ACACIA 7 dered root or bark is applied to wounds, boils and ulcers; the seeds are used as laxative and for killing threadworms; the plant exhibits an antiseptic effect within the urinary tract. (Andrew Cheval- lier.) Althaea officinalis (Malvaceae), known as ‘marshmallow, is native to Europe, naturalized in Americas. The leaves, flowers, root contain about 37 9 starch, 11% mucilage, 1 % pectin, flavonoids, phenolic acids, sucrose and asparagine. ‘The herb protects and soothes mucus mem- branes, counters excessive stomach acid, and is used in peptic ulceration and gastritis, ‘The herb is a mild laxative and is prescribed for many intestinal problems, incl. regional ileits, col- itis, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome. ‘A warm infusion of the leaves is given to treat cystitis and frequent urination. ‘The herb’s derulcent qualities bring relief to ry coughs, bronchial asthma, bronchial catarth and pleurisy. Flowers crushed fresh, oF in warm infusion, are applied to help soothe inflamed skin. ‘The root is used in an ointment for boils and abscesses and in a mouthwash for inflammation. Other species ‘Althaea rosea (Hollyhock) and Malva sylvestris {common mallow). All members of the mallow family possess sim- ilar properties. In 77 AD, Pliny wrote; “..whoever swallows daily half a cyathus of the juice of any of the mal- lows will be immune to all diseases? Caution ‘The plant is considered as abortifacent. ACACIA Acacia arabica Willd. var. indica Benth. Habitat Found throughout the drier parts of India, ascend- ing to an altitude of 900 m. Figure 1 Acacia arabica [ZANDU] Classical & common names Ayurvedic: Babbuula, Aabhaa, Shuulikaa, Shitaka, Babbuuri, Kinkiraata, Yugmakantka, Sukshmap- atra, Pitapushpaka. Sthula baboolikaa (wild spp.) Unani: Babool, Kikar, Samur (Arabic), Mughilaan (Pers.). Siddha: Karval. English: Babul, Akakia. Parts used Bark, pods, leaves, gum. Dose Fruit powder 3-5 g, decoction 50-100 ml (herb 6 12g) leaves 2-4 g, gum 3-6 g, paste 5-10 g. Classical use ‘During the 16th century Babul’s bark was used for skin diseases and as an anthelmintic (Bhaav- aprakaasha). The gum was used as a styptic and for urinary and vaginal discharges. Pods were4 ACACIA used for their astringent properties (Nighantu Ratnaakara), In folk medicines pods are used in impotency and in urinogenital disorders. The flowers, pods and gum-resin are used in diarrhoea and dysen- tery. Powdered leaves, flowers, bark and gum-resin (in equal quantity), if taken as first thing in the morning (2-11 g) with water, proves efficacious in premature ejaculation, seminal deficiency and spermatorrhea. This combination is also given to females for leucorrhoea. ‘The gum stops bleeding and urinary and vagi- nal discharges, is given in skin diseases, bleeding piles, sore throat; as a demulcent in asthma; also as an anthelmintic. ‘Active principles and pharmacology ‘The tannin content of the bark varies considerably. Sometimes, it is as high as 20%; at the other times, as low as 12%, It decreases somewhat on storage. The bark from branches yields 7-12% tannin, Several polyphenolic compounds identified are: (+)catechin, (-)epicatechin, (+)dicatechin, quercetin, gallic acid. The polyphenols of the bark are fungitoxic. The bark also contains sucrose. All these constituents make the bark on effec tive medicinal astringent and demulcent. A decoc- tion of the bark is used in asthma and bronchitis; also for gargling, The decoction exhibited hypoglycaemic property in alloxan diabetic rats, but hypogycaemic property of the drug could not be substantiated, as the seeds were hypoglycaemic in normal rats but not in the diabetic ones. ‘The pods contain 12-19 % tannin in the whole pod and 18-27 % after the removal of seeds. The polyphenols present in the pods are gallic acid, m-digallic acid and (+)catechin, chlorogenic acid, gallolyated flavan 3, 4-diol and robidandiol. Use in Western herbal Medicinally employed, in the West, asa substitute for oak bark. It has special use in