Search This Blog

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Aegle Marmelos, Bilva or Bael

Aegle Marmelos (Bilva or Bael): All About
Aegle marmelos, a plant indigenous to India has been used by the inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent for over 5000 years. It is believed that Goddess Parvati ji worshiped under the Bilva tree for three thousand years in Haridwar to get married to Lord Shiva. Shiva Purana says that a person who serves and feed milk, ghee and cereals to a hungry devotee of Lord Shiva on roots of its tree, he never faces poverty in his life.
In Ayurevdic texts Aegle marmelosl tree has been held in high esteem owing to its medicinal value. The leaves, bark, roots, fruits and seeds are used extensively in the Indian traditional system of medicine the Ayurveda and in various folk medicine to treat myriad ailments.
Bael fruits are of dietary use and the fruit pulp is used to prepare delicacies like murabba, puddings and juice.

Bael fruits are also used in the treatment of chronic diarrhea, dysentery, and peptic ulcers, as a laxative and to recuperate from respiratory affections in various folk medicines. Scientific studies have validated many of the ethnomedicinal uses and reports indicate that the fruit possesses broad range of therapeutic effects that includes free radical scavenging, antioxidant, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-diarrheal, gastroprotective, anti-ulcerative colitis, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective and radioprotective effects.
English Names - Bael tree, Bengal Quince.
Common Names - Bilva, Shriphala, Shaandilya, Shailuusha, Shalya, Sadaaphala, Mahaakapitha (Kapitha is equated with Feronia limonia), Maaluura, Rudrajataa, Rudranirmaalya, Shivajataakhya, Bael, Vilvam, Koovilam.

Aegle Marmelos (Bilva or Bael): Health Benefits
Stomachic, antimicrobial (specific for diarrhoea, colitis,dysentery and enteric infections), digestive, astringent, spasmolytic, hypoglycaemic.
THERAPEUTIC EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPONENTS OF AEGLE MARMELOS:
Antiulcer activity: Luvangetin proved effective against aspirin-induced and pylorus-ligated gastric ulcers in rats; and cold restraint gastric ulcers induced by stress in guinea pigs and rats through the mechanism of mucosal defensive factors.
Antimicrobial activity: Essential oils from the leaves completely inhibited germination of fungal spores. Oil from seeds proved to have antibacterial properties while ethanolic extract from roots displayed activity against various microbes.
Hypoglycemic activity: Aqueous extract from the leaves exhibited hypoglycemic activity against diabetes in rats. Its effectiveness was similar to that induced by insulin in restoring glucose level in blood and body weight.
Anti-diarrhoeal activity: Effectiveness of preparation consisting Aegle Marmelos was proved against diarrhea.
Anti-inflammatory activity: Aqueous extract from the roots proved effective against chronic and acute inflammation.
Aegle Marmelos (Bilva or Bael): Nutrient Composition
Aegle marmelos has numerous components housed in various parts of the tree including:

Alkaloids: Leaves of Aegle Marmelos contain alkaloids like aegeline and aegelenine. The aerial parts and roots of the tree contain skimmianine and Anthraquinones.
Coumarins: The fruits contain marmelosin, marmelide, allo-imperatorin and psoralen. The roots contain psoralen, umbelliferone, scopoletin, xanthotoxin, and dimethoxy coumarin. The heartwood contains glucosides and seeds contain luvangetin.
Tannins: The fruits contain tannic-acid while leaves contain condensed form of tannins.
Triterpenes: The roots contain lupeo and beta-sitosterol.
Aegle Marmelos (Bilva or Bael): Various Applications
It is a very good antidiarrhoeal. Ayurveda suggests the use of root in dysuria; stembark in diabetes and lipid disorders.
A number of coumarins (including xanthotoxol and alloimperatorin methyl ether), flavonoids (including rutin and marmesin), alkaloids (including alpha-fagarine), sterols and essential oils have been isolated from plant parts. Pectin is an important constituent of the fruit.
Alkaloid aegeline, present in the leaves, is efficacious in asthma. The active principle in aqueous extract of leaf shows hypoglycaemic activity similar to insulin. Leaves are also given in jaundice. Alcoholic extract of seeds shows antiallergic activity. Marmin, a coumarin isolated from the roots, shows anti-inflammatory effects experimentally. Marmin also inhibited gastric haemorrhagic lesions in rats and exhibited antiulcer effects.
Seed oil showed beneficial effects in regeneration of tumour cells. Aurapten is found to be the most potent inhibitor of heart rate. Rootbark is used for palpitation of the heart. Eagle marmelos had a potential to reduce chemical-induced skin papillomas, reducing the tumour incidence, tumour yield, tumour burden, and cumulative number of papillomas.
Ripe bael fruit has been traditionally used also as a well-known laxative, treating constipation, however, the unripe fruit is also a common remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery, inhibiting intestinal motility and having also documented gastroprotective effects.

