Indian Medicinal Plants

158 Clematis gouriana Roxb.
C
The alkaloids of ergot are being
used independently (not as a herbal
medicine). Ergotamine is used to relieve
migrainous headaches as it is
a vasoconstrictor and has antiserotonin
activity. Ergometrine is used
after childbirth in the third stage of
labour and for post-partum haemorrhage,
as it is a powerful uterine
stimulant, particularly of the puerperal
uterus. (Both the constituents are
used under medical supervision). Ergocornine
significantly inhibited the
development of induced mammary tumours
in rats. The derivatives of ergot
alkaloids are known to have suppressing
effect on human breast cancer in
initial stages. This activity is linked to
prolactin inhibitory action.
The extract is toxic at 1.0–3.9 g,
ergot alkaloids at 1 g in adults, 12 mg
in infants. (Francis Brinker).
Dosage ◮ Whole plant—10–30 ml
infusion. (CCRAS.)
Clematis gouriana Roxb.
Family ◮ Ranunculaceae.
Habitat ◮ Throughout India in
plains.
English ◮ Commercially known as
Muurvaa.
Folk ◮ Belkangu (used as substitute
for Muurvaa in Maharashtra).
Action ◮ Leaf and stem—vesicant,
poisonous.
Aerial parts and roots contain a quaternary
aporphine alkaloid, magnofluorine.
The leaves yield protoanemonin,
a fungitoxic compound.
A related species, C. napaulensis
DC. is used in leprosy. C. recta (Upright
Virgin’s Bower) is used in homoeopathic
medicine for cancerous
and foul ulcers; orally for rheumatic
pains, varicose veins, gout and as
adiuretic.
Cleome brachycarpa Vahl ex DC.
Synonym ◮
Family ◮
C. vahliana Farsen.
Capparidaceae.
Habitat ◮ Northwestern Rajasthan,
Punjab plains and Delhi.
Unani ◮ Panwaar.
Folk ◮ Madhio (Rajasthan).
Action ◮ Anti-inflammatory,
antirheumatic, antidermatosis (used
in scabies, also in leucoderma).
The plant contains trinortriterpenoids
and cabralealactone, besides ursolic
acid.
Cleome icosandra Linn.
Synonym ◮
Family ◮
C. viscosa Linn.
Capparidaceae.
Habitat ◮ Throughout India; Tripura,
West Bengal and Gangetic valley, as
a weed.
English ◮ Wild Mustard.
Ayurvedic ◮ Tilaparni, Hurhur
(yellow var.), Aadityabhakta.
Unani ◮ Panwaar, Hulhul.
Siddha/Tamil ◮ Nayikkadugu,
Nalvellai.