D
Dactyloctenium aegyptium Ayurvedic Raktaniryaas, Khoon- Beauv. kharaabaa, Heeraadokhi. Unani Damm-ul-Akhwain. Synonym Eleusine aegyptiaca Desf. Action Astringent. Used for Family Gramineae, Poaceae. diarrhoea, dysentery. Also used Habitat Common throughout against malignant tumours. the plains of India (a very variable Theresin containsredtannin deriva- grass). tives—drocoresinotannols, dracoresen Ayurvedic Takraa, Takraahvaa, and flavone quinones. Panchaanguli, Nrityakaundaka. (Classical synonyms.) (Takra is the Dosage Resin—– g. (CCRAS.) classical name of buttermilk.) Folk Makaraa, Makari (Bihar, Orissa), Timidaa (Tamil Nadu) Daemonorops jenkinsianus Mart. Action Astringent, bitter tonic, anthelmintic. Used for polyurea; Synonym Calamus jenkinsianus externally for wounds and ulcers. Griff. Family Palmae; Aracaceae. The grass growing is New South Wales is reported to contain cyano- Habitat Assam, Khasi Hills and genetic glycosides. Sikkim. In Indian medicine, the grass is used Ayurvedic Vetra (related species of for imparting medicinial properties of Calamus tenuis Roxb.) Takra (buttermilk) in intestinal, biliary Action Used as a vegetable and urinary diseases. for oedema, also in intrinsic haemorrhage.
Daemonorops draco Blume. Dalbergia lanceolaria Synonym Calamus draco Willd. Linn.f. Family Palmae; Aracaceae. Synonym D. frondosa Roxb. Habitat Indo-Malayan region. The Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. resin is imported into India mostly Habitat The sub-Himalayan from Sumatra and Borneo. tract, ascending up to m, and English East Indian Dragon’s throughout India. Blood. Siddha/Tamil Erigai, Navelangu. 200 Dalbergia latifolia Roxb.
Folk Gorakh, Takoli, Bithuaa. obesity, cutaneous affections and Action A decoction of bark— leprosy. used in dyspepsia. Oil—applied to The bark contains hentriacontane, rheumatic affections, and cutaneous latifolin, beta-sitosterol and tannins. D diseases. Leaf—in leprosy and allied EtOH (%) extract of the bark ex- obstinate skin diseases. hibits spasmogenic, and anthelmintic Baptigenin from leaves and flowers activity against Ascaridia galli. possesses properties to treat arthrit- ic affections and inflammations. An isoflavone glycoside of biochanin Dalbergia sissoides Grah. (lanceolarin) has been obtained from the root bark. Ether, EtOH and aque- Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. ous extract of leaves exhibited an- Habitat Throughout India, tiarthritic activity in rats. especially in the South. The heartwood of Dalbergia sp. con- English Malabar Blackwood. tains quinones. Bark and pods contain tannins. Ayurvedic Kushimshapaa. Root bark gave isoflavone glycosides (Shimshapaa related species). and lanceolarin. Siddha/Tamil Vel-itti. Folk Sisam. Dosage Whole plant—– ml decoction. (CCRAS.) Action Anti-inflammatory. The root contains isoflavones. The alcoholic extract of the root exhibited Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. anti-inflammatory activity in carrage- enan-induced hind paw oedema of Synonym D. emerginata Roxb. male albino rats. Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. A quinone, sissoidenone and dal- Habitat Bengal, Bihar, Madhya bergion, latifolin and dalbergin have Pradesh and Western Peninsula. been isolated from the heartwood; al- English East Indian Rosewood, so oleanolic acid, liquiritigenin and Bombay Blackwood. isoliquiritigenin. The sapwood and young leaves gave sissotrin. Biochanin Ayurvedic Shimshapaa (related sp.) A, isolated from young leaves, inhibit- Unani Sheesham. ed both serum and epidermal growth Siddha/Tamil Itti, Eravadi, Karun- factor (EGF)—stimulated growth of doroiral. human prostate cancer cell lines. Folk Sisu. Action Stimulant, appetiser, Dalbergia sissoo Roxb ex DC. anthelmintic, spasmogenic. Used in dyspepsia, diarrhoea; also in Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. Daphne oleoides Schreb. 201
Habitat The sub-Himalayan tract, Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. up to , m from Indus to Assam Habitat Common in Maharashtra and in plains throughout India. and Karnataka. English Sissoo, South Indian Folk Tibali (Goa), Pentagul Redwood, Sissoo. (Maharashtra). D Ayurvedic Shimshapaa, Krishna- shimshapaa, Picchilaa. Action Bark—used as a paste for pimples. Leaf—alterative. Aerial Unani Seesham. part—spasmolytic, CNS active, Siddha/Tamil Irupoolai. hypothermic. Action Leaves—bitter, and stimulant. Leaf mucilage, mixed with sweet oil, is applied to Dalbergia volubilis Roxb. excoriations. Wood—anthelmintic, alterative, emetic, stomachic, Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. antileprotic; used in diseases due to vitiated blood. Bark—anticholerin. Habitat Central and Eastern Root—astringent. Himalayas, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa. Along with other therapeutic appli- cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Ayurvedic Gorakhi. of India indicated the use of the heart- Siddha/Tamil Punali. wood in turbity of the urine, calculus Folk Bankharaa, Bhatiaa. and lipuria. The leaves gave isoflavone sissotrin; Action Leaves—used in aphthae. flowers ,-di-Me-tectorigenin. Seed Root—genitourinary tract disinfec- oil (.%) contained fatty acids com- tant; used in scalding of urine, also posed of palmitic (.), stearic (.%), in foetid discharges. oleic (.), linolenic (.) and linole- ic (.) acids and lipids comprising The stem bark afforded isoflavo- neutral lipids (.), glycolipids (.) noids, dalbergio, tectorigenin. The and phospholipids (.%). Pods con- leaves gave flavonoid glycosides. The tain % tannins. wood gave friedelin. Dosage Heartwood—.– g powder; – g for decoction. (API Vol. III.) Daphne oleoides Schreb. Family Thymelaeaceae. Dalbergia sympathetica Habitat The Western Himalayas Nimmo ex Grah. and Kashmir at ,–, m. English Mezereon. Synonym D. multiflora Heyne ex Prain. Folk Kutilal, Kanthan (Punjab). 202 Datisca cannabina Linn.
