The plant contains amino acids, lipids, polymeric hydrocarbons, polyphenols, protein; alpha- and betaamyrins, lupeol, pseudotaraxasterol, taraxasterol. The latex contains mannitol, alpha-and beta-lactucerols. Aerial parts and fruits contain ceryl alcohol, choline, palmitic, tartaric and stearic acids.
Sonchus asper Hill
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Waste places and fields
throughout India, up to elevation of
3,600 m.
English Spinyleaved Sow Thistle. Ayurvedic Sahadevi (bigger var.). Folk Didhi, Mhaataaraa (Maharashtra).
Action Emollient. Pounded and applied to wounds and boils.
The latex contains rubber, alpha- and beta-lactucerols, ceryl alcohol, mannitol and traces of acetic acid. The whole plant contains the sesquiterpene glycosides and ionone glycosides. Ascorbic acid (27 mg/100 g) is present in the plant.
Sonchus oleraceus Linn.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Waste places throughout India, up to elevation of 2,400 m.
Sophora mollis Grah. exBaker. 617
English Milk Thistle (a confusing synonym. Silybum marianum has been equated with Milk Thistle.)
Folk Duudhi, Dodaka, Dudhaali.
Action Galactagogue, febrifuge, sedative, vermifuge. Used in
indigestion and in the treatment of diseases of the liver. An ointment is made from the decoction for
wounds and ulcers.
The leaves contain luteolin, luteolin7-0-glucoside; hydroxycoumarins, cichoriin and scopoletin. Apigenin-7-O- glucoside was also obtained from the leaves and stems. Young leaves are reported to contain 4.1 mg!100 g of vitamin C.
Sonneratia caseolaris Engl.
Family Son neratiaceae.
Habitat Tidal creeks and mangrove swamps of India.
Folk Orchaa (Bengal), Tivar, Chipi (Maharashtra).
Action Fruit—fermented juice is used for arresting haemorrhage. Juice of unripe fruit is given in cough. Fruit is also used as a poultice in sprains and swellings. Fruit wall—vermifuge.
