Botanical Names and medicinal uses of Herbs

Name - Botanical Name

Amalaki - Embellica officinalis

Arjuna - Terminalia arjuna

Ashoka - Saraca asoca

Asparagus adscendens Roxb -Safed Musli - Tannirvitan kizhangu / Tannirvittan kizhangu / Thanneervittaan kilangu / Thanneervittaan kizhanku

Ashwagandha - Withania somnifera

Bahera - Terminalia bellerica

Bakula - Mimusops elengi

Bala - Sida cordifolia

Bhumyamalaki - Phyllanthus niruri

Bilva - Aegle marmelos

Brahmi - Centella asiatica

Daruharidra - Berberis aristata

Gokshura - Tribulus terrestris

Guduchi - Tinospora cordifolia

Guggulu - Commiphora mukul

Haridra - Curcuma longa

Haritaki - Terminalia chebula

Jatamansi - Nardostachys jatamansi

Kantakari - Solanum surratense

Krauncha - Mucuna pruriata

Kutaja - Holarrhena antidysenterica

Kutaki - Picrorhiza kurroa

Manjistha - Rubia cordifolia

Maricha - Piper nigrum

Nagkeshar - Mesua ferrea

Pippali - Piper longum

Punarnava - Boerhavia diffusa

Pushkarmool - Inula racemosa

Rasna - Pluchea lanceolata

Rasona - Allium sativum

Shallaki - Boswelia serrata

Shankhapushpi - Convolvulus pluricaulis

Shatavari - Asparagus racemosus

Shirisha - Albizzia lebbeck

Shunthi - Zingiber officinale

Tulasi - Ocimum sanctum

Vasaka - Adhatoda vasica

Vidanga - Embelia ribes

Yashtimadhu - Glycyrrhiza glabra

Botanical Name - Hindi/Sanskrit Tamil / Common Name

Aloe vera - Ghritkumari - Sotru Kathazhai

Alstonia scholaris R. - Saptaparni - Manjal karisilanganni

Asparagus adscendens Roxb -Safed Musli - Tannirvitan kizhangu /

Asparagus racemosus -Shatavari - Kilavari

Azadirachta indica - Neem - Vembu

Bacopa monnieri - Brahmi - Arai Nellikkai

Bambusa arundinacea - wild Vansalochanam - Mungil Arisee

Berberis aristata - Daruharidra - Mara Manjal

Bombax malabaricum - Shaalmali - Ilavam

Bosewellia serrata - Shallaki - Kundrikam

Butea frondosa - Koen Palash - Murkampoo

Carum bulbocastanum - Kalonji - Vengaya vidai,

Celastrus paniculatus - Jyotishmati/Malkangani - Atipari-Chcham

Centella asiatica - Mandukparni - Vallarai

Cinnamomum Camphora - Karpoor - Karpooram

Cinnamonum tamala - Tejpata - Pattai

Cissus quadrangularis - Asti Sandhana -Perandai

Coriandrum sativum - Dhania - Kothamalli

Crataeva nurvala - Varun Neer - Nochi

Crocus sativus - Kesar - Kunguma Poo

Crocus sativus Linn - Kaishore - Kunkumap Poovu

Curculigo orchioides Gaertn - Talmakhana Nial-PanaiKizhangu

Curcuma longa - Haldi - Manjal

Cynodon dactylon - Doorva - Arugampul

Cyperus rotondus - Motha - Korai Kizhangu

Cyperus rotundus Linn - Musta - Korai Kizhangu

Dhatura Stramonium - Dhatura - Umatham / oomaththam

Dolichos biflorus Linn - Kulthi - Kollu

Elettaria cardamomum Maton - Elaichi - Yelakkai

Emblica officinalis - Amla - Nellikkai

Feronia Limonia - Kaith - Narivila / nayvila

Ferula foetida Regel - Hing - Perungaayam

Ficus bengalensis - Bat - aalam vizhudhu

Ficus racemosa - Gular - Athi

Ficus religiosa - Peepal - Arali

Fumaria officinallis - Pitpapara

Glycyrrhiza glabra - Yashtimadhu - Adi Maduram

Hedychium Spicatum - Kapurkachali - Seemai Kichchili Kizhangu

Hibiscus rosa sinensis - Jaba - Semparuthi Poo

Hyoscyamus niger Khurasani - ajwain - Omam

Inula racemosa - Pushkaramoola - Kudavam

Ipomoea digitata Linn - Vidari - Palmodika

Lawsonia albla - Mehndi - Marudaani

Leptadenia reticulata - Jivanti - Palacoody.

