1. Plants in complimentary & traditional systems of medicine
Course: Pharmacognosy-1
Course Code: 103

2. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard care. Standard care is what medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, and allied health professionals, such as nurses and physical therapists, practice.
Complementary medicine is used together with standard medical care. An example is using acupuncture to help with side effects of cancer treatment.
Alternative medicine is used in place of standard medical care. An example is treating heart disease with chelation therapy (which seeks to remove excess metals from the blood) instead of using a standard approach.

3. Traditional medicine
Traditional medicine (also known as indigenous or folk medicine) comprises knowledge systems that developed over generations within various societies before the era of modern medicine.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines traditional medicine as:
"the health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral-based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being

4. Traditional system of health care is an art of healing
Traditional system of health care is an art of healing. which is based on traditional uses of plants, animals or their products and other natural substances (including some inorganic chemicals), religious verses, cultural practices and physical manipulations including torture.
As this system of medicine has been used almost unchanged continuously generation after generation throughout the ages for the treatment of various physical and psychological diseases the system is called traditional.
In most cases the type, preparation and uses of traditional medicines are largely influenced by folklore customs and the cultural habits, social practices, religious beliefs and, in many cases superstitions of the people who prescribe or use them.

5. In other words, It is a system of medicine or medical practice which is based on
(a) past and continual or traditional uses of articles, medicinal or ritual in the treatment of diseases, and
(b) clinical experiences of the people of various generations throughout the ages.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has thus defined traditional medicine as' "the sum total of all knowledge and practice. whether explicable or not, used in the diagnosis, prevention and elimination of physical, mental or social imbalance, relying exclusively on practical experience and observations handed down from generation to generation, verbally or in writing."

6. Systems of Traditional medicine
Traditional medicine includes not only medicinal substances of natural origin but also items like magic, charms, religious verses, spiritual methods, sacrifices. folklore customs and even physical and mental tortures.
The basic principle involved in traditional medicine is that it strives to treat the whole person rather than his isolated parts and thinks of him in relation to his emotional sphere and physical environment.
The traditional health care systems practised in Bangladesh include the Ayurvedic, Unani, Homeopathic and Folk medicine systems.

7. Ayurvedic System
Ayurveda (Sanskrit Āyurveda आयुर्वेद, "life-knowledge). Ayurvedic system is one of the oldest systems of medicine, which has been practised in this subcontinent for over 3000 years. Ayurveda considers the human being as a miniature universe and the properties found in the universe are believed to be present in the human body, which, like the universe, consists of five gross elements: earth, water, fire, air and the ethereal parts of the sky.

8. Basic concept of the Ayurvedic system
The basic concept of the Ayurvedic system may be summarised in the following way:
(a) The living man is a well-balanced combination of three humors, seven basic tissues and three excretions,
(b) A healthy man is one who possesses a balance of the body humors, proper functioning of all body elements and has a pleasant disposition of mind, soul and body organs,
(c) The three humors, vata, pitha and kapha, control all functions and structures of the human body, and
(d) When the balance of the three humors is upset the individual falls sick.

9. On the basis of the predominance of these humors Ayurveda recognizes three types of body constitution,
Vata constitution. A person with this constitution possesses a thin body and unstable temperament, is often restless, talkative and has a short memory and thick, rough hair. He is more prone to illnesses like excessive nervousness, insomnia, tremors, peptic ulcers, etc.
Pitha constitution. A person with this constitution possesses a moderately well built, muscular body. He is usually courageous and strong and has scanty, soft hair. When provoked or exposed to stress, he is prone to develop rapid pulse, hypertension and coronary thrombosis.
Kapha constitution. A person with this constitution usually has a bulky and heavy body with smooth, rounded face and limbs. He is generally slow in action and speech, and is susceptible to diseases like diabetes mellitus and allergic manifestations.

10. These body constitutions are taken in to serious consideration while treating a patient under this system. Curative treatment in Ayurvedic system consists of administration of medicine both internally and externally, minor surgical operations and psychosomatic treatment.
The medicinal preparations employed in this system are mainly of plant materials in the form of powders, semi-solid preparations, elixirs etc
Many of them also contain inorganic chemical substances, minerals and animal products.
Alcoholic extracts and alcoholic solutions of the ingredients, tinctures and elixirs are also frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine.
The materia medica of Ayurvedic medicine contains some published recipes and many more are held as secret information among certain families.

11. Unani System
Unani system of traditional health care had originated in Greece and was named after the name of its Unan province, which is regarded as the original place of development and practice of this system.
Hakim lskalibus of Greece was the first person to propagate the Unani system of medicine. However, this system had flourished and attained its real development only when the Arabian and Persian Muslim intellectuals like Al-Razi, lbne-Sina, AI-Rashid and others enriched it with newer scientific knowledge and discoveries in the 7th century. Because of the significant contributions of the Arabian physicians to the development of this system, the Unani system is also known as Graeco-Arab system.
The famous medical book, 'Al-Kanun' (based on the Unani system), of lbne-Sina ( AD) was the prescribed book of medicine in Europe for several centuries.
After the 13th century, although the Muslim civilization was in a decline, the Unani system of medicine was in full vigor and widely practised as an effective system of treatment throughout the world.

