RRadermachera xylocarpa(Roxb.) K. Schum.

Synonym � Bignonia xylocarpaRoxb.Stereospermum xylocarpum (Roxb.)Wt.

Family � Bignoniaceae.

Habitat � Gujarat, Karnataka, TamilNadu.

English � Padri tree.

Siddha/Tamil � Vedanguruni, Pathiri.

Folk � Paadiri. Kharsing, Kadashing,Bairsinge (Maharashtra).

Action � Plant—antiseptic. Resin—used for the treatment of skindiseases. Rootbark—bitter, as-tringent; used as substitute forStereospermumpersonatum (Hassk.)D. Chatterjee and S. suaveolens DC.(Trumpet-Flower, Yellow Snaketree, also known as Padri).

The leaves gave flavonoids, dinatinand its glycoside. Roots yielded O-acetyl oleanolic acid, stigmasterol anda red pigment, radermachol.

Randia dumetorum Poir.

Synonym � R. spinosa Poir.R. brandisii Gamble.R. longispina W. & A.R. tomentosa W. & A. non Blume.Xeromphis spinosa Keay.

Family � Rubiaceae.

Habitat � Assam, Naga andKhasi Hills, Travancore and theAndamans.

English � Common Emetic Nut.

Ayurvedic � Madana, Chhardana,Pindi, Shalayaka, Vishapushpaka.

Unani � Mainphal, Jauz-ul-Qai.

Siddha/Tamil � Marukkaaraikai,Madkarai.

Folk � Mainphal.

Action � Fruit—nervine, cal-mative, antispasmodic, emetic,anthelmintic, abortifacient. Used asa substitute for ipecacuanha.

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-dia recommends the dried fruit inchlorosis, common cold, rhinitis andobstinate skin diseases.

The activity of the drug is attributedto the presence of saponins which oc-cur to the extent of –% in fresh fruitsand about % in dried whole fruit.The saponins are concentrated mostlyin the pulp. Amixture of two saponins,viz. randialic or neutral saponin andrandialic acid or acid saponin has beenisolated from the pulp. On completehydrolysis both the saponins yieldolea-nolic acid as sapogenin. Ursosaponin,isolated from the ethanolic extract ofthe dried whole fruit, gave ursolic acidand glucose. Randianin, isolated fromthe fruit, gave a haemolytic triterpe-noid saponin.

R

536 Randia uliginosa DC.

In experimental animals, the drugcaused haemolysis both in vitro and invivo. Crude saponin fraction showedhaemolytic, molluscidal and immuno-stimulating activities.

Oleanolic acid -glucoside, isolatedfrom the seed, exhibited anti-arthriticactivity in exudative and proliferativephases of inflammation in rats.

Dosage � Fruit—.–. g powderfor decoction, – g for inductionvomiting. (API, Vol. I.)

Randia uliginosa DC.

Synonym � Catunaregam uliginosa(Retz.) Sivarajan.

Family � Rubiaceae.

Habitat � Southern, Central andEastern India, including Assam andSikkim.

Ayurvedic � Pindaalu, Pinditaka.

Siddha/Tamil � Wagatta, Perunkarai.

Folk � Mainphal, Pindaar, Pendraa,Pendhar.

Action � Unripe fruit—astringent.Root—diuretic; used for biliousness,diarrhoea and dysentery.

Unripe fruits are roasted and used asa remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea.The root, boiled in purified butter, isalso prescribed for dysentery and diar-rhoea.

The fruits, like those of Randiaspinosa, contain a toxic saponin ofoleanolic acid. They also contain leu-cocyanidin and mannitol. The flowers

yield an essential oil similar to Garde-nia oil.

Ranunculus arvensis Linn.

Family � Ranunculaceae.Habitat � The Western Himalayasfrom Kashmir to Kumaon.

English � Corn Buttercup.Folk � Chambul (Punjab). Gager-kanda (Kashmir).

Action � Used in intermittent fevers,asthma and gout.

The active principle of the herb isprotoanemonin (.%) and its glyco-sidic precursor, ranunculin. The herbyields hydrocyanic acid in very smallamounts.

The leaves contain the antifungallactone protoanemonin which inhib-ited growth of Epidermophyton flocco-sum and the yeastRhodotorula glutinis.

Ranunculus sceleratus Linn.

Family � Ranunculaceae.Habitat � The plains of northernIndia, and the warm valleys of theHimalayas from Kashmir to Assam.

English � Blister Buttercup, Celery-leaved Crowfoot.

Ayurvedic � Kaandira, Kaandakatu-ka, Naasaa-samvedana, Toyavalli,Sukaandaka.

Folk � Jal-dhaniyaa.Action � Fresh Plant—highly acrid,rubefacient, vesicant and toxic;

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Raphanus sativus Linn. 537

causes inflammation of the digestivetract. Used after drying or asa homoeopathic medicine for skindiseases.

The plant contains anemonin, pro-toanemonin, ranunculine, serotoninand other tryptamine derivatives.

Serotonin (-hydroxytryptamine)is a potent vaso-constrictor. Pro-toanemonin possesses strong antibac-terial, antiviral, cytopathogenic andvermicidal properties, and is effectiveagainst bothGram-positive andGram-negative bacteria, similar to penicillicacid. It inhibits the growth of E. coli,Staphylococcus aureus and Candida al-bicans. It inactivates in vitro diptheriatoxin.

Dosgae � Whole plant—– gpowder. (CCRAS.)

Ranunculus trichophyllus Chaix.

Synonym � R. aquatilis Linn. var.capillaceus DC.

Family � Ranunculaceae.Habitat � Kashmir to Sikkim.English � Water Crowfoot, WaterFennel.

Ayurvedic � Kaandira (var.).Folk � Tohlab (Kashmir).Action � Herb—used in intermittentfevers, rheumatism and asthma.

Ranunculus muricatus Linn. (Pun-jab and Kashmir) is used in intermit-tent fevers, gout and asthma in Europe.The herb is rubefacient, vesicant andnarcotic.

Raphanus sativus Linn.

Family � Cruciferae; Brassicaceae.

Habitat � Cultivated in UttarPradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra andGujarat.

English � Radish.

Ayurvedic � Muulaka, Laghu-muulaka, Muulakapotikaa, Visra,Shaaleya, Marusambhava. Pods—Sungraa, Singri, Mungraa.

Unani � Muuli, Turb Fajal.

Siddha/Tamil � Mullangi.

Action � Radish—preparationsare used in liver, gallbladder andurinary complaints. Green leaves—diuretic and carminative. Seeds—diuretic, purgative, expectorant.

A decoction of dry radish is givenorally in piles. Extract of the dry rootis given for hiccough, influenza, dysen-tery, colic and urinary troubles.

Key application � In peptic disorders,especially those related to dyskinesiaof the bile ducts; and in catarrhsof the upper respiratory tract.(German Commission E.)

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-dia recommends the juice of the wholeplant in sinusitis; juice of the root indiseases of the throat and sinusitis; andthe seed in amenorrhoea, cough anddyspnoea.

The fleshy root and seeds containtrans--methyl-thiobutenyl isothio-cyanate glucoside (the pungent princi-ple), cyanidin--glucoside--sophoro-

R

538 Rauvolfia serpentina Benth. ex Kurz.

side, pelargonidin diglycoside, cyani-din diglycoside, -methyl-L-cysteine-sulphoxide (methiin), steroidal sa-pogenins and sulphorophene.

The enzymes present in the radishare phosphatase, catalase, sucrase,amylase, alcohol dehydrogenase andpyruvic carboxylase.

Radish contains caffeic acid and fer-ulic acid which exhibit hepatoprotec-tive and choleretic properties. It con-tains choline which prevents deposi-tion of fat in liver. Amino acids, or-nithine, citrulline, arginine, glutamicacid and asparatic acid remove toxinsfrom the body and urea acumulation.

Radish is a good source of ascorbicacid (– mg/ g), trace elementsinclude aluminium, barium, lithium,manganese, silicon, titanium, also io-dine (upto mcg/ g) and ascor-bigen.

Roots, leaves, flowers and pods areactive against Gram-positive bacteria.

The seeds are reported to containa broad spectrum antibiotic, machro-lysin, specific against Mycobacteriumtuberculosis. Raphanin, extracted fromthe seeds, is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

A purified basic protein, homolo-gous to nonspecific lipid transfer pro-teins, fromseeds showed antifungal ac-tivity.

Raphanus caudatus Linn., synonymR. sativus var. caudatus, is known asRat-Tail Radish.

A native to Java, it is cultivated innorthern and western India. The rootis not used; pods, purple or violet incolour, are consumed for propertiesattributed to Raphanus sp. These areknown as Mungraa or Sungraa.

Dosage � Whole plant—– mljuice; root—– ml juice. (API,Vol. II.) Seed—– g powder. (API,Vol. III.)

Rauvolfia serpentinaBenth. ex Kurz.

Family � Apocynaceae.Habitat � The sub-Himalayas tractfrom Punjab to Nepal, Sikkim,Bhutan, Assam, Western Ghats andthe Andamans.

English � Rauvolfia root, SerpentinaRoot, Indian Snakeroot.

Ayurvedic � Sarpagandhaaof Ayurvedic texts was notthe Sarpagandhaa of modernmedicine. (Sarpagandhaa wasequated with Naakuli, Sarpach-hatrikaa and Varshaasu Chha-trikaaraa. Sarpagandhaa andSarpasugandhaa were synonyms ofNaakuli.)

Folk � Chhotaa Chaand.Action � Root—decoction isemployed to increase uterinecontractions and for expulsionof foetus in difficult cases. Thetotal alkaloidal extract of the rootinduces bradycardia, hypotension,sedation. It finds applicationin hypochondria, neuropsychi-atric disorders, psychosis andschizophrenia.

Key application � In mild, es-sential hypertension (borderlinehypertension, especially with ele-vated tension of the sympatheticnervous system, for example,

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Rauvolfia tetraphylla Linn. 539

sinus tachycardia, anxiety, ten-sion and psychomotor irritation,when dietetic measures aloneare not sufficient. (GermanCommission E.)

