LAVENDER: A BLEND OF BEAUTY & BENEFITS

 

Lavender flowers

Lavender or English Lavender, botanically known as Lavandula angustifolia (previously Lavandula officinalis), is an evergreen perennial plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae of flowering plants. It is native to the mountainous area of Mediterranean region where it grows on sunny slopes. It is cultivated throughout the world in cooler regions as an ornamental plant for its pinkish-purple-coloured beautiful flowers or for the distillation of economically important essential oils that are used in perfumery and medicine.

A lavender feild in Bhaderwah in J&K

MORPHOLOGY

Lavender is an evergreen, sweetly aromatic and herbaceous perennial with a semi-woody growth habit. It can grow to a height of up to 1 metres under favourable conditions of the environment. The leaves measure 2-6 cm in length and 4-6 mm in width. They are light evergreen in colour and covered with whitish bloom. It usually flowers once in a year during the summer season. The flowers, which are pinkish-purple or lavender-coloured, are arranged on 2-8 cm long spikes present on 10–30 cm long leafless stems.

A lavender nursery raised by Sh. Rajat Raina in Bhaderwah in J&K

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Lavender is known for the essential oils it contains in abundance (0.8-2%). It contains more than 100 phytochemicals, which contribute to the physicochemical and biological properties of its essential oil. The phytochemical composition of the essential oil is determined by a plant genotype, environmental factors, cultivation practices and post-harvest processing. The major constituents are linalool, linalyl acetate and geraniol. Other constituents such as terpinene-4-ol, lavandulyl acetate, lavandulol, esters of butyric and valeric acids, sesquiterpene, and eucalyptol (1,8-cineol) are present in moderate quantities.

A beautiful landscape of lavender field

USES

1. USE IN PERFUMERY AND TOILETRY

Lavender oil is widely used in perfumes, deo-sprays, creams, room fresheners, talcum powders, shampoos, and soaps.

2. AS AN ORNAMENTAL

Lavender can be cultivated as an ornamental plant in cooler areas for its beautiful pinkish-purple-coloured flowers present in compact spikes.

3. MEDICINAL USES

Dried lavender spikes ready for sale in the market

i. IMPROVES MOOD AND RELIEF IN INSOMNIA

Many scientific studies have shown that lavender’s aroma can improve mood. Aromatherapy (used in steam and inhaled) with essential oils of lavender has shown a positive effect on the quality of sleep as well.

ii. HELPFUL IN ANXIETY

Lavender essential oils have anxiety-alleviating effects on human beings when taken internally in low doses such as in tea or in other forms (infusion) and have the potential to treat depression.

Lavender essential oil (Photo source: essanciaonline.com)

iii. EFFECTIVE IN CONTROLLING HAIR LOSS

The use of lavender oil mixed with a carrier oil (coconut or other oils) is effective in promoting hair growth and controlling dandruff and hair fall. Topical use of lavender oil in alopecia areata was found to be quite effective in different experimental studies.

iv. USEFUL IN HEADACHES AND MIGRAINE

Lavender oil is reported to be useful in controlling headaches or migraine when inhaled or used as aromatherapy.

v. ANTI-MICROBIAL PROPERTIES

Lavender oil has anti-microbial properties. It can be used topically along with jojoba/almond oil for wound healing and curing acne.

vi. FOR TREATING BURNS

Lavender has long been used as a traditional treatment for burns and other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, itching, etc.

vii. SOFTENS AND MOISTURIZES SKIN

Lavender oil mixed with jojoba/almond oil is an excellent moisturizer that softens the skin. It is reported to remove the age spots and wrinkles on the face. It can also be used as a lip balm.

viii. PROTECTION FROM HARMFUL OXIDIZING AGENTS 

Lavender oil when inhaled can induce the anti-oxidant enzyme system consisting of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. 

