Achyranthes aspera

Botanical classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Family : Amaranthaceae
Genus : Achyranthes
Species : Achyranthes aspera
Scientific Name : Achyranthes aspera

Common name:
English : Prickly chaff-flower plant
Hindi : chirchidi
Kannada : Uttarani
Malayalam : Katalati Vankatalati Valiyakatalati
Sanskrit : Apamargh
Tamil : Katalati Nayuruvi
Telugu : Apamargamu


Parts
The whole plantis used especially the roots and seeds.


Herb Description :

An erect, much branched suffruticose or diffuse shrub upto one metre in height with quadrangular striate pubescent branches, thickened just above the nodes; leaves simple, opposite, exstipulate, velvety tomentose, orbicular, obovate or elliptic, 10 cm long and 7.5 cm broad: flowers bracteateland bracteolate, greenish, deflexed, in slender spikes often 45 cm long; fruits easily disarticulating oblong urticle: seeds single, inverse.

Chemical Constituents :

Seeds contain saponin A & B. Unripe fruit, saponin C & D. Eedysterone (polypodineA) from roots and two oleanolic acid based sapoins from fruits and ecdysone from roots.

Pharmacology :
Tablet made from herb paste with fruits of Piper longum reported to cure effects of bite of mad dog. Alckaloids and aquas extracts are antibiotic in nature and fights against micrococcus pyogenes, micrococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Achyranthine-alkaloids identified as betaine helps in lowering Blood Pressure, depresses heart rate, causes vasodilation, increases respiration and is slightly antipyretic (lowers the temperture), it is spasmodic on rectus muscle thus helps in resolving the pain in abdomen. It also acts as diuretic agent thus is effectve in urine related disorder. It is a strong purgative and is given in chronic constipation.

Toxicology :
It has no toxic effect on human body if taken in limited amount. If taken in excess it may cause nausea, vomiting, extremes of diarrhea, convulsions, spasms in abdomen and dehydration.

Common Uses

Aspera Herb – decoction made from whole plant is useful in pneumonia, cough and kidney stone. It is also useful in diabetes. Also useful in hemorrheoids. It is also effective in menstrual disorders

Aspera Powder – it is used as diuretic and is very helpful in urinary tract infections. It is also effective in skin disorders. It is also given in abdominal pains. It is also used in treatingthe disgestive disorders. It is also effective in treayting the heart related disorders and increased blood pressure.

Aspera Juice - it is widely given in cases of eczema and leprosy. It is also useful in cataracts and tetanus. Apamarg is used in wounds, insect bites and used in ear and eye trouble.

Aspera Paste – it is applied to remove opacity of comea, and to wounds as haemostatic. It is used in abdominal tumour. It is also used in mouth sores, toothache and syphilitic sores. Seed- paste applied to insect-bite. Paste from leaves, Seed and twigs are used in bronchitis. Various parts used in atrophy, cachexy, rheum, scabies, syphilis, labour complaints and blindness to cattle.

Crocus sativus

Botanical classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Family : Iridaceae
Genus : Crocus
Species : Crocus sativus
Scientific Name : Crocus sativus

History :

Cultivation and harvesting of crocus was first documented in the Mediterranean, notably on the island of Crete. Frescos are extant at the Knossos site on Crete[3] as well as from a comparably aged site on Santorini.The first crocus seen in the Netherlands, where Crocus species are not native, were from corms brought back from Constantinople by the Holy Roman Emperor's ambassador to the Sublime Porte, Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq, in the 1560s. A few corms were forwarded to Carolus Clusius at the botanical garden in Leiden. By 1620, the approximate date of Ambrosius Bosschaert's painting (illustration, below), new garden varieties had been developed, such as the cream-colored crocus feathered with bronze at the base of the bouquet, similar to varieties still in the market. Bosschaert, working from a preparatory drawing to paint his composed piece, which spans the whole of Spring, exaggerated the crocus so that it passes for a tulip, but its narrow, grasslike leaves give it away.

Chemical con­stituents

Carot­enoids (α- and β-carotene, lycopin and zea­xanthin), its staining capability is mostly caused by crocetine esters; crocetin is a dicarboxylic acid with a carotenoid-like C18 backbone which is formed from carotenoid precursors (diterpene carotenoid). Crocin, a diester of crocin with gentobiose, is the single most important saffron pigment. In the essential oil (max. 1%), several terpene aldehydes and ketones are found. The most abundant constituent is safranal, 2,6,6-trimethyl 1,3-cyclo­hexadiene-1-carbaldehyde (50% and more), 2-hydroxy 4,4,6-trimethyl 2,5-cyclo­hexadien-1-one. Further­more, terpene,pinene, cineol, safranal (4-hydroxy 2,4,4-trimethyl 1-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde ). On de-glucosylation, picrocrocin yields safranal.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Botanical classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Family : Fabaceae
Genus : Glycyrrhiza
Species : Glycyrrhiza glabra
Scientific Name : Glycyrrhiza glabra