(Average daily dose: mg drugcorresponding to mg total alkaloid.)Treatment is usually administeredwitha diuretic to prevent fluid retentionwhich may develop if Rauvolfia root isgiven alone. (WHO.) Contraindicatedin depression, bleeding disorders, gas-tric and duodenal ulcers. (Sharon M.Herr.) Also contraindicated in preg-nancy, since it has both teratogenicand abortifacient potential. (FrancisBrinker.)

The root and root bark are rich inalkaloids, the most important beingreserpine, others, around , which in-clude ajmaline, ajmalicine (raubasine),ajmalicine, yohimbine, coryanthine,iso-ajmaline, neo-ajmaline, papaver-ine, raubasine, rauwolscine, rescin-namine, reserpine, sarpagine, serpen-tine, serpentinine, serpinine and de-serpidine.

Reserpine is hypotensive and tran-quilizer, used for certain forms ofmen-tal disorders. Ajmalicine (raubasine)and rescinnamine are also hypoten-sive and tranquilizer. Deserpidine issedative, as well as hypotensive. Aj-maline exhibits antiarrhythmic acti-vity.

A number of Rauvolfia species arefound in India: R. beddomei Hook. f.;R. densiflora Benth ex Hook. f. (Hima-layas, Khasi and Aka Hills; West-ern and Eastern Ghats); R. micranthaHook. f; known as Malabar Rauvolfia,(Kerala, up to an altitude of m)

The roots of R. beddomei containajmalicine, sarpagine and serpentine,but no reserpine. R. densiflora yield-ed .% of total alkaloids (reserpine.%). R. micrantha gave ajmalicine,raunamine, reserpiline, sarpagine,neosarpagine, in addition to reserpine.

(In classical Ayurvedic texts, Nakuliand Gandha-naakuli were included incompound formulations for mentaldiseases.)

Rauvolfia tetraphylla Linn.

Synonym � R. canescens L.Family � Apocynaceae.Habitat � Abundant in moist andwarm regions of West Bengal,particularly in Parganas andHowrah, and Kerala (as a weed).

Folk � Badaa Chaand.Action � Root—sedative, hypoten-sive. Plant juice, mixed with castoroil, is applied to skin diseases andto destroy parasites.

The plant contains a number ofalkaloids, including rauvolscine, aj-malicine, canescine, reserpine, pseu-doyohimbine; yohimbine, corynan-thene, raunescine, iso-raunescine andrecanescine.

The major alkaloid is rauwolscine(alpha-yohimbine), present in the rootbark (.%), stem bark (.%) andleaves (.%).

The roots are often used as a sub-stitute or adulterant of those of R. ser-pentina, though the reserpine contentof the dried root was found to be com-paratively low (.–.%).

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540 Reinwardtia indica Dum.

Reinwardtia indica Dum.

Family � Linaceae.Habitat � The Himalayas fromKashmir to Sikkim; commonlygrown in gardens.

English � Winter-Flax, Yellow Flax.Ayurvedic � Baasanti.Folk � Abai (Maharashtra).Action � Plant—used for thetreatment of paralysis in Bihar.The crushed leaves and stems areapplied to wounds infested withmaggots.

Reissantia grahamii(Wight) Ding Hou.

Synonym � Hippocratea grahamiiWight.Pristimera grahamiiA. C. Smith.

Family � Celastraceae; Hip-pocrateaceae.

Habitat � Konkan, and the SouthAndamans.

Folk � Danshir, Daushir, Lokhandi,Yesti, Zerwati (Maharashtra).

Action � Root—used for thetreatment of respiratory affections,common cold and influenza.

The roots contain about twice theamount of pristimerin as in R. indi-ca and show similar antibiotic proper-ties. Pristimerin is found active againstStreptococcus viridans, causative or-ganism for sore throat and tonsilitis,and S. pyogenes.

Reissantia indica Halle.

Synonym � Hippocratea indicaWilld.Pristimera indica A. C. Smith.

Family � Celastraceae; Hippo-crateaceae.

Habitat � North-eastern India.

Siddha/Tamil � Odangod.

Folk � Kazurati, Tirruli (Maharash-tra), Atari-lataa, Kathapahaariaa,Lokhandi (Bengal).

Action � Root bark—used for thetreatment of respiratory troubles.Stem—febrifuge. Leaves—scorchedand given to women duringconfinement. Powdered leavesand roots are applied to sores andwounds.

The roots contain dulcitol. The rootbark contains an antibiotic principle,pristimerin (.%) which shows con-sidered in vitro activity against severalGram-positive cocci, both haemolyt-ic and non-haemolytic. Pristimerinalso inhibits in vitro growth of differ-ent strains of Mycobacterium tubercu-losis. Clinical trials have shown thatpristimerin is effective in the treat-ment of inflammatory conditions ofthe naso-pharyngeal mucosa resultingfrom common cold and influenzal in-fections. It is founduseful as an adjunctto the common antibiotic therapy ofrespiratory inflammations of both bac-terial and viral origin, and is reportedto possess antitumour properties, butits high toxicity precludes its use asa cancero-static agent.

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Rhamnus purshiana DC. 541

Remusatia vivipara Schott.

Family � Araceae.Habitat � Maharashtra, Karnataka.Folk � Rukhaalu, Maanakand(Maharashtra). Lakshmanaa isa doubtful synonym

Action � Root—use for obstinateskin diseases and pruritus; alsofor disinfecting genitourinary tractand for promoting conception.Alocasia indica and Eulophia nudaare also known as Maanakanda inIndian medicine. Alocasia indicais used in Siddha medicine as ananti-inflammatory and diureticherb.

Reseda luteola Linn.

Family � Resedaccae.Habitat � Indigenous to westernEurope; grown in gardens in India.

English � Dyer’s Rocket, Weld.Action � Plant—diuretic, diaphoretic,anthelmintic.

A luteolin glucoside, luteoloside, hasbeen isolated from the fresh blossomsand outer parts of the plant. It has a lowtoxicity andmild influence on capillaryresistance and possesses diuretic prop-erties.

Reseda odorata Linn., known asMignonette, is indigenous to NorthAfrica and cultivated in gardens inIndia.

The herb is reported to allay irri-tation and ease pains. The seeds areapplied externally as a resolvent. The

root is acrid and is used in Spain asa laxative, diuretic and diaphoretic.

Rhamnus procumbens Edgew.

Family � Rhamnaceae.Habitat � Western Himalayas fromSimla to Kumaon at an altitude of, to , m.

English � Buckthorn (relatedspecies).

Action � Plant—anticonvulsant,anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer.

The plant contains kaempferol,kaempferol--O-methyl ether andkaempferol-′-O-methyl ether.

The ethyl acetate soluble portionof the alcoholic extract showed anti-nociceptive, anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory activity. Kaempferol-′-O-methyl ether was found to exhib-it central nervous system depressant,cardiac stimulant, antispasmodic andanti-inflammatory activity.

The plant also contain emodin,which exhibited cardiac and intesti-nal stimulant, central nervous systemdepressant and analgesic activity inexperimental animals.

Rhamnus purshiana DC.

Synonym � Frangula purshiana (DC)A. Grey.

Family � Rhamnaceae.Habitat � Native to Europe;introduced in Kashmir, HimachalPradesh, Bhutan and the Nilgiris.

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542 Rhamnus virgatus Roxb.

English � Buckthorn (relatedspecies), Cascara Sagrada, SacredBark.

Action � Bark—stool-softener,non-habit forming stimulantlaxative, pancreatic stimulant.Used for dyspepsia and habitualconstipation.

Key application � In occasionalconstipation. (German CommissionE, ESCOP, WHO.) As a stimulantlaxative. (The British HerbalPharmacopoeia.)

The bark contains up to % an-thraquinone glycosides, consisting ofthe cascarosides A, B, C and D, about%of the total; other glycosides inmi-nor concentrations include barbaloin,frangulin, chrysanol, glycosides basedon emodin, aloe-emodin, emodin-oxanthrone and chrysophanol; dian-thrones, and free aglycones.

The cascarosides act on large in-testines and stimulate peristalsis. Theemodin exhibits antispasmodic activ-ity in isolated rat intestine. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic actionwas also demonstrated.

Rhamnus catharticusLinn., is equat-ed with common Buckthorn, R. pur-purea Edgew. with Purple Buckthorn.R. purpurea is found in the Himalayasfrom Kashmir to Nepal.

Dried bark of Rhamnus frangulaL. (Alder Buckthorn) and dried ripeberries of Ramnus catharticus are alsoused against constipation. (GermanCommission E, WHO.)

Long term use or excessive amountsmay cause albuminuria, haematuria,slowing of intestinal transit and cardiacirregularities. (Sharon M. Herr.)

Rhamnus triquetra Brandis (knownas Gudlei, Fagoraa, Gardhan in Pun-jab; Gaunt in Garhwal and Kumaonand Katheraa in Jaunsar) is found intheHimalayas from Kashmir to Nepal.The bark is used as a tonic, astringentand deobstruent. Kaempferol, its -O-methyl ether and ′-O-methyl ether,physcion- beta-D-glucoside, emodinand its beta-D-glucoside were iso-lated from the whole plant. Emodinexhibited CNS depressant activity. (Fi-toterapia, , .) The plant exhib-ited significant anti-inflammatory anda nonspecific antispasmodic activity.It induced cardio-stimulation whichmight be due to the endogenous re-lease of catecholamines.

Rhamnus napalensis Wall. ex M.Laws. (known as Archal in Nepal;Biringa and Birringguli in Assam) isfound in eastern Himalayas and thehills andplains ofAssam, Bihar, Orissa,Madhya Pradesh and northernAndhraPradesh, ascending up to an altitudeof , m. The fruit, pounded andmacerated in vinegar, is prescribed forthe treatment of herpes.

Rhamnus virgatus Roxb.

Family � Rhamnaceae.Habitat � Throughout Himalayas,Khasi and Jaintia Hills, hills ofOrissa, Madhya Pradesh, and theNilgiris.

