550 Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC.
extract of the leaves is reported to exhibit anticancer and antiviral activities. Latex from the stem also causes blisters.
Mesocarp of the fruit contains ellagic acid. An acid isolated from the fruit is reported to be cardiotonic and sympathomimetic. It was found to be toxic to rabbits. However, the fruits are used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Hinokiflavone, isolated from the fruits, showed cytotoxic activity in vitro against KB culture cells.
Drupes are rich in biflavones.
The wax obtained from the pulpy
mesocarp of the fruit contains palmitic
77, stearic 5, dibasic 6, oleic 12%, and
linoleic acid (a trace). It is used as
a substitute for beeswax.
Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC.
Family Papilionaceae.
Habitat All over plains and in the Himalayas up to 1,200 m.
R)Folk Raan-ghevaraa (smaller var.)
_______ (Maharashtra); Jhinki, Kammervel
(Gujarat); Chittavarai (Tamil Nadu).
Action Leaves—abortifacient.
Seeds—bitter, toxic.
The leaves afforded isovitexin and apigenin derivatives.
Aerial parts gave steroidal glycosides, along with ergosterol peroxide, stigmasterol and lupeol; bergapten, isopimpinellin, umbelliferone and beta-sitosterol have also been isolated.
The seed coat and pericarp contained gallic and protocatechuic acid, prodelphinmidine and hydroquinone diacetate and C-glycosyl flavones.
The extract of seeds shows agglutinating activity with certain type of human red blood cells.
R. bracteata Benth. ex Baker (upper Gangetic plains) and R. jacobii Chandra & Shetty (Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu) contain vitexin, isovitexin, orientin, iso-orientin and apigenin derivatives.
Ribes nigrum Linn.
Family Grossulariaceae.
Habitat Cold temperate regions extending from Himalayas to