diarrhoea. The British Pharmacopoea has recommended a decoc- tion of 6 parts of the bark in 100, to be given half to 2floz. (15cc to 60 cc). The decoction is also used as an astringent gargle, lotion or injection. ‘The flowers, leaves and pods were used as med- icine in ancient Egypt to expel worms. Acacia arabica, as a strong astringent, is used to contract and strengthen mucus membranes throughout the body in much the same way as Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) or Quercus robur (oak bark), Related species Acacia nilotica Delile, subsp. indica (Benth.) Brenan; Acacia senegal (Willd.). Gum Senegal is a substitute for gum Acacia, Caution Not to be confused with the Australian species Acacia decurrens, commercially available in the West under the same name (Acacia). Large doses, taken internally, are constipative. Do not take for more than 2-3 weeks. Acacia nilotica subspp. indica may cause pollen allergy. ‘Acacia species are subject to legal restrictions in some countries.Acacia catechu (L, f) Willd. Figure 2 Acacia catechu [CCRAS] igure 3 Acacia catechu [CCRAS] Habitat Occurring throughout India in dry types of mixed forests. Common from Punjab to Assam to an alti- tude of 200 m, Common in peninsular region Classical & common names Ayurvedic: Khadira, Raktasaara, Dantdhaavan, Kantaki, Baalpatra, Gayatri (Sushruta), Somav- alka (Charaka). (Khadir, Khadirkaa are also syno- nyms of Mimosa pudica in certain Ayurvedic clas- ics). ‘The white variety was known as Shweta Saara, Kearmuka, Kubja Kantaka. Unani Kattha, Khair, Kaat (Arabic, Persian). Siddha: Kalippakku. English: Cutch, Catechu, Parts used Heartwood (concentrated extract). Dose Powder 3-6 g, decoction 50-100 ml. Acacia 9 Classical use Charaka advocated Acacia catechu heartwood decoction as the best medicine for all skin dis- eases, internally as well as externally. He pre- scribed the flowers or the fermented wine from the resinous exudate in prescriptions for internal use in haemothermia, urinary disorders and blood poisoning. Sushruta prescribed the drug internally in obesity, urethral discharges (also externally) and jaundice. He used the drug as principal ingredient in many prescriptions for internal use in chronic and suppurating skin diseases. By the 16th century, Acacia catechu was estab- lished as a potent drug for obstinate skin diseases, incl. leprosy, erysipelas, obstinate urinary disor- ders, polyurea, diabetes, diseases of the mouth, cough, hoarseness of voice and intrinsic haemor- thage. Even now, Khadiraarishta is the most effi- ine for chronic skin diseases and Kadiraadivati for sore throat, hoarseness of voice, excessive cough and as an adjuvant in asthma. In Chinese medicine, cutch is used for poorly healing ulcers, weeping skin diseases, oral ulcer with bleeding and traumatic injuries. Active principles and pharmacology ‘The chief constituents of the heartwood extract, catechin and catechutannic acid, makes it a potent, remedy for chronic skin diseases, cough, relaxed conditions of throat, mouth and gums; also for diarrhoea. 25-60% tannins, 20-30% mucilage, flavonoids and resins make it a strong astringent and clotting agent. Use in Western herbal Pale catechu is an extract made from the leaves and young shoots of Uncaria gambier (Roxb.), a Rubiaceae, The source of catechu dark or black is Catecha nigrum/Acacia catech (Willd). Both the substances are sold under the name of catechu, Both the dark and pale catechu are employed in ‘Western herbal the former is more astringent, the latter, being sweeter, is less disagreeable. Catechu is employed as an astringent to over- come relaxation of mucus membrane. An infusion is employed to stop nose-bleeding and is also employed as an injection for uterine haemorrhage and leucorrhoea. Externally it is applied in the form of powder to boils, ulcers and cutaneous1 ACACIA eruptions, Internal dose of powdered catechu is 300 mg to goo mg. Caution Do not take for more than 2-3 weeks, or if suffer- ing from kine Cutch is subject to