Khella is used topically for vitiligo and psoriasis. The Khellin constituent is similar to the psoralen nude
Al
44 Amomum aromaticum Roxb.
us and might be useful as a photosensitizer in patients with psoriasis. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)
(Several modern drugs including amiodarone, nifedipine and cromolyn have been developed from Khella.)
Amomum aromaticum Roxb.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat North Bengal and Assam. English Bengal Cardamom,
Cardamom.
Ayurvedic Sthula-elaa (var.)
Siddha/Tamil Perelam.
Folk Morang-elaaichi.
Action Similar to that of A. subulatum.
The seeds yield on essential oil (1.0— L2%) containing cineole as the principal constituent.
Chinese practitioners avoid the use of cardamom in conditions marked by symptoms of excessive heat.
Amomum subulatum Roxb.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in swampy places in Bengal, Sikkim, Assam and Tamil Nadu.
English Greater or Nepal Cardamom.
Ayurvedic Sthula-elaa, Bhadraa, Bhadrailaa, Bahulaa, Prithivikaa, Triputaa, Truti.
Unani Heel Kalaan, Qaaqule Kubaar.
Siddha/Tamil Peria Elam, Kattu Elam, Beraelam.
Action Stomachic, antiemetic, antibiious, astringent, alexipharmic; used for the treatment of indigestion, biliousness, abdominal pains, vomiting, in congestion of liver. Pericarp—in headache and stomatitis.
The seeds contain a chalcone (cardamonin), a flavonoid (alpinetin), petunidin-3, 5-diglucoside and leucocyanidin glucocide; also a aurone glycoside subulin. The essential oil (2.5%) contains cineole.
Dosage Seed—1—3 g powder. (CCRAS.)
Amoora cucullata Roxb.
Family Meliaceae.
Habitat Coastal forests of West Bengal and Andaman Islands.
