Morphological information

Perennial herb, stem 1.5 m 2 m. Leaves oblong ovate, lower ones 8 20 X 4 10 cm. Obtuse or Subacute, base ocrdate, puberulous beneath; upper ones smaller; Petioles 6 15 cm; outer perianth segments oblanceolate, 5 mm. Entire; inner ones ovate, c3 X 2 mm in flower, toothed in lower half, 5 6 X 4 mm in fruit, one of them usually with an oblong median tubercle prominently veined and surrounded by hook tipped bristles c2 mm long. Achenes 3 4 X 2 mm.

Flowering       : June-October.

Fruiting          : June-October.

History          :

Parts            : Root, Leaf and Young shoots.

Status           : Low risk

Phytochemistry

Chrysophanol, emodin, physcoin, lupeol, sistosterol, its glycoside, musizin-1-O-β-D-glycopranoside, orientalone and two new coumpounds-3methoxy-5, 6-methylenedioxybenzaldehyde (I) and chrysophanol-8-O- β-D-galactopyranoside-isolated from roots (J.Indian Chem.Soc. 1976, 53, 1158; Indian J. Chem. 1978, 16 B, 289).

 

Traditional          : The rhizome is used in curing jaundice.

 

Medicinal

Freshly collected root is crushed and the extracted juice (about 1-2 spoon) is administered orally in case of stomach colic. Freshly collected leaf or young shoots with that of Artemisia indica (Compositae) are mixed together and crushed. The extracted juice is applied externally on ringworm, scabies and other skin diseases. It is used in case of constipation and to cure burning sensation due to stinging nettles. Paste prepared from the root is applied on ringworm. It reduces itching sensation and cures the diseases completely.

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Reference