Vernacular Names : Liquorice( India), Lacrisse, sweet licorice, licorice root


History :

It was one of the most widely known medicines in ancient history, and records of its use include Assyrian tablets of around 2000 BC and Chinese herbals of the same period. Theophrastos of Lesbos, writing in the fourth century BC wrote that 'it has the property of quenching thirst if one holds it in the mouth'. Dioscorides gave the plant its botanical name (Greek glukos = sweet, riza = root). Its 13th century English name was Lycorys, a corruption of glycyrrhiza.. Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). The roots are unearthed in the autumn of the fourth season. It is grown in India, Spain, Iran, Russia, China & Italy.


Chemical constituents
The herb contains glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, flavonoids, asparagine, iso-flavonoids,and chalcones.


Pharmacology

Licorice contains the glycoside, glycyrrhizin which has a similar structure and activity as the adrenal steroids. Licorice has an anti-inflammatory activity similar to cortisone and has been found useful for arthritis and allergies. In addition licorice has been used for mild Addison’s disease and other adrenal insufficiencies, such as hypoglycemia. Licorice also acts like the hormone, ACTH, causing sodium retention, potassium depletion, and water retention.
Excess consumption of licorice can lead to the classic symptoms of hypertension, with edema, increased blood pressure, potassium loss, and muscular weakness. The Deglycyrrhizinated form is most often used to avoid the hypertensive side effects of the glycyrrhetinic acid in whole Licorice. Licorice and DGL have a mild laxative effect and can protect the intestinal lining by increasing the production of mucus, thus alleviating heartburn and ulcers. Licorice and DGL also have a demulcent action and have been used for coughs and other bronchial complaints.


Uses :

Glycyrrhiza is widely used in bronchial problems such as catarrh, bronchitis, cold, flu and coughs. It reduces irritation of the throat and yet has an expectorant action. It produces its demulcent and expectorant effects. It is used in relieving stress. It is a potent healing agent for tuberculosis, where its effects have been compared to hydrocortisone. Glycyrrhiza is also effective in helping to reduce fevers (glycyrretinic acid has an effect like aspirin), and it may have an antibacterial action as well. Its use in the treatment of chronic inflammations such as arthritis and rheumatic diseases, Anti-inflammatory, chronic skin conditions, and autoimmune diseases in general.

Rauwolfia serpentina

Botanical classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Family : Apocynaceae
Genus : Rauwolfia
Species : Rauwolfia serpentina
Scientific Name : Rauwolfia serpentina


History
The use of rauwolfia is recorded in Hindu texts dating from around 500 B.C. In the West, it was unknown until 1943, when an Indian doctor wrote an article about the plant, emphasizing the efficiency of its sedative effects in treating high blood pressure. In the United States, reserpine had a rapid success in replacing the use of electric shock therapy and lobotomy for mental disorders


Chemical constituents
Rauvolfia serpentina, commonly known as or Indian Snakeroot or Sarpagandha, contains a number of bioactive chemicals, including ajmaline, aricine, corynanthine, deserpidine, lankanescine, rauwolscine, rescinnamine, reserpine, reserpiline, isoreserpine, isoreserpiline, serpentinine, and yohimbine


Medicinal uses

Reserpine is an alkaloid first isolated from R. serpentina and was widely used as an antihypertensive drug.[citation needed] It had drastic psychological side effects and has been replaced as a first-line antihypertensive drug by other compounds that lack such adverse effects, although combination drugs that include it are still available in some countries as second-line antihypertensive drugs.[citation needed]
Other plants of this genus are also used medicinally, both in conventional western medicine and in Ayurveda, Unani, and folk medicine. Alkaloids in the plants reduce blood pressure, depress activity of the central nervous system and act as hypnotics.


side effect
Rauwolfia serpentina, also known as "rauvolfia," "Indian snakeroot" and "serpentwood," is a woody evergreen sub-shrub, originally from India, Indochina, Borneo, Sri Lanka and Sumatra. Its roots, which have a bitter taste, contain reserpine, an alkaloid substance with a powerful sedative effect that has various medicinal uses. Some herbalists, though, discourage the use of rauwolfia because of the numerous adverse reactions it may cause.


Drug Interactions
Significant increase in blood pressure might occur when the drug is taken along with cough and flu medicine or appetite suppressants. Alcohol should not be consumed in association with reserpine because it can cause severe impairment of reactions. Anti-psychotics and barbiturates increase the drug's effects. If taken in combination with digitalis glycosides, it can cause slow heart rate. The drug effects are reduced and other undesired muscle movement effects may occur when it is taken in association with levodopa (medication for Parkinson's disease).

