amino acid in cereal based diets. Germination improves mineral bioavailabiity. In germinated gram flour, there is significant increase in nutritional quality of protein and very significant increase in ascorbic acid.
The seeds contain pangamic acid, the stemina building, antistress and antihyperlipidemic principle of gram. Gram is given as preventive diet to atherosclerosis patients because of its rich phosphorus content.
Isoflavones, biochanin A and formonetin exhibited hypolipidermic activity in rats. Total flavonoids reduced serum and liver cholesterol in rats.
Seeds reduced postprandial plasma glucose in human.
Cichorium endivia Linn.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae. Habitat Native to the Mediterranean region, cultivated mainly in Northern India.
English Succory, Endive.
Unani b Kaasani, Bustaani (Baaghi). Action b Plant—antibiious. Root— demulcent, febrifuge, diuretic; used in dyspepsia; as a tonic for liver
and digestive system. Milder than C. intybus.
Roots contain sesquiterpene lactones.
Cichorium intybus Linn.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Native to Europe;
commonly occurs in North West India, Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
English Chicory, Indian Endive.
Ayurvedic b Kaasani.
Unani Kaasani Dashti (Barn).
Siddha/Tamil Kasinikkeerai.
Action 0 Diuretic, laxative, cholagogue, mild hepatic. Excites
peristalsis without affecting the
functions of the stomach. Used
in liver congestion, jaundice, rheumatic and gouty joints.
Key application (herb and root) o. In loss of appetite, dyspepsia. (German Commission E.)
The herb contains inulin (up to 58% in the root); sesquiterpene lactones (including lactucin and lactucopicrin); coumarins (chicoriin, esculetin, esculin, umbelliferone and scop oletin); the root includes