Action Active principles are marked sedative, highly anti-inflam- attracting scientific interest. The matory, mild analgesic, antipyretic and orthoesters are co-carcinogenic diuretic activity in rats. and mezerein antileukaemic in experimental studies. Bark— D used as an ointment for inducing Datura alba discharge from indolent ulcers. Nees. Bark, root and root bark—used Family Solanaceae. mainly for obstinate cutaneous diseases, especially for eczema Habitat Throughout India in with severe itching and copious plains; wastelands, roadsides and exudation (weeping eczema). gardens. Ayurvedic Dhattuura (white var.). As the plant is poisonous, it is used (Dhattura consists of dried seeds of in homoeopathic dilutions internally Datura sp.) and topically. The bark gave diterpenes including Unani Dhaturaa. mezerein, daphnetoxin (.%). Mez- Action See D. Metel Linn. erein is anti-inflammatory and anticar- cinogenic. Daphnetoxin is poisonous. Seeds contain daphnane ester (.%) and daphnetoxin (.%). Datura innoxia Mill. EtOHextractshowedsignificantac- Synonym D. metel auct. non Linn. tivity against P- lymphocytic leu- kemia and L- leukemia in mice, Family Solanaceae. due to mezerein. Habitat Western Himalayas and hilly regions of the western parts of Peninsular India, abundantly in Datisca cannabina Linn. Maharashtra. Family Datiscaceae. English Thornapple. Habitat Temperate and subtropical Ayurvedic Dhattuura. Himalaya from Kashmir to Nepal at Unani Dhaturaa, Joz Maasil. –, m. Action The plant is the source English False Hemp. of alkaloid scopolamine which is Folk Akal-ber. Bhang-jala (Punjab). used as a pre-anaesthetic in surgery Action Diuretic, purgative, and childbirth, in ophthalmology expectorant. Used in fevers, and and for the prevention of motion gastric and scrofulous ailments. sickness. The plant contains flavonoids, datis- Hyoscyamine and hyoscine and me- cin and datiscanin. EtOH (%) ex- teloidinewerefoundin theleaves, flow- tract of seeds and flowers exhibited ers, pericarp and seeds of the plant. The Datura stramonium Linn. 203 root gave tropane, tropine and pseu- content of dried leaves and flowering dotropine. tops—between .–.%. Alkaloid content of leaves—.%; stem—.%; seeds—.%; pericarps—.%; root Datura metel Linn. at flowering of the plant—.%. Hyoscine in large doses causes delir- D Synonym D. fastuosa Linn. ium and coma. Family Solanaceae. Dosage Seed—– mg. (API Habitat Throughout India, Vol. III.) particularly in waste place. English Thornapple, Downy Datura. Datura stramonium Linn. Ayurvedic Dhattuura, Dhuurta, Synonym D. tatula Linn. Dhastura,Unmatta,Shivapriya, Harapriya, Hema, Haatta, Dhustuu- Family Solanaceae. ra, Dhustuuraka, Kanaka, Maatula. Habitat The Himalaya from Also equated with Raaj-dhatuura. Kashmir to Sikkim up to , m, (white var.) hilly districts of Central and South Unani Dhaturaa. India. Siddha/Tamil Oomatthai, Karu- English Thornapple, Jimsonweed, voomatthai. Stramonium. Action Various plant parts are used Ayurvedic Krishnadhattuura, in headache, hemiplegia, epilepsy, Dhuurta (black seed var.), Unmatta, delirium, convulsions, cramps, rigid Kitav, Tuuri, Maatul, Madan. thigh muscles, rheumatism. Leaf— Unani Dhaturaa. antitumour, antirheumatic. Leaf and corolla—anti-inflammatory. Action Spasmolytic, antiasthmatic, Flower—antiasthmatic. Seed, leaf anticholinergic, cerebral depressant, and root—anticatarrhal, febrifuge, nerve-sedative. Controls spasms of antidiarrhoeal, antidermatosis; also bronchioles in asthma. Anticholin- used in cerebral complications. ergic. Effects of overdose are similar Seeds—used in asthma. Limited use to those of atropine. Temporary in kinetosis (excessive salivation, relief from Parkinsonian tremor nausea and vomiting). recorded. (Contraindicated with depressant drugs.) Applied locally, Along with other therapeutic appli- stramonium palliates the pain of cations, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia muscular rheumatism, neuralgia, of India indicated the use of the whole also pain due to haemorrhoids, plant in dysuria and alopecia. fistula, abscesses and similar in- The plant accumulates more hyos- flammations. Prevents motion cine than hyoscyamine. Hyoscine sickness. 204 Daucus carota Linn. var. sativa DC.
Key application In diseases of var.: the root, small and white), the autonomic nervous system. Queen Anne’s Lace, Bird’s Nest. (Included among unapproved Bees’ Nest Plant. herbs by German Commission E.) Ayurvedic Gaajara, Garjara, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia Granjana. D reported antispasmodic action of the leaf; Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia Unani Gaajar. accepted it as expectorant and Action Roasted roots—prescribed antispasmodic. in palpitation, burning micturation, Whole plant contains .% alka- cough and bronchitis. Carrot loids (seeds .% and stem .%); increases the quantity of urine also flavonoids, withanolides, cou- and helps the elimination of uric marins and tannins; the major alkaloid acid; also lowers blood sugar. is hyoscyamine (–%), hyoscine Juice—a rich source of carotene. (.–.%) and atropine (.–.%). Seeds—diuretic, emmenagogue, The tropane alkaloids are similar to spasmolytic (prescribed in anuria those found in Atropa belladonna. and sexual debility). Wild carrot— Hyoscine is five times as active as diuretic and antilithic (used for atropine in producing mydriasis, but kidney stones, cystitis and in gout). its main use is as antimotion sickness Seeds—emmenagogue. Also used drug; and in combination as a sedative. for hot flushes of the menopause. Toxic constituents include anti- In cooked (orange) carrots beta- cholinergic alkaloids. carotene content ( mcg) was found Dosage Leaf—– mg powder; much higher than in raw carrots- seed—– mg powder (CCRAS.) ( mcg/ g). Heat processing of carrots affected alpha- and beta-caro- tene contents; their value decreased (.; .) in water blanching, whereas Daucus carota Linn. var. increased (.; .) in steam blanching sativa DC. compared to that in fresh carrots (.; Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. . mg/ g) respectively. An interferon inducer has been iso- Habitat Native to Europe and the lated from carrot. It stimulates cells Mediterranean region; extensively to produce the protein that increases cultivated in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar human resistance to virus infections. Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh for Aqueous extract of carrots showed its fleshy tap roots which are eaten hepatoprotective activity against CCl- raw or cooked. Wild Carrot: Native induced hepatic damage in mice liver. to Europe, Africa and Asia. Grows The ethanolic extract exhibits direct at ,–, m in the Himalayas. relaxant action on cardiac and smooth English Carrot, Cultivated Carrot. muscle preparation and this action Wild carrot (D. carota Linn.wild may be responsible for its hypotensive Delonix regia Rafin. 205 action. (Gently heated peeled roots, croorganisms and insects, apparent- mixed with sugar candy, are given as ly due to the presence of the volatile a hypotensive drug.) principle which possesses bacteriostat- The ethanolic extract of seeds exhib- ic and toxic properties. ited diuretic effect in dogs. The root, on steam distillation, gave The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia -O-methyl-resorcylaldehyde in a con- D recommends Daucus carota Linn. centration of .%. (The growth of E. (wild carrot) for its diuretic activi- coli was arrested by the aldehyde in ty. Wild carrot contains flavones in- .% concentration; fish died within cluding apigenin, chypsin, luteolin; min in .% solution.) The sterols flavonols including kaempferol, quer- consists mainly of stagma and brassica cetin and various glycosides. The fura- sterols. Alpha-amyrin and lupeol, both nocoumarins, -methoxypsoralen and free and as esters are also present in the -methoxypsoralen are found in the root. plant. The seed oil contains terpinen- The plant contains lupeol, beta- -ol, a renal irritant. It is believed to amyrin -hydroxy, -methoxy ben- cause diuretic activity. zaldehyde, and ferulic acid.
Decalepis hamiltonii Delima scandens Burkill. Wight & Arn. Synonym Tetracera scandens Family Asclepiadaceae. Merrill. Family Habitat Deccan Peninsula; Dilleniaceae. common in the forest areas of Habitat Forests of Bengal, Assam Western Ghats. and the Andamans. Unani Desi Ushbaa. Ayurvedic Paaniya Valli. Siddha/Tamil Mahali kizhangu. Action A decoction of the plant is given in dysentery and coughs. Action Root—appetizer, blood Leaves—used for the treatment of purifier, bacteriostatic. Used as boils. Root—astringent, used as a substitute for Shveta Saarivaa external application for burns. (Hemidesmus indicus). Sold as Saarivaa in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The root powder is given to diabetics. Delonix regia Rafin. Synonym Poinciana regai Bojer ex The root contains quercetin, kaem- Hook. pferol, coumarin and rutin. It has a sweet sarsaparilla-like taste; contains Family Caesalpiniaceae. % fleshy matter and % woody core. Habitat Native to Madagascar; The root can be stored for longer grown in gardens and avenues for periods and remains unaffected by mi- ornamental purposes and for shade. 206 Delphinium brunonianum Royle.