Precautions
Women who are pregnant, may be pregnant, or plan pregnancy in the near future should not ingest Rauvolfia plants or preparations made from them.[citation needed] They may also be harmful for people with any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and diverticulosis.[citation needed] No "safe" dosage has been established

Plantago ovata

Botanical classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Family : Plantaginaceae
Genus : Plantago
Species : Plantago ovata
Scientific Name : Plantago ovata

Common Names: Desert Indianwheat, Desert Plantain, Blonde Psyllium, Indian Plantago, Isabgol

General Information :

The flowers are on short, rounded, terminal flower spikes. The individual flowers have 4 round-ovate lobes and 4 stamens. The leaves are green, basal, and narrowly linear in shape. The plants are covered in fuzzy, white hair at right angles to the stems and leaves. Habitat Desert, Upland. This plant grows in dry, sunny, open areas.

Uses of Plantago ovata

High cholesterol : Psyllium is well studied as a lipid-lowering agent with generally modest reductions seen in blood levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein ("bad cholesterol"). Effects have been observed following eight weeks of regular use. Psyllium does not appear to have significant effects on high-density lipoprotein ("good cholesterol") or triglyceride levels. Because only small reductions have been observed, people with high cholesterol should discuss the use of more potent agents with their healthcare provider. Effects have been observed in adults and children, although long-term safety in children is not established.

Constipation : Psyllium has long been used as a chief ingredient in "bulk laxatives." Generally, an increase in stool weight, an increase in bowel movements per day, and a decrease in total gut transit time has been observed in most studies.

Diarrhea : Psyllium has been studied for the treatment of diarrhea, particularly in patients undergoing tube feeding. It has also been studied in addition to orlistat therapy in hopes of decreasing gastrointestinal effects (diarrhea and oily discharge) of this weight loss agent. An effective stool bulking effect has generally been found in scientific studies.
Anal fissures (tears or cracks in the anus) : Psyllium may help to prevent or relieve anal fissures, which can result from constipation, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. However, further research is necessary before psyllium can be recommended.

Colon cancer : According to early research, diets that include psyllium may reduce the risk for colon cancer. More studies are needed to determine whether psyllium can help prevent colon cancer.

Colonoscopy preparation : Patients with new onset constipation or presumed hemorrhoid bleeding frequently require the use of both fiber supplements and diagnostic colonoscopy. Researchers have concluded that in non-constipated patients, psyllium-based fiber supplementation should not be initiated in the few days prior to endoscopy using a polyethylene glycol preparation. Instructions given by the appropriate healthcare professional and pharmacist should be followed when preparing for colonoscopy

Fat excretion in stool :Early research shows that dietary psyllium and chitosan supplementation may help to increase the excretion of fat in the stool.

Gas (flatulence) : Early research suggests that diets high in fiber (such as psyllium) will increase gas production, yet promote gas retention. The effect of psyllium on gas needs to be explored further.

Hemorrhoids : Psyllium may reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids, which can result from constipation. Further research is needed to determine whether psyllium can help relieve or prevent the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) : Several studies have examined the administration of psyllium with meals or just prior to meals in order to measure effects on blood sugar levels. Better evidence is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Induction of labor/abortion (cervical dilator) : An early study examined whether a preparation made from psyllium could help dilate the cervix when labor or abortion is induced. Further research is needed to determine whether psyllium can help to open the cervix.

Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) : There is limited and unclear evidence regarding the use of psyllium in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Irritable bowel syndrome : Psyllium preparations have been studied for more than 20 years in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Results of these trials have been conflicting. In some cases, insoluble fiber may worsen the clinical outcome.

Obesity : The reviewed evidence seems to show that psyllium may improve blood sugar and lipid levels, which can be related to obesity in some children. However, further studies are needed to clarify its effects and the mechanisms involved. Body weight reduction has not been proven to be associated with psyllium use in adults.

Cynodon dactylon

Botanical classification

Kingdom : Plantae
Family : Poaceae
Genus : Cynodon
Species : C. dactylon
Scientific Name : Cynodon dactylon





General Information

Durva grows wild, throughout India and is commonly cultivated as lawns, for decorative purpose. It is a perennial creeping grass, rooting at every node, forming matted tufts. The leaves, variable in length from 1-10 cm , 0.5-1 cm broad, tapering towards the apex. The flowers green or brinjal-coloured, in terminal spikes, 2 to 8 in number. The fruit grains are tiny and grayish in colour.

The Sanskrit word durva literally means that which is cut or eaten by the animals. It is the most sacred plant of India next to tulasi. The plants sacred to Sankara, Ganesa and Visnu are vilva, durva and tulasi, which alleviate vata, pitta and kapha dosas, respectively. Hindus worship the God Ganesa with the leaves durva religiously. This plant has been recognixed for its cooling, haemostatic, diuretic, depurative and tonic properties since ancient times, cited in Dhanvantari, Kaiyadeva and Raja Nighantus. Ayurvedic texts mention two types of durva viz. white and green . Whereas, Nighantus mention the third type, ganda durva, which is entirely a different plant. It is categorized as samsamana – pacifies pitta

Chemical Constituents :

The plant contains crude proteins, carbohydrates and mineral constituents, oxides of magnesium, phosphorous, calcium , sodium and potassium. The whole plant affords sitosterol and carotene. Other compounds like vitamin C, cartone, palmitic acid, triterpenoides, alkaloids ergonovine and ergonovinine etc. are reported. The alcoholic extract of the whole plant shows antiviral activity against vaccinia virus.

