Action Root—astringent and antipyretic, used in phthisis and scrofulous affections.
The roots gave a phenolic compound vakerin, identical with bergenin. The ethanol-water extract of roots inhibits the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The pods contain 28% tannin (without seeds, more than 54%). The bark contains 28% tannin (without seeds, more than 54%). The tannin is pure gallo-tannin and gallic acid.
Dosage Root—3—5 g powder.
(CCRAS.)
Caesalpinia puicherrima Sw.
Family Caesalpiniaceae.
Habitat Cultivated in gardens throughout India.
English Barbados Pride, Peacock Flower.
Ayurvedic Padangam, Ratnagandhi, Krishnachuudaa.
Siddha/Tamil Mayirkonrai, Nalal. Folk Guleturaa, Sankeshwara.
Action Leaves—laxative, antipyretic. Used in Eastern India as a substitute for senna. Dried and powdered leaves are used in erysipelas. Flowers—anthelmintic. Also used for cough and catarrh. Root—a decoction is prescribed in intermittent fevers. Bark— emmenagogue, abortifacient.
The plant contains a flavonoid, myricitroside. The leaves, flowers and
fruits contain tannins, gums, resin, benzoic acid. Presence of cyanidin3,5-diglucoside is also reported from the flowers, hydrocyanic acid from the leaves. The root contains caesalpin type diterpenoids along with sitosterol.
The leaves have displayed anticancer activity in laboratory animals. A diterpenoid, isolated from the root, also showed anticancer activity.
In Pakistan, the leaf and flower extract exhibited activity against Gram- positive bacteria.
Caesalpinia sappan Linn.
Family Caesalpiniaceae.
Habitat Native to India and Malaysia. Cultivated in Bengal and South India, also grown as a hedge plant.
English Sappan.
Ayurvedic Pattanga, Patanga, Pattraanga, Raktasaara, Ranjana, Pataranjaka, Suranga, Kuchandana.
Unani Bakam.
Siddha/Tamil Patangam, Anaikuntrumani.
Folk Patang.