12. According to the Unani system, the basic factors composing the human physique are four elements (fire, air, water and earth), four types of temperament (hot and dry, hot and wet, cold and dry, and cold and wet), four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile), organs, vital spirit, powers and functions.
However, the method of treatment in this system is also based on the theory of humors. According to this system, humors influence the temperament and every individual's temperament depends on the predominance of one of these humors.
A patient with the predominance of a particular humor, expressed in terms of a specific temperament is generally treated with drugs of opposite temperament. In addition to application of drugs, this system emphasizes on the type of the patient's diet.
Whole plants or their powders or pastes or products and their extracts, infusions, and distillates constitute the major constituents of Unani medicine. Minerals, inorganic chemicals and animal products are also frequently used in preparing these medicines. However. tinctures or elixirs are not used in Unani medicine.

13. Homeopathic system
Homeopathic system of health care is developed in Europe by a German allopathic physician named Samuel Hahnemann ( ) in the early 19th century from the allopathic system.
This system of medicine is principally based on the theory, "simili similibus curantum". i.e., like cures the like, of Philippus Aureolus Paracelsus ( ),a Swiss-born physician and a prominent exponent of the famous doctrine of signatures in plants - that in the appearance of plants can be found a divine sign of their curative powers. In this system drugs are applied in very small and diluted doses and it is believed that the strength or curative power of a drug increases mathematically with the increasing degree of its dilution.
There are about 1200 medicines in homeopathy of which more than 500 are obtained from medicinal plants, a few from animals and the rest from pure chemicals. Plant derived medicines in this system are used as mother tinctures and their diluted but highly potent medicinal products.
No excipient (preservative. colour. sweetener. flavour, etc.) is used in preparing homeopathic medicine. This system of medicine is very popular in many Asian countries including Bangladesh.

14. Folk medicine
Folk medical practice is a simple form of traditional medical practice. which offers health care services to the rural people with or without the use of medicinal preparations.
This practice is based on traditional beliefs, social cultures and sometimes superstitions and does not involve the use of any specific medical system. Folk medicine consists of both material and non- material components.
The material components are medicinal preparations which are invariably prepared with plant and animal parts and their products and are dispensed usually in the raw forms as and when needed. They are normally used in treating simple diseases like cold, cough, fever etc.

15. The non-material components are of two types:
(i) Religious items, such as religious verses from holy books written on papers and given as amulets, religious verses recited and blown on the face or body of the patient or on water to drink or on food to eat, sacrifices and offerings given in the names of God and gods, goddesses and deities. This system of Folk medicine is often called Faith healing.
(ii) Spiritual items, which include communicating with the spirits or ancestors through human media to enquire about the disease and its remedy, torturous treatment of the patient along with recitation of incantations to drive away the imaginary evil spirits and many other similar methods. This system of Folk medicine is often referred to as Spiritual treatment.

16. These non-material components
These non-material components. either individually or in combination with the material components are generally used in the treatment of all kinds of diseases, but specifically used in the treatment of patients with psychological problems like insanity,phobia, apprehension and fear of supernatural creatures. Sometimes their use extends to the treatments of diseases like pox, cancer, leprosy, fractures, snake-bite and even tetanus of newly born children.
Folk medical practice also includes treatments like blood-letting, bone- setting, hot and cold baths, midwifery, minor surgery, therapeutic fasting. hydrotherapy and heat therapy including cauterization. The practitioners of folk medicine are not normally professional people. The elderly people of the communities, religious leaders (pirs, imams. fakirs and sadhus), Bedes or even the common men of different ages often prescribe folk medicine.

17. Although in the commercially advanced Western countries the orthodox or modem Western system of medicine has overtaken the traditional system, in many parts of the world, particularly the developing countries of Asia. Africa and Latin America. In some Asian countries. e.g. Bangladesh, India and China, it has undergone tremendous modernization over the years and is now practiced side by side with modern allopathic medicine as an alternative and supplementary system of medicine.
Traditional medicinal products, particularly those of Unani and Ayurvedic systems, are now prepared by using both indigenous and modern pharmaceutical technology.
These medicinal products are dispensed as coarse and fine powders, pills of different sizes, in the form of compressed tablets, as liquid preparations, as semi-solid masses and in the form of creams and ointments neatly packed in appropriate sachets, packets, aluminum foils, plastic or metallic containers and glass bottles. The containers are fully labelled with indications/contra-indications, doses and directions for use and storage.

18. Methods of Diagnosis
Diagnosis of diseases in traditional medicine, particularly in the older forms, is based on mainly physical and psychological symptoms:
(a) Directly questioning the patient about the onset of the disease and past history of the disease if it is a recurrence of any previous problem.
(b) Delving into the patient's past life and his family history to find out if he has inherited it from any member of his immediate family, as happens with diabetes.
(c) Patient's description of the ailment and his present physical or psychological problems,
(d) Observation of the patient for any gross abnormality in his posture or breathing or body temperature or any change in his eating habit or social behavior.
(e)Visual examination of the patient's eyes, particularly its colour (for anaemia or jaundice), tongue (for any deposition, etc) and skin (for rashes), Visual examination of the patient's eyes, particularly its colour (for anaemia or jaundice), tongue (for any deposition, etc) and skin (for rashes),

