In Indian medicine, Vajradanti, equated with Potentilla arbuscula D. Don and its related species (Rosaceae), is used topically for strengthening gums and teeth.
Dictamnus albus Linn.
Family Rutaceae.
Habitat Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Kunawar, common in Pangi.
English Gas Plant, Dittany, Burning Bush.
Action Root bark—used in nervous diseases, hysteria, intermittent
fevers, urinogenital disorders, and amenorrhoea; a decoction for
scabies and other skin affections. Toxic.
Dittany stimulates the muscles of the uterus, while its effect on the gastro-intestinal tract is antispasmodic, it relaxes the gut. (The plant is used in Greek folk medicine as antispasmodic.) The herb contains furoquinoline alkaloids (including dictamnine), furococumarins, limonoids, and flavonoids (including rutin).
Volatile oil contains estragol, anethole, and a toxic alkaloid dictamnine. Flowers yield 0.05% essential oil containing methylchavicol and anethole. Leaves yield 0.15% essential oil.
Didymocarpus pedicellata R.Br.
Synonym D. macrophylla auct. non-Wall. ex D. Don.
Family Gesneriaceae.
Habitat Sub-tropical Himalaya from Himachal Pradesh to Arunachal Pradesh at 500—2,500 m.
Ayurvedic Kshudra-Paashaanabheda, Shilaa-valkaa, Shilaapushpa.
Action Leaf—antilithic. Used for stones in kidney and bladder.
The leaves contain a number of chalcones, quinochalcones and flavanones. Pediflavone has also been isolated from young leaves.
Digera muricata (Linn.) Mart.
Synonym D. arvensis Forsk. Desmochaeta muricata (L.) DC.
Family Amaranthaceae.
Habitat Throughout the plains of India, as a weed in cultivated fields.
Ayurvedic Katthinjara, Kunanjara.
Siddha/Tamil Thoyya-keerai.
Folk Lat-mahuriaa, Lahsuvaa.
Action Astringent, antibilious. Laxative in large doses. Flowers and seeds—diuretic; given for urinary discharges.