Aegle Marmelos (Bilva or Bael): THERAPEUTIC USES
Many parts of this tree including unripe and ripe fruits; fruit-pulp, rind of ripe fruits, bark, roots and bark of roots are used in various medicinal preparations.
Green fruits: These possess effective digestive, astringent and stomachic properties.
Ripe fruits: Relieves chronic dysentery and diarrhea. They act as tonic for brain and heart. They also relieve bacillary dysentery and assist in relieving of ulcerated mucosa of intestine.
Roots: In the decoction form, roots relieve intermittent fever, melancholia and palpitation of heart. It is also an ingredient in preparing an Ayurvedic medicine called, ‘Dashmool or Dashmoolarisht’.
Leaves: Bitter tasting leaves act as febrifuge. ‘Poultice’ prepared using them relieves ophthalmic disorder and ulcer. Fresh leaves are used to relieve conditions like weak heart, beri-beri and dropsy.
It finds ample use as abortifacient, astringent, anodyne, digestive, dentifrice, refrigerant, laxative, and restorative.
Aegle Marmelos (Bilva or Bael): Medicinal Applications
1.                Bael fruit serves as stool binding and so it is used in condition like diarrhea, dysentery etc.
2.                Powder of bael leaves has anti diabetic effect.
3.                Juice of bael leaves with black pepper i.e. kali marich is helpful in jaundice.
4.                Syrup made of pulp of bael fruit, with tamarind is useful in burning sensation on skin, diarrhea, yellow coloration of skin, nausea etc.
5.                When there is pain and redness in eyes, poultice of bael leaves applied on eyes gives good result.
6.                Muarraba of bael is effective in diarrhea, especially when there is bleeding.
7.                Bael’s pulp used with jaggery gives results in blood disorders.
8.                In excessive bleeding and problem of leucorrhoea, juice of bael leaves with cumin seed (jeera) and milk is effective.
9.                Local application of one part of dry powder of Bael fruit and two parts of mustard oil are useful in burn.
10.           In stress, insomnia and feeling of nervousness milk boiled with bark of bael tree give good result.
11.           Oil prepared by boiling bael’s soft leaves with cow urine, sesame oil and goat milk in the ratio of 1: 4:8 is useful in ear diseases.
12.           Bael leaves soaked overnight in water and strained water is drunk in the morning gives relief in pain and discomfort in peptic ulcers.
13.           Bilva fruit powder is useful in irritable bowel syndrome and it has stomachic.
14.           The extract of bael leaves is useful in conjunctivitis, deafness and leucorrhea.
15.           The young leaves and shoots of bilva tree are used as food in Thailand. They have nutritional value.
16.           The leaf extract has been reported to have antispermatogenic effect and were used a fertility control in Bangladesh.
17.           Ayurvedic texts hold that Aegle marmelos pacifies vata, kafa and enhances digestive fire (jatharagni).
18.           Paste of bael with shunthi, pipali and black pepper is useful in jaundice.
Aegle Marmelos (Bilva or Bael): Treatment of Various Ailments
The bark, roots, stem, flowers and leaves of the aegle marmelos tree are used in relieving various ailments such as:
Constipation: Fresh and unripe fruit relieves constipation.
Jaundice: Consuming 10 to 15 ml of liquid relieves jaundice.
Leucorrhoea: Consuming three to six grams of the root- powder relieves Leucorrhoea.
Dehydration of ruminants and Diarrhea: Bark, roots, stem, flowers and leaves relieve these conditions.
Bronchitis: Consuming juice of Aegle Marmelos once a day relieves bronchitis.
Wound, inflammation and pain: Paste of Aegle Marmelos relieves these conditions.
Menstrual problem: Extract from the whole plant relieves this condition.
Brain: Aegle Marmelos extract acts as brain tonic.
Others: Miscarriages, placenta retention, vaginal hemorrhage, milk fever, orchiditis, tachycardia, swelling of throat, bradycardia, pneumonia, hemorrhagic septicemia, lumbar fracture, polyurea and so on are relieved using pulp of ripe and unripe fruit.
Various parts of Aegle Marmelos are used to relieve other problems like cholera, stomach ache, snake-bite, malaria, dyspepsia, convulsion, thirst, spasm, nausea, itches, tumors, sores and proctitis.

