cultivation.
English American Heilbore, Green Hellebore.
Action Rhizomes and roots— cardiac depressant, hypotensive.
(Contraindicated in cardiac disease. Large doses cause bradycardia.)
Used in the treatment of convulsions, headache, neuralgia, inflammatory affections of respiratory tract; and as sedative. Formerly used for high blood pressure, especially associated with toxemia of pregnancy.
Ceveratrum-type alkaloids, found as esters, are hypotensive and cause vasodilatation (probably by inhibition ofvasomotor centre and stimulation of the vagus). Overdoses cause vomiting. Alkaloids are teratogenic.
Verbascum thapsus Linn. Synonym V phiomoides L. Family Scrophulariaceae.
Habitat Temperate Himalayas, Western Ghats and the Nilgiris.
English Cow’s Lungwort, Common Mullein. (Large-flowered Mullein is equated with V densifiorum Bertol.)
Ayurvedic Ban Tambaaku, Gidar Tambaaku, Phullaa.
Action Herb—soothing and
relaxant for irritable respiratory conditions (asthma, emphysema, tracheitis), pectoral demulcent, antispasmodic, mild sedative.
Veratrum viride Ait.
Family Liliaceae.
Vernonia cinerea Less. 699
Key application In catarrh of
the respiratory tract. (German
Commission E.)
The capsule contains saponins, thapsuines A and B and hydroxythapsuines A and B. The plant also contains varatric acid, 5-ethoxymethyl furfural, saikogenin, alpha-spinasterol and indoids, aucubin and catalpol. The leaves contain rotenone.
The flower extract showed activity against influenza and herpes simplex virus.
The plant has been employed for the treatment of asthma. There is little evidence to indicate that the plant can offer more than mild astringent and topical soothing effects.
Verbena off icinalis Linn.
