaparna, Aasphota.
English  Madar (white-flowered), Unani  Aakh, Madaar, Ashar.
Giant Milk-weed. Siddha/Tamil  Vellerukku, Erukku.
Ayurvedic  Alarka, Raajaarka, Action  The plant is used against
Shvetaarka, Vasuka, Mandaar, bronchial asthma (especially flowers
Bhaasvanmuula, Dinesh, Prab- with black pepper). Leaves—used
haakara, Ravi, Bhaanu, Tapana. for treating chronic cases of
114 Caltha palustris Linn.

dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation Action  Anti-inflammatory. Root—

and mucus in stool. Seed oil— hypocholesterolaemic. Poisonous
geriatric and tonic. Leaves, flowers to human beings in mature stages.
C and root-bark oil—antimicrobial
(maximum activity in leaves). The flowers contain flavonoids, -
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of rhamnosides, -glucosides and -glu-
India indicated the use of the root co--rhamnosides of kaempferol and
and leaf in asthma and dyspnoea; quercetin. Roots gave triterpenoid
stem bark in diseases of the spleen. glycosides, which decreased serum
cholesterol and total protein and in-
Root bark contains benzoylline- creased blood sugar equivalent to bu-
olone and benzolisolineolone. Root, tadione in rats.
stem and leaves, also latex contain EtOH (%) extract of the plant ex-
beta-amyrin. Flowers contain evanidin hibits CNS depressant and hypotensive
-rhamnoglucoside. The plant con- activity in rat.
tains a cardenolide, proceragenin, an
antibacterial principle.
The latex is given for treating epilep-
sy, also in painful, joints and swellings. Calycopteris floribunda Lam.
The latex exhibited anti-inflammatory Family  Combretaceae.
activity in carrageenan-and formalin-
induced rat paw oedema model. Habitat  Madhya Pradesh, Penin-
The herb can alter menstrual cycle sular India and Assam.
and temporarily inhibit ovulation. Car- Ayurvedic  Sushavi, Paaniyavalli.
diac glycosides may be additive when Siddha/Tamil  Minnargodi.
combined with Digoxin. (Sharon M.
Herr.) Action  Leaf—antidysenteric; used
externally for ulcers. Fruit—used in
Dosage  Leaf—– mg powder; jaundice.
root—– g for decoction (API Vol.
I); stem bark—.– g powder (API Leaves contain flavanol calycopterin;
Vol. III). Milky juice— mg to  g flowers calycopterin and quercetin.
(CCRAS.)

Camellia sinensis
Caltha palustris Linn. (Linn.) O. Kuntze.
Family  Ranunculaceae. Family  Theaceae.
Habitat  Western temperate Habitat  Cultivated in Assam,
Himalayas from , to , m. Darjeeling, Travancore, the Nilgiris,
English  American cowslip, Marsh Malabar, Bengal, Dehra Dun and
Marigold, Water Buttercup. Kumaon.
Folk  Mamiri (Punjab). English  Tea.
 Canarium strictum Roxb. 115

Unani  Chaai, Shaahi, Shaayi. Green tea, when added to a lard-

Siddha/Tamil  Thaeyilai. cholesterol diet, decreased the choles-
terol and triglyceride levels in fowls.
Action  Stimulant, diuretic,
astringent. In China, used for
Tea polyphenols exhibit hypocholes-
terolaemic activity.
C
diarrhoea and dysentery (causes
Tea polyphenols—(−)-epicatechin
gastrointestinal upsets and nervous
gallate, (−)-epigallocatechine galate,
irritability when consumed in
theaflavin monogallate A or B, and
excess). Green tea: anticancer
or theaflavin digallate—are used for
effects have been observed in
treating hyperglycaemia.
Chinese green tea, Camellia thea,
Saponins from tea are used as an-
extract; the extract of Japanese green
tiulcer agents.
tea showed antihepatotoxic effects.
Concurrent use of tea and beta-
Important constituents of leaf buds adrenergic agonists may increase the
and very young leaves are: caffeine, risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Caffeine,
with a much smaller amount of oth- a component of tea, may increase in-
er xanthines (theophylline and theo- sulin resistance. (Sharon M. Herr.)
bromine); tannins (the main tannin
in green tea is (−)-epigallocatechin);
flavonoids, quercetin, kaempferol. The
Canarium commune Linn.
stimulant and diuretic are due to caf-
feine content, the astringency due to Synonym  C. vulgare Leench.
the tannins.
Family  Burseraceae.
Drinking tea lowers thiamine and
thiamine diphosphate losses in urine Habitat  A tree indigenous to
and blood serum respectively but in- Malaysia. Now grown in South
creases niacin losses. Hot water extract India, particularly in Kerala and
of black tea facilitates Ca absorption in Tamil Nadu.
the body experimentally. Tea may de- English  Java Almond, Kenari Nut.
crease zinc bioavailability.
The tea, if added to the meal, sig- Folk  Jangali Baadaam.
nificantly lower the availability of iron. Action  Fruit—laxative. Resin—
Milk is as effective as ascorbic acid in anti-inflammatory. Tuber—styptic,
countering the depressing effect of tea bechic, diaphoretic.
on iron availability (in vitro).
The green tea catechin inhibited car- The essential oil from oleoresin con-
cinogenesis in small intestines when tain % anethole and a small quantity
given during or after carcinogen treat- of terpenes.
ment to experimental rats. (−)-epi-
gallocatechin gallate and theaflavin di-
gallate from green tea inhibited the in- Canarium strictum Roxb.
fectivity of both influenza A and B virus
(in vitro). Synonym  C. sikkimense King
116 Cannabis sativa Linn.

Family  Burseraceae Unani  Bhang, Charas, Qinnab.

Habitat  A large, deciduous tree Siddha/Tamil  Ganja.
distributed in West Ghats, Assam Folk  Bhaanga.
C and Sikkim.
Action  Hallucinogenic, hyp-
English  Black Dammar.
notic, sedative, analgesic, anti-
Ayurvedic  Raal Dhuup, Mand inflammatory, Hemp derivatives
Dhuup. are suggested for treating glaucoma
Siddha/Tamil  Karunkungiliyam and as an antiemetic in cancer
(gum). chemotherapy. All variants produce
Action  Resin—used for chronic
initial excitement followed by
cutaneous diseases, such as pso- depression.
riasis, pityriasis; as a linament in Cannabis yields  chemicals of
rheumatic affections. Dammer various classes—cannabinoids, canna-
Oil—used for rheumatism, asthma, bispirans and alkaloids. More than
venereal diseases.  cannabinoids have been isolated,
Black dammer resin contains (+)- the most important one is delta--
junenol, canarone and epikhusinal. tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The plant contains a sesquiterpene Toxic constituents are readily ab-
ketone—canarone. sorbed, excreted in urine and feces,
Canarium sikkimense King is known stored in lipid tissues, especially CNS,
as Gogul Dhuup in Nepal. crosses placenta. High doses in ani-
mals have damaged developing em-
bryos and resulted in birth defects.
(Francis Brinker.)
Cannabis sativa Linn.
Dosage  Dried leaves, after
Synonym  C. indica Linn.
removing turbity—– mg
Family  Cannabinaceae. powder. (API Vol. I.)
Habitat  Cultivated all over the
country. Commonly occurs in
waste grounds, along road side,
Canscora decussata Schult.
often becoming gregarious along
the irrigation channels of gardens. Family  Gentianaceae.
English  Hemp, Indian Hemp. Habitat  Throughout India,
Ayurvedic  Vijayaa, Bhangaa, ascending to , m.
Maadani, Maatulaani, Indraasana, Ayurvedic  Daakuni (used as
Trailokya-vijayaa, Tribhuvana- a substitute for Shankhapushpi in
vijayaa, Shukranaashana, Ganjaa, West Bengal)
Bhangaa. (Bhangaa is consumed
Unani  Sankhaahuli.
orally; Ganjaa and charas are usually
smoked.) Folk  Daankuni.
 Capparis aphylla Roth. 117

Action  Anticonvulsant, CNS against cough. A decoction of

depressant, anti-inflammatory, the root and leaves is given in flu.
hepatoprotective. Bark—antidysenteric.
The plant contains calcium .; The plant contains mannitol (.%) C
magnesium .; potassium . and and alkaloids. Canthium umbellatum
iron . g/ g; copper ., zinc Wight is also known as Kaari.
.; manganese ., cobalt . and
chromium . mcg/g.
Roots contain beta-amyrin, friede- Capparis aphylla Roth.
lin, genianine and  xanthones includ-
Synonym  C. decidua Edgew.
ing mangiferin. Mangiferin is protec-
tive activity against induced liver injury Family  Capparidaceae.
in albino rats. Xanthones also showed Habitat  Rajasthan, Punjab and
activity against Mycobacterium tuber- Sindh; southward to Karnataka and
culosis. Tamil Nadu.
Dried crude powder of the whole English  Caper Berry.
plant exhibited anticonvulsant activity
in albino rats. Ayurvedic  Karira, Krakar, Apatra,
Canscora diffusa (Vahl) R. Br. ex Granthila, Marubhoo-ruuha,
Roem. & Schultes (synonym C. lawii Niguudhapatra, Karila.
Wt.), found throughout India at Unani  Kabar, Kabar-ul-Hind,
, m, is used as a substitute for Kabar-e-Hindi; Tenti.
C. decussata. Siddha/Tamil  Chhengan.
Folk  Tenti.
Action  Anti-inflammatory (used for
Canthium parviflorum Lam.
enlarged cervical glands, sciatica,
Synonym  Plectronia parviflora rheumatoid arthritis; externally
(Lam.) Bedd. on swellings, skin eruptions,
ringworm). Fruits and seeds—used
Family  Rubiaceae.
for urinary purulent discharges and
Habitat  Throughout the Deccan dysentery. Flowers and seeds—
Peninsula, from Gujarat and antimicrobial. The fruit is used as
Maharashtra southwards, and in a pickle.
Bihar and Orissa.
The root bark contains spermidine
English  Wild Jasmine. alkaloids, used for inflammations,
Folk  Kaari. asthma and gout.
Activity of the seed volatiles against
Siddha/Tamil  Karai, Kadan Karai, vibro cholerae has been recorded.
Nalla Karai, Kudiram. Aqueous extract of the plant exhibits
Action  Leaves and fruits— anthelmintic activity; seeds contain an-
astringent, antispasmodic; used tibacterial principles—glucocapparin;
118 Capparis moonii Wight.

isothiocynate aglycone of glucocap- Folk  Hains, Kanthaar.

parin. Action  Antiseptic, antipyretic.
The blanched fruits, when fed to Used for eczema and scabies.
C rats at % dietary fibre level, showed
a significant hypocholesterolaemic ef- Leaves contain taraxasterol, alpha-
fect, which is attributed to its hemicel- and beta-amyrin and beta-sitosterol,
lose content. erythrodiol and betulin.
Pickled fruits are use for destroying
intestinal worms. Dosage  Root—– g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Dosage  Leaf, root—– mg
(CCRAS.)

Capparis spinosa Linn.

Capparis moonii Wight. Family  Cappariadaceae.
Family  Capparidaceae. Habitat  Native to the Mediter-
ranean region. Distributed in
Habitat  Indigenous to New North-west India, Rajasthan, and
Zealand. Now distributed in Peninsular India.
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
English  Caper Bush.
Ayurvedic  Rudanti.
Ayurvedic  Himsraa, Kaakdaani,
Action  Fruit—used in puerperal
Kabara.
sepsis and septic wounds, also for
debility and cough. Unani  Kabar.

EtOH (%) extract of aerial parts Action  Anti-inflammatory, deob-

is CNS depressant. struent to liver and spleen, diuretic,
Fruits contain l-stachydrine, rutin anthelmintic, vasoconstrictive.
and beta-sitosterol. Bark—given in splenic, renal and
hepatic complaints. Juice of leaves
and fruits—anticystic, bactericidal
and fungicidal. Dried flower buds—
Capparis sepiaria Linn. used in scurvy.
Family  Capparidaceae.
Plant gave glucosinolates—glucoi-
Habitat  Dry regions of the country, berin, glucocapparin, sinigrin, gluco-
also planted as a hedge plant. cleomin and glucocapangatin. Rutin
English  Indian Caper. has also been reported from plant.
The root bark, cortex and leaves gave
Ayurvedic  Himsraa, Gridhnakhi, stachydrine. Stachydrine, when given
Duh-pragharshaa, Kaakdaani, to dogs, rabbits and rats, quickened the
Kabara, Kanthaari. coagulation of blood and reduced loss
Siddha/Tamil  Karunjurai. of blood.
 Capsicum annuum Linn. 119

Capparis zeylanica Linn. and haemorrhages from renal and

genitourinary tract. Also used in
Synonym  C. horrida Linn.f. diarrhoea and dysentery and as
Family  Cappariadaceae. a diuretic.
C
Habitat  Common in plains as Key application  In symptom-based
a hedge plant. treatment of mild menorrhagia
and metrorrhagia. (German Com-
English  Ceylon Caper.
mission E.) The British Herbal
Ayurvedic  Ahimsra (Himsraa Pharmacopoeia reported antihaem-
and Ahimsra are synonyms). orrhagic action.
Vyaaghranakhi.
Aerial parts contain flavonoids,
Siddha/Tamil  Aathondai. polypeptides, choline, acetylcholine,
Folk  Kareruaa. histamine and tyramine.
Action  Root bark—sedative, The extract of dried or green plant
stomachic, anticholerin, diuretic causes strong contraction of the small
febrifuge. Leaves—applied as intestines and uterus of guinea pigs.
poultice to piles, swellings, boils. A quarternary ammonium salt has
been isolated from the herb which
The plant contains a saponin and p- is reported to be responsible for its
hydroxybenzoic, syringic, vanillic, fer- pharmacological activity.
ulic and p-coumaric acids. The leaves Young leaves contain vitamin A
contain beta-carotene. The leaves and (, IU/ g) and ascorbic acid
seeds contain glucocapparin, alpha- ( mg/ g); among other constit-
amyrin, n-triacontane and a fixed oil. uents are hesperidin and rutin, which
Aerial parts exhibited spasmolytic reduced permeability of blood vessel
activity. walls in white mice. A neoplasm in-
hibitory substance has been identified
as fumaric acid. An inhibitory effect
Capsella bursa-pastoris of the extracts of the herb on Ehrlich
(Linn.) Moench. solid tumour in mice was found to be
due to the fumaric acid.
Family  Cruciferae; Brassicaceae. Major constituent of the essential oil
Habitat  Throughout India as is camphor.
a weed in cultivated areas and waste
places, particularly in the temperate
regions up to an altitude of , m. Capsicum annuum Linn.
English  Shepherd’s Purse, St. Family  Solanaceae.
James’s Wort.
Habitat  Native to the West
Folk  Mumiri. Indies and tropical America; now
Action  The herb or its juice extracts cultivated throughout tropical
are employed to check menorrhagia regions of India.
120 Capsicum frutescens Linn.

English  Chilli, Red Pepper. Capsaicin exhibited a hypoglycae-

mic effect in dogs; insulin release was
Ayurvedic  Raktamaricha, Lankaa,
increased. (Phytother Res, , Aug
Katuviraa.
C Unani  Mirch, Filfil-e-Ahmar,
(), –.)
Dosage  Fruit—– mg powder.
Filfl-e-Surkh, Surkh Mirch. (CCRAS.)
Siddha/Tamil  Milagay.
Action  Stimulant, accelerates
oxygenation of cells, encourages Capsicum frutescens Linn.
adrenal glands to produce corticos- Family  Solanaceae.
teroids, increases gastrointestinal
Habitat  Cultivated as a condiment
secretion. Carminative, antispas-
crop.
modic, antiseptic. Used externally
for rheumatism, backache, lum- English  Bird Chilli.
bago, neuralgia, painful muscle Ayurvedic  Katuviraa.
spasm. Unani  Surkh Mirch.

Red chilli contains capsaicin (.– Siddha/Tamil  Musi Milagay.

.%), carotenoids, flavonoids, volatile Action  See Capsicum annuum.
oil; steroidal saponins (capsicidins, on- Key application  Externally, in
ly in seeds). painful muscle spasms in areas
Capsaicin stimulates the circulation of shoulder, arm and spine; for
and alters temperature regulation; top- treating arthritis, rheumatism,
ically desensitizes nerve endings and neuralgia, lumbago and chilbains.
acts as a local analgesic. (German Commission E.) The
Capsaicin produces a protective ef- British Pharmacopoeia reported
fect in rat lung and liver by strength- rubefacient and vasostimulant
ening the pulmonary antioxidant en- action.
zyme defence system. Acute capsaicin
treatment causes release of substance The plant contains hydroxybenzoic
desensitization of the respiratory tract acid, hydroxycinnamic acid and ascor-
mucosa to a variety of lung irritants. bic acid. Fruits contain up to % of
Red pepper or an equivalent amount capsaicin.
of capsaicin, when fed along with
cholesterol-containing diets to female
albino rats, prevented significantly the Carallia brachiata (Lour.) Merr.
rise of liver cholesterol levels.
Vitamin P has been isolated from the Synonym  C. integerrima DC.
chillies. Vitamin C gradually increases C. lucida Roxb. ex Kurz.
during maturation and reaches maxi- Habitat  Throughout India, up to
mum at the semi-ripe or pink coloured an altitude of , m, and in the
stage and decreases thereafter. Andamans.
 Careya arborea Roxb. 121

Folk  Karalli, Kierpa. Varanga The leaves contain beta-sitosterol

(Malyalam). and its D-glucoside, an alkaloid, oxalic
Action  Leaves—used in the acid and amino acids. The presence of
treatment of sapraemia. Bark—used a saponin and quebrachitol is reported
in the plant.
C
for treating oral ulcers, stomatitis,
inflammation of the throat. The leaves and stem are used in
preparations used against common
The leaves contain alkaloids (.% cold. Alcoholic extract of the plant
dry basis), the major being (+)-hygro- exhibits antisickling and antiarthritic
line. activity. Seeds have positive anabolic
activity and increase body weight by
inducing a positive nitrogen balance.
Cardiospermum halicacabum The alkaloid fraction from the seeds
Linn. showed hypotensive activities and car-
diac inhibition in anaesthetized dogs;
Family  Sapindaceae. blocked spasmogenic effects of acetyl-
Habitat  Throughout the plains of choline, histamine and -HT on guinea
India, as a wild climber. pig ileum, biphasic effort on frog rec-
tus abdominis muscle. The seeds also
English  Ballon Vine, Winter showed antibacterial activity.
Cherry, Heartseed.
Ayurvedic  Kaakatiktaa, Dosage  Whole plant—– ml
Kaakaadani, Karnsphotaa, decoction. (CCRAS.)
Shatakratulataa.
Unani  Habb-e-Qilqil.
Careya arborea Roxb.
Siddha/Tamil  Mudukottan,
Kottavan. Family Barringtoniaceae.
Folk  Kanphotaa, Kanphuti, Habitat Sub-Himalayan tract, from
Lataaphatakari. Used as Jyotishmati Jammu eastwards to West Bengal,
in Bengal. Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Action  Used in rheumatism, English  Kumbi, Slow-Match tree.
lumbago, skeletal fractures, nervous Ayurvedic  Katabhi, Kumbhi-
diseases, amenorrhoea, haemor- ka, Kumbhi, Kumbi, Kaitrya,
rhoids, erysipelas. The herb is used Kumudikaa.
in hairoils for treating dandruff, Siddha/Tamil  Kumbi, Ayma.
alopecia and for darkening hair.
Action  Bark—demulcent (in
The plant extract showed significant coughs and colds), antipyretic and
analgesic and anti-inflammatory activ- antipruritic (in eruptive fevers),
ity and sedative effect on CNS. The anthelmintic, antidiarrhoeal. An
drug also showed (transient) vasode- infusion of flowers is given after
pressant activity. child birth.
122 Carica papaya Linn.

Seeds contain triterpenoid sapo- research indicate that papain may

genols, sterols; leaves contain a tri- be effective (in the treatment of
terpene ester, beta-amyrin, hexaco- inflammations) in high doses (daily
C sanol, taraxerol, beta-sitosterol, quer-
cetin and taraxeryl acetate.
dose  mg corresponding to
 FIP units).
Careya herbacea Roxb., a related
species, is known as Kumbhaadu-lataa Unripe fruit—emmengagogue and
in Bengal. abortifacient. Latex—applied topically
on eczema, ringworm, psoriasis, corns,
Dosage  Bark—– ml decoc- warts, sloughing wounds, carbuncles
tion. (CCRAS.) and eschar of burns.
Green parts of the plant and seed
contain an alkaloid carpaine. Seeds
Carica papaya Linn. also contain carpasemine.
Latex contain enzymes—papain and
Family  Caricaceae. chymopapain and alkaloids carpaine
Habitat  Native to West Indies and and pseudocarpaine. A proteinaceous
Central America; now cultivated in material from latex showed anticoag-
Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, ulant activity; in higher doses it is
Gujarat, Maharashtra and South heart depressant and as a spasmogen
India. on smooth muscle of guinea pig ileum.
English  Papaya, Papaw. An alkaloid solution showed depres-
sant action on heart, blood pressure
Ayurvedic  Erand-karkati, Papitaa. and intestine.
Unani  Papitaa Desi. The anthelmintic action of seeds
Siddha/Tamil  Pappaali, Pappayi. against Ascaris lumbricoides is due to
carpasemine.
Action  Ripe fruit—stomachic, Papain, an enzyme mixture pre-
digestive, carminative, diuretic, pared from the fruit, seeds and leaf,
galactagogue. Useful in bleeding hydrolyses polypeptides, amides and
piles, haemoptysis, dysentery esters, particularly when used in an
and chronic diarrhoea. Seeds— alkaline environment, and is used in
emmengagogue, abortifacient, digestive disorders.
vermifuge. Juice of seeds is Papain inhibits platelet aggregation,
administered in enlarged liver which may further increase the risk of
and spleen, and in bleeding bleeding in patients also taking anti-
piles. coagulants. Concurrent administra-
Key application  Papain, the tion of cyclophosphamide with papain
enzyme mixture extracted from raw caused sever damage to lung tissues in
papain (latex of Carica papaya), has rats. (Sharon M. Herr.)
been included among unapproved Chymopapin C is an immunosup-
herbs by German Commission E. pressive enzyme from plant extract.
Experiment-based as well as clinical Carpaine, extracted from the plant,
 Carthamus tinctorius Linn. 123

exhibited anti-tubercular activity, also Carissa opaca Stapf. Ex Haines.

antitumour in vitro, and hypotensive.
Synonym  C. spinarum auct. non L.
Dosage  Leaf—– ml infusion;
latex—– g (CCRAS.) Family  Apocynaceae. C
Habitat  Throughout the country
in dry regions, especially in Punjab
Carissa carandas Linn. var. and Kashmir.
congesta (Wt.) Bedd. Ayurvedic  Karamardikaa.
Family  Apocynaceae. Siddha/Tamil  Chirukila Chiru.
Habitat  Throughout India. Folk  Jangali Karondaa. Garnaa
English  Christ’s Thorn, Bengal (Punjab).
Currant. Action  Plant—cardiotonic. Root—
Ayurvedic  Karinkaara, Karamarda, purgative.
Krishnapaakphal, Kshirphena,
The root contains caffeic acid, car-
Sushena, (Karamardakaa is equated
diac glycosides—odorosides B, C, G
with C. spinarum Linn.)
and H, and evomonoside.
Unani  Karondaa. Carissa paucinervia A. DC. is also
Siddha/Tamil  Kalakke. equated with the wild var. of Karondaa.
Action  Used for acidity, flatulence,
poor digestion, as a slimming diet.
Juice of the fresh plant is used for Carthamus tinctorius Linn.
infected wounds that refuse to heal.
Root—paste used for diabetic ulcer. Family  Asteraceae.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In- Habitat  Cultivated mainly as an
dia indicated the stem bark in obstinate oil-seed crop in Madhya Pradesh,
skin diseases, and the root in urinary Maharashtra.
disorders. English  Safflower.
Alcoholic extract of roots exhibit Ayurvedic  Kusumbha, Vahin-
hypotensive activity. Roots yield car- shikhaa, Vastraranjaka, Kusum.
dioactive compounds; cardiotonic ac-
tivity is due to glucoside of odoroside Unani  Qurtum.
H. Siddha/Tamil  Chendurakam.
Fresh fruits are rich in ascorbic acid
Action  Oil—aids prevention of
( g/ g fruit juice). The seeds are
arteriosclerosis, coronary heart
rich in potassium ( mg/ g fresh
disease and kidney disorders as
matter).
a polyunsaturated fat. Flowers—
Dosage  Stem bark— g for stimulant, sedative, diuretic,
decoction. (API Vol. II); root— emmenagogue; used in fevers and
– g (API Vol. III). eruptive skin conditions, measles.
124 Carum bulbocastanum W. Koch.