Ripened fruit of bael is one of a good laxative. Pulp of ripened fruit or in the form of a sharbat /syrup is useful in constipation. Ripened fruit of Bael is difficult to digest and is full of doshas, so its use if not specified should be avoided.

Achyranthes Aspera, Latjira, Apamarga: All About Herb

Achyranthes Aspera, Devil's Horsewhip, Latjira, Apamarga
Achyranthes Aspera (commonly known as: chaff-flower, prickly chaff flower, devil's horsewhip) is used for a great many medicinal purposes, especially in obstetrics and gynecology, including abortion, induction of labor, and cessation of postpartum bleeding. The Maasai people of Kenya use the plant medicinally to ease the symptoms of malaria. Achyranthes Aspera has occupied a pivotal position in Indian culture and folk medicine. Since ancient times the tribal and rural people of India commonly use this herb in various disorders. Achyranthes aspera is known for its mood enhancing effects and is used to treat depression and forms of anxiety.

English Names: Prickly Chaff Flower.
Ayurvedic Names: Apaamaarga, Chirchitaa, Apamarga
Other Common Names: Aaghaat, Adahshalya, Chichidaa, Kanihi, Kharamanjari, Kharapushpaa, Latjeeraa, Mayura, Mayuraka, Naayuruvi, Pratyakpushpaa, Shaikharika, Shikhari, Vashira.
Medicinal Properties of Apaamaarga (Achyranthes Aspera):
Astringent, pectoral (ashes of the plant used in asthma and cough), diuretic, hepatoprotective, emmenagogue. Benzene extract of the plant exhibited abortifacient activity. The flowers, ground and mixed with sugar, are given for menorrhagia.

Roots - astringent, haemostatic.
Seeds - emetic; used for biliousness.
Essential oil - antifungal.
Medicinal Benefits of Latjira (Achyranthes Aspera):
The Ayurveda indicates the use of the whole plant in lipid disorders and obesity, the root for its blood-purifying property.
The plant juice and ash are used for treating bleeding piles. An alkaline powder of the plant is used in preparing Kshaarasutra of Ayurvedic medicine, which is recommended for treating fistula-in-ano.
The whole plant contains the alkaloids achyranthine and betaine. Achyranthine, a water-soluble alkaloid, is reported to dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate and increase the rate and amplitude of respiration. It also shows spasmodic effects on the rectus muscle of frog, diuretic and purgative action in albino rats.
The presence of ecdysterone and oleanolic acid is also reported in the root.
The ashes of the plant yield large quantities of potash. The seeds yield saponins and oleanolic acid and its ester. The presence of tannins and glycosides is also reported in the plant.

TRADITIONAL USES OF ACHYRANTHES ASPERA – LATJIRA – APAMAARGA:
To induce abortion a thin paste is applied to external genitalia or a small quantity of decoction obtained by boiling fresh root in water is introduced in vagina.
To induce labor pains a thin paste of fresh roots is applied to external genitalia.
Fresh root extract/decoction is given orally:
1.                To expel dead fetus the juice of fresh roots is given orally.
2.                Post- partal body aches
3.                Post-abortion abdominal pain
4.                Costodynia (pain in ribs)
5.                Post-delivery/abortion jaundice
6.                To expel the remains of placenta after abortion
Decoction of chopped fresh leaves is given orally in:
1.                Excessive hemorrhage during pregnancy
2.                Excessive hemorrhage during early pregnancy
3.                Post-partal hemorrhage
4.                Post- partal fever – with decoctions of neem (Azadirachta indica)
5.                Post-partal loss of appetite (Anorexia) – with kala namak (sodium chloride mixed with sodium sulphate)
6.                Prolonged menstrual flow – (mixed with curd)
7.                Amenorrhoea – (with empty stomach before sunrise)
8.                Dysmenorrhoea
9.                Menoxenia (abnormal or irregular menses/menstrual cycles) – (fresh leaf decoctions of Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) can be added for better results.
10.           Leucorrhoea - Fresh leaf extract mixed with a little curd is given orally before sunrise
11.           Habitual abortion – with powder of Ashwagandha roots (Withania somnifera)
12.           Abnormal secretion of lochia

Decoction of root and stem is administered orally to cure Infertility in women.