19. (k) Analysing any recurring dreams of the patient.
(f) Clinical examination of overall appearance, inspection of movable parts,palpation. etc. Intensity, duration and change of body temperature with time are also examined by touching the body of the patient with the palm.
(g) Biological examinations by the use of sensory organs, e.g., tasting urine by tongue for presence of sugar. smelling sores for putrefaction, observing stool and vomits for any abnormality and change in colour, consistency and smell.
(h) Divination, like bone- or seed-throwing for formation of any characteristic pattern and consultation with the spirits or supernatural creatures through a trance.
(i) Use of astronomical signs to find any relationship, particularly in case of mental diseases. .
(J) Use of mind changing drugs to influence the patient to talk freely about his disease, life-style and other personal habits, which he would not reveal under normal condition.
(k) Analysing any recurring dreams of the patient.
By a combination of these diagnostic methods and using his skill and experience a traditional practitioner often succeeds in correctly diagnosing the disease. However, at present-day many traditional healers do use modern technological and biochemical diagnostic methods to determine the correct nature of diseases.

20. Treatment
The methods of treatment used in traditional systems depend on the nature of the disease and specialisation of the practitioner. However. Following methods, are generally used: (a) Internal and external application of medicinal products. (b)Physical manipulation of various parts of the body, similar to modern physiotherapy . (c) Performing rituals like offering prayers, sacrificing animals in the name of Creator, feeding distressed people, etc. (d) Subjecting the patient to physical torture, like beating, forced sniffing of smoke from burning hot chilies, etc. (e) Psychotherapy and spiritual or faith healing by the use of religious verses (blown on water to drink or on food to eat) and amulets are commonly used. (f) Therapeutic fasting and dieting (reducing the quantity. prohibiting certain food and selecting the type of food the patient should be taking while suffering from obesity etc.).

21. (g) Hydrotherapy, Hot baths are prescribed for rheumatism
(g) Hydrotherapy, Hot baths are prescribed for rheumatism. headache and body-pain. Hot and cold water compressions are frequently used in the treatment of sores, swellings etc.
(h) Heat therapy. including cauterization, for treating pains, inflamed muscles and joints etc.
(I) Blood-letting (draining out or sucking out 'impure' or 'bad' blood from the body by making incisions or opening of artery for bringing out blood is often prescribed for headaches and vertigo).
(J) Bone-setting (for fractured bones) and spinal manipulation (in the treatment of slipped disc,spine dislocation and backache).
(k) Massage (for muscle strains and to improve blood circulation as well as functioning of nerves) and also minor surgical operations are also commonly used as means of treatment in traditional medicine.

22. Scientific basis of Traditional medicines
Traditional medicine was not lost in antiquity as did many other ancient practices with development and progress of human civilization. Thus it can be said that traditional medicine has survived the test of time and is still practised allover the world.So traditional medicine has enough scientific basis and credibility can be seen from the examples of traditional medicine cited below.
(a) Phytochemical and pharmacological investigations have shown that the plant- components of most traditional medicines used in the treatment of oral diseases. wounds and skin infections contain antibiotic and anti-inflammatory principles. They are also present in most of the plant materials recommended in traditional medicine as toothbrush and chewing sticks.
(b) The ingredients of most traditional medicine used in the" treatment of gastro- intestinal and skin diseases have been found to contain tannins. which possess astringent and antibiotic properties.
(c) The plant-components of a number of traditional medicines used in the treatment of stomach troubles contain fixed oils, which as emollients diminish gastric acidity, secretion, peristalsis and pyloric tone.

23. (d) Most of the plant-ingredients used for curing gastro-intestinal disorders contain volatile oils. It is scientifically established that volatile oils enhance appetite nd facilitate digestion by promoting salivation, stimulating secretion of gastric fluids and reduce billiary and gastric colic through carminative action.
(e)The leaves of Neem tree and roots of Babla tree, used for treating fevers, including malaria, have now been scientifically demonstrated to possess definite antipyretic and anti-malarial properties.
(f)The extracts of 'Vanda roxburghii, Lonchocarpus cyanescens which are used for treating arthritis, have been confirmed to possess anti-arthritic activity in laboratory animals.
(g) Bark of Ficus benghalensis and leaves of Bridelia jerruginea are popularly used for treatment and management of diabetes. The anti-diabetic property of these plants has been substantiated by clinical experiments.
Hundreds of other similar examples of plants used in traditional medicine are there whose
therapeutic efficacy and rationality of use have been established scientifically by isolation
and pharmacological testing of their chemical constituents.It can therefore be said that the
traditional medicine is a scientifically valid system as the properties and actions of the drugs
used in this system are backed and supported by scientific investigations.

24. Merits & Demerits
Traditional medicine is practised in almost all countries of the world,developed and developing alike. Although many people prefer traditional medicines, critics of these medicines dismiss them as ineffective and useless. In the light of this dual situation, the merits and demerits of traditional medicines are discussed below.
Merits:
More acceptable to the common people particularly those of the developing countries, partly because of their lower prices and partly due to the fact that it is deeply rooted in their cultures. .
As prepared from natural raw materials by using older technology, they are cheaper than modern medicines.
These are more accessible to most of the population of the developing countries because of their easy availability.
As they are mostly compounded from natural substances and are believed to be readily accepted by the biological systems of the human body.
Less toxic and show little or no side-effects. Because the concentration of active constituents in them is usually low and presence of a number of apparently inactive substances which may reduce the toxicities of the active constituents.