Charred safflower oil is used in Wild and thorny Safflower, grow-

rheumatism and for healing sores. ing in the arid tract of Haryana and
Punjab (locally known as Kantiaari,
Key application  Dried flowers—
C in cardiovascular diseases, amen-
Poli, Poiyan) is equated with C. oxy-
cantha Bieb. The plant is diuretic.
orrhoea, dysmenorrhoea and Seed oil is applied topically to ulcers.
retention of lochia; also in wounds The plant contains a sesquiterpene gly-
and sores with pain and swelling. coside. Aerial parts contain hinesol-
(Pharmocopoeia of the People’s beta-D-fucopyranoside. The plant also
Republic of China, .) contains luteolin--glucoside.
Dosage  Leaf—– g powder.
Safflower contains carthamone, lig-
nans and a polysaccharide. The poly- (CCRAS.)
saccharide, composed of xylose, fruc-
tose, galactose, glucose, arabinose,
rhamnose and uronic acid residues, Carum bulbocastanum W. Koch.
stimulates immune function in mice.
Synonym  Bunium persicum (Boiss.)
It induced antibody formation in mice
following peritoneal injection. Ex- Fedts.
tracts of flowers have also been tested Family  Umbelliferae; Apiaceae
in China on blood coagulation, where Habitat  Cultivated in the hills and
a prolongation of clothing time was ob- plains of North India and in the
served and platelet aggregation inhib- hills of South India.
ited. Chinese research indicates that
English  Black Caraway.
Safflower flowers can reduce coronary
artery disease, and lower cholesterol Ayurvedic  Krishna jiraka, Kaash-
levels. Flowers and seeds exhibit lipase mira jirak.
activity. The flower extract also exhib- Unani  Jiraa Siyaah, Kamoon-
ited anti-inflammatory, sedative and armani.
analgesic effect and inhibitory effect
Siddha/Tamil  Shemai-shiragam,
on spontaneous motor activity.
Pilappu-shiragam.
The plant contains a propanetriol
derivative, which can be used for the Action  See C. carvi.
treatment of circulatory disorders.
Recent research suggests that im-
proving the lipid profile might not Carum carvi Linn.
be as important to reducing the risk
of cardiovascular disease as suggest- Family  Umbelliferae; Apiaceae.
ed. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Habitat  Native to Europe and
Database, .) West Asia. Now cultivated in Bihar,
Safflower is contraindicated in preg- Orissa, Punjab, Bengal, Andhra
nancy, gastric disorders, excessive Pradesh, and in the hills of Kumaon,
menstruation, haemorrhagic diseases. Garhwal, Kashmir and Chamba.
 Casearia tomentosa Roxb. 125

Also found wild in the North Dosage  Seed—– g powder.

Himalayan regions. (CCRAS.)
English  Caraway.
Ayurvedic  Krishna jiraka, Jiraa, C
Kaaravi, Asita Jiraka, Kaashmira- Casearia esculenta Roxb.
jiraka, Prithvikaa, Upakunchikaa, Synonym  C. ovata (Lamk) Willd.C.
Sugandha Udgaar, Shodhana. zeylanica (Gaertn.) Thw.
Unani  Zeeraa Siyaah, Kamoon, Family  Samydaceae; Flacourtiaceae
Kamoon-roomi.
Habitat  Peninsular India, up to
Siddha/Tamil  Shimai-shembu, , m.
Semai Seearagam, Karamjiragam.
Ayurvedic  Saptachakraa.
Action  Carminative, antispas-
Siddha/Tamil  Kakkaipilai, Kilar,
modic, antimicrobial, expectorant,
Kottargovai.
galactagogue, emmenagogue.
Folk  Saptrangi (root and root
Key application  Seed oil—in
bark).
dyspeptic problems, such as mild,
sapstic conditions of the gastroin- Action  Root—antidiabetic (used
testinal tract, bloating and fullness. in milder chronic diabetic cases),
(German Commission E, ESCOP, astringent, liver tonic. Frequently
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) adulterated with the roots of Salacia
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of chinensis Linn. and S. macrosperma
India recommended the seed in Wight.
chronic fevers.
The crude aqueous extract of the
The fruit contains a volatile oil con- roots has shown hypoglycaemic activ-
sisting of carvone (–%) and limo- ity.
line with other constituents; flavonoids, The root gave leucopelargonidin,
mainly quercetin derivatives, polysac- beta-sitosterol, dulcitol, a flavonoid
charides and a fixed oil; also calcium and arabinose.
oxalate.
The antispasmodic and carminative
effects have been confirmed experi- Casearia tomentosa Roxb.
mentally. The caraway has shown to
Synonym  C. elliptica Willd.
reduce gastrointestinal foam.
Both the seeds and the essential oil Family  Samydaceae; Flacourtiaceae.
are classed as carminative in I.P. Habitat  The Himalayas from
The essential oil shows moderate Kashmir to Nepal, ascending to
antibacterial and antifungal activity , m; throughout tropical India.
against several bacteria and fungi.
Mixed with alcohol and castor oil, it is Ayurvedic  Chilhaka.
used for scabies. Siddha/Tamil  Kadichai.
126 Cassia absus Linn.

Folk  Chillaa, Saptrangi. and bladder. Chaksine has ganglion-

Action  Root—hypoglycaemic. blocking property. Chaksine and iso-
Root bark is used as a tonic in chaksine possess a local anaesthet-
C anaemic conditions. ic effect intradermally. It produces
a sustained fall in blood pressure of
Fruit pulp—diuretic, purgative, anaesthetized animals and produces
Leaves—anti-inflammatory. Fruit pulp a weak anti-acetylcholine effect. Roots
—diuretic. also contains anthraquinones and aloe-
Ethanolic (%) extract of the leaves emodin.
showed significant anti-inflammatory
activity in rats. Oil extracted from the Dosage  Seed—– g powder.
seeds in rubbed on sprains. Various (CCRAS.)
plant parts are used in neuralgia.

Cassia alata Linn.

Cassia absus Linn. Family  Caesalpiniaceae.
Family  Caesalpiniaceae. Habitat Native to the West Indies.
Habitat  Throughout India. Found wild almost throughout
India.
Ayurvedic  Chakshushyaa, Aranya-
kulathhikaa, Kataka. English  Ringworm Cassia.
Unani  Chaaksu. Ayurvedic  Dadrughna, Dadrumar-
dana.
Siddha/Tamil  Muulaipalyirai,
Kaattukollu. Siddha  Malanthakerai, Seemai
Folk  Ban Kulathi.
agathi (Tamil).
Folk  Daadmaari.
Action  Seed—bitter, blood-purifier,
astringent, stimulant, diuretic. Used Action  Leaf—used in skin diseases
topically for leucoderma, ringworm, like herpes, blotch, eczema, mycosis
venereal ulcers and other skin (washerman’s itch). Dried leaves—
diseases. Roots—purgative. in leprosy. A strong decoction is
used for ringworm, eczema and
Seeds gave sitosterol-beta-D-gluco- herpes. Leaves are also used as
side and alkaloids—chaksine and iso- a purgative.
chaksine. Chaksine is found to be
antibacterial against Micrococcus pyo- Young pods contain rhein, emodin
genes var. aureus and Streptococcus and aloe-emodin. The antibacterial
haemolyticus. It stimulates contrac- activity of the leaves is reported to be
tion of different tissues of plain mus- due to rhein. The roots contain an-
cles, like uterus, intestine, bladder, thraquinone. Emodin, aloe-emodin
and muscles in blood vessels. It de- and anthraquinone contribute to the
presses the parasympathetic nerve- purgative activity of the leaves and
endings of certain organs like intestine roots. Crushed leaves or roots are
 Cassia auriculata Linn. 127

rubbed on to the skin to cure ring- Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) ,-

worm and to control Tinea imbricata, dihydoxy-anthracene derivatives
a skin fungus. have a laxative effect. This effect is
due to the sennosides, specifically,
due to their active metabolite in
C
Cassia angustifolia Vahl. the colon, rheinanthrone. The
effect is primarily caused by the
Synonym  C. senna Linn. var. senna. influence on the motility of the
Family  Caesalpiniaceae. colon by inhibiting stationary and
stimulating propulsive contractions.
Habitat  Native to Sudan and (German Commission E, ESCOP,
Arabia. Now cultivated mainly in WHO.) Seena has been included in
Tirunelveli and Ramnathpuram I.P. as a purgative.
districts and to a lesser extent in
Madurai, Salem and Tiruchirapalli Most of the Senna sp. contain rhein,
districts of Tamil Nadu. Also grown aloe-emodin, kaempferol, isormam-
on a small scale in Cuddapah netin, both free and as glucosides,
district of Andhra Pradesh and together with mycricyl alcohol. The
certain parts of Karnataka. purgative principles are largely attribut-
English  Indian Senna, Tinnevelly ed to anthraquinone derivatives and
Senna. their glucosides.
Senna is an Arabian name. The drug
Ayurvedic  Svarna-pattri, was brought into use by Arabian physi-
Maarkandikaa, Maarkandi. cians for removing capillary congestion
Unani  Sannaa, Sanaa-makki, (pods were preferred to leaves).
Senaai, Sonaamukhi, Sanaa-Hindi. The active purgative principle of
Siddha/Tamil  Nilaavaarai. senna was discovered in .
Cassia acutifolia Delile is also equat-
Folk  Sanaai. ed with Maarkandikaa, Svarna-pattri,
Action  Purgative (free from Sanaai.
astringent action of rhubark
type herbs, but causes gripe), Dosage  Leaves— mg to  g
used in compounds for treating (API Vol. I.)
biliousness, distention of stomach,
vomiting and hiccups. Also used as
a febrifuge, in splenic enlargements, Cassia auriculata Linn.
jaundice, amoebic dysentery.
Contraindicated in inflammatory Family  Caesalpiniaceae.
colon diseases. Habitat  Wild in dry regions of
Key application  Leaf and dried Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and
fruit—in occasional constipation. Rajasthan. Cultivated in other parts
(German Commission E.) As of India.
a stimulant laxative. (The British English  Tanner’s Cassia.
128 Cassia fistula Linn.

Ayurvedic  Aaavartaki, Aaadaari. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of

Unani  Tarwar. India indicated the fruit pulp for con-
stipation, colic, chlorosis and urinary
Siddha/Tamil  Aavaarai.
C Folk  Tarwar.
disorders.
Pulp of the pod contains anthraqui-
none glycosides, sennosides A and
Action  Roots—used in skin
B, rhein and its glucoside, barbaloin,
diseases and asthma. Flowers
aloin, formic acid, butyric acid, their
enter into compounds for diabetes,
ethyl esters and oxalic acid. Presence
urinary disorders and nocturnal
of pectin and tannin is also reported.
emissions.
Seeds gave galactomannan free sug-
Pod husk contains nonacosane and ars and free amino acids; extract lax-
nonacosan--one, chrysophanol, ative, carminative, cooling and anti-
emodin and rubiadin. pyretic properties.
Flowers gave ceryl alcohol, kaem-
Dosage  Whole plant—– ml pferol, rhein and a bianthraquinone
(CCRAS.) glycoside, fistulin.
Leaves gave free rhein, its glyco-
sides—sennosides A and B.
Cassia fistula Linn. Cassia javanica L., a related species
found in West Bengal, Maharashtra
Synonym  C. rhombifolia Roxb. and Tamil Nadu, is used as a substitute
Family  Caesalpiniaceae. for Cassia fistula.

Habitat  Cultivated as an ornamental Dosage  Fruit pulp—– g powder.

throughout India. (API Vol. I.)
English  Indian Laburnum, Purging
Cassia, Golden Shower.
Ayurvedic  Aaragvadha, Chatu- Cassia obovata (L.) Collad.
raangula, Kritamaala, Kritmaalaka,
Karnikaara, Shampaaka, Praagra- Synonym  C. obtusa Roxb.
ha, Raajvrksha, Nripapaadapa,
Family  Calsalpiniaceae.
Raajadruma, Vyaadhighaataka,
Aarevata. Habitat  Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan,
Unani  Amaltaas, Khyaarshambar. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Ma-
harashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and
Siddha/Tamil  Sarakkonrai. Tamil Nadu.
Folk  Amaltaasa. English  Spanish, Sudan Senna.
Action  Flowers and pods—
Ayurvedic  Maarkandikaa, Svarna-
purgative, febrifugal, astringent,
pattri. (related species)
antibilious. Seed powder—used in
amoebiasis. Folk  Sonaamukhi, Sanaai.
 Cassia sophera Linn. 129

Action  An adulterant of the true is given as an antiperiodic. Seeds—

senna. Leaves and seeds—purgative used for cough, whooping cough
and anthelmintic. and convulsions. Roasted seeds
(roasting destroys the purgative
property) are mixed with coffee for
C
Cassia obtusifolia Linn. strength.

Family  Calsalpiniaceae. The pods contain sennosides and

anthraquinones; seeds polysacchari-
Habitat  From Jammu and Himachal des, galactomannan; leaves dianthron-
Pradesh to West Bengal, also in ic hetroside; pericarp apigenin; roots
central and western India, up to an emodol; plant xanthone—cassiolin;
altitude of , m. seeds phytosterolin; flowers physcion
Ayurvedic  Chakramarda, Prapun- and its glucosides, emodin and beta-
naada. sitosterol.
Folk  Chakondaa, Chakwar, The volatile oil obtained from the
Pumariaa. leaves, roots and seeds showed antibac-
terial and antifungal activity.
Action  Pods—Antidysenteric, The seeds, when fed to animals, re-
antibacterial, antifungal. Seeds— sulted in weight loss and also were
used for ringworm and skin diseases found to be toxic to experimental ani-
also for cough, cold, asthma, and as mals. Leaves are preferred to quinine as
a mild purgative in liver complaints. a tonic, seeds are considered as a hae-
mateinic toxic and root is used as a hep-
atic tonic.
Cassia occidentalis Linn. Dosage  Seed—– g powder;
Family  Calsalpiniaceae. leaf—– ml juice; root bark—
– ml decoction. (CCRAS.)
Habitat  Throughout India, up to
an altitude of , m.
English  Coffee Senna, Foetid Cassia sophera Linn.
Cassia, Negro Coffee.
Family  Calsalpiniaceae.
Ayurvedic  Kaasamarda, Kaasaari.
Habitat  In gardens as hedge
Unani  Kasondi.
throughout India.
Siddha/Tamil  Paeyaavarai, Thagarai.
English  Sophera Senna.
Folk  Kasondi (bigger var.). Ayurvedic  Kaasamarda.
Action  Purgative, diuretic, Unani  Kasondi.
febrifugal, expectorant, stomachic.
Leaves—used internally and Siddha/Tamil  Ponnaavaarai.
externally in scabies, ringworm and Action  Leaves, seeds, bark—
other skin diseases. A hot decoction cathartic; considered specific for
130 Cassia tora Linn.

ringworm and other skin diseases equal parts of leaves and seeds is
(bark may cause dermatitis); used given for jaundice. Pods are used in
for bronchitis and asthma. dysentery.
C A paste of leaves is used for treat- Along with other therapeutic appli-
ing piles. An infusion of fresh leaves, cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
with sugar, is given in jaundice. Plant of India indicated the use of the seed in
is spasmolytic. Alcoholic extract of paralysis and hemiplegia as a support-
leaves is intestinal and bronchial mus- ing drug.
cle relaxant. The leaves contain chrysophanol,
The leaves contain a flavone glyco- aloe-emodin, rhein and emodin. Ma-
side and sennoside. Root bark con- ture leaves possess purgative properties
tains anthraquinones, chrysophanol, and are sometimes utilized to adulter-
physcion and beta-sitosterol. Heart- ate the true senna; also used as an
wood gave isomeric derivatives, ,, antiperiodic and anthelmintic.
-trihydroxy--methylanthraquinone, The leaf extract exhibited antifungal
along with sopheranin, beta-sitosterol, activity against the ringworm fungus
chrysophanol, physcion, emodin, - Microsporon nanum.
octadecanol and quercetin. Seeds contain anthraquinone glyco-
sides, naptho-pyrone glycosides, cas-
siaside and rubrofusarin--beta-genti-
obioside. These constituents showed
Cassia tora Linn.
significant hepatoprotective activity.
Family  Calsalpiniaceae. Thrachrysone, isolated from seeds,
Habitat  Throughout India as showed stronger antioxidant activity
a weed. than tocopherol and BHA.
Chrysophanic acid--anthrone, ex-
English  Sickle Senna, Ringworm tracted from the seed, was found to be
Plant. active against ringworm fungi.
Ayurvedic  Chakramarda, Chakri,
Dosage  Seed—– g powder. (API
Prapunnaada, Dadrughna, Me-
Vol. III.)
shalochana, Padmaata, Edagaja.
Unani  Penwaad Taarutaa.
Siddha/Tamil  Ushittgarai. Cassytha filiformis Linn.
Folk  Chakavad, Daadamaari. Family  Lauraceae
Action  Leaves—taken internally Habitat  Throughout the greater
to prevent skin diseases; applied parts of India.
against eczema and ringworm;
pounded and applied on cuts, act English  Doddar-Laurel, Love-Vine.
like tincture of iodine. Seeds, Ayurvedic  Amarvalli, Aakaashbel.
soaked in water, are taken for (Cuscuta reflexa is also known as
spermatorrhoea. A paste made of Amarvalli.)
 Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. 131

Siddha/Tamil  Erumaikkottan. calcium, phosphorus, thiamine, ribo-

Action  Astringent, diuretic (given flavin and niacin; also tocopherols.
in dropsy and anasarca, also in Nuts, crushed with vinegar and barley
biliousness, chronic dysentery, flour, are used against indurations of
breast. The extract of nuts exhibits pos-
C
haemoptysis and for supressing
lactation after still-birth); piscicidal sibility of its use as a platelet inhibitor in
and insecticidal (used as a hair-wash thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Leaves
for killing vermin). are inhibitors of pectinolytic enzymes.
American chestnut and European
The plant contains aporphine alka- chestnut are equated with Castanea
loids. dentata and C. sativa,respectively. Both
are used for respiratory ailments.

Castanea sativa Mill.

Synonym  C. vulgaris Lam. Casuarina equisetifolia Linn.
Family  Fagaceae. Family  Casuarinaceae.
Habitat  Darjeeling, Khasi Hills, Habitat  Cultivated in coastal
Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. regions of Peninsular India.
English  Spanish Chestnut, Sweet English  Casuarina, She-Oak,
Chestnut. Australian or Whistling Pine,
Folk  Singhaaraa (not to be confused Beefwood.
with water-chestnut, Tripa natans Ayurvedic  Jhaau, Vilaayati Jhaau.
L.)
Siddha/Tamil  Savukku.
Action  Leaves—astringent,
Action  Bark—astringent, an-
antitussive and febrifuge (used
tidiarrhoeal. Leaf—antispasmodic,
for fevers and diseases of the
used in colic. Aerial parts—
respiratory tract). An infusion is
hypoglycaemic.
used as a gargle in pharyngitis,
proxysmal coughs, catarrh and The plant contains kaempferol gly-
whooping cough. Nuts—extract, as coside, quercetin glycoside, cupressu-
platelet inhibitor in thrombosis and flavone, tannins, shikimic acid, quinic
atherosclerosis. acid, amino acids, sugars.
The leaves contain tannins (–%)
flavone glycosides, triterpenoids, urso-
lic acid, lupeol and betulin. Heartwood Catharanthus roseus
contains .% tannins and .% non- (L.) G. Don.
tannins. The wood and bark contain –
 and –% tannins respectively. Synonym  Vinca rosea L.
Nuts are eaten raw, roasted or boiled Lochnera rosea (L.) Reichub.
like potatoes. Nuts contain protein, Family  Apocynaceae.
132 Cayratia carnosa (Wall.) Gagnep.

Habitat  Commonly grown in Cayratia carnosa (Wall.) Gagnep.

Indian gardens.
Synonym  C. trifolia (L.) Domin.
English  Madagascar Periwinkle Vitis carnosa Wall.
C (Vinca major L. Pich. and Vinca V.trifolia Linn.
minor Linn. are known as Greater
Family  Vitaceae.
Periwinkle and Lesser Periwinkle
respectively). Habitat  Throughout the warmer
parts of India, from Jammu and
Folk  Sadaabahaar, Nayantaaraa, Rajasthan to Assam and up to
Nityakalyaani.  m.
Action  The cytotoxic dimeric Ayurvedic  Gandira.
alkaloids, present in Madagascar Siddha/Tamil  Tumans.
Periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus L. Action  Leaves, seeds, roots—
Don, Vincea rosea L., and used for astringent, applied to ulcers
the treatment of certain type of and boils. Leaves—diaphoretic
cancer, have not been found in V. (recommended in high fever). Root-
major. given in anaemic conditions. Aerial
parts—CNS active, hypothermic.
Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar The stems, leaves and roots
Periwinkle) : cytostatic, anti-neoplas- contain hydrocyanic acid. Presence
tic, slows down growth of cells by su- of delphinidin and cyanidin is
pressing immune response. Vinblas- reported in the leaves.
tine and Vincristine are said to prolong
remission of leukaemia to more than
five years. These chemotherapeutic Cayratia pedata (Wall.) Gagnep.
agents are toxic to the nervous sys-
tem. Vinblastine is also used for breast Synonym  Vitis pedata Vahl ex Wall.
cancer and Hodgkin’s disease. Family  Vitaceae.
Vinca major L. Pich. (Greater Peri-
Habitat  Bihar, West Bengal and
winkle): astringent, anti-haemorrha-
Assam, up to  m.
gic; used for menorrhagia and leu-
corrhoea. Contains indole alkaloids Ayurvedic  Godhaapadi.
including reserpinine and serpentine; Siddha/Tamil  Kattuppirandai.
tannins. Action  Leaves—astringent and re-
Vinca minor Linn. (Lesser Periwin- frigerant (used for ulcers, diarrhoea,
kle): astringent; circulatory stimulant. uterine and other fluxes).
Leaves—stomachic and bitter. Root—
hypotensive. Used for gastric catarrh, Aerial parts—diuretic, spasmolytic.
chronic dyspepsia, flatulence; also for
headache, dizziness, behaviours disor- Cedrela toona Roxb.
ders. A homoeopathic tincture is given
for internal haemorrhages. Synonym  Toona ciliata M. Roem.
 Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. 133

Family  Meliaceae. Siddha/Tamil  Thevathaaram.

Habitat  Sub-Himalayan tract, Action  Bark—decoction is
Assam and throughout hilly regions used internally as astringent,
of Central and South India. antidiarrhoeal and febrifuge. C
English Red Cedar, Toon, Indian Essential oil—antiseptic (used in
Mahogany tree. skin diseases).
Ayurvedic  Tuunikaa, Nandi Vrksha. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
Siddha/Tamil  Tunumaram, India indicated the use of the heart-
Santhana Vembu. wood in puerperal diseases.
The wood contains sesquiterpeno-
Folk  Toonaa. ids; exhibits sapasmolytic activity. Al-
Action  Bark—astringent, an- coholic extract of the wood showed
tidysenteric, antiperiodic. Flow- marked anti-inflammatory activity in
ers—emmenagogue. Leaf— mice; alcoholic extract showed an-
spasmolytic, hypoglycaemic, an- tibacterial activity.
tiprotozoal. The wood possesses diaphoretic, di-
uretic and carminative properties, and
Bark and heartwood yielded tetra- is used in fevers and in pulmonary and
nortriterpenoids, including toonacilin. urinary disorders.
Heartwood also gave a coumarin, ger- Himalayan Cedarwood Oil contains
anylgernalol and its fatty esters. Toona- two major sesquiterpenoids—alpha-
cilin and its -hydroxy derivatives are and beta-himchalenes. Presence of bu-
antifeedant. tyric and caproic acids is also reported.
The oil shows in vitro antibacterial and
antifungal activity. It increases vascu-
Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. lar permeability. Needles, on steam
Synonym  C. libani Barrel. var. distillation, yield a volatile oil, rich in
deodara Hook. f. borneol and its esters. An alcoholic ex-
tract of the needles shows significant
Family  Pinaceae. antibacterial activity against diptheria
Habitat  North-western Himalayas bacteria. The juice shows antiviral ac-
from Kashmir to Garhwal, from tivity against tobacco mosaic virus and
, to , m. potato virus.
English  Himalayan Cedar, Deodar. The bark contains -C methyltaxi-
foline, dihydroquercetin, -C methyl-
Ayurvedic  Devadaaru, Suradru- quercetin, quercetin, sitosterol, and
ma, Suradaaru, Devakaashtha, tannins .%, non-tannins .%
Devadruma, Saptapatrika, Daaru, (varies with the age of the tree). An
Bhadradaaru, Amarataru, Ama- alcoholic extract of the bark shows
radaaru, Daaruka, Devaahvaa, significant activity against diptheria
Surataru, Surabhuruha. bacteria; aqueous extract of the dried
Unani  Deodaar. bark showed anti-inflammatory activ-
134 Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn.

ity against acute and chronic inflam- Habitat  Sub-Himalayan tract up to

mations. Aqueous extract of the bark , m and South Indian hills.
is found effective in reducing sugar English  Staff tree, Intellect tree.
C content of diabetic patient’s urine and
blood to normal levels. Ayurvedic  Jyotishmati, Paaraavat-
padi. Kangunikaa, Kanguni, Vegaa,
Dosage  Heartwood—– g Maalkaanguni, Svarnalatikaa,
powder. (API Vol. IV.) Kaakaandaki, Katuveekaa.
Unani  Maalkangani.
Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn. Siddha/Tamil  Vaaluluvai.
Action  Seeds—nervine and
Synonym  Eriodendron anafractuo-
sum DC. brain tonic, diaphoretic, febrifugal,
emetic. Seed-oil—used for treating
Family  Bombacaceae.
mental depression, hysteria and for
Habitat  West and South India. improving memory; also used for
Often found planted around villages scabies, eczema, wounds, rheumatic
and temples. pains, paralysis. A decoction of
English  Kapok, White Silk Cotton. seeds is given in gout, rheumatism,
paralysis and for treating leprosy
Ayurvedic  Kuuta-Shaalmali, Shveta
and other skin diseases. Leaves—
Shaalmali.
antidysenteric, emmenagogue.
Siddha/Tamil  Ielavum (Tamil). Root—a paste of root-bark is
Action  Gum—laxative, astringent, applied to swollen veins and
demulcent (given in painful mic- pneumonic affections.
turition). Unripe fruit—astringent. Key application  As a tranquilizer
Root—diuretic, antidiabetic, an- (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia)
tispasmodic (used in dysentery). and brain tonic (The Ayurvedic
Flowers—laxative; used in lochi- Pharmacopoeia of India). The
orrhoea. Unripe pods—used in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
vertigo and migraine. Seed oil— indicated the use of ripe seed in
used in rheumatism. leucoderma and vitiligo.
The plant contains linarin (acacetin
-rutinoside). Seeds contain fatty acids, The seeds are reported to contain the
diglycerides and phospholipids. Leaves alkaloids, celastrine and paniculatine,
are considered a good source of iron which are the active principles of the
and calcium. Stem-bark extract—an- drug.
timicrobial. In experimental animals, the drug
showed lowering of leptazol toxicity,
motor activity and amphetamine toxi-
city, and raising the capacity for learn-
Celastrus paniculatus Willd.
ing process. It showed significant CNS
Family  Celastraceae. depressant effect and a clear synergism
 Centaurea behen Linn. 135

with pentobarbital. The seed extract Tender leaves are rich in potassium
showed hypolipidaemic effect and pre- and in B and B. An alcoholic extract
vented atherogenesis in rabbits. of the leaves and its flavonoids showed
The seed oil showed tranquilliz-
ing effect and hastened the process
antibacterial activity, which was com-
parable to ampicillin and streptomycin.
C
of learning in experimental animals. The seeds contain .–% of pro-
It produced fall in blood pressure in tein and .–.% of a fatty oil. The
anaesthetized dog, depressed the heart seeds and roots yield triterpenoid sapo-
of frog, and was found to be toxic to nins. An alcoholic extract of the seeds
rats. possess significant diuretic activity.
In addition to the seed, % alco-
holic extract of the plant showed seda-
tive, anti-inflammatory and antipyret- Celosia cristata Linn.
ic, anti-ulcerogenic effect in experi-
mental animals. Family  Amaranthaceae.
Methanolic extract of flowers Habitat  Indian gardens, as
showed both analgesic and anti- ornamental.
inflammatory activities experimental-
English  Cock’s Comb.
ly.
Ayurvedic  Jataadhaari.
Dosage  Ripe seed, devoid of Folk  Laal Murgaa.
capsule wall—– g; oil—–
drops. (API Vol. II.) Action  Seeds—demulcent; used
for painful micturition, dysentery.
Flowers—used in menorrhagia and
diarrhoea.
Celosia argentea Linn.
The plant contains betanin, and sev-
Family  Amaranthaceae. eral sterols. The inflorescence contain
amarantin, isoamarantin, celosianin
Habitat  A common weed, and isocelosianin. The seeds contain
occurring throughout India. .–.% of protein and yield .–
English  Wild Cock’s Comb. .% of a fatty oil.
Choline esters of hyaluronic acid
Ayurvedic  Shitivaaraka, Vitunna. from the plant, when fed to rats,
Siddha/Tamil  Pannaikeerai. showed antiulcer and gastro-protective
effect.
Folk  Shveta-murga, Sarvari,
Sarvali, Surali.
Action  Flowers—used in menor- Centaurea behen Linn.
rhagia, blood-dysentery. Seeds—
antidiarrhoeal, also used in stom- Family  Compositae; Asteraceae.
atitis. Whole plant—antibacterial, Habitat  Indigenous to Iran.
antiscorbutic and cooling. Imported into India.
136 Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban.

