Chakramarda (Asteracantha longifolia), commonly known as Water Spider, is a perennial herb native to South and Southeast Asia. It is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine due to its therapeutic properties, particularly for its ability to support urinary health, enhance male reproductive function, and treat various inflammatory conditions. The ability of Chakramad to balance the three doshas—Pitta, Kapha, and Vata—makes it extremely valuable.
Water Spider Scientific Name
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Genus: Asteracantha
- Species: Asteracantha longifolia
Common Names
- English: Water Spider
- Sanskrit: Chakramarda
- Hindi: Bhui Amla
- Tamil: Kuppaimeni
- Telugu: Tangedu
- Bengali: Dharmani
- Marathi: Chakramad
Chakramarda Uses
- Urinary Health – Commonly used as a diuretic, promoting the expulsion of excess urine and treating conditions like urinary retention and dysuria.
- Male Reproductive Health – Supports spermatogenesis, improving male fertility by enhancing sperm count and motility.
- Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief – The plant has anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for treating conditions like arthritis and muscular pain.
- Antioxidant Properties – It exhibits significant antioxidant activity, which helps in combating oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
- Skin Care – Applied externally, it is effective in treating skin infections, wounds, and ulcers.
Phytochemical Constituents
Chakramad contains a variety of bioactive compounds contributing to its medicinal properties. Some key phytochemicals include:
- Alkaloids: Asteracanthaine
- Flavonoids: Quercetin, Kaempferol
- Phenolic Compounds: Caffeic acid, Chlorogenic acid
- Saponins: Asteracanthosides
- Triterpenoids: Beta-sitosterol
References
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Govt. of India.
Joshi, S.G. (2000). Medicinal Plants. Oxford & IBH Publishing.
Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.
Verma, R., & Dubey, N.K. (2009). “Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Asteracantha longifolia (L.) Nees.” International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 2(6), 1043-1048.
Tiwari, M., & Pattanayak, S.K. (2012). “A review on the medicinal uses of Asteracantha longifolia.” Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 6(33), 4770-4774.
Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Vol. I, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India.
Borsali (Mimusops elengi), commonly known as Spanish Cherry or Bakul, is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to South and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Sapotaceae family. The tree is prized for its fragrant flowers and medicinal bark.
bakul tree scientific name
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Ericales
- Family: Sapotaceae
- Genus: Mimusops
- Species: Mimusops elengi
Mimusops elengi common name
- English: Spanish Cherry, Bulletwood Tree
- Sanskrit: Bakula
- Hindi: Maulsari / Borsali
- Tamil: Magizhamboo
- Telugu: Pogada
- Malayalam: Elanji
- Bengali: Bokul
- Marathi: Bakul
Mimusops elengi Uses
- Oral and Dental Health – Bark and flower powder used as astringent and tooth powder to treat gum bleeding, pyorrhea, and bad breath.
- Anti-Diarrheal and Astringent – Bark decoction is effective in treating diarrhea, dysentery, and other GI issues.
- Wound Healing and Inflammation – Bark paste used externally to aid wound healing and reduce local inflammation.
- Reproductive Health – Traditionally used to tone the uterus and manage excessive menstruation (menorrhagia).
- Respiratory Health – Acts as a mild expectorant and used in traditional formulations to ease cough and throat irritation.
Phytochemical Constituents
Mimusops elengi contains various active phytochemicals responsible for its medicinal value:
- Tannins – Astringent properties
- Triterpenoids – Lupeol, Betulinic acid (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial)
- Flavonoids – Quercetin, Rutin (antioxidant)
- Saponins – Detergent and healing properties
- Alkaloids – Various with analgesic and antimicrobial activities
- Steroids – Sitosterol (anti-inflammatory)
References
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Govt. of India, Ministry of AYUSH. Part I, Vol. II, p. 119–121.
Kirtikar, K.R., & Basu, B.D. (1935). Indian Medicinal Plants, Volume II. Allahabad: Lalit Mohan Basu, pp. 1585–1587.
Nadkarni, K.M. (1976). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. I. Popular Prakashan, Bombay.
The Wealth of India: A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials and Industrial Products – Raw Materials, Vol. VI, Publications and Information Directorate, CSIR, New Delhi.
