Catharanthus roseus is commonly known as Sadabahar, as it is always in bloom. It is a tropical/subtropical plant spread throughout the world. The anti-hyperglycemic activity of this plant was recognized long before, and this attracted several researchers to do extensive research on this plant. The practice of using the leaf decoction as a cure for diabetes has been an age old practice. Vincristine and vinblastine are the two chemical constituents of this evergreen shrub, which make it famous for its anti-cancer activity.

Vinca rosea, Sadaabahaar, Nayantaaraa, Nityakalyaani.

Astringent, anti-haemorrhagic, astringent; circulatory stimulant, stomachic

Cassia Tora is an annual under-shrub that grows wild in the wasteland of tropical countries. Most of the traditional practitioners who depend on the herbal folk medicine have a deep faith in the medicinal properties of this plant. The seeds of this plant are a reservoir of potentially useful chemical compounds. Some of the anthraquinones and phenolic glycosides, isolated from the seeds have shown pharmacological actions like anti-oxidant activity and anti-microbial effects.

Sickle Senna, Ringworm Plant, Chakramarda

Spermatorrhoea, jaundice, dysentery

Cassia Auriculata is a fast growing profusely branched, tall, evergreen medicinal shrub that is distributed throughout the hot deciduous forests of India. The different parts of this plant have been put to use in Ayurvedic medicines that treat various chronic diseases. Due to its anti hyperglycemic effect, the leaves are used in famous anti-diabetic Ayurvedic formulations like Avarai Panchaga Choornam, Kalpa herbal tea and Diasulin. The phytochemicals and anti-oxidants present in this powder increase the therapeutic value of this plant.

Tanner’s Cassia, Aaavartaki, Aaadaari.

Laxative, anti-diabetics

The botanical name of Senna or “Swarna pattri” is Cassia Angustifolia. This perennial, medicinal under-shrub is well known for its purgative properties. The green leaves contain glycosides like sennocides A and B, along with other active constituents like Anthraquinone, which act as excellent laxatives. They affect the intestinal tract and provide relief from habitual constipation. The leaf powder has been used in some of the common Ayurvedic drugs like Sarivadyasava, Ayulax, Kultab tablets, etc.

Indian Senna, Tinnevelly Senna, Svarna-pattri

Purgative, biliousness, vomiting, hiccups, febrifuge, in splenic enlargements, jaundice, amoebic dysentery

The scientific name of the popularly known Arka or Gigantic swallow wort is Calotropis Gigante. This perennial shrub is a common wasteland weed in India. Ayurvedic and traditional practitioners have used different parts of this plant for the treatment of a variety of ailments. The powdered roots can cure a variety of stomach problems, tuberculosis, leprosy, elephantiasis, etc. The root powder is rich in tannins, flavonoids, triterpenoides and alkaloids which account for its medicinal properties.

account for its medicinal properties.

Giant Milk-weed, Alarka, Raajaarka

Lupus, tuberculous, leprosy, syphilitic ulceration.

Butea Monosperma is a deciduous tree commonly known as the ‘Flame of the forest’ because of its magnificent red coloured flowers. The different parts of this medicinal tree have been used as Ayurvedic medicines since time immemorial. The seeds contain a chemical called Palasonin, which is well known for its anthelmintic activity. Powdered seeds are given to children as a remedy to a large variety of intestinal worms. The powdered seeds are also effective in curing various abdominal problems.

Butea Gum, Bengal Kino, Paalasha, Kimshuka

Anthelmintic

Boerhaavia Diffusa is commonly known as “Punarnava” in Sanskrit because of its rejuvenating property. In Ayurveda, this ethano-medicinal plant is known as the ‘Rasayan herb’ as it renews the body or restores youth. The medicinal properties of this plant have been mentioned in ‘Charaka Samhita’, and ‘Sushruta Samhita’. Some of the biologically active compounds present in the roots are punarnavine, liriodendrin, glycoprotein and eupalitin. The roots powder is considered to be the best therapeutic option for liver and kidney diseases.

Punarnava

Anti-inflammatory, laxative and diuretic, stomachic, expectorant, rejuvenative, diaphoretic, diseases of liver and kidney

Berberis aristata is commonly known in India as “Dāruhaldi”, as it resembles turmeric powder. This thorny medicinal herb is native to Northern Himalaya region. The roots of this plant are well known for its medicinal properties. An alakaloid called ‘berberine’ is an active ingredient of this plant and possesses a wide range of bio-medical properties. It has been used as a potential anti-diabetic agent in Ayurvedic medicines. Apart from diabetes, the root powder can address several health problems.

Daaruharidraa, Indian Barberry, Vrahitaphala

Anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic, hypotensive, antiamoebic, anticoagulant, antibacterial