Friday, January 29, 2016

Atibalaa (Abutilon indicum) अतिबला

Atibalaa (Abutilon indicum): Health Benifits
Abutilon indicum (Indian Abutilon, Indian Mallow; is a small shrub and this plant is often used as a medicinal plant.
English Names – Country Mallow, Flowering Maples, Chinese Bell-flowers.
Ayurvedic Names - Atibalaa, Kankatikaa, Rishyaproktaa.
Other Common Names - Kanghi, Musht-ul-Ghaul, Darkht-e-Shaan, Thutthi, Kanghi, Kakahi, Kakahiyaa.

Mediational Properties of Atibalaa (Abutilon indicum)
In traditional medicine, Atibalaa various parts of the plant are used as a demulcent, aphrodisiac, laxative, diuretic, sedative, astringent, expectorant, tonic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, and analgesic and to treat leprosy, ulcers, headaches, gonorrhea, and bladder infection. The whole plant is uprooted, dried and is powdered. In ancient days, maidens were made to consume a spoonful of this powder with a spoonful of honey, once in a day, for 6 months until the day of marriage, for safe and quick pregnancy.
The plant is very much used in Siddha medicines. The root, bark, flowers, leaves and seeds are all used for medicinal purposes by Tamils. The leaves are used as adjunct to medicines used for pile complaints. The flowers are used to increase semen in men.
1.                Dried, whole plant — febrifuge, anthelmintic, demulcent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory (in urinary and uterine discharges, piles, lumbago).
2.                Juice of the plant — emollient.
3.                Seeds - demulcent (used in cough, chronic cystitis), laxative.
4.                Leaves - cooked and eaten for bleeding piles.
5.                Flowers - antibacterial, anti-inflammatory.
6.                Bark - astringent, diuretic.
7.                Root - nervine tonic, given in paralysis; also prescribed in strangury.
8.                Essential oil - antibacterial, antifungal.
In Indian Ayurveda, it is prescribed the use of the root in gout, polyuria and haemorrhagic diseases. The plant contains mucilage, tannins, asparagines, gallic acid and sesquiterpenes. Presence of alkaloids, leucoanthocyanins, flavonoids, sterols, triterpenoids, saponins and cardiac glycosides is also reported. Asparagine is diuretic. Gallic acid is analgesic. Mucilages act by reflex, loosen cough as well as bronchial tension.

The drug exhibits immunological activity.

Acacia catechu (Willd) खैर - खरिद्रा

English Name - Cutch tree, Catechu.
Ayurvedic Names - Khadira, Kadara, Somavalka, Gaayatri, Dantdhaavan, Kantaki, Raktasaara (heartwood extract).
Other Names - Khair, Kaat, Katthaa (heartwood extract), Karunkaali (bark), Kalippakku, Kadiram. Katthakkaambu, Kaasukkatti
Health Benefits of Catechu (Khair)

The heart wood and bark of the tree are used in traditional medicine. A wood extract called catechu is used in traditional medicine for sore throats and diarrhea. The concentrated aqueous extract, known as khayer gum or cutch, is astringent. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine. In ayurveda, it is used for rasayana (rejuvenation treatments). It is also used for its actions like anti-dyslipidemic, anthelminthic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diuretic, anti-pruritic, coolant, taste promoting, enhancing digestion and curing skin disorders. The tree's seeds are a good source of protein.
·                   Cutch from wood— powerful astringent (in urinary and vaginal discharge), antidiarrhoeal, haemostatic; used for treating excessive mucous discharges, haemorrhages, relaxed conditions of gums, throat and mouth, stomatitis, irritable bowel; also used as an antileprotic drug.
·                   Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of dried pieces of heartwood in inflammations, skin diseases and urinary disorders, recommends its use as a blood purifier, in diseases caused by lipid disorders.
·                   Cutch (the concentrated extract) - contains tannins, catechin, phlobatannins including catechutannic acid; flavonoids including quercetin, quercitrin, fisetin; gums, resins, pigments.
·                   The gum from Khair Tree is a good substitute for Gum arabic.
·                   The saline extract of seeds shows leuco-agglutinating activity against leukaemic cells. It agglutinates white cells from patients with different types of leukaemia. The activity is inhibited by simple sugars.
·                   Root extract shows antibacterial and fungicidal activity.
·                   The heartwood contains a hepatoprotective principle—cyanidanol. Astringent and antibacterial properties of catechu result from its high tannin content. Gambrine in pale catechu shows hypotensive effects.
·                   Fisetin in black catechu and catechin in black and pale catechu may protect against liver damage; catechin is also thought to protect against experimentally induced ulcers in animals; catechin (cianidanol) is associated with fatal anaemia. Methylcatechin, one of the major metabolites of catechin, inhibits the binding of monocytes to vascular endothelial cells; thus, the catechin found in catechumay reduce atherosclerosis. 

