Momordica Charantia, commonly known as ‘karela’ in Hindi, is a topical household vegetable plant. Its fruits are consumed both as food and as folk medicine. An alkaloid called ‘momordicine’ present in its fruits is well known for its hypoglycemic nature and thus it is also known as an anti-diabetic fruit. An ointment prepared from the fruit powder exhibits wound-healing potential. Apart from its effect on blood glucose, the fruit is efficient in curing several gastro-intestinal problems.

Bitter Gourd, Kaaravellaka, Karelaa

Improves diabetic condition, stomachic, laxative, emetic, anti-bilious, Anthelmintic, Used in cough, respiratory diseases, intestinal worms, skin diseases, also for gout and rheumatism.

Lawsonia inermis is the scientific name of the commonly known shrub called Henna or Mehendi. This glabrous shrub or small tree is widely distributed in different parts of Africa and Asia. The leaves of this plant have a great cosmetic significance as they are used for staining hair, nails and beard. Apart from its cosmetic value, this herbal plant also has great medical significance and thus considered to be a miracle plant for the herbal pharmacy. The chemical constituents of this plant include lawsone, coumarins, flavonoids and luteolin and Tannin.

Henna, Mehendi

Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Shampoos and hair colouring

Tellicherry Bark or Kutaja is scientifically known as Holarrhena antidysenterica. It is a glabrous tree, distributed throughout the deciduous forests of India that are located at low elevations. The rough and pale brown bark contains nearly 30 alkaloids like conessine, conamine, conkurchine, connessimine, kurchine, conarrhinine, holarrhinene and isoconcessimine. Out of them, conessine is responsible for the antidysenteric properties and its ability to treat gastric disorders. This herb is used in some of the Ayurvedic medicines like Kutajarishta, Kutaj Ghanavati etc.

Kurchi, Easter tree, Ivory tree, Kutaja, Girimallikaa

Astringent, anthelmintic, amoebicidal, diuretic, dyspepsia, piles, diseases of the skin and spleen

Hemidesmus indicus, commonly known as Anantmool or Indian Sarsaparilla is a climber found throughout India. The underground root is highly aromatic and this plant is used as a home remedy for various diseases. The chemical constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, and pregnane glycosides, present in this plant are considered to be responsible for its pharmacological activities. This herb is an ingredient of several Ayurvedic formulations like sarivadyasavam, mathala rasayanam, mahamanjistadi kashayam and maha- vishagarbha taila.

Indian Sarsaparilla, Shveta Saarivaa

Gonorrhoea, leucoderma, bleeding piles, jaundice and dysentery

Gymnema sylvestre is popularly known as “gurmar” because of its excellent capacity to destroy blood sugar. It is a reputed anti-diabetic herb in Ayurvedic system of medicine. The phyto-constituents called gymnemic acids, gymnemasaponins, and gurmarin are responsible for the sweet suppression activity of this herb. Apart from diabetes, this large woody climbing plant, can also exhibit its therapeutic effects on a wide range of health problems. This herb is an ingredient of some of the famous Ayurvedic formulations such as Ayaskrti, Varunadi kasaya, Varunadighritam, Mahakalyanakaghrtam etc.

Australian Cow Plant, Ipecacuanha, Meshashringi

Antidiabetic. Stimulates the heart and circulatory system, activates the uterus, parageusia, furunculosis, diuretic, anti-bilious, emetic, expectorant, astringent, stomachic.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra also known as Liquorice and sweetwood is a famous Ayurvedic plant which is native to Mediterranean areas of Asia. The dried rhizome and roots of this plant had been used in Egyptian, Greek, Indian and Roman civilizations, which mark its historical significance. The active ingredients present in the roots of this perennial shrub are Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizic acid which account for its medicinal properties. It can cure a large number of health ailments and at the same time act as anti-aging therapy.

Liquorice, Yashtimadhu, Madhuyashtyaahvaa

Demulcent, expectorant, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, mild laxative, anti-stress, anti-depressive, antiulcer, liver protective, estrogenic, emmenagogue, antidiabetic

Embelia ribes, commonly known as Vidanga, is large scandent shrub that is distributed all over India.  Its great pharmacological potential had been recognized by Ayurvedic practitioners almost thousands of years ago. Some of the well known formulations of Embelia ribes are Ardrakakhandavaleha, Krimighna kashaya churna, Vidangadi churna, Taramandura guda, Sanjivani Vati, etc. It supports the intestines and keeps the digestive system healthy. The primary active component which accounts for its biological activity is Embelin

Vidanga, Krmighna, Baobarang

Spermicidal, oxytocic, diuretic