English � Indian Buckthorn.Folk � Chhaduaa, Tadru (Punjab),Chadolaa (Garhwal).

Action � Ripe fruit—purgative,emetic. Given in the affections of

R

Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn. 543

spleen. (Purgative action not foundin the bark.)

The bark showed only traces of hy-droxymethyl anthraquinones and didnot exhibit purgative action on exper-imental animals.

The plant contains the enzyme,rhamnodiastase, capable of hydrolyz-ing flavonoid glycosides.

Rhamnus wightii Wight & Arn.

Family � Rhamnaceae.Habitat � Hills of Peninsular India,up to an altitude of , m.

Ayurvedic � Rakta-Rohidaa (a nameapplied to several other astringentherbs).

Action � Bark—bitter, astringent anddeobstruent.

The leaves gave chrysophanol, phys-cion, musizin, lupeol, rhamnazin,rhamnocitrin, emodin, frangulin Aand beta-sitosterol. A naphthalene-glucoside lactone—beta-sorigenin--O-beta-D-glucoside has been isolat-ed from the stem bark. Cynodontin,chrysophanol, physcion, musizin, lu-peol, emodin, beta-syriogenin, beta-sitosterol and its glucoside were alsoisolated.

Rhaphidophora laciniata(Burm. F.) Merr.

Family � Araceae.Habitat � Deccan Peninsula,Coromandel Coast, Malabar andsouthwards to Sri Lanka.

Folk � Ganesh-kand (Maharashtra);Aaanaiittippili (Tamil Nadu).

Action � Antidote to poisonousinflictions; used against bites ofpoisonous raptiles.

Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn.

Synonym � R. australe D. Don.Family � Polygonaceae.Habitat � Sub-alpine Himalayas,from Kashmir to Sikkim at altitudesof ,–, m.; also cultivated inAssam.

English � IndianRhubarb,HimalayanRhubarb.

Ayurvedic � Amlaparni, Pitamuuli,Gandhini Revatikaa. Revandachini(roots).

Unani � Revandchini.Siddha/Tamil � Revalchinikattai,Nattirevaichini.

Action � Purgative, astringent,aperient. Used for constipationand atonic dyspepsia. Not advisedfor patients suffering from gout,rheumatism, epilepsy. (When giveninternally, the root imparts a deeptinge to the urine.)

The root gave emodin, emodin--monomethyl ether, chrysophanol,aloe-emodin, rhein. These occur freeand as quinone, anthrone or dian-throne glycosides. The astringent prin-ciple consists of gallic acid togetherwith small amounts of tannin. Thedrug also contain cinnamic and rhe-inolic acids, volatile oil, starch and

R

544 Rheum nobile Hook. f. &Th.

calcium oxalate. Two major glyco-sidic active principles, sennosideA andB, are present along with free an-thraquinones.

At low doses, the tannin exerts as-tringent effect and relieves diarrhoea;at higher doses anthraquinones stimu-late laxative effect and relieve constipa-tion. (Natural Medicines Comprehen-sive Database, .)

There are three main types of rhu-barbs—Chinese, Indian or Himalayan,and Rhapontic.

The Chinese rhubarb consists of therhizomes and roots of Rheum palma-tum and R. officinale.

The Indian rhubarb consists of driedrhizomes of R. emodi and R. web-bianum; rhizomes and roots of R.moorcroftianum and R. spiciforme arealso reported to be mixed with thedrug. R. rhaponticum is the Rhaponticrhubarb.

Rheum moorcroftianum Royle (theHimalayas at altitudes of ,–, m., chiefly in Garhwal and Ku-maon) possesses properties similar tothose of R. emodi and the roots aremixed with the latter.

Rheum spiciforme Royle (drierranges of Kumaon and Sikkim at alti-tudes of ,–, m.) also possess-es purgative properties. The rhizomesand roots aremixedupwithHimalayanrhubarb.

Rheum webbianum Royle (the west-ern and central Himalayas at altitudesof ,–, m.) is the source ofHimalayan rhubarb.

Rheum palmatum is esteemed asthe best type of (Chinese) rhubarb.Two new stilbene glycosides, ′-O-methylpiceid and rhapontin, isolat-

ed from the roots, exhibited moder-ate alpha-glucosidase inhibitory ac-tivity. Anthraquinone glucoside, pul-matin, isolated from the roots, alongwith its congeners, chrysophanein andphyscionin, showed cytotoxic activi-ty against several types of carcinomacells. Polysaccharides, isolated fromthe roots and rhizomes, contained lyx-ose, glucose, galactose, xylose, rham-nose, mannose and ribose.

Dosage � Root—.–. g powder.(CCRAS.)

Rheum nobile Hook. f. &Th.

Family � Polygonaceae.Habitat � TheHimalayas from Nepalto Bhutan at ,–, m.

Folk � Tehuka (Sikkim).Action � The roots resemble thoseof Rheum emodi, but are spongyand inert. Stems are acidic, used assalad. Dried leaves are sometimesused as a substitute for tobacco.

Rheum officinale Baillon.

Family � Polygonaceae.Habitat � Southeast Tibet, West andNorthwest China.

English � Rhubarb.Unani � Usaare Rewand.Action � Astringent and cathartic(anthraquinones are laxative andtannins astringent), stomachic, ape-rient, cholinergic, gastric stimulant,antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory,

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Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz. 545

antiseptic. Used for indigestion,diarrhoea, dysentery and disordersof liver and gallbladder.

Key application � In constipation.Contraindicated in acute intestinalinflammation and obstruction.(German Commission E, ESCOP,The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia,WHO.)

Rhubarb contains ,-dihydroxy-anthracene derivatives. The laxativeeffect of the herb is primarily due to itsinfluence on the motility of the colon,inhibiting stationary and stimulatingpropulsive contractions. Stimulationof the chloride secretion increases thewater and electrolyte content of stool.(German Commission E.)

The plant extract of R. officinaleis found to be strong and effectivescavenger of oxygen radicals in xan-thine/xanthine oxidase and other sys-tems in vitro.

Rheum rhaponticum, known asRha-pontic or English rhubarb, is extensive-ly cultivated all over Europe andAmer-ica; also cultivated to a small extent inIndia in the Khasi Hills, the Nilgirisand West Bengal.

Rhubarbs contain anthraquinonesbut English rhubarb contains onlychrysophanic acid and some of its gly-cosides. Stilbene glycosides, present inother types, are also found in Englishrhubarb. The roots contain rhapontin.(.%), reported to restore oestruscycle in castrated female rats.

Rheum webbianum Royle.

Family � Polygonaceae.

Habitat � Western Himalayas.Folk � Archa.Action � Antispasmodic, musclerelaxant, antiseptic.

The rhizomes contain desoxyrha-pontigenin. The compound, like pa-paverine, exhibited smooth muscle re-laxant activity in a wide variety of invitro and in vivo tests. Aqueous alco-holic extract showed papaverine-likenon-specific spasmolytic activity.

The paste of fresh rhizomes is ap-plied on burns, blisters and boils toprevent scar formation.

Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz.

Synonym � R. communis Nees.Justicia nasuta L.

Family � Acanthaceae.Habitat � Throughout the greaterpart of India.

English � Snake Jasmine.Ayurvedic � Yuuthiparni, Yuuthika-parni. Paalaka-Juuhi.

Unani � Gul-baglaa.Siddha/Tamil � Nagamalli.Action � Leaf, seed and root—usedfor skin diseases. A paste of theroot, with lime juice, is appliedexternally to eczema, ringworm andDhobi’s itch.

The roots are reported to contain anantiseptic and antiparasitic active prin-ciple, rhinacanthin (.%). The plant isrich in potassium salts; also containsoxymethyl anthraquinones.

The flowers contain rutin.

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546 Rhizophora mucronata Lam.

Dosage � Leaf, seed, root—– mljuice; – g powder. (CCRAS.)

Rhizophora mucronata Lam.

Family � Rhizophoraceae.Habitat � The Sunderbans and alongthe Coromandel Coast and theAndamans.

English � True Mangrove.

Siddha/Tamil � Peykkandal, Kandal,Sorapinnai.

Folk � Kamo (Bengal), Kandal(Maharashtra).

Action � Bark—astringent. Usedin the treatment of haemorrhages,haematuria.

The leaves contain ., unripe fruits., ripe fruits ., twig bark –, andwood –% tannins.

The leaves gave campesterol, choles-terol, -isofucosterol, beta-sitosterol,stigmasterol and stigmast--en- beta-ol. The plant gave alpha-and beta-amyrins, betulin, lupeol, oleanolic andursolic acids; gibberellins have alsobeen reported.

Honey collected from the flowers isreported to be poisonous.

R. apiculata Blume, also known asKandal, is foundmixed up with R. mu-cronata in the tidal marshes of Indiaand the Andamans.

Rhododendron anthopogonD. Don.

Family � Ericaceae.

Habitat � The alpine Himalayas fromHimachal Pradesh to Bhutan, from, to , m.

Folk � Taalisri (Punjab), Taalish(Tibet), Tazaktsum, Taalis-faz(Kashmir).

Action � Leaves—stimulant. Theplant yields an incense. The leavesof R. anthopogon get mixed up withthose of Abies webbiana (used forrespiratory diseases).

The leaves contain quercetin, myri-cetin, taxifolin, kaempferol deriva-tives, ursolic acid and its acetate, epi-friedinol, beta-sitosterol, betulinic acidand rutin.

The leaves of R. lepidotum Wall. exG. Don, known as Taalisfur in Pun-jab; and R. setosum D. Don, known asTsalluo in Bhutan, possess propertiessimilar to those of R. anthopogon.

Rhododendron arboreum Sm.

Synonym � R. puniceum Roxb.Family � Ericaceae.Habitat � The temperate Himalayasfrom Kashmir to Bhutan, theNilgiris, KhasiHills and Travancore.

English � Tree-Rhododendron,Rose-Tree.

Folk � Burans (Kumaon), Kurbak,Pullaas.

