Myrsine africana Linn.
Family Myrsinaceae.
Habitat Outer Himalayas from
Kashmir to Nepal and in Khasi Hills at 300—2,700 m.
Ayurvedic Vaayavidanga (substitute). (Embelia ribes is the authentic source of Vidanga.)
Folk Bebrang (Punjab), Kakhum, Shamshaad (according to Unani
reference books, Shamshaad is obtained from a Pinaceae tree).
Action Fruit—anthelmintic (used for the expulsion of tape worms; also as a substitute for Emblia
ribes); antispasmodic, purgative; used externally against ringworm and other skin affections. Aerial parts—antifertility, abortifacient. (According to Unani medicine, the fruits of Shamshaad show antifertility activity in females.)
Berries and seeds contain embelic acid and quercitol (1%). Embelin (3%)
is present in the dried fruit. Seeds also contain embelin.
Seeds of M. semiserrata Wall. contain embelin (0.4%) and quercitol (0.8%).
Seeds of M. capitellata Wall. contain 1.6% embelin.
These related species are found in Nepal, Bhutan, Assam and North Ben-
gal.
Myrtus communis Linn.
Family Myrtaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in gardens of Northwestern India and Tamil Nadu.
English Myrtle, Clove Myrtle, Spanish Myrtle.
Unani Habb-ul-Aas, Muurad, Muurad-daan.
Folk Vilaayati Mehndi. Sutrasowa (Bengal). Kulinaval (Tamil Nadu).
Action Leaves—antiseptic,
antimicrobial, antiparasitic. Used for acute and chronic respiratory tract infections, bladder conditions, urinary infections, and worm
infestation.
Key application As a cough remedy. (German Commission E.)
The leaves contain tannins (pyrogallol derivative), flavonoids (including myricetin, about 90%, with kaempferol and quercetin glycosides; volatile oil containing alpha-pinene, cineole, myrtenol, nerol, geraniol and dipentene.
Myxopyrum serratulum A. W. Hill.