English Flamboyant Flame tree, medicine for destroying maggots Gold Mohur. in wounds, particularly in sheep. Ayurvedic Gulmohar (var.) White The flowers are considered acrid, Gold Mohur is equated with Delonix bitter and astringent; seeds are elata Gamble, synonym Poinciana cathartic, anthelmintic, emetic and D elata Linn. insecticidal. Siddha Vadanarayana, Pe- rungondrai, Mayarum. White Delphinium cashmirianum Gulmohar. (Tamil) Royle. Action Bark—antiperiodic, febrifuge. Plant—antirheumatic, Family Ranunculaceae. spasmogenic. Flowers (aqueous and Habitat Kashmir (Himalayan alcoholic extract)—active against species). roundworm. English Kashmir Larkspur. White Gulmohar trunk-bark yield- Ayurvedic Used as a substitute for ed asparagine and aspartic acid. Flow- Tagara (valerian). ers gave iso-quercetin. Action See D. brunonianum. Delonix regia bark gave leucocyani- din; bark and leaves contain tannin, lu- peol and beta-sitosterol, and free OH- proline as major amino acid. Flower Delphinium consolida Linn. anthers are a rich source of zeaxanthin. Synonym D. ajacis Linn. Family Ranunculaceae. Delphinium brunonianum Habitat Cultivated in gardens. Royle. English Forking Larkspur, Larkspur, Lark’s Claw, Knight’s Spur. Family Ranunculaceae. Action Parasiticide. A tincture is Habitat Native to China; distributed used to destroy lice in hair. in West Himalayas. English Musk Larkspur. Thetoxicityoftheseedsisdueto diterpene alkaloids (delcosine, delso- Ayurvedic Sprikkaa. (Melilotus line, consolidine). Delsonine and an- officinalis, known as Aspurka or thranoyllycoctonine are amorphous al- Naakhunaa, is also equated with kaloids. Sprikkaa.) Used as a substitute for The alkaloids lead to bradycardia, Tagara (valerian). lowering of blood pressure, and car- Action Himalayan species act as diac arrest. Also, they have a central cardiac and respiratory depressant. paralyzing and curare-like effect on the All the species of Delphinium are respiratory system. (German Commis- poisonous; find use in indigenous sion E.) Delphinium vestitium Wall. ex Royle. 207
Entire plant, including roots and Habitat Native to Mediterranean seeds, is used topically. Not to be used region. on abraded skin. English Stavesacre. Seeds contain .–.% alkaloids and .% of a fixed oil. A digly- Unani Muvizaj. coside pigment, delphonin and kaem- Action Parasiticide. Used for D pferol have been isolated from the flow- destroying lice. Contains poisonous ers. alkaloids. Seeds are violently emetic and cathartic; used as an external application in obstinate Delphinium denudatum Wall. skin diseases and eruptions under medical supervision. Synonym D. pauciflorum Royle. Family Ranunculaceae. Seeds contain diterpene alkaloids; Habitat The temperate Himalayas delphidine, delphinine, delphirine, del- from Kashmir to Kumaon at phisine and neoline. altitudes of ,–, m. Stavesacre has a similar effect to aco- nitine. Extract from the seeds is used English Larkspur. in homoeopathic dilutions. Ayurvedic Nirvishaa, Nirvishi. (Kyllinga triceps Rottb. is used as a substitute for Nirvishaa.) Delphinium vestitium Unani Jadwaar Khataai, Maatiryaaq. Wall. ex Royle. Folk Root—astringent, vulnerary, Synonym Delphinium elatum auct. deobstruent, alterative. Used for non Linn. painful piles, muscular atrophy, D. speciosum Janka ex Nym. gout and as a nervine tonic. Also Family Ranunculaceae. used as an adulterant for aconite. Habitat The temperate Himalaya Oral administration of the aqueous from Kashmir to Nepal to ,– extractoftheplanttoratswithCCl- , m. induced hepatotoxicity revealed hepa- toprotective property of the plant. English Candle Larkspur, Bee The roots contain campesterol, stig- Larkspur. masterol, sitosterol, cholesterol, delta- Ayurvedic Nirvisha. avenasterol and alkaloids including de- Action Whole plant—cardiac nudatine, denudatidine, condelphine, and respiratory depressant, emetic, talatizidine and iso-talatizidine. diuretic, anthelmintic. Seed— insecticidal. Used in skin eruptions. Powdered flowers, mixed with Delphinium staphisagria Linn. mustard oil, are used for destroying Family Ranunculaceae. lica. 208 Delphinium zalil Aitch. & Hemsl.
The plant contains beta-sitosterol Habitat The Western Ghats. and alkaloid delpheline; aerial parts Ayurvedic Jivanti (substitute.) contain an alkaloid, elatine. Seeds are very poisonous; contain Folk Nagli (Maharashtra) several aconitine-like alkaloids. Del- Action Juice of fresh plant—stom- D phinidine, isolated from seeds, causes achic, carminative, antispasmodic, drastic gastro-enteric irritation. laxative, liver tonic. (excites the bile). A related species, Dendrobium crumenatum Sw., occurs in And- Delphinium zalil Aitch. & Hemsl. aman Islands. Pounded leaves are used in Malaya for poulticing boils Synonym D. semibarbatum Blenert and pimples. Traces of alkaloids ex Boiss. have been reported to be present in Family Ranunculaceae. the pseudobulbs and leaves. Habitat Persia and Afghanistan. D. macraei Lindl. and D. normale English Zalil Larkspur. Face. are also known as Jivanti. Ayurvedic Sprikkaa. (Melilotus officinalis, known as Aspurka or Naakhunaa, is also equated with Dendrophthoe falcata Sprikkaa.) (Linn. f.) Etting. Unani Zarir, Zalil, Asbarg, Gul-Zalil (flower). Family Loranthaceae. Action Diuretic, anodyne, anti- Habitat Throughout India. inflammatory, detergent. Used in Ayurvedic Bandaaka, Vrkshaadani, jaundice, dropsy and diseases of the Vrkshruuhaa. spleen. Ash—used externally on wounds and skin diseases. Siddha Pulluri, Plavithil (Tamil). The seeds contain norditerpenoid Folk Baandaa. alkaloid, zaliline, besides anhweidel- Action Bark—astringent and phinine, browniine, desacetylnudi- narcotic; used in menstrual cauline, lycoctonine, methyllycaconi- disorders, consumption, asthma, tine and nudicauline. The medicinal also for treating wounds. properties of the plant are attributed to desacetylnudicauline, methyllycaconi- The plant contains several flavo- tine and nudicauline. noids. Being parasitic, different flavo- noids have been recorded in plants growing on different host plants. Quer- Dendrobium ovatum citrin has been found to be the major (Willd.) Kranzl. common constituent. The plant also contains gallic, ellagic and chebulinic Family Orchidaceae. acids. Descurainia sophia (Linn.) Webb ex Prantl. 209
Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Essential oil from leaves—antibac- the plant were tested in rats for their terial, antifungal. diuretic and anti-lithiatic activities. Al- coholic extract was found to be more Dosage Bark—– ml de- effective than aqueous extract. coction; leaf—– ml juice. (CCRAS.) D Dosage Leaf, flower—– ml juice. (CCRAS.) Derris uliginosa Benth. Derris indica (Lamk.) Bennet. Synonym D. trifoliate Lour. Family Fabaceae. Synonym Pongamia pinnata Pierre. Habitat Costal forests of India and Family Fabaceae. the Andamans. Habitat Native to the Western Ghats. Found all over India on the Folk Paan-lataa (Bengal), Kitani banks of rivers and streams. (Maharashtra). Action English Indian Beech. Pongamia Stimulant, antispasmodic, oil tree. counter-irritant. Bark—alterative in rheumatism. An oil prepared from Ayurvedic Naktmaal, Guchpush- the plant is used externally as an pak, Ghritpuur, Udkirya, Karanja. embrocation. Siddha/Tamil Pungu. The roots contain dehydrorotenone, Action Used for skin diseases— lupeol and a ketone. Bark contains eczema, scabies, leprosy, and for .% tannic acid. Stems contain tan- ulcers, tumours, piles, enlargement nic acid, hexoic, arachidic and stearic of spleen, vaginal and urinary acids, ceryl alcohol, isomerides of discharges. Juice of root—used cholesterol, potassium nitrate, gums for closing fistulous sores and and resins. cleaning foul ulcers. Flowers— used in diabetes. Powder of seeds— used for whooping and irritating Descurainia sophia coughs of children. Seed oil—used in cutaneous affections, herpes and (Linn.) Webb ex Prantl. scabies. Synonym Sisymbrium sophia L. The tree is rich in flavonoids and re- Family Brassicaceae. lated compounds. These include sim- Habitat Temperate Himalaya from ple flavones, furanoflavonoids, chro- Kashmir to Kumaon at ,–,, menoflavones, chromenochalcones, also in eastern Himalaya. coumarones, flavone glucosides, ste- rols, triterpenes and a modified pheny- English Flix Weed, Flax Weed. lalanine dipeptide. Folk Khaakasi, Khuubkalaan. 210 Desmodium gangeticum DC.