Madhuca indica - Mahua - Kattu Illuppai

Mentha arvensis - Pudina - Podhina

Mesua ferrea Linn Nagkesar - Veillutta - Champakam

Mimosa pudica - Lajalu - Thottal Chinungi

Myristica fragrans - Jaiphal - Jathikaai

Nelumbo nucifera - Pankaj/Lotus - Thamarai

Nigella sativa - Kala Jeera - Karunjeeragam

Vitex Negundo - Nirgundi - Nochi

Ocimum sanctum - Tulsi - Thulasi

Operculina turpethum - Indian Jalap - Indian Rhubarb

Piper nigrum - Kalimirch - Milagu

Plantago ovata - Isabgol - Umi

Psoralea corylifolia - Bakuchi - Kaarpoka Arisi

Pterocarpus santalinus - Raktachandana - Senj Chandanam - Red sandalwood

Punica granatum - Anar - Maadhulam

Rauwolfia serpentina - Sarpagandha - Chivan Melpodi

Ricinus communis Linn - Erand - Aamanakku

Rubia cordifolia Manjishtha - Manditta, Manjitti

Santalum album - Chandan - Sandanam

Sapindus trifoliatus - Reetha - Boonthi Vidhai

Saraca Indica - Ashoka - Asoka pattai

Saussurea lappa - Kuth - Gostam

Sesamun indicum - Til - Ellu

Sida Cordifolia - Bala - Chitaamuttie

Smilax chinensis - Chobchini - Parnagichekkai

Solanum Nigrum - Kakmachi - Kandan Kattari

Strychnos nux vomica - Kuchala - Yetti Kottai

Syzygium aromaticum - Lavang - Lavangam / kirampu

Teminalia belerica - Baheda/Vibhitak - Kattu Elupay

Tribulus terrestris Linn - Gokshura - Chiru Nerunji

Trichosanthes dioica Roxb - Patola - Pudal

Trigonella foenum graecum - Methi - Vendayam

Taraktogenos kurzii - Chaulmoogra - Gromwell Oil

Valeriana wallichii - Suganth Bala

Vanda Roxburghii - Rasna - Vellaipunelu

Name of Herb Botanical Name Medicinal Uses

Amalaki Embellica officinalis

• The fruit allegedly contains 720 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of fresh fruit pulp, or up to 900 mg per 100 g of pressed juice. Apart from this it also contains tannins; a reason why even dried form retains most of the vitamin content.

The Charaka Samhita says, "Amalaki is the best among rejuvenative herbs."

Arjuna Terminalia arjuna

• Terminalia arjuna exhibit cardio-protective because of the antioxidant nature of several of the constituent flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, while positive inotropic effects may be caused by the saponin glycosides.

Ashoka Saraca asoca

• The bark is reported to have a stimulating effect on the endometrium and ovarian tissue and is useful in menorrhagia due to uterine fibroids, in leucorrhea and in internal bleeding. It is useful in all cases of uterine bleeding where ergot is indicated.

Ashwagandha Withania somnifera

• Research on Ashwagandha has concluded that extracts of the plant has a direct spermatogenic influence on the seminiferous tubules of immature rats presumably by exerting a testosterone-like effect.

Bahera Terminalia bellerica

• The effect of T. bellerica, was evaluated in experimentally-induced hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in rabbits. T. bellerica was shown to reduce the levels of lipids in hypercholesterolemic animals, and promoted a significant decrease in liver and heart lipids

Bakula Mimusops elengi

• M. elengi possess calcium blocking property so it can be used in management of hypertension. It helps in the management of gastric ulcers by decrease gastric acid secretory activity along with strengthening of mucosal defensive mechanisms.

Bala Sida cordifolia

• Research has demonstrated that Sida cordfolia can increase pain tolerance. When rats were exposed to heat, rats that consumed Sida cordifolia had a greater heat tolerance. It also appears to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be effective as an antioxidant.

Bhumyamalaki Phyllanthus niruri

• Phyllanthus blocks DNA polymerase, the enzyme needed for the hepatitis B virus to reproduce. In one study, 59% of those infected with chronic viral hepatitis B lost one of the major blood markers of HBV infection (e.g. hepatitis B surface antigen) after using Phyllanthus for 30 days.

Bilva Aegle marmelos

• Oral administration of the water extract of Aegle marmelos results in significant reductions in blood glucose, plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydroperoxides, ceruloplasmin and α-tocopherol and a significant elevation in plasma reduced glutathione and Vitamin C in diabetics.

