higher doses. Anti-inflammatory activity decreases with increasing dosage.
Due to its depressant action on the central nervous system, the drug is used against vertigo, dizziness and headache in moderate or low dosage.
Key application In lithiasis, dysuria, polyuria. (The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
The rhizome contains an active principle bergenin (0.6%), gallic acid, glucose (5.6%), tannins (14.2—016.3%), mucilage and wax; a C-glycoside and beta-sitosterol.
Bergenin prevented stress-induced erosions in rats and lowered gastric outputs.
Betula utilis D. Don. 91
(Paashaanabheda indicates that the plant grows between rocks appearing to break them; it does not necessarily mean that it possesses lithotriptic property.)
Dosage Rhizome—20—30 g for decoction. (API Vol. I)
Beta vulgaris Linn. subsp. cicla (L.) Moq.
Synonym B. vulgaris auct. non L. Family Chenopodiacae.
Habitat Native to Mediterranean region; cultivated in North India, Maharashtra and South India.
English Beet Root, Garden Beet,
Chard.
Ayurvedic Palanki. Folk Chukandar.
Action Leaf—used in burns and bruises, also for diseases of spleen and liver. Tuber and seed— expectorant. Leaf and seed— diuretic. Leaf, tuber and seed— anti-inflammatory. Seed oil— analgesic.
Beet roots are eaten raw as salad or cooked. The leaves are nutritionally superior to roots and are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
The plant contains alkaloids of which betaine is a mild diuretic and emmenagogue.
In research, using rats, chard increased regeneration of beta cells in pancreas. Maximum reduction of blood glucose was after 42 days of
administration. (I Ethnopharmacol,
2000, 73: 251—259.)
Beets are used orally as a supportive therapy in the treatment of liver diseases and fatty liver (possibly due to betaine). Ingestion of large quantities might worsen kidney disease. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)
Betula alnoides Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don.
Synonym B. acuminata Wall.