Rao, K. S., & Sreeramulu, S. H. (2007). “Antibacterial activity of Mimusops elengi bark extract against dental pathogens.” Indian Journal of Dental Research, 18(4), 148–151.
Patil, V.M., et al. (2010). “Phytochemical and pharmacological review on Mimusops elengi.” International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 1(12), 65–72.
European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.
Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.
Akkalkaro (Anacyclus pyrethrum DC.), also known as pellitory root, is a perennial herb traditionally used in Ayurveda and Unani medicine for its stimulating, aphrodisiac, and nerve-tonic properties. The root is particularly known for its pungent taste and its characteristic tingling and salivation-inducing effects when chewed. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is mainly found in North Africa and parts of India.
Scientific Names
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Anacyclus
- Species: Anacyclus pyrethrum DC.
Common Names
- English: Pellitory root, Spanish chamomile
- Sanskrit: Akarkara
- Hindi: Akkalkaro
- Gujarati: Akalkaro
- Tamil: Akkirakaram
- Malayalam: Akkarakaram
- Marathi: Akkalkaro
- Urdu: Aqarqarha
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
- Nervous System Tonic – Used as a nervine stimulant to improve speech defects, facial paralysis, epilepsy, and general nervous debility.
- Aphrodisiac and Reproductive Health – Considered a potent aphrodisiac in Ayurveda, Enhances libido, improves sperm quality, and is used in erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
- Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic – Used in rheumatism, arthritis, and joint pain for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Phytochemical Constituents
The medicinal properties of Anacyclus pyrethrum are attributed to its diverse phytoconstituents:
- Alkylamides (notably pellitorine) – responsible for its tingling effect and neuro-stimulant activity.
- Sesquiterpene lactones – anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.
- Inulin – prebiotic fiber, digestive stimulant.
- Triterpenoids – contributes to adaptogenic and antioxidant properties.
- Essential Oils – includes compounds like pyrethrin, anacyclin, and angelicin.
References
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Part I, Vol. 2, Govt. of India, Ministry of AYUSH.
Kapoor, L.D. (1990). CRC Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants. CRC Press.
Pandey, G.N. (2004). Dravyaguna Vigyan, Vol. 2. Chaukhamba Publications.
Singh, R., et al. (2011). “Phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Anacyclus pyrethrum (Linn.)” International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 2(7), 1631-1636.
Mehrotra, N.N. & Rastogi, R.P. (2003). Compendium of Indian Medicinal Plants, Volume 5. CSIR, India.
Azwanida, N.N. (2015). “A review on the extraction methods use in medicinal plants, principle, strength and limitation.” Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, 4(3), 196.
European Medicines Agency (EMA). (2020). “Assessment report on Anacyclus pyrethrum root for traditional use.”
Nadkarni, K.M. (1976). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. I. Popular Prakashan, Mumbai.
Bilwa / Bengal quince (Aegle marmelos L.), also known as Bael, is a sacred and medicinal tree revered in Ayurveda and Hindu tradition. It belongs to the Rutaceae family and is native to India and Southeast Asia. All parts of the tree—fruit, leaves, bark, root, and flowers—are used for their therapeutic properties, especially in treating gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, inflammation, and respiratory conditions.
Scientific Names
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Sapindales
- Family: Rutaceae
- Genus: Aegle
- Species: Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa
Common Names
- English: Bael, Bengal quince, Golden apple
- Sanskrit: Bilwa, Shriphal, Shailush
- Hindi: Bael
- Tamil: Vilvam
- Telugu: Maredu
- Bengali: Bel
- Marathi: Bel
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
- Gastrointestinal Disorders – Bilwa fruit pulp’s astringent and digestive qualities make it useful for treating indigestion, diarrhea, and dysentery.
- Antidiabetic Action – Leaves and extracts are traditionally used to manage blood sugar levels.
- Respiratory Health – Roots and leaves are used in formulations for bronchitis and asthma due to their expectorant nature.
- Antimicrobial & Antiparasitic – Exhibits activity against bacteria, viruses, and intestinal parasites.
- Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant – In numerous investigations, it has shown potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant qualities.
