psoriasis, seborrhoic eczema).
Key application As dermatological agent. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
Important constituents of Burdock roots are fatty acids, organic acids, phe nolic acids, lignans, sesquiterpenes, tannin, inulin and mucilage.
Extracts of the fruit are reported to have hypoglycaemic activity in rats. Arctigenin (lignan) is a weak inhibitor of experimental tumour growth. The antimicrobial properties are due to polyacetylenes (of the root). The root exhibits antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus, and is used for fungal and bacterial infections. A flavonoid, arctiin, shows smooth muscle relaxant properties.
Areca catechu Linn. 59
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Spreng. Family Ericaceae.
Habitat Native to North America, Europe and Asia.
English Bearberry.
Unani Inbud-dub, Angur-e-khiras, Reechh Daakh.
Action Astringent, dirutic; used for urinary tract infections, dysuria,
cystitis, urethritis, pyelitis.
The leaves gave 0.8—1% of a flavanol glucoside, isoquercitin, arbutin and methyl arbutin. Total arbutin content varies from 7.5 to 10.7%; tannins 15 to 20%. Arbutin hydrolyses to hydroquinone, a urinary antiseptic.
Arbutin is antimicrobial, but the crude extract of uva-ursi is more effective than isolated arbutin. In rats, uvaursi showed anti-inflammatory activity against experimentally induced inflammation. (Natural Medicines corn - prehensive Database, 2007.)
Areca catechu Linn.
Family Palrnae; Arecaceae.
Habitat Native to Malaysia; now grown along the coasts of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and Maharashtra.
English Arecanut, Betel Nut.
Ayurvedic Puuga, Puugi, Kramuka, Ghontaa, Guwaak, Ghorant.
Unani Fufal, Chhaalia, Supaari.
Siddha/Tamil Kottai Paakku, Kamugu.
Action Taeniacide (confined to veterinary medicine), astringent, stimulant.
Along with other therapeutic application, The Ayurvedic Pharrnacopoeia of India indicates the use of dried ripe seed in leucorrhoea and vaginal laxity.