Young plants growing in a field in Bhaderwah

(NOTE: All the photographs used in this Blog on Lavender were provided by Sh. Rajat Raina from Bhaderwah in J&K. He can be contacted for guidance on lavender cultivation and for procuring planting material)

AMLA: AN IMPORTANT RASAYANA MEDICINE

Amla fruits

Plants and minerals have been used for medicinal purposes since ages. This use has ancient roots that span across diverse cultures and countries of the world. The origin of plant medicine can be traced back to prehistoric times where it evolved through trial and error and keen observations. The plants that were observed to have more medicinal properties and ecological importance were linked to gods and goddesses by the sages for their sustainable use and conservation. One such important medicinal and sacred plant is Amla or Amlaki. It is variously known as Indian gooseberry, Emblic myrobalan, Malacca tree, or even Amla in English. Botanically known as Phyllanthus emblica (Synonym: Emblica officinalis), it belongs to the plant family Phyllanthaceae.

NAMES IN INDIAN LANGUAGES

Hindi: Amla, Aonla, Anvula, Ambla •Sanskrit: Amalakam, Āmalaki, Amritaphala, Amrtaphalã, Dhãtri, Dhatriphala, Śivam, Sriphalam, Tisyaphalã, Vayasthã •Marathi: Anvala, Avala, Avalkathi •Bengali: Amla, Amlaki, Amritaphala, Dhatri; •Tamil: Amalaki, Amirta-palam, Attakoram, Nellikkai, Perunelli, Toppi, Toppu-nelli •Malayalam: Nelli, Nellikka, Amalakam •Telugu: Usiri, Usirikaya, Amalakama, Nelli-kaya •Kannada: Betta nelli, Amalaka •Oriya: Aonla •Gujarati: Amalak, Ambala •Urdu: Amla •Manipuri: Heikru •Mizo: Sunhlu

DISTRIBUTION

Amla is native to Tropical and Subtropical Asia where it prefers to grow in the wet tropical biomes up to 1400m above the mean sea level. It commonly occurs in most of the states in India, Bangladesh, Borneo, Cambodia, South-Central and Southeast China, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Island, Malaya, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. It has also been introduced in Cuba, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago.

A tree laden with amla fruits

MORPHOLOGY

Amla is a small or medium-sized deciduous tree growing to a height of up to 8-18 m tall. The stem has spreading branches and has grey or brownish bark. The leaves are small, simple, stalkless, and arranged on slender branchlets which can be mistaken for pinnately compound leaves with many leaflets. The leaves are distichous with leaf blades oblong or linear-oblong in shape and 8-23 × 1.5-6 mm in size. The male and female flowers are separate, small, greenish-yellow, or pinkish in colour and arranged on the same branch in fascicles. They bloom in the months of April-May. Each flower has six tepals or perianth lobes and has either stamens or carpels. Fruit is a pale green and globose drupe that measures 1-2 cm in diameter and matures in the months of October-November.

Amla flowers

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

Amla is rich in tannins (fruit- 28%; leaves- 22%), carbohydrates (approx. 14%; chiefly galactaric acid (4-9%)) and polyphenols (gallic acid (5% ), ethyl gallate, digallic acid, ellagic acid, phyllemblic acid, emblicol, etc.). Tannins are mostly represented by gallotannins (such as biologically active emblicanin-A and -B). Fruits also contain flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, kaempferol in fruit; leucodelphinidin in bark), triterpenoids (lupeol), alkaloids (phyllantidine, phyllantine) and free amino acids (alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, proline, etc.). Prof. Sukh Dev (2006), from the B.R. Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, reported that there is no free or conjugated ascorbic acid (vitamin C) present in the fruits of amla. The vitamin C-like action (estimation) is due to the presence of emblicanin-A and -B (which have core sugar acid structure similar to that of ascorbic acid) in the fruits. Cooked amla in Chyawanprash has strong anti-oxidant and vitamin C-like activity due to the presence of emblicanin-A and -B, which are highly stable physiologically active compounds. On the other hand, vitamin C is highly unstable and dissociates at high temperature. 

Chemical structure of emblicanin-A

(Image source: Global Substance Registration System (GSRS), NIH)

USES
Amla is one of the most important plants in India. It is used as a food item and medicine on one hand and considered sacred on the other. It also finds use in the tanning industry as well.

I. EDIBLE USES

Amla fruits are edible and can be eaten fresh or cooked as a vegetable. It can also be prepared into chutney, juice, pickle, squash, candies, preserves, jam, etc.