- Wound Healing and Skin Conditions – Bilwa leaf paste is applied to wounds, ulcers, and skin infections.
Phytochemical Constituents
Bilwa is rich in a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to its pharmacological effects.
- Alkaloids: Aegeline, Aegelenine
- Coumarins: Marmelosin, Imperatorin
- Tannins: Present in unripe fruit – responsible for anti-diarrheal effects
- Flavonoids: Rutin, Kaempferol, Quercetin
- Essential Oils: Eugenol, Citral, Limonene
- Pectin and Mucilage: From ripe fruit pulp
References
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. I, Govt. of India, Ministry of AYUSH.
Sharma, P.V. (1999). Dravyaguna Vijnana (Vol. II). Chaukhambha Bharati Academy.
Jindal, A., & Garg, A. (2017). “Therapeutic benefits of Aegle marmelos (Bael) – A review.” Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 6(5), 424-429.
Balasubramani, S.P. et al. (2015). “Pharmacological activities of Aegle marmelos – A review.” Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 5(1), S62-S68.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). (1956). The Wealth of India: A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials and Industrial Products – Raw Materials, Vol. 1: A.
Kirtikar, K.R. & Basu, B.D. (1935). Indian Medicinal Plants, Vol. I, Lalit Mohan Basu Publishers, Allahabad.
European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe (For plant-based herbal monographs).
Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.
Vidang (Embelia ribes Burm. f.) is a renowned medicinal plant extensively used in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine. It is primarily valued for its anthelmintic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, especially for expelling intestinal worms. The dried fruits of Vidang are the main part used therapeutically. The plant belongs to the Primulaceae family and is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of India and Southeast Asia.
Scientific Names
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Ericales
- Family: Primulaceae
- Genus: Embelia
- Species: Embelia ribes
Common Names
- English: False Black Pepper, Embelia
- Sanskrit: Vidanga, Krimighna, Tandula
- Hindi: Baibidang, Vidang
- Tamil: Vaivilangam
- Telugu: Vaivilingi
- Bengali: Babrang
- Marathi: Vavading
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
- Anthelmintic Use – Widely used to expel intestinal worms in children and adults.
- Digestive Health – Stimulates appetite, improves digestion, and relieves bloating and flatulence.
- Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory – Helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation due to its phenolic content.
- Skin and Hair Benefits – Used for treating skin infections and promoting hair growth, Its paste is applied topically in conditions like eczema and ringworm.
- Reproductive Health – Traditionally used in managing infertility and promoting uterine health.
Phytochemical Constituents
Vidang contains a wide range of bioactive phytochemicals contributing to its medicinal effects:
- Tannins
- Alkaloids
- Phenolic compounds
- Quinones
- Embelin – A major active constituent with strong anthelmintic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
- Ribesin A and B
- Betulinic acid
References
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. 2. Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH.
Sharangdhar Samhita, Madhyam Khand, Krimighna chapter.
Nadkarni, K.M. (1976). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. I. Popular Prakashan.
Rani, N., Sharma, S., & Tiwari, V. (2011). “Pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies of Embelia ribes Burm. f.: A review.” International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research, 3(3), 48–52.
Vats, M., & Sharma, A. (2014). “Biochemical and antimicrobial potential of Embelia ribes.” Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 7(3), 70–74.
European Medicines Agency (EMA). (2010). Community Herbal Monograph on Embelia ribes.
Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi.
Warrier, P.K., Nambiar, V.P.K., & Ramankutty, C. (1994). Indian Medicinal Plants: A Compendium of 500 Species. Orient Longman.
Tamal Patra / Tejpatta (Cinnamomum tamala) is a medicinal aromatic leaf commonly used in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani. The leaf is known for its spicy aroma, carminative, and antimicrobial properties. Apart from culinary use, it is valued for its ability to manage digestive disorders, respiratory conditions, and diabetes.
Tejpatta Scientific Names
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Magnoliids
- Order: Laurales
- Family: Lauraceae
- Genus: Cinnamomum
- Species: Cinnamomum tamala
Cinnamomum tamala Common Names
- English: Indian Bay Leaf, Malabar Leaf
- Sanskrit: Tamalapatra, Tejpatra
- Hindi: Tejpatta
- Tamil: Karuva Ela
- Telugu: Bagara Aku
- Bengali: Tejpata
- Marathi: Tamalpatra
- Kannada: Bhale Yele
Tejpatta Uses
- Antidiabetic Activity – Leaf extracts are traditionally used to manage blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity.