Action � Leaf—anticephalalgic(applied to the forehead). Leaf andstem-bark—spasmolytic. Flowers—used in diarrhoea and dysentery.

The green leaves contain a gluco-side, ericolin. The extracts of leaves,

R

Rhododendron campanulatum D. Don. 547

stems and bark cause hypotension incats and inhibit intestinal movementsin rabbits. The acetone and chloro-form extracts and a resinous fractionfrom the alcoholic extract of leaves de-press respiration. The petroleum etherextract decreases the rate of heartbeatand contraction in isolated heart offrog.

An alcoholic (%) extract of theflowers lowered blood pressure in dogsand albino rats.

Cyanidin--galactoside and cyani-din--arbinoside are present in thepigments of flowers. The leaves ofvar. nilgiricum and var. cinnamonumcontain ursolic acid, friedelin, epifrie-delanol, quercetin. A triterpenoid,campanulin, has been isolated fromthe leaves of var. nilagaricum.

Rhododendron barbatumWall. ex G. Don.

Family � Ericaceae.Habitat � The Himalayas fromKumaon to Bhutan, extending toAssam.

English � Giantblood Rhododen-dron.

Folk � Chimal (Nepal), Kurbak,Guraans.

Action � Respiratory depressant,emetic, toxic.

The leaves and flowers gave an-dromedotoxin which resembles ter-tiary amine veratrum alkaloids, par-ticularly protoveratrine, in pharma-cological action. Intravenous admin-istration of andromedotoxin to dogs

resulted in –% reduction in bloodpressure. It also closely resemblesprotoveratrine in its stimulating ef-fect on the barostatic-pressor-reflex-mechanism, respiratory effects andemetic action. It produces reflex va-sodepressor responses in intact ani-mals; in debuffered dogs, it producedvasopressor responses. It also pro-duced, both direct and indirect, posi-tive ionotropic effects, the latter beingmore pronounced.

The leaves contain ursolic acid,alpha-amyrin, epi-friedelinol, cam-panulin and hyperoside. Chloroformextract of the leaves and shoots showeda depressant action. The honey fromflowers is poisonous; contains an-dromedotoxin.

Rhododendron campanulatumD. Don.

Synonym � R. aeruginosum Hk. f.

Family � Ericaceae.

Habitat � Throughout the Himalayasat altitudes of ,–, m.

Folk � Chimal (Kumaon, Nepal),Gagger vurmi, Nichnai (Kashmir).Cherailu, Taalis-far.

Action � Leaves—used in chronicrheumatism and sciatica. As a snuff,in colds and hemicrania.

The leaves gave a toxic substancewhich resembles andromedotoxin; be-sides ericolin, ursolic acid, alpha-amy-rin, friedelin, epi-friedelinol, campan-ulin, quercitin. The pigments of flow-ers contain myricetin and quercetin.

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548 Rhododendron cinnabarinum Hook. f.

Petroleum ether and chloroform ex-tracts of leaves, stemsandflowers lowerblood pressure in cats and inhibit in-testinal movements in rabbits.

Rhododendron cinnabarinumHook. f.

Family � Ericaceae.

Habitat � Eastern Himalayas,extending into the Balipura tractand Aka hills of Assam at altitudesof ,–, m.

Folk � Balu, Sanu, Chimal (Nepal).

Action � Plant—vasodepressor.

The plant contains a toxic prin-ciple, andromedotoxin. The leavesare reported to contain friedelin, epi-friedelinol, alpha-amyrin, campanulin,ursolic acid, triterpenes and quercetin.

The flowers are reported to be poi-sonous.

R. falconeri Hook. f., known as Ko-rlinga in Nepal, Kegu and Kalma inBhutan, is found in the HimalayasfromNepal to Bhutan, Aka Hills, NagaHills andManipur at altitudes of ,–, m.

The leaves and stem contain an-dromedotoxin; leaves also contain ur-solic acid, alpha-amyrin, friedelin,campanulin andquercetin. Theflowerscontain -rhamnoside and -galacto-side of quercetin. Thebark gave taraxe-rol, betulinic acid and quercetin.

Petroleum ether extract of the leavesand stems lowers blood pressure in catsand inhibits intestinal movements inrabbits.

Rhus chinensis Mill.

Synonym � R. javanica Linn.R. semialataMurr.Brucea javanica (L.) Merill.

Family � Anacardiaceae.Habitat � The temperate Himalayasfrom Kashmir to Bhutan at ,–, m.

Folk � Tatri, Arkhar (Punjab).Action � Galls—astringent andexpectorant. Used in ointmentsand suppositories employed inthe treatment of haemorrhoids,swellings and wounds. Fruits—spasmolytic. Used for colic,diarrhoea and dysentery.

Dry galls contain to % tan-nin (in the form of Gallo tannic acid);small amounts of fat, resin and gum.The stem-bark contains .% tannin.The fruit contains tannin, gallic acidand potassium acid salts, together withsmall amounts of aluminium, calcium,magnesiumand iron acid salts ofmalic,tartaric and citric acids.

The heartwood contained the flavo-noids, pongapin, tetramethoxyfisetinand demethoxykanugin, and a diben-zoylmethane, ovalitenone.

Rhus hookeri Sahni & Bahadur, syn-onym R. insignisHk. f. is found in Sik-kim Himalaya from Nepal to Bhutanat ,–, m and in Khasi Hills at,m. Juice of the plant is a powerfulvesicant. The fruit contain a fat similarto that found in the fruit of R. javanica.

Rhus coriaria Linn.

Family � Anacardiaceae.

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Rhus succedanea Linn. 549

Habitat � Mediterranean region.English � European or SicilianSumach (used in Unani medicine).

Unani � Sumaaq, Taatraak.Action � Leaves and seeds—astringent, styptic.

Limonene, nonanal and dec- (Z)-enal were obtained from pericarp oil,whereas the leaf oil contained beta-caryophyllene and patchoulane. Cem-brane and beta-caryophyllene wereisolated from branch and bark oil.

Rhus parviflora Roxb.

Family � Anacardiaceae.Habitat � Dry hot slopes of theHimalayas from Punjab to Nepaland in the hills of Madhya Pradeshand South India.

English � Sumach.Ayurvedic � Tintidi, Tintindeeka.Unani � Sumaaq.Folk � Raitung, Tung (Kumaon).Action � Fruit juice—vermifuge.

The leaves contain the flavonoids,myricetin, quercetin and kaempferoland their -O-rhamnosides; the stemsand leaves also gave hentriacontane,hentriacontanol, beta-sitosterol, ligno-ceric acid and iso-rhamnetin--alpha-L-arvinoside.

Smooth Sumach and Sweet Sumach(Canada and USA) are equated withRhus glabra L. and R. aromatica Ait.Smooth Sumach is astringent and di-uretic. Sweet Sumach is used for itsantidiabetic activity; the root bark is

used for irritable bladder, bed-wettingand urinary incontinence. (Natu-ralMedicines ComprehensiveDatabase,.)

Dosage � Fruit—– g powder.(CCRAS.)

Rhus succedanea Linn.

Synonym � R. acuminata DC.Family � Anacardiaceae.Habitat � The temperate Himalayas,from Kashmir, Sikkim to Bhutan ataltitudes of –, m.

English � Japanese Wax tree, WildVarnish tree.

Ayurvedic � Karkatashringee.(Used as a substitute for Pistaciaintegerrima galls.).

Unani � Kaakraasingi.Siddha/Tamil � Karkatakasringi,Kadukapoo (galls).

Action � Thorn-like excrescenceson the branches—astringent, ex-pectorant; prescribed in diarrhoea,dysentery and vomiting. Fruits—expectorant (used as an adjuvant intuberculosis).

The sapwood and heartwood con-tain polyphenols. The sapwood con-tains gallo tannin; the heartwood gavefisetin, and its --glucoside, fustin, gar-banzol, ,,′-trihydroxyflavone, gallicand ellagic acid. The bark is reportedto contain % of tannin.

The juice from the leaves causes blis-ters. Leaves contain % tannin (drybasis), a flavoneglycoside rhoifolin, co-rilagin and shikimic acid. Ethanolic

R

550 Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC.

extract of the leaves is reported to ex-hibit anticancer and antiviral activities.Latex fromthe stemalso causes blisters.

Mesocarp of the fruit contains el-lagic acid. An acid isolated from thefruit is reported to be cardiotonic andsympathomimetic. It was found to betoxic to rabbits. However, the fruitsare used in the treatment of tubercu-losis. Hinokiflavone, isolated from thefruits, showed cytotoxic activity in vit-ro against KB culture cells.

Drupes are rich in biflavones.The wax obtained from the pulpy

mesocarp of the fruit contains palmitic, stearic , dibasic , oleic %, andlinoleic acid (a trace). It is used asa substitute for beeswax.

Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC.

Family � Papilionaceae.Habitat � All over plains and in theHimalayas up to , m.

Folk � Raan-ghevaraa (smaller var.)(Maharashtra); Jhinki, Kammervel(Gujarat); Chittavarai (TamilNadu).

Action � Leaves—abortifacient.Seeds—bitter, toxic.

The leaves afforded isovitexin andapigenin derivatives.

Aerial parts gave steroidal glyco-sides, along with ergosterol peroxide,stigmasterol and lupeol; bergapten,isopimpinellin, umbelliferone andbeta-sitosterol have also been isolat-ed.

The seed coat and pericarp con-tained gallic and protocatechuic acid,prodelphinmidine and hydroquinonediacetate and C-glycosyl flavones.

The extract of seeds shows agglu-tinating activity with certain type ofhuman red blood cells.

R. bracteata Benth. ex Baker (upperGangetic plains) and R. jacobii Chan-dra & Shetty (Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu)contain vitexin, isovitexin, orientin,iso-orientin and apigenin derivatives.

Ribes nigrum Linn.

Family � Grossulariaceae.

Habitat � Cold temperate regionsextending from Himalayas tonorthern Asia and Europe.

English � European Black Currant.

Folk � Nabar.