Amla chutney

Fresh amla-mint juice

Amla green tea 

II. SACRED VALUE
Amla is considered a favorite fruit of Lord Krishna. It is believed that all the Gods and Goddesses reside in this tree. A fast is observed and the Amla tree is worshiped on the Navami of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month (known as Amla Navami).

Amla worship (Photograph courtesy: Dr. O.P. Sharma 'Vidyarthi' Ji)

III. MEDICINAL USES

1. Builds Immunity
The various phytochemicals present in amla fruits help in building immunity through the regulation of lymphocyte proliferation and increased production of interleukin-2 and y-interferon.

2. Good for Digestive System
Amla is an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine Triphala (a mixture of emblic myrobalan, beleric myrobalan and chebulic myrobalan) is used for many problems of the digestive system including constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

3. Antioxidant Properties
Amla is a rich source of antioxidant phytochemicals such as Emblicanin-A and -B. These chemicals prevent free radical generation during stress as well as scavenge them in the human body through enhanced production of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. The free radicals can cause many diseases including cancers if not removed from the human body.

Readymade amla juice

4. Improves Hair Health
Amla fruits are an excellent home remedy to prevent hair fall and enhance hair growth by stimulating hair follicles. It also prevents premature greying of hair.

5. Hepatoprotective Property
Antioxidants emblicanin A and -B and quercetin present in amla have been reported to cure alcohol, paracetamol, and carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in albino rats.

6. Good for the Management of Diabetes
Amla is reported to be useful in the control of diabetes.

7. Useful in Common Cold
Many phytochemicals present in Amla are helpful in the early curing of the common cold.

8. Improves Eyesight
Many studies have shown that the presence of carotene in amla improves vision. It can reduce the chances of cataract problems and intraocular tension. 

9. Adaptogenic Effect
Regular use of amla has an adaptogenic effect in experimental animals against biological, physical, and chemical stresses.

10. Management of Healthy Weight
Regular use of amla prevents fat synthesis and accumulation in the body.

11. Useful in Dementia
Amla is reported to be useful in treating patients with dementia.

12. Heals Ulcers
Amla extract has been reported to heal gastric ulcers in animal models by reducing offensive factors (acid, pepsin) and increasing the defensive factors (cellular mucus).

13. Cures Pancreatitis
The use of dried fruit powder was found to be effective against experimentally induced pancreatitis in animal models.

14. Reduces Serum Cholesterol
Fresh fruit juice of amla has been reported to reduce serum cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein).

15. Anti-Microbial Property
The alcoholic extract of the fruit has antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (causes food poisoning), and Staphylococcus aureus (causes skin diseases).

Amla candy

REFERENCES

• Acharya Balkrishna. 2008. Secrets of Indian Herbs for Good Health. Divya Prakashan, Haridwar.
• Akbar, S. 2020. Handbook of 200 Medicinal Plants: A Comprehensive Review of Their Traditional Medical Uses and Scientific Justifications. Springer Nature, Switzerland.
• Bennet, S.S.R., Gupta, P.C., and Rao, R.V. 1992. Venerated Plants. Indian Council of Forestry Education and Research, Dehradun.
• Chauhan, N.S. 1999. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Himachal Pradesh. Indus Publishing Company, New Delhi.
• Daniel, M. 2013. Useful Herbs of Planet Earth. Scientific Publisher, Jodhpur.
• Dev, S. 2006. A Selection of Prime Ayurvedic Plant Drugs: Ancient-Modern Concordance. Anamaya Publisher, New Delhi.
• Krishna, N. and Amrithalingam, M. 2014. Sacred Plants of India. Penguin Books.
• Ravindran, P.N. 2020. Sacred & Ritual Plants of India: Lore, Symbolism, Traditions. Notion Press, Chennai.

Himalayan Firethorn: Keeps Your Heart Healthy

God's treasure contains vastness in the sky, unfathomable depths in water and mysterious gems and diamonds in its nature. The Himalayan firethorn (also known as Nepalese white thorn or Nepalese firethorn) is one such beautiful thorny evergreen hidden shrub in nature's lap. Commonly known as Ghingaru, Gangharu or Chhota Seb in India, it is a rare combination of a plant with natural beauty and value. Botanically known as Pyracantha crenulata (synonym- Crataegus crenulata), it belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) and is variously used in its native necks of the woods.

