Folk Jangali Gaajar (Gujarat), Sanjivani (Bihar).
Action Leaves—an infusion is given internally in dysuria; externally applied to erysipelas. The herb shows diuretic, calculolythic, analgesic and antipyretic properties.
The aerial parts contain diterpenoids, pilosanone A and B.
Potentilla anserina Linn.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Western Himalayas at altitudes of 2,100—4,800 m.
English Silverweed.
Action Astringent, anti- inflammatory, antispasmodic, haemostatic. Used for diarrhoea,
leucorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, arthritis, cramps, kidney stones, bleeding piles; as a mouth wash in pyrrhoea, gingivitis and sore throat.
Key application In mild dismenorrhoeal disorders; as a support for treatment of milder, nonspecific, acute diarrhoea and in light inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. (German Commission E.)
The plant gave anthocyanins—cyanidin and delphinidin. Aerial parts gave tannins (2—10%). The plant also gave choline, betaine, histidine, an essential oil and vitamin E.
The maximum amounts of tannins occur in the root stock (up to 17.5% on dry basis). The ethanolic and aqueous extract of the herb (1: 5) contain 0.3 to 0.8% of tannin. The tannin fraction exhibited anti-mutagenic effect.
Potentilla fruticosa HK. (temperate Himalaya) is also used like Silverweed.
The flowers and young shoots contain flavonoids, quercetin, terniflorin, tribuloside and (—)-catechin. The plant also contains stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol and campesterol; (—)-epicatechol gallate, (±)-catechol, (—)-epicatechol, (—)-epigallocatechol and (—)-epigallocatechol gallate have been isolated from aerial parts.
Potentilla arbuscula D. Don.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Temperate Himalaya from Himachal Pradesh to Sikkim and the hills of Assam at 1,200—4,350 m.
Premna herbacea Roxb. 515
Ayurvedic Bajradanti (Kumaon and Garhwal). Potentilla fulgens HK. is also equated with Bajradanti.
Action Rootstock—antidiarrhoeal; used in tooth powders for strengthening gum and teeth.
Potentilla nepalensis Hook. Family Rosaceae.