25. Causative organisms do not normally develop resistance against traditional medicines which they commonly do against antibiotics and synthetic chemotherapeutic drugs of modem medicine.
Treatment procedure is less complicated and less time-consuming than modem medicine. The patient does not have to go through long processes of registration, initial check-ups, various diagnostic tests and finally waiting in a long queue to consult the doctor, which are common in modern system of treatment. In traditional system the patient has almost ready access to the practitioner. who devotes his undivided attention to his patient.
Traditional medicine is a potential source of new drugs, a source of cheap starting materials for the synthesis of new drugs and a cheap source of known drugs.
Traditional medicine practitioners serve as additional sources of health manpower and contribute significantly in providing health care services to a vast majority of population in the developing countries.

26. Demerits
Sufficient scientific investigations and clinical or pharmacological experiments have not proved the claims of efficacy of these medicines as made by their practitioners.
There are no precise or standard methods of diagnosis, different practitioners use their own methods based on their individual experiences in diagnosing various diseases. Most of these are unscientific and at times irrational, which often lead to imprecise and wrong diagnosis of the diseases.
Treatments of diseases based on wrong diagnosis or on apparent symptoms often lead to further complications.
No definite dosage system is followed in preparing traditional medicines.
Some unhygienic practices as used in handling, processing and preparing traditional medicines make them unacceptable to many potential consumers.
Strict maintenance of personal and environmental hygiene is often found lacking among the practitioners and manufacturers which affects the quality and safety of the products.
The intangible aspects of some forms of traditional medicine, like occult practices, use of spiritual or supernatural methods, religious and faith healing system are questionable as they cannot be verified scientifically.

27. BAEL Synonyms Bel, Bengal quince; Fructus belae. Bael fruit.
Biological Source : Bael consists of the entire unripe fruit or its slices of Aegle marmelos Corr. Family : Rutaceae.
Habitat: Bael plant is found in India, Bangladesh,Burma and Sri Lanka.
Chemical Constituents: Fruit contains marmelosins (0.4%),carbohydrates (11-15%) including reducing sugars (3-4%), allo- imperatorin, β-sitosterol, tannins (20%), proteins (l %), vitamins A and C and volatile oil. Fruits are also the source of alkaloids namely O- methylhalfordinol and isopentylhalfordinol. It also contains marmelide, psoralen, gum, etc. The fruit yields 2% water-soluble gum which on hydrolysis gives galactose, arabinose, 0­galacturonic acid, rhamnose.

28. BAEL Uses : Bael is bitter and acrid. It stimulates production of bile
It is a restorative and increases body’s resistance and immunity.
Bael improves digestion
Ripened fruits are used in the preparation of a drink (Sharbhat)
The leaves of the Bael plant are used in Ayurvedic medicine to cure and control diabetes.
The fruits are used to control diarrhea.
Bael extracts are also used to control cholesterol and blood urea.
Bael is also useful in relieving constipation.
Fresh Bael leaves extract mixed with honey can cure stomach pains and constipation.
The paste of the leaves is said to relieve joint pains and swellings if used as a poultice.

29. Punarnava Synonyms :Hog weed; Sant; Beshakapori (Hindi).
Biological Source: Punarnava consists of the herb Boerhaavia diiffusa Linn. Family: Nyctaginaceae.
Habitat: The plant is a weed found throughout India during rainy season.
Chemical Constituents: It contains the beta-sitosterol, alpha-2-sitosterol, palmitic acid, archidic acid, ursolic acid, hypoxanthine-9-arabinofuranoside, punarnavoside, two retenoids- boeravinone A, B, C,D, E & F, two new retenoids- repenone & repenol, bothavine etc.  Its main chemicals are Punarnavoside (antifibrinolytic glycoside), boeravinones A-E, lignans, flavones, sterols, boeravine and hypoxanthine-9-L-arabinofuranosie

30. Punarnava Uses : Punarnava is beneficial in treating obesity.
Punarnava is effective in treating a disease called dropsy (edema), Ascities,
It promotes mucous removal from bronchial tubes and hence beneficial in treating asthma.
Other benefits include treatment of anemia, nervous weakness, paralysis, constipation and cough.
Studies have revealed that punarnava is an excellent diuretic, antiinflammatory, mild laxative and is a heart tonic.
Punarnava is also used in improving appetite, jaundice, and general fever

31. Basak Synonyms : Adhatoda,Vasaka folium, Adulasa.
Biological Source : Vasaka consists of the fresh or dried leaves of Adhatoda vasica Nees.
Family : Acanthaceae.
Habitat : The plant is found in India,Sri Lanka, Burma and Malaya.
Chemical Constituents: Vasaka leaves contains alkaloids (0.25%) which include vasicine, vasicinone, 6-hydroxyvasicine, 1-peganine (1-vasicine), betaine and vasakin as well as volatile oil, fat, resin, sugar, mucilage, adhatodic acid, triacontane, β-sitosterol and vitamin C. The oil is golden yellow which contains limonene.
Uses:
It is used to treat cold, cough, whooping-cough (caused by Bordetella pertussis), chronic bronchitis, expectorant, asthma.
As a sedative, antispasmodic and as anthelmintic.
The leaf-juice cures diarrhoea, dysentery and glandular tumor.
The powder is used as poultice on rheumatic joints, as counter-irritant on inflammatory swellings on fresh wounds, urticaria and in neuralgia.
The flowers are also given to improve the circulation of blood and in ophthalmia.