DISTRIBUTION

Himalayan firethorn is found naturally in India, Nepal, China, Myanmar, and Bhutan. In India, it is mainly distributed in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, however, it has been used as an ornamental hedge in many countries of the world. It is commonly found in shrubberies, on open slopes, along stream sides and in grassy places at an altitude ranging from 900 to 2400 metres above the mean sea level.

A branch with leaves and flowers

MORPHOLOGY

Himalayan firethorn is a thorny shrub growing to a height of approximately 5 m. The stem is profusely branched and has thorns distributed all over it. The branches are dark brown in colour when old. Leaves are simple and each leaf is differentiated into a petiole and leaf blade. The petiole is small and glabrous. The leaf blade is dark green in colour, oblong or oblanceolate in shape and 2-7 × 0.8-1.8 cm in size. Both the leaf surfaces are glabrous in texture. The leaf margin is crenulate or sparsely so, the leaf base is broadly cuneate or slightly rounded and the leaf apex is acute or obtuse. White flowers are arranged in dense compound corymbs of 3-5 cm diameter with caducous bracts. Flowers are 6-9 mm in diameter with typical rosaceous architecture and campanulate hypanthium. Sepals are greenish-brown, triangular, 1–1.2 mm in size and abaxially glabrous. Petals are white, orbicular, 4-5 × 3-4 mm in size with rounded apex. Stamens are approximately 20 in number per flower. The ovary is densely white and pubescent apically. Fruit is a nearly globose pome which is green initially but turns red or orangish at maturity. Flowering occurs from March to May and the fruits mature from August to November.

A shrub with ripe pomes (fruits)

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

Himalayan firethorn contains β-carotene, β-sitosterol, alkaloids, amino acids, carbohydrate, catechin, chlorogenic acid, cis-3, 4-dioxyethylene-5- methoxycinnamic acid, delphidin, ellagic acid, esculatin, ferrulic acid, flavonoids, gallic acid, glycosides, hydroxybenzoic acid, lanost-54-en-2β, 3β-diol 26-oic acid, lycopene, m-coumeric acid, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, phenyl ethylamine, proteins, pyracrenic acid, quercetin, rutin, sterols, tannins, terpenoid, vitamins, etc. (Bhatta et al., 2021, Kewlani et al., 2023).

Harvested fruits

I. MEDICINAL USES

Himalayan firethorn is found commonly in the Himalayan region, but people really do not know the real worth of this elixir shrub, which has the following medicinal uses:

1. Good for Heart: Fruits of Himalayan firethorn are used as a heart tonic to treat myocardial debility in many traditional systems of medicine in the Himalayas. Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory Haldwani has developed HRIDAYAMRIT: A Herbal Health Beverage using the fruits of this plant. 

Photo source: Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory, Haldwani (DRDO)

2. Relieves Constipation: Fruits of Himalayan firethorn are considered to be useful in curing constipation.

3. Heals the Burns: Leaf paste can be used to heal the burns.

4. Suppresses Formation of Kidney Stones: Fruit juice is reported to suppress stone formation in kidneys in animal models.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Activity: The fruits of Himalayan firethorn are rich sources of flavonoids and anthocyanin which have significant anti-inflammatory activities.

6. Antihypertensive Properties: The fruits of Himalayan firethorn are reported to have antihypertensive activity in animal models.

7. Antimicrobial Activity: The fruit extract of Himalayan firethorn is reported to have anti-microbial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeriginosa, and Streptococcus pyogenes.

8. Antioxidant Activity: Fruits of Himalayan firethorn contain many phytochemicals which have strong antioxidant activity.

9. Pain Management: Himalayan firethorn is traditionally used for the treatment of joint and body aches in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. A recent experimental study in 2023 (Tiwari et al., 2024) has scientifically proved the analgesic properties of this plant. 

