Ayurvedic Vansha, Venu, Kichaka, Trinadhwaj, Shatparvaa, Yavphala. Vanshalochana, Vansharochanaa, Shubhaa, tugaa, Tugaakshiri, Tvakkshiri (Bamboo-manna). Starch
of Curcuma angustifolia Roxb., Zingiberaceae, was recommended a substitute for Vanshalochana (Ayurvedic Form ularly of India, Part I, First edn).
Unani Qasab, Tabaashir (Bamboo- manna).
Siddha/Tamil Moongil; Moongiluppu, (Bambo-manna.)
Action Leaf bud and young shoots—used in dysmenorrhoea; externally in ulcerations. Leaf—emmenagogue, antileprotic, febrifuge, bechic; used in haemoptysis. Stem and leaf—blood purifier (used in leucoderma and inflammatory conditions). Root—poisonous. Burnt root is applied to ringworm, bleeding gums, painful joints. Bark—used for eruptions. Leaf and Bamboo-manna—emmenagogue. Bamboo-manna—pectoral, expectorant, carminative, cooling, aphrodisiac, tonic (used in debilitating diseases, urinary infections, chest diseases, cough, asthma).
The plant gave cyanogenic glucoside—taxiphyllin. Bamboo-manna contains siicious crystalline substances.
The starch obtained from Maranta arundinacea Linn., Marantaceae, is also used as Bamboo-manna (known as Koovai Kizhangu, Kookaineer and Araroottu Kizangu in Siddha medi Dosag
Manna—l—3 g (CCRAS.)
Barbarea vulgaris R. Br.
Family Brassicaceae, Cruciferae.
Habitat Subalpine and temperate Himalayas, at altitudes of 1,800— 3,750 m.
English Bitter Cress, Hedge
Mustard, Yellow Rocket, Winter Cress.
Folk Cress.
Action Diuretic, anthelmintic,
stomachic, antiscorbutic, (leaves are rich in vitamin C 130 mg!100 g).
Pulverised herb is used as an agent for stimulating spermatogenesis.
The roots contain sinigrin; seeds contain a glucoside, glucobarbarin, and myrosin.
The protein and phosphorus contents of the plant decrease with the maturity, whereas the calcium contents increase (tender stems are eaten as a salad). The leaves and buds are a rich source of provitamin A (beta- carotene).
Barleria buxifolia Linn.
Family Acanthaceae.