32. Anantmul Synonym : Indian Sarsaparilla
Biological Source : The drug consists of dried leaves of Tylophora Indica (Family Asclepiadaceae).
Habitat : Grows well in tropical humid climate and available in India,Pakistan,Burma, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Chemical Constituents :It contains alkaloids- tylophorine, tylophorinine, tylophorinidine and septicine. Recently some rare alkaloids, namely tyloindicines A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I and J have been isolated from aerial parts. It also contains cetyl alcohol, phytosterol, wax, resin, pigments, tannin, glucose, calcium salts, potassium chloride, α amyrin.

33. Anantmul
Uses:
It is a good remedy for venereal diseases, herpes and skin diseases.
It also useful for arthritis, rheumatism, stimulates the production of sexual hormones.
It purifies the urino-genital tract, good blood-cleanser.
Good remedy for gout , epilepsy, insanity, chronic nervous diseases.
It also cures intestinal gas, debility, impotence.
The root extract has antibacterial activity.

34. ARJUNA Synonyms : Arjuna (Sans.); Arjun (H).
Biological Source: Drug is collected from dried bark of Terminalia Arjuna W. & A. Family : Cornbretaceae.
Habitat : The plant is found throughout India.
Chemical Constituents:  Terminalia Arjuna contains Triterpene glycosides, arjunetin, arjunetoside, arjunaphthanoloside, together with oleanolic and arjunic acids, terminic acid, Antioxidants (flavones, tannins, proanthocyanidins) have been isolated from the root bark of Terminalia Arjuna. The bark contains phytosterols  (ß- sitosterol), ellagic and oleanolinic acids, magnesium, zinc, copper and tannins. The whole tree is so rich on calcium that even the soil it grows on becomes rich on this element too. Arjuna also contains coenzyme Q10.

35. ARJUNA
Uses :
Arjuna bark is used as astringent (causing the contraction of skin cells and other body tissues).
It is mainly used for both prevention and treatment of heart diseases including angina, heart failure and hypercholesterolemia, hypertension.
It is also used in treating asthma, impotence and to help bones regain their strength.
As a diuretic.
As an antidote.

36. Chirata Synonyms: Chiretta, Indian Gentian, Indian Balmony.
Biological Source : Chirata is the entire dried plant of Swertia chirata
Family : Gentianaceae
Habitat: Northern India, Nepal.
Chemical Constituents: Chirata contains a bitter glycoside gentiopicrin; amarogentin, chiratin, ophelic acid and a xanthone- swerchirin.
Uses:
Chirata is used for fever, constipation, upset stomach, loss of appetite, intestinal worms,
In skin diseases, and cancer.
Some people use it as “a bitter tonic.
In India, it has been used for malaria, when combined with the seeds of divi-divi (Guilandina bonducella).

37. Picrorhiza Synonym: Kathi, Kuru, Katvee
Biological source: It consists of dried rhizome of Picrorhiza kurroa. Family: Scrophulariaceae
Habitat: It grows in the hilly parts of the North-Western Himalayan region in India and Nepal
Chemical Constituents: The active constitu Picrorhiza is picrorhizin, a glucoside which yields picrorhuzetin and dextrose on hydrolysis. It also contains Kutkin a glucosidal bitter principle, picroside-I. picroside-II, picroside III, D-mannitol, vanillic acid, kurrin, kutkiol, kutki-sterol, apocynin. phenolic glycosides picein and androsin, and seven cucurbitacin glycoside.

38. Picrorhiza
Uses:
Picrorhiza is bitter, cathartic, stomachic, used in fever and dyspepsia and in purgative preparations.
It is reputed as an anti-periodic and cholagogue (medicinal agent which promotes the discharge of bile from the system), as febrifuge (medicine used to reduce fever) including as antimalarial.
Different types of jaundice are cured with Picrorhiza.
It removes kidney stone, used as emmenagogue, emetic, abortifacient, antidote for dog- bite;
Externally it is used in skin diseases and improves eye-sight.
It is laxative in small doses and cathartic in large doses.

39. Kalmegh
Synonyms: Andrographis, King of bitters, Chiretta; Bengal Chirata; Green Chirata; Kiryet
Biological Source : Kalmegh consists of leaves or entire aerial part of Andrographis paniculata Nees. Family : Acanthaceae.
Habitat: It is widely cultivated in Southern and Southeastern Asia.
Chemical Constituents: It contains bitter principles andrographolide, a bicyclic diterpenoid lactone and Kalmeghin.

