Synonym Hybanthus enneaspermus (Linn.) F. Muell.
Family Violaceae.
Habitat The warmer parts of India from Delhi to Bengal and throughout Deccan Peninsula.
Ayurvedic Amburuha.
Siddha/Tamil Orilaithamarai.
Folk Ratna-purush.
Action Diuretic, antigonorrhoetic and demulcent. Root—given
in urinary infections, for bowel complaints of children.
The plant gave a dipeptide alkaloid, aurantiamide acetate and a triterpene, iso-arborinol, and beta- sitosterol.
330 Ipomoea aquatica Forsk.
Ipomoea aquatica Forsk. Synonym I. reptans Poir. Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat Throughout the greater part of India.
English Swamp Cabbage.
Ayurvedic Kalambi, Naalikaa.
Siddha/Tamil Vellaikeerai, Koilangu.
Action Emetic and purgative.
Used as an antidote to arsenical
or opium poisoning. Plant juice is used for liver complaints; buds for ringworm.
The leaves are a good source of minerals (2.1%), vitamins (especially, carotene and tocopherol). Plant is given for nervous and general debility. Whole plant gave beta-carotene, xanthophyll, traces of taraxanthin, hentriacontane, beta-sitosterol and its glucoside.
The buds of pigmented variety are recommended as a food for diabetics. An insulin-like substance is reported from the buds.
The stems contain N-trans- and Ncis-feruloyltyramines, which have been found to be the inhibitors of in vitro prostaglandin synthesis.
The plant shows abundant growth in waste water and absorbs some organic and inorganic components, including heavy metals from waste water. The plant may be useful in the treatment of waste water by biogeofiltration.
Ipomoea batatas (Linn.) Lam.
Habitat Native to tropical America; cultivated throughout India for
edible tubers.
