Dosage Heartwood—l—3 g powder. (API Vol. IV.)
58 Arachis hypogaea Linn.
Arachis hypogaea Linn.
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae
Habitat Native to Brazil, but widely grown for its pods in southern
India, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
English Groundnut, Peanut, Monkeynut.
Ayurvedic Mandapi, Tailamudga, Bhuumimudga.
Unani Moongphali.
Siddha/Tamil Nelakadalai, Verkadalai.
Action Kernels—contain pro- tease inhibitors. Peanut skin— haemostatic.
There is a haemostatic principle in the peanut flour, which is said to improve the condition of haemophiiacs. The protease inhibitor acts on the fibrinolytic system, primarily as an antiplasmin. It is reported to form complexes not only with the enzymes, but also with the corresponding zymogens.
The peanut (red) skin contains bioflavonoids, which possess vitamin— P activity; tannins; a lipoxidase and a protease inhibitor. Capric acid, obtained from the (red) skin, showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger.
Aralia binnatifida (Seem.) Clarke.
Synonym A. pseudo-ginseng Wall. ssp. himalaicus Hara.
Family Araliaceae.
Habitat Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan, Khasi Hills.
Folk Taapamaari (Maharashtra).
Action Stimulant, aphrodisiac,
antipyretic, dyspeptic, expectorant.
Arctium lappa Linn.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Native to northern Europe; now found in western Himalayas, Kashmir and Simla.
English Common or Great Burdock. Folk Phaggarmuul (Kashmir).
Action Hypoglycaemic (plant
extract caused reduction of blood sugar with an increase in carbohydrate tolerance). Roots—inhibitory of tumour growth, cardiac stimulant, diuretic, spasmolytic. Leaves and seeds—anticutaneous (used in