Action Leaf and flower—astringent, Roots—carminative, mildly purga- antiscorbutic. Seed—expectorant, tive, stomachic, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, febrifuge, diuretic. Leaves—galactagogue; antidysenteric. Aerial parts— a poultice of leaves is used for antiviral, hypoglycaemic. lumbago. Bark—used in diarrhoea D and haemorrhages. The plants has been used external- ly for ulcers, seeds are used as sub- Roots afforded pterocarpanoids— stitute or adulterant of the seeds of gangetin, gangetinin, desmodin and Sisymbrium iro Linn.(Thesourceof several alkaloids. The aerial portion Khaakasi, Khubb, Tukhm-e-Shahuh, gave indole--alkylamines and their Khuubkalaan of Unani medicine, derivatives. known as Hedge Mustard or London Gangetin showed significant anti- Rocket.) inflammatory activity in and mg/kg p.o. in rats.
Dosage Root—– g powder; – Desmodium gangeticum DC. g for decoction. (API Vol. III.) Synonym Hedysarum gangeticum Linn. Desmodium triflorum Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. (Linn.) DC. Habitat Ascending to , m on the Himalaya; common on lower Synonym Hedysarum triflorum hills and plains throughout India. Linn. Ayurvedic Shaaliparni, Shaalaparni, Family Fabaceae. Sthiraa, Somyaa, Guhaa, Triparni, Habitat Throughout India, in Vidaarigandha, Anshumati. Also the plains ascending to , m in used as Prshniparni. (Uraria picta Kumaon and , m in Kashmir. Desv., Prshniparni, is used as Ayurvedic Tripaadi, Hamsapaadi a substitute for Shaalaparni.) (Kerala). Siddha/Tamil Pulladi, Sirupulladi Siddha/Tamil Seruppadi. Moovilai (root). Folk Jangali Methi, Ran-methi. Folk Sarivan. Action Fresh leaves—used Action Root—antipyretic, di- internally as galactagogue and for uretic, astringent (used in irritable diarrhoea; applied externally to bowel syndrome, diarrhoea and wounds and abscesses. Root— dysentery), anticatarrhal (used diuretic. Also used for cough, in post-natal care, chronic fever, asthma. cough, biliousness, vomiting), diuretic, anthelmintic, laxative and The leaf contains alkaloids (.– nervine tonic. Desmodium spp.: .%), major being beta-phenylethyl- Dicentra canadensis Walp. 211 amine; also contains tyramine and hy- English Carnation, Clove Pink. paphorine. Hypaphorine is present Action Flowers—diaphoretic, in roots as well. Root contains .– alexiteric, cardiac tonic. whole .% alkaloids. plant—vermifuge. Juice of plant— antiviral. D Desmostachya bipinnata Stapf. Leaves contain glucoproteins. A related species, Dicentra anatoli- Synonym Eragrostis cynosuroides cus Boiss, found in the Western Hi- Beauv. malayas, is used as an antiperiodic in intermittent fevers. Family Gramineae; Poaceae. Habitat Throughout the plains of India in dry and hot areas and in Dicentra canadensis Walp. sandy deserts. English Sacrificial Grass (smaller Family Papaveraceae. var.) Habitat The Himalayas from Ayurvedic Kusha, Suuchyagra, Kumaon to Khasia Hills. Cultivated Yagyabhuushana, Kshurapatra. in Indian gardens. Siddha/Tamil Tharubai. English Squirrel Corn. (A related species, Corydalis cucullaria, known Action Root—cooling, diuretic, as Turkey Pea, occurs in Canada galactagogue, astringent. Used for and the USA.) urinary calculi, and other diseases of the bladder. Clums—used in Action Diuretic, alterative, anti- menorrhagia, dysentery, diarrhoea scrofula. Used for torpid and andinskindiseases. sluggish conditions, menstrual The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of disorders and diseases due to India recommended the use of vitiated blood. Also employed as the rootstock in dysuria, vaginal a sedative for the relief of paralysis discharges and erysipelas. agitans and other muscular tremors.
Dosage Rootstock—– g for A large number of physiological- decoction. (API Vol. III.) ly active isoquinoline alkaloids have been isolated from the tubers of many species of Dicentra, but the use of Corydalis is not linked with the alka- Dianthus carophyllus Linn. loids they contain, only bulbocapnine, present in the tubers, exhibits thera- Family Caryophyllaceae. peutic activity. It produces catalepsy Habitat Kashmir; commonly in mammals and possesses sympathe- growningardens,especiallyonthe tic as well as parasympathetic central hills. effects. 212 Dichroa febrifuga Lour.
It has been employed for the relief Clinical trials with febrifugine indi- of paralysis agitans and other muscu- cated that the drug given in four oral lar tremors, vesticular nystagmus and doses totalling – mg/day reduces the similar conditions. parasite count. The root contains protopine, cory- D deline, bulbocapnine, cancentrine, de- hydrocancentrines A and B. Bicucul- Dichrostachys cinerea W. & A . line (an isoquinoline alkaloid) isolated from the tuber of Dicentra cucullaria, Synonym Cailliea cinerea Macb. is a centrally-acting, spasmogenic an- Family Mimosaceae. tagonist of GABA. Habitat Northwestern and Central India, Maharashtra, from North Dichroa febrifuga Lour. Karnataka southwards. Ayurvedic Virataru, Vellantaru, Family Saxifragaceae. Viravrksha. Habitat The temperate Himalayas Siddha/Tamil Vidathalai. from Nepal to Bhutan and Khasi Hills. Folk Varatuli, Khairi. Folk Basak. Action Root—astringent and Action Febrifuge, antipyretic, diuretic; used in renal affections, antiparasitic (used for malarial urinary calculi, also in rheumatism. fever). Dried roots, known as Tender shoots—applied externally Chang Shan, dried leafy tops, for ophthalmia. known as Shu Chi, in Chinese The plant foliage contain tannin— medicine, are used for malarial ., . and . mg/ g during fever. Dried roots (Chang Shan) February, June and November respec- contain the alkaloid dichroine tively. Roots afforded n-octacosanol, AandB,dichrinAandB. beta-amyrin, friedelan--one, friede- The active principle febrifugine lan--beta-olandbeta-sitosterol. Flow- compared to quinine was estimat- ers contain cyanidin and quercetin. ed to be to times more effica- cious against Plasmodium gallinaceum Dosage Root, bark—– ml in chicks, about times against Plas- decoction. (CCRAS.) modium lophurae in ducks also against Plasmodium relictum in canaries. The aqueous extract of the plant inhibited Dicoma tomentosa Cass. the infecting rate of the parasite Plas- modium berghei up to days and in- Family Compositae; Asteraceae. creased the mean survival time to twice Habitat Native to Africa and that of untreated control at . g/kg Asia, found in north-western and dose. southern India. Digitalis lanata Ehrh. 213
Folk Navananji (Maharashtra), Didymocarpus pedicellata R.Br. Vajradanti (Punjab). Synonym D. macrophylla auct. Action Febrifuge (used in febrile non-Wall. ex D. Don. attacks after childbirth. Applied locally to putrescent wounds. Family Gesneriaceae. Habitat Sub-tropical Himalaya D In Indian medicine, Vajradanti, from Himachal Pradesh to Aruna- equated with Potentilla arbuscula D. chal Pradesh at –, m. Don and its related species (Rosaceae), Ayurvedic Kshudra-Paashaana- is used topically for strengthening bheda, Shilaa-valkaa, Shilaa- gums and teeth. pushpa. Action Leaf—antilithic. Used for stones in kidney and bladder. Dictamnus albus Linn. The leaves contain a number of chal- Family Rutaceae. cones, quinochalcones and flavanones. Habitat Western Himalayas from Pediflavone has also been isolated from Kashmir to Kunawar, common in young leaves. Pangi. English Gas Plant, Dittany, Burning Bush. Digera muricata (Linn.) Mart. Action Root bark—used in nervous Synonym D. arvensis Forsk. diseases, hysteria, intermittent Desmochaeta muricata (L.) DC. fevers, urinogenital disorders, and Family Amaranthaceae. amenorrhoea; a decoction for Habitat Throughout the plains of scabies and other skin affections. India, as a weed in cultivated fields. Toxic. Ayurvedic Katthinjara, Kunanjara. Dittany stimulates the muscles of Siddha/Tamil Thoyya-keerai. the uterus, while its effect on the Folk Lat-mahuriaa, Lahsuvaa. gastro-intestinal tract is antispasmod- ic, it relaxes the gut. (The plant is Action Astringent, antibilious. used in Greek folk medicine as anti- Laxative in large doses. Flowers and spasmodic.) The herb contains furo- seeds—diuretic; given for urinary quinoline alkaloids (including dictam- discharges. nine), furococumarins, limonoids, and The plant contains alpha-and beta- flavonoids (including rutin). spinasterol. Volatile oil contains estragol, anet- hole, and a toxic alkaloid dictamnine. Flowers yield .% essential oil con- Digitalis lanata Ehrh. taining methylchavicol and anethole. Leaves yield .% essential oil. Family Scrophulariaceae. 214 Digitalis purpurea Linn.
