Gram- positive bacteria in local or systemic infections and for antifungal action against Candida albicans. (Expanded Commission E Monographs.)
U longissima contains 3—4% usnic acid, also barbatic acid and arabitol. Usnic acid and barbatic acid possess marked anti-tubercular activity. Barbatic acid produces usnic acid, is active against Streptococcus haemolyticus and pneumococcus sp. and inhibits the growth of tubercle bacillus.
Utricularia bifida Linn.
Family Lentibulariaceae.
Habitat Marshy places, as a weed.
English Bladder wort.
Folk Jhangi (smallar var.)
Action Diuretic (used against urinary disorders), anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic (used against cough). Used topically for mucous membrane inflammations, burns and wounds.
U stellaris is equated with bigger var. of Jhangi.
Uvaria narum Blume.
Family Annonaceae.
Habitat Western ghats from
Maharashtra southwards up to an
altitude of 1,200 m.
Uvaria narum Blume.
689
Siddha/TamiI Pulichan.
Action Root and leaves—used
in intermittent fevers, biliousness, jaundice; also in rheumatic affections; bruised in salt water, used in skin diseases. A decoction of the root bark is given to women to control fits at the time of delivery.
Acetogenins, including stereoisomers, are important constituents of the root bark. Glutinone, glutinol, taraxerol, beta-sitosterol and benzyl
benzoate have also been isolated. The essential oil of the root bark of Kerala plant contains bornyl acetate 15.2% and patchoulenone 8.1%.
A decoction and roots of Uvaria gandifiora Roxb., synonym U purpurea Blume (Indian Botanic Garden, Kolkata) is used for flatulence, stomachache; also after childbirth. A decoction of U micrantha (A. DC.) Hook. f. & Thoms. (tropical forests of the Andamans) is also administered after childbirth as a prophylactic.
