Balanites aegyptiaca
(Linn.) Delile,
Synonym B. roxburghii Planch.
Family Simaroubaceae; Balanitaceae.
Habitat Drier parts of India, particularly in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Deccan.
Bacopa monnieri (Linn.) Penn.
English Desert Date.
78 Balanophora involucrata Hook. f.
Ayurvedic Ingudi, Angaar Vrksha,
B) Taapasadrum, Taapasa vrksha,
______ Dirghkantaka.
Unani Hingan, Hanguul.
Siddha/TamH Nanjunda.
Folk Hingol, Hingota, Hingothaa.
Action Seed—expectorant, bechic. Oil—antibacterial, antifungal.
Fruit—used in whooping cough; also in leucoderma and other skin diseases. Bark—spasmolytic.
The plant is reported to be a potential source of diosgenin (used in oral contraceptives). The fruit pulp contains steroidal saponins. The diosgenin content of the fruit varies from 0.3 to 3.8%. Aqueous extract of fruits showed spermicidal activity without local vaginal irritation in human up to 4%; sperms became sluggish on contact with the plant extract and then became immobile within 30 5; the effect was concentration-related.
Protracted administration of the fruit pulp extract produced hyperglycaemia- induced testicular dysfunction in dogs. An aqueous extract of mesocarp exhibited antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice.
The seed contains balanitins, which exhibit cytostatic activity.
Dosage Leaf, seed, bark, fruit— 50—100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.)
Balanophora involucrata
Hook. f.
Habitat The Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim and Darjeeling at altitudes of 1,800—3,400 m
Ayurvedic Chavya (tentative synonym).
Action Astringent. Used in piles, also in rheumatism.
A related species, B.polyandra Gruff., found in Nagaland, Manipur, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and