Properties

Durva is astringent and sweet in taste , sweet in the post digestive effect and has cold potency . It alleviates kapha and pitta dosas. It possesses light and oily attributes. It is used in skin diseases, blood disorders, thirst and burning sensation in the body.

Uses

The whole plant of durva is used for medicinal purpose, externally as well as internally. Durva being haemostatic, refrigerant, healer and beneficial for skin complexion, it is extremely beneficial, externally in wounds, haemorrhages, burning sensation and dispigmentations of the skin. The paste of leaves or their medicated oil is applied in traumatic wounds and piles, with great benefit. In catarrhal conditions of the eyes, the fresh fuice of the plants is instilled into eyes. The same fuice, effectively controls the nasal bleeding , when used as nasal drops. The paste of the plant is applied on forehead in headache due to vitiation of pitta dosa. The burning sensation in the skin disorders like urticaria, erysipelas is effectively relieved with the application of its paste.

Internally durva is used in various diseases. The plant is beneficial in the treatment of epilepsy and hysteria and in conditions associated with pain, due to vitation of vata dosa. As a potent styptic, it effectively arrests the bleeding in dysentery, piles, haematuria, epistaxis, menorrhagia, diarrhea, raktapitta etc. It checks the uterine bleeding, strengthens the uterus, averts the abortion and augments the foetal growth. The plant juice given along with rice water and rock candy, curbs the vomiting. Duva is useful as a general tonic as well as an aphrodisiac. Maharsi Caraka has mentioned the white variety of durva to be extremely beneficial as galactogogue. Susruta has cited both, the white and black varieties of durva, to augment the complexion of the skin. Durva also works well as anti-toxin (visaghna).

Botanical classification

Kingdom : Plantae
Family : Gentianaceae
Genus : Swertia
Species : S. chirata
Scientific Name : Swertia chirata

General Information

The herb grows wild in the temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan and Khasi range, between 1200 -3000 metres altitude. It is also cultivated in Kashmir, Meghalaya, Khasi hills and Madhya Pradesh. The plant is an erect annual, herb, growing 0.5 – 1.5 meters in height. The branching leaves are opposite, lanceotate and acute. The flowers are very small, numerous and greenish yellow in color. The fruits are minute capsules, 6 mm in diameter, with unctuous many angled seeds inside.

Chemical Constituents

Swertinin, swertianin, swerchirin, decussating, isobellidifolin, friedelin and sitosterol isolated. Nine tetraoxy genated xanthones isolated from roots and aerial parts Gentianine, gentiocrucine and eniflavine isolated. Arghinine, leucine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, aspartic acid and glutamic acid isolated. Isolation and structure determination of a new dimeric xanthone chiratanin; a new triterpene – swertanone isolated from aerial parts and its crystal structure elucidated.

Properties

Kiratatikta is bitter in taste, pungent in the post digestive effect and has cold potency. It alleviates kapha and pitta doshas. It is a bitter tonic, anthelmintic and antipyretic in properties. It possesses light (laghu) and mild laxative attributes. It works well in fevers, raktapitta, asthma, cough, intestinal worms, skin diseases, edema and burning sensations of the body etc.

Uses

The whole plant is used for medicinal purpose. Externally, it is beneficial for cleansing the wounds, with the help of its decoction. Occasionally, the bath of its decoction is given in the cases of skin rash. The skin diseases with oozing, burning sensation and itching respond well to it. Internally, it is commonly used for fevers – acute, chronic as well as recurrent. In these, it imparts its benefits as it is very cooling, bitter and the destroyer of ama. It can be effectively used in epidemics of malaria as a preventive medicine. As a bitter tonic, it is recommended in convalescence, to regain the energy. The decoction of kiratatikta, nadihingu and sunthi is an excellent combination for fevers. Mahasudarsana curna is one of the popular preparations used for the same.

It improves and tones up the digestive system as a whole. The decoction or powder is beneficial to augment the appetite, relieve the constipation and the sensation of excessive thirst. It stimulates the liver and endows anthelmintic activity. Kiratatikta as a blood purifier, wards off the edema. The decoction of kiratatikta and bhrngaraja when given with honey, curbs hyperacidity. In rheumatic diseases, syphilis and chronic fever, it is given along with camphor and shilajit. The powder of kiratatikta or its decoction when given with honey effectively controls vomiting in pregnancy.

