can be utilized in diabetic products. The tuber concentrate as food diminishes the risk of developing arteriosclerosis. It is advantageous in the diet of patients with gout, chronic renal diseases, and for obesity control.
Helicteres isora Linn.
Family Sterculiaceae.
Habitat Dry forests throughout the country.
English East Indian Screw tree.
Ayurvedic Aavartani, Aavartphalaa, Aavartaki.
Unani Marorphali.
Siddha/TamiI Valampiri.
Action Pods and bark—antidiarrhoeal, astringent, antibilious. Bark and root—antigalactic, demulcent, expectorant (used in cough and asthma). Leaf—paste used against skin diseases. Pods—anthelmintic. Used in fever due to cold. Seeds— aqueous extract administered in colic and dysentery.
The plant contains a 4-quinolone alkaloid, malatyamine, an antidiarrhoeal principle.
The seeds gave diosgenin. Root gave cytotoxic principles—cucurbitacin B
and iso-cucurbitacin B. Leaves yielded as ester tetratriacontanyl—tetratriacontanoate along with tetratriacontanoic acid, tetratriacontanol and sitosterol.
Dosage Fruit, bark—3—6 g powder; 50—100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)
Heliotropium indicum Linn. Family Boraginaceae. Habitat Throughout India.
English Scorpion Tail.
Ayurvedic Hastishundi Shrthastini, Vrischikaali.
Siddha/Tamil Thaelkodukku.
Action Plant—diuretic, astringent, emollient, vulnerary. Used as a local application for ulcers, wounds, sores, gum boils and skin affections. Decoction of leaves is used in urticaria and fevers; that of root in coughs. Flowers—emmenagogue in small doses, abortifacient in large doses. Masticated seeds— stomachic.
Aerial parts of the plant contain alkaloids—indicine (principal base), echinatine, supinine, heleurine, he - liotrine, lasiocarpine and lasiocarpineN-oxide. Aerial parts and root gave an anticancer principle—indicine -N- oxide.
The aqueous and alcohol extracts of the plant possess oxytocic activity. The roots contain significant amounts of estradiol, a sex hormone.
The inflorescences are used by tribals for scorpion bite.
