Habitat AU over India, cultivated as a vegetable.
English Common Purslane.
Ayurvedic Brihat Lonikaa, Lonaa, Loni, Ghoddhika, Ghotikaa,
Upodika, Khursaa.
Unani Khurfaa, Kulfaa.
Siddha/Tamil Pulli-keerai, Paruppukirai.
Action Refrigerant (reduces body heat), mild spasmodic, diuretic, antiscorbutic. Used in scurvy and in diseases of liver, spleen, kidney and bladder; also in dysuria, stomatitis and dysentery. A paste of leaves is applied to swellings, erysipelas, burns and scalds. Seeds—diuretic, antidysenteric; applied externally to burns and scalds.
A crude protein-free extract of the herb contained i-nor-adrenaline, dopamine and l-dopa, also catechol. (The fresh plant contained 2.5 mg!g i-nor- adrenaline in one sample.) The extract gave a strong pressor response when injected intravenously into anaesthetized dogs.
The oral administration of the homogenates of P oieracea reduced the blood sugar level of alloxan-diabetic rabbits to normal.
The extract of the leaves and stems reduced muscle tone in individuals suffering from spasticity and exhibited skeletal muscle relaxant activity both in vitro and in vivo. The extract produced dose-dependent negative inotropic and chronotropic effects and pressor response on rat blood pressure.
The diuretic action of the herb is attributed to the presence of high percentage of potassium salts.
Dosage Plant-125—400 mg powder; juice—l—20 ml (CCRAS.)
Portulaca quadrifida Linn.
Family Portuiacaceae.
514 Portulaca tuberosa Roxb.
Habitat Warmer parts of India, cultivated as a vegetable.
Ayurvedic Laghu-lonikaa. Siddha/Tamil Siru Pasalai-keerai. Action Similar to P oleracea.
Used in asthma, cough, urinary discharges, inflammations and ulcers. A poultice of the herb is applied to haemorrhoids and erysipelas.
Portulaca tuberosa Roxb. Synonym P pilosa Linn.
Family Portulacaceae.
Habitat Peninsular India, near sea-coasts.
Ayurvedic Bichhuu-buuti.