Piper betle

Botanical classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Family : piperacea
Genus : Piper
Species : P. betle
Scientific Name : Piper betle

Vernacular names

The betel leaf is known as Paan in Assamese/Urdu/Hindi/Odia/Bengali and Taambuul and Nagavalli in Sanskrit. Some of the names in the regions in which it is consumed are: Vetrilai Tamil,Tamalapaku Telugu, Vidyache pan Marathi, veeleyada yele Kannada, Vettila Malayalam, Plū Mon, Malus Tetum, Maluu Khmer, Plue Thai, Malus Tetum, Bulath Sinhalese, Malu Tokodede, Bileiy Divehi, bulung samat Kapampangan

Plant part used
Leaves .


General Information :

It is generally found in hot and moist climatic condition. In India it is found in Bihar, Bengal, Orrisa, south India and Karnataka. It is also seen in Sri Lanka.
The Betel (Piper betle) is the leaf of a vine belonging to the Piperaceae family, which includes pepper and Kava. It is valued both as a mild stimulant and for its medicinal properties.
The betel plant is an evergreen and perennial creeper, with glossy heart-shaped leaves and white catkin. The Betel plant originated from South and South East Asia (India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka).

There are various types of leaves, the most popular being : Calcutta, Banarasi, Magahi, etc. In Bangladesh Dinajpur, Rangpur, Chittagong, Faridpur, Jessore, Narayanganj, Barisal and Sylhet are the areas producing the most betel. The harvested leaves are used both for domestic consumption and for export to Middle East, to European countries, USA, UK, Pakistan, and Myanmar. Paan is one of the major economic sources of rural Bangladesh. The best Betel leaf is the "Magadhi" variety (literally from the Magadha region) grown near Patna in Bihar, India. In Kerala, the famous variety of betel leaf is from Venmony near Chengannur and it is called "Venmony Vettila". Betel leaf cultivated in Tirur in Kerala, Hinjilicut in Odisha are of fine quality. Betel leaves exported from Tirur are famous in Pakistan as "Tirur Pan".

Chemical Constituents

Leaves contain protein 3.1 %, carbohydrate 6.9 %, minerals 2.3 %, and tannins 2 %. It contains calcium, phosphorus, iron, iodine and potassium is also present. Vitamin B, vitamin c and vitamin A. leaves contains bitter compounds that are about 0.7 to 2.6 %. It also contains an aromatic compound and stable oils like phenol and terpene. Besides this it contains eugenol, chavibetol and hydroxychavicol.

Pharmacology

It is vata and kapha suppressant. It is an effective anti wormal agent because of its pungent taste. It is an excellent anti infectious agent again because of its pungent taste. It helps in normalizing the digestive tract hence is very effective in maintaining the digestive system because of its light properties. It provides strength to the heart and tones up the cardiovascular system. It also helps in expelling out the mucus form the respiratory tract because of its hot potency. It is also a good aphrodisiac agent.

Uses

1. Paste-it is used for gargles on the throat and diphtheria. It is also used to apply on the throat related problems, breast inflammation, back pain etc. it is also used to apply on the penis in case of erectile dysfunction.
1. Powder –it is used in mouth disorders, indigestion and reduced peristaltic movements. It is also helpful in throat related problems and respiratory problems. It also provides strength to the body and loss strengthens the cardiovascular system. It works as an aphrodisiac agent and help in maintaining body temperature.

Others are
1. Throat related problems
2. Diphtheria
3. Lymphadenopathy
4. Back pain
5. Impotency
6. Erectile dysfunction
7. Indigestion
8. Loss of appetite
9. Constipation
10. Heart related problems
11. Rhinitis
12. Asthma
13. Cough
14. Fever
15. General body weakness

Andrographis paniculata

Botanical classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Family : Acanthaceae
Genus : Andrographis
Species : A. paniculata
Scientific Name : Andrographis paniculata

Vernacular names

Assamese Chiorta, Arabic Quasabhuva, Marathi Oli-kiryata, English Green chirayta, creat, king of bitters, andrographis, India echinacea, Gujarati Kariyatu

Herb Description

Andrographis is an herbal medicine derived from the Andrographis Paniculata shrub grown the moist, shady areas of India, China and throughout Southeast Asia. It is commonly referred to as 'Indian Echinacea' and is a popular Ayervedic and Chinese household remedy for the common cold, digestive issues, upper respiratory tract infections, flu and other sicknesses typified by fever. Although its use dates back easily a thousand years in these ancient medical traditions, there is a more recent historical reference to its potency. In the Indian flu epidemic of 1919, the herb Andrographis is credited with the reversal of its onslaught. More recently, it popularity has spread to Scandinavia, where its dosages have been standardized and it has been widely recommended by doctors for two decades as a common remedy in treating these same winter ailments.


