hepatocytes in vitro against thiocetamide-induced hepatic damage in rat and was found to be more potent than Silymarin,
liver.
486 Picrorhiza scrophulariaeflora Pennell.
a known hepatoprotective agent. Picroliv is reported to show protective effect against rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. It also exerts hypolipidaemic effect in normal, triton- treated and cholesterol-fed rats.
Kutkin, picroside I and kutkoside exhibit anti-inflammatory property
The phenolic glycoside, androsin, isolated from the plant, prevents allergen and platelet activating factor- induced bronchial obstruction in guinea-pigs in vitro.
Cucurbitacin glycosides, isolated from the root, exhibit liver protective, tumour inhibitory and anti-inflammatory activity.
Dosage Root—l—3 g; 3—6 g as purgative. (CCRAS.)
Picrorhiza scrophulariaeflora
Pennell.
Family Scrophulariaceae.
Habitat Eastern Himalayan in Nepal and Sikkim.
Action Properties similar to those of Picrorhiza kurroa.
The root contains the iridoid glycosides, amphicoside, catalpol, aucubin and androsin; also cucurbitacin glycosides.
Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf. Family Rutaceae.
Habitat Native to tropical America; cultivated in Indian gardens.
Action Stimulant (excites most glands), expectorant, powerful diaphoretic. Used in hair tonics to stimulate hair growth. (Irritates stomach and causes vomiting in overdose.)
The leaf contains a parasympathetic stimulant pilocarpine (0.5%). It is an obsolete medicinal herb, but is used in the production of piocarpine. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)
Pimenta dioica (Linn.) Merrill. Synonym P officinalis Lindl. Family Myrtaceae.
Habitat Native to West Indies and tropical America; grown in Indian gardens; in Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Bangalore.
English Allspice tree, Jamaica Pepper tree, Pimento tree.
