Ceratophyllum demersum Linn.
Family Ceratophyllaceae.
Habitat All over India from
temperate to tropics, in ponds and lakes.
English Coontail, Hornwort.
Ayurvedic Shaivaala (also equated with Vallisneria spiralis Linn.,
Hydrocharitaceae), Jalnii, Jalaja.
Unani Tuhlub, Pashm Vazg.
Siddha/Tamil Velampasi.
Folk Sevaar.
Action Purgative, antibilious, antibacterial.
The herb is rich in protein, calcium and magnesium; contains ferredoxin and plastocyanin. EtOH (50%) extract—antimicrobial.
Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb. 139
Dosage Whole plant—b— 20 ml juice; 50—100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)
Cereus grandiflorus Mifi.
Family Cactaceae.
Habitat Indian gardens.
English Cereus, Night Blooming Cereus, Sweet Scented Cactus.
Folk Nivadung Paanchkoni (Maharashtra).
Action Fresh, young shoots—cardiac stimulant, anti-inflammatory.
The plant contains glucose, fructose, starch, amino acids and citric, fumaric, maleic, malonic and oxalic acids. Tyramine, a cardiotonic amine, can strengthen heart muscle action.
The flower, stem and young shoots of cereus can stimulate heart and dilate peripheral vessels, as well as stimulate spinal cord motor neurons. The reputed digitalis effect of cereus is claimed to be non-cumulative. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)
Ceriops candolleana Am.
Synonym C. tagal (Perr.) C.B. Robins.
Family Rhizophoraceae.
Habitat Muddy shores and tidal creeks of India.
English Compound Cymed Mangrove.
Folk Kirrari (Sindh, Maharashtra). Chauri (Maharashtra). Goran (Bengal, Sundarbans).