- Respiratory Support – Beneficial in cough, asthma, and bronchitis due to its expectorant and antimicrobial properties.
- Cardiovascular Benefits – Contains compounds that reduce LDL cholesterol and support heart health.
- Wound Healing and Antimicrobial Uses – Paste or decoction applied on wounds, infections, and skin ailments for faster healing.
Phytochemical Constituents
Cinnamomum tamala is rich in phytoconstituents responsible for its biological effects:
- Essential Oils: Cinnamaldehyde, Linalool, Caryophyllene, Eugenol
- Flavonoids: Quercetin, Kaempferol
- Phenolic Acids: Gallic acid, Caffeic acid
- Tannins: Condensed and hydrolyzable types
- Terpenoids: α-Pinene, Camphene
- Glycosides and Alkaloids: Small amounts present in bark and leaves
References
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Vol. I, Part I, Govt. of India.
Bhatt, A., et al. (2018). “Pharmacognostic and phytochemical profile of Cinnamomum tamala Nees & Eberm: A review.” Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(4), 1962-1967.
Kaur, N., & Chaudhury, A. (2013). “Cinnamomum tamala: A valuable tree from Himalaya.” International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research, 5(4), 234-237.
European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.
Sharma, P.C., Yelne, M.B., & Dennis, T.J. (2005). Database on Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda, Vol. 2, CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India.
Ahmad, M., et al. (2011). “A review on phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects of Cinnamomum tamala.” Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 1(2), 1-5.
Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.
Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia. (2002). Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) and RRL, Jammu.
Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina), commonly known as Indian snakeroot, is a perennial, evergreen shrub native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is renowned for its antihypertensive, sedative, and tranquilizing effects and has been extensively used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. The root contains powerful alkaloids, notably reserpine, which plays a significant role in managing high blood pressure and mental disorders.
Sarpagandha Scientific Names
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Gentianales
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Genus: Rauvolfia
- Species: Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz
Sarpagandha Common Names
- English: Indian snakeroot, Serpentine root
- Sanskrit: Sarpagandha
- Hindi: Sarpagandha
- Tamil: Sarpagandhi
- Telugu: Patalagaruda
- Bengali: Chhota Chand
- Marathi: Sarpagandha
- Malayalam: Amalpori
Sarpagandha Uses
- Management of Hypertension – Acts as a natural antihypertensive due to the presence of reserpine, which reduces blood pressure by depleting catecholamines.
- Mental Health Disorders – Used as a tranquilizer and sedative in conditions like anxiety, insomnia, schizophrenia, and hysteria.
- Menstrual Disorders – Employed in the management of amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea due to its uterine stimulant action.
- Gastrointestinal Relief – Traditionally used to relieve colic, indigestion, and constipation.
Phytochemical Constituents
Sarpagandha contains a wide range of indole alkaloids which are responsible for its pharmacological actions:
- Alkaloids: Reserpine, Ajmaline, Ajmalicine, Serpentine, Yohimbine
- Triterpenoids: Lupeol, β-Sitosterol
- Phenolic Compounds: Rauvolfianine, Serpentinine
- Flavonoids: Quercetin
- Others: Saponins, Tannins
References
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Part I, Vol. I. Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH.
Sharma, P.V. (1995). Dravyaguna Vijnana (Materia Medica – Vegetable Drugs). Chaukhambha Bharati Academy.
World Health Organization (WHO). (1999). Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Vol. 1. WHO, Geneva.
Singh, R.H. (2007). Ayurvedic Drug Plants. Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan.
Kapoor, L.D. (2001). Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants. CRC Press.
Bhattacharjee, S.K. (2001). Handbook of Medicinal Plants. Pointer Publishers, Jaipur.
Chopra, R.N., Chopra, I.C., & Handa, K.L. (1958). Indigenous Drugs of India. Academic Publishers.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). (2003). The Wealth of India: A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials and Industrial Products, Vol. 9. National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources.
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