Habitat Native to Europe. Now Dillenia indica Linn. cultivated mainly in Kashmir (Yarikhah), also occurs wild. Synonym Dillenia speciosa Thunb. English Grecian Foxglove. Family Dilleniaceae. D Ayurvedic Hritpatri, Tilapushpi Habitat The Himalayas from Nepal (non-classical). (Yellow var.) to Bhutan; north Bengal, Bihar, Action See D. purpurea. Orissa and Madhya Pradesh. Earlier, the herb was used to treat English Elephant Apple. ulcers, boils, abscesses, headaches and Ayurvedic Bhavya. paralysis. William Withering, an th Folk Uva, Chaaltaa. century English country doctor, ex- plored the plant’s hidden properties. Action Fruit—laxative, carminative, His work led to the production of bechic, febrifuge, antispasmodic digoxin, a life-saving medicine. (used for abdominal pains). Bark Safety of the herb cannot be estab- and leaves—astringent. lished due to variable amounts of car- The sepals contain (on dry weight diac glycosides. The powder is toxic at basis): tannin ., glucose . and mg. malic acid .%. The bark and leaves contain about % and % tannin (on dry weight basis) respectively. Digitalis purpurea Linn. The fruit yielded a polysaccharide, Family Scrophulariaceae. arabingalactan. The leaves yielded cycloartenone, Habitat Native to West Europe. n-hentriacontanol, betulin, betulinic Cultivated in Tangmarg and acid and beta-sitosterol. The bark gave Kishtawar in Kashmir, Darjeeling iso-rhamnetin, naringenin, quercetin and the Nilgiris. derivatives and kaempferol. English Digitalis, Foxglove. Ayurvedic Hritpatri, Tilapushpi (non-classical). (Purple var.) Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. Action Main source of digoxin for the pharmaceutical industry. Family Dilleniaceae. Digitalisglycosidesincreasethe Habitat The Himalayan terai from force of contraction of heart without Punjab to Assam, and South India increasing the oxygen consumption and the Andamans. and slow the heart rate when Folk Dillenia. Agai (Bihar), Agachi auricular fibrillation is present. To (Maharashtra). be used only under strict medical supervision. Action See D. indica. Not used as a herbal drug. The bark contains % tannin. Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. 215
Dioscorea alata Linn. Mouldy yams are reported to con- tain a compound ipomeanol which is Synonym D. atropurpurea Roxb. being tested against human lung can- D. globosa Roxb. cer. (J. Am Med Assoc, , , .) D. purpurea Roxb. Diosgenin obtained from Dioscorea Family Dioscoreaceae. species was used in the first commer- D cial production of oral contraceptives, Habitat Native to East Asia; topical hormones, systemic corticos- cultivated in Assam, Vadodara, teroids, androgens, estrogens, pro- Tamil Nadu, Bengal and Madhya gestogens and other sex hormones. Pradesh. The chemical transformation of di- English Wild Yam, Greater Yam, osgenin to estrogen, progesterone or Asiatic Yam. any other steroidal compound does not occur in human body. Topically ap- Ayurvedic Kaashthaaluka. Aaluka plied Wild Yam does not appear to (var.). Aalukas (yams) of Ayurvedic cause changes in serum FSH, estradi- texts, belong to Dioscorea spp. ol or progesterone. (Natural Medicines Siddha/Tamil Perumvalli kizhangu. Comprehensive Database, .) Diosgenin, combined with the drug Folk Kathaalu. clofibrate, caused a greater decrease in Action Even the best among the LDL than either substance alone in rats. cultivated yams causes irritation (Sharon M. Herr.) in the throat or a feeling of discomfort when eaten raw. Wild yams—cholagogue, antispasmodic, Dioscorea anguina Roxb. anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, diuretic. Also used for painful Synonym D. puber Blume. periods, cramps and muscle Family Dioscoreaceae. tension. Habitat Wet regions of the Key application Dioscorea villosa Himalayas from Central Nepal, L., Wild Yam—as spasmolytic, eastwards to northern Bengal, anti-inflammatory. (The British Assam and Chittagong. Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) Ayurvedic Kaasaalu, Kasaalu. The edible tubers of Dioscorea alata Folk Koshakanda (Bengal). are purple-coloured and contain an- Action See D. alata. thocyanins, cyanidin and peonidin- -gentiobioside acylated with sinapic acid. The tubers contain surcose, while Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. leaves contain large quantities of D- fructose, D-glucose and the polyols, Synonym D. sativa Thumb auct. -deoxyribitol, -deoxysorbitol and non L. glycerol. D. versicolor Buch.-Ham ex Wall. 216 Dioscorea daemona Roxb.
Family Dioscoreaceae. Ayurvedic Hastyaaluka. Habitat Throughout tropical India, Siddha/Tamil Peiperendai. at ,–, m. Folk Karukandu, Kolo (Bihar). English Patoto Yam, Bulb-bearing Action Tubers—used for ulcer, to Yam, Air Potato, Dog Yam. D kill worms in wounds. Plant parts— Ayurvedic Vaaraahi, Vaaraahikan- used in whitlow, sores, boils. da, Grshti, Banaaalu, Suraalu, Raktaalu. Substitute for Vriddhi. The tubers contain .–.% carbohydrates, .–.% albumino- Unani Baraahikand. ids. The toxic principle is dioscorine Siddha/Tamil Kodi-kilangu, which is distributed throughout the Pannu-kilangu. plant. Action Driedandpoundedtubers are used as an application for swellings, boils and ulcers; roasted Dioscorea deltoidea tubers are used in dysentery, piles, Wall ex Griseb. venereal sores. Leaf—febrifuge. Synonym D. nepalensis Sweet ex The raw tubers are bitter due to Bernardi. thepresenceoffuranoidnorditerpenes (they lose their bitterness on roasting Family Dioscoreaceae. and are then eaten). The wild tubers Habitat The Himalaya from contain nearly % starch and possess Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh and hunger-suppressing property. They in Assam at –, m. contain certain poisonous alkaloids. Ayurvedic Vaaraahikanda (var.), The rhizomes afforded D-sorbitol, Grishti. furanoid norditerpenes—diosbulbins A-D, ,,,-tetrahydroxy-,-dihy- Folk Gun, Kris (Punjab). drophenanthrene and ,,,,-tetra- Action Tuber—antipthiriac. Leaf— hydroxyphenanthrene, diosgenin, lu- febrifuge. The rhizomes are a rich cein,neoxanthine,violaxanthin,zeax- source of diogenin and its glycoside. anthin, auroxanthin and cyrptoxan- Steroidal saponins have also been thin. isolated. Diogenin is used in the preparation of various steroidal drugs. Dioscorea daemona Roxb.
Synonym D. hispada Dennst. D. hirsuta Dennst. Dioscorea esculenta Burkill. Family Dioscoreaceae. Synonym D. aculeata Linn. Habitat Sikkim, the Himalayas, D. faciculata Roxb. Khasi Hills. D. spinosa Roxb ex Wall. Dioscorea prazeri Prain & Burkill. 217
Family Dioscoreaceae. Habitat South India; throughout Habitat Madhya Pradesh, Uttar the hills of Deccan. Pradesh, Orissa, Bengal, Assam and Ayurvedic Amlikaakanda (contro- the Andamans. versial synonym). English Lesser Yam, Karen Potato. Siddha Kavala-kodi, Venilai Valli. D Ayurvedic Madhvaaluka. Folk Aambaalio Kanda (Gujarat). Siddha/Tamil Musilam, Valli Action Used externally for reducing kilangu, Siruvalli Kilangu. swellings. Folk Suthani. Action Tubers are starchy and free from dioscorine, contain .% Dioscorea pentaphylla Linn. carbohydrates, .% albuminoids. Synonym D. triphylla var. doemona Prain & Burkill. Dioscorea glabra Roxb. Family Dioscoreaceae. Family Dioscoreaceae. Habitat Native to tropical Asia; distributed throughout India. Habitat Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Andaman and Nicobar Ayurvedic Vaaraahikanda (var., dry Islands. pieces are sold as Vidaarikanda). Ayurvedic Shankhaaluka. Folk Kaantaalu. Action Tubers contain .– Action Tubers contain .– .% carbohydrates, .–.% .% carbohydrates, .–.% albuninoids. albuminoids. Tubers are used to disperse swellings.