Pharmacology

Andrographolide isolated from Andrographis paniculata induces cell cycle Flavonoids and andrographolides from Andrographis paniculata. Two flavonoids, identified as 5,7, tetramethoxyflavanone and 5-hydroxy-7, trimethoxyflavone, as well as several other flavonoids, andrographolide diterpenoids, and polyphenols, were obtained from the phytochemical investigation of the whole plant of Andrographis paniculata, a well known medicinal plant.Anti-malarial activity of some xanthones isolated from the roots of Andrographis paniculata.

Four xanthones were isolated from the roots of Andrographis paniculata. In vitro study revealed that compound 1,2-dihydroxy-6,8-dimethoxy-xanthone possessed substantial anti-plasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum Anticancer and immunostimulatory compounds from Andrographis paniculata.

Uses of Andrographis paniculata

As research increases, so is our understanding of Andrographis' many activities and indications are that it may even play a role in cardiovascular and cancer treatments.
Potential benefit of andrographis paniculata supplements

*For colds and flu

Long known in traditional Asian medicine as an immune system booster, Andrographis paniculata has demonstrated significant activity in fighting common cold, flu, and upper respiratory infections. Two randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group clinical trials were performed to investigate the effect of a standardized extract (SHA-10) of Andrographis paniculata fixed combination (Kan jang) in the treatment of uncomplicated upper-respiratory tract infections. In both studies, throat symptoms were found to show the most significant improvement.

Anti-inflammatory

Andrographis paniculata contains many flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Andrographolide, an active component of andrographis paniculata, inhibits inflammatory responses by rat neutrophils.
Anti-inflammatory Activity of New Compounds from Andrographis paniculata by NF-kappaB Transactivation Inhibition.

Anti-tumor
Andrographis paniculata has anti-carcinogenicity properties.


Diabetes
The ethanolic extract of andrographis possesses antidiabetic property. Its antidiabetic effect may be attributed at least in part to increased glucose metabolism.


Immune system

Most flavonoids have anti-microbial activity and have a positive effect on the immune system. Andrographis has demonstrated significant activity in fighting common cold, flu, and upper respiratory infections.

Mind

Andrographis extract exhibited a significant alteration in behavior pattern and a reduction in spontaneous motility in animals. The extract also produced a prolongation of the pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time and lowered the body temperature in different experimental animal models.

Anti-oxidant and liver protection

Andrographis paniculata treatment prevents BHC induced increase in the activities of enzymes y-Glutamyl transpeptidase, glutathione-S-transferase and lipid peroxidation. The activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and the levels of glutathione were decreased following BHC effect. Administration of andrographis showed protective effects in the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase as well the level of glutathione. The activity of lipid peroxidase was also decreased. The result indicate antioxidant and hepatoprotective action of andrographis.


Rheumatoid arthritis

Efficacy of an Andrographis paniculata composition for the relief of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial.

summary

Andrographis paniculata has been evaluated in the laboratory and has shown potential in a number of conditions, however, since human research is lacking, the potential andrographis health benefits and androgrpahis side effects are, at this time, not fully known. If you do plan to take an andrographis supplement, take at least 2 days off a week and one week off a month. It is also not clear how andrographis herb would interact with other herbs that influence the immune system such as Astragalus root herb, echinacea herb, Goldenseal herb, and others.

How it works :

Andrographis paniculata extract is traditionally used as a medicine to treat different diseases in India, China and Southeast Asia. In the present study, we evaluated the anticancer and immunomodulatory activity of the methanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata in human cancer and immune cells. The methanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata was fractionated into dichloromethane, petroleum ether and aqueous extracts and screened for bioactivity. Our results indicate that the dichloromethane fraction of the methanolic extract retains the active compounds contributing for both the anticancer and immunostimulatory activity. Dichloromethane fraction significantly inhibits the proliferation of HT-29 (colon cancer) cells and augments the proliferation human peripheral blood lymphocytes at low concentrations. On further fractionation of the dichloromethane extract we could isolate three diterpene compounds. Andrographolide showed anticancer activity on diverse cancer cells representing different types of human cancers.
Acute respiratory infections represent a significant cause of over-prescription of antibiotics and are one of the major reasons for absence from work. The leaves of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall ex Nees (Acanthaceae) are used as a medicinal herb in the treatment of infectious diseases. Systematic literature searches were conducted in six computerised databases and the reference lists of all papers located were checked for further relevant publications. Information was also requested from manufacturers, the spontaneous reporting schemes of the World Health Organisation and national drug safety bodies. No language restrictions were imposed. Seven double-blind, controlled trials (n = 896) met the inclusion criteria for evaluation of efficacy. All trials scored at least three, out of a maximum of five, for methodological quality on the Jadad scale. Collectively, the data suggest that Andrographis is superior to placebo in alleviating the subjective symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection. There is also preliminary evidence of a preventative effect. Adverse events reported following administration of Andrographis were generally mild and infrequent. There were few spontaneous reports of adverse events. Andrographis may be a safe and efficacious treatment for the relief of symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection; more research is warranted.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, pilot clinical trial of ImmunoGuard--a standardized fixed combination of Andrographis paniculata Nees, with Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim, Schizandra chinensis Bail. and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extracts in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever.
Double blind, randomized, placebo controlled pilot study of ImmunoGuard--a standardized fixed combination of Andrographis paniculata, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Schizandra chinensis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra special extracts standardized for the content of Andrographolide (4 mg/tablet), Eleuteroside E, Schisandrins and Glycyrrhizin, was carried out in two parallel groups of patients. Both the clinical and laboratory results of the present phase II (pilot) clinical study suggest that ImmunoGuard with andrographis s a safe and efficacious herbal drug for the management of patients with FMF.