legal restrictions in some countries. Acacia leucophloea Willd. Figure 4 Acacia leucophloea [CCRAS] Acacia alba Willd. Habitat Found in the plains of Punjab and in dry forest tracts throughout India ‘Gassical & common names Ayurvedic: Arimeda, Arimedaka, Irimeda, Vita- Khadir, Kalskandh, Godhaaskandha, Raameka, Arimanja (Sushruta). Figure 5 Acacia leucophloea [CCRAS] Unani: Vilaayati Baboo!. Siddha: Valval. English: White Babool. Parts used Bark. Dose Decoction 50-100 ml. Classical use Charaka used the bark or pitch in decoctions externally for dental and oral diseases. Arimeda is ‘one of the ingredients in Charaka Samhitas’s Kha- diraadi Gutikea and oi ‘Vaagabhatta prescribed semi-solid extract of the bark. Chakrapaanidatta made it the chief drug in Irimedadyaadi oil, which is still available over the counter and is said to be useful in sores of the mouth, swelling of gums, dental caries, spongy and bleeding gums, pyorthoea and weak roots of teeth. The oil is to be applied with a cotton swab to the affected part. The bark is light yellowish grey to nearly white outside and light red inside, It is bitter, astringent and cooling, Its decoction (1 in 20) is used in bron- chitis. The decoction together with ginger (Zin- sgiber officinale) is an astringent wash for the teeth and is said to be useful in bleeding gums. ‘The powdered bark and gum are used for boils and uleers. Active principles and pharmacology Stem bark constituents—n-hexacosanol, beta- amyrin and beta-sitosterol, and heartwood con- stituents n-octacosanol and beta-sitosterol make itACACIA an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent for medicinal use. Caution In Ayurvedic reference books, Irimeda has been equated with Acacia farnesiana Willd., known as Durgandh Khair, Guyaa Babul. This tree is exten- sively cultivated in France for extracting the cassie perfume. The bark is astringent and is used in ‘malaria; the leaves in eye complaints; inflorescence in venereal diseases and root for antifertility (the root of Acacia leucophloea Willd. is abortifacient). Other medicinal uses of Acacia farnesiana are in cholera, diarrhoea; convulsions, delirium, epi- lepsy, insanity; sterility in women. It is also used as an antiseptic agent for curing carbuncle, sores, ‘gums and loose teeth. CCRAS has identified Acacia leucophloea Willd. for Arimeda. It should be incorporated in Ayurvedic reference books. Acacia polycantha Wild. Acacia suma Buch.-Ham. Habitat Found in moist localities in West Bengal, Bihar and peninsular India, Classical & common names Ayurvedic: Shweta khadera, Kadara, Somavalkala, Shweta Saara. Unani: Khor, Safed Khair. Safed Khair has been equated with Acacia ferru- sginea DC., Acacia leucophloea Willd., Acacia sen- egal Willd.. In some Ayurvedic and Unani refer- ence books, Shweta Khadira has also been equated with Uncaria gambier Roxb. Parts used Heartwood. Dose Decoction 50-100 ml. Classical use ‘The heartwood was mainly used for treating dia- betes. Sushruta prescribed the decoction of Kadara and Puuga (Areca catechu Linn.) nut. Ash- tanga Sangraha added both Kadara (Acacia suma) and Khadira (Acacia catechu) in the same compound with the gum of Commiphora mukul for diabetes. Vrindamaadhava added Puuga (Areca catechu) with both Kadara and Khadira. It was obvious that Kadara and Khadira were treated as two different drugs. Sushruta included Khadira and Shweta Khadera in Saalsaaraadi group of herbs (identified for treating obstinate skin diseases, obstinate urinary disorders, incl diabetes; anemia and obesity). In Unani medicine, decoction of the bark of Safed Khair is used for mouthwash, cough, stoma- titis, gut infections, diarrhoea, ulcers and cutane- ‘ous affections. The decoction of leaves is pre- scribed as a styptic and for treating old wounds. It considered a good tonic for liver and an effica- cious treatment for urinogenital problems. ‘Active principles and pharmacology The presence of quercetin and hyper-3, 7-dimeth- ylether is reported in the heartwood. Cutch