Dioscorea hamiltonii Hook. f. Family Dioscoreaceae. Dioscorea prazeri Prain & Burkill. Habitat The Western Ghats, Sikkim, Assam, Orissa and Bengal. Synonym D. Clarkei Prain & Burkill Ayurvedic Vaaraahi (var.). D. deltoidea Wall. var. sikkimensis Folk Naagar-kanda (Bihar). Prain Action Tubers contain .% Family Dioscoreaceae. carbohydrates, .% albuminoids. Habitat The Himalaya from Nepal to Bhutan, up to , m, also in Naga Hills. Dioscorea oppositifolia Linn. Ayurvedic Neelaalu. Family Dioscoreaceae. Action Tuber—antiphthiriac. 218 Diospyros ebenum Koenig.
The rhizomes are used as a hair English Gaub Persimmon, Riber wash for killing lice. They contain Ebony. diogenin (on dry basis) .%. Also ob- Ayurvedic Tinduka, Tinduki, Sphu- tained are steroidal sapogenins, sito- urjaka, Kaalaskandha, Asitkaaraka. sterol glucoside, prazerigenin-A gluco- Nilasaara. D side, prazerigenin-A bioside and ,- dihydrophenanthrenes. Unani Tendu. Siddha/Tamil Tumbika, Kattatti. Action Fruit and stem bark— Diospyros ebenum Koenig. astringent. Infusion of fruits—used as gargle in aphthae and sore throat. Synonym D. hebecarpa A. Cunn ex Fruit juice—used as application for Benth. wounds and ulcers. Oil of seeds— Family Ebenaceae. givenindiarrhoeaanddysentery. Ether extract of fruit—antibacterial. Habitat Orissa and South India. Bark—astringent and styptic, English Ebony Persimmon, used in menorrhagia, diarrhoea, Malabar Ebony, Ceylon Ebony. dysentery and intermittent fevers. Ayurvedic Tinduka. A paste is applied to boils and tu- Unani Aaabnuus. mours. The ethyl acetate extract showed antistress and anti-ulcerogenic Siddha/Tamil Acha-Thumbi. activity. It also prevented hepatotoxi- Action Plant—astringent, attenu- city and leucocytosis in experimental ant, lithontriptic. animals. The bark contains betulinic acid, The heartwood contains beta- myricyl alcohol, triterpenoids and sa- naphthalhydes, naphthoic acid deri- ponin. The leaves gave beta-sitosterol, vatives; ceryl alcohol, betulin, alpha- betulin and oleanolic acid. Fruit pulp amyrin, ursolic acid, baurenol and and seeds contain lupeol, betulin, gallic stigmasterol. The leaves contain ur- acid, betulinic acid, hexacosane, hex- solic acid, alpha-amyrin, betulin and acosanol, sitosterol, beta-D-glucoside lupeol. of sitosterol and a triterpene ketone. Stem bark—antiprotozoal, antivi- ral, hypoglycaemic, semen-coagulant. Diospyros embryopteris Pers. Stems yielded nonadecan--ol-one.
Synonym D. peregrina (Gaertn.) Dosage Bark—– ml decoc- Gurke tion. (CCRAS.) D. malabarica (Desr.) Kostel. Family Ebenaceae. Diospyros kaki Linn. f. Habitat Throughout India in shady wet places and near streams. Family Ebenaceae. Diospyros montana Roxb. var. cordifolia Hiem. 219
Habitat Native to China; now galin and isoquercitrin have been iso- growninHimachalPradesh, lated from leaves. Kumaon, the Nilgiris and West Bengal for edible fruits. Diospyros melanoxylon English Japanese Persimmon. Roxb. D Ayurvedic Tinduka (var.). Synonym D. dubia Wall. ex A. DC. Family Ebenaceae. Action Hypotensive, hepatopro- tective, antidote to poisons and Habitat Madhya Pradesh, Maha- bacterial toxins. Calyx and pedun- rashtra, Orissa, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh cle of fruit—used in the treatment and West Peninsula. of cough and dyspnoea. Roasted English Coromandel Ebony, seeds—used as a substitute for Persimmon. coffee. Ayurvedic Tinduka (var.), Dirgha- The fruit, in addition to sugars, glu- patrakaa. cose, fructose, ascorbic acid, citric acid, Siddha/Tamil Karum Dumbi, contains (% of fresh weight) .–. Thumbi, Beedi-elai. tannins, .–. total pectins, . Action Leaves—carminative, pentosans and .–. polyphenols. laxative, diuretic, styptic. Bark— The fruit also contains . mg/ g astringent. Used in dyspepsia carotenoids; carotene expressed as vi- and diarrhoea. Unripe fruit— tamin A – IU. The carote- carminative and astringent. Ripe noids identified in the pulp include fruit—antibilious. Dried flowers— cryptoxanthine, zeaxanthin, antherax- used in anaemia, inflammation of anthin, lycopene and beta-carotene. spleen, also in leucorrhoea. Leaf (Many carotenoids originally present and dried flower—used in dyspepsia in the fruit decompose during ripen- and diarrhoea, topically in scabies. ing. Aerial parts—hypotensive. The fruit pulp is an antidote to bac- Half-ripe fruit contains , ripe fruit terial toxins and is used in the prepa- and bark % tannin. ration of a vaccine for pertussis. The bark and sapwood extracts yield Condensed tannins from the fruits beta-sitosterol, lupeol, betulin and be- effectively inhibited -nitrofluorene tulinic acid. Leaves contain hentria- mutagen. contane, hentriacontanol, alpha-amy- The immature leaves contain a ster- rin, baurenol, ursolic, oleanolic and be- oidal saponin, lignin and phenolic tulinic acids. compounds. Eugenol and dihydroac- tinidiolide are reported from fresh leaves. Diospyros montana Roxb. var. The leaves are reported to exhibit cordifolia Hiem. hepatoprotective activity. Leaves also contain hypotensive principles. Astra- Family Ebenaceae. 220 Diospyros tomentosa Roxb.
Habitat Throughout the greater Action Astringent, anti- part of India. inflammatory, styptic. Various English Mountain persimmon. plant parts are used for dry cough, bronchitis,pleurisy,pneumonia, Ayurvedic Visha-tinduka, Kaaka- dysuria, fistula, tumours, bleeding D tinduka. gums, haemorrhagic conditions. Siddha/Tamil Vakkanai, The leaves and stems gave beta- Vakkanatan. sitosterol, lupeol, betulin, betulinic and Folk Timru. oleanolic acids. Action Various plant parts are Unsaponifiable matter of seeds used in fever, puerperal fever, showed CNS depressant activity. neuralgia, pleurisy, pneumonia, menorrhagia, dysurea. Fruits are applied externally to boils. Dipterocarpus alatus Roxb.
Bark extract—anti-inflammatory, Synonym D. incanus Roxb. antipyretic and analgesic. Leaves and Family Dipterocarpaceae. seeds—antibacterial. Diospyrin occurs in the bark and Habitat The Andamans. wood. Leaves contain hentriacon- English Gurjun. tane, hentriacontanol, beta-sitosterol, Ayurvedic Ashwakarna, Garjan, alpha-and beta-amyrin, lupeol, taraxe- Shveta-Garjan, Jarandruma. rol and ursolic acid. Alcoholicextract oftheplant showed Action Decoction of the bark is CNS depressant and spasmolytic activ- prescribed in rheumatism. Oil— ity and also produced bradycardia and applied to ulcerated wounds. hypertension. Balsam—applied externally in gonorrhoea. Dipterocarpus resin gave sesquiter- Diospyros tomentosa Roxb. penoids. The essential oil contains sesquiterpenoids of eudesmane series. Synonym D. exsculpta Buch.-Ham. Family Ebenaceae. Habitat Sub-Himalayan tract from Dipterocarpus turbinatus Ravi to Nepal, also in Rajasthan, Gaertn. f. Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Orrisa. Synonym D. indicus Bedd. English Nepal Ebony Persimmon. Family Dipterocarpaceae. Ayurvedic Viralaa, Tinduka (var.). Habitat The Andamans and Assam. Siddha/Tamil Tumbi. English Common Gurjun tree, Folk Ebony. Wood Oil tree. Dolichandrone falcate Seem. 221
Ayurvedic Ajakarna, Chhaagakar- leaves is applied to sprains. Bark— na, Ashwakarna. astringent and anti-inflammatory. Siddha/Tamil Enney, Saara. Aerial parts—hypoglycaemic. Folk Gurjan. The plant contains bioflavonoids (vi- Action Oleo-resin (known as tamin P) which are biologically active D Gurjan Oil or Gurjan Balsam)— in improving blood circulation and stimulant to genitourinary sys- strengthening capillaries. Aqueous tem, diuretic, spasmolytic; used and alcoholic extracts of the plant ex- externally on ulcers, ringworm hibited cardioinhibitory and coronory and other cutaneous affections. constricting, also spasmolytic, sedative Bark—a decoction is prescribed and hypotensive activity. rheumatism. The leaves and pods gave iso-rham- netin--O-rutinoside, quercetin--O- Essential oil from oleo-resin con- galactoside and quercetin--O-rutino- tained humulene, beta-caryophyllene, side. Resin gave a diterpene carboxylic a bicyclic sesquiterpene hydrocarbon acid (hautriwaic acid). Flowers gave and a sesquiterpene alcohol. kaempferol. The twig bark contains % tannin and .% soluble non-tans.