English  White Rhapontic. and post trauma wounds; also

Unani  Behman Safed, Behman- to treat second and third degree
abyaz. burns. Patients suffering from
C Action  Root—nervine and anabolic
venous insufficiency were treated
with a titrated extract of the drug.
tonic, strengthens central nervous (WHO.)
system; also used in jaundice and Used in Indian medicine as a brain
affections of the kidney. tonic and sedative. (Indian Herbal
The roots contain taraxasterol, its ac- Pharmacopoeia.)
etate and myristate.
Major constituents of the plant are:
triterpenoid saponins—brahmoside,
asiaticoside, thankuniside; alkaloids
Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban. (hydrocotyline); bitter principles (vel-
larin).
Synonym  Hydrocotyle asiatica
Brahmoside, present in the plant, is
Linn.
reported to exhibit tranquilizing and
Family  Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. anabolic activity. Raw leaves are eaten
Habitat  In marshy places through- or plant decoction is drunk to treat
out India up to  m. hypertension.
Asiaticoside, extracted from leaves,
English  Asiatic Pennywort, Indian gave encouraging results in leprosy. It
Pennywort. dissolves the waxy covering of Bacil-
Ayurvedic  Manduukaparni, lus leprae. Centelloside has also been
Manduukaparnikaa, Maanduuki, found useful in leprosy. Asiaticoside
Saraswati, Brahma-manduuki. reduced the number tubercular lesions
Siddha/Tamil  Vallaarai. in the liver, lungs, nerve ganglia and
spleen in experimental animals. An-
Action  Adaptogen, central other derivative of asiaticoside, oxyasi-
nervous system relaxant, peripheral aticoside, inhibits growth of Tubercle
vasodilator, sedative, antibiotic, bacillus at a concentration of . ml/ml
detoxifier, blood-purifier, laxative, Asiaticosides are also hyperglycaemic.
diuretic, emmenagogue. Used The asiatic acid acts against resis-
as a brain tonic for improving tant bacteria, particularly Mycobacteri-
memory and for overcoming um tuberculosis and M. leprae as well as
mental confusion, stress, fatigue, Gram-positive cocci.
also used for obstinate skin diseases Asiaticosides elevate blood glucose,
and leprosy. triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
Key application  Extracts orally They seem to decrease blood urea
to treat stress-induced stomach nitrogen and acid phosphatase lev-
and duodenal ulcers; topically to els. (Pharmacological findings. Natu-
accelerate healing, particularly ral Medicines Comprehensive Database,
in cases of chronic postsurgical .)
 Centratherum anthelminticum Kuntze. 137

Boiled leaves are eaten for urinary Centratherum anthelminticum

tract infections, and unfiltered juice for Kuntze.
scrofula and syphilis.
Synonym 
Extract of the fresh plant significant-
ly inhibits gastric ulceration by cold re- Willd.
Vernonia anthelmintica C
straint stress in rats.
Family  Asteraceae.
In research, using rats, the herb
exhibited protective effect against al- Habitat  Throughout India up to
cohol-induced and aspirin-induced ul- , m in the Himalayas and Khasi
cers. (J Exp Biol, , Feb, (), – Hills.
.)
English  Purple Flea-bane, Achenes.
Dosage  Whole plant—– g (API
Ayurvedic  Aranya-Jiraka, Vanajira-
Vol. IV.)
ka, Kaalijiri, Karjiri. Somaraaji (also
equated with Psoralea corylifolia
Linn., Papilionaceae).
Centipeda orbicularis Lour.
Unani  Kamoon barri.
Synonym  C. minima (Linn.) A.Br.
Siddha/Tamil  Kaattu seerakam.
& Asch.
Family  Compositae; Asteraceae. Action  Anthelmintic (against
earthworms and tapeworms),
Habitat  In damp places throughout stomachic, diuretic; used in skin
the plains and low hills in India. diseases.
English  Sneezewort.
Delta--avenasterol is the main ac-
Ayurvedic  Kshavaka, Chhikkini, tive principle of seeds. Seed oil con-
Chhikkikaa. tains vernasterol. Seeds bitter principle
Folk  Nak-chhikani. is a demanolide lactone. Centratherin
Action  Used for the treatment of and germacranolide from the leaves
rhinitis, sinusitis, nasopharyngeal and stem have been isolated. Leaves
tumors and obstructions, asthma contain abscisic acid. EtOH extract of
and cold; also used in hemicrania. achenes exhibited good results in giar-
diasis. Various plant parts are used in
The plant extract showed a good an- syphilis. Clinical studies on vircarcika
titussive and expectorant activity on eczema validated the use of the drug in
mice. The flavonoids, sesquiterpenes skin diseases.
and amide exhibited significant antial- The drug exhibited smooth muscle-
lergy activity in passive cutaneous ana- relaxant and hypotensive activity in an-
phylaxis (PCA) test. imals.

Dosage  Seed—– g powder. Dosage  Seed—– g powder.

(CCRAS.) (CCRAS.)
138 Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Brot.) A. Rich.

Cephaelis ipecacuanha Ceratonia siliqua Linn.

(Brot.) A. Rich.
Family  Caesalpinaceae.
Synonym  Psychotria ipecacuanha
C Stokes.
Habitat  Cultivated in Punjab.
English  Locust Bean; St. John’s
Family  Rubiaceae. Bread, Carob tree.
Habitat  Native to tropical America. Unani  Kharnub Shaami.
Now cultivated in Darjeeling, Action  Pod and husk from seed—
Assam, in the Nilgiris, and in antidiarrhoeal (stools in gastro-
Sikkim. enteritis and colitis are known to
English  Ipecac, Ipecacuanha. solidify within  h).
Action  Root—Antiprotozal, The pods contain tannin from .
expectorant (in low doses), diapho- to .%.
retic, emetic (in high doses); used in Pulp of the pod contains –%
amoebic dysentery, stubborn cough, sugars, fats, starch, protein, amino
whopping cough (for liquefying acids, gallic acid; leucoanthocyanins
bronchial phlegm). and related phenolics. Leaves contain
Key application  As expecto- catechols.
rant, emetic. (The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia.)
Ceratophyllum demersum Linn.
The root contains isoquinoline al-
kaloids (consisting mainly of emetine
and cephaeline); tannins (ipecacuan- Family  Ceratophyllaceae.
ha and ipecacuanhic acid; glycosides Habitat  All over India from
including a monoterpene isoquinoline temperate to tropics, in ponds and
derivative); saponins; a mixture of gly- lakes.
coproteins; starch; choline; resins. English  Coontail, Hornwort.
The alkaloids are clinically useful in
Ayurvedic  Shaivaala (also equated
the treatment of amoebiasis.
Emetine and cephaeline are emetic with Vallisneria spiralis Linn.,
due to their irritating effect on stom- Hydrocharitaceae), Jalnili, Jalaja.
ach; cephaeline is more toxic. Emetine Unani  Tuhlub, Pashm Vazg.
is a standard antiamoebic principle. In Siddha/Tamil  Velampasi.
smaller doses, both are expectorant. Folk  Sevaar.
The fluid extract is  times stronger
Action  Purgative, antibilious,
than the syrup of the crude drug. The
powder is toxic at – g. antibacterial.
Emetine accumulates in liver, lungs, The herb is rich in protein, calci-
kidneys and spleen; traces are de- um and magnesium; contains ferre-
tectable after – days. (Francis doxin and plastocyanin. EtOH (%)
Brinker.) extract—antimicrobial.
 Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb. 139

Dosage  Whole plant—– Folk  Kirrari (Sindh, Maharashtra).

 ml juice; – ml decoction. Chauri (Maharashtra). Goran
(CCRAS.) (Bengal, Sundarbans).
Siddha/Tamil  Pandikutti, Pavrikutti, C
Pavrikutti, Kandal, Chira.
Cereus grandiflorus Mill. Action  Plant—astringent. Stem
Family  Cactaceae. bark—hypoglycaemic. Bark—
haemostatic. A decoction is used
Habitat  Indian gardens. to stop haemorrhage and is applied
English  Cereus, Night Blooming to malignant ulcers; also given after
Cereus, Sweet Scented Cactus. child birth.
Folk  Nivadung Paanchkoni Shoots—used as a substitute for qui-
(Maharashtra). nine.
Action  Fresh, young shoots—car- The leaves (dry basis) gave .%
diac stimulant, anti-inflammatory. tannin, .% non-tannin; twig bark
.%, tannin, .% non-tannin; bole
The plant contains glucose, fructose, bark .% tannin, .% non-tan-
starch, amino acids and citric, fumar- nin.
ic, maleic, malonic and oxalic acids. Presence of sitosterol, cholesterol,
Tyramine, a cardiotonic amine, can campesterol, stigmasterol, -isofu-
strengthen heart muscle action. costerol and a hydrocarbon, squalene,
The flower, stem and young shoots of is reported in the leaves.
cereus can stimulate heart and dilate
peripheral vessels, as well as stimu-
late spinal cord motor neurons. The
reputed digitalis effect of cereus is Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb.
claimed to be non-cumulative. (Natu- Family  Asclepiadacae.
ral Medicines Comprehensive Database,
.) Habitat  Punjab and South India.
Folk  Khappar-kaddu, Bhuu-tumbi,
Paataal-tumbi. Gilothi. Galot
Ceriops candolleana Arn. (Punjab). Gilodya.
Action  Tuberous root—used for
Synonym  C. tagal (Perr.)
diarrhoea and dysentery.
C.B. Robins.
Family  Rhizophoraceae. The fresh tubers are eaten after
removing the bitterness by boiling.
Habitat  Muddy shores and tidal The bitter principle is an alkaloid,
creeks of India. ceropegine. The tuber contains .%
English Compound Cymed starch and possesses refrigerant prop-
Mangrove. erty.
140 Ceropegia juncea Roxb.

The aqueous extract of edible Cero- Folk  Charela (black var.)

pegia sp. contains steriods, polyphe-
Action  A food and tonic in
nols, sugars and potassium. It potenti- convalescence and exhausting
C ated pentobarbitone hypnosis and ex-
hibited analgesic and diuretic activities.
diseases. Used for chronic catarrh
and bronchitis.
It also antagonized histamine-induced
asphyxia in guinea pigs. Key application  In irritation of
C. candelabrum L. var. biflora (L.) the oral and pharyngeal mucous
M. Y. Ansari, synonym C. biflora L., membrane and accompanying
C. tuberosa Roxb., C. intermedia auct. dry cough. (German Commission
non-Wt., are also equated with Bhuu- E, ESCOP.) As demulcent. (The
tumbi, Paataal-tumbi. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) As
a bitter remedy for lack of appetite.
(ESCOP.)
Ceropegia juncea Roxb. The moss contains lichen acids (dep-
Family  Asclepiadaceae. sidones); mainly cetraric, protoce-
traric, fumarprotocetraric, lichesteric
Habitat  Peninsular India. and usnic acids; polysaccharides about
Folk  Kanvel (Maharashtra). Bella- %—lichenin % and isolichenin
gada (Telugu, Andhra Pradesh). %; also furan derivatives, fatty acid
(Soma is a disputed synonym) lactones and terpenes. Lichenin is
a moss-starch. Demulcent, expecto-
Action  The plant extract exhibits
rant and antiemetic properties are due
tranquilizing, hypotensive, hepa-
mainly to the polysaccharides.
toprotective, antiulcer, antipyretic,
The usnic acid and protolichesteri-
topically anaesthetic activities in
nic acid in the lichen and its crude,
experimental animals.
aqueous extract showed antibacterial
A pyridine alkaloid, cerpegin, to- activity against several pathogenic bac-
gether with a triterpene, lupeol has teria.
been isolated from the plant from Contraindicated in gastric or duode-
Tiruneveli, Tamil Nadu. nal ulcers due to its mucosa irritating
properties. (Sharon M. Herr.)
Lozenges containing  mg of an
aqueous extract of Iceland moss, were
Cetraria islandica (Linn.) Ach. determined to be positive in % cases
Family  Parmeliaceae. with good gastric tolerance. (ESCOP
.)
Habitat  Lichen found in the hills
from Tehri Garhwal to East Nepal.
English  Cetraria, Iceland Lichen,
Iceland Moss. Cheiranthus cheiri Linn.
Ayurvedic  Shaileya (black var.) Family  Cruciferae; Brassicaceae.
 Chenopodium ambrosioides Linn. 141

Habitat  Native to South Europe, Folk  Bathuaa, Chilli, Chilli-shaak.

grown as an ornamental.
Action  Laxative, anthelmintic
English  Wall-flower, Gilli Flower. against round-and hookworms,
Unani  Tudri (Surkh, Safed, Zard) blood-purifier, antiscorbutic. C
Action  Flowers—cardioactive,
An infusion is used for hepatic
tonic, antispasmodic, purgative, disorders, spleen enlargement,
emmenagogue, deobstruent (used biliousness, intestinal ulcers. Used
in liver diseases and sexual debility). for treating burns.
Seeds— stomachic, diuretic, The leaves yield ascaridole, used for
expectorant (in bronchitis and treating round-and hookworms. The
asthma); also goitrogenic. Juice of oil also contain traces of ascaridole.
leaves and seeds—antibacterial. Plant contains % saponins. Cryp-
Flowers contain flavonoids (querce- tomeridiol, isolated from the seeds,
tin and rhamnetin derivatives); seeds showed significant growth promoting
contain high levels of cardiac aglycones activity.
( cardiac glycosides have been isolat-
ed); oil contains cherinine, a glucoside
of the digitalis group.
In Unani medicine, the drug is used Chenopodium ambrosioides
as a tonic to the male reproductive sys- Linn.
tem, but recent findings do not vali-
Family  Chenopodiaceae.
date its therapeutic use. The flavonoid,
kaempferol, isolated from the young Habitat  Native to West Indies and
plant, inhibits spermatogenesis and al- South America. Now distributed
ters leydig cell number and diameter, in South India, Bengal, Kashmir
affecting the fertility. and Maharashtra in wet places with
cultivated lands.
English  Indian Wormseed, Sweet
Chenopodium album Linn. Pigweed, Mexican Tea.
Family  Chenopodiaceae. Ayurvedic  Sugandh-vaastuuka,
Habitat  A common herb. Its Kshetra-vaastuuka.
leaves and tender twigs are used as Siddha/Tamil  Kattasambadam.
vegetable and fodder.
Folk  Khatuaa.
English  Fat Hen, Lamb’s Quarter,
White Goosefoot, Wild Spinach, Action  Antispasmodic, pectoral,
Pigweed. haemostatic, emmenagogue.
Ayurvedic  Vaastuuka. Employed in treating nervous
affections, particularly chorea.
Unani  Bathuaa, Baathu. Dried herb—anthelmintic against
Siddha/Tamil  Paruppukeerai. round and hookworms.
142 Chenopodium botrys Linn.

Ascaridole, an active constituent of Chloris gayana Kunth.

the oil, is highly active against round-
worms, hookworms and small, but not Family  Poaceae, Gramineae.
C large, tapeworms. It is highly toxic and
can cause serious side effects.
Habitat  Annual grass introduced
into India from South Africa;
The oil has been found useful in cultivated in tropical and subtropical
amoebic dysentery and intestinal in- low-lying areas where rainfall is less
fections (should be used with caution). than  cm.
Leaves contain kaempferol--rham-
English  Giant Rhodes, Rhodes-
noside and ambroside.
Grass.
A decoction of the herb is given as an
internal haemostatic and the infusion Folk  Rhoolsoohullu (Karnataka).
as an enema for intestinal ulceration. Action  A proteinaceous factor,
The infusion is sudorific and diuretic. phytotrophin, isolated from the
The oil exhibits antimicrobial and grass, was found to have antigenic
strong antifungal activity against hu- properties similar to those of animal
man pathogenic fungi. sex hormones and human chorionic
gonadotrophin.
A related species, Chloris incompleta
Chenopodium botrys Linn. Roth., known as Bamnaa in Rajasthan
and Mathania in Uttar Pradesh, has
Family  Chenopodiaceae. been equated with Ayurvedic classi-
Habitat  The Himalaya, from cal herbs Manthaanak and Trnaaddhip.
Kashmir to Sikkim. Another species, C. virgata Benth. &
Hook. f., known as Gharaniyaa-ghass
English  Feather Geramium, in Rajasthan, is used for the treatment
Jerusalem-Oak. of colds and rheumatism.
Folk  Jangaddi (Tibbet). Sahanik,
Vaastuuka (Ladakh).
Action  Stimulant, diuretic, Chlorophytum arundinaceum
carminative, antispasmodic, emme- Baker.
nagogue, pectoral. Used in asthma, Family  Liliaceae.
catarrh; diseases of the stomach and
Habitat  The Himalaya from Nepal
liver. Seeds are considered toxic.
to Bhutan, Assam and Bihar.
The herb contains flavonoids (in- Ayurvedic  Shveta-Musali. (Con-
cluding chrysoeriol and quercetin), al- sidered different from Asparagus
so several sesquiterpenoids. Betaine is adscendens Roxb.)
found in all parts of the plant. Unani  Musali Safed, Biskandri.
Fresh herb yields an essential oil; In-
dian oil is reported to be devoid of as- Siddha/Tamil  Vallaimusali.
caridole, the anthelmintic principle. Folk  Nising, Tibbati Ginseng.
 Chondodendron tomentosum Ruiz et Par. 143

Action  Tuber—nervine and Chloroxylon swietenia DC.

general tonic. The plant is used as
a substitute for onion. Fried powder Family  Rutaceae.
of the root is chewed in aphthae of
mouth and throat. A decoction of
Habitat  Dry, deciduous forests,
throughout Peninsular India.
C
the root with turmeric is given in English  Indian Satinwood tree.
rheumatism.
Ayurvedic  Provisionally equated
The roots contain a bibenzyl xylo- with Bhillotaka.
side, the steroidal sapogenins, besides Siddha/Tamil  Karumboraju,
stigmasterol and its glucoside, nona- Kudavuboraju, Poraju.
cosane and tetracosanoic, and triacon-
Folk  Bhirraa, Bharahula, Raktaro-
tanoic acids.
hidi.
The root extract exhibited good
adaptogenic properties. The fruits Action  Leaves—anti-inflammatory,
yield a polysaccharide, galactoglucan. antiseptic. A paste is applied
to wounds; also in rheumatism.
Bark—astringent. A decoction is
used in contusions and for painful
Chlorophytum tuberosum joints. (The wood, its dust, moist
Baker. dust of freshly cut wood, cause skin
irritation and dermatitis.)
Family  Liliaceae.
The bark contains the alkaloids—
Habitat  Central and Peninsular
skimmianine, swietenidins A and B,
India up to , m.
chloroxylin and chloroxylonine.
Ayurvedic  Musali, Mushali. Chloroxylonine is a powerful irritant.
Unani  Musali. The bark also contains the coumarins
and lignans.
Siddha  Vallaimusali. The leaves yield an essential oil
Action  Dried tubers are used as which shows antibacterial and anti-
tonic. fungal activity.

The commercial drug, Safed Musali,

contains the tubers of C. arundinaceum Chondodendron tomentosum
Baker, C. tuberosum Baker and C. in- Ruiz et Par.
dicum (Willd.) Dress, synonym C. at-
tenuatum Baker. Family  Menispermaceae.
C. indicum is found on the hills in Habitat  A native of Peru and Brazil.
Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and on
English  False Pareira Brava.
the hills near Udaipur in Rajasthan.
Ayurvedic  Paatha, Ambashthaa
Dosage  Dried tuber—– g (true Pareira is equated with
powder. (CCRAS.) Cissampelos pareira root).
144 Chonemorpha macrophylla (Roxb.) G. Don.

Action  Diuretic (used for chronic nas vaginalis. It proved efficacious

inflammation of urinary passages, against hepatic amoebiasis in golden
calculus affections, jaundice, hamsters and intestinal amoebiasis in
C dropsy); also for leucorrhoea,
rheumatism.
Wister rats.

Roots and stem contain alkaloids,

Chrozophora plicata Hook. f.
including delta-tubocurarine and l-
curarine. Tubocurarine is a potent Synonym  C. rottleri Klotzsh.
muscle relaxant. The plant contains
Family  Euphorbiaceae.
toxic derivatives and must be used in
medicinal doses with caution. Habitat  Throughout India except
Tubocurarine alkaloid is used as Jammu & Kashmir and north-
tubocurarine chloride to paralyse eastern India as a weed.
body’s muscles during operations. Ayurvedic  Suuryaavart.
Folk  Nilakanthi.
Action  Ash of root—bechic. Leaf—
Chonemorpha macrophylla depurative. Seed—cathartic.
(Roxb.) G. Don.
Roots contain xanthone glycosides
Synonym  C. fragrans (Moon) and a chromone glycoside. Seeds gave
Alston. oil rich in linoleate. The plant contains
Family  Apocynaceae. .% tannin.
Habitat  Dense moist forests
throughout India up to , m
altitude. Chrysanthemum indicum Linn.
English  Wood Vine. Synonym  Pyrethrum indicum L.
Ayurvedic  Used in the Southern Family  Compositae; Asteraceae.
states as Muurvaa. Habitat  Native to China and Japan.
Action  Powdered root and stems— Cultivated as an ornamental.
laxative, antibilious. English  Chrysanthemum.
A lignan derivative has been isolated Ayurvedic  Shatapatri.
from the stem. It accelerated uptake of Unani  Guldaaudi.
low density lipoprotein by Hep G cell
by .%. Siddha/Tamil  Samanthipoo,
The root bark contains .% of Akkarakkaram.
total alkaloids consisting mainly of Action  Flowers—stomachic, ape-
chonemorphine. Chonemorphine di- rient, anti-inflammatory. Leaves—
hydrochloride is an anti-amoebic prin- prescribed in migraine (as circula-
ciple. It showed in vitro activity against tory stimulant). Uses same as those
Entamoeba histolytica and trichomo- of chamomile.
 Cicer arietinum Linn. 145

The flowers contain daucosterol, English  Bastard Cedar, White

cumambrin-A, glyceryl-l-monobehe- Cedar, Indian Red Wood.
nate and palmitic acid. The flowers also Siddha/Tamil  Aglay, Melei Veppu.
contain chrysanthemol which showed
strong anti-inflammatory activity in Folk  Chikrassy. C
mice. The flavones, apigenin and lu- Action  Bark—astringent, febrifuge,
teolin, are reported to exhibit marked antidiarrhoeic, spasmolytic, di-
antitumour activity. uretic. The plant is used in skeltal
Flowers yield an essential oil con- fractures.
taining camphor (.%), trans-cara-
ne-trans--ol (.%), bornyl acetate The bark contains sitosterol, melia-
(.%) and sabinene (%). none, scopoletin and ,-di-MeO-
A related species C. parthenium coumarin. The leaves gave querce-
(Linn.) Berhh., Feverfew, synonym tin galactoside, galloyl glucocide and
Tanacetum parthenium, used for the tannic acid. The bark and young leaves
management of migraine in Western contain  and % tannin respectively.
herbal, is found in Jammu and Kash- Seeds contain tetranortriterpenoids.
mir. The plant extracts have a power- EtOH (%) extract of the stem
ful and prostaglandin-independent in- bark exhibited spasmolytic, hypoten-
hibitory effect on the secretion of gran- sive and diuretic activity. The saline
ule content by leucocytes and platelets. extract of seeds showed haemaggluti-
The inhibition of the agonist-induced nating activity.
serotonins release by platelets could be
accounted for the benefit in migraine.
The compound responsible for the Cicer arietinum Linn.
anti-secretory activity has been identi-
fied as sesquiterpene alpha-methylene- Family  Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
gamma-lactone derivatives; partheno- Habitat  Cultivated in most parts of
lide being the main constituent of the India.
lactones. (Two fresh or frozen leaves
English  Bengal Gram, Chick pea.
a day are chewed or capsules or pills
containing  mg of the leaf material Ayurvedic  Chanaka, Chanakaa,
is taken for migraine. Fresh leaves may Harimantha, Vajimantha, Jivan,
cause mouth sores.) Sakal-priya.
Unani  Nakhud.
Siddha/Tamil  Kadalai, Mookkuk-
Chukrassia tabularis A. Juss. kadalai.
Action  Antibilious, hypoc-
Family  Meliaceae.
holesteremic, antihyperlipidemic,
Habitat  Hills of Sikkim, Ma- antistress. Acid exudate from
harashtra, Tamil Nadu and the the plant—used in indigestion,
Andamans. diarrhoea, dysentery. Seed coat
146 Cichorium endivia Linn.

extract—diuretic, antifungal (exter- Cichorium intybus Linn.

nally). Dry leaf—refrigerant.
Family  Compositae; Asteraceae.
Supplementation of gram in wheat
C based diet helps in lysine absorption Habitat  Native to Europe;
which is otherwise a limiting amino commonly occurs in North West
acid in cereal based diets. Germina- India, Tamil Nadu and parts of
tion improves mineral bioavailability. Andhra Pradesh.
In germinated gram flour, there is sig- English  Chicory, Indian Endive.
nificant increase in nutritional quality
of protein and very significant increase Ayurvedic  Kaasani.
in ascorbic acid. Unani  Kaasani Dashti (Barri).
The seeds contain pangamic acid,
the stemina building, antistress and Siddha/Tamil  Kasinikkeerai.
antihyperlipidemic principle of gram. Action  Diuretic, laxative, chol-
Gram is given as preventive diet to agogue, mild hepatic. Excites
atherosclerosis patients because of its peristalsis without affecting the
rich phosphorus content. functions of the stomach. Used
Isoflavones, biochanin A and for- in liver congestion, jaundice,
monetin exhibited hypolipidermic ac- rheumatic and gouty joints.
tivity in rats. Total flavonoids reduced
serum and liver cholesterol in rats. Key application (herb and root)  In
Seeds reduced postprandial plasma loss of appetite, dyspepsia. (German
glucose in human. Commission E.)

