Blepharis edulis Pers. 93
and wounds. Decoction is given
in strangury, asthma and phthisis. Roots—decoction is given in lithiasis. Mature leaves are recommended in diabetes; contain an insulin-like principle.
A saline extract ofleaves showed hypoglycaemic activity in rabbits.
Bixa orellana Linn.
Family Bixaceae.
Habitat Native to Central America, often cultivated in Madhya Pradesh and South India.
English Annatto.
Ayurvedic ø Sinduri, Sinduriyaa.
Siddha/Tamil Jabara, Manjitti.
Action Plant—astringent, antibilious, antiemetic, blood purifier.
Leaves—infusion is given in jaundice, also in dysentery. Externally, scar-preventive. Root bark— febrifuge, antiperiodic. Seed pulp— haemostatic, antidysenteric, diuretic, laxative. Fruit—antidysenteric.
An antimicrobial constituent, mas linic acid, alongwith gallic acid and pyrogallol, has been isolated from the leaves. Alcoholic extract of the leaves completely inhibited Micrococcus pyogenes, but was inactive against F. coil. The aqueous extract, however, showed partial inhibition against F. coil. The aqueous extract also showed potent inhibitory activity towards lens aldose reductase, which plays an important role in the management of diabetic complications. The activity is attributed to a flavonoid, isoscutelarein.
Bixin, the main constituent of seed coat, shows cytostatic effect on the growth of human lymphoma cells. Bixin also has a hyperglycaemic effect and may disturb blood glucose control.
Blepharis edulis Pers.
Synonym B. persica (Burm.f.) Kuntze.
Family Acanthaceae.
Habitat Punjab and western Rajasthan.
English Acanthus.
Ayurvedic Utangana, Kaamavridhi, Chatushpatri, Ucchataa (equated
with Scirpus or Cyperus sp. during the classical period; with Shveta Gunjaa, Abrus sp. during the
medieval period.)
Unani Utangan.
