The active principles include oligomeric procyanidins and flavonoids.
The drug is official in Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India.
Contraindicated in low blood pressure, chest pain, bleeding disorders. The herb may interfere with therapeutic effect of cardiac drugs. (Sharon M. Herr.) Preparations based on hydroalcoholic extracts of Crataegus monogyna or C. laevigata are used as Hawthorn in the Western herbal.
Crataeva nurvala Buch.-Ham.
Synonym C. magna (Lour.) DC. Family Capparidaceae.
Habitat Wild as well as cultivated in gardens all over India.
Ayurvedic Varuna, Varana, Barnaa, Setu, Ashmarighna, Kumaarak,
Tiktashaaka.
Unani Baranaa.
Siddha/Tamil Maaviingam.
Action Bark—diuretic (finds application in urinary disorders, including urolithiasis, prostatic hypertrophy, neurogenic bladder and urinary infections; uterine and gastro-intestinal problems). Juice of the bark is given to women after childbirth. Extract of root bark, mixed with honey, is applied to scrofulous enlargements of glands. Whole plant powder—cholinergic in smooth muscles including urinary bladder.
Key application As antiurolithiatic. (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
The antiurolithic activity of the stem-bark is attributed to the presence of lupeol. Lupeol not only prevented the formation of vesical calculi, but also reduced the size of the preformed stones in the kidneys of calculogenic rats. It also reversed the biochemical parameters in urine, blood and serum towards normal.
The stem bark also exhibit anti- inflammatory activity, and is reported to stimulate bile secretion, appetite and bowel movement.
Dosage Stem bark—20—30 g for decoction. (API Vol. I.)
Cressa cretica Linn.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat Costal regions of India.
Ayurvedic Rudanti, Rudantikaa, Rudravanti.
178 Crinum asiaticum Linn.
Siddha/Tamil Uppu Sanaga. Folk Khardi.
Action Expectorant, stomachic, antibilious, alterative.