40. Kalmegh
Uses:
Kalmegh is a blood purifier, used to cure liver, jaundice, dermatological diseases, dyspepsia, febrifuge and anthelmintic.
Kalmegh acts to dispel heat and remove toxins.
Kalmegh acts as antibacterial. It appears to have beneficial effect in reducing diarrhoea and symptoms arising from bacterial infections.
Kalmegh is used in case of diseases like flu, sinusites, upper respiratory tract infection, cough and bronchitis.
It acts as anti-typhoid against Salmonella typhae and antifungal against Helminthosporium sativum.
It has a great reputation in the Tribal folklore, as one of the best remedies for Malaria even better than Quinine

41. Punarnava,
Basak
Anantamul,
ARJUNA
Chirata,
Picrorhiza,
Kalmegh

42. Amla
Synonyms: Emblic Myrobalan Tree,Indian Gooseberry, Emblica, Amalk,Amla,Aonla,Auna.
Biological Source: Amla consists of the fresh or dried fruits of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (syn. Phyllanthus emblica Linn). Family : Euphorbiaceae.
Habitat : The plant is a middle-sized tree commonly found in the mixed deciduous forests of India,Sri Lanka. China and Malaya.
Chemical Constituents: The principal chemical constituent of Amla is vitamin C ( mg/lOO g). It also contains tannins (5%), glucose, pectin. and minerals like iron,phosphorus and calcium. Tannins are mixture of gallic acid, ellagic acid and phyllembin. The presence of the tannins prevents the oxidation of vitamin.

43. Uses Treats frequent urination. Hair Loss. Helps to improve immunity.
It is very helpful in skin diseases.
Helps to accelerate the wound healing process.
Helps to reduce the risk of cancers.
It is helpful in improving liver function.
It acts as an effective natural cure for indigestion, acidity, constipation, gastric troubles, ulcers and flatulence.
It also acts as anti-inflammatory agent thereby suppresses pain and swelling.
It provides nourishment to the nerves and is helpful in paralytic conditions.
It also works as brain tonic and helps to alertness and memory.
It helps in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar level.
Lowers the risk of cold, cough and other infections of respiratory tract.

44. Ashoka Synonyms : Ashoka (Hindi); Asoka (Bengali).
Biological Source : Ashoka is the dried bark of stem of Saraca indica Linn.
Family : Leguminosae.
Habitat : Ashoka tree is found in central and eastern Himalayas, eastern Bengal. western Peninsula, Burma, Sri Lanka and Malaya.
Chemical Constituents : Ashoka bark contains tannins (6%), catechol, sterol, haemotoxyline, phlobaphenes. organic calcium compound and a keto sterol.
Uses:
Ashoka bark is used as astringent,
It is used in uterine infections, biliousness, dyspepsia, dysentery, colic, piles, ulcers, pimples and
In menorrhagia (excessive mensturation), Dysmenorrhoea.

45. Bahera Synonyms : Beleric Myrobalan; Bahira (Sanskrit).
Biological Source : Bahera is the dried ripe fruit of Terminalia bellerica Roxb. Family : Combretaceae.
Habitat : The plant is found throughout the forests of India,Burma and Sri Lanka
Chemical Constituents: Bahera contains tannins (20-25%), phyllemblin, p-sitosterol, mannitol, glucose, fructose, rhamnose, fixed oil (30-40%) and hydrocarbons such as tetratriacontane, ditriacontane and tritriacontane. The fixed oil contains the esters of palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids.

46. Bahera
Use:
Bahera is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, haemostatic and gives black colour to skin and hair.
Bahera oil is hair tonic.
As laxative and anthelmintic.
Bahera half ripe fruit is purgative and ripe fruit is astringent.
Bahera is antiemtic and reduces excessive thirst.
Bahera is used as a blood coagulant due to astringent property.
Bahera helps in asthma and cough by reducing the inflammation of the bronchi. 
Bahera pulp is an aphrodisiac.
Bahera pulp is intoxicant.

47. Haritaki
Synonyms : Harar (Hindi), Haritaki (Bengali and Sanskrit), Myrobalan
Biological Source: Myrobalan consists of dried mature fruits, of Terminalia chebula Retz. Family : Combretaceae.
Habitat : The plant is found abundantly in north India.
Chemical Constituents :
Myrobalan contains hydrolysable tannins (30-40%). purgative compounds like anthraquinones. fixed oil containing esters of palmitic. oleic and linoleic acids. astringent compound chebulinic acid; ellagic acid. gallic acid and resin. The carbohydrates present in Myrobalan are : glucose. Sorbitol, fructose, sucrose and gentiobiose. Eighteen typical amino acids are also present in addition to phosphoric. succinic. quinic. shikimic. dihydroshikimic and dehydroshikimic acids. During maturation of the fruits. the amount of tannin decreases whereas the acidity increases.

48. Haritaki Uses : As astringent, laxative and alterative;
It is useful in weakness of the nerves and brain as well as in diminished vision.
It is useful in loss of appetite, pain in abdomen, constipation, ascites, heamorroids, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and parasites.
Its powder used as a tooth powder, strengthens the gums.
Rhinitis, cough, hoarseness of voice, hiccups and dyspnoea are relieved
Haritaki prevents accumulation of pus in skin disease; extremely helpful in healing of wounds.  