The herb contains inulin (up to %

in the root); sesquiterpene lactones
Cichorium endivia Linn. (including lactucin and lactucopicrin);
Family  Compositae; Asteraceae. coumarins (chicoriin, esculetin, es-
culin, umbelliferone and scopoletin);
Habitat  Native to the Mediter-
the root includes a series of glucofruc-
ranean region, cultivated mainly in tosans. Raw chicory root contains
Northern India. only citric and tartaric acids; roasted
English  Succory, Endive. chicory contains acetic, lactic, pyru-
Unani  Kaasani, Bustaani (Baaghi). vic, pyromucic, palmitic and tartaric
acids. The carcinogenic hydrocarbons
Action  Plant—antibilious. Root—
and floranthene are also reported in
demulcent, febrifuge, diuretic; used
the chicory (a potent carcinogen ,-
in dyspepsia; as a tonic for liver
benzpyrene has been detected).
and digestive system. Milder than
Added to coffee, chicory root coun-
C. intybus.
teracts caffeine and helps in digestion.
Roots contain sesquiterpene lac- An alcoholic extract of the plant was
tones. found effective against chlorproma-
See C. intybus. zine-induced hepatic damage in adult
 Cinchona officinalis Linn. 147

albino rats. The cholagogue activity is ones (including formononetin; isofer-

attributed to polyphenols. ulic acid; volatile oil, tannin.
The sedative effect of chicory is at- Pharmacological studies have
tributed to lactucopicrin. The sedative
effect antagonizes the stimulant effect
shown that the menthol extract binds
to oestrogen receptors in vitro and in
C
of tea and coffee. (Natural Medicines rat uteri; this activity is thought to be
Comprehensive Database, .) due to the presence of formononetin.
The extracts of roots were found to Racemoside exhibited antiulcer activ-
be active against several bacteria. ity in mice. Isoferulic acid lowered
body temperature in rats.
Dosage  Seed—– g powder; The rhizome is hypotensive in ani-
leaf—– ml juice; root—– mals; a central nervous system depres-
 ml. (CCRAS.) sant and antispasmodic in mice; caus-
es peripheral vasodilation in human.
Also exhibits anti-inflammatory (The
Cimicifuga racemosa British Herbal Pharmacopoeia) and hy-
(Linn.) Nutt. poglycaemic activity.
Actein has been studied for use
Family  Ranunculaceae. in treating peripheral arterial disease.
(Expanded Commission E Monographs.)
Habitat  Temperate Himalayas
Clinically, the rhizome and root
from Kashmir to Bhutan up to at
constituents of Black Cohosh does
,–, m.
not seem to affect hormonal levels,
English  Black Cohosh Root, Black such as estradiol, LH, FSH and pro-
Snake Root. lactin. (Natural Medicines Comprehen-
Folk  Cohosh, Jiuenti (Punjab). sive Database, .)
Cimicifuga foetida L. root is used
Action  Sedative, anti-inflammatory, in bronchial and rheumatic diseases.
antitussive, diuretic, emmenagogue. Aqueous EtOH extract is used in cos-
Used in homoeopathy for rheumatic metic preparations for protecting skin;
diseases of nervous, hysterical also used for preventing oral diseases
women, suffering from uterine and bad breath.
affections; also for locomotor White Cohosh, used for urinogen-
ataxia. ital disorders, is equated with Actea
Key application  In climacteric pachypoda, synonym A. alba, A. rubra.
(menopausal), neurovegetative Blue Cohosh has been identified as
ailments, premenstrual discomfort Caulophyllum thalictroides. It is toxic
and dysmenorrhoea. (German and abortifacient.
Commission E, ESCOP.)

The rhizome contains triterpene gly- Cinchona officinalis Linn.

cosides (including actein, cimigoside,
cimifugine and racemoside; isofla- Synonym  C. robusta How.
148 Cinnamomum camphora (Linn.) Nees & Eberm.

Family  Rubiaceae. (Nilgiris and Annamalis in Tamil

Habitat  Cultivated in West Bengal Nadu, Sikkim and West Bengal).
and Tamil Nadu. The bark of all the species contain
C English  Crown or Loxa Bark.
quinine, quinidine, cinchonine and
cinchonidine and exhibit antimalar-
Ayurvedic  Quinine. ial activity. The alcoholic extract of
C. ledgeriana Moens ex Trimen bark
Unani  Al-keenaa, Kanakanaa.
exhibits antibacterial activity against
Action  Antimalarial, febrifuge, as- Gram-positive bacteria comparable to
tringent, orexigenic, sapasmolytic. sodium penicillin. The extract, how-
Also prescribed in amoebic dysen- ever, exhibits lesser activity than di-
tery, jaundice, atonic dyspepsia, hydrostreptomycin sulphate against
night cramps. Sometimes causes Gram-negative bacteria.
gastric and intestinal irritation.
Key application  In peptic dis-
comforts such as bloating and
Cinnamomum camphora
fullness, loss of appetite. (German
(Linn.) Nees & Eberm.
Commission E.)
Family  Lauraceae.
The bark contains alkaloids quinine
(.–.%); quinidine (.–.%); Habitat  A tree native to China and
cinchonine (.–.%); cinchoni- Japan and often grown as a hedge
dine (.–.%) and other alkaloids, plant.
quinamine, javanine (.–.%). English  Camphor tree.
The leaves contain quercetin, kaem-
pferol and avicularin. Ayurvedic  Karpura, Ghanasaara,
Quinine is antimalarial; quinidine is Chandra, Chandra Prabhaa,
antiarrhythmic and cardiac tonic, also Sitaabhra, Hima-valukaa, Hi-
used in psychic treatments. mopala, Himakara, Shashi, Indu,
The bark shows potent inhibitory ac- Tushaara, Gandhadravya, Shital-
tivity against polymorphonuclear leu- raja.
cocytes; the activity is attributed to the Unani  Kaafoor.
alkaloids of the bark. Cinchona may
Siddha/Tamil  Indu, Karupporam.
potentiate coumarin derivatives. In
large doses, it is sedative to CNS and Action  Camphor taken internally in
cardiac plexus. small doses (toxic in large doses) acts
Quinine is toxic at over  g, quini- as a carminative, reflex expectorant
dine at  g. and reflex stimulant of heart and
Related Cinchona sp.: C. calisaya circulation as well as respiration.
Wedd. (Nilgiris and Sikkim); C. cal- Also used as a sedative and nervous
isaya Wedd. var. ledgeriana How. depressant in convulsions, hysteria,
(West Bengal, Khasi Hills and Tamil epilepsy, chorea. Topically used as
Nadu); and C. succirubra Pav. ex Klotz. a rubefacient and mild analgesic.
 Cinnamomum cassia Blume. 149

Key application  Externally in Siddha/Tamil  Lavangappattai.

catarrhal diseases of the respiratory Action  Antispasmodic, carmina-
tract and muscular rheumatism; tive, antiputrescent, antidiarrhoeal,
internally in hypotonic circulatory
regulation disorders, Catarrhal
antiemetic, antimicrobial, mild C
analgesic. Used for flatulent
diseases of the respiratory tract. dyspepsia, colic, irritable bowel,
(German Commission E.) diverticulosis; also for influenza
The plant contains a volatile oil and colds.
comprising camphor, safrole, linalool, Key application  In loss of appetite,
eugenol and terpeneol. It also con- dyspeptic complaints such as mild
tains lignans (including secoisosolari- spasma of gastrointestinal tract,
ciresinol dimethyl ether and kusunoki- bloating, flatulence. (German
ol). Safrole is thought to be carcino- Commission E, The British Herbal
genic. Pharmacopoeia, ESCOP.)
The leaf oil is a natural source of
The bark yields an essential oil con-
linalool (.%); also contained cit-
taining cinnamaldehyde (.%) and
ronellal (.%).
eugenol (.%) as major constituents.
Camphor in concentration of 
Cinnamaldehyde is a weak CNS
mcg/ml completely inhibits the growth
stimulant at low doses and a depres-
of vibro parahaemolyticus, one of the
sant at high doses and has spasmolytic
causative agents of diarrhoea and dys-
activity. It is hypotensive, hypogly-
entery. Ethanolic extract (%) of
caemic and increases peripheral blood
fruits show antibacterial activity
flow; it reduces platelet aggregability
against several Gram-positive and
by inhibiting both cyclooxygenase and
Gram-negative bacteria. The essential
lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic
oil from the plant possesses antifungal
acid metabolism.
activity against many fungi.
Aqueous extract of the bark shows
Camphor is toxic at – g.
significant antiallergic activity in
Dosage  Concentrate—– mg guinea pig. Diterpenes (Cinncassi-
(CCRAS.) ols) are thought to be responsible for
atleast some of the antiallergic effects.
The herb inhibited ulcers induced
Cinnamomum cassia Blume. by ethanol, also ulcers induced by
phenylbutazone; failed to prevent ul-
Synonym  C. aromaticum Nees. cers induced by indomethacin. (Planta
Family  Lauraceae. Med , (), –.)
Habitat  Native to China, Indonesia
The extract, when administered
and Vietnam. orally to rats with nephritis, prevents
the increase of protein level in urine.
English  Chinese Cinnamon, Cassia The bark markedly reduces blood
Bark. pressure in experimental rats; exhibits
Ayurvedic  Tvak, Daalchini (bark). tranquilizing effect and is used as
150 Cinnamomum tamala.

an antiepileptic and sedative agent in (the Central and Eastern Himalayas up

drugs of TCM. to , m, Assam and Andaman Is-
lands) are related species of Cinnamo-
C mum.
The leaves and bark contain cin-
Cinnamomum tamala.
namaldehyde.
Family  Lauraceae.
Dosage  Dried leaves—– g
Habitat  The subtropical Himalayas,
powder. (API Vol. I.)
Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
English  Indian Cassia, Lignea.
Ayurvedic  Tejapatra, Patra,
Patraka, Utkat, Tamaalpatra, Cinnamomum zeylanicum.
Naalukaa, Naalikaa. Synonym  C. verum Persl.
Unani  Saleekhaa, Saazaj Hindi (Al- Family  Lauraceae.
so equated with Zarnab/Telispattar
by National Formulary of Unani Habitat  Western Ghats at low
Medicine, Part I.) levels. Plantations of cinnamon are
confined to Kerala State.
Siddha/Tamil  Talishpattiri (now
equated with the leaf of Abies English  Cinnamon, Ceylon
webbiana); Lavangappattiri. Cinnamon.
Folk  Tejpaata. Ayurvedic  Tvak, Daaruchini,
Action  Leaf—Carminative, Chochaa, Choncha, Varaanga,
antidiarrhoeal, spasmolytic, an- Utkata, Daarusitaa (bark).
tirheumatic, hypoglycaemic. Unani  Daarchini (bark).
Essential oil—fungicidal.
Siddha/Tamil  Elavangappattai.
The oil from bark contains cin-
Folk  Daalchini.
namaldehyde (–%) as major con-
stituent. (See.C.cassia.) Leaves from Action  Bark—carminative, astrin-
Nepal yield a volatile oil, containing gent, antispasmodic, expectorant,
mainly linalool .%; cinnamalde- haemostatic, antiseptic. Leaf—
hyde .%, alpha-and beta-pinene, p- antidiabetic. Ground cinnamon is
cymene and limonene. used in diarrhoea and dysentery;
Cinnamomum wighti Meissn. is al- for cramps of the stomach, gastric
so equated with Tejapatra. The bud, irritation; for checking nausea
known as Sirunaagappoo in Siddha/ and vomiting; used externally in
Tamil, is used as Naagakeshara (black toothache, neuralgia and rheuma-
var.). (Naagakeshara is obtained from tism. The bark is included in
Mesua ferra and Dillenia pentagyne.) medicinal preparations for indiges-
C. impressinervium Meissn. (Sik- tion, flatulence, flu, mothwashes,
kim) and C. obtusifolium (Roxb.) Nees gargles, herbal teas.
 Cissampelos pareira Linn. 151

Key application  As antibacterial Dosage  Dried inner bark—– g

and fungistatic. Internally, for loss of powder. (API Vol. I.)
appetite, dyspeptic complaints such
as mild spastic conditions of the
gastrointestinal tract, bloating and
C
flatulence. (German Commission Cissampelos pareira Linn.
E, ESCOP.) Contraindicated in Family  Menispermaceae.
stomach and duodenal ulcers.
(WHO.) Habitat  The tropical and sub-
tropical parts of India.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In- English  Velvet-Leaf Pareira, Pareira
dia indicated the use of dried mature Brava.
leaves of Cinnamomum tamala and
dried inner bark of C. zeylanicum in Ayurvedic  Paathaa, Ambashthaa,
sinusitis. Varatiktaaa, Vriki, Aviddhakarni,
Cinnamaldehyde is the major con- Piluphalaa, Shreyashi.Bigger var.,
stituent (%) of the essential oil from Raaja Paathaa, is equated with
bark. Stephania hernandifolia Walp.)
Major constituent of the leaf oil is Unani  Paathaa.
eugenol (–%) and that of root-
bark oil camphor (%). Siddha/Tamil  Paadakkizhangu,
Cinnamaldehyde is hypotensive, Appatta.
spasmolytic and increases peripheral Action  Root astringent, an-
blood flow; and it inhibits cyclooxy- tispasmodic (used for cramps,
genase and lipoxygenase enzymes of painful menstruation), analgesic,
arachidonic acid metabolism. antipyretic, diuretic, antilithic and
Cinnamaldehyde exhibits CNS stim- emmenagogue. Prescribed for
ulant effects at high doses. (Natu- diarrhoea, dysentery, piles, urogen-
ral Medicines Comprehensive Database, ital affections (cystitis, nephritis,
.) menorrhagia) Root paste is applied
The bark oil and extracts exhibit an- topically on scabies and erup-
tibacterial, antifungal and antiviral ac- tions on the body. Also used for
tivities, and enhance trypsin activity. preventing miscarriage.
Eugenol content of the leaf oil is an-
tiseptic and anaesthetic. It is not inter- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
changable with the bark oil. dia attributed blood purifying proper-
Root bark oil acts as a stimulant in ties to the root and indicated it in lactal
amenorrhoea. The bark contains tan- disorders.
nins (.%) consisting of tetrahydrox- Hayatine (dl-beberine) is the prin-
yflavandiols; diterpenes, cinnzeylanin cipal alkaloid of the root. Its deriva-
and cinnzeylanol. tives, methiodide and methochloride
C. malabatrum (Burm. f.) Blume is are reported to be potent neuromus-
equated with Jangali Daarchini. cular-blocking agents.
152 Cissus quadrangula Linn.

Not to be confused with Abuta gran- the plant hastens fracture-healing by

diflora, a South American medicinal reducing the total convalescent period
plant. by % in experimental rats and dogs;
C Dosage  Root—– g powder. (API
it aids in recovery of the strength of
the bones up to % in  weeks.
Vol. I.)
Dosage  Stem—– ml juice.
(API Vol. III.)
Cissus quadrangula Linn.
Synonym  Vitis quadrangula Wall.
Citrullus colocynthis Schrad.
Family  Vitaceae.
Family  Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat  Throughout the warmer
parts of India, also cultivated in Habitat  Throughout India.
gardens. English  Colocynth Bitter Apple.
English  Square Stalked Vine, Ayurvedic  Indravaaruni, Indraval-
Adamant Creeper. li, Indravaarunikaa, Gavaakshi,
Ayurvedic  Asthisamhaara, Chitraa, Chitraphalaa, Indraasuri,
Asthisamhrita. Asthi-samyojaka, Mrigaani, Mrigairvaaru, Vishaalaa,
Vajravalli, Chaturdhaaraa. Vishaalyka, Indraayana. Ain-
Unani  Hadjod.
dri (also equated with Bacopa
monnieri).
Siddha/Tamil  Perandai.
Unani  Hanzal.
Action  The anabolic and steroidal
Siddha/Tamil  Kumatti.
principles of the aerial part showed
a marked influence in the rate of Action  Dried pulp of ripe fruit—
fracture-healing. The drug exerts cathartic, drastic purgative, irritant
influence both on the organic and and toxic. The pulp is used for
mineral phase of fracture-healing. varicose veins and piles. A paste
Stem—alterative in scurvy (the of root is applied to various
plant is rich in vitamin C) and inflammations and swellings. The
irregular menstruation. cataplasm of leaves is applied in
migraine and neuralgia.
The plant contains phytogenic ste-
roid, ketosteroids, sitosterol, alpha- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
amyrin, alpha-ampyrone and tetra- India indicated the use of the fruit in
cyclic triterpenoids. Phytogenic ste- jaundice; the root in diseases of the liv-
riods showed bone healing properties. er and spleen and the leaf in cutaneous
Coloside-A possesses smooth muscle affections and alopecia.
relaxant effect. The total alcoholic ex- Colocynth contains up to % cucur-
tract of the plant neutralizes the anti- bitacin. The drug and its preparations
anabolic effect of the cortisone in heal- cause drastic irritation of the gastroin-
ing of fractures. The aqueous extract of testinal mucosa and haemorrhages.
 Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle. 153

Cucurbitacins include cucurbitacin strangury and urinary complaints,

E-, J-, L-glucosides. In addition, the also in hepatic congestion and
pulp contains caffeic acid derivatives intestinal catarrh. Seeds—cooling,
(chlorogenic acid).
Roots contain aliphatic compounds.
purgative, diuretic, demulcent (used
in urinary infections). Leaves—
C
Ethanolic extract (%) shows signif- febrifuge. The pericarp is given in
icant anti-inflammatory activity in al- diarrhoea.
bino rats.
Leaves and flowers contain querce- Watermelon juice contains citrullin
tin and kaempferol. The ethanolic ex- (.%) and arginine, which are
tract of leaves and flowers exhibits an- thought to increase urea production
tibacterial activity against a number in the liver, thus increasing the flow of
of Gram-positive and Gram-negative urine.
bacteria. The seeds possess a high lipase activ-
The powder is toxic at .–. g. The ity comparable to that of wheat germ, in
fruit exhibited carcinogenic activity in addition to high lipoxygenase, urease
animal studies. and trypsin-inhibitor activities. Aque-
ous extract of the seeds also exhibit
Dosage  Dried fruit—– mg amylase inhibitor activity. The seed oil
powder. (API Vol. III.) Root—– is used as a substitute for almond oil.
 g. powder. (CCRAS.) Dried leaf— The roots of mature plant contain
for external use. (API Vol. II.) a triterpene, bryonolic acid. Bryono-
lic acid possesses a stronger antiallergic
activity with lesser side effects than that
Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. of glycyrrhetinic acid, the aglycone of
glycyrrhizin, used clinically in Japan
Synonym  C. lanatus (Thunb.) for the treatment of allergy and hepati-
Matsumura & Nakai. tis.
Family  Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat  Cultivated throughout
India on sandy river beds, up to an Citrus aurantifolia
altitude of , m. (Christm.) Swingle.
English  Watermelon. Synonym  C. medica L. var. acida
Ayurvedic  Kalinga. (Roxb.) Hook. f.
Family  Rutaceae.
Unani  Tarbuz.
Habitat  Wild in the warm valleys
Siddha  Poiychaviral, Tharbuza-
palam (Tamil. of the outer Himalayas. Cultivated
in the plains.
Action  Pulp—cooling and
refreshing, a rich source of pectin, English  Acid or Sour Lime,
carotenoids, surcose (as major Country Lime.
sugar). Fruit juice is prescribed in Ayurvedic  Nimbuka.
154 Citrus aurantium Linn.

Unani  Limu Kaghzi. fever and in cases of enlarged

Siddha/Tamil  Elummichhai, spleen. Dried rind—used in atonic
Thurinjippazham. dyspepsia.
C Folk  Kaagazi Nimbu. Key application  Cut peel—in loss
of appetite and dyspeptic ailments.
Action  Antiscorbutic, stomachic,
(German Commission E.). As a bitter
appetizer, refrigerant. Used in tonic. (British Pharmacopoeia.)
bilious vomiting. Leaves—an
infusion is given for fever in The main constituents of the peel in-
jaundice, for sore throat, thrush. clude the alkaloid synephrine and N-
Root—an infusion is given for colic methyltyramine. Synephrine, an alpha
and dysentery, also as febrifuge. -adrenergic agonist, stimulates a rise
in blood pressure through vasocon-
Limes are rich in vitamins, minerals
striction. N-methyltyramine also rais-
and alkaline salts, but not in fruit sug-
es blood pressure.
ars. Lime peel contains ergosterol. An
The root gave xanthyletin.
enzyme, ,-beta-glucan hydrolase has
The essential oil exhibits antifun-
been reported from the bark and leaf
gal activity, it was found effective in
extract. See C. limon.
treatment-resistant fungal skin dis-
eases. (Expanded Commission E Mono-
graphs.)
Citrus aurantium Linn. Commercially available Citrus vul-
Family  Rutaceae. garis (bitter orange) extracts are often
promoted for weight loss due to pur-
Habitat  Cultivated in Khasi
ported thermogenic effects. In animal
hills and Cachar. Also in Guntur
models, synephrine causes weight loss,
(Andhra Pradesh). Found in semi-
but also increases cardiovascular toxic-
wild state in the Naga and Khasi
ity. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive
hills.
Database, .)
English  Citrus dulcis, Sour Orange,
Sweet Orange.
Folk  Khattaa. Citrus limon (Linn.) Burm.f.
Siddha/Tamil  Mallikanarangi.
Family  Rutaceae.
Action  Peel—laxative, feeble stom-
achic, emmenagogue. Leaves— Habitat  Cultivated all over India.
prescribed in the treatment of English  Lemon.
arthritis and bronchitis. Flowers—
Ayurvedic  Jambira, Jambh, Jambhir,
aqueous extract is employed in
scurvy, fever, inflammation, ner- Jaamphal, Nimbu, Nimbuka,
vous and hysterical cases. Fruit— Naaranga, Limpaka, Dantashatha,
a decoction is used to recover Airaavata, Neebu (bigger var.).
from cachexia left by intermittent Unani  Utraj.
 Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merrill. 155

Siddha/Tamil  Periya elumuchhai. Major flavonoid glycosides, isolated

from citrus peels and juices, include
Action  Fruit—antiscorbutic, carmi- hesperidin (with properties of vitamin
native, stomachic, antihistaminic,
antibacterial. Used during coughs,
P). Rutin and other flavanones, isolated
from citrus fruits, form the principal
C
colds, influenza and onset of fever components of vitamin P. Flavanone
(juice of roasted lemon), hiccoughs, glycosides contained in lemon and lime
biliousness. Fruit juice—used ex- juices are eriocitrin  and ; hes-
ternally for ringworm (mixed with peridin  and  mg/l, respectively.
salt), erysipelas, also in the treat- The composition of cold pressed
ment of leprosy and white spots. lime oil is quite similar to lemon oil,
Leaves and stems—antibacterial. but citral content of lime oil is higher.
Monoterpene alcohols and their es-
All parts of the plants of citrus ters, aldehydes—geraniol, geranial and
sp. contain coumarins and psoralins. neral, contribute to the characteristic
The fruits contain flavonoids and li- aroma of lemon and lime.
monoids. The flavonoids comprise
Dosage  Fruit—– g (Juice—–
three main groups—flavanones, fla-
vones and -hydroxyflavylium (antho-  ml). (API Vol. IV.)
cyanins); flavanones being predomi-
nantly followed by flavones and antho-
cyanins. Bitter flavonoids do not occur Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merrill.
in lemon and lime.
Synonym  C. decumana Watt.
Lemon juice is a richer source of
C. grandis (L.) Osbeck.
antiscorbutic vitamin (contains –
 mg/ g of vitamin C) than lime, Family  Rutaceae.
and a fair source of carotene and vita- Habitat  North-eastern region up
min B. Volatile oil (about .% of the to , m in Assam and Tripura.
peel) consists of about % limonene, English  Pummelo, Shaddock.
alpha-and beta-pinenes, alpha-ter-
pinene and citral. The fruit juice also Ayurvedic  Madhukarkatikaa.
contains coumarins and bioflavonoids. Unani  Chakotra.
The acid content of the fruit, once di- Siddha/Tamil  Pambalimasu.
gested, provides an alkaline effect with-
in the body and is found useful in con- Folk  Mahaa-nibu, Sadaaphal.
ditions where acidity is a contributory Action  Fruit—cardiotonic. Leaves,
factor (as in case of rheumatic condi- flowers and rind—used as a sedative
tions). The bioflavonoids strengthen in nervous affections. Leaves—
the inner lining of blood vessels, es- used in convulsive cough, chorea,
pecially veins and capillaries, and help epilepsy, also in the treatment of
counter varicose veins, arteriosclerosis, haemorrhagic diseases. A lotion of
circulatory disorders and infections of boiled leaves used hot in painful
liver, stomach and intestines. swellings. The essential oil from
156 Citrus medica Linn.

fresh leaves exhibits dermatophytic, diosmin, beta-sitosterol and beta-D-

and fungistatic activity. glucoside. The roots contain campes-
terol, stigmasterol, sitosterol and chol-
The root-bark contains beta-sitos-
C terol and acridone alkaloids. It also
esterol.
Aqueous extract of the peel showed
contains several coumarins. The alka-
hypotensive action in dogs.
loids and coumarins show antimicro-
The fruits and seeds are a cardioton-
bial acitivity.
ic; found useful in palpitation.
The essential oil from the leaves
and unripe fruits contain % limonin, Dosage  Fruit—– ml juice. (API
% nerolol, % nerolyl acetate and Vol. III.) Leaf, flower, fruit, root—
% geraniol. – ml decoction. (CCRAS.)