Brahmi Centella asiatica

• Gotu kola is a mild adaptogen, is mildly antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory. anti-ulcerogenic, anxiolytic, a cerebral tonic, a circulatory stimulant, a diuretic, nervine and vulnerary.

Daruharidra Berberis aristata

• Berberine has marked antibacterial effects. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery. The dried extract of the roots is used as an application in eyes. It is also an excellent medication in the case of sun-blindness.

Gokshura Tribulus terrestris

• It is claimed that Tribulus terrestris increases testosterone by increasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which in turn stimulates the production of LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Testosterone, besides its role in muscle-building and raising fertility and libido, is also known to have a positive effect on bone marrow activity (for red blood cell production) and the immune system.

Guduchi Tinospora cordifolia

• Modern research shows it to be a strong immuno-stimulant with very food anti-cytotoxic (drugs used in treating cancer) effects. The use of Guduchi helps to reduce effects of these toxic cancer-fighting drugs, and with its immune-promoting qualities, could even prevent cancer. Other studies show the ability to lower blood sugar in diabetic animals. Another study shoes it to be effective in reducing rheumatic complications. Guduchi is an excellent herb to take as an immune booster and general tonic.

Guggulu Commiphora mukul

• Guggulu is a well known plant for its cholesterol lowering action. In Ayurveda it is mainly used to scrap out the toxic substances, which aggravate Vata causing arthritis like conditions.

Haridra Curcuma longa

• A 2004 UCLA-Veterans Affairs study involving genetically altered mice suggests that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, might inhibit the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients and also breaks up existing plaques.

Haritaki Terminalia chebula

• Haritaki is the drug of choice for rejuvenation for all the seasons. This is called as the "Ritu Haritaki". In rainy season it should be taken with Saindhava (Rock salt), in autumn with sugar, in early winter with Shunthi, in late winter with Pippali, in spring season with honey and in summer season it should be taken with Guda (Jaggery).

Jatamansi Nardostachys jatamansi

• Ethanol extract of the roots of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. (Valerianaceae) was studied for its anti-convulsant activity and neuro-toxicity, alone and in rats. The results demonstrated a significant increase in the seizure threshold by Nardostachys jatamansi root extract against maximal electroshock seizure (MES) model as indicated by a decrease in the extension/ flexion (E/F) ratio. However, the extract was ineffective against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures.

Kantakari Solanum surratense

• When alcohol extract of Kantakari was given to Diabetic rats, it showed significant reduction in the glycogen content and in the activities of glucose metabolizing enzymes such as glucokinase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and an elevation in the activities of gluconeogeneic enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase.

Krauncha Mucuna pruriata

• Krauncha improves all the signs and symptoms of parkinsonism. Bradykinesia responds first followed by rigidity and tremors. Improvement of these primary neurological symptoms is accompanied by similar improvement in overall functional ability. Secondary motor symptoms such as disturbance in posture, gait, associated movements, facial expression, speech, handwriting, swallowing and respiration are also prominently improved.

Kutaja Holarrhena antidysenterica

• For therapeutic vomiting in patients with weak physical and psychological set up and diseased by bleeding tendency, heart or skin disease; Kutaja is the best. H. antidysenterica is found useful in curing Chronic Diarrhea, Amoebic Dysentery, Intestinal & extra-intestinal amoebiasis Bacillary Dysentery, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Tropical Spru.

Kutaki Picrorhiza kurroa

• A series of cases of acute viral hepatitis in India were reportedly treated successfully by a combination of picrorhiza with a variety of minerals. A number of similar reports have appeared in Indian literature over the years. No double-blind clinical trials have yet been published, however. Two preliminary trials suggest that picrorhiza may improve breathing in asthma patients and reduce the severity of asthma.

Manjistha Rubia cordifolia

• Rubia cordifolia is clinically used for the purification of blood by the physicians of the Indian System of Medicine. For the first time, the effect of the partially purified fraction of this whole plant has been studied on rabbit platelets. It inhibits the platelet aggregation induced by PAF (platelet activating factor) but not thrombin. It also inhibits the binding of 3H-PAF to the platelets in the dose-dependent manner.

Maricha Piper nigrum

• Pepper is prescribed for such illnesses as constipation, diarrhea, earache, gangrene, heart disease, hernia, hoarseness, indigestion, insect bites, insomnia, joint pain, liver problems, lung disease, oral abscesses, sunburn, tooth decay, and toothaches.

Nagkeshar Mesua ferrea

• Nagkeshar is useful in management of chronic fever, itching, excessive thirst, sweating, nausea, vomiting and skin and urinary diseases. In bleeding piles Nagkeshar should be taken with fresh butter and sugar.

