History

Morphology Description (Habit)

It is a perennial, procumbent herb. Leaves are bipinnately segmented and the segments are linear. The ray-florets are white and purplish beneath. The roots, from the market samples are simple, 7-10 cm long having brown, rough, shriveled surface, with the root bark closely adhering to the wood.

Principal Constituents

The roots contain anacyclin¹.

Pharmacology

It is physiologically analogous to piperine¹.

Clinical studies

It is one of the ingredients of a drug which cures male sexual disorders without any toxic effect².

Toxicology

There is no adverse effect reported on this plant.

Indications

They have a slight aromatic smell and a persistent, pungent taste, exciting a remarkable flow of saliva. It possesses stimulant and rubifacient properties. Root of this herb is a valuable sialogogue. It is often used as a tonic to the nervous system. It is powerfully irritant. It is also used for rheumatic conditions, and to aid in digestion. Also useful for toothaches (use as a gargle). It is also used as an insecticide. Other applications include treatment for epilepsy, paralysis, hemiplegia, and for sore throat and tonsils. Some herbalists suggest that this herb may be useful for diabetes.

• Diabetes
• Diabetes, gestational
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Epilepsy

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Diabetic retinopathy

• Autonomic neuropathy

• Sore throat

Product range

References

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Xie Zongwa & Yu Youqin (Editors), 1996, Materia Medica, Chinese Terminology, Vol. 1, Renminweisheng Publishing House Beijing, China. (Latin with authority names and Chinese-simplified, text in Chinese).