II. CULTIVATION AS AN ORNAMENTAL

Himalayan firethorn plants can be cultivated as ornamental hedging plants as they bear beautiful red- or orange-coloured fruits that persist for 2-3 months on the shrubs. These shrubs can also be trained in several ways to prepare eye-catching structures such as arches, circles, cones, bonsai, etc.

Himalayan firethorn hedge

Photograph courtesy: Dr. Puja Sharma, Dr. Bharati Kashyap and Dr. S.R. Dhiman

Photograph courtesy: Dr. Puja Sharma, Dr. Bharati Kashyap and Dr. S.R. Dhiman

III. EDIBLE USES

The fruits of Himalayan firethorn are edible as the fruits of other Rosaceous plants such as apples, quince, pear, loquat, strawberries, peaches, apricots, raspberries, etc. The birds also relish these fruits. However, care should be taken not to eat the seeds which are mildly toxic. Various value-added products such as jam, chutney, preserves and choco shots have been developed by the Department of Food Science & Technology, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni (Solan), Himachal Pradesh using the fruits of this valuable plant. The deseeded fruits can also be mixed in shake and custard. 

Himalayan firethorn jam

(Photograph courtesy: Shlok, Dr. Rakesh Sharma and Dr. Bharati Kashyap)

Himalayan firethorn preserve

(Photograph courtesy: Shlok, Dr. Rakesh Sharma and Dr. Bharati Kashyap)

Apricot and Himalayan firethorn chutney

(Photograph courtesy: Shlok, Dr. Rakesh Sharma and Dr. Bharati Kashyap)

Plum and Himalayan firethorn chutney

(Photograph courtesy: Shlok, Dr. Rakesh Sharma and Dr. Bharati Kashyap)

Choco shots containing Himalayan firethorn

(Photograph courtesy: Shlok, Dr. Rakesh Sharma and Dr. Bharati Kashyap)

Custard containing Himalayan firethorn fruits

TOXICITY

Himalayan firethorn belongs to a family where the leaves and seeds of many members contain small quantities of hydrogen cyanide which imparts a bitter taste to the plant parts. Although hydrogen cyanide stimulates respiration and improves digestion in small quantities, it can cause respiratory failure and even death in high quantities (Plants for a Future, 2023).

REFERENCES

• Bahuguna, Y.M., Rawat, M.S.M., Juyal, V. and Gusain, K. (2009). Evaluation of Pyracantha crenulata Roem for antiurolithogenic activity in albino rats. Afr. J. Urol. 15 (3): 159–166.
• Bhatta, G.D. Kunwar, R.M. and Bussmann, R.W. (2021). Pyracantha crenulata (D. Don) M. Roem. In: Ethnobotany of the Himalayas, Ethnobotany of Mountains. Edited by: Kunwar, R.M. and Bussmann, R.W. Springer Nature Switzerland.
• Kewlani, P., Negi, V.S., Bhatt, I.D. and Rawal, R.S. (2023). Pyracantha crenulata (Roxb. ex D.Don) M.Roem. In: Himalayan Fruits and Berries: Bioactive Compounds, Uses and Nutraceutical Potential. Edited by T. Belwal, I.D. Bhatt, and H.P. Devkota. Academic Press (An imprint of Elsevier), USA.
• Negi, P.S., Singh, R., Dwivedi, S.K. (2018). Evaluation of antihypertensive effect of fruit beverage of Crataegus crenulata Roxb.: A wild shrub of Himalayan hills. Def. Life Sci. J. 3, 146–150.
• Plants For A Future (2023). Pyracantha crenulata - (D.Don.)M.Roem. Accessed on 27th August 2023 at https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Pyracantha+crenulata
• Tewari, D., Bawari, S., Sah, A.N., Sharma, H., Joshi, B.C., Gupta, P. and Sharma, V.K. (2024). Himalayan Pyracantha crenulata (D.Don) M.Roem. leaf and fruit extracts alleviate algesia through COX-2 and Mu-opioid receptor mediated pathways. J. Ethnopharmacology 318 (Part B): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.117004

FOXTAIL MILLET: HEALTH BENEFITS OF A CLIMATE RESILIENT CROP

 

The world is celebrating 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM2023). Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has recognized 2023 as IYM2023 for creating awareness about the health and nutritional benefits of millets on the proposal of India. Millets are a diverse group of small-grained (seeded) dryland cereals from the grass family (Poaceae, earlier known as Graminae). They include pearl, proso, foxtail, barnyard, little, kodo, brown top, finger, fonio, sorghum, and guinea millets. Foxtail millet (named due to bushy, tail-like appearance of its immature panicles), botanically known as Setaria italica, is one of the world’s oldest crops. It was domesticated in Northern China approximately 8700 years ago and spread to India and other countries of the world later. Now, it is cultivated in drier parts of the world as it is a climate resilient crop.

