Kattu sirakam 鈥� its pharmacognosy
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Kattu sirakam 鈥� its pharmacognosy
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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A. Anandakumar, V. Rajendran, Balasubramaniam, R. Muralidharan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Kattu sirakam 鈥� its pharmacognosy
Year: 1984
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Kattusirakam, also known as Vanajira, is recognized as a significant fruit drug in the Siddha and Ayurveda systems of medicine. Its primary uses include treatment for chronic skin diseases and leucoderma, and it is well-regarded for its anthelmintic properties. In the laboratory analyses conducted in Madras, the drug was identified as the seeds of Centratherum anthelminticum (Willd) Kuntz, which has not been comprehensively studied in the context of pharmacognosy until now. This study aims to provide detailed morphological, anatomical, fluorescence, and chemical analyses of Kattusirakam.
Chemical Analysis and Characterization
A critical aspect of the study involved the examination of macroscopical and microscopical characters of Kattusirakam. The drug, while commonly referred to as seeds, is actually composed of achenes, which display distinct characteristics such as a dark brown to black coloration and numerous longitudinal ridges. The microscopic analysis revealed a variety of structural features, including a thin pericarp, parenchymatous and sclerenchymatous tissues, and identifiable trichomes. Furthermore, preliminary chemical analyses indicated notable physical constants, including ash content and extractive properties. Thin Layer Chromatography demonstrated the presence of multiple spots corresponding to different compounds, which were observed under both ultraviolet light and after sulfuric acid spraying, indicating the complexity of the chemical constituents within the drug.
Conclusion
The findings of this study emphasize the distinct macroscopical and microscopical features of Kattusirakam, providing a robust framework for its standardization and identification in herbal medicine. The application of Thin Layer Chromatography highlighted the diversity of chemical compounds present in the drug, which merits further investigation. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of Kattusirakam, establishing baseline parameters essential for future pharmacognostic studies and its potential therapeutic applications. The authors express gratitude to their supporting institutions, signifying the collaborative nature of this research endeavor.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Kattusirakam and its significance in medicine?
Kattusirakam, also known as Vanajira, is an important fruit drug used in Siddha and Ayurveda. It is utilized in treating chronic skin diseases, leucoderma, and serves as an anthelmintic.
What are the morphological characteristics of Kattusirakam?
Kattusirakam fruits are dark brown to black achenes, cylindrical to oblong with about ten longitudinal ridges. They are 3-5 mm long and covered with white hairs, with a distinct series of flat scales at the top.
What were the methods used for studying Kattusirakam?
The study involved macroscopical, microscopical, and histochemical analyses of Kattusirakam. Chemical properties were analyzed through Thin Layer Chromatography and fluorescence analysis to identify its unique characteristics.
What were the findings from the Thin Layer Chromatography of Kattusirakam?
The Thin Layer Chromatography revealed eight spots under U.V. light and fourteen spots when sprayed with sulphuric acid, indicating the complex chemical composition of Kattusirakam and serving as helpful analytical parameters.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淜attu sirakam 鈥� its pharmacognosy鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
The keyword 'Drug' refers to any substance used for medical treatment or to alleviate symptoms in healthcare practices, such as those found in Ayurveda and Siddha systems. In this context, it specifically highlights Kattusirakam, a fruit utilized for its therapeutic properties, including anthelmintic and skin disease treatments.
2) Water:
The keyword 'Water' in this context pertains to its role in the preparation and analysis of herbal medicine. Water is commonly used as a solvent in extracting active components from medicinal plants. 蟹写械褋褜, various tests involving water (e.g., powder and water mixture) provide insights into the drug's chemical characteristics.
3) Ayurveda (膧yurveda, Ayus-veda):
The keyword 'Ayurveda' represents a traditional Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance in bodily systems and uses natural herbs. Kattusirakam is an essential component of Ayurveda, known for treating chronic ailments and signifying the system's reliance on plant-based remedies for holistic healing.
4) Medicine:
The keyword 'Medicine' encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. In this text, it refers to the context of utilizing Kattusirakam within Siddha and Ayurveda systems, thereby linking traditional practices to modern pharmacognosy and the importance of herbal treatments in health care.
5) Siddha (Siddh膩):
The keyword 'Siddha' signifies one of the oldest medicinal systems from India that focuses on holistic health, often employing plant-based therapies. Kattusirakam鈥檚 significant therapeutic actions in treating ailments are central to Siddha practices, highlighting the effectiveness of natural substances in maintaining health and wellness.
6) Discussion:
The keyword 'Discussion' is crucial as it presents the analysis and interpretation of the findings related to Kattusirakam. In the research context, it allows for the evaluation of specific results obtained from macroscopic and microscopic observations, and Thin Layer Chromatography, enhancing understanding of the drug's properties.
7) Science (Scientific):
The keyword 'Science' denotes the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. Here, it aligns with pharmacognosy, as the investigation into Kattusirakam鈥檚 characteristics combines traditional knowledge with scientific methodologies, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach to herbal medicine.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Kattu sirakam 鈥� its pharmacognosy鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Sulphuric acid, Thin Layer Chromatography, Fluorescence Analysis, Macroscopical characters, Microscopical studies, Plant anatomy, Preliminary chemical analysis, Siddha and Ayurveda.