Used for neurological affections, elephantiasis and muscular pains.
Indole type alkaloids have been reported from the plant.
Swertia angustifolia Buch.-Ham ex D. Don. 631
Styrax benzoin Dry.
Family Styraceae.
Habitat Native to South-East Asia and East Indies.
English True Gum Benzoin, Sumatra Benzoin or Gum Benjamin.
Unani Lobaan.
Siddha/Tamil Saambiraani.
Action Gum—antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, expectorant (used for cough and respiratory tract catarrh). Used as genitourinary antiseptic, as a mouthwash in stomatitis, topically on wound and ulcers, as an inhalation in colds, coughs and bronchitis. Lipophiic fraction stimulates phagocytosis.
The gum contains mainly cinnamic, benzoic and sumaresinolic acid esters, benzaldehyde and vanillin.
Styrax officinale Linn.
Family Styracaceae.
Habitat A native to Asia minor and Syria.
English The True Storax tree.
Ayurvedic Silhaka, Silaarasa, Turushka, Kapitaila, Yavandeshaja.
Folk Silaajit, Usturak.
Action Balsam is used for cough and respiratory tract catarrh. Turushka was obtained from Styrax officinale. Due to scarcity, it was replaced by the exudation of Liquidamber orientalis Mill. Balsam obtained from Altingia excelsa Noronha is
used as a substitute for Silhaka and is known as Silaarasa (occurs in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh).
Dosage Balsam—500 mg to 1.0 g. (CCRAS.)
Sutherlandia frutescens R.Br.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
Habitat Native to South Africa; cultivated in Indian gardens.
English Bladdersenna, Cancerwort, Cape Baloon Pea.
Action Leaves—infusion or decoction given in stomach and intestinal disorders and hepatic affections. Much milder in action than true Senna.
Swertia affinis C. B. Clarke.
Synonym S. angustifolia Buch.Ham ex. D. Don var. puichella Burkill.