Dried Panicles

Indian Names
Hindi: Kangni, Kankun, Tangun
Sanskrit: Kangni, Priyangu, Kanguk, Sukumar, Asthisbandhan
Marathi: Kangu, Kaun, Raal
Gujrati: Kaang
Tamil: Tinni
Bengali: Kaun, Kaakni, Kaanidhan, Kangni daana




PLANT MORPHOLOGY

An Inflorescence

Foxtail millet is an annual grass cultivated for its edible grains and as fodder. Stem, known as culm, are erect, robust, up to 150 cm tall and have 5–7-nodes. Leaves are strap-shaped and divided into leaf blade and leaf sheath. The outer margin of leaf-sheath is hairy. Leaf-blades are flat, 8-45 cm long and 5-20 mm wide. Margins of leaf-blade are cartilaginous and scaberulous. Inflorescence is a panicle. Panicle is spiciform, linear or oblong, 5-30 cm long and 0.8–2.4 cm wide. Primary panicle branches are accrescent and villous. Spikelets are subtended by involucre. Fertile spikelets are mostly 2-flowered, comprising of 1 upper fertile floret and sterile lower floret. Fruit is a grain with adherent pericarp. It is ellipsoid or orbicular, dorsally compressed and 1.5–2 mm long.

Discussion on Millets with Millet man of India Padma Shree Nek Ram Sharma Ji in his village in District Mandi (H.P.)

Harvesting of Foxtail Millet

USES

1. EDIBLE USES

Foxtail millet is a part of the diet in the Asian countries since antiquity. It can be cooked similar to rice or ground into flour and made into porridge, kheer, cakes, puddings etc. The sprouted grains become somewhat sweeter in taste. Foxtail millet is considered a nutritious food (Nutrient composition given below).

 

Nutrient Composition of Foxtail Millet (Kangni)  (Per 100 grams of grains)

Energy: 331-384 Calories  Protein: 10.7-12.3 g; Fat: 3.3-4.3 g; Carbohydrate: 60.9-84.2 g; Fibre: 1.4-8 g  Minerals - Calcium: 37mg; Phosphorus: 275mg; Iron: 6.2mg; Sodium: 8mg; Potassium: 281mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.48mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0.14mg; Niacin: 2.48mg

 

Foxtail Grains

2. HEALTH BENEFITS

1. Management of Diabetes:

Foxtail millet has a low glycemic index (50) as compared to wheat, rice, and maize. It also has high fibre content which is considered good for the digestive system. Due to these reasons, it is considered beneficial for managing diabetes.

2. Lowers Bad Cholesterol:

Foxtail millet contains a good amount of threonine, a lipotropic amino acid. It promotes the export of fat from the liver and its catabolism to produce energy. Another amino acid found in abundance in foxtail millet is methionine which protects the livers from oxidizing substances. Lecithin, mixtures of glycerophospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidic acid), present in foxtail milk also helps in lowering the cholesterol.

3. Makes Bones Stronger:

Foxtail millet is a good source of iron and calcium required for maintaining the health of bones and muscles.

4. Strengthens Nervous System:

The presence of vitamin B1 and phosphatidylcholines present in high quantity in foxtail millets is good for the maintenance of cognitive power.

5. Helpful in Weight Loss:

Tryptophan, an amino acid present in foxtail millet in ample amounts, plays a crucial role in preventing hunger pangs and thus managing healthy weight.

6. Good for Coeliacs

Foxtail millet is non-glutinous and thus beneficial for people with coeliac disease.

