Synonym 0. squarrosa Linn. Family Ochnaceae.
Habitat Assam, Bihar, Orissa and Deccan Peninsula. Often cultivated in parks and gardens.
Siddha/Tamil Chilanti, Sherundi.
Folk Kanaka Champaa. (Bhuinchampaa, Bhuumi-champaka
(Ochna pumila).
Action ø Bark—digestive tonic. Root—a decoction is used in asthma, tuberculosis and in menstrual disorders. Leaves— boiled and used as emollient cataplasm; used as a poultice in lumbago.
Isoflavones, along with beta-sitosterol and oleanolic acid, have been isolated from the heartwood.
A related species, Ochna pumila Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don., found in outer Himalayas and sub-Himalayan tract from Kumaon to Assam, is reported to exhibit antitubercular activity. Tetrahydroamentoflavone has been isolated from the leaves. The plant is also used for epilepsy in folk medicine.
Ochrocarpus longifolius
Bentb. & Hook. f.
Synonym Mammea longfolia Planch. & Triana.
Family Guttferae; Clusiaceae.
Habitat Evergreen forests of Western India from Khandala southwards to Malabar and Coimbatore.
Ayurvedic Surapunnaaga (Naagakeshara is equated with Mesua ferrea.)
Siddha/Tamil Nagappu, Nagesarpu.
Folk Laal-Naagakeshar. Surangi (Maharashtra).
Action Flowerbuds—cooling, stomachic, analgesic, antibacterial; used for gastritis, haemorrhoids, blood diseases, leprosy, leucoderma.
Flower buds are popularly known as Naagakeshar.
Flowers exhibited potent hypotensive, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic activity attributed to vitexin.
Leaves gave amentoflavone, quercetin and vitexin as major constituents.
Ocimum basilicum Linn.
Synonym 0. caryophyllatum Roxb. 0. minimum Linn.
0. pilosum Wild.
Family Labiatae; Lamiaceae.
Habitat Lower hills of Punjab; cultivated throughout India.
Ochna jabotapita Linn.
English Sweet Basil, Basil Herb.