Action � Dried leaves and twigs—a home remedy for coughs.Leaves—diuretic, hypotensive,refrigerant. An infusion is usedfor inflammatory conditions,sore throat, hoarseness. Fruits—refrigerant, mildly spasmolytic,vasoprotective, anti-inflammatory.

Black currents are very rich in vita-min C (average mg/g) and con-tain .–.% pectin as calcium pec-tate, also minerals, potassium (mg/ g). The acidity of the fruit is mainlydue to citric acid; malic acid is presentin small amounts. Glucose and fruc-tose are principal sugars; sucrose isa minor component.

The flavonoids in the fruits includekaempferol, quercetin and myricetin.About .% anthocyanosides, concen-trated mainly in the skin, consist ofglycosides of cyanidol and delphinidol.

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Ricinus communis Linn. 551

The anthocyanosides are reported-ly bacteriostatic and exhibit vasopro-tective and anti-inflammatory activity.They are antisecretory against choleratoxin-induced intestinal fluid secretionin vitro.

The leaves contain an anti-inflam-matory principle, pycnometol and mi-nute quantities of an essential oil com-posed mostly of terpenes.

Polyphenolic extract of buds inhib-ited lipid peroxidation by rat liver mi-crosomes.

Polyphenols present in R. nigrumand R. rubrum (Red Current, WesternHimalayas from Kumaon to Kashmir)exhibit free radical scavenging activity.The seed oil lowers VLDL and totalcholesterol.

Contraindicated in bleeding disor-ders. (Sharon M. Herr.)

Ricinus communis Linn.

Family � Euphorbiaceae.Habitat � Cultivated chiefly inAndhra Pradesh, Maharashtra,Karnataka, and Orissa.

English � Castor seed.Ayurvedic � Eranda, Chitra-bija, Triputi; Tribija, Vaataari,Chanchu, Manda, Uruvaka,Gandharva-hastaa, Panchaan-gula, Vardhamaana, Uttaanpatraka,Vyaaghrapuchha, Chitraa.

Unani � Bedanjeer, Arand.Siddha/Tamil � Ammanakku.Action � Oil from seeds and youngleaf—purgative. Oil is used indermatosis and eczema. Leaves—

used as poultice to extract theworm.Root—a decoction is administeredfor lumbago and allied complaints.Bark—purgative.

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-dia recommends the decoction of thedried,mature root in rheumatism, painin the urinary bladder, lumbago, dis-eases of the abdomen and inflamma-tions; fresh leaf in helminthiasis, dysu-ria, arthritis, pain in the urinary blad-der, dysuria, abscesses; dried seedpow-der in constipation, rheumatism, dis-eases of the liver and spleen, piles, lum-bago, sciatica.

The root extract exhibited signifi-cant anti-inflammatory activity againstcarrageenan-, bradykinin-, -HT-anddextran-induced rat hind paw oedema.N-Demethylricinine showed dose-de-pendent anticholestatic and hepato-protective activities in rats.

Castor oil, derived from the seeds,is a well-known purgative (dose – ml).

Castor seed contains toxic compo-nents (.–.% on whole seed; about% in the flour) which are highly poi-sonous to human beings and animals.The principal toxic substance is the al-bumin, ricin. Allergens and a feeblytoxic alkaloid ricinine is also present.An ulcerative factor in the seed is re-ported. Like other toxalbumins, ricinagglutinizes the mammalian red bleedcorpuscles. (Ricin loses its toxicityand antigenic action on treatment withpotassium permanganate.)

Castor oil consists principally of ri-cinoleic acid. Stearic, oleic, linoleicand dihydroxystearic acids are presentin small amounts. The strong laxative

R

552 Rivea corymbosa Hallier f.

property of castor oil is reported dueto the local irritant action caused inthe intestines by ricinoleic acid formedby hydrolysis under the influence oflipolytic enzymes. (The oil should notbe used with fat-soluble vermifuge, itmay increase its absorption and toxic-ity.)

Dosage � Root—– g fordecoction. (API, Vol. I.) Leaf—– ml juice; – g powder; seed—.– g powder. (API, Vol. III.)

Rivea corymbosa Hallier f.

Family � Convolvulaceae.Habitat � Native to tropical America;cultivated as an ornament in gardensin Mumbai, Pune and Belgaum.

English � Ololiuqui, Snake Plant.Action � Seeds—narcotic.

The psychic effect produced by theground seeds have been ascribed to thepresence of ergot-type alkaloids (upto .%) found in embryo. Amongthe principal alkaloids identified in theseeds are: ergine, isoergine, elymo-clavine, lysergol and chanoclavine. Er-gometrine, clymoclavine, penniclavineand ergometrinine have also been re-ported. Ergine has been reported to bethemost and lysergol the least effective.

A glucoside, turbicoryn, isolatedfrom the seeds, was found to havea CNS stimulant action. (Doses ex-ceeding . mg/kg proved fatal to testanimals in – min.)

Ergine and isoergine are present inthe leaves (.%, dry basis) and stems(.%, dry basis) but not in the roots.

Rivea hypocrateriformis Choisy.

Family � Convolvulaceae.Habitat � Throughout India.English � Midnapore Creeper.Ayurvedic � Phanji.Siddha/Tamil � Budthi-kiray.Folk � Kalmi-lataa, Phaang.Action � Root—a tonic afterchildbirth. Leaves—astringent;used in haemorrhagic diseases,diarrhoea, dysentery.

Rivea ornate (Roxb.) Choisy.

Family � Convolvulaceae.Habitat � South India.Ayurvedic � Phanji (var.).Siddha/Tamil � Machuttai.Folk � Baravat, Phaang.Action � Juice of the plant—usedtopically in haemorrhagic diseasesand piles.

Rivina humilis Linn.

Synonym � R. laevis Linn.Family � Phytolacaceae.Habitat � Native to warmer partsof America; introduced into Indiangardens.

English � Baby Pepper, Dog Blood,Blood Berry, Rouge-Plant.

Action � Berries—febrifuge, intesti-nal antiseptic.

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Rosa alba Linn. 553

A betaxanthin, humilixanthin, hasbeen isolated from the berry.

A decoction of the herb is used forcold, chest congestion and pain, diar-rhoea and jaundice. Berries alleviatedysentery and amenorrhoea.

Pounded leaves are used for wound-healing and for treating catarrh.

Robinia pseudoacacia Linn.

Family � Fabaceae.Habitat � Western Himalayas andJammu & Kashmir.

English � Locust tree, False Acacia,Robinia, Black Locust.

Action � Leaves—laxative, antispas-modic (an infusion is prescribedin digestive disorders). Flowers—diuretic, antispasmodic.

The bark, leaves and roots containa toxalbumin, robin (.% in the bark),which resembles ricin present in thecastor seed. The bark also containsa glucoside robinitin (%), syringin,tannin (up to about .%). Inner barkcontains amygdalin and urease.

The leaves are rich in calcium, phos-phorus and potash. The presence ofglycosides, acaciin, apigenin--bioside,apigenin--trioside and indican, havealso been reported.

The flowers are powerfully diureticdue to a glycoside, robinin. Flowersalso contain l-asparagine.

The roots are rich in asparagine, alsocontain robin. Root bark, if taken inexcess, is emetic and purgative.

The bark and young shoots are poi-sonous to livestock.

Rorippa dufia Hara.

Synonym � R. indica Hiern.Nasturtium indicum DC.

Family � Brassicaceae.Habitat � Throughout India, in dampplaces, ascending up to , m inthe Himalayas.

Unani � Khoobkalaan (also equatedwith Sisymbrium iro Linn., HedgeMustard, London Rocket).

Siddha/Tamil � Kattu-kadugu.Action � Plant—antiscorbutic,stimulant, diuretic (given indiarrhoea, dysentery and fever).Seeds—laxative, prescribed in thetreatment of asthma.

Glucosinolates of -methylthio-oc-tyl, -methylsulphinyloctyl and -phe-nylethyl have been isolated from theseeds.

R. islandica (Oeder) Borbas (Bihar,Bengal, Kerala) and R. montana Small(Punjab to Sikkim) are used for anti-scorbutic, digestive and diuretic prop-erties.

Rosa alba Linn.

Family � Rosaceae.Habitat � Asian Minor region.Cultivated in Indian gardens.

English � Common English DogRose, White Cottage Rose.

Ayurvedic � Sevati, Shveta Taruni.(Flowers—white or bluish.)

Unani � Sevati. Garden var.—Gul-safed Bustaani, Vard Abyaz.

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554 Rosa bourboniana Desportes.

Wild var.—Gul-safed Sahraai, VardAbyaz Barri.

Action � Flower—cardiac tonic,prescribed in palpitation of heart,febrifuge. Petal—laxative.

Rose hip contains pectin, citric acidand malic acid which are responsiblefor its laxative activity.

The pollen contains carotene (.mg/ g), free and bound amino acidsand sugars.

Themajor constituents of the essen-tial oil are geraniol, beta-phenylethylalcohol, beta-geranic acid, geraniol es-ters, nerol, citronellol, eugenol,methyl-eugenol and benzoate.

R. Canina Linn. is equated with (In-dian) Dog Rose. The anthocyanin,isolated from the petals, exhibits radio-protective effect. The scavenging andantilipoperoxidant activitiesof the fruitdepend on the polyphenol content.

Rosa bourboniana Desportes.

Family � Rosaceae.Habitat � Cultivated throughoutIndia, particularly in Uttar Pradeshon commercial scale, for rose water.

Ayurvedic � Taruni, Desi Gulaab,Baaraamaasi, Cheenia-Gulaab.(Flowers—usually purple.)

Siddha � Rojapoo (Tamil).Action � Fruit—applied to wounds,injuries, sprains, foul ulcers.

Rosa centifolia Linn.

Family � Rosaceae.

Habitat � Cultivated chiefly in UttarPradesh and Bihar.

English � Cabbage Rose, ProvenceRose, Hundred-leaved Rose.

Ayurvedic � Shatapatri, Shatapatrikaa(Shatapatra is equated with Nelum-bo nucifera.), Taruni, Devataruni,Karnikaa, Chaarukesharaa, Laak-shaa, Gandhaaddhyaa. (Flowers—usually pink and double.)