CAUTION

Foxtail millet contains anti-nutritional phytochemicals such as phytic acid and tannins. It is advisable to soak the grains in water for 5-6 hours and then boil before use.

LODHRA: A DIVINE HERBAL FOR WOMEN

  

Plants play a significant role in the sustenance of life on Earth. They supply oxygen to breathe in, foods to eat, clothes (cotton) to cover our bodies, beautiful flowers for recreation, and natural therapeutics for human well-being. Human civilization has witnessed many diseases and epidemics during the course of history and was entirely dependent on plants and mineral-based medicines for cures. Many plant species with curative properties have been used in healthcare systems of the world since time immemorial. One such plant with many medicinal properties is Lodhra. The common name Lodhra applies to two different species of Symplocos [S. paniculata (Pattika lodhra) and S. racemosa (Savara lodhra)] occurring in India. The generic name Symplocos is derived from the Greek word symploke, which means inter-connected, and the specific epithet signifies its inflorescence type. Both species are used in Ayurveda for the same treatment, however, Symplocos racemosa is more extensively used in Ayurveda. The bark of this tree was used for making the Tilak (Lodhra means tilak in Sanskrit) mark on the forehead in ancient India which was considered propitious. The only species of this plant that occurs in Northwest Himalaya is Symplocos paniculata.

COMMON NAMES
English name: Sapphire berry or Asiatic Sweetleaf
Sanskrit and Ayurvedic name: Lodhra, Pattika lodhra, Rodhra, Tirita
Hindi name: Lodh
Urdu name: Lodh pathani, Pathani lodh, Balaloddi, Shaabara
Tibetan name: Zhu mkhan (pronounced as Shu khaen)
H.P. name: Loja (Rampur/Sarahan)


Botanical name: Symplocos paniculata
Family: Symplocaceae

DISTRIBUTION

Symplocos paniculata is native to Western Himalaya and Northeast Himalaya in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Myanmar, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It occurs at an altitudinal range of 1000-2700 m in forests and shrubberies. Symplocos racemosa occurs in Northeast Himalaya in India.

DESCRIPTION

Lodhra is a deciduous shrub or a small-sized tree growing to a height of up to 10 m. The stem is highly branched with soft, friable, light grey-coloured, corky, and transversely fissured bark. Leaves are up to 8 cm in length and up to 4 cm in width. They are elliptic to obovate in shape, rough in texture, with serrate margin and acute apex. Creamy-white flowers are fragrant, 8-10 mm across, and arranged in dense panicles. Sepals are light yellow, hairy outside, 1-1.5 mm in size, and ovate to semi-orbicular in shape. The petals are white, spreading, 3-6 mm across, and oblong-elliptic in shape. Stamens are also white-coloured, 25-60 in number, and protrude out of the petals. Fruit is a one-seeded globular drupe measuring up to 5 mm in diameter. It turns blue or purple in colour at maturity in September-October. Flowering takes place from April to June.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

Symplocos racemosa is an extensively studied plant species of Lodhra. Its bark contains alkaloids (loturine, loturidine, colloturine), phenolic glycosides (symplocoside, symploveroside, betasito-glycoside, salireposide, benzoylsalireposide), triterpenoids (betulinic acid, acetyloleanolic acid, oleanolic acid), flavonoids (quercetin), tannins, etc. Symplocos paniculata is reported to contain triterpenoids (ursolic acid, corosolic acid, and 2,3,19,23-tetrahydroxyurs-12-ene-28-oic acid), flavonoids, lignans, steroids, phenols, iridoids, and alkaloids.

MEDICINAL USES

1. Regulation of Female Reproductive Hormones

Lodhra regulates the female reproductive hormones and helps in the well-being of women. Its use normalizes the menstrual cycle and helps in subsiding the excessive abdominal pain and bleeding in dysmenorrhea. It is considered to be a good uterine tonic.

Photo source: Maharishi Ayurveda

2. Cure for Endometriosis

It helps in treating endometriosis (inflammation of the lining of the uterus) in women.

3. Useful in Polycystic Ovarian Disease

It is reported to be useful in curing Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) caused due to hormonal imbalance.