Antimicrobial activity of Andrographis paniculata.The antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract, andrographolides and arabinogalactan proteins from Andrographis paniculata were evaluated. The aqueous extract showed significant antimicrobial activity, which may be due to the combined effect of the isolated arabinogalactan proteins and andrographolides.

Clinical Applications

Andrographis and its various components have demonstrated a variety of effects in the body. Aspects stimulate the general immune activities, others inhibit the body's inflammatory mechanism and still others demonstrate not only anti-microbial abilities, but also are instrumental in killing certain tumor cells. Studies have also indicated that the active chemical, Andrographolide, helps to stop the clumping of blood platelets which is the clotting process that can lead to heart attacks.


Side Effects & Safety

Andrographis Paniculata has been widely tested and is considered safe with few if any minor side effects at commonly prescribed levels. In clinical trials with children between 4 and 11 Andrographis was effective and safe. Side effects occurred in HIV trials at a dose of 10 mg of andrographolides per kg of body weight or roughly 12 time the recommended dosage.



Precautions

Pregnant women or those trying to conceive should avoid Andrographis animal studies have shown the possibility of contraceptive effects at high dosages. Safety during lactation is not known. Andrographis may increase glucose metabolisation which could unduly enhance blood sugar lowering medication.

Description
Andrographis paniculata
It grows erect to a height of 30–110 cm in moist shady places with glabrous leaves and white flowers with rose-purple spots on the petals. Stem dark green, 0.3 - 1.0 m in height, 2 – 6 mm in diameter, quadrangular with longitudinal furrows and wings on the angles of the younger parts, slightly enlarged at the nodes; leaves glabrous, up to 8.0 cm long and 2.5 cm broad, lanceolate, pinnate; flowers small, in lax spreading axillary and terminal racemes or panicles; capsules linear-oblong, acute at both ends, 1.9 cm x 0.3 cm; seeds numerous, sub quadrate, yellowish brown.

Medicinal use
Andrographis paniculata can cause severe allergic reactions. Commercial products containing this as a herbal remedy have been recalled in Australia as a result.
Since ancient times, A. paniculata is used in traditional Siddha and Ayurvedic systems of medicine as well as in tribal medicine in India and some other countries for multiple clinical applications. The therapeutic value of Kalmegh is due to its mechanism of action which is perhaps by enzyme induction. The plant extract exhibits antityphoid and antifungal activities. Kalmegh is also reported[citation needed] to possess antihepatotoxic, antibiotic, antimalarial, antihepatitic, antithrombogenic, antiinflammatory, anti-snake venom, and antipyretic properties to mention a few, besides its general use as an immunostimulant agent. A recent study conducted at Bastyr University, confirms the anti-HIV activity of andrographolide.[citation needed]
Andrographolide, the chief constituent extracted from the leaves of the plant, is a bitter water-soluble lactone exhibiting protective effects in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Its LD50 in male mice was 11.46gm/kg, ip. This bitter principle was isolated in pure form by Gorter (1911). Such other activities as liver protection under various experimental conditions of treatment with galactosamine, paracetamol etc. are also attributed to Andrographolide. The hepatoprotective action of andrographolide is related to activity of certain metabolic enzymes.[citation needed]
Andrographis paniculata plant extract is known to possess a variety of pharmacological activities. Andrographolide, the major constituent of the extract, is implicated in its pharmacological activity. A study has been conducted on the cellular processes and targets modulated by andrographolide treatment in human cancer and immune cells. Andrographolide treatment inhibited the in vitro proliferation of different tumor cell lines, representing various types of cancers. The compound exerts direct anticancer activity on cancer cells by cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase through induction of cell cycle inhibitory protein p27 and decreased expression of cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4)[citation needed]. Immunostimulatory activity of andrographolide is evidenced by increased proliferation of lymphocytes and production of interleukin 2. Andrographolide also enhanced the tumor necrosis factor α production and CD marker expression, resulting in increased cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes against cancer cells, which may contribute for its indirect anticancer activity. The in vivo anticancer activity of the compound is further substantiated against B16F0 melanoma syngenic and HT 29 xenograft models. These results suggest that andrographolide is an interesting pharmacophore with anticancer and immunomodulatory activities and hence has the potential for being developed as a cancer therapeutic agent. [citation needed]
In one Chilean study, the herb had a significant drying effect on the nasal secretions of cold sufferers who took 1,200 milligrams of andrographis extract daily for five days.[2][unreliable source?]
The herb is the well-known drug Kalmegh 'green chiretta', and forms the principal ingredient of a household medicine ('alui'), used as a bitter tonic and febrifuge.[citation needed]
The Tamils have been using Nilavempu - as it is called in Tamil - for centuries. In Siddha medicine, Andrographis Paniculata is used widely to treat fevers like chikenguinea, swine-flu, typhoid etc.[3][unreliable source?]
Phytochemistry
Andrographolide is the major constituent extracted from the leaves of the plant which is a bicyclic diterpenoid lactone. Some known constituents are:
• "14-Deoxy-11-dehydroandrographolide, Plant
• 14-Deoxy-11-oxoandrographolide, Plant
• 5-Hydroxy-7,8,2',3'-Tetramethoxyflavone, Plant
• 5-Hydroxy-7,8,2'-Trimethoxyflavone, Tissue Culture
• Andrographine, Root
• Andrographolide, Plant
• Neoandrographolide, Plant
• Panicoline, Root
• Paniculide-A, Plant
• Paniculide-B, Plant
• Paniculide-C, Plant"[4]
Andrographis paniculata

