Action
Astringent, stomachic, tonic and refrigerar. In Ayurveda the plant
has been described as an antiperiodic, stomachic and diuretic.
Uses
This is one of the main herbs used for healing diabetes mellitus.
It removes sugar from pancreas, restores pancreatic function; stimulate
the circulatory system, increases urine secretion, and activates
the uterus. It is also useful for the treatment of swollen glands,
cough, and fever.
Indian scientists have performed extensive studies to determine
the action of this herb on the sugar metabolism. In a study reported
in 1930, Mhaskar & Caius found that the leaves of the herb cause
hypoglycemia in experimental animals which sets in soon after the
administration either by mouth or by injection. Based on this observation,
they suggested that the drug acts indirectly through stimulation
in insulin secretion off the pancreas, as it has no direct action
on the carbohydrate metabolism. The leaves are also found to stimulate
the heart and circulatory system, increase urine secretion and activate
the uterus.
This herb is a traditional remedy for snakebite. The powder from
the dry leaves is dusted upon the wound. Alternately, the powder
can be made into a paste with water and applied to the wound or
a decoction may be given internally.
Leaves when chewed deaden the sense of taste of sweets and, of
the bitterness of bitter substances such as quinine. This effect
was found to last for about one to two hours.
The leaves are useful for treating enlarged liver and spleen.
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