Indian Medicinal Plants An Illustrated Dictionary

Ayurvedic ◮ Ajakarna, Chhaagakarna,
Ashwakarna.
Siddha/Tamil ◮ Enney, Saara.
Folk ◮ Gurjan.
Action ◮ Oleo-resin (known as
Gurjan Oil or Gurjan Balsam)—
stimulant to genitourinary system,
diuretic, spasmolytic; used
externally on ulcers, ringworm
and other cutaneous affections.
Bark—a decoction is prescribed
rheumatism.
Essential oil from oleo-resin contained
humulene, beta-caryophyllene,
a bicyclic sesquiterpene hydrocarbon
and a sesquiterpene alcohol.
The twig bark contains 9% tannin
and 7.3% soluble non-tans.
Dosage ◮ Oil—3–5 ml. (CCRAS.)
Dodonaea viscosa Linn. Jacq.
Family ◮ Sapindaceae.
Habitat ◮ North-western Himalaya
up to 1,350 m, in Punjab, South
India, ascending to 2,400 m on
Nilgiris. Also planted as a hedge
plant in Northern India.
English ◮ Jamacia Switch Sorrel.
Ayurvedic ◮ Raasnaa (substitute,
used in Andhra Pradesh). (Raasnaa
is equated with Pluchea lanceolata
C. B. Clarke.)
Siddha/Tamil ◮ Virali, Velari.
Action ◮ Leaves—anti-inflammatory
and antibacterial (used in the
treatment of swellings, burns,
wounds), febrifuge, embrocation of
Dolichandrone falcate Seem. 221
leaves is applied to sprains. Bark—
astringent and anti-inflammatory.
Aerial parts—hypoglycaemic.
The plant contains bioflavonoids (vitamin
P) which are biologically active
in improving blood circulation and
strengthening capillaries. Aqueous
and alcoholic extracts of the plant exhibited
cardioinhibitory and coronory
constricting, also spasmolytic, sedative
and hypotensive activity.
The leaves and pods gave iso-rhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside,quercetin-3-Ogalactoside
and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside.
Resin gave a diterpene carboxylic
acid (hautriwaic acid). Flowers gave
kaempferol.
Dolichandrone falcate Seem.
Family ◮ Bignoniaceae.
Habitat ◮ Moist forests of central
and southern India.
Ayurvedic ◮ Mesha-shringi (also
equated with Gymnena sylvestre R.
Br.), Vishaanikaa.
Siddha/Tamil ◮ Kattu Varsana,
Kaddalatti, Kaliyacca.
Action ◮ Fruits—bitter, carminative,
used in diabetes, urinary disorders,
bronchitis and skin diseases.
Leaves—applied externally to
swollen glands. Abortifacient.
The leaves yield luteolin, chrysin and
its 7-rutinoside and glucoside.
Fruits are also known as Rshabhaka
in the South.
D