49. TULSI Synonyms: Holy Basil, Sacred Basil
Biological Source: It is the dried leave of Ocimum santcum Linn. Family : Labiatae.
Geographical Distribution: The plant is cultivated throughout India especially in Hindu houses and temples for worship. It also grows in Phillipines.
Chemical constituents or active compounds
Tulsi contains chemical compounds such as eugenol, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, chlorophyll, caryophyllene, oleanolic acid and linolenic acid. Nutritional compounds found in tulsi include vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron and zinc.

50. TULSI Uses: Boosts the immune system.
Possesses anti-diabetic properties.
It also helps in arresting blood cholesterol levels.
Protects your eyes against ocular diseases such as cataract,
A very good home remedy for respiratory and lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.
Provides easy oral and dental care.
A good source of antioxidants.
Very effective insect repellent
Leaves have expectorant. diaphoretic, antiperiodic. anticatarrhal, antiseptic and spasmolytic properties and are used in catarrh. bronchitis. cold. cough. fever and gastric disorders.
Seeds are demulcent and given in disorders the genito-urinary system.
The plant is also used in snake-bite and scorpion-sting

51. NEEM Synonym: Nim; Nimba (Sans.); Limba, Indian Lilac
Biological Source: Neem is the fresh or dry leaves and seed oil of Azadirachta indica. Family: Meliaceae.
Habitat: Neem tree is habitated in south-east Asia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Malaya. Indonesia, Japan, tropical regions of Australia and Africa.
Chemical Constituents :
The leaves contain nimbin, nimbinene, 6-desacetylnimbinene. nimbandiol, nimbolide. quercetin, P-sitosterol, ascorbic acid. n-hexacosanol, nonacosane and amino acids. The fruits contain gedunin, 7­deacetoxy-7a-hydroxygedunin, aza­diradione, azadirone, 17P-hy­droxyazadiradione. 17 -epiazadira­dione and nimbiol.The seeds contain six tetran­ortriterpenoids. Kernels yield a greenish yel­ low to brown, acrid, bitter fixed oil (23.5%) having a strong, disagreeable odour resembling garlic. The fatty acid composition of the oil is as:myristic (0.2%), palmitic, stearic, arachidic, oleic and linoleic (9%). The component glycerides are palmitodistearin, oleopalmitostearin, oleodistearin. palmito- oleolinolein. palmitodiolein. stearo-oleolinolein, stear­odiolein and linoleodiolein. The oil also contains 2% bitter principles which include nimbidin. nimbidinin, nimbin. nimbinin and nimbidol.

52. Uses:
leaf is used for- leprosy, eye disorders, bloody nose, intestinal worms, stomach upset, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease), fever, diabetes, gum disease (gingivitis), and liver problems. It is also used for birth control and to cause abortions.
The bark is used for malaria, stomach and intestinal ulcers, skin diseases, pain, and fever.
The flower is used for reducing bile, and treating intestinal worms.
The fruit is used for hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, urinary tract disorders, bloody nose, phlegm, eye disorders, diabetes, wounds, and leprosy.
twigs are used for cough, asthma, hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, low sperm levels, urinary disorders, and diabetes. People in the tropics sometimes chew twigs instead of using toothbrushes.
The seed and seed oil are used for leprosy and intestinal worms. They are also used for birth control and to cause abortions.
The stem, root bark, and fruit are used as a tonic and astringent.
Some people apply neem directly to the skin to treat head lice, skin diseases, wounds, and skin ulcers; as a mosquito repellent; and as a skin softener. Neem is also used as an insecticide.

53. Amla, Ashoka, Bahera,
Haritaki, Tulsi, Neem

54. Synonyms : Betel nuts; Pinang; Semina Areacae; Supart (Hindi).
Biological Source: Areca nuts are the seeds of Areca catechu Linn.Family : Palmae (Palmaceae) .
Habitat : The tree is cultivated in tropical India. Srilanka, Malay states,South China, East Indies,Philippine Island and parts of East Africa.
Chemical Constituents : Areca nut contains alkaloids of a piperidine series such as arecoline , arecaine, guvacine, arecaidine. guvacoline. and choline. Areca nuts also contain fat (14%), amorphous red tannin (15%), catechin. The fat consists mainly of the glycerides of lauric, myristic and oleic acids.
Uses:
Powdered Areca is used as anthelmintic. and vermifuge for dogs.
It has aphrodisiac action and useful in urinary disorders. as nerve tonic.
Betel nut is considered a digestive agent and a diuretic, a strengthener of the heart.
It is used in overcoming swelling eyes, mental confusions, chronic urinary distress and pus formations.
Areca nuts

55. Garlic
Scientific name: Roshun,Allium sativum L. Family: Liliaceae (Liliaceae)
Biological source: It is the ripe bulb of Allium sativum L.
Habitat: It occurs in central Asia, Southern Europe and USA. It is widely cultivated in India, Bangladesh.
Constituents: Garlic contains more than 200 chemical compounds. Some of its more important ones include: volatile oil with sulphur-containing compounds: (allicin, alliin, and ajoene), and enzymes: (allinase, peroxidase and myrosinase).Allicin is responsible for its strong odor.
Garlic Medicinal Uses
Garlic acts as an antiseptic & helps in curing the wounds very quickly.
One of the health benefits of garlic is that it helps in fighting against various infection & acts against inflammation and infection, including colds, coughs.
Certain studies suggest that eating garlic on regular basis provides some protection against cancer.
It helps in lowers down the blood pressure & cardiovascular problems. It increases the levels of high density lipoproteins & reduces harmful cholesterol in the blood & keeps arteries and heart healthy.
Garlic stimulates the immune system of body & helps in fighting against various diseases.
Prevents & relieves chronic bronchitis, respiratory problems, nasal decongestant ,expectorant, oral asthma, hysteria, dropsy & scurvy. and catarrh.