Citrus medica Linn. Citrus paradisi Macf.

Family  Rutaceae. Family  Rutaceae.
Habitat  Khasi Hills, submountain- Habitat  Native to the West Indies.
ous Himalayan ranges in Garhwal, Commercialized in the USA.
Kumaon in U.P., Maland areas Cultivated mainly in Punjab.
of South, Pachmarhi (Madhya English  Grapefruit, ‘Marsh’
Pradesh), Sikkim and Western Grapefruit.
Ghats.
Folk  Chakotraa. Chima Bombili-
English  Citron. maas (Tamil Nadu).
Ayurvedic  Maatulunga, Lunga, Action  Young leaves—decoction
Maatulaka, Mahaalunga, Bijpuura, is used to relieve cold or headache.
Bijaahva. Fruit—used for developing resis-
Unani  Turanj. tance against colds and influenza.
Siddha/Tamil  Kadaranrathai, Grapefruit is rich in vitamins, min-
Naarthankai, Thurinjippazham. erals, potassium and pectin, which bal-
Folk  Bijoraa. ance the acid reaction in the stomach
and stimulate appetite. Half grape-
Action  Fruit—antiscorbutic,
fruit contains vitamin A  IU, vita-
refrigerant, astringent, carminative,
min C . mg, niacin . mg, potas-
stomachic, antibacterial. Used
sium  mg. The fruit contains beta-
for dyspepsia, bilious vomiting,
carotene and cartenoid lycopene. Ly-
cold, fever, hiccough. Root—
copene is especially noted for reduc-
anthelmintic. Flowers and buds—
ing the risk of prostate cancer. The
astringent.
fruit juice contains furanocoumarins,
The peel contains coumarins, limet- including bergamottin, also naringin,
tin, scoparone, scopoletin and um- naringenin, limonin, quercetin, kaem-
belliferon; besides nobiletin, limonin, pferol and obacunone.
 Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul. 157

For drug interactions with grape- anticonvulsant agent has been found
fruit juice, see Natural Medicines Com- to be heliettin, extracted from the stem
prehensive Database, . bark and roots.
Grapefruit is not to be confused with
grape (Vitis vinifera).
C
Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul.
Family  Hypocreaceae.
Clausena pentaphylla Habitat  A fungous parasite on
(Roxb.) DC. a number of grasses particularly in
Family  Rutaceae. rye, cultivated in the Nilgiris and at
Chakrohi farm in Jammu.
Habitat  The sub-Himalayan tract
from Garhwal to Sikkim; also in English  Ergot of Rye. Fungus of
Chakrata range. Rye.
Folk  Ratanjot (var.), Rowana. Ayurvedic  Annamaya, Sraavikaa.
Surasi is a doubtful synonym. Unani  Argot.

Action  Bark—anti-inflammatory, Siddha/Tamil  Ergot.

spasmolytic; used in veterinary Action  Uterine stimulant. Oxy-
medicine for wounds and sprains. tocic, abortifacient, parturient,
vasoconstrictor, haemostatic. Used
Aerial parts contain coumarins—
in obstetrics (difficult childbirth,
clausmarins A and B. Coumarins ex-
for exciting uterine contractions in
hibit spasmolytic activity. The root al-
the final stages of parturition). Also
so contains coumarins. Root and stem
used after abortion for removal of
bark of Clausena excavata Burm. f.
the placenta. It is no more employed
Eastern sub-Himalayan tract, Orissa
in internal haemorrhages, as it has
and Bihar) also contain coumarins—
been found to raise blood pressure
clausenin and clausenidin. The root
in pulmonary and cerebral haemor-
bark exhibits antibacterial activity
rhage. Included among unapproved
against both Gram-positive and Gram-
herbs by German Commission E.
negative bacteria.
A related species, C. anisata (Willd.) The fungus gave indole alkaloids.
Oliver, is reported from Uttar Pradesh. The ergometrine or ergonovine group
Ethanolic extract of the aerial parts includes ergometrine and ergometri-
exhibited spasmolytic activity. The fu- nine. The ergotamine group includes
ranocoumarins, anisolactone, xantho- ergotamine and ergotaminine. The er-
toxol, indicolactone, imperatorin and gotoxine group includes ergocristine,
 ,  -epoxy-anisolactone have been ergocristinine, ergocryptine, ergo-
isolated from the extract. cryptinine, ergocornine and ergo-
In West African traditional medi- corninine. The fungus also contains
cine, the decoction of the root is given histamine, tyramine and other amines,
to control convulsions in children. The sterols and acetylcholine.
158 Clematis gouriana Roxb.

The alkaloids of ergot are being A related species, C. napaulensis

used independently (not as a herbal DC. is used in leprosy. C. recta (Up-
medicine). Ergotamine is used to re- right Virgin’s Bower) is used in ho-
C lieve migrainous headaches as it is
a vasoconstrictor and has antisero-
moeopathic medicine for cancerous
and foul ulcers; orally for rheumat-
tonin activity. Ergometrine is used ic pains, varicose veins, gout and as
after childbirth in the third stage of a diuretic.
labour and for post-partum haem-
orrhage, as it is a powerful uterine
stimulant, particularly of the puerper- Cleome brachycarpa Vahl ex DC.
al uterus. (Both the constituents are
used under medical supervision). Er-
gocornine significantly inhibited the Synonym  C. vahliana Farsen.
development of induced mammary tu- Family  Capparidaceae.
mours in rats. The derivatives of ergot
Habitat  Northwestern Rajasthan,
alkaloids are known to have suppress-
Punjab plains and Delhi.
ing effect on human breast cancer in
initial stages. This activity is linked to Unani  Panwaar.
prolactin inhibitory action. Folk  Madhio (Rajasthan).
The extract is toxic at .–. g,
Action  Anti-inflammatory,
ergot alkaloids at  g in adults,  mg
antirheumatic, antidermatosis (used
in infants. (Francis Brinker).
in scabies, also in leucoderma).
Dosage  Whole plant—– ml
infusion. (CCRAS.) The plant contains trinortriterpe-
noids and cabralealactone, besides ur-
solic acid.
Clematis gouriana Roxb.
Family  Ranunculaceae. Cleome icosandra Linn.
Habitat  Throughout India in Synonym  C. viscosa Linn.
plains.
Family  Capparidaceae.
English  Commercially known as
Muurvaa. Habitat  Throughout India; Tripura,
West Bengal and Gangetic valley, as
Folk  Belkangu (used as substitute
a weed.
for Muurvaa in Maharashtra).
English  Wild Mustard.
Action  Leaf and stem—vesicant,
poisonous. Ayurvedic  Tilaparni, Hurhur
(yellow var.), Aadityabhakta.
Aerial parts and roots contain a qua-
ternary aporphine alkaloid, magnoflu- Unani  Panwaar, Hulhul.
orine. The leaves yield protoanemonin, Siddha/Tamil  Nayikkadugu,
a fungitoxic compound. Nalvellai.
 Clerodendrum inerme (L.) Gaertn. 159

Action  Seed—carminative, Action  Root—used for asthma,

antiseptic, anthelmintic (for round cough, scrofulous affections. Leaf—
worms). Leaf—sudorific. Bark— vermifuge. Resin—antirheumatic.
externally rubefacient, vesicant.
Root—vermifuge.
The plant is also used in fever,
atrophy, emaciation of cachexia and
C
consumption.
The aerial parts contain a macro-
cyclic diterpene, cleomaldeic acid, and The leaves contain flavonoids—scu-
a bicyclic diterpene, cleomeolide. The tellarein (.%), hispidulin (.%) and
seeds contain coumarino-lignans, their -O-glucuronides; also sterols.
cleomiscosin A,B,C and D. The leaf Flowers contain beta-sitosterol and tri-
extract exhibited fungitoxicity against terpenoids. The bark yields hexitol and
ringworm causing fungi with reported sorbitol.
mycelian inhibitions. The flavone, pectolinarin and a di-
The aqueous extract of seeds ex- terpene, oncinotine, exhibit antifee-
hibited significant analgesic and lo- dant activity.
cal anaesthetic activities in mice and
guinea pigs, respectively. It failed to
protect rats against convulsions in- Clerodendrum inerme
duced by picrotoxin, though it poten- (L.) Gaertn.
tiated the barbiturate sleeping time.
The purple var. of Hurhur is equat- Family  Verbenaceae.
ed with Cleome monophylla L. (Bihar, Habitat  Throughout India in tidal
Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil forests, wild all over coastal areas;
Nadu). planted in gardens in Tamil Nadu.
English  Smooth Volkameria.
Ayurvedic  Putigandhaa, Kundali,
Clerodendrum indicum Vanajai.
(Linn.) Kuntze.
Siddha/Tamil  Peenaari, Sangan-
Synonym  Clerodendron siphonan- kuppi.
thus (R. Br.) C. B. Clarke. Folk  Lanjai.
Family  Verbenaceae. Action  Leaf—febrifuge, alterative.
Habitat  Cultivated as an ornamental Used as a substitute for Swertia
throughout India, especially in chirayita and quinine in remittent
South and Eastern India. and intermittent fevers. The leaf
juice is taken orally to relieve
English  Turk’s Turban, Tube- muscular pains and stiffness of legs
Flower. (in tetanus).
Ayurvedic  Vaamana-haati (a The leaves and stem contain a num-
substitute for Bhaarangi). ber of triterpenes, neolignans, diter-
Siddha/Tamil  Kavalai, Narivalai. penoids, sterols and flavones.
160 Clerodendrum infortunatum auct. non Linn. C.B.Clarke.

The roots are prescribed in venere- Family  Verbenaceae.

al diseases. The methanolic extract of Habitat  Throughout India, in the
the roots contains verbascoside which drier parts.
C exhibits analgesic and antimicrobial
properties. Ayurvedic  Agnimantha, Tarkaari,
Vikraantaa, Jayanti, Jai, Jayaa,
Ganikaarikaa, Vaijayanti, Bigger
Clerodendrum infortunatum var. is equated with Premna integri-
auct. non Linn. C.B.Clarke. folia Linn., Shriparni, Naadeyi.
Family  Verbenaceae. Siddha/Tamil  Tazhuthaazhai.
Habitat  Throughout India.
Folk  Laghu Arni.
Ayurvedic  Bhaandira, Bhaandi,
Action  Plant parts used in
Kaari. Also known as Bhaarangi
(C. serratum). dyspepsia, stomachache, colic,
cholera, dysentery, postnatal fever,
Siddha/Tamil  Karukanni, Perugilai.
during convalscence from measles.
Action  Leaves—used as a substitute Root and bark—bitter tonic, used
for Chiretta. Leaves and roots— in debility and nervous disorders.
employed externally for skin
diseases and alopecia. Leaves are The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
prescribed in headache. Roots are dia indicated the use of root in dysuria
given in cramps and rheumatism. and retention of urine.
Flavonoids, scutellarein and pec-
In homoeopathy, the fresh leaves are
tolinarin, have been isolated from the
employed for colic due to worms, diar-
leaves. Stems gave d-mannitol, beta-
rhoea associated with nausea, chronic
sitosterol, its glucosides and ceryl al-
fever with loss of appetite and in en-
cohol. The roots contain ceryl alcohol,
largement of liver and spleen with in-
clerodin, clerosterol and clerodendrin
digestion and constipation.
A.
The alcoholic extract of the whole
The ethanolic extract of leaves ex-
plant showed antiprotozoal activity
hibited hepatoprotective activity. The
against Entamoeba histolytica. It al-
aqueous extract of leaves exhibited in
so exhibited hypoglycaemic activity in
vitro anthelmintic activity. The plant
albino rats. The leaves exhibit antifun-
also exhibited antidiabetic activity.
gal activity.
Dosage  Leaf—– ml juice. Dosage  Root—– g for
(CCRAS.) decoction. (API Vol. III.)

Clerodendrum phlomidis
Linn.f. Clerodendrum serratum
(Linn.) Moon.
Synonym  C. multiflorum (Burm. f.)
O. Kuntze. Family  Verbenaceae.
 Clitoria ternatea Linn. 161

Habitat  A shrub distributed English  Butterfly Pea, Winged-

throughout the country, especially leaved Clitoria, Mezereon.
common in Assam and Bengal.
Ayurvedic  Girikarnikaa, Aparaa-
English  Blue-flowered Glory tree, jitaa, Aasphota, Girimallikaa, C
Beetle Killer. Girikanyaa, Kokilaa,Yonipushpaa,
Ayurvedic  Bhaargi, Bhaaran- Vishnukraantaa. (Evolvulus alsi-
gi, Angaarvalli, Phanji, Braah- noides Linn. is also known as
manyashtikaa, Kharshaak, Padma, Vishnukraantaa, Vishnukranti).
Bhragubhavaa, Brahmayashtikaa. Used as Shankhapushpi in the
Siddha/Tamil  Kandoorbarangi
South.
(root), cherutekku. Unani  Mezereon Hindi.
Action  Root—Antiasthmatic, Siddha/Tamil  Kakkanam.
antihistaminic, antispasmodic,
antitussive carminative, febrifuge. Folk  Koyal (Punjab).
Leaf—febrifuge. Action  Root—cathartic like
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of jalap. Roots cause gripe and
India indicated the use of the dried tenesmus, hence not recommended
roots in cough, bronchitis, dyspnoea, as purgative. Used in ascites. Root
chest diseases and sinusitis. bark—diuretic (infusion used in
The bark contains triterpenoids— irritation of bladder and urethra).
serratagenic, oleanolic and queretaric Root juice—given in cold milk
acids; leaves contain alpha-spinasterol to liquefy phlegm in chronic
and flavonoids, including luteolin, api- bronchitis. The root, bark, seeds
genin, baicalein, scutellarein, phenolic and leaves—used for gastric acidity.
acids—caffeic and ferulic acids. The root is administered with honey
EtOH (%) extract of the plant ex- as a general tonic to children for
hibited hypotensive and spasmolytic improving mental faculty.
activity. Polyhydric property on iso-
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
lated guinea pig ileum. Antiasthmatic
India recommends the dried leaf in
effect was also observed pharmacolog-
migraine, psychoneurosis and mania.
ically.
An alcoholic extract of the plant
Dosage  Root—– g powder; – showed sedative and hypothermic ef-
 g for decoction. (API Vol. III.) fect in rodents.
Rats, fed with ethanol extract of
flowers, showed a significantly lowered
Clitoria ternatea Linn. serum sugar level in experimentally in-
duced diabetes.
Family  Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. The seeds contain a nucleoprotein
Habitat  Throughout India in with its amino acid sequence similar
tropical areas; also cultivated in to insulin, but for the absence of his-
hedges. tidine, threonine, proline and crystine.
162 Coccinia indica W. & A.

Seeds gave cinnamic acid, flavonol gly- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
coside. Leaves contain glycosides of dia recommends the whole plant for
kaempferol. oedema, anaemia, disorders due to vi-
C In South India, the seeds and roots
constitute the drug Shankhapushpi,
tiated blood, cough and dyspnoea.
The fruit yielded beta-amyrin and its
used as a nervine tonic. In other re- acetate, lupeol and cucurbitacin B.
gions, Canscora decussata, Convolvu-
Dosage  Whole plant—– g
lus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides and
Lavendula bipinnata are used as Shan- powder; – ml juice. (API Vol.
khapushpi. III.)

Dosage  Root—– g powder (API

Vol. II); dried leaf—– g; seed—– Cocculus hirsutus (Linn.) Diels.
 g. (API Vol. IV.)
Synonym  C. villosus (Lam.) DC.
Family  Menispermaceae.
Coccinia indica W. & A. Habitat  Throughout tropical and
sub-tropical tracts of India.
Synonym  C. cordifolia Cogn.
Cephalandra indica Naud. English  Broom-Creeper, Ink-Berry.
Family  Cucurbitaceae. Ayurvedic  Chhilihinta, Paataala-
garuda, Mahaamuulaa, Dirghavalli,
Habitat  Cultivated in Assam, West Jalajamani.
Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Maharashtra,
Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu; wild Siddha/Tamil  Kattukodi.
in many parts of India. Action  Root—laxative, sudorific,
English  Ivy-Gourd. alterative, antirheumatic. Leaf—
used externally for eczema, prurigo
Ayurvedic  Bimbi, Tundi, Tundikaa, and inpetigo. A decoction of leaves
Tundikeri, Kunduru, Raktaphala, is taken in eczema, leucorrhoea and
Piluparni, Dantchhadaa. gonorrhoea.
Unani  Kanduri.
Aqueous extract of stem and root—
Siddha/Tamil  Kovvai. sedative, anticonvulsant, hypotensive,
Action  Carminative, antipyretic, bradycardiac, cardiotonic and sapas-
galactagogue. Powder of root is molytic. Roots are used as a substitute
taken with water to stop vomiting. for Sarsaparilla in chronic rheumatism
Juice of leaves—antispasmodic and gout, and syphilitic cachexia.
expectorant. Applied externally The stem contains cyclopeptide al-
in eruptions of the skin. Root— kaloids. The plant contains coclaurine,
antiprotozoal. Fruit, leaf and root— magnoflorine, beta-sitosterol, ginnol
antidiabetic. Various plant parts are and a monomethyl ether of inositol.
used in slow pulse and convulsions, C. pendulus (Forsk.) Diels, synonym
also against infective hepatitis. C. leaeba (Del.) DC. (Punjab, Gujarat
 Cocos nucifera Linn. 163

and South India) is known as Parwati and lower Gangetic valleys), is used
(Gujarat, Sindh) and Ullar-billar (Pun- for fevers.
jab).
Ethanolic extract of the leaves and
stem showed anticancer and hypoten-
C
Cochlospermum gossypium
sive activities associated with the al- DC.
kaloidal fraction which contains bis-
benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (includ- Synonym  C. religiosum (Linn.)
ing pendulin and cocsulin). Presence Alston.
of quercitol is reported from non-
Family  Cochlospermaceae.
alkaloidal fraction.
Habitat  Andhra Pradesh, Karnata-
Dosage  Root—– ml decoc- ka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh
tion. (CCRAS.) and Bihar; cultivated at Agartala in
Tripura.
English  Golden Silk tree, White
Cochlearia armoracia Linn. Silk Cotton tree.
Synonym  Armoracia rusticana Unani  Samagh, Kateeraa (substitute
Gilib. for gum tragacanth).
Family  Cruciferae, Brassicaceae. Siddha/Tamil  Kongilam (flower
juice), Tanaku.
Habitat  Eastern Europe; cultivated
in Britain and the USA. Grown to Action  Gum—cooling, sedative,
a small extent in North India and bechic, useful in coughs, hoarse
hill stations of South India. throat, diarrhoea, dysentery,
scalding urine. Dried leaves and
English  Horseradish.
flowers—stimulant.
Action  Root—used for catarrhs of
the respiratory tract. Antimicrobial The leaves contain terpenoids, sapo-
and hyperemic. nins and tannins. Flowers contain
naringenin and beta-sitosteryl-gluco-
The root contains glucosinolates, side (.%). The gum, after hydrolysis,
mainly sinigrin, which releases allyl- furnished a mixture of acidic oligosac-
isothiocyanate on contact with the en- charides.
zyme myrosin during crushing and
-phenylethylglucosinolate. Crushed
horseradish has an inhibitory effect on
Cocos nucifera Linn.
the growth of micro-organisms.
Fresh root contains vitamin C on an Family  Palmae; Arecaceae.
average  mg% of ascorbic acid.
Habitat  Cultivated chiefly in
A related species, C. cochlearioides
(Roth) Sant & Mahesh, synonym C. Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
flava Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb. (upper English  Coconut Palm.
164 Coffea arabica Linn.

Ayurvedic  Naarikela, Naalikera, Habitat  Grown in Tamil Nadu,

Laangali, Tunga, Skandhaphala, Karnataka and Kerala.
Sadaaphala, Trnaraaja, Kuurch-
English  Arabian coffee.
C shirshaka.
Unani  Kahvaa.
Unani  Naarjeel, Naariyal.
Siddha/Tamil  Thenkai. Kopparai Siddha/Tamil  Kaapi, Bannu.
(kernel of ripe coconut). Action  Diuretic, antinarcotic,
Action  Water from tender fruit— psychotropic agent, direct heart
cooling, used in thirst, fever, urinary stimulant (raises blood pressure).
disorders, gastroenteritis, and as Neutralizes therapeutic effects of
a source of K for cholera patients. many herbs; potentiates the action
Fruit—stomachic, laxative, diuretic, of aspirin and paracetamol; depletes
styptic, sedative; useful in dyspepsia the body of B-vitamins. Charcoal
and burning sensation. Oil from of the outer seed parts—astringent,
endosperm—antiseptic; used in absorbent.
alopecia. Root—astringent; used in Key application  Powdered coffee
urinary and uterine and disorders. charcoal—in nonspecific, acute
Tender coconut water is rich in diarrhoea; local therapy of mild
potassium and other minerals and vita- inflammation of oral and pharyngeal
mins. It contains reducing sugars .– mucosa (average daily dose  g).
.%, total sugars .–.%; brix .– (German Commission E.)
.%. It is used as a substitute for nor-
According to WHO, coffee drinking
mal saline in cases of dehydration.
is not responsible for breast cancer and
Alcoholic extract of coconut shell
may protect against cancer of colon and
(% in petroleum jelly, externally) was
rectum. Caffeic and chlorogenic acids
found very effective in dermatophyto-
in coffee act as anticarcinogens.
sis. Lighter fractions of the tar oil are
Bronchial asthma is less frequent
used as antiseptics.
among coffee drinkers due to caffeine
Flowers, mixed with oil, are applied
and theophylline.
to swellings, leaves to treat abscesses,
The aroma components include sev-
shoots and ashes of dry meat to deep
eral furfuryl methyl mercaptan deriva-
cuts, grated meat to burns, roots to
tives. Coffee extracts yielded organic
wounds and gonorrhoea.
acids. Atractyloside, several sterols and
Shell and fibre—antimicrobial.
acids, as well as alkaloids, have been
Dosage  Dried endosperm—– reported. Caffeine is the major alka-
 g powder. (API Vol. III.) loid of coffee. One cup of coffee con-
tains approx. – mg caffeine; other
active constituents include chlorogenic
Coffea arabica Linn. acid, caffeol and diterpenes.
Chlorogenic acid in coffee might
Family  Rubiaceae. inhibit glucose--phosphatase, which
 Colchicum luteum Baker. 165

might lower hepatic glucose produc- Colchicum luteum Baker.

tion caffeine seems to stimulate pancre-
atic beta cells to secrete insulin. (Natu- Family  Liliaceae.
ral Medicines Comprehensive Database,
.)
Habitat  The temperate Himalayas
from Kashmir to Chamba. Major
C
supplies of the drug are received
from Kashmir.
Coix lacryma-jobi Linn. English  Hermodactyls, Colchicum,
Meadow Saffron, Golden Collyrium
Synonym  C. lachryma Linn. (Indian substitute). (C. luteum is
Family  Gramineae; Poaceae. a good substitute for C. autumnale
Habitat  Warm and damp areas up L. which is official in the B.P.)
to about , m, both wild and Ayurvedic  Hiranyatuttha.
cultivated as an annual grass. Unani  Suranjaan Talkh.
English  Job’s Tears. Action  Non-steroidal anti-
Ayurvedic  Gavedhukaa. inflammatory, anti-gout (relieves
Siddha/Tamil  Kaatu Kunthumani. inflammation and pain of acute gout
but does not increase expulsion
Folk  Garaheduaa, Gargari. of uric acid, is used with an
Action  Fruits—a decoction is alkaline diuretic), emetic, cathartic.
used for catarrhal affections of Anti-chemotactic, antiphlogistic,
the air passage and inflammation inhibitor of mitosis. Highly toxic.
of the urinary tract. Seed— Used for external application to
diuretic. Root—used in menstrual lessen inflammation and pain.
disorders. Leaves—used as a drink Key application  In acute gout
for inducing fertility in women. attack. (German Commission E.)
The seeds contain trans-ferulyl stig- The fresh corms and aerial parts of
mastanol and trans-ferulyl campes- a sample from Jammu yielded .%
tanol, which form part of an ovulation- and % of total alkaloids, the ma-
inducing drug. Seed extract—immu- jor being colchicine .% and .%
no-enhancer, used for the prevention respectively. Colchicine analogs—
of cancer and infections. Seeds exhib- decteyl thiocolchicine (DTC), decetyl-
it anti-tumour and anticomplimenta- methylcolchicine (DMC) and tri-
ry activities. Seeds contain coixeno- methylcolchicinic acid (TMCA) were
lides, a mixed ester of palmitoleic and effective in the treatment of gout; DTC
vaccenic acids, which is an anticancer may elicit agranulocytosis.
agent. Colchicine binds to tubulin, the pro-
The bigger var. of the grass is equat- tein subunit of microtubules. Its most
ed with Coix gigantea Koenig ex Roxb., important biological effect is the in-
also known as Gavedhukaa and Gar- hibition of processes that depend up-
gari. on microtubule function by blocking
166 Coleus amboinicus Lour.

