10
Medicinal Plants and their uses
1.
Adhatoda
- Botanical name: Justicia adhatoda (Adhatoda vasica)
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Morphology of the useful plants: Leaves and roots
Uses:
- The plant is the source of the drug Vasaka, particularly in the treatment of Bronchitis.
- Several alkaloids are present in the drug of which the important ones are Vasicine and Vasicinone.
- Adhatoda is extensively used for treating cold, cough, asthma, and chronic bronchitis.
2.
Aloe
- Botanical name: Aloe vera
- Family: Liliaceae
- Morphology of the useful plants: Leaf
Uses:
- The pulp of leaves is given in fever, enlargement of liver, spleen, skin diseases, piles, jaundice, rheumatism.
- The pulp of roasted leaves, mixed with honey, is given in cold and cough.
3.
Bacopa
- Botanical name: Bacopa monnieri
- Family: Scrophulariaceae
- Morphology of the useful plants: Whole plants
Uses:
- Triterpene glycosides, bacopa saponins, luteolin, apigenin, and bacoside. It is a classic and nerve tonic.
- Brahmi juice, prepared in ghee, is given orally to the infants in small doses for good memory.
- 5-10 ml leaf juice is given to children in case of constipation.
4.
Catharanthus
- Botanical name: Catharanthus roseus (Vinca rosea)
- Family: Apocyanceae
- Morphology of the useful plants: Roots and leaves
Uses:
- Root bark contains three alkaloids ajmalicine, serpentine, reserpine. These alkaloids possess hypotensive, sedative, and transquilling properties.
- Anti-cancer drugs: Vinblastine, Vincristine, and leucocrostine.
5.
Eclipta (False Daisy)
- Botanical name: Eclipta alba
- Family: Asteraceae
- Morphology of the useful plants: Whole plant
Uses:
- The leaf extract of Eclipta was found to be a powerful liver tonic. It is good for hair growth.
- A black dye is obtained from Eclipta, is used as a dye.
- The plant essence is extracted as a Rasayana for longevity and rejuvenation.
- It is used against dysentery, anemia, eye diseases, asthma, and liver cirrhosis.
6.
Neem
- Botanical name: Azadirachta indica
- Family: Meliaceae
- Morphology of the useful plants: Leaf and seeds
Uses:
- Its different parts are used in Ayurvedic treatment. Neem oil, extracted from the seeds, has insecticidal and medicinal properties.
- Neem seed cake is rich in organic contents and it enhances soil fertility. It is also an effective nematicide.
- Neem has anti-bacterial properties and it is used again skin infections.
- Neem leaf capsules are used as an insect repellents.
- Neem oil and leaf extract are used to manufacture beauty care products.
7. Ocimum (Sacred basil or Holy basil)
- Botanical name: Ocimum sanctum
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Morphology of the useful plants: Leave and flowers
Uses:
- leaf juice is given against chronic fever, hemorrhage, dysentery.
- It is also used to check vomiting and as an anti-helminthic.
8. Phyllanthus amarus
- Botanical name: Phyllanthus amarus
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Morphology of the useful plants: Whole plant
Uses:
- This plant has a reputed position in Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine. It is used against bronchitis, anemia, urinary problems, asthma, and also as a diuretic.
- In the Unani system, it is stomachic and useful against chronic dysentery.
- Fresh roots serve as an excellent remedy for jaundice.
- Bark yields a Vitter principle, called phyllanthin.
9. Rauwolfia (Sarpagandha)
- Botanical name: Rauwolfia serpentina
- Family: Apocyanaceae
- Morphology of the useful plants: Root
Uses:
- It lowers blood pressure and controls schizophrenia-like symptoms or mental illness.
- Reserpine obtained from Rauwolfia, is an effective remedy for hypertension.
- Root decoction is given for uterine contraction.
10. Sida (Flannel weed)
- Botanical name: Sida cordifolia
- Family: Malvaceae
- Morphology of the useful plants: Whole plant
Uses:
- The plant is used in Ayurvedic medicine.
- Used for the treatment of inflammation of the oral mucosa, nasal congestion.
Learn more: MCQ on Economic Botany