Pippali Piper longum

• Taking Pippali powder with castor oil and cow urine is very effective in management of neurralgic conditions specially the Sciatica. Here in Ayurveda a formulation of Pippali named Pippalivardhaman rasayana is mentioned in which Pippali powder is taken in regularly increasing dose. This Rasayana is very effective in management of Splenomegaly (Enlargement of spleen)

Punarnava Boerhavia diffusa

• Useful in edematous conditions as it corrects the functioning of the kidneys and healthy kidneys can expel the unnecessary fluid out of the body very effectively It also Restores the vigor and vitality of youth delaying the signs of old age

Pushkarmool Inula racemosa

• Inula racemosa root powder was investigated in patients with proven ischaemic heart disease. The powder prevented ST-segment depression and T-wave inversion as observed in the post-exercise electrocardiogram. This indicates that one of the constituents of Inula racemosa may have adrenergic beta-blocking activity. Inula racemosa exhibits antiperoxidative, hypoglycaemic and cortisol lowering activities, it is suggested that its extracts may potentially regulate diabetes mellitus.

Rasna Pluchea lanceolata

• Charaka considered it as the best medicament for pacifying Vata, the sensory and the motor regulator of the body. It is warm in nature, because of it body mask of Rasna along with Aguru (Aquilaria agallocha) is very useful in conditions resulting from long stay in cold.

Rasona Allium sativum

• Garlic is claimed to help prevent heart diseases including atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, hypertension and blockage in arteries. Study showed that supplementation with garlic extract inhibits vascular calcification in human patients with high blood cholesterol.

Shallaki Boswelia serrata

• Research has identified specific active anti-inflammatory ingredients in this herb, which are commonly referred to as boswellic acids. In animal studies, these acids have been shown to significantly reduce inflammation in several ways. They deter inflammatory white cells from infiltrating damaged tissue. They improve blood flow to the joints. And they also block chemical reactions that set the stage for inflammation to occur in chronic intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Shankhapushpi Convolvulus pluricaulis

• According to pharmaceutical study Shankhapushpi acts strongly on some of the liver enzymes and helps in improving symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Its astringency is useful for stopping bleeding in the intestines, urinary and reproductive system. Its affinity for the deeper tissues and shukra Dhatu is used to promote fertility in men and women.(Bhava Prakasha Nighantu)

Shatavari Asparagus racemosus

• Oral administration of powdered dried root of A. racemosus has been found to promote gastric emptying in healthy volunteers. Its action is reported to be comparable with that of the synthetic dopamine antagonist metoclopromide. The juice of fresh root of A. racemosus has been shown to have definite curative effect in patients of duodenal ulcers.

Shirisha Albizzia lebbeck

• It is the best plant amongst all those useful in management of toxicities. In snake bite Nasya (Giving medicine through nasal route) and Anjana (A medicated eye cleanse) of white pepper treated with juice of Shirisha flowers for one week is of great use.

Shunthi Zingiber officinale

• The characteristic odor and flavor of ginger root is caused by a mixture of zingerone, shoagoles and gingerols, volatile oils. The gingerols increase the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and have analgesic, sedative, antipyretic and antibacterial properties. Ginger has been found effective by multiple studies for treating nausea caused by seasickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy.

Tulasi Ocimum sanctum

• Preliminary research suggests that Holy basil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and in the case of Holy basil oil, antibacterial capabilities. In Indian studies mostly done on animals, this Ayurvedic botanical was shown to help reduce the effects of chronic stress, promote wound healing, lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, slow age-related memory impairment and lower cholesterol.

Vasaka Adhatoda vasica Adhatoda

• vasica is useful in treating bronchitis, tuberculosis and other lung and bronchiole disorders. A decoction of the leaves may be used to help with cough and other symptoms of colds. The soothing action helps irritation in the throat and the expectorant will help loosen phlegm deposits in the airway

Vidanga Embelia ribes

• Its anti-oestrogenic effect has been suggested experimentally, so it is advised to be used as oral contraceptive. Studies also support its traditional anti infectious action. It is used mainly in helminthiasis, and anti fungal agent in ringworm, and in other chronic dermatitis. It is also given, boiled in milk, to infants as a digestive and against recurrent upper respiratory infections.

Yashtimadhu Glycyrrhiza glabra

• The drug posses potent demulcent, expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to the presence of glycyrrhizin, which is about 50 times sweeter than sucrose. Besides these, glyrrhizin is also credited with anti-hepatotoxic, anti-viral and anti-bacterial activities. The drug is also beneficial to peptic ulcer.