Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica)

CHITRAKA

Latin Name- Plumbago zeylanica

Family- Plumbaginaceae
Synonyms- Dhahan, Vahni, Pathin, Darun, Vyala, Pathi, Jyoti, Sikhagni etc.
Introduction- It is commonly known as Ceylon leadwort. It is a herbaceous plant with stems some what prostrate. The leaves are nearly sessile with semi amplexicaul pattern. There are transverse protruded lining all over the stem.
Part Used- root
Uses- 1. It is said to possess Deepan (stimulate hunger center) and Pachan property (stimulates         digestive enzymes).
          2. It is also used to treat coryza.
Important Formulations- Chitraka haritaki, Chitrakadi leha, Chitrakadi vati

Neel Chitraka- Plumbago capensis

Rakta Chitraka- Plumbago rosea

Dry sample of Chitraka mool 

Langli (Gloriosa superba)

                                                                  LANGLI

Latin Name- Gloriosa superba
Family- Colchicaceae
Synonyms- Halini, Vishalya, Garbhpatini, Kalihari, Indrapushpi, Agnishikha, Vahnijihwa
Introduction- It is a perennial climber with tuberous root. It is also called Glory lilly because of its multi coloured flower. It is state flower of Tamil Nadu and national flower of Zimbabwe.The root of Gloriosa superba resembles plough so its called Halini.
Part Used- root
Uses- 1. Its root is used in expelling placenta.
          2. It is used in Vatarakta (Gout)
Important Formulations- Langliadi vati, Kasisadi tail

Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina)

 SARPAGANDHA

Latin Name- Rouwolfia serpentina
Family- Apocynaceae
Synonyms- Chandramara, Dhavalvitap, Nakuli, Mukta, Nakuleshta
Introduction- It is a perennial shrub commonly known as Indian snake root. Fruits are obliquely ovoid, purple black when ripe. Its root is the source of drug in Ayurveda. It contains an alkaloid reserpine which has an excellent anti hypertensive effect.
Used Part- root
Uses- 1. Taken with warm water in Visuchika (Cholera).
          2. It is very efficacious in rat poisoning.
          3. It is a well known anti hypertensive drug.
Important formulations- Sarpagandha ghan vati, Sarpagandha churna
Note;- There is one more wild variety of Sarpagandha i.e Rauwolfia tetraphylla. It bears 4 leaves from each node. Two leaves are smaller while other two are larger.
                                                   Rauwolfia tetraphylla