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Durian Fruit: All About

Durian Fruit: Gift of Nature
Regarded by many people in Southeast Asia as the "king of fruits", the durian is distinctive for its large size, strong odor, and formidable thorn-covered husk. It is this the world's most divisive fruit?
Some people regard the durian as having a pleasantly sweet fragrance; others find the aroma overpowering and revolting. The smell evokes reactions from deep appreciation to intense disgust, and has been described variously as rotten onions, turpentine, and raw sewage.

Southeast Asian traditional beliefs, as well as traditional Chinese medicine, consider the durian fruit to have warming properties liable to cause excessive sweating. The traditional method to counteract this is to pour water into the empty shell of the fruit after the pulp has been consumed and drink it. An alternative method is to eat the durian in accompaniment with mangosteen, which is considered to have cooling properties. Pregnant women or people with high blood pressure are traditionally advised not to consume durian.
The Javanese believe durian to have aphrodisiac qualities.

Health Benefits of Durian Fruit:
1.                It’s an excellent source of energy. Some people don’t eat those as part of a diet but runners, athletes, and people looking for some extra energy can find a good use for carbs.
2.                Durian fruit is high fiber in content.
3.                It’s high in fat and calories.
4.                Durian fruit is high in vitamin C. It helps fighting off illnesses, aiding in healing wounds, helping lower cholesterol, and improve blood flow. There are a lot of health benefits of vitamin C and Durian fruit has a ton of it.
5.                There are also quite a bit of vitamin B. It helps keep free radicals at bay and has been linked to preventing aging and heart disease. It also boosts HDL (good cholesterol) and can even help improve serotonin levels which can improve your mood and ease depression.
6.                It’s high in iron and copper. Copper and iron is required in the formation and creation of healthy red blood cells. Durians also contain manganese which helps with bone and skin health.
7.                It’s rich in potassium. Potassium is an important electrolyte that helps control blood pressure, keep your sodium levels in check, and helps regulate your heart rate.
8.                Durians have tryptophan, which is also known as nature’s sleeping pill. This chemical is metabolized into various neurotransmitters and can aid in sleep induction and even be a treatment for epilepsy.
9.                It’s a good source of thiamin. Thiamin can help your body metabolize carbohydrates into energy and it aids in things like muscle and nerve health.
10.           Durian fruits are very rich source of folate (folic acid), which can aid in preventing heart disease, fetal development (if you’re pregnant), and even helps the brain function properly.
Nutritional Profile of Durian Fruit:       
Durian (Raw or Frozen) Durio Zibethinus
Carbohydrate Factor: 3.6 Fat Factor: 8.37 Protein Factor: 3.36 Nitrogen to Protein Conversion Factor: 6.25
Refuse: 68% Refuse Description: Shell and seeds (for raw fruit)
Nutrient (Proximates)
Unit
per100g
Water
g
64.99
Energy
kcal
147
Protein
g
1.47
Total lipid (fat)
g
5.33
Ash
g
1.12
Carbohydrate, by difference
g
27.09
Fiber, total dietary
g
3.8
Minerals
Calcium, Ca
mg
6
Iron, Fe
mg
0.43
Magnesium, Mg
mg
30
Phosphorus, P
mg
39
Potassium, K
mg
436
Sodium, Na
mg
2
Zinc, Zn
mg
0.28
Copper, Cu
mg
0.207
Manganese, Mn
mg
0.325
Vitamins
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid
mg
19.7
Thiamin
mg
0.374
Riboflavin
mg
0.2
Niacin
mg
1.074
Pantothenic acid
mg
0.23
Vitamin B-6
mg
0.316
Folate, total
µg
36
Folate, food
µg
36
Vitamin B-12
µg
0
Vitamin A, RAE
µg
2
Retinol
µg
0
Carotene, beta
µg
23
Carotene, alpha
µg
6
Cryptoxanthin, beta
µg
0
Vitamin A, IU
IU
44
Lipids
mg
0
Cholesterol
mg
0
There are a lot of health benefits but be sure you do not eat too much. It’s very rich in many things which include carbs, calories, and fat which can cause you to gain weight. It’s an unusual fruit but when eaten in moderation, it can be a very healthy fruit!

Durian Fruit: love it or hate it!