and genitourinary affections.
Fresh leaves yield an essential oil (yield 0.8%). It contains a series of methyl ketones, along with limonene 19.5, camphene 8.0%, and a group of oxygenated sesquiterpenes, the major being elemol 4.5%.
The fragrant oil is known as Rusa or Geranium Oil and is used as a substitute for rose oil. It exhibits stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic and diaphoretic properties. It is applied externally in rheumatism and neuralgia.
Cynara scolymus Linn.
Family Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat Monastery gardens of Europe. Now cultivated in India.
English Globe Artichoke.
Unani Harshaf.
Action Herb—antitoxic, liver restorative, hypocholesterolaemic. Water soluble extract is used for liver and renal diseases for its cholagogic and choleretic action
(flow of bile increases up to 60 per cent). Artichokes assist digestion of fats, are known as diabetic’s potato in Europe.
Key application In dyspeptic
problems. (German Commission E.) The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia reported hepatic action.
All parts of the plant contains sesquiterpene lactone cynaropecrin and inulin. The leaves contain cynarin. Hepatic activity of the leaves is due to polyphenols such as cynarin, caffeoylquinic acid derivatives and flavonoids. Cynarin and caffeic acid exhibited hepatoprotective activity in CC14-treated rats. (A minimum of 1% polyphenols and 0.2% flavonoids in the dried leaves is required for the activity.)
The plant is included in indigenous compound formulations recommended for viral and drug-induced hepatitis. All parts of the plant stimulate digestive secretions, especially bile, and are used for the treatment of gallbladder problems. Plant is used as a diuretic in dropsy. The plant is also used against atherosclerosis and for lowering cholesterol levels.
The extract gave mixed results in preventing alcohol-induced hangover. (CMAJ, 169, 2003, 1269—73; Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)
Cynodon dactylon Pers.
Family Gramineae; Poaceae.
Habitat Throughout India up to 3,000 m.