Dosage Oil—– ml. (CCRAS.) Dolichandrone falcate Seem.
Family Bignoniaceae. Dodonaea viscosa Linn. Jacq. Habitat Moist forests of central Family Sapindaceae. and southern India. Habitat North-western Himalaya Ayurvedic Mesha-shringi (also up to , m, in Punjab, South equated with Gymnena sylvestre R. India, ascending to , m on Br.), Vishaanikaa. Nilgiris. Also planted as a hedge plant in Northern India. Siddha/Tamil Kattu Varsana, Kaddalatti, Kaliyacca. English Jamacia Switch Sorrel. Ayurvedic Raasnaa (substitute, Action Fruits—bitter, carminative, used in Andhra Pradesh). (Raasnaa used in diabetes, urinary disorders, is equated with Pluchea lanceolata bronchitis and skin diseases. C. B. Clarke.) Leaves—applied externally to swollen glands. Abortifacient. Siddha/Tamil Virali, Velari. Action Leaves—anti-inflammatory The leaves yield luteolin, chrysin and and antibacterial (used in the its -rutinoside and glucoside. treatment of swellings, burns, Fruits are also known as Rshabhaka wounds), febrifuge, embrocation of in the South. 222 Dolichos biflorus Linn.
Dolichos biflorus Linn. Presence of vitamin A in the green pods makes them a valuable diet for Synonym Vigna unquiculata (L.) children; green leaves may be used in Walp. vitamin C deficiency syndrome, due to Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. thepresenceofascorbicacidandcal- D cium. The seeds contain several com- Habitat Apulsecrop,particularly mon phytosterols. in Madras, Mysore, Mumbai and Strepogenin—several times higher Hyderabad. than in casein. English Horsegram. A decoction of seeds (soaked or Ayurvedic Kulattha, Kulittha, boiled in water) is prescribed as di- Khalva, Vardhipatraka. uretic and antilithiatic and has been clinically established. Unani Kulthi. Diuretic activity of a dipeptide (py- Siddha/Tamil Kollu, Kaanam. roglutamylglutamine) has been found Action Plant—used in measles, to be – times that of acetazolamide smallpox, adenitis, burns, sores. in albino rats. Seeds—astringent, antipyretic, Globulin fraction of the seeds diuretic. Decoction or soup is used showed hypolipidaemic effects in rats. in affections of the liver and spleen, A lectin-like glycoprotein from intestinal colic, in leucorrhoea stems and leaves possesses carbohy- and menstrual dissorders, urinary drate- binding activity. discharges. A valuable protein Dosage Seed— g powder; supplement. decoction – ml. (CCRAS.) The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the decoction of dry seeds in calculus and Dolichos falcatus Seem Klein. amenorrhoea. Family Papilionaceae. The seeds contain crude protein Habitat The Himalayas from ., pentosan . and water-soluble Kumaon to Khasi Hills and in gum .%. The presence of antinu- Western Peninsula. tritional components such as haemag- Ayurvedic Kulatthikaa. glutinin and a protease inhibitor has been reported. The inhibitor activity Action Root—prescribed for decreased during germination. constipation and skin diseases. The mean protein value of the seeds A decoction of seeds is used for is .% which is more or less equiva- rheumatism. lent to soybean, winged bean and gram. Nutritionally, the horsegram seeds are Dolichos lablab Linn. var. richer in lysine content when com- typicus Prain. pared to Cajanus cajan (Arhar) pulse and gram pulse. Synonym Lablab purpureus Linn. Doronicum hookeri Hook. f. 223
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae. Habitat Persia, South-West Asia, Habitat Cultivated throughout Southern Siberia. India. English Ammoniacum, Gum English Indian Butter Bean, Lablab ammoniac. Bean, Horsebean. Ayurvedic Uushaka, Ushaka. D Ayurvedic Nishpaav, Sem. Unani Ushaq, Ushah, Kandal. Unani Lab Laab, Semphali. Action Gum-resin—antispas- Siddha/Tamil Avarin. modic, expectorant, diaphoretic, Action Seeds—febrifuge, stom- emmenagogue, used in cough, achic, antispasmodic, antifungal. asthma, bronchitis and catarrh, Key application As expectorant. especially when the secretion is (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) tough and viscid. Also used in enlargement of liver and spleen. Lablab pods contain protein ., car- bohydrates ., calcium .%; vita- Gum-resin from the flowering and min C (. to . mg/g in cooked fruiting stems contain resin (–%), samples; .–. mg/ g in un- consisting mainly of amino-resinol; cooked samples) increases on cooking. gum; volatile oil, about .%, contain- Enzyme liberation of essential amino ing ferulene as major component; free acids from protein is slower than from salicylic acid; coumarins (umbellifer- casein and wheat. one is absent). Callus tissue of Dolichos lablab Linn. Ammoniacum is similar to asafoeti- (Horsebean) showed presence of beta- da in medicinal properties. sitosterol, stigmasterol, lanosterol and cholesterol. The isolated flavonoids show antifungal activity (the maxi- mum amount of flavonoids was found Doronicum hookeri Hook. f. in the flowers). The plant contains the alkaloid, trigonelline, which exhibits Family Compositae; Asteraceae. hypoglycaemic activity. The maxi- Habitat The Himalayas at Lachen mum alkaloid was found in the seeds and Tungu, and Sikkim. (. mg/g dry weight). In tissue cul- tures raised from seedlings, the maxi- English Leopard’s Bane. (Arnica mum amount was present in the tissue montana Linn. is also known as at the age of weeks (. mg/g dry Leopard’s Bane.) weight). Unani Daarunaj Aqrabi. Action Root—used as a constituent Dorema ammoniacum D. Don. of cardiac and nervine tonics. Used as exhilarant. Acts as a stomachic Family Umbelliferae; Apiaceae. anddissolvestrappedgases. 224 Doronicum pardalianches Linn.
Doronicum pardalianches Linn. The root yields a gum-resin, used in gargle water as stimulant, astrin- Family Compositae; Asteraceae. gent and in toothpaste. Root—used Habitat Native to Europe. in rheumatism. Leaves—carminative. D Unani Daarunaj Aqrabi. Action Used in nervous depression, Dracocephalum moldavica Linn. melancholia and as a constituent of Family Lamiaceae. cardiac tonic preparations. Habitat The temperate Western The plant contains photoactive thio- Himalaya in Kashmir from ,– phenes, in amounts reported to be , m. toxic. Roots and aerial parts yield Ayurvedic Raam Tulasi. sesquiterpene alcohol, paralianchol and its aetophenone derivatives. Unani Feranjmushk. Action Seeds—Febrifuge, carmi- native, astringent, demulcent, vulnerary. Used is cephalalgia, Doronicum roylei DC. neurological disorders, as a cardiac tonic, brain tonic and deobstruent Family Compositae; Asteraceae. in Unani medicine. Habitat The Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Garhwal. Citral and geranyl acetate are major constituents of the essential oil. Oth- Unani Daarunaj Aqrabi Hindi. ers include alpha-pinene, nerol, cit- Action The root is reported to ronellol, linalool, geraniol, limonene prevent giddiness caused during and caproic acid. Flavonoids, includ- high attitude ascents. ing moldavoside, have been isolated from the plant.
