MEDICINAL PLANTS OF SIKKIM

 

 

Basic Information

 

               

Species                                               : Rhododendron barbatum Smith.

Local Name                                          : Lal chimal, Kanre chimal (Nep)

Synonym                                             :

Family                                                  : Ericaceae

Habitat                                                : An evergreen tree, up to 15 m in height. Thrives well in cold region.

Distribution                             : Distributed to alpine region (2400-3600 m in Sikkim, Bhutan).

Sikkim                                      : Tsoka,Yumthang, Kisheong below Kyongnosla (11,000 m), Chakkal, Barsay, Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Yumey

                                                  Samdong, Dzongri.

Out side                                  : Darjeeling, Bhutan, Kumaon, Aka hills and Balipara tract of Assam at an altitude of 2100-4000 m.

Morphological information

An evergreen tree, bark purple red, smooth, peeling of in large flakes, leaves elliptic-lanceolate or oblong, 10-20 cm X 4-7cm, young leaves wooly underneath; flowers fleshy, deep crimson or deep red, in many flowered heads; capsules oblong cylindric.

Flowering                          : April-June

Fruiting                             :

History                             :

Parts                                : Leaves and flowers.

Status                              : Vulnerable

Phytochemistry               : Triacontane, hentriacontanol, friedelin, β- amrin, oleanolic acid, betulonic acids, β-sitosterol, its glucoside and 5,6,7,4'

                                          tetramethoxyflavone isolated from roots.

Medicinal

Intravenous administration to dogs resulted in 20-40 percent reduction in blood pressure. It has stimulating effect on the borostatic-pressor- reflex mechanism, respiratory effects and emetic action. It produces reflex vasoclepressor responses in intact animals in debuffered dogs, it produces vasopressor responses. It also produces both direct and indirect, positive ionotropic effects.

 


Reference

1. Anonymous (1961). The Wealth of India (Vol. 9). Publications and Information Directorate, CSIR. New Delhi. 15.

2. Anonymous (1992). The Useful Plants of India. Publications and Information Directorate, CSIR New Delhi. 521.

3. Progress Report of the Project "Studies on Medicinal Plants of Sikkim" (1998-2001). State Council of Science and Technology for Sikkim.