Botanical Name: Melastoma malabathricum Linn.
Family: Melastomataceae.
Introduction:
Names in different Indian languages
| English | Indian Rhododendron |
|---|---|
| Hindi | |
| Kannada | |
| Malayalam | Todukara , kadali, adiranthi |
| Sanskrit | Tinisa |
| Tamil | Nakkukappan |
| Telugu | |
| Unani | |
| Folk | Laakheri, Paalorey(Maharashtra). Tulasi (Nepal), Phutuka (Assam). |
Synonyms
Melastoma normale D. Don.
Classification according to Charaka, Susrutha & Vagbhata
| Charaka | |
|---|---|
| Susrutha | |
| Vagbhata |
Varieties & adulterants – (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants)
Morphology
Medium sized tree, grows 4-6 m height
Leaves – simple, opposite, ovate-lanceolate
Flower – purple
Distribution & Habitat
South India
Chemical constituents:
glycine, valine, leucine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, methionine, tyrosine, isoleucine and hydroxyproline.
Karma –
antidiarrhoeal, antiseptic, astringent, antileucorrhoeic.
Indication:
Smallpox, piles, dysentery
Part used:
Bark, leaves
Dosage:
2-4 g
Therapeutic Uses:
- Bark powder + ghee useful in piles