Bionomial Name : Papaver somniferum
Common Name :"gasagasa" in Tamil, "khuskhus" in Hindi,
"gasagasalu" in Telugu, "gasagasa" in Kannada, and "posto dana" in Bengali
Family : Papaveraceae
Kingdom : Plantae


Varieties


Flower


Bud and leaves
Papaver somniferum has many sub-species or varieties and cultivars. Colors of the flower vary widely, as do other physical characteristics such as number and shape of petals, number of flowers and fruits, number of seeds, color of seeds, production of opium, etc.
Papaver somniferum Paeoniflorum Group (sometimes called Papaver paeoniflorum) is a sub-type of opium poppy whose flowers are highly double, and are grown in many colors. Papaver somniferum Laciniatum Group (sometimes called Papaver laciniatum) is a sub-type of opium poppy whose flowers are highly double and deeply lobed, to the point of looking like a ruffly pompon.
A few of the varieties, notably the Norman and Przemko varieties, have low morphine content (less than one percent), much higher concentrations of other alkaloids. Most varieties, however, including those most popular for ornamental use or seed production, have a higher morphine content, with the average content being 10%.[1][2]
[edit] Legality
Opium poppy cultivation in the United Kingdom does not need a licence, however, a license is required for those wishing to extract opium for medicinal products.[4]
Poppies as medicine


Capsule of Papaver somniferum showing latex (opium) exuding from incision
Australia, Turkey and India are the major producers of poppy for medicinal purposes and poppy-based drugs, such as morphine or codeine.[9] The USA has a policy of sourcing 80% of its narcotic raw materials from the traditional producers, India and Turkey.[10]
General Information of Poppy seeds
Poppy seeds are commonly used in both North and South Indian Cusine. They are called "gasagasa" in Tamil, "khuskhus" in Hindi, "gasagasalu" in Telugu, "gasagasa" in Kannada, and "posto dana" in Bengali. Poppy seeds can be dry roasted and ground to be used in wet curry (curry paste) or dry curry. They have a creamy and nut like flavor, and when used with ground coconut, the seeds provide a unique and flavour-rich curry base. The opium poppy is the source of two food ingredients: poppy seed and poppyseed oil. The seeds contain very low levels of opiates,[1] and the oil extracted from them contains even less. Both the oil and the seed residue also have commercial uses.

History
Use of the opium poppy predates written history. Images of opium poppies have been found in ancient Sumerian artifacts (ca. 4000 BC). The opium poppy was also known to the ancient Greeks, from whom it gained its modern name of opium. Remains have been discovered at sites such as Kalapodi and Kastanas.


A red opium poppy flower used for ornamental purposes
Once known as the "common garden poppy", live plants and seeds of the opium poppy are widely sold by seed companies and nurseries in most of the western world, including the United States
Many countries grow the plants; some of which rely heavily on the commercial production of the drug as a major source of income. As an additional source of profit, the same seeds are sold in the culinary trade shortly thereafter, making cultivation of the plant a significant source of income. This international trade in seeds of Papaver somniferum was addressed by a UN resolution "to fight the international trade in illicit opium poppy seeds" on July 28, 1998.
Opium was used for treating asthma, stomach illnesses, and bad eyesight. The Opium Wars between China and the British Empire took place in the late 1830s when the Chinese attempted to stop the sale of opium by Britain, in China.