polymerization. In preventing micro- The leaf extract has shown regulato-

tubule formation, colchicine has been ry influence on calcium oxalate stone
shown to inhibit catecholamine se- formation in experimental rats. In folk
C cretion from adrenal medulla, iodine
secretion from thyroid gland and pro-
medicine, leaves are used internally for
expelling kidney stone (the herb is also
lactin secretion from pituitary tumour known as Paashaanbhedi).
cells. It inhibits stimulated insulin Homoeopathic medicine, prepared
secretion from isolated perfused pan- from fresh leaves, is used in the affec-
creas and islets in vitro. tions of urinary organs, especially in
The use of Colchicum for long peri- difficult urination or in burning pains
ods is not recommended owing to its during and after urination.
toxicity in larger doses (even  mg of The aerial parts from Pakistan yield
colchicine has caused death) and its de- an essential oil (.%) which contains
pressant action upon central nervous thymol (.%); whereas in Fijian
system. sample of leaves carvacrol and cam-
Prolonged use of Colchicum autum- phor are major constituents. Leaves
nale may cause agranulocytosis, aplas- contain a large amount of oxalacetic
tic anaemia and peripheral nerve in- acid, flavonoid, cirsimaritin and beta-
flammation. (Sharon M. Herr.) sitosterol.
Dosage  Leaf—– ml juice.
(CCRAS.)
Coleus amboinicus Lour.
Synonym  C. aromaticus Benth.
Coleus barbatus Benth.
Family  Lamiaceae.
Habitat  Native to Indonesia. Synonym  C. forskohlii Briq.
Plectranthus barbatus Andr.
English  Indian Borage.
Family  Lamiaceae.
Ayurvedic  Parna-yavaani.
Habitat The sub-tropical Himalayas
Siddha/Tamil  Karpoorvalli. of Kumaon and Nepal; cultivated in
Folk  Pattaa Ajawaayin. Andhra Pradesh.
Pattharachuur (Bengal). Ayurvedic  Gandira (Achyranthes
Action  Leaf—used in urinary aquatica Br. is also equated with
diseases, vaginal discharge, colic Gandira). (Doubtful synonym.)
and dyspepsia. Stimulates the Folk  Garmar (Gujarat), Gurmal.
function of liver. Also given in Action  Root and leaf—spasmolytic,
epilepsy and other convulsive antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory,
affections, asthma, bronchitis, cold lipolytic.
and chronic cough. Bruised leaves
are applied to burns; leaf juice to In experimental amoebiasis of rats,
chapped lips. the root powder and ethanolic extract
 Colocasia esculenta (Linn.) Schott. 167

showed amoebicidal activity against application in weight-loss program-

Entamoeba histolytica. mes. (Michael T. Murray.)
An alcoholic extract of the roots and Studies on forskolin and some 
essential oil from it, were found to in-
hibit passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in
derivatives of the compound indicate
that the natural product is more active
C
the mouse and rat. than the analogs prepared from it.
The plant produces the labdane The wild var. is known as Kaffir
diterpenoid, forskolin in its tuberous Potato.
roots.
Forskolin was discovered during
a screening of medicinal plants by Coleus vettiveroides K. C. Jacob.
Central Drug Research Institute, Luc-
know, India, in . (Planta Medi- Family  Lamiaceae.
ca, , , –.) The screening Habitat  Native to Sri Lanka. Now
revealed the presence of a hypoten- under cultivation in Kerala and
sive and spasmolytic principle, named Tamil Nadu.
coleonol (later the name was changed Ayurvedic  Hrivera, Hiruberaka,
to forskolin). The basic mechanism Ambu, Ambhas, Udaka, Udichya,
of forskolin is the activation of an Jala, Vaari, Toya, Vaalaka, Baalaa,
enzyme, adenylate cyclase, which in- Baalaka, Baala. (Also equated with
creases the amount of cyclic adeno- Pavonia odorata Willd.)
sine monophosphate (cAMP) in cells.
Raised intracellular cAMP level ex- Siddha/Tamil  Kuruver.
hibits following physiological effects Folk  Iruveli (Kerala).
: inhibition of platelet activation and Action  Leaves—cooling and
degranulation; inhibition of mast cell carminative, used for indigestion,
degranualation and histamine release; dyspepsia, dysentery, also for ulcers,
relaxation of the arteries and other bleeding disorders, dermatitis.
smooth muscles; increased insulin se-
cretion; increased thyroid function; C. zeylanicus (Benth.) Cramer (syn-
increased lipolysis. onym Plectranthus zeylanicus Benth.)
Forskolin, in clinical studies, re- has been identified as a source of Ayur-
duced intraocular pressure when it vedic drug Hrivera. The juice of stem
was applied to the eyes for treating and leaves, mixed with honey, is pre-
glaucoma. It has been shown to be scribed for diarrhoea.
a direct cerebral vasodilator. It has The plant afforded abietane type
also been studied as a possible bron- diterpenoides and a stereoisomer.
chodilator (in the treatment of asthma)
and has been shown to effectively re-
verse methacholine-induced broncho Colocasia esculenta
constriction in extrinsic asthmatics. (Linn.) Schott.
Standardized Coleus extracts con-
taining forskolin (% in  mg) find Synonym  C. antiquorum Schott.
168 Commelina benghalensis Linn.

Family  Araceae. Commelina benghalensis Linn.

Habitat  Cultivated throughout Family  Commelinaceae.
India.
C English  Taro, EdibleYam.
Habitat 
places.
Throughout India in moist

Ayurvedic  Pindaaluka, Aaluki. Ayurvedic  Kanchata, Karnamorata,

Siddha/Tamil  Chaembu, Shaeppam- Karnasphota.
kizhangu. Siddha/Tamil  Kanavazhai, Kanana-
Folk  Arvi, Ghuiyaa. gakarai.
Action  Juice from petiole—styptic, Folk  Kenaa (vegetable) (Maharash-
rubefacient. Juice of corn—used in tra).
alopaecia. Action  Emollient, demulcent,
laxative, diuretic, antileprotic.
The leaves contain flavones, api-
genin and luteolin, also anthocyanins. The rhizomes are starchy and mu-
Leaves cause severe irritation in mouth. cilaginous.
Cooked leaves are a source of dietary The plant contains n-octacosanol, n-
fibre for diabetics helping in lower- triacontanol, n-dotriacontanol. stig-
ing post-prandial blood glucose level. masterol, beta-sitosterol and campes-
A significant increase in total lipids, terol.
total cholesterol and triglyceride levels
was observed in hypercholesterolaemic
rats when fed with dried leaf powder. Commelina nudiflora Linn.
The pressed juice of the petioles is
Family  Commelinaceae.
used as an astringent and styptic. All
parts of the plant show an acridity. The Habitat  Throughout India.
acridity is removed by boiling and by Ayurvedic  Kanchata (var.).
addition of baking soda. Folk  Kenaa (vegetable) (Maharash-
From the tubers two dihydroxys- tra).
terols, besides beta-sitosterol and stig-
Action  Antidermatosis. The plant
masterol, have been isolated. Five nov-
el aliphatic compounds have been re- is used as a blood purifier.
ported. Trypsin inhibitors are isolated Commelina diffusa Burm f; C. palu-
from the tubers. dosa Blume synonym C. obliqua Buch.-
The total amino acids recorded in Ham. and C. salicifolia Roxb. are relat-
the tubers range from  to  mg/ ed species of Kanchata and are known
 g. The lysine concentration was rel- as Kenaa vegetable.
atively low. Besides starch, the tubers
contain natural polysaccharides with
% neutral sugars and % anionic Commiphora sp. (Burseraceae).
components. Steamed corms contain
% starch and % sugar. Refer to Balsamodendron sp.
 Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy. 169

Conium maculatum Linn. Ayurvedic  Bhadrabalaa, Hiranpadi.

Family  Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. Unani  Lablaab.

Folk 
Habitat  North temperate regions. Hirankhuri, Haranpagaa.
C
English  Spotted Hemlock, Poison Action  Plant—cooling, anticonvul-
Hemlock. sant. Root—cathartic.
Unani  Khardmaanaa, Shuk.
Plant extract—hypotensive in cats;
Action  Sedative, anodyne, raises coronary rate. Alkaloids—hy-
antispasmodic. Used for relief in potensive, without vasodilation. EtOH
whooping cough, asthma; paralysis; extract—anticonvulsant in rats. Aque-
epilepsy. Antidote to strichnine ous extract—exhibited muscarinic and
poisoning and other poisons of the micotinic activity.
same class. Highly toxic. Mother The dried rhizome contains .%
tincture of Hemlock is used in resin. The cathartic action of the
homoeopathy for prevention of resinous substance is about one third
immature cataract. of that of jalap (Ipomoea purga Hayne)
All parts of the plant contain alka- resin.
loids—highest in aerial parts (.%) All parts of the plant contain beta-
and lowest in stems. Gamma-conice- Me-esculetin; aerial parts n-alkanes,
ine is the principal alkaloid in the n-alkanols, alpha-amyrin and sterols;
leaves, whereas N-methylconiine is the roots gave cuscohygrine.
major
alkaloid in mature fruits. Beside
the alkaloids, a flavone glycoside, dios-
min and chlorogenic acid have been re- Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy.
ported in the leaves and inflorescence.
Synonym  C. microphyllus Sieb.
Ripe seeds yield coumarins, bergapten
C. prostratus Forsk.
and xanthotoxin. Experimentally, the
plant exhibited teratogenic properties. Family  Convolvulaceae.
(Rarely used today.)
Habitat  Throughout India,
Berries are toxic at  g, leaves at
ascending to , m in the
 g and coniine at  mg. (Francis
Himalayas.
Brinker.)
Ayurvedic  Shankhapushpi,
Shankhaahvaa, Kshirapushpi,
Convolvulus arvensis Linn. Maangalya Kusuma (white-
flowered). Blue-flowered var.,
Family  Convolvulaceae. Vishnukraanti, Vishnukraantaa,
Habitat  Throughout India, up to Vishnugandhi is equated with
, m in the Himalayas. Evolvulus alsinoides Linn.
English  Deer’s Foot. Unani  Sankhaahuli (blue-flowered)
170 Convolvulus scammonia Linn.

Siddha/Tamil  Sivakraandi (white- Convolvulus scammonia Linn.

flowered), Vishnukraandi (blue-
flowered). Family  Convolvulaceae.
C Action  Plant—brain tonic, tran- Habitat  A native to the Mediter-
quilizer used in nervine disorders, ranean region.
mental aberration, anxiety neu- English  Scammony.
rosis, internal haemorrhages,
spermatorrhoea. Also astringent, Unani  Saqmunia.
antidysenteric, antispasmodic, Action  Resin from rhizomes—hy-
antiphlogistic, febrifuge, alterative. dragogue, Cathartic, administered
Flowers—styptic, used for uterine in dropsy and anascara.
bleeding. Leaf—antiasthmatic,
used in chronic bronchitis. Root— Most of the resin available in India
used in gastric and duodenal ulcers, is imported from Syria and Asia Minor
uterine affections and for promoting and is grossly adulterated.
fertility. The roots contain on an average %
resin together with dihydroxy cinnam-
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of ic acid, beta-methyl-esculetin, ipu-
India recommends the plant for epilep- ranol, surcose, a reducing sugar and
sy. The plant contains sankhpushpine starch. The resin consists of the glyco-
alkaloids. sides and methylpentosides of jalapi-
The alcoholic (%) extract of the nolic acid and its methyl ester.
plant, when administered to rats Large doses cause acute gastro-in-
(through gastric intubation at differ- testinal irritation, and, if absorbed,
ent intervals), has shown enhanced produce cystitis and nephritis.
neuropeptide synthesis of the brain.
It induces an increase in brain pro-
tein content and increases acquisition
efficiency. Coptis teeta Wall.
Evolvulus alsinoides contains pen-
Family  Ranunculaceae.
tatriacontane, triacontane and beta-
sitosterol. Habitat  Mishmi Hills in Arunachal
Shankhapushpi Syrup (a compound Pradesh. Cultivated commercially
containing C. pluricaulis, Centella asi- in China.
atica, Nardostachys jatamansi, Nepeta Ayurvedic  Mamira, Maamiraa,
hindostana, Nepeta elliptica and Onos- Tiktamuulaa. (Pita-muulikaa
ma bracteatum), when administered and Hem-tantu are provisional
with phenytoin, a modern antiepilep- synonyms.)
tic drug, reduced not only antiepileptic
Unani  Maamisaa, Maamiraa.
activity of phenytoin but also lowered
plasma phenytoin levels. Folk  Titaa (Bengal and Assam).
Dosage  Whole plant—– g Action  Stomachic, antiperiodic,
powder. (API Vol. III.) antibacterial, antifungal. Prescribed
 Corchorus aestuans Linn. 171

in debility, convalescence, intermit- (Cocculus hirsutus is used as

tent fevers, dyspepsia, dysentery Paataala-garudi).
and intestinal catarrh. Used as Siddha/Tamil  Kollankovai,
a local application in thrush. Aaakaasagarudam. C
The rhizomes contains berberine Action  Laxative. Root used during
(%) as the major alkaloid; other alka- later stages of dysentery and chronic
loids present are: coptin (.%), cop- mucous enteritis; also in syphilitic
tisin .%) and jatrorrhizine (.%). rheumatism. The herb shows no
Samples from China contained .– apparent effect on acute dysentery.
.% berberine, .–.% coptisin
and .–.% jatrorrhizine. In Chi- The root contains a bitter principle
na, the herb is used as an antidiabetic; allied to bryonin.
the ethanolic (%) extract exhibited
hypoglycaemic and hypotensive activ-
ity. Corchorus aestuans Linn.
The drug due to berberine and its
related alkaloids promoted reticuloen- Synonym  C. acutangulus Lam.
dothelium to increased phagocytosis of Family  Tiliaceae.
leucocytes in dog blood in vitro and in Habitat  Throughout the warmer
vivo. parts of India, as a weed.
Coptis chinensis (Huang Lian) inhib-
ited erythrocyte haemolysis, decreased English  White Jute. (Tossa Jute is
lipid peroxidation in brain and kid- equated with C. olitorius Linn.).
ney, decreased generation of super- Ayurvedic  Chunchu, Chanchu,
oxide peroxidation and decreased hy- Chinchaa. (bigger var. is equated
droxyl radicals in rats. (Life Sci, , with C. olitorius; smallar var. with
(), –.) C. capsularis.)
Dosage  Root—– g powder. Folk  Chench shaaka, Titapat
(CCRAS.) (Bengal).
Action  Seeds and aerial parts—
stomachic, anti-inflammatory. Used
Corallocarpus epigaeus in pneumonia.
Benth. ex Hook. f. The seeds contain cardenolides,
Family  Cucurbitaceae. beta-sitosterol, ceryl alcohol, oligosac-
charides. The aerial parts contain
Habitat  Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, triterpenoidal glycosides—corchoru-
Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat, sins. Corchorusins have similar struc-
Madhya Pradesh and Peninsular tural similarity with saikosaponins
India. (isolated so far from Bupleurum sp. of
Ayurvedic  Shukanaasaa, Nahikaa, Japan, China and Korea) and some
Katunaahi, Paataala-garudaa. of them exhibit antiviral, anti-inflam-
172 Corchorus capsularis Linn.

matory and plasma-cholesterol lower- coside and corchoroside A and two po-
ing activities. lar glycosides, erysimoside and olitori-
The alcoholic extract of the entire side. Leaves contain beta-sitosterol-
C plant was found to have anticancer ac-
tivity against epidermal carcinoma of
glucoside. Corchoroside A exhibited
cardiotonic properties.
nasopharynx in tissue culture. Alco- The aqueous/alcoholic extracts,
holic extract and glycosides of seeds containing polysaccharides, may be
exhibit cardiotonic activity. Digitox- used in preparations of skin cosmetics
ose containing glycosides are reported or hair preparations for their moistur-
to be present in Corchorus sp. izing effect.
C. olitorius Linn. is known as Jew’s
Mallow (Pattaa Shaaka or Patuaa Shaa-
ka).
Corchorosid A, reported from the Corchorus fascicularis Lam.
plant, improved cardiac competence
Family  Tiliaceae.
experimentally.
The leaf extracts may be used as Habitat  Throughout warmer parts
moisturizers in skin cosmetics. The of India.
extracts consist of uronic acid contain- Ayurvedic  Chanchuka, Chanchu.
ing muco-polysaccharide, Ca, K and
P, among others, which act as effective Folk  Chanchu shaaka, Baaphali.
moisturizers. Action  Astringent, spasmolytic,
restorative, mucilaginous.

Corchorus capsularis Linn. The plant contains betulinic acid and

beta-sitosterol. Seeds yield cardeno-
Family  Tiliaceae. lides including trilocularin. The glyco-
Habitat  Throughout warmer parts sides of the plant were found to be de-
of India; extensively cultivated in void of any effect of its own on smooth
West Bengal. muscle of guinea pig ileum, but pro-
duced spasmolytic effect against acetyl-
English  White Jute. choline, histamine and bradykinin. Di-
Ayurvedic  Kaala shaaka. rect action of the drug was observed
on rabbit intestines. Slight cardiac de-
Siddha/Tamil  Pirattai-keerai.
pressant effect was found on isolated
Folk  Naadi shaaka, Narichaa. amphibian heart preparation.
Titapat (Bengal). Corchorus depressus (L.) Christen-
Action  Leaves—stomachic, sen, found in drier parts of North In-
carminative, diuretic, antidysenteric dia, is known as Bhauphali (Delhi).
(dried leaves). Seeds—purgative. The Plant is used as a cooling medi-
cine in fevers; its mucilage is prescribed
Seeds contain cardiac glycosides. in gonorrhoea, also for increasing the
These include two monosides, helveti- viscosity of seminal fluid. An extract
 Cordia wallichii G. Don. 173

of the plant is applied as a paste to The seeds contain alpha-amyrin and

wounds. taxifolin-, -dirhamnoside, which
The plant contains alpha-amyrin showed significant anti-inflammatory
derivatives, together with apigenin,
luteolin, sitosterol and its glucoside.
activity. EtOH (%) of leaves and
stems—antimicrobial; aerial parts—
C
Presence of quercetin and kaempferol diuretic and hypothermic.
has been reported in leaves and flowers.
The plant exhibits antimicrobial and
antipyretic activities.
Cordia rothii Roem. & Schult.
Family  Boraginaceae.
Cordia myxa Roxb. non Linn. Habitat  Rajasthan, Gujarat, Deccan
and Karnataka.
Synonym  C. dichotoma Forst. f.
C. obliqua Willd. English  Sebestan (smaller var.)

Family  Boraginaceae. Ayurvedic  Laghu-shleshmaataka,

Lisodaa.
Habitat  Throughout India, wild
and often planted. Siddha/Tamil  Naruvili.

English  Sabestan Plum. Folk  Gondi.

Ayurvedic  Shleshmaataka, Shelu, Action  See C. myxa.

Bahuvaara, Bahuvaaraka, Bhutvrk- Bark—astringent; decoction is used
shak, Uddaalaka Shita, Picchila, as a gargle.
Lisodaa.
Unani  Sapistaan, Lasodaa.
Siddha/Tamil  Naruvili. Cordia wallichii G. Don.
Action  Fruit—astringent, de-
Synonym  C. oblique Willd.
mulcent, expectorant, diuretic,
var. wallichii.
anthelmintic, mucilaginous. Used
in the diseases of the chest and Family  Boraginaceae.
urinary passage. Bark—used in Habitat  Gujarat, North Kanara and
dyspepsia and fevers. Kernels— Deccan.
externally applied to ringworm. English  Sebestan (bigger var.).
Leaf—decoction used in cough and
Ayurvedic  Shleshmaataka
cold.
(bigger var.), Uddaalaka, Bahu-
The fruits contain Ca , P , Zn , vaaraka.
Fe , Mn , Cr . and Cu . mg/ g
Siddha/Tamil  Perunaruvili.
(Chromium is of therapeutic value in
diabetes). Folk  Gondi.
Antinutritional factors are—phytic Action  Fruit—astringent, demul-
acid , phytate phosphorus  and cent, expectorant.
oxalic acid  mg/ g. See C. myxa.
174 Coriandrum sativum Linn.

Coriandrum sativum Linn. Coriandrin, an antiviral agent, has

been synthesized from the aerial parts.
Family  Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. The plant forms an ingredient of a Pak-
C Habitat  Cultivated chiefly in istani herbal drug (Intellan) which is
considered to be a neuro-energizer.
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil In Unani medicine, an infusion of
Nadu, Karnataka and Bihar. fruits is also used in bleeding piles,
neuralgia, cephalalgia and spermator-
English  Coriander. rhoea.
Ayurvedic  Dhaanyaka, Kustum-
buru, Dhaanyeyaka, Dhanika, Dosage  Fruit—– g powder. (API
Dhanikaa, Dhaanaa, Dhaanya, Vol. I.)
Dhaniyaa, Kunati, Chhatraa,
Vitunnaka.
Unani  Kishneez. Corydalis govaniana Wall.
Siddha/Tamil  Kotthamalli. Family  Papaveraceae.
Action  Stimulant, stomachic, Habitat  The West Himalayas, from
carminative, antispasmodic, di- Kashmir to Kumaon.
uretic; also hypoglycaemic and Ayurvedic  Bhootakeshi (a doubt-
anti-inflammatory. Oil—bacterici- ful substitute for Bhootajataa,
dal and larvicidal. Used in China Nardostachys jatamansi DC.)
as a remedy for measles, diabetes, Species of Selinum are also used as
aerophagy and gastroenteritis. Bhootakeshi.
Key application  In dyspeptic Action  Sedative, spasmolytic,
complaints, loss of appetite. hypotensive, nervine, antiseptic.
(German Commission E, British Used in cutaneous and scrofulous
Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Indian affections, chronic fever and liver
Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) complaints.
Coriander contains .–% volatile The roots contain phthalide iso-
oil, consisting mainly of delta-linalool quinoline alkaloids. In addition, stems
(–%), alpha-pinene and terpinine. and leaves contain tetrahydroproto-
It also contains flavonoids, coumarins, berberines.
phthalides and phenolic acids (includ- A related species, C. solida, indige-
ing caffeic and chlorogenic). nous to Siberia, northern China and
Aqueous extract of the roasted seeds Japan, contains alkaloids including
contains large amounts of acetylcho- corydalmine, tetrahydropalmatine,
line and its precursor choline. (Choline protoberberine-type alkaloid lenticin.
is found useful in preventing and cur- The alkaloids are analgesic and sedative
ing certain liver disorders.) The extract and have been shown to work, at least
shows cholinomimetic effects experi- in part, by blocking the dopamine re-
mentally. ceptors in the central nervous system.
 Coscinium fenestratum Colebr. 175

The powdered rhizome of Corydalis Kumaon; common in Kashmir

possesses one-hundredth of the anal- forests.
gesic potency of morphine. English  Turkish Hazel.
Folk  Virin (Kashmir). Thangi, C
Urni (Punjab). Kapaasi, Bhotiaa
Corylus avellana Linn. Badaam (Kumaon).
Family  Betulaceae. Action  A mixture of flavonoids,
isolated from the leaves, has shown
Habitat  Native to Europe and potent antiperoxidative and oxygen
Western Asia; common in gardens radical scavenging properties. It
on hill-station in India. exhibits very low toxicity and can
English  European Hazel, Filbert. be used as an alternative to the toxic
Unani  Funduq, Bunduq. synthetic antioxidants used for the
treatment of free radical-mediated
Action  Kernel—nutritive, astrin- injuries. See also C. avellana.
gent; used as an anabolic tonic
and in sexual debility in Unani Himalayan Hazel, occurring in cen-
medicine. The oil is used to reduce tral and eastern Himalayas, locally
cholesterol and as an antioxidant. known as Curri and Langura, is equat-
ed with Corylus ferox Wall.
The kernel of the European Hazel
Nut contains protein .%, carbohy-
drate .%, fat .% and phosphorus
Coscinium fenestratum Colebr.
.%. The fatty acid components of
the kernel oil are : oleic .%, linoleic Family  Menispermaceae.
.%, palmitic .%, stearic .% and Habitat  South India, particularly
myristic .%. in Western Ghats.
The stem bark contains a biologically
active cyanidanol glycoside. English  False Calumba.
The Turkish Hazel Nuts are rich in Ayurvedic  Pitachandana, Pitasaara,
mono and polysaturated fatty acids— Harichandana, Kaaliyaka, Kalam-
oleic % and linoleic %; also gave baka.
beta-sitosterol. Siddha/Tamil  Maramanjal, Man-
The Turkish Hazel Nuts are import- jalkodi.
ed into India during the winter season.
Folk  Jharihaldi.
Action  Root—stomachic, diuretic,
hypotensive, antidysenteric, an-
Corylus colurna Linn. tibacterial, antifungal, bitter tonic
Family  Betulaceae. in dyspepsia and debility.
Habitat  Western temperate The stems and roots of Kalambaka
Himalayas from Kashmir to contain alkaloids including berberine
176 Costus speciosus (Koenig) Sm.

