compounds. This activity leads to its potential use in preventing the adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents.
Lycopodium davatum Linn. 387
The fruit contain beta-carotene (8 mg!100 g dry weight), also free amino acids (1.0—2.6%); major amino acid is proline.
The dried fruit and root bark reduce cholesterol level by preventing its absorption in gastrointestinal tract. A constituent of the root bark, kukoamine exhibits cholesterol lowering, antihypertensive and hypoglycaemic effects. Hepatoprotective activity is attributed to a cerebroside constituent found in the fruit. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)
The fruit and root bark is contraindicated in bleeding disorders and hypoglycaemia. (Sharon M. Herr.)
Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.
Synonym Solanum lycopersicum
Linn.
Family Solanaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in many parts of India.
English Tomato, Love Apple.
Unani Tamaatar.
Action Mild aperient, blood purifier, cholagogue, digestive.
Used in homoeopathy for treating
rheumatic conditions, colds, chills, digestive disorders, diabetes, obesity, leucorrhoea, metrorrhagia.
Tomato is a powerful deobstruent. It promotes flow of bile; mildly laxative, especially when taken raw. Tomato stimulates torpid liver and kidneys and helps to wash away toxins. Tomato is recommended for diabetics. It is
a major dietary source of carotenoid lycopene.
Tomato juice inhibits carcinogenic N-nitrosocomp ound formation chiefly in the stomach. Most of the inhibition of formation of N-nitrosomorpholine by phenolic fraction of tomato juice was due to chlorogenic acids. The ascorbate fraction of the juice also contains compounds that inhibit nitrosation.
Consumption of tomato juice can significantly increase serum lycopene levels. (Decreased serum lycopene concentrations are associated with an increase risk of prostate cancer.) (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)
The alcoholic extract of tomato possesses CNS depressant and analgesic properties.
Lycopodium clavatum Linn.