4. Cure for Leucorrhea

Lodhra is considered useful in curing leucorrhea due to its astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

5. For Respiratory Problems

Lodhra is used as a traditional remedy for all sorts of respiratory problems due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic properties. It is considered useful in common cold, sore throat, cough, asthma, and flu.

6. Antioxidant Activity

It is a rich resource of antioxidants due to the presence of phenolic compounds and terpenoids.

7. Antimicrobial Activity

Lodhra bark has a potent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus, and Salmonella in lab studies due to the presence of flavonoids.

8. Liver Protectant

Many reports consider it to have hepatoprotective and hepato-stimulative properties. It normalizes the liver enzymes and supports normal liver functioning in jaundice.

9. Skin Care

It is considered to have blood-purifying properties which help in removing toxins from the blood. Its antimicrobial properties protect the skin from various types of infections.

10. Management of Diabetes

Lodhra bark powder is reported to activate the pancreatic β-cells to produce insulin in animal models. It slows down the breakdown of starch into glucose and helps in maintaining normal blood glucose levels.

11. Heals Ulcers

The anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity of its bark helps in healing the different types of ulcers (ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer, mouth ulcers).

12. Good for Eye Problems

Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it is considered useful for eye problems like inflammation and infection.

13. Reduces Cholesterol

Ethanolic extract of Lodhra is reported to reduce liver cholesterol levels in animal models. The hypolipidemic activity can be due to the presence of flavonoids, phenolic glycosides, and steroids.

14. Treatment for Gum Problems

Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it reduces swelling and infections of the gums. The astringent property helps to cure bleeding gums.

15. Use in Tibetan Medicine/ Sowa Rigpa

Zhu mkhan is used for treating hot disorders of the lungs and kidney in Tibetan medicine.

FORMULATIONS CONTAINING LODHRA

Lodhra powder, Gynaelix Syrup, Lodhrasavam, Rodharasava, Lodhrasava, Pushyanuga churna, Lodhradi Kwath, etc.

Photo source: Yamuna Pharmacy

CAUTION

Excess intake of Lodhra bark powder can cause nausea, constipation, and gastrointestinal upset. No severe side effects have been reported in the literature.

CULTIVATION

Lodhra can be easily propagated using ripe seeds. Cold stratification enhances the germination percentage. Soaking in water for 24-36 hours before sowing is recommended. The seedlings can be planted in late spring or early summer. It can also be propagated using 7 – 10 cm long stem cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel. Roots are formed in about a month. Lodhra requires acidic soil and a sunny location for its proper growth.

DISCLAIMER

The information given on the medicinal uses of Lodhra in this Blog is only for awareness and educational purposes. Consult a registered medical practitioner for any health-related issues.

REFERENCES

1. AIMIL (2023). Lodhr. Retreived from:
https://www.aimilpharmaceuticals.com/herbs/lodhr/

2. Chauhan, N.S. (1990). Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Himachal Pradesh. Indus Publishing Company, New Delhi.

3. Kamat, S.D. (2018). Studies on Medicinal Plants & Drugs in Bhavprakasha Nighantu. Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi.

4. Kapoor, L.D. (2001). Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants. CRC Press LLC.

5. Khare, C. (2007). Indian Medicinal Plants. Springer, New York.

6. Kusuma, G., VijayaKumar, B., Chitra, S. (2018). Symplocos paniculata Miq.: A Review. Int. J. Curr. Res. Biosci. Plant Biol. 5(3): 7-20.

7. Norbu, T. (2016). Encyclopedia of Myriad Herbs: Medicinal Herbs in Tibetan Medical Tradition (Vol. II). Men-Tsee-Khang, Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute, Dharamshala, H.P.

8. PFAF (2023). Symplocos paniculata (Thunb.)Miq. Retreived from:
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Symplocos+paniculata

9. Semwal, R.B., Semwal D.K., Semwal, R., Singh, R. and Rawat, M.S.M. (2011). Chemical constituents from the stem bark of Symplocos paniculata Thunb. with antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities. J. Ethnopharmacology 135: 78–87.

10. TATA 1mg (2023). Lodhra. Retreived from:
https://www.1mg.com/ayurveda/lodhra-145