is pre- pared from the heartwood. ‘The seeds are reported to have marked hypoglycaemic effect on normal albino rats. Pro- teins, Essential amino acids, incl. methionine, are present in the seeds. It could not yet be proved phamacologically that Khadira and Kadara of Indian medicine are two different drugs. Use in Western herbal ‘As mentioned earlier, Uncaria spp. (Rubiaceae) and its related species Uncaria gambier have been equated with Shweta Khadira in some Ayurvedic and Unani reference books. These species are Known as Gou Teng in China. Stem and thorns are used. The drug contains alkaloids (incl. rhynco- phylline and corynoxeine, isorhyncophylline, and hirsutine) and nicotinic acid. The herb is a seda- tive and antispasmodic and is mainly used to ease symptoms such as tremors, seizure, spasm, head- ache and dizziness. It is also prescribed for reduc- ing high blood pressure. It contains catechin that protects the liver. This analysis proves that Uncaria spp. does not ‘match with Acacia species found in India. In the West only Acacia catechu or black cate- chu is used as an astringent. White catechu is not in use in Western herbal.ta ACALYPHA Caution Same as for Acacia catechu, Euphorbiaceae ACALYPHA Acalypha indica Linn. ‘Acalypha ciliata Frosk. Habitat Common in plains as a weed in gardens; also in wastelands, especially in Bangalore and Pach- ‘marhi, up to 210 m, ‘Classical & common names Ayurvedic: Harita-manjari, Mukta-varchaa (non- classical). Vernacular names: Khokali, Kuppi (Hindi); Kuppi gidda (Kannada); Kuppimeni (Tamil); Kuppai- chettu (Telugu); Kuppamani (Malyalam). English: Indian Acalypha. Parts used Leaves, root, stalks. Dose As decided by the physician, Classical use ‘There is no mention of this herb in the texts of Charaka and Sushruta. It was mentioned for the first time in Vaidyamanoramaa for toothache (with Zingiber officinale), internally as well as externally. In Punarnavaadi Churna, a compound formulation of Vaidyamanoramaa, it has been included as an appetiser and stomachic. The herb is said to possess carminative, expec- torant, diuretic and emetic properties in folk med- icine, Leaves are credited with laxative properties. Used in the form of powder or decoction. Mixed with common salt, the leaves are applied to scabies and other skin diseases. Their juice, mixed with oil, is massaged in rheumatic arthritis. Expressed juice in smaller doses is an expectorant and is said to be useful in chronic bronchitis, asthma and consumption. Powder of dry leaves is used in bed- sores. Paste of leaves is applied to burns. ‘A decoction of the herb is used for toothache and earache by old-timers, and aqueous extract for loss of appetite. Active principles and pharmacology Alcoholic extracts of tender shoots, leaves and roots showed antimicrobial activity. The juice is found to possess antitumour properties. The plant contains a cyanogenetic glucoside and two alkaloids, acalyphine and triaceton- amine, possibly a degradation product of gluco- side, The other constituents are n-octacosanol, beta-sitosterol, kaempferol, quebrachitol, tannin, resin and an essential oil. In addition to hydrocy- anic acid, the herb contains other substances which caused intense, dark chocolate brown dis- colouration of blood and gastro-intestinal irrita- tion in rabbits. Use in Western herbal Tincture of the fresh plant from East Indies is used in homoeopathy. John Henery Clarke (1900 AD) equated Acalypha indica with Cupameni and iden- tified the chief employment of the tincture in vio- lent dry cough followed by bloody expectoration; expectoration of pure blood in the morning and dark clotted blood in the evening; cough most vio- lent in the night. The drug is also prescribed for burning in intestines, flatulence, diarrhoea and siping pain in abdomen. Caution The raw herb is poisonous and emetic. Causes intestinal irritation, The shoots should not be eaten uncooked. The pollen may cause allergy. Should be used only as a homoeopathic drug under medical supervision.