Unani � Gul-e-Surkh.

Siddha/Tamil � Iroja, Rajapoo.

Action � Flowers—a decoction isprescribed for inflammation of themouth and pharynx, and ulcersof the intestine. Powder of rosebuttons and seeds—astringent inhaemorrhage and diarrhoea.

The flowers and leaves contain .and .% of saponin respectively. Pe-tels are reported to containmethioninesulphoxide.

Cabbage rose yields a volatile oil(.%) consisting mainly of citronellol,geraniol, nerol, phenylethanol, linalooland citral. It contains % tannins(oligomeric proanthocyanidins).

Dosage � Dried flower—– gpowder. (API, Vol. III.)

Rosa chinensis Jacq.

Family � Rosaceae.

Habitat � Cultivated chiefly inKannauj, Kanpur and Hathras.

English � Bengal Rose, MonthlyRose.

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Rosa macrophylla Lindl. 555

Ayurvedic � Taruni-Kantaka (non-classical). (Flowers—crimson orpink.)

Unani � Chini Gulaab.Folk � Kaantaa-Gulaab.Action � Hips—applied to wounds,injuries, sprains and foul ulcers.

R. chinensis Jacq. and R. borboni-anaDesp. are synonymsofRosa indica,found and cultivated throughout India.This variety is also known as EdwardRose or Kat Gulaab.

Rosa damascena Mill.

Family � Rosaceae.Habitat � Cultivated chiefly inAligarh, Ghazipur and Kannauj,grown in gardens throughout India.

English � Damask Rose.Ayurvedic � Taruni. (Flowers—red,pink or white.)

Unani � Gul-e-Surkh, Vard, Vard-e-Ahmar. Stamens—Zard-e-Vard.Fruit—Dalik, Samar-ul-Vard,Smar-e-Gul.

Siddha/Tamil � Irosa.Folk � Fasali Gulaab.Action � Flower buds—astringent,expectorant, laxative; used asa cardiac tonic and aperient.Stamens and fruits—astringent.Petals—Gulkand (a confection insugar)—laxative, anti-inflammatory(used in sore throat and tonsilitis.Rose water—cooling, refrigerant,antiseptic, anti-inflammatory (usedas a remedy for skin irritation, alsofor sore eyes).

All parts of the rose plant yieldedquercetin, kaempferol and cyanidin.Lycopene, rubixanthin, zeaxanthin,xanthophyll and taraxanthin have beenisolated from the hips. The flowerscontain an essential oil with citronel-lol, nerol, geraniol, beta-phenylethanoland its glucoside, eugenol and methyleugenol; other constituents includeorganic acids, chlorogenic acid, tan-nin, cyanin, cyanidin and its ,-di-glucoside, quercitrin, carotene andsugars. Pollen from flowers containcarotene (.mg/ g), sugars (.%)and chlorogenic acid (.%). Their pro-line content is found unusually high.

The red colouring matter consistsof cyanin (–% on dry weight ba-sis); a yellow glucoside of quercetinand quercitrin is also present. Flow-ers, usually, yield .% oil or otto ofrose.

Dog Rose, extensively cultivated inEurope, North Africa and parts ofAsia, is equated with Rosa canina Lin.The rose hip contains vitamin C (.–.%), malic and citric acid, pectins(%), invert sugar (–%), tannins(%), carotenoids, flavonoids.

Preparations of Rose hips are usedfor the prevention and treatment ofcolds and influenza-type infections, forthe treatment vitamin C deficiencies;and for increasing resistance.

Rosa macrophylla Lindl.

Family � Rosaceae.

Habitat � The temperate Himalayasfrom Punjab to Sikkim at altitudesof ,–, m.

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556 Rosa moschata Hook. f. non-Mill. nec Herrm.

Ayurvedic � Vanya Taruni (non-classical). (Flowers—pink, fruits—red.)

Folk � Ban-gulaab.Action � Fruits—rich in vitamin C( mg/ g).

Rosa moschataHook. f. non-Mill. nec Herrm.

Synonym � R. brunonii Lindl.Family � Rosaceae.Habitat � Central and WesternHimalayas, ascending to , m.

English � Himalayan Musk Rose.(Flowers—white, fruit—orange redor dark brown.)

Ayurvedic � Kubjaka (non-classical).Folk � Kujai, Kuujaa.Action � Plant—used in biliousaffections, irritation of the skin andeye diseases. Rose water and ottois extracted from the flowers inHimachal Pradesh.

Rosa multiflora Thunb.

Synonym � R. polyantha Sieb. &Zucc.

Family � Rosaceae.Habitat � Cultivated in Kulu.Occasionally found in hedges andabandoned coffee plantations inUpper Ghats.

Ayurvedic � Rakta-Taruni (non-classical).

Folk � Gulaab.

Action � Fruit—antiseptic, appliedto wounds, injuries, sprains andfoul ulcers.

Thefruit yieldedbeta-sitosterol, sco-parone, salicylic and gallic acid. Fruitscontained multiflorin; flower petalsgave astragalin. A purgative com-pound,multinosideAacetate, has beenisolated from the fruit. Quercetin--O-xyloside, isoquercitrin and hyperinwere also isolated.

Floral absolute oil contains eugenol(.), phenylethanol (.) and hene-icosane (.%).

The root gave a triterpenoid, tor-mentic acid.

The plant extract, along with kojicacid or its derivatives, produced excel-lent skin-lightening and sun-burn pre-venting effects.

Rosa rubra Blackw.

Synonym � R. gallica Linn.

Family � Rosaceae.

Habitat � Indian gardens.

English � French Rose.

Ayurvedic � Rakta-Taruni (non-classical), Gulaab.

Action � Dried petals—tonicand astringent. Used in debility,excessive mucous discharges andbowel complaints. The oil and rosewater—used in bronchial asthmaand as a remedy for skin irritation.

The flowers yield .–.% ofan essential oil. It contains geraniol–, l-citronellol –, nerol –,

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Rosmarinus officinalis Linn. 557

phenyl ethyl alcohol –, eugenol , es-ters –, phenyl acetic acid traces; andstearoptene –%; citronellol, citral,farnesol, l-linalool and nonylaldehydeare also present. (The flowers, unlikethose ofRosa damascena, develop theirperfume when dried.)

The petals also contain fatty oil, sug-ars (–%as invert), tannin (Rosa tan-nic acid –%), cyanin (up to %),cyanidin and quercitrin.

The pollen contains carotene (.mg/ g), free and bound amino acidsand sugars.

Fresh hips and their pulp contain and mg/ g vitamin C re-spectively.

Rosa sericea Lindl.

Family � Rosaceae.

Habitat � The temperate Himalayasfrom Chamba eastwards to Bhutanand Assam at altitudes of , to, m.

Folk � Jangali Gulaab. (Flowers—white or yellow, fruit—red.)

Action � Fruits—rich in vitamin C.

Rosa webbiana Wall.

Family � Rosaceae.

Habitat � Dry and inner Himalayasfrom Kashmir to Kumaon ataltitudes of –, m.

Ayurvedic � Laddaakhi-Sevati.(Flowers— pink or deep red, fruit—red.)

Action � Fruits—rich in vitamin C( mg/ g,) concentration up to% in dry pulp.

Roscoea procera Wall.

Family � Zingiberaceae.Habitat � The Himalayas at altitudesof ,–, m, in grassy slopes.

Ayurvedic � Kaakoli, Kshira-Kaakoli.Action � Tuberous root—revitalizingtonic, age-sustainer; used inrestorative tonics.

One of the ingredients of the “EightTonic Herbs” (Ashta-varga) of Ayurve-dic medicine.

Rosmarinus officinalis Linn.

Family � Labiatae; Lamiaceae.Habitat � Native to the Mediter-ranean region, cultivated in NilgiriHills.

English � Rosemary.Folk � Rusmari.Action � Essential oil from flowersand leaves—anti-inflammatory,astringent, antiseptic, stomachic,carminative; used externally incirculatory disorders. Floweringtops and leaves—carminative,diuretic, emmenagogue; vaporbaths afford relief in incipientcatarrh, rheumatism and muscularaffections.

Key application � Leaf—internally indyspeptic complaints; externally in

R

558 Rotula aquatica Lour.

supportive therapy for rheumaticdiseases and circulatory problems.(German Commission E.) Showsimprovement of hepatic and biliaryfunction.(ESCOP.) Carminative,spasmolytic of hepatic and biliaryfunction. (ESCOP.) Carminative,spasmolytic. (The British HerbalPharmacopoeia.)

In research using rats, the essentialoil and ethanolic extract of rosemarydecreased drug-induced hepatotoxici-ty and the suppression of bonemarrowcells. Phenolic compounds in the herbexhibit antioxidant activity. (SharonM. Herr.)

The herb contains volatile oil (.–.%), composedmainly of , -cineole(–%), alpha-pinene (–%),camphor (–%), others include bor-neol, isobutyl acetate, camphene, li-monene, linalool, -octanone, terpine-ol, verbenol; flavonoids including api-genin, diosmetin, diosmin; rosmarinicacid and other phenolic acids; diter-penes; rosmaricine; ursolic acid, olea-nolic acid and their derivatives.

The anti-inflammatory effect ofRosemary has been attributed to ros-marinic acid, ursolic acid and apigenin.Among flavonoids, diosmin is report-ed to be more effective in decreasingcapillary fragility than rutin. A ros-maricine derivative exhibits stimulantand mild analgesic activity.

The phenolic fraction, isolated fromthe leaves, also from the oil, exhibitsantioxidant activity.

Pressed juice of leaves possessesa strong antibacterial action on Staphy-lococcus aureus, E. coli and Bacillis sub-tilis.

An infusion of the plant with boraxis used as a hair wash for preventinghair loss.

Rosemary oil, in combination withthe essential oil from thyme, lavenderand cedarwood, showed improvementin hair growth by % after monthsof treatment for alopecia areata. (Natu-ralMedicines Comprehensive Database,.)

Rotula aquatica Lour.

