Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Tausch.
and they decreased the manifestation of atherosclerosis.
A polymeric proanthocyanidin, extracted from the plant, improved energy metabolism and increased the work capacity in rats.
Ethanolic extract of the aerial parts produced positive inotropic effect on rabbit heart.
Dosage Whole plant—20—50 g for decoction. (API Vol. II.)
Decoction—50—lOO ml. (CCRAS.)
Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Tausch. Family Boraginaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in Central and southern Europe.
English Alkanet, Dyers’ or Spanish Bugloss.
Unani Ratanjot. National Formulary of Unani Medicine equated Ratanjot with Onosma echioides Linn., found in Kashmir and Kumaon.
Siddha/Tamil Ratthapaalai, Surulpattai, Dineshavalli.
Action Astringent, antimicrobial (used for indolent ulcers, wounds, erysipelas).
The root contains up to 5% ailcannins, which are lipophiic isohexenylnaphthazarin red pigments; tannins and wax. A pyrrolizidine (hepatotoxic) alkaloid has also been isolated from the herb. The ailcannins have antimicrobial and wound-healing properties and are non-toxic in mice. They have been used clinically for indolent ulcers.
Allemanda cathartica Linn. Family Apocynaceae.
Habitat Native to Central America and Brazil. Grown in Indian
gardens.
English Golden Trumpet.
Folk Zahari Sontakkaa. (Maharashtra).
Action Leaves—cathartic (in
moderate doses; emetic in large doses). Bark—hydragogue, in ascites.
The purgative property of the aqueous extract of leaves was confirmed pharmacologically in rats. The extract also showed antifungal activity against ringworm causing fungi. Flower extract inhibits fungal growth.
EtOH extract of roots showed invivo activity against P-388 leukaemia in mouse and in vitro against human carcinoma cells of nasopharynx (KB). The root contains antileukaemic indoid lactone, allamandin and two other iridoids, allamandicin and ailamdin.
The stems and leaves contain betaamyrin, beta-sitosterol and ursolic acid. Petals gave flavonoids—
