beta- sitosterol, stigmasterol, myrselli nol scopoletin and esculetin.
The sap onin, medicagenic acid, is
found in leaves and roots (leaves 1.49%,
roots 2.43% of dry matter).
3Alfalfa seed extracts prevented hy percholesterolemia triglyceridaemia and atherogenesis in cholesterol-fed rabbits and cynomologus monkeys. The saponins in the extract reduce intestinal absorption of cholesterol in rabbits.
Human trials have indicated the use of the herb in menopause. (Sharon M. Herr.)
Melaleuca leucadendron Linn. Family Myrtaceae.
Habitat Indegenous to Burma,
Cambodia, Thailand, Malay
Peninsula to Australia; grown in
Indian gardens and parks.
English Cajeput tree, Swamp Tea tree, White Tea tree.
Folk Kaayaaputi. (The oil of Cajeput is imported into India, chiefly from France and Netherlands.)
Action Oil—used as an expectorant in chronic laryngitis and bronchitis, and as a carminative. Acts as anthelmintic, especially against round worms. Enters into ointments for rheumatism and stiff joints, sprains and neuralgia, migraine, colds, influenza, and as a mosquito repellent.
Key application The oil is antimicrobial and hypermic in vitro. (German Commission.)
The oil contains terpenoids, 1,8- cineole (40—65%) as major component, with alpha-pinene, alpha-terpineol, nerolidol, limonene, benzaldehyde, valeraldehyde, dipentene and various sesquiterpenes; 3,5-dimethyl-4,6,di- O-methylphloroacetophenone.
The essential oil of Melaleuca attern folia (Tea Tree Oil) is indicated for acne, tinea pedis and toe and nail onychomycosis on the basis of human trials. (Sharon M. Herr.)
Tea Tree Oil is distilled from the leaves of several species of Australian trees belonging the genus Melaleuca, principaly from M. alternfolia. Tea Tree Oil should contain a maximum of 15% 1,8-cineole and a minimum of 30% (+)-terpinen-4-ol, the principal germicidal ingredient. Other constituents, alpha-terpineol and linalool, also exhibit antimicrobial activity. (Cited in Rational Phytotherapy.)
The essential oil of Melaleuca virdiflora Solander ex Gaertner leaves, known as Niauli Oil, is used for catarrh of the upper respiratory tract. The oil is antibacterial and stimulatory to circulation in vitro. (German Commission
Melia azedarach Linn. 403