Synonym � Rhabdia lyciodes C. B.Clarke in part non Linn.Shretia cuneata Wt.

Family � Borginaceae.Habitat � Kumaon to Assam andin Central, Western and SouthernIndia, and the Andamans.

Siddha/Tamil � Cheppu-nerinjal.Folk � Paashaanbheda (Karnataka).Action � Root—diuretic; used forstone in the bladder; also in venerealdiseases. The diuretic action of theroot is attributed to the presence ofallantoin; a sterol, rhabdiol, has alsobeen isolated from the roots.

Rourea minor (Gaertn.) Alston.

Synonym � R. santaloides Wight &Arn.Connarus santaloides Vahl.

Family � Connaraceae.Habitat � Western parts of thePeninsula, from Konkan southwardand in West Bengal and Assam.

Ayurvedic � Vridha.

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Rubia cordifolia Linn. 559

Folk � Kal-vidhaaraa, Vaakeri(Maharashtra), Vardaar.

Action � Roots and twigs—bittertonic; prescribed in rheumatism,pulmonary complaints, scurvy,diabetes; externally for ulcers andskin diseases. Wood—a decoctionis administered after parturitionand as a febrifuge. Wood, roots andfruits—poisonous.

The plant is credited with antisepticand antitubercular properties.

The roots contain beta-D-glucosideof beta-sitosterol, hentriacontane andmeso-inositol.

Roylea cinerea (D. Don) Baillon.

Synonym � R. elegansWall. ex Benth.R. calycina (Roxb.) Briq.

Family � Lamiaceae.Habitat � Himalaya from Kashmirto Nepal, at ,–, m.

Folk � Patkarru; Titpaati, Karanoi,Karui (Kumaon); Kaur, Kauri(Punjab).

Action � Leaves—a decoction is usedas a bitter tonic and febrifuge; alsoas a tonic in contusions. The leavescontain betulin, beta-sitosterol,beta-amyrin, stigmasterol, cetylalcohol, glucose, fructose, arabinoseand palmitic, stearic, oleic, gallic,oxalic and tartaric acids. The leavesand stems contain the diterpenes,calyenone, precalyone and calyone,and a triterpene, moronic acid.Precalyone exhibited antitumouractivity against P- lymphocyticleukaemia.

Aerial parts exhibited spasmolyticand CNS-depressant activity.

Rubia cordifolia Linn.

Synonym � R. munjesta Roxb.Family � Rubiaceae.Habitat � Throughout India,ascending to an altitude of , m.

English � Indian Madder, BengalMadder.

Ayurvedic � Manjishthaa, Vikasaa,Samangaa, Yojanavalli, Kaalameshi-ka, Raktaangi, Raktayashtikaa,Arunaa, Gandira, Jingi.

Unani � Manjeeth.Siddha/Tamil � Manjitti.Action � Roots and dried stem—blood purifier, astringent, diuretic,emmenagogue, deobstruent,antidysenteric, antiseptic, alterative.

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of In-dia recommends the use of the driedstem in blood, skin and urinogenitaldisorders; dysentery; piles, ulcers, in-flammations; erysipelas, skin diseasesand rheumatism. (Roots, leaves andseeds of R. cordifolia, R. tinctorum andallied species are used in amenorrhoea,liver diseases, gall and spleen com-plaints.) (Mutagenic and carcinogenicaspects of the drug are under investi-gation.)

It is reported that after oral adminis-tration of the root decoction, the urineand bones of the patient show a redtinge.

The roots are rich in anthraquinonesand their glycosides (around ), the

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560 Rubia tinctorum Linn.

important ones include purpurin (tri-hydroxy anthraquinone), munjistin(xanthopurpurin--carboxylic acid);besides xanthopurpurin, peudopur-purin (purpurin--carboxylic acid),free alizarin as well as its glucoside.

Whole plant yielded pentacylic tri-terpenic acids—rubicoumaric and ru-bifolic acids.

Antitumour cyclic hexapeptideshave been isolated from the root (whilelucidin is thought to be carcinogenic).

The root extracts of R. sikkimensisKurz, known as Naaga-Madder (Nepaleastwards toAssam,NagalandandMa-nipur); are very similar to those of R.cordifolia.

Dosage � Stem—– g. (API, Vol.III.)

Rubia tinctorum Linn.

Family � Rubiaceae.

Habitat � Native to Southern Europeand parts of Asia; also found inKashmir.

English � Alizari, European Madder.

Action � Root—used for menstrualand urinary disorders and liverdiseases.

The root contains anthraquinoneand their glycosides, including alizarin,purpurin, purpuroxanthin, pseudop-urpurin, rubiadin, ruberythric acidand lucidin primeveroside. There areindications that lucidin is carcinogenic.All parts of the plant contained an iri-doid, asperuloside.

Rubus ellipticus Sm.

Family � Rosaceae.Habitat � Punjab toAssam, extendingsouthwards into the Western Ghatsand Deccan.

English � Gach Strawberry.Folk � Hinsaalu, Anchhu. Gouri-phal(Kashmir), Tolu, Aselu (Nepal).

Action � Root and young stem—administered in colic pain.

Extract of the leaves showed anti-convulsant activity against electrical-induced convulsions, potentiated hyp-notic effect of pentobarbitone sodi-um and had positive inotropic andchronotropic effects. (Compendium ofIndian Medicinal Plants, Vol. .)

Rubus fruticosus Linn. (EuropeanBlackBerry, EuropeanBramble, knownasVilaayatiAnchhu) is cultivated in thevalley of Kashmir and in Assam andTamil Nadu up to , m. A decoc-tion of the root is used for dysenteryand whooping cough. The plant gavea triterpenic acid, rubitic acid, char-acterized as alpha-hydroxyursolicacid.

Key application � Rubus fruticosusleaf—in nonspecific, acute diar-rhoea, mild inflammation of themucosa of oral cavity and throat.(German Commission E.)

Rubus rugosus Sm. synonym R.moluccanus auct non Linn., (knownas Kalsol in Kumaon) is found in Cen-tral and Eastern tropical and temperateHimalaya from Nepal to Sikkim andin Assam. The plant contains triter-penes, also afforded rubusic acid and

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Ruellia tuberosa Linn. 561

beta-sitosterol; leaves gave tormenticacid. Leaves exhibit astringent, emme-nagogue and abortifacient properties.

Rubus niveusThunb. (Mysore Rasp-berry, Mahabaleshwar Raspberry) iscommon in evergreen forests of Ma-habaleshwar.

European Raspberry is equated withRubus idaeus Linn. The leaves containflavonoids, mainly glycosides of kaem-pferol, quercetin and tannins. Rasp-berry leaf tea has been used in Europeto facilitate child birth. Its uterine re-laxant effects have been demonstratedin animals (the extract appears to ef-fect only the pregnant uterus, no ac-tivity has been observed on the non-pregnant uterus).

The leaves of European Raspberry(Rubus idaeus) and other species ex-hibit astringent, carminative and spas-molytic activity. Leaves are used forpainful and profuse menstruation and,as mentioned earlier, for making par-turition easier. An infusion is used forbowel complains, also as a bloodpurifi-er. Leaves contain ascorbic acid (about mg/ g). Polyphenol content ofthe fruit (methanolic extract) exhibit-ed scavenging and antilipo-peroxidantactivities.

Rubus idaeus has been introducedinto India and is cultivated on a smallscale in South Indian hill stations.

The leaf of Rubus idaeus has beenincluded among unapproved herbs byGerman Commission E, as its efficacyhas not been documented.

Ruellia strepens Linn.

Family � Acanthaceae.

Habitat � Native to Central America;introduced into Indian garden asornament.

Folk � Kiranti-takkaaram (TamilNadu).

Action � Herb—diuretic; usedfor urinary disorders in Siddhamedicine.

Ruellia suffruticosa Roxb.

Synonym � Dipteracanthus suffruti-cosus Viogt.

Family � Acanthaceae.

Habitat � Native to central America;introduced into Indian gardens asornament.

Folk � Chaarapaatu, Chaaraparaad(Bihar).

Action � Plant—used in renalaffections, gonorrhoea, syphilis andother venereal diseases.

Ruellia tuberosa Linn.

Family � Acanthaceae.

Habitat � Native to central America;grown in Indian gardens.

English � Meadow-weed.

Siddha/Tamil � Tapas-kaaya.

Action � Herb—emetic; usedas a substitute for ipecacuanha.A decoction is given in chronicbronchitis; also used as a diureticfor the treatment of stones in thebladder.

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562 Rumex acetosa Linn.

Rumex acetosa Linn.

Family � Polygonaceae.Habitat � Western Himalayas fromKashmir to Kumaon.

English � Garden Sorrel, SorrelDock.

Ayurvedic � Chukram, Chuukaa.Unani � Hammaaz-Barri.Action � Laxative, diuretic, antiscor-butic, refrigerant. Used for scurvy,as a cooling drink in febrile disor-ders, as a corrective of scrofulousdeposits. Seeds—astringent (inhaemorrhages).

Flowers—hepatoprotective and an-tihaemorrhagic. Root—used for jaun-dice, also for gravel and stone in thekidneys.

Aerial parts gave rutin, hyperinand vitexin and traces of oxymethy-lanthraquinone. The roots containanthraquinones—chrysophanol, phys-cion and emodin anthrones.

The leaves contain . mg/ gascorbic acid, about .% oxalic acid.Free oxalic acid caused fatal hypogly-caemia in rabbits.

Rumex acetosella Linn.

Family � Polygonaceae.Habitat � Eastern Himalayas, Sikkimand the Nilgiris.

English � Sheep Sorrel.Ayurvedic � Chukrikaa, Chuko.Unani � Hammaaz, Shaaka-turshak,Tursh, Jangali Paalak.

Action � Diuretic, diaphoretic,antiscorbutic, refrigerant. Freshplant is used in urinary and kidneydiseases.

The herb contains anthraquinones,chrysophanol, emodin and physcion.

Free ascorbic acid content (–mg/ g) remains constant through-out the year.

Rumex crispus Linn.