Dracaena cinnabari Balf. f. Dracontium polyphyllum Linn.
Family Liliaceae. Family Araceae. Habitat Native to East Africa and Habitat Maharashtra and Karnata- Saudi Arabia. ka; cultivated in the South. English Dragon’s Blood. Siddha/Tamil Kattu Karunayikki- langu. Ayurvedic Khoonkharaabaa, Heeraadokhi. Folk Jangali Suuran. Action Root—antidiarrhoeal, Unani Dammul-Akhwain. anti-inflammatory (prescribed for Action See Daemonorops draco. haemorrhoids), antispasmodic Drosera peltata Sm. 225
(used in asthma), emmenagogue, Ayurvedic Brahma-suvarchalaa abortifacient. (doubtful synonym).
Folk Mukhjali. (Drosera burmannii Vahl is also known as Mukhjali.) Dregea volubilis (Linn. f.) Benth. ex Hook. f. Action Resin from plant—used D in bronchitis and whooping cough. Synonym Wattakaka volubilis Plant—antisyphyilitic. Bruised (Linn. f.) Stapf. leaves, mixed with salt are applied Family Asclepiadaceae. for treating blisters. Habitat Konkan and Maharashtra, Key application Drosera rotundifo- also in Bengal and Assam. lia—in dry cough and coughing fits, Ayurvedic Suparnikaa, Madhu- as bronchoantispasmodic. (German maalati. Muurvaa (substitute). Commission E.). Nak-chhikkini. The leaves contain napthaquinones, Siddha/Tamil Kodippalai. plumbagin (.%), droserone (-hy- Action Root and tender stalks— droxyplumbagin) and hydroxydro- emetic and expectorant, cause serone (.%), and the flavonoids, sneezing, used in colds, sinusitis, quercetin, gossypetin, gossypin and and biliousness. Leaves—used as an isogossypitrin. The antispasmodic ac- application to boils and abscesses. tion of the herb has been attribut- ed to naphthoquinones. Plumbagin The stems and leaves contain a pig- is antimicrobial in vitro against some ment taraxerol, a triterpenoid, kaem- Gram-positive and Gram-negative bac- pferol, a glucoside of kaempferol and teria, influenza virus, pathogenic fungi saponins. Seeds contain a number of and parasitic protozoa, and is active pregnane glycosides which do not ex- against some species of Leishmania. In hibit digitalis-like action. Root con- large doses plumbagin is cytotoxic, but tains a glucoside which lowered carotid in small doses exhibits immunostimu- blood pressure in mice and dogs when lating activity in vitro. administered intravenously. A related species, Drosera indica Linn., is found in Deccan peninsula, particularly in the West coast. Plum- Drosera peltata Sm. bagone, isolated from the plant, de- presses the isolated intestine of the Synonym D. lunata Buch.-Ham. guinea-pig and suppresses the effect of Family Droseraceae. acetylcholine. In Indo-China, a mac- eration of the plant is applied topically Habitat Throughout India, up to to corns. , m. In Western herbal, Sundew is ob- English Sundew. tained from the aerial parts of Drosera 226 Drynaria quercifolia (Linn.) J. Smith.
rotundifolia which grows throughout Action See Cinnamomum campho- Europe. ra.
Drynaria quercifolia Dryopteris dentata D (Linn.) J. Smith. (Forsk.) C. Chr. Synonym Polypodium quercifolium Synonym Cyclosorus dentatus. Linn. Family Polypodiaceae. Family Polypodiaceae. Habitat Throughout India in the Habitat Throughout India, in plains, also on the hills. plains and low mountains. Action Aqueous extracts— Ayurvedic Ashvakatri (non- antibacterial against Staphylococcus classical). aureus. Folk Baandar-Baashing (Maha- rashtra). Dryopteris Action Pectoral, expectorant. filix-mas(Linn.) Schoutt anthelmintic. Used in the treatment of chest diseases, cough, hectic fever, Synonym Aspidium filix-mas Linn. dyspepsia, loss of appetite, chronic Family Polypodiaceae. jaundice and cutaneous affections. Habitat Temperate regions of Pounded fonds are used as poultice America, Europe, Asia, near damp for swellings. Peeled rhizome with and shady terrains. sugar is prescribed for urinary disorders and in spermatorrhoea. English Male Fern, Aspidium. Unani Sarakhs, Sarakhs Muzakkar. Aqueous extracts possess antibacte- rial properties. Siddha/Tamil Iruvi. Action Taenifuge, vermifuge (normally used in conjunction with Dryobalanops camphora a saline purgative, not used with Colebr. castor oil.) Also, deobstruent, abor- tifacient.Externally for rheumatism, Synonym D. aromatica Gaertn. f. sciatica and neuralgia. No more Family Dipterocarpaceae. in use as an anthelmintic as better alternatives are available. Habitat From Borneo to Sumatra islands. Rhizomes and fonds contain filicin English Borneo or Barus Camphor. (%), a mixture of dimeric, trimer- ic and tetrameric butanone chloroglu- Ayurvedic Bhimseni Kapoor. cosides, that kills tapeworms. Exces- Folk Baraas Kapoor. sive dose of filicin may cause intestinal Durio zibethinus Linn. 227 cramps and blindness, also liver dam- The fruit pulp contains a large pro- age. portion of mannitol and small quanti- Related Himalayan species include: ties of a saponin glucoside and alkaloid. D. odontoloma (Kashmir valley), D. The alkaloid is also present in a small marginata, D. barbigera (Kashmir to quantity in the stones of the fruit. Sikkim), D. schimperiana (Mussoorie) D and D. blanfordii (Chattri, Cham- Dosage Seed, leaf, bark—– g ba).The ferns gave filicin ., ., ., powder. (CCRAS.) . and .%, respectively.
Duranta plumieri Jacq.
Drypetes roxburghii Synonym Duranta repens Linn. (Wall.) Hurusawa. Family Verbenaceae. Synonym Putranjiva roxburghii Habitat Cultivated as a hedge plant. Wall. Folk Durantaa. Family Euphorbiaceae. Action Antifungal (topically). Habitat Wild and cultivated throughout tropical India. The leaves contain a saponin and fruits an alkaloid analogous to narco- Ayurvedic Putrajivaka, Sutajva, tine. Macerated fruits, which even in Putrakamanjari. dilutionsof: partsofwater,is Siddha/Tamil Karupali, Irukolli. lethaltomosquitolarvae(theactionis less marked on Culicine larvae. Action Leaves, fruits and stones of fruits are given in colds and fevers, also in rheumatic affections. Rosaries,madeofhardstonesofthe Durio zibethinus Linn. fruit, are placed around the necks Family Bombacaceae. of children to protect them from diseases. Habitat Native to Malaysia; cultivated in South India for its Theseedkernelyield.%ofasharp- edible fruit, in lower elevations of smelling essential oil of the mustard oil the Nilgiris and some parts of the type. The oil contains isopropyl and West Coast. -butyl isothiocyanates as the main English Durian, Civet Fruit. constituents and -methyl-butyl isoth- iocyanate as minor component. An ad- Folk Durio ditional glucoside, glucocleomin, has Action Fruit—reduces lethality of been found in the seed kernels. A glu- alcohol. Leaves and roots—used in cosidic pattern similar to that in the a prescriptions for fever. Leaves— seeds is reported in the shoots and used in medicinal bath during fever. roots. Fruit-walls—used externally for 228 Dysoxylum binectariferum Hook. f.
skin diseases. Ashes of the skin— Siddha/Tamil Agunivagil, Cembil. given after childbirth. Folk Lassuni (West Bengal). The edible pulp of the fruit contains Action Fruit—anti-inflammatory, about % total sugars and an equal diuretic, CNS depressant. D amount of starch; crude protein ., fat ., total carbohydrates ., mineral The bark from mature trees contain matter .%; carotene , vitamin C % tannin and that from young trees mg/ g. %. The seeds are edible like chestnuts EtOH (%) extract of fruit—anti- after roasting. inflammatory, diuretic and CNS de- pressant. The fruit contains a tetranortriter- Dysoxylum binectariferum penoid, dysobinin, a potential CNS de- Hook. f. pressant and inflammation inhibitor. The stem bark contains an alkaloid, Family Meliaceae. rohitukine, which exhibited anti-in- Habitat Assam, Sikkim, Bengal flammatory and immunomodulatory and the Western Ghats. property.