Folk Paapadi (Maharashtra).
Action Root—bitter and aperient.
Prescribed in visceral obstructions,
P renal dropsy and ascites. Leaves—
used for fomenting piles and for
haemorrhoidal pains. The root bark
contains d-mannitol.
Pavonia odorata Willd.
Family Malvaceae.
Habitat North-West India, Bengal and Konkan.
English Fragrant Sticky Mallow.
Ayurvedic Vaalaka, Baalaka, Baala, Barhishtha, Hrivera, Ambu, Jala, Nira, Paya, Toya, Udichya, Vaari, Muurdhaja. Sugandhbaalaa (also equated with Valeriana Jatamansi). In the South, Celus vettiveroides is equated with Baalaka.
Siddha/Tamil Peraamutti, Kastoori vendai.
Action Plant—anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic. Used in rheumatic affections. Root—stomachic, astringent, demulcent. Used in dysentery, haemorrhages from intestines; ulcers and bleeding disorders.
The roots gave an essential oil containing isovaleric acid, isovaleraldehyde, armomadendrene, pavonene, alpha-terpinene, azulene and pavonenol.
The plant exhibits antiparasitic activity against Entamoeba histolytica.
Pavonia zeylanica Cay.
Family Malvaceae.
Habitat Throughout greater part of India.
Siddha/Tamil Sithamutti, Mammatti, Peraamutti.
Action Plant—purgative, anthelmintic, febrifuge.
The stem gave a saponin, pavophylline, and a keto-ester, methyl 19- ketotetracosanoate.
Pedalium murex Linn.
Family Pedaliaceae.
Habitat Throughout the plains of India.
