leaves is applied to sprains. Bark— astringent and anti-inflammatory. Aerial parts—hypoglycaemic.
The plant contains bioflavonoids (vitamin P) which are biologically active in improving blood circulation and strengthening capillaries. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the plant exhibited cardioinhibitory and coronory constricting, also spasmolytic, sedative and hypotensive activity.
The leaves and pods gave iso-rhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O- galactoside and quercetin-3-O-rutino- side. Resin gave a diterpene carboxylic acid (hautriwaic acid). Flowers gave kaempferol.
Dolichandrone falcate Seem. Family Bignoniaceae.
Habitat Moist forests of central and southern India.
Ayurvedic Mesha-shringi (also
equated with Gymnena sylvestre R. Br.), Vishaanikaa.
Siddha/Tamil Kattu Varsana, Kaddalatti, Kaliyacca.
Action Fruits—bitter, carminative, used in diabetes, urinary disorders, bronchitis and skin diseases.
Leaves—applied externally to swollen glands. Abortifacient.
The leaves yield lute olin, chrysin and its 7-rutinoside and glucoside.
Fruits are also known as Rshabhaka in the South.
222 Dolichos biflorus Linn.
Dolichos biflorus Linn.
Synonym Vigna unquiculata (L.) Waip.
D Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
Habitat A pulse crop, particularly
in Madras, Mysore, Mumbai and
Hyderabad.
English Horsegram.
Ayurvedic Kulattha, Kulittha, Khalva, Vardhipatraka.
Unani Kulthi.
Siddha/Tamil Kollu, Kaanam.
Action Plant—used in measles, smallpox, adenitis, burns, sores. Seeds—astringent, antipyretic, diuretic. Decoction or soup is used in affections of the liver and spleen, intestinal colic, in leucorrhoea and menstrual dissorders, urinary discharges. A valuable protein supplement.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the decoction of dry seeds in calculus and
amenorrhoea.