56. Carrot
Synonym: Gajor
Biological source:The carrot Daucus carota is a root vegetable, usually orange in colour, though purple, red, white, and yellow varieties exist. Family: Apiaceae
Constituents: Carrots contain carotenes, especially alpha- and beta-carotenes, vitamin A and C, and dietary fiber. It is rich in calcium and potassium. Red carrots also contain lycopene.
Use:
Raw carrot & its juice are a good tonic for eyes, skin, physical & mental development.
Carrot juice with two cups of milk & 5-6 almonds in the morning sharpens memory. Slices of raw carrot and beetroot with lemon juice sprinkled on it cures anaemia.
Carrot paste applied on forehead & above the nostrils stops nose bleeding.
Juice of carrot, beetroot & cucumber eliminates headache & cures rheumatism.
Juice of carrot & spinach after meals cures constipation.
Juice of carrot & parsley, taken twice a day, reduces inflammation of joints.
Carrot juice mixed with lettuce juice removes extra fat.

57. Jam Synonym: jambul, jambolan, jamblang, or jamun
Biological source: It is the fruit of Syzygium cumini tree.
Origin and Distribution:The jambolan is native in India, Burma, Ceylon and the Andaman Islands. It was long ago introduced into and became naturalized in Malaya.
Constituents: Fruit is rich in compounds containing anthocyanins, glucoside, ellagic acid, isoquercetin, kaemferol and myrecetin. The seeds are claimed to contain alkaloid- jambosine, and glycoside jambolin or antimellin, flavonoids, and also found to have high total phenolics Seeds are fairly rich in protein and calcium. Jams are rich in sugar, mineral salts, vitamins C
Use:
Bark has anti-inflammatory activity and is used for anemia
Bark and seeds are used for diabetes which reduce the blood sugar level quickly
Fruit is used for dysentery and leave's juice for gingivitis (bleeding gums).
High source in vitamin A and vitamin C

58. Mander Synonym: Indian Coral Tree, Pangra Nuts
Botanical Name : Erythrina Variegata
Family Name : Fabaceae
Habitat : Grows wild in deciduous forests and is cultivated in gardens for the ornament.
Constituents: Phytochemical investigations on the plant revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavanoids and isoflavanoids , Phenyl coumarins, lectins, flavones glycosides, steroids and fatty acids.
Uses : The leaves are laxative, diuretic, anthelmintic, galactagogue and emmenagogue.
Leaves are also applied externally for joint pain.
The bark is used as a laxative, diuretic and expectorant.
Nuts are brown in color and have healing property. Also used in medicinal soaps.

59. Korola Synonym:bitter melon, bitter gourd or bitter squash
Biological source: it is the fruit of Momordica charantia. Family: Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat:It is a tropical and subtropical vine widely grown in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its edible fruit.
Constituents: The plant contains several biologically active compounds, chiefly momordicin I and momordicin II, and cucurbitacin B. The plant also contains several bioactive glycosides (including momordin, charantin, charantosides, goyaglycosides, momordicosides) and other terpenoid compounds (including momordicin-28, momordicinin, momordicilin, momordenol, and momordol). It also contains cytotoxic proteins such as momorcharin and momordin.
Use:
There is good scientific evidence (Level B2) that bitter melon is effective at reducing blood glucose levels in diabetics.
Bitter melon is used to treat infections caused by retrovirus and is being investigated in the treatment of HIV.
Other uses for bitter melon include treating colds, flu and fever, parasites, digestive and skin diseases.
It has anticancer property

60. Sajna Synonym: Moringa, Miracle Tree, Drumstick
Biological source:Moringa oleiferais a perennial softwood tree with timber of low quality, but which for centuries has been advocated for traditional medicinal and industrial uses. Family:Moringaceae
Habitat:Also known as the Horseradish tree originated in India and has spread in popularity to many parts of Asia, Central and South America, Africa and the Pacific.
Chemical Constituents:   The main constituents of Moringa plant are : deic, palmitic and stearic acid, saponins, glycoside, gum, protein Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, C  Minerals: calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium.  The leaves, flowers and pods are used as significant sources of vitamins A, B and C, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, folic acid, pyridoxine, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, and alpha-tocopherol . Pods are considered good sources of the essential amino acids. A compound found in the flowers and roots of the moringa tree, pterygospermin, has powerful antibiotic and fungicical effects .The root bark contains two alkaloids: moringine and moringinine.

61. Use:
Moringa is used for anemia, arthritis and other joint pain (rheumatism); asthma; cancer; constipation; diabetes; diarrhea; epilepsy; stomach pain; stomach and intestinal ulcers; intestinal spasms; headache; heart problems; high blood pressure; kidney stones; fluid retention; thyroid disorders; and bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections.

62. Areca nut, Ajwan, Garlic, Carrot, Jam, Mander,Korola, Sajna