Indian Medicinal Plants An Illustrated Dictionary

Key application ◮ As antibacterial
and fungistatic. Internally, for loss of
appetite, dyspeptic complaints such
as mild spastic conditions of the
gastrointestinal tract, bloating and
flatulence. (German Commission
E, ESCOP.) Contraindicated in
stomach and duodenal ulcers.
(WHO.)
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
indicated the use of dried mature
leaves of Cinnamomum tamala and
dried inner bark of C. zeylanicum in
sinusitis.
Cinnamaldehyde is the major constituent
(74%) of the essential oil from
bark.
Major constituent of the leaf oil is
eugenol (28–98%) and that of rootbark
oil camphor (60%).
Cinnamaldehyde is hypotensive,
spasmolytic and increases peripheral
blood flow; and it inhibits cyclooxygenase
and lipoxygenase enzymes of
arachidonic acid metabolism.
Cinnamaldehyde exhibits CNSstimulant
effects at high doses. (Natural
Medicines Comprehensive Database,
2007.)
The bark oil and extracts exhibit antibacterial,
antifungal and antiviral activities,
and enhance trypsin activity.
Eugenol content of the leaf oil is antiseptic
and anaesthetic. It is not interchangable
with the bark oil.
Root bark oil acts as a stimulant in
amenorrhoea. The bark contains tannins
(6.5%) consisting of tetrahydroxyflavandiols;
diterpenes, cinnzeylanin
and cinnzeylanol.
C. malabatrum (Burm. f.) Blume is
equated with Jangali Daarchini.
Cissampelos pareira Linn. 151
Dosage ◮ Dried inner bark—1–3 g
powder. (API Vol. I.)
Cissampelos pareira Linn.
Family ◮ Menispermaceae.
Habitat ◮ The tropical and subtropical
parts of India.
English ◮ Velvet-Leaf Pareira, Pareira
Brava.
Ayurvedic ◮ Paathaa, Ambashthaa,
Varatiktaaa, Vriki, Aviddhakarni,
Piluphalaa, Shreyashi.Bigger var.,
Raaja Paathaa, is equated with
Stephania hernandifolia Walp.)
Unani ◮ Paathaa.
Siddha/Tamil ◮ Paadakkizhangu,
Appatta.
Action ◮ Root astringent, antispasmodic
(used for cramps,
painful menstruation), analgesic,
antipyretic, diuretic, antilithic and
emmenagogue. Prescribed for
diarrhoea, dysentery, piles, urogenital
affections (cystitis, nephritis,
menorrhagia) Root paste is applied
topically on scabies and eruptions
on the body. Also used for
preventing miscarriage.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
attributed blood purifying properties
to the root and indicated it in lactal
disorders.
Hayatine (dl-beberine) is the principal
alkaloid of the root. Its derivatives,
methiodide and methochloride
are reported to be potent neuromuscular-blocking
agents.
C