The rhizomes contain dihydrofoliamenthin, loganin, menthiafolin and a triterpenoid saponin menyanthoside. Aqueous extract of the rhizome showed greater preserved renal function and higher glomerular filtration rate, possibly due to Platelet Activating Factor (PAF)-antagonistic effect of the extract.
Merremia quinquefolia
(Linn.) Hallier f.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Raj asthan.
Action Seeds—sedative.
The seeds contain ergoline alkaloids. The alkaloids are reported to produce vasoconstrictor, uterotonic, neurohormonic, sympathicolytic and sedative effects.
Plants of Merremia sp. are twiners and are used as diuretic, deobstruent, antirheumatic and alterative; the root
Mesua ferrea Linn. 411
is used as a mouthwash; leaves are used for burns, scalds and sores. M. vitfoha (Burm. E) Hailier f. exhibits potent diuretic and antiseptic activity in strangury and urethral discharges.
(Most of the twiners are known as Prasaarini in Indian medicine and are specific for rheumatic affections.)
Merremia tridentata
(Linn.) Hallier. f.
Synonym Convohvuhus tridentatus Linn.
Ipomoea tridentata (L.) Roth. Family Convohvuhaceae.
Habitat Upper Gangetic Plain, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, South India and Gujarat.
Ayurvedic Prasaarini (Kerala and Karnataka), Tala-nili.
Siddha/Tamil Mudiyaakunthal.
Action Laxative, astringent,
anti-inflammatory. Used in piles, swellings, rheumatic affections, stiffness of the joints, hemiplegia and urinary affections.
The aerial parts contain the flavonoids, diometin, luteolin and their 7- O-beta-D-glucosides.
Mesua ferrea Linn.
Synonym M. nagassarium (Burm. f.) Kosterm.
Family Guttferae; Chusiaceae.
