The herb is hepatotoxic, and is contraindicated in kidney diseases and bleeding disorders. (Sharon M. Herr.) Maximum safe level is 0.001% for Rue and 0.0002% for the oil. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)
Synonym S. sara Roxb.
S. bengalense Retz.
Erianthus munja Jesw.
Family Gram ineae; Poaceae.
Habitat Throughout the plains and low hills of India.
Ayurvedic Munja, Bhadramuja, Vaana, Shara, Sara, Raamshara.
Siddha/Tamil Munjipul, Munjappullu.
Folk Sarpata.
Action Refrigerant. Useful in
burning sensation, thirst, dyscrasia, erysipelas and urinary complaints.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the use of the root in dysuria, giddiness and vertigo.
The stem is a good source of furfural (yield 5.67%, dry basis). It yields 19.5% (on dry weight) of reducing sugars when digested with sulphuric acid; glu cose, xylose, galactose and rhamnose have been identified in the hydrolysate which contains 34.5% fermentable sugars. (It can be used as a potential source of alcohol.)
In Kerala, Saccharum arundinaceum Retz. is used as Shara for dysuria, diseases due to vitiated blood, erysipelas, leucorrhoea and piles. The grass is known as Raamshara in North India. It can also be used for the production of furfural (yield 5.1% dry basis) and yields 24.1% of reducing sugars when
digested with sulphuric acid. The hydrolysate contains 65% of fermentable sugars, viz, glucose, xylose, galactose and rhamnose.
Dosage Root—20—50 g for
decoction; 6—10 g powder. (API, Vol. III.)
Saccharum off icinarum Linn.
Family Gramineae; Poaceae.
Habitat Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Punjab.
English Sugarcane, Noble Cane.
Ayurvedic Ikshu, Dirgha-chhada, Bhuurirasa, Morata, Asipatra,
Madhutrna, Gudamuula, Trnarasa.