Family � Polygonaceae.Habitat � Native to Europe; found inMt. Abu.

English � Yellow Dock, Curled Dock.Ayurvedic � Chukra, Chukrikaa,Patraamla, Rochani, Shatvedhani.

Action � Root—used as a laxativein rheumatism, bilious disorders,and as an astringent in piles andhaemorrhagic affections; alsoused for skin eruptions, chronicskin diseases, scrofula, scurvy,congested liver and jaundice. Actslike Sarsaparilla when used forscrofulous skin affections andglandular swellings. Seeds—astringent. Used for dysentery.

The root contains anthraquinones(about .–%) including nepodin,and other glycosides based on chryso-phanol, physcion and emodin; alsotannins, rumicin and oxalates. Largedoses should be avoided. Distur-bances caused by the plant are attribut-ed to rumicin. The root and rhizomeare reported to stimulate bile produc-tion. (Natural Medicines Comprehen-sive Database, .)

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Rumex nepalensis Spreng. 563

The leaves contain mg/ g as-corbic acid.

R. crispus is pharmacologicallymoreactive than rhubarb, because the ex-tracts of the roots of the former con-tain more quantity of anthraquinones(.%) than the extracts of the latter(.%).

It has been suggested that Amlavetasshould be equated with R. crispus.

Rumex dentatus Linn.

Family � Polygonaceae.

Habitat � The Himalayas up to m, and in the plains fromAssam to Western and SouthernIndia.

Folk � Jangali Paalak.

Action � Plant—astringent; used incutaneous disorders.

The leaves contain vitamin C mgand vitamin A value , IU/ gand are a rich source of calcium andbeta-carotene. The dried leaves con-tained .% of flavonoids and .% ofanthraquinone derivatives. Flavonoidsinclude rutin, avicularin, quercitrin,quercetin. Roots contain chrysophan-ic acid and emodin, the total an-thraquinone content being .%.

Rumex hastatus D. Don.

Family � Polygonaceae.

Habitat � Western Himalayas fromKumaon to Kashmir, between –, m.

Folk � Amlora, Chumlora (Kumaon);Khattimal, Katambal (Punjab).

Action � Astringent.

The root and bark yield –% tan-nin.

Rumex maritimus Linn.

Family � Polygonaceae.Habitat � The temperate Himalayas,Assam, Bengal, Western Ghats andthe Nilgiris.

English � Golden Dock.Ayurvedic � Kunanjara.Unani � Seeds—Beejband, (siyah orsafed), Jangali Paalak.

Action � Leaves—catharitic; exter-nally applied to burns. Seeds—incorporated in sex-tonics as aphro-disiac. (Seeds of Sida cordifoliaand Abutilon indicum are also usedas Beejband.) Roots are used asa substitute for rhubarb.

The leaves contain anthraquinonesboth in free and bound forms. Thefruits contain rumarin (.%) rutinand hyperin. The seeds contain .%tannin.

The roots are purgative; containchrysophanic acid, saccharose and tan-nin (%).

The seeds and leaves contain ru-marin, rutin, hyperin, chrysophanicacid, charose, tannin, emodin and itsmonoethyl ether, beta-sitosterol andits glucoside.

Rumex nepalensis Spreng.

Family � Polygonaceae.

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564 Rumex scutatus Linn.

Habitat � The temperate Himalayas,Western Ghats and the Nilgiris.

Folk � Kulli (Kumaon).Action � Root—purgative. A substi-tute for Rheum palmatum. Leaves—an infusion is given in colic,externally applied to syphiliticulcers.

The roots contain nepodin, chryso-phanic acid, also .% tannin.

Rumex scutatus Linn.

Family � Polygonaceae.Habitat � Western Himalayas up toan altitude of , m.

English � French Sorrel.Action � Plant—refrigerant, astrin-gent; given in dysentery. Juice ofleaves—antiscorbutic.

The roots contain oxymethyl an-thraquinone.

Rumex vesicarius Linn.

Family � Polygonaceae.Habitat � Native to South-west Asiaand North Africa; cultivated all overIndia, especially in Tripura, WestBengal and Bihar.

English � Bladder-Dock, CountrySorrel.

Ayurvedic � Chukra, Chuko,Chakravarti.

Unani � Hammaaz.Siddha/Tamil � Shakkankeerai.

Action � Plant—astringent anti-scorbutic, stomachic, diuretic, usedfor disorders of lymphatic andglandular system; for bronchitis,asthma; constipation, dyspepsia,diseases of liver and spleen; urinaryand renal disorders; alcoholism.Seeds—antidysenteric.

Anthraquinone glucosides, emodinand chrysophanol, have been report-ed from leaves, root and seeds. Theleaves contain large amounts of oxalate(.%on dry basis); vitaminC contentis mg and vitamin A , IU/ g.

The leaves of Rumex species are eat-en in salad or cooked like spinach.They contain protein, carbohydrates,potassium, magnesium, phosphorus,calcium, manganese, copper, zinc, (io-dine, in some samples), ascorbic acid,beta-carotene and thiamine; also oxal-ic acid, potassiumbinoxalate and sometartaric acid.

Rungia pectinata (L.) Nees.

Synonym � R. parviflora (L.) Neesvar. pectinata C. B. Clarke.Justicia pectinata L.

Family � Acanthaceae.Habitat � Throughout India, in wasteplaces and hedges.

Ayurvedic � Parpata (as adulterant).Siddha/Tamil � Punakapundu.Action � Leaves—juice is aperient,febrifuge, refrigerant; bruised leavesare applied externally to disperseswellings. Root—febrifuge. Thejuice of leaves is given to childrensuffering from smallpox.

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Ruta chalepensis Linn. 565

Rungia repens Nees.

Family � Acanthaceae.Habitat � Throughout India asa weed in moist places.

Ayurvedic � Parpata (substitute).Siddha/Tamil � Kodaga-saleh.Folk � Kharmor.Action � Herb—vermifuge, diuretic;dried and pulverized herb is usedfor cough and fever. Fresh, bruisedleaves, mixed with castor oil, areapplied to scalp to cure tinea capitis(a scaly fungoid infection).

The flavonoid pigments in ivory-white and pale yellow flowers (theplant also bears blue and pink flow-ers) showed the presence of luteolinand chrysoerial (′-O-methyl luteolin)and their glucosides. Deep yellowflowers contain isosalipurposide; thebluish pink flowers showed presenceof delphinidin-,-diglucoside.

Ruscus aculeatus Linn.

Family � Liliaceae; Ruscaceae.Habitat � Native to western Europe,Mediterranean region and Iran;widely grown as ornament in India.

English � Butcher’s Broom, Jew’sMyrtle.

Action � Rhizomes—deobstruent,anti-inflammatory, haemostatic.

Key application � As supportivetherapy for discomforts of chronicvenous insufficiency and for com-plaints of hemorrhoids.(GermanCommission E, ESCOP.)

Aqueous-alcoholic extract of therhizomes contains steroid saponins (upto % of the extract). The spirostanolglycosides, degluconeoruscin and de-glucoruscin from the extract are ab-sorbed in human plasma after oraladministration. Besides, the rhizomescontain two furastanol glycosides, de-gluconeoruscoide and deglucorusco-side. The extract is used for the treat-ment of venous insufficiency and en-ters into dermatological and cosmeticcompositions for the treatment of darkskin under the eye and into anti-ageingand anti-sun-tanning preparations.

Ruta chalepensis Linn.

Family � Rutaceae.

Habitat � Native to SouthernEurope and North Africa; cultivatedin Indian gardens. (Most ofthe reports of the Garden Rue,cultivated in India, refer to thisspecies and not to Ruta graveolens.)

Unani � Jangali Sudaab.

Siddha/Tamil � Aruvadam-chedi,Arvada.

Action � Plant—antispasmodic,sudorific. Stimulates the nervoussystem; commonly used in decoc-tion in convulsions and fever. Alsoused as a fumigant in infant catarrh.

The plant gave an essential oil whichcontains chiefly methyl heptyl ketone(while Ruta graveolens contains –% methyl nonyl ketone and methylheptyl ketone in small amounts). Rutinis the most important active principle

R

566 Ruta graveolens Linn.

of the plant, responsible for its anti-inflammatory and tumour-inhibitingeffect.

Ruta graveolens Linn.

Family � Rutaceae.Habitat � Native to Mediterraneanregion; cultivated all over India.

English � Garden Rue.Unani � Sudaab, Suddaab.Siddha/Tamil � Aruvada.Action � Herb—stimulating, an-tispasmodic, stomachic; irritant,abortifacient. Used as an emme-nagogue, in hysterical conditions,cough and croupy affections, colicand flatulence. Leaf—used in atonicamenorrhoea, menorrhoea andcolic. Externally, used for sciatica,headache, muscular chest pain,bronchitis and arthritic conditions.(Fresh juice of leaves, internally,can lead to painful irritations ofthe stomach and intestines). Oil—antispasmodic, antiepileptic, em-menagogue, rubefacient. (Toxic inlarge doses.)

Ruta graveolens has been includedamong unapproved herbs by GermanCommission E.

The herb contains a volatile oil,with -undecanone (.) -nona-none (.), -nonyl acetate (.),psoralen (.) and bergapten and xan-thotoxin (.%); rutin (about %).The flavonoids include quercetin; cou-marins include bergapten, daphnore-tin, isoimperatorin, naphthoherniarin,psoralen, pangelin, rutamarin, rutarin,scopoletin and umbelliferone. Tissueculture of the plant gave furacridonealkaloids. Tissue culture of the rootgave gravacridondiol and its glucoside.

The spasmolytic activity of the herbis attributed to the presence of bergap-ten, xanthotoxin and the essential oil.Anti-inflammatory and antitumouractivity is due to rutin. The furo-coumarins are responsible for theherb’s phototoxicity.

The herb is hepatotoxic, and is con-traindicated in kidney diseases andbleeding disorders. (Sharon M. Herr.)Maximum safe level is .% forRue and .% for the oil. (Natu-ralMedicines Comprehensive Database,.)