The roots contain dulcitol. The root bark contains an antibiotic principle, pristimerin (0.1%) which shows considered in vitro activity against several Gram-positive cocci, both haemolytic and non-haemolytic. Pristimerin also inhibits in vitro growth of differ ent strains of Myco bacterium tuberculosis. Clinical trials have shown that pristimerin is effective in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the naso-pharyngeal mucosa resulting from common cold and influenzal infections. It is found useful as an adjunct to the common antibiotic therapy of respiratory inflammations of both bacterial and viral origin, and is reported to possess antitumour properties, but its high toxicity precludes its use as a cancero-static agent.

Rhamnus purshiana DC. 541

Remusatia vivipara Schott. Family Araceae.
Habitat Maharashtra, Karnataka.
Folk Rukhaalu, Maanakand (Maharashtra). Lakshmanaa is a doubtful synonym
Action Root—use for obstinate skin diseases and pruritus; also for disinfecting genitourinary tract and for promoting conception. Alocasia indica and Eulophia nuda are also known as Maanakanda in Indian medicine. Alocasia indica is used in Siddha medicine as an anti-inflammatory and diuretic

herb.

Reseda luteola Linn. Family Resedaccae.

Habitat Indigenous to western
Europe; grown in gardens in India. English Dyer’s Rocket, Weld.
Action Plant—diuretic, diaphoretic, anthelmintic.
A lute olin glucoside, lute oloside, has been isolated from the fresh blossoms and outer parts of the plant. It has a low toxicity and mild influence on capillary resistance and possesses diuretic properties.
Reseda odorata Linn., known as
Mignonette, is indigenous to North
Africa and cultivated in gardens in
India.
The herb is reported to allay irritation and ease pains. The seeds are applied externally as a resolvent. The

root is acrid and is used in Spain as a laxative, diuretic and diaphoretic.
Rhamnus procumbens Edgew.
Family Rhamnaceae.
Habitat Western Himalayas from Simla to Kumaon at an altitude of 2,300 to 2,600 m.

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