.–% and jatorrhizine. Stems contain CNS-depressant, diuretic and hydro-

ceryl palmitic acid and oleic acid. choleretic activities. Saponins show
The plant is also used against frac- significant anti-inflammatory and an-
C tures; for dressing wounds and ulcers
and in cutaneous leishmaniasis.
tiarthritic activity.
The seeds also contain saponins and
The stems are used in South India as exhibit potent and sustained hypoten-
a substitute for Berberis (Daaruhari- sive and bradycardiac activities in dogs
draa); also as an Indian substitute with low toxicity and without any
for True Calumba (Jateorhiza palmata haemolytic activity; also weak spas-
Miers). molytic activity on isolated guinea-pig
ileum.
Dosage  Root—– g powder; All parts of the plant yield steroidal
decoction—– ml. (CCRAS.) sapogenin, diogenin (quantity varies
from . to %).
(Not to be confused with Kushtha of
Costus speciosus (Koenig) Sm. Indian medicine, Saussurea lappa.)

Family  Zingiberaceae.
Habitat  Assam, North Bengal, Crataegus crenulata Roxb.
Khasi and Jaintia Hills, sub
Himalayan tracts of Uttar Pradesh Family  Rosaceae.
and Himachal Pradesh and Western Habitat  The Himalayas from
Ghats. Sutluj to Bhutan at altitudes of –
English  Canereed, Wild Ginger. , m.
Ayurvedic  Kebuka, Kembuka. Folk  Ghingaaru.
Siddha/Tamil  Krrauvam, Malai Action  See Cratageus oxyacantha.
Vasambu, Ven Kottam.
Folk  Kebu.
Action  Astringent, purgative, Crataegeus oxyacantha Linn.
depurative, anti-inflammatory
Family  Rosaceae.
(used in gout, rheumatism; bron-
chitis, asthma, catarrhal fevers, Habitat  British and European
dysuria), anthelmintic, antivermin, hedge plant, met with in the
maggoticide, antifungal. temperate Himalayas of Kashmir
and Himachal Pradesh at an altitude
The rhizomes contain saponins— of ,–, m. (The plant does
dioscin, gracillin and beta-sitosterol- not thrive in the plains of India.)
beta-D-glucoside. The alkaloids show
English  English Hawthorn.
papaverine-like smooth-muscle-re-
laxant activity, cardiotonic activity like Folk  Ring, Ringo, Pingyat, Phindak,
that of digitalis and antispasmodic, Ban Sanjli (Punjab hills).
 Cressa cretica Linn. 177

Action  Coronary vasodilator Unani  Baranaa.

(strengthens heart muscle without Siddha/Tamil  Maavilingam.
increasing the beat in coronary
Action  Bark—diuretic (finds
arteries), antispasmodic, antihyper-
tensive, sedative to nervous system, application in urinary disorders, C
diuretic. including urolithiasis, prostatic
hypertrophy, neurogenic bladder
Key application  In cases of and urinary infections; uterine and
cardiac insufficiency Stage II as gastro-intestinal problems). Juice
defined by NYHA (New York Heart of the bark is given to women after
Association). An improvement of childbirth. Extract of root bark,
subjective findings as well as an mixed with honey, is applied to
increase in cardiac work tolerance, scrofulous enlargements of glands.
a decrease in pressure/heart rate Whole plant powder—cholinergic
product, an increase in the ejection in smooth muscles including
fraction and a rise in the anaerobic urinary bladder.
threshold have been established in
human pharmacological studies. Key application  As antiurolithiatic.
(German Commission E, WHO.) (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)

The active principles include oligo- The antiurolithic activity of the

meric procyanidins and flavonoids. stem-bark is attributed to the presence
The drug is official in Homoeopathic of lupeol. Lupeol not only prevented
Pharmacopoeia of India. the formation of vesical calculi, but
Contraindicated in low blood pres- also reduced the size of the preformed
sure, chest pain, bleeding disorders. stones in the kidneys of calculogenic
The herb may interfere with therapeu- rats. It also reversed the biochemical
tic effect of cardiac drugs. (Sharon M. parameters in urine, blood and serum
Herr.) Preparations based on hydroal- towards normal.
coholic extracts of Crataegus monogy- The stem bark also exhibit anti-
na or C. laevigata are used as Hawthorn inflammatory activity, and is reported
in the Western herbal. to stimulate bile secretion, appetite and
bowel movement.
Dosage  Stem bark—– g for
Crataeva nurvala Buch.-Ham. decoction. (API Vol. I.)
Synonym  C. magna (Lour.) DC.
Family  Capparidaceae. Cressa cretica Linn.
Habitat  Wild as well as cultivated
in gardens all over India. Family  Convolvulaceae.
Ayurvedic  Varuna, Varana, Barnaa, Habitat  Costal regions of India.
Setu, Ashmarighna, Kumaarak, Ayurvedic  Rudanti, Rudantikaa,
Tiktashaaka. Rudravanti.
178 Crinum asiaticum Linn.

Siddha/Tamil  Uppu Sanaga. Habitat  Wild as well as cultivated

Folk  Khardi. as an ornamental.
Action  Expectorant, stomachic, English  Wide-leaved Crinum.
C antibilious, alterative. Ayurvedic  Sudarshana, Sukhadar-
Air-dried, powdered whole plant shana, Chakraangi, Somvalli,
gave n-octacosanol, scopoletin, um- Madhuparnikaa.
belliferone, isopimpinellin, beta-sitos- Siddha/Tamil  Vishamoongil.
terol and its –D(+)-glucoside and quer- Action  Bulb—rubefacient, an-
cetin. tirheumatic. Also used for piles and
tubercular fistula.
Crinum asiaticum Linn. The alkaloids, crinafoline and crina-
folidine, have been isolated from the
Family  Amaryllidaceae.
plant. These along with crinafoline
Habitat  Wild as well as cultivated methochloride exhibited significant
as an ornamental. tumour-inhibiting activity in vivo. The
English  St. John’s Lily, Poison Bulb. plant extract in also used in allergic
Ayurvedic  Naagadamani, Naa- condition. This activity is attributed
gapatra, Sudarshana (var.). C. to the presence of glucan A and phos-
defixum Ker.-Gawl, is equated with phatidyllycorine.
Sukhadarshana. A related species, C. zeylanicum, is
known as Milk-and-Wine Lily.
Siddha/Tamil  Vishamoongil.
Action  Bulb—laxative (a substitute Dosage  Leaf, root—– g paste.
for ipecacuanha), expectorant. Used (CCRAS.)
in biliousness, and in strangury
and other urinary affections. Also
used for the treatment of burns, Crocus sativus Linn.
whitlow and carbuncle. Fresh
root—diaphoretic, emetic. Leaves— Family  Iridaceae.
expectorant; externally, anti- Habitat  Cultivated in Kashmir up
inflammatory (used in skin diseases to , m and in Chaubattia in
and for reducing inflammations). Uttar Pradesh.
Seed—emmenagogue, diuretic.
English  Saffron, Crocus.
The bark gave sterols and triter-
Ayurvedic  Kumkuma, Rudhira,
penoids. Seeds contain alkaloids—
Vadrika, Kaashmira, Kaashmiraka,
lycorine, crinamine and crinasiatine.
Vaalhika, Agnishikhaa, Ghrusrrn,
Rakta, Kshataja. Keshara (usually
Keshara indicates Naagakeshara,
Crinum latifolium Linn. Mesua ferrea Linn.)
Family  Amaryllidaceae. Unani  Zaafraan.
 Crotalaria juncea Linn. 179

Siddha/Tamil  Kumgumappoo mour activity against ascites tumours

(dried stigma). in mice. Chemical analysis indicat-
Action  Stigma and style—nervine ed that the naturally occurring crocin
tonic, sedative, antispasmodic ex- may be the active principle responsible
for the observed anticancer activity.
C
pectorant (in dry cough, whooping
cough, bronchitis), stomachic, A xanthone, carotenoid glycosidic
diaphoretic, emmenagogue. conjugate, mangi-crocin, isolated from
saffron, showed significant adapto-
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In- genic activity. A natural antioxidant,
dia indicated the use of the stigma and isolated from saffron stem callus,
style in migraine, chronic sinusitis, and showed better antioxidant activity than
in urinary obstruction, inflammation vitamin E. Saffron bulbs are toxic, stig-
of the urinary tract. mas in overdoses narcotic.
The saffron is used in Chinese The dose of stigma and styles at .–
medicine for melancholia, depression, . g is toxic. (Recommended dose :
shock and menstrual disorders. .–. g per day).
Saffron contains a volatile oil com-
posed of terpenes, terpene alcohols and Dosage  Dried style and stigma—
esters. The herb also contains crocin, – mg (API Vol. IV.)
picrocrocin, crocetin, carotenoids and
riboflavin and thiamine.
Preliminary evidence suggests that
crocetin may improved atherosclero- Crotalaria juncea Linn.
sis by increasing plasma oxygen dif-
Family  Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
fusion and decreasing cholesterol and
triglyceride levels. In addition, cro- Habitat  Throughout the plains of
cetin binds to albumin, potentially in- India, especially in South India.
creasing oxygen diffusion and improv-
English  Sun Hemp.
ing atherosclerosis. (Natural Medicines
Comprehensive Database, .) Ayurvedic  Shana, Shanapushpi,
The stigma showed remarkable in- Malyapushpa.
hibitory effect on blood coagulation
Unani  Sunn.
due to the presence of platelet aggrega-
tion inhibitor containing adenosine. It Siddha/Tamil  Sanal, Manji,
accelerated in vitro fibrinolytic activity Sannappu.
of urokinase and plasmin.
Folk  Jhanjhaniaa.
Small amounts of Saffron stimulate
gastric secretion; larger amounts stim- Action  Leaf—demulcent, purgative,
ulate uterine smooth muscle and ex- emetic, emmenagogue, abortifa-
hibit emmenagogue and abortifacient cient, ant-implantation. Given in
effects. diarrhoea, dysentery and bleeding
Saffron extract showed cytotoxic disorders. Seeds—used in psoriasis
and antimutagenic activity and antitu- and impetigo.
180 Crotalaria verrucosa Linn.

Seeds—hepatotoxic. Seed oil gave Ayurvedic  Naagadanti. (Danti

fatty acids—linoleic, linolenic and is equated with Baliospermum
oleic. montanum Muell., Dravanti with
C Pyrrolizidine alkaloids—junceine,
tricodesmine, riddelline, seneciphyl-
Jatropha curcas Linn. and Croton
tiglium Linn.)
line and senecionine were also ob- Action  Same as that of C. tiglium.
tained.
Dosage  Seed—– g powder. (API
Vol. III.) Croton tiglium Linn.
Family  Euphorbiaceae.
Crotalaria verrucosa Linn. Habitat  Native to South-East Asia.
Now cultivated in Assam, Bengal
Family  Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. and South India.
Habitat  Tropical regions of India English  Purging Croton.
from Himalayas to Sri Lanka. Ayurvedic  Jayapaala, Dravanti,
Ayurvedic  Shanapushpi. Shana Dantibija, Tintidiphala.
(var.). Unani  Habb-us-Salaateen, Jamaal-
Siddha/Tamil  Sanal, Sannappu. gotaa, Hubb-ul-Malook.
Folk  Sanai, Jhanjhaniaa. Siddha/Tamil  Nervaalam.
Action  Juice of leaves—used Action  Cathartic, rubefacient,
for biliousness, dyspepsia, blood irritant. Used in ascites, anasar-
impurities, scabies and impetigo, ca, dropsy and enlargement of
both internally and externally. abdominal viscera.
Taraxerol, beta-sitosterol and linole- The seed oil is purgative. It produces
ic, palmitic, stearic, lauric, oleic, lino- severe symptoms of toxicity when tak-
lenic, arachidic, myristic and ricinoleic en internally or applied externally to
acids have been isolated from fixed oil the skin.
of the stem. Croton oil showed tumour-pro-
moting activity on mouse skin. The
Dosage  Seed—– g powder. skin irritant and tumour promoting
(CCRAS.) diterpene esters of the tigliane type
(phorbol esters) and toxins have been
isolated from the seeds. (In China,
Croton oblongifolius Roxb. where the herb is employed for the
treatment of gastro-intestinal distur-
Family  Euphorbiaceae. bances, the highest incidence of naso-
Habitat  Central, Western and pharyngeal cancer has been report-
Southern India, also eastwards to ed.)  ml oil is usually fatal. Phorbols
Bengal. (terpenoids) from nonvolatile oil are
 Cucumis prophetarum Linn. 181

toxic. Crotin, a toxic albuminous sub- Ctenolepis cerasiformis Naud.

stance, is not extracted in the oil. The
plant caused haematuria and swelling Family  Cucurbitaceae.
of lymph glands in animals. Habitat 
Gujarat.
Wild on wastelands in C
Dosage  Seed—– mg powder.
(API Vol. IV.) Ayurvedic  Shankhini.
(Also equated with Corivolvulus
arvenis L.)
Cryptolepis buchanani Folk  Aankha-phuutaa-mani
Roem. & Schult. (Gujarat).
Action  Emetic, drastic purgative.
Family  Asclepiadaceae; Periplo-
Used for internal tumours and
caceae.
abscesses. (C.R.A.V.)
Habitat  Throughout India.
English  Indian Sarsaparilla (black
var.). Cucumis melo
Ayurvedic  Krishna Saarivaa, Linn. var. utilissimus Duth. & Fuller.
Jambupatraa Saarivaa, Karantaa, Synonym  C. utilissimus Roxb.
Shyamalataa, Shyaama, Gopi,
Gopavadhu, Kaalghatika. Family  Cucurbitaceae.

Siddha/Tamil  Maattan-kodi, Habitat  Cultivated in Punjab and

Paal-Kodi, Kattupala. Uttar Pradesh.
English  Snake Cucumber.
Folk  Karantaa, Anantamuula
(Varanasi). Ayurvedic  Ervaaru, Ervaaruka,
Action  Blood-purifier, alterative.
Urvaaru, Bahukanda, Karkati.
Used for rickets in children. Unani  Kakari.
In combination with Euphorbia Siddha/Tamil  Kakkarikkay,
microphylla, the herb is used as Vellarikkai.
a galactagogue. A decoction of the Action  Seeds—cooling, diuretic;
stem is used as a supporting drug used in painful micturition and
in paralysis; of the root bark in suppression of urine.
rheumatism.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of
The major constituent of the root ex- India recommends the seed in dysuria
tract is germanicol docosanoate. The and lithiasis.
roots contains cryptanoside C. The
leaves gave cryptanoside A and B and Dosage  Seed—– g. (API Vol. II.)
a cardenolide, cryptosin.
Dosage  Root—– g (API
Cucumis prophetarum Linn.
Vol. IV.); infusion—– ml.
(CCRAS.) Synonym  C. myriocarpus Naud.
182 Cucumis sativus Linn.

Family  Cucurbitaceae. Cucumber contains rutin; seeds glu-

Habitat  Wild on wastelands of cosides including cucurbitaside; leaves
Sindh, Baluchistan, Rajasthan; in free cucurbitasides B & C, ferredox-
C dry districts of Bellary in the South. in, alpha-spinasterol. Free and bound
sterols are found in seedlings and in
English  Wild Cucumber. male and female flowers.
Ayurvedic  Indravarruni (var.). Presence of proteolytic enzymes,
Folk  Khar-indraayana. ascorbic acid oxidase and succinic and
malic dehydrogenases has been report-
Action  Emetic, purgative. Toxic. ed.
Fruit pulp—a bitter resinous body, Dosage  Seed—– g powder; fruit
myriocarpin, produces nausea and is juice—– ml. (CCRAS.)
slightly purgative.
The fruit contain cucurbitacin B,C,D
and Q, and propheterosterol and its Cucumis trigonus Roxb.
acetate. Cucurbitacin Q is an anti-
Synonym  C. pseudo-colocynthis
tumour agent. Amino acids from the
fruits are leucine, iso-leucine, pheny- Royle.
lalanine, valine, tryptophan, tyrosine, C.callosus (Rottl.) Congn.
proline, alanine threonine, glycine, Bryonia callosa Rottl.
arginine, crystine and aspartic acid. Habitat  Wild throughout the drier
upland tracts of India.
Ayurvedic  Indravaaruni (var.).
Cucumis sativus Linn. Siddha/Tamil  Kattutumatti.
Folk  Vishlumbha, Bhakuraa.
Family  Cucurbitaceae.
Action  Pulp of fruit—drastic
Habitat  Cultivated for its edible purgative. Decoction of roots—
fruits which are usually used as milder in purgative action. Seeds—
salad vegetable. cooling, astringent; useful in bilious
English  Cucumber. disorders. The fruit is used as
Ayurvedic  Trapusha, Traapusha, a substitute for Colocynth.
Trapushi, Tiktakarkatikaa (bitter The fruits contain steroid and tri-
var.). terpenoid compounds, cucurbitacin
Unani  Khiyaar, Khiraa. B and proteolytic enzymes. EtOH
extract exhibits analgesic and anti-
Siddha/Tamil  Vellarikkai. inflammatory activity; stimulates iso-
Folk  Khiraa. lated uterus of guinea pigs.
Action  Seed—used in dysuria,
irritation of the urinary tract,
Cucurbita maxima Duchesne.
cystitis. Reduces specific gravity of
urine. Also used for tapeworms. Family  Cucurbitaceae.
 Cucurbita pepo Linn. 183

Habitat  Cultivated throughout Habitat  Native to Central America.

India. Cultivated in warmer climate than
English  Red Gourd, Red Pumpkin. that required for C. maxima.
Ayurvedic  Peeta Kuushmaanda, English  Squash. C
Kuushmaandaka, Kuusmaandi, Ayurvedic  Kumshmaanda.
Karkaaruka, Seetaaphal.
Action  Fruit—used in headache,
Unani  Kaddu-e-Sheerin, Aqteen. bronchitis, asthma; as diuretic
Siddha/Tamil  Parangikayi. in genitourinary disorders; as
Action  Fruit pulp—sedative,
anthelmintic against tapeworms.
emollient and refrigerant; used Dried pulp is administered in
as poultice, applied to burns, haemptysis.
inflammations, boils, and burns. The lipids isolated from the seeds
Seeds—diuretic, anthelmintic (for included glycerides, sterol esters, phos-
tapeworm). Because of their zinc phatidylcholine and phosphatidylinos-
content and antimitotic effect, seeds itol. The aqueous extract of seeds
are used to arrest enlargement of showed potent gastroprotective activ-
prostate gland. Also used in cystitis ity against ethanol-induced gastric le-
and minor kidney dyfunction. sions in rats.
Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima and C. In Chinese medicine, Cucurbita mo-
pepo) seeds contain B vitamins, Vita- schata flower is used in jaundice, dysen-
min A; minerals—calcium, iron, phos- tery and cough; the root in jaundice,
phorus, zinc; cucurbitacins; linonelic strangury, galactostasis and dysentery;
acid. An infusion of seeds (– tea- the stem in irregular menstruation and
spoons) is taken as a diuretic and in scalds.
hypertrophy of prostate.
Seeds of C. maxima contain sterol
glycosides and sterol fatty acid esters Cucurbita pepo Linn.
which showed antitumour activity in
mice. Family  Cucurbitaceae.
The leaves contain calcium .; Habitat  Native to N. Mexico and
magnesium .; iron .; zinc .; eastern U.S.A. Now commonly
and copper . (mg/ g). cultivated in Northern India.
The seed oil contains sterols and tri-
English  Pumpkin, Marrow.
terpenoids. The oil is used in migraine
and neuralgia. Unani  Safed Kaddu, Kumhraa.
Siddha  Suraikayi (Tamil).
Action  See C. maxima.
Cucurbita moschata
Key application  Seeds—in irritated
Duch. ex Poir.
bladder condition, micturition
Family  Cucurbitaceae. problems of benign prostatic
184 Cuminum cyminum Linn.

hyperplasia stages  and . (German flavonoid glycosides;  belong to api-

Commission E, The British Herbal genin,  to luteolin and  to chrysoeri-
Pharmacopoeia.) In childhood ol group. Major constituents of the es-
C enuresis noctruna. (Expanded
Commission E.)
sential oil include cuminaldehyde (–
% of the oil) and p-cymene.
EtOH (%) extract of the fruit ex-
The roasted and fresh seeds yield hibits spasmolytic and hypotensive ac-
. and .% of fatty oil respectively. tivity.
The oil filled capsules were adminis- Cumin is considered superior is
tered to patients suffering from hyper- comforting carminative qualities to
trophy of the prostate. Results showed Fennel or Caraway. Due to its disagree-
that the frequent urge to urinate de- able flavour it has been replaced by
creased and the urine residues were Caraway in European herbal medicine.
minimized. Cumin oil and cuminaldehyde have
The oil consists of the glycerides been reported to exhibit strong larvi-
of linoleic , oleic , palmitic and cidal and antibacterial activity.
stearic acids %. Sterols have been Fine grinding of the seed can cause
isolated. loss of % of volatile oil, most within
one hour. (Natural Medicines Compre-
hensive Database, .)
Cuminum cyminum Linn.
Dosage  Fruit—– g powder. (API
Family  Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. Vol. I.)
Habitat  Native to the Mediter-
ranean region; now cultivated in
Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Cupressus sempervirens Linn.
English  Cumin.
Family  Cupressaceae.
Ayurvedic  Shveta-jiraka, Ajaaji,
Shukla-ajaaji. The three jirakas Habitat  Native to Asia Minor,
mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts Syria and North Persia. The tree
are: Jiraka, Krishna Jiraka (Carum is a variety only known in the
bulbocastanum W. Koch.) and cultivated state in North-West
Kaaravi (Carum carvi Linn.). India. (Chopra RN.)
Unani  Safed Jeeraa, Kamun. English  Mediterranean Cypress.
Siddha/Tamil  Cheerakam. Ayurvedic  Suraahva.
Action  Carminative, antispasmodic Unani  Saro.
(used in dyspepsia and diarrhoea), Siddha/Tamil  Suram, Churam.
stimulant, diuretic, antibacterial,
Action  Tincture—vasoconstrictor,
emmenagogue, galactagogue.
antiseptic, sedative, antispasmodic,
Cumin seeds contain up to .% diuretic. Used for cough, cold,
lipids. They are reported to contain  bronchitis, varicose veins, piles,
 Curcuma amada Roxb. 185

menopausal cramps, leg-cramps. sapogenins; phenolic glycosides, a tri-

Essential oil—used only externally. terpene alcohol; a pentacyclic triter-
Used in aromatherapy for massage pene, an aliphatic compound, hen-
( drops in  teaspoonful of almond
oil).
triacontanol, sitosterol, stigmasterol,
cycloartenol and sucrose. A pep-
C
tide, Curculin C, containing  amino
The essential oil from the plant gave acids, has been isolated from the fruit.
 compounds; major compound was In traditional Chinese medicine,
alpha-pinene (.–.%); among dried rhizome, containing curculigo-
others—D-camphane, D-silvestren, p- side is used as a tonic for its immuno-
cymene, L-cadinenes, cedrol, terpine- logical and protective property.
ol, acetyl-and isovalerianyl monoter- In Indian medicine, powdered rhi-
pene ester. zomes with milk are taken as a restora-
No longer taken internally as a di- tive tonic, also for sexual debility.
luted essential oil. Medicinal parts are EtOH (%) of the plant exhibited
cones, branches and oil. hypoglycaemic property.
Dosage  Dried rhizome—– g
powder. (API Vol. IV.)
Curculigo orchioides Gaertn.
Family  Amaryllidaceae; Hypoxi-
daceae. Curcuma amada Roxb.
Habitat  Sub-tropical Himalayas Family  Zingiberaceae.
from Kumaon eastwards; Western
Ghats from Konkan Southwards. Habitat  Cultivated in Gujarat;
wild in parts of West Bengal, Uttar
Ayurvedic  Taalmuuli, Taalpatri, Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil
Krishna Mushali, Bhuumitaala. Nadu.
Unani  Musli Siyaah. English  Mango-ginger, Wild
Siddha/Tamil  Nilappanan kizhangu. Turmeric.
Action  Nervine, adaptogenic, seda- Ayurvedic  Aamra Haridraa, Aam-
tive, anticonvulsive, androgenic, ragandhi Haridraa, Surabhidaaru,
anti-inflammatory and diuretic. Karpuraa.
Used in Jaundice, urinary disor- Unani  Aambaa Haldi, Daarchob.
ders, skin diseases and asthma. Siddha/Tamil  Mangaiinji.
Mucilaginous.
Action  Carminative, stomachic,
The rhizome contains saponins (cur- appetizer, expectorant, antipyretic,
culigosaponin C and F promoted pro- anti-inflammatory. Specific in
liferation of spleen lymphocytes very rheumatism and inflammation of
significantly; F and G increased the liver; rheumatism; in contusions
weight of the thymus in vitro in mice); and sprains.
186 Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.

Presence of curcumin and a phytos- Dosage  Rhizome—– g powder.

terol is reported in the rhizome. The (CCRAS.)
essential oil exhibited antimicrobial,
C antifungal and anthelmintic activity
against tape worms.
Significant decrease was observed Curcuma aromatica Salisb.
in liver total lipids and serum trigly-
Family  Zingiberaceae.
cerides of adult female rat when fed
% Mango-ginger or % curcumin Habitat  Cultivated chiefly in West
along with normal diet or a surcose- Bengal and Kerala.
based hypertriglyceridaemic diet. English  Wild turmeric, Yellow
Dosage  Rhizome—– g powder; Zedoary.
– ml juice. (CCRAS.) Ayurvedic  Karpuraa, Aranya-rajani
kanda, Van Haridraa.
Unani  Daarchob.
Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.
Siddha/Tamil  Kastoori Manjal.
Family  Zingiberaceae.
Action  Uses similar to those of C.
Habitat  Central Himalaya, Bihar, longa. Essential oil from rhizomes—
West Bengal, Maharashtra and antimicrobial, antifungal and
South India. anthelmintic. The tubers are applied
English  East Indian Arrowroot, externally to bruises and sprains,
Travancore Starch. to skin eruptions and infections.
Ayurvedic  Tvakshira, Tvakshiri. A decoction is administered in
biliary gastritis.
Unani  Tikhur, Tabaasheer.
Siddha/Tamil  Ararut-gaddalu. Fresh rhizomes contain a number
Action  Starch—Cooling, demul- of sesquiterpenes including curdione
cent, nutritious; used for asthma and cerumol. Curcumol and curdione
and bronchitis, as a substitute for showed inhibitory activity on sarcoma
Vansalochana (Bamboo-manna).  in mice.
Oil—antibacterial, antifungal, The rhizomes yield .% of an es-
anthelmintic against tape worms. sential oil with d-camphene ., d-
Rhizome—used for fever, diarrhoea, camphor ., sesquiterpenes ., ses-
gravel, swellings and skin diseases. quiterpene alcohols ., acids .%.
The essential oil shows high amounts
The rhizomes yield .% of an essen- of ar-curcumene (.%), beta-cur-
tial oil containing alpha-pinene ., cumene (.%) and xanthorrhizol
beta-pinene ., d-ar-curcumene (.%).
., d-camphor ., d-alpha-terpi- The oil, on intraperitoneal adminis-
neol ., borneol ., zingiberol . tration, partly reversed toxipathic hep-
and a sesquiterpene alcohol .%. atitis in mice induced by CCl.
 Curcuma longa Linn. 187

Dosage  Rhizome—– g powder. Action  Anti-inflammatory,

(CCRAS.) cholagogue, hepatoprotective,
blood-purifier, antioxidant, detoxi-
fier and regenerator of liver tissue,
antiasthmatic, anti-tumour, anticu-
C
Curcuma caesia Roxb.
taneous, antiprotozoal, stomachic,
Family  Zingiberaceae. carminative. Reduces high plasma
Habitat  Cultivated mainly in West cholesterol. Antiplatelet activity of-
Bengal. fers protection to heart and vessels.
Also protects against DNA damage
English  Black Zedorary. in lymphocytes.
Ayurvedic  Rajani, Nishaa, Nishi,
Raatri, Kaali Haldi, Nilkanth, Key application  In dyspeptic
Narkachura. conditions. (German Commis-
sion E, ESCOP, WHO.) As anti-
Unani  Zarambaad. inflammatory, stomachic. (Indian
Siddha/Tamil  Manupasapu. Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
Action  Carminative. Used
externally for bruises and sprains. The rhizomes gave curcuminoids,
the mixture known as curcumin, con-
The essential oil contains camphor sisting of atleast four phenolic diaryl-
as main constituent; others are cam- heptanoids, including curcumin and
phane, bornylene and sesquiterpene monodesmethoxycurcumin; volatile
hydrocarbons. oil (–%), containing about % of
turmerones which are sesquiterpene
ketones, and bitter principles, sugars,
Curcuma longa Linn. starch, resin.
Curcumin related phenolics pos-
Synonym  C. domestica Valeton. sess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
Family  Zingiberaceae. gastroprotective and hepatoprotective
activities. The antioxidant activity of
Habitat  Cultivated all over India, curcumin is comparable to standard
particularly in West Bengal, Tamil antioxidants—vitamin C and E, BHA
Nadu and Maharashtra. and BHT.
English  Turmeric. The volatile oil, also curcumin, ex-
Ayurvedic  Haridraa, Priyaka, hibited anti-inflammatory activity in
Haridruma, Kshanda, Gauri, a variety of experimental models (the
Kaanchani, Krimighna, Varavarni- effects were comparable to those of
ni, Yoshitapriyaa, Hattavilaasini, cortisone and phenylbutazone). Used
Naktaahvaa, Sharvari. orally, curcumin prevents the release
of inflammatory mediators. It depletes
Unani  Zard Chob. nerve endings of substance P, the neu-
Siddha/Tamil  Manjal. rotransmitter of pain receptors.
188 Curcuma zedoaria Rosc.

Curcumin’s cholesterol-lowering Action  Carminative, stomachic,

actions include interfering with in- gastrointestinal stimulant, diuretic,
testinal cholesterol uptake, increasing expectorant, demulcent, rube-
C the conversion of cholesterol into bile
acids and increasing the excretion of
facient. Used in flatulence and
dyspepsia. Fresh root is used for
bile acids via its choleretic effects. checking lecorrhoeal discharge; also
Curcuminoids prevent the increases for blood purification. Zedoary’s
in liver enzymes, SGOT and SGPT; this effect on digestive organs is similar
validates the use of turmeric as a he- to ginger but milder.
patoprotective drug in liver disorders.
Curlone, obtained from the dried rhi-
zome, is used against hepatitis. Along with other therapeutic appli-
Turmeric and curcumin increase cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
the mucin content of the stomach and of India indicated the use of the rhi-
exert gastroprotective effects against zome in goiter.
stress, alcohol, drug-induced ulcer The rhizomes are a source of Shoti
formation. (Curcumin at doses of Starch, used as a food for babies and
 mg/kg weight exhibited ulcero- convalescents, recovering from chron-
genic activity in rats.) ic stomatitis. It is cooling and demul-
The ethanolic extract of the rhizome cent.
exhibited blood sugar lowering activity Zedoary, dried rhizomes, contains
in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. a number of terpenoids, including
Piperine (a constituent of black and curcumene, curcumenone, curdione,
long pepper) enhances absorption and curcumenol. Curzerenone, furanoger-
bioavailability of curcumin. menone, germacrone, germacrone
epoxide; a volatile oil (.–.%) re-
Dosage  Cured rhizome—– g sembling ginger oil, and starch (%).
powder. (API Vol. I.) Zedoary is thought to stimulate bile
production (due to sesquiterpene ke-
tones) and gall bladder emptying (due
Curcuma zedoaria Rosc. to cucuminoid constituents).
The sesquiterpenes, germacrone,
Family  Zingiberaceae. germacrone epoxide, curzerenone and
Habitat  Cultivated throughout curcumenol showed CNS depressant
India; wild in Eastern Himalaya. properties. Curzerenone also showed
a potent protective effect against in-
English  Zedoary, Zerumbet. duced lesions in rats. Both curz-
Ayurvedic  Karchuura, Draavida, erenone and curcumenol showed
Palaashi, Kachura, Gandhmuulaka, a moderate analgesic action.
Shati. The terpenoid furanogermenone ex-
hibits antiallergic activity. (Powdered
Unani  Zarambaad. zedoary, mixed with fructose, is used
Siddha/Tamil  Kichhilikkizhangu. as an antiallergant in Japan.)
 Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Linn.) Taub. 189

Curcumenol and curdione are Used in urinary, spleen and liver dis-
shown to possess tumour-inhibiting orders.
property. The rhizome is used in China
for extradural haematomas and certain
types of tumours. It has been reported
C
Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.
in China that zedoary reduced cervi-
cal cancer and increased the effects of Family  Convolvulaceae.
chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The volatile oil of zedoary exhibits Habitat  A parasitic climber
antimicrobial and antifungal activity. common throughout India up to
The antifungal constituent of the oil has , m.
been reported as methyl-p-methoxy- English  Doddar.
cinnamate.
Ayurvedic  Amarvalli.
Dosage  Dried rhizome—– g
Unani  Kasoos.
powder. (API Vol. IV.)
Action  See C. epithymum.

The seeds contain amarbelin and

Cuscuta epithymum Linn. kaempferol; stem gave cuscutin, cuscu-
Family  Convolvulaceae. tatin, beta-sitosterol, luteolin, bergenin
and kaempferol. The parasitic plant
Habitat  A parasitic climber, accumulates alkaloids from the host
occuring in Europe, Asia, South plant. The climber growing on Mangi-
Africa. era indica has been found to contain
English  Lesser Doddar, Hellweed, mangiferin.
Devil’s Guts.
Ayurvedic  Aakaashvalli, Amarvalli,
Amarvela.
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba
Unani  Aftimoon. (Linn.) Taub.
Folk  Sitammapogunalu (Telugu).
Family  Fabaceae; Papilionaceae.
Action  Hepatic, laxative, carmina-
tive. Habitat  Cultivated throughout
India, particularly in Haryana,
The parasitic plant accumulates al- Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh
kaloids from the host plant. It con- and Orissa.
tains flavonoids, including kaempferol
and quercetin, hydroxycinnamic acid English  Cluster bean, Guar.
derivatives. Cuscutalin (%) and cus- Ayurvedic  Kshudra Shimbi,
cutin (.%) are main active princi- Gorakshaphalini, Guaar, Gwaalin.
ples of the plant. Seeds contain amar-
Unani  Guaar phali.
velin, resins, oil (%) and reducing sug-
ars. Siddha/Tamil  Kothaveray.
190 Cyclea arnotii Miers.

Action  Laxative, antibilious. Ayurvedic  Raaj-Paathaa (bigger

Gum—hypoglycaemic, hypolipi- var. of Paathaa, Cissampelos pareira
daemic, appetite depressor (weight Linn.).
C loss not observed), reduces glyco-
suria during gum supplementation.
Siddha/Tamil  Para.
Action  Roots—used in smallpox,
The administration of Guar gum bone fractures, malarial fever,
( g/day) with normal diet for  weeks jaundice, stomachache.
produced significant reduction in plas-
The root yielded tetrandrine as the
ma, total cholesterol and LDL-choles-
major alkaloid. Tetrandrine (. g/day)
terol. The gum ( g daily) is reported
was found effective in the treatment of
to decrease blood-glucose level in nor-
chloroquine resistant malaria.
mal and diabetic volunteers. The sup-
Tetrandrine possesses cytotoxic and
plementation of the gum in the diet of
immunomodulatory properties and is
insulin-dependent diabetics failed to
indicated in the treatment of chronic
improve the long-term diabetic con-
inflammatory diseases. It shows an-
trol, but significantly reduced serum
tihypertensive, cardiac depressant and
cholesterol levels.
vasodilator effect. It also exhibits an-
Taking Guar gum orally with meals
tiallergic activity.
was found to lower post-prandial glu-
cose levels in patients with type  dia-
betes. (Am J clin Nutr, , , –
.) Cydonia oblonga Mill.
Oral administration of an ethanol
Synonym  C. vulgaris Pers.
extract of powdered pods has shown
significant antiulcer, antisecretory and Family  Rosaceae.
cytoprotective effects on various ex- Habitat  Cultivated in Punjab,
perimentally-induced gastric lesions in Kashmir and the Nilgiri hills.
rats.
Guarmeal contains galactomannan, English  Quince Fruit.
-epikatonic acid and a saponin. Ayurvedic  Amritaphala, Paatalaa,
Simbitikaa.
Unani  Bihi, Bihidaanaa.
Siddha/Tamil  Shimaimathala.
Cyclea arnotii Miers.
Action  Fruit pulp and seeds—
Synonym  C. peltata Hook. F & soothing and demulcent; used
Thoms. in irritable bowel syndrome,
Family  Menispermaceae. diarrhoea, dysentery, constipation,
and in irritable conditions of the
Habitat  Throughout South and mucous membrane. Leaf, bud
East India and in the Andaman and and bark—astringent. Fruit—
Nicobar Islands. expectorant. Mucilage—used
 Cymbopogon jwarancusa (Jones) Schult. 191

externally for scalds, ulcers and depressant, analgesic, antipyretic,

burns. antibacterial, antifungal.
The seed kernel contains the gly- The lemongrass contains a volatile
coside amygdalin, tannin, mucilage oil, with citral (about %), citronellal, C
(about %), ash (.%) and fatty oil geraniol and myrcene as its main con-
(–%). stituents. Cetral and citronellal exhibit
In Greece, a tea prepared by boiling marked sedative activity.
dry seeds in water is given in cysti- The lemongrass is taken as a tea for
tis. The major water-soluble polysac- digestive problems; it relaxes muscles
charide in the mucilage of seeds con- of the stomach and gut, relieves spasm
tains a high proportion of glucuronic and flatulence. In catarrhal conditions,
acid residues. it is taken as a febrifuge.
The fruit contains pectin (yield An infusion of fresh leaves on oral
.% fresh weight) and is similar to administration has been found to pro-
that of apple. Ionone glycosides, along duce dose-dependent analgesia in rats.
with octadienoic acid and its diol, have This analgesic acitivity is caused by
been isolated from the fruit. myrcene present in the leaf.
Fruit juice contains thiamine, ri- Geraniol and d-limonene from the
boflavin, nicotinic acid, vitamin B, essential oil induce activity of glu-
inositol, pantothenic acid, folic acid tathione S-transferase, a detoxifying
and biotin. enzyme, which is believed to be a major
The essential oil also gave a num- factor for chemical carcinogen detoxi-
ber of ionone-related compounds. The fication.
buds contain a cyanogenetic glycoside.
The bark and shoots yield hydrocyanic
acid on distillation.
Cymbopogon jwarancusa
(Jones) Schult.

Cymbopogon citratus Synonym  Andropogon jwarancusa

(DC.) Stapf. Jones.
Family  Poaceae.
Synonym  Andropogon citratus DC.
Habitat  Himalayas from Kashmir
Family  Poaceae. to Assam, ascending up to more
Habitat  Grown in Punjab, Maha- than  m and in the north-western
rashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka. plains.
English  Lemongrass. Ayurvedic  Bhuutikaa, Laamajja-
Ayurvedic  Bhuutika, Bhuutikaa. ka, Laamajja. (Subs. Vetiveria
zizanioides (L.) Nash.)
Action  Leaf—stimulant, sudorific,
Unani  Izkhar.
antiperiodic, anticatarrhal. Essen-
tial oil—carminative, anticholerin, Siddha/Tamil  Vilaamichhan.
192 Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats.

Action  Blood purifier, bechic, er geraniol. It is known as Gingergrass

anticholerin, emmenagogue, Oil.
febrifuge, antirheumatic (also used
C in gout). Flower—styptic. Essential
oil—antimicrobial. Cymbopogon nardus
(Linn.) Rendle.
Major constituent of the essential oil
is piperitone (.%) others include Synonym  Andropogon nardus Linn.
borneol, cadinene, camphene, cam- Family  Poaceae.
phor, farnesene, geraniol, alpha-and
Habitat  Mainly in South India;
beta-pinene. The antibacterial activity
cultivated to a small extent in
is attributed to piperitone.
warmer parts of India.
English  Ceylon Citronella Grass.

Cymbopogon martinii Ayurvedic  Jambir-trn (var.).

(Roxb.) Wats. Siddha/Tamil  Kamachipillu.
Synonym  Andropogon martinii Action  Leaf—stomachic, carmina-
Roxb. tive, spasmolytic, mild astringent.
Family  Poaceae. Essential oil—stimulant, carmi-
native, diaphoretic, rubefacient,
Habitat  In drier parts of India;
antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal,
in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, larvicidal.
Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh
and Uttar Pradesh. The most Lemongrass and lemongrass oil pre-
important centers of Rosha Grass parations are used almost exclusively
oil production are Betul and Mimar in combinations for disorders and dis-
in Madhya Pradesh and Nasik in comforts of gastrointestinal tract, mus-
Maharashtra. cle pain and neuralgia, colds, various
English  Rosha Grass, Palmarosa. nervous disturbances and for condi-
tions of exhaustion.
Ayurvedic  Rohisha-trn, Dhyaama-
Major constituents of the essential
ka. oil are: citronellal ., neral ., cit-
Siddha/Tamil  Kavathampillu. ronellol ., elemicine ., geranyl ac-
Action  Essential oil is used etate ., elemol ., limonene . and
externally for stiff joints and isopulegol .%.
lumbago, skin diseases, and in Citronella oil is also used as an insect
the treatment of baldness. Given repellent.
internally in small doses in bilious
complaints.
Cymbopogon schoenanthus
The essential oil obtained from mo- Spreng.
tia var. is rich in geraniol (–%).
The oil is known as Palmarosa, also Synonym  Andropogon schoenan-
Rusa. Sofia var. yields an oil with less- thus Linn.
 Cynodon dactylon Pers. 193

Family  Poaceae. (flow of bile increases up to  per

Habitat  Warmer parts of India, cent). Artichokes assist digestion of
from Punjab to Bengal and in South fats, are known as diabetic’s potato
India. in Europe.
C
Key application  In dyspeptic
English  Camel-Hay.
problems. (German Commission E.)
Ayurvedic  Rohisha (var.). The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia
Unani  Rusaa Ghaas, Izkhar. reported hepatic action.
Siddha/Tamil  Karpurapul, Rohisha- All parts of the plant contains ses-
trna. quiterpene lactone cynaropecrin and
Action  Roots and rhizome— inulin. The leaves contain cynarin.
carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, Hepatic activity of the leaves is due
emmenagogue; used for fever, cold to polyphenols such as cynarin, caf-
and genitourinary affections. feoylquinic acid derivatives and flavon-
oids. Cynarin and caffeic acid ex-
Fresh leaves yield an essential oil hibited hepatoprotective activity in
(yield .%). It contains a series of CCl-treated rats. (A minimum of
methyl ketones, along with limonene % polyphenols and .% flavonoids
., camphene .%, and a group of in the dried leaves is required for the
oxygenated sesquiterpenes, the major activity.)
being elemol .%. The plant is included in indigenous
The fragrant oil is known as Rusa compound formulations recommend-
or Geranium Oil and is used as a sub- ed for viral and drug-induced hepatitis.
stitute for rose oil. It exhibits stimu- All parts of the plant stimulate diges-
lant, carminative, antispasmodic and tive secretions, especially bile, and are
diaphoretic properties. It is applied ex- used for the treatment of gallbladder
ternally in rheumatism and neuralgia. problems. Plant is used as a diuret-
ic in dropsy. The plant is also used
against atherosclerosis and for lower-
Cynara scolymus Linn. ing cholesterol levels.
The extract gave mixed results in
Family  Compositae; Asteraceae. preventing alcohol-induced hangover.
Habitat  Monastery gardens of (CMAJ, , , –; Natu-
Europe. Now cultivated in India. ral Medicines Comprehensive Database,
.)
English  Globe Artichoke.
Unani  Harshaf.
Action  Herb—antitoxic, liver Cynodon dactylon Pers.
restorative, hypocholesterolaemic.
Water soluble extract is used for Family  Gramineae; Poaceae.
liver and renal diseases for its Habitat  Throughout India up to
cholagogic and choleretic action , m.
194 Cyperus articulatus Linn.

English  Bermuda Grass, Bahama Ayurvedic  Kronchaadana.

Grass, Couch Grass.
Action  Carminative, antiemetic
Ayurvedic  Duurvaa, Bhaargavi, (useful in vomiting of pregnancy),
C Shatvalli, Shatparvaa, Tiktaparvaa, sedative (in dyspeptic disorders).
Shatviryaa, Sahastravirya, Shitaa,
Anantaa, Golomi. The root contains a sesquiterpene
Unani  Duub. ketone, articulone, which is identi-
cal to cyperone. Volatile oil con-
Siddha/Tamil  Arugampallu. tains sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and
Action  The grass is a reputed as sesquiterpene alcohols, including cy-
a remedy in epitaxis, haematuria, perenone.
inflammed tumours, whitlows Cypress is a totally different herb.
fleshy excrescences, cuts, wounds, See Cupressus sempervirens.
bleeding piles, cystitis, nephritis and
in scabies and other skin diseases. It
is credited with astringent, diuretic,
antidiarrhoeal, anticatarrhal, styptic Cyperus esculentus Linn.
and antiseptic properties.
Family  Cyperaceae.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-
dia recommended the dried fibrous Habitat  Indigenous to West
root in menorrhagia, metrorrhagia Asia and North Africa; occurring
and burning micturation. scattered from Punjab to Nilgiri
hills as a grass-like sedge.
Phenolic phytotoxins—ferulic, sy-
ringic, p-coumaric, vanillic, p-hydro- English  Earth Almond, Chufa,
xybenzoic and O-hydroxyphenyl ace- Rush Nut, Tiger Nut. (Tuber is
tic acids, are reported from the plant. called Nut.)
The leaves contain tricin, flavone C- Ayurvedic  Chichoda.
glycosides and a flavonoid sulphate.
Folk  Chichodaa, Kaseru (Punjab).
Dosage  Whole plant—– ml Also equated with Naagaramustaka.
juice (API Vol. IV.); root—– ml
juice (API Vol. III.) Action  A digestive tonic (used
for indigestion, flatulence, colic,
diarrhoea, dysentery); promotes
diuresis and menstruation. The
Cyperus articulatus Linn. juice is taken for treating ulcers of
Family  Cyperaceae. the mouth and gums.
Habitat  Native to Turkey; found Tiger Nut is used in debility and as
in warm regions from Bengal to Sri a nervine tonic due to its high crude
Lanka in standing water of ponds lipid and carbohydrate contents and
and canals. fairly good essential amino acid com-
English  Guinea Rush, Ardue. position.
 Cyperus scariosus R.Br. 195

Cyperus rotundus Linn. butazone when administered intraperi-

toneally.
Family  Cyperaceae. The alcoholic and aqueous extracts
Habitat  Throughout India, as of the tubers possess lipolytic action
and reduce obesity by releasing en-
C
a weed upto , m.
hanced concentrations of biogenic
English  Nut Grass.
amines from nerve terminals of the
Ayurvedic  Musta, Mustaa, Mus- brain which suppress the appetite cen-
taka, Abda, Ambuda, Ambhoda, tre. Presence of eudalne group of ses-
Ambodhara, Bhadra, Bhadraa, quiterpenic compounds of sesquiter-
Bhadramusta, Bhadramustaa, pene alcohol, isocyperol is said to play
Bhadramustaka, Ghana, Jalada, an important role in lipid metabolism.
Jaldhara, Meghaahvaa, Nirada, An alcoholic extract of the plant ex-
Vaarida, Vaarivaaha, Payoda, hibits liver-protective activity against
Balaahaka. Ganda-Duurvaa (var.). CCL-induced liver damage in mice.
Unani  Naagarmothaa, Saad-e-Kufi. Methanolic extract of the plant stim-
ulates the production of melanin in
Siddha/Tamil  Koraikkizhangu. cultured melanocytes. (Plant extract is
Folk  Mothaa. used in preparations used for pigmen-
Action  Carminative, astringent, tation of skin and hair, also in suntan
anti-inflammatory, antirheumat- gels.)
ic, hepatoprotective, diuretic, Aqueous-alcoholic extract of the
antipyretic, analgesic, hypoten- tuber exhibited hypotensive, diuret-
sive, emmenagogue and nervine ic, antipyretic and analgesic activities.
tonic. These are attributed to a triterpenoid.
The essential oil (.–.%) from the
Used for intestinal problems, indi- tubers contains mainly sesquiterpenes.
gestion, sprue, diarrhoea, dysentery, C. platystilis Br. is equated with
vomiting and fever; also as a hypoc- Kaivarta-mustaka.
holesterolaemic drug and in obesity. Dosage  Rhizome—– g powder;
Along with other therapeutic appli-
– ml decoction. (API Vol. III.)
cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicated the use of the rhi-
zome in rheumatism, inflammations,
dysuria, puerperal diseases and obesi- Cyperus scariosus R.Br.
ty. Family  Cyperaceae.
The tuber is rich in Cu, Fe, Mg
Habitat  Damp situations in Uttar
and Ni. Beta-sitosterol, isolated from
Pradesh and eastern and southern
the tubers, exhibits significant anti-
parts of India.
inflammatory activity against carra-
geenan- and cotton pellet-induced English  Nut grass.
oedema in rats; the activity is com- Ayurvedic  Bhadramustaa, Musta,
parable to hydrocortisone and phenyl- Amoda, Naagaramustaka. (Naagara
196 Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link.

is a different drug, equated with and functional palpitation. (The

Zingiber officinale Rosc.) action of the whole plant is stated
Siddha  Korai-kilangu (Tamil). to be different from that of isolated
C Folk  Naagara-mothaa.
alkaloids.) The whole herb has been
used to treat tumours.
Action  Essential oil—hypotensive, Key application  For functional
anti-inflammatory, CNS stimulant, heart and circulatory disorders.
antimicrobial. Rhizome—stom- Aqueous-ethanolic extracts are
achic, cordial, antidiarrhoeal and used internally. Simultaneous
diuretic. administration of MAO-inhibitors
See C. rotundus. contraindicated due to the tyramine
content. (German Commission E.)
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia
Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link. reported antiarrhythmic and
diuretic action of the herb.
Synonym  Sarothamnus scoparius
(L.) Koch. The herb contains quinolizidine al-
kaloids; main alkaloids are (−)-spar-
Family  Papilionaceae, Fabaceae. teine, lupanine, ammodendrine and
Habitat  Mild climatic regions of various derivatives; biogenic amines,
south and central Europe, north including tryramine, epinine, dopa-
Africa and West Asia. C. scoparius mine; isoflavone glycosides including
is fairly common in and around genistein, scoparin; flavonoids; essen-
Oatacmund (Nilgiris) and is found tial oil; caffeic acid and p-coumaric
wild as a garden escape. It grows also acids; tannins. Seeds contain lectins
in Simla and neighbouring places. (phytohaemagglutinins).
An allied species, C. monspessulanus The herb contains over % tyramine.
Linn., White Broom, also occurs in Tyramine acts as an indirect sympa-
the Nilgiri hills. thomimetic, vasoconstrictive and hy-
English  Broom, Scotch Broom, potensive.
Yellow Broom. The herb is contraindicated in high
blood pressure, A-V block and preg-
Folk  Broom. nancy.
Action  Green twigs of the plant, Scoparin’s action on renal mucous
collected before flowering, either membrane is similar to that of Buchu
fresh or after drying, are used as and Uva-ursi. (A decoction or infu-
diuretic and cathartic. Emetic in sion of broom is used in dropsical com-
large doses. The seeds are also used plaints of cardiac origin.)
similarly. The herb is used chiefly in Sparteine produces a transient rise
the form of sulphate in tachycardia in arterial pressure followed by a longer
 Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link. 197

period of decreased vascular tension large doses, it is highly toxic and im-
(contradictory observations have been pairs the activity of respiratory organs.
recorded). Some researchers are of the C. monopessulanus (a related spe-
opinion that sparteine is a regulator
in chronic vulvar disease. It showed
cies) contains. % alkaloids.
Sparteine is toxic at more than
C
no cumulative action like digitalis. In  mg dose. (Francis Brinker.)