Kutaja bija 鈥� its pharmacognosy
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Kutaja bija 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, M. Balasubramaniam, R. Muralidharan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Kutaja bija 鈥� its pharmacognosy
Year: 1984
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Kutaja bija, also known as Kudasappalai or Inderjou, is a significant seed drug utilized in the traditional Indian systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Identified as the seeds of Holarrhena antidysenterica, this drug is primarily employed for treating diarrhoea and dysentery due to its astringent, antiperiodic, and febrifuge properties. Despite its importance, comprehensive pharmacognostic studies on Kutaja bija had not been previously reported, prompting the authors to conduct detailed analyses including morphology, anatomy, and chemical evaluations.
Pharmacognosy of Kutaja Bija
The macroscopical and microscopical characteristics of Kutaja bija are essential for its identification and standardization. The seeds exhibit a linear to oblong shape, with a yellowish-brown color and a highly bitter taste. Microscopically, the seed's cross-section reveals a complex structure featuring a multilayered testa filled with yellow coloring matter, various types of trichomes, and a perisperon dense with aleurone grains and oil globules. Notably, two types of calcium oxalate crystals are present. Chemical analyses indicated the presence of a green-fixed oil, which helps confirm the identity of the drug. Additionally, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) demonstrated distinct spots in both petroleum ether extracts and water extracts, further validating the drug's authenticity and providing a basis for future analyses.
Conclusion
The study provides valuable insights into the pharmacognosy of Kutaja bija, establishing crucial macroscopical and microscopical parameters necessary for its identification in medicinal applications. The results from various chemical analyses and TLC profiles contribute to a deeper understanding of this important seed drug. Continuous research and further analyses are warranted to explore additional properties and potential therapeutic applications of Kutaja bija, reinforcing its significance in traditional medicine. The authors express gratitude for the institutional support received during this research endeavor.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Kutaja bija and its significance in medicine?
Kutaja bija, also known as Kudasappalai or Inderjou, is an important seed drug used in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani Medicines for treating diarrhea and dysentery, and it exhibits astringent, antiperiodic, and febrifuge properties.
Which plant species are the seeds of Kutaja bija from?
The seeds identified as Kutaja bija come from Holarrhena antidysenterica, which is a member of the family Apocynaceae and is well-documented in various Materia Medicae.
What types of analyses were performed on Kutaja bija seeds?
Analyses included macroscopical, microscopical, fluorescence, and chemical studies, along with Thin Layer Chromatography to discern the physical and chemical properties of the seeds.
What were the results of the Thin Layer Chromatography tests?
The Thin Layer Chromatography of the Petroleum ether extract produced 3 and 9 spots under UV and daylight, while the water extract produced 1 and 2 spots, indicating the presence of various chemical constituents.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淜utaja bija 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 term 'drug' in this context refers to a substance used for medical purposes, particularly derived from plants, such as Kutaja bija, which is used to treat diarrhea and dysentery. Its pharmacological properties illustrate the importance of natural compounds in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Siddha.
2) Water:
In the study, 'water' primarily refers to the extraction method used to analyze the phytochemical constituents of Kutaja bija. The concentrated water extract underwent Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), highlighting the relevance of solvents in separating and identifying biochemical components essential for understanding the drug鈥檚 efficacy.
3) Kutajabija (Ku峁璦jab墨ja, Kutaja-bija):
Kutaja-bija refers specifically to the seeds of Holarrhena antidysenterica, a significant medicinal plant in various traditional systems. As an important component in Ayurvedic and Siddha practices, these seeds are recognized for their therapeutic qualities, particularly as an astringent and treatment for dysentery, thus meriting detailed pharmacognostic study.
4) Kutaja (Ku峁璦ja, Kuta-ja):
The word 'Kutaja' is another name for the plant Holarrhena antidysenterica, which illustrates the diverse nomenclature in traditional medicine. It emphasizes the plant's historical and cultural significance in treating various ailments, particularly digestive issues, underpinning its vital role in holistic health practices.
5) Bija (B墨ja):
The term 'bija' means 'seed' in Sanskrit. It denotes the reproductive part of the plant used in medicinal applications. In the context of Kutaja, 'bija' underscores the focus on seeds as a primary source of active phytocompounds crucial for their astringent and therapeutic properties in traditional medicine.
6) Medicine:
In this context, 'medicine' encompasses the practices, theories, and substances employed for therapeutic purposes, particularly those derived from traditional knowledge systems like Ayurveda and Siddha. The exploration of Kutaja bija highlights the intersection of natural products and medical practice, emphasizing the significance of herbal remedies.
7) Siddha (Siddh膩):
Siddha refers to one of the traditional systems of medicine practiced predominantly in South India. It emphasizes holistic healing and the use of medicinal plants like Kutaja. Understanding Siddha's frameworks enriches the pharmacognosy of medicinal plants and illustrates their cultural relevance in healing practices.
8) Discussion:
The 'discussion' section reflects an analysis of findings from the pharmacognostic study on Kutaja bija. It highlights the characters and behaviors observed in laboratory tests, integrating scientific understanding with traditional knowledge. This integrative approach enhances the validity of using traditional medicines in modern healthcare.
9) Ayurveda (膧yurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine characterized by holistic principles emphasizing balance in body, mind, and spirit. The mention of Kutaja bija within this framework underscores the reliance on herbal remedies in Ayurveda, illustrating its comprehensive approach to health and disease management.
10) Science (Scientific):
The term 'science' refers to the systematic study and analysis of various phenomena, including medicinal properties of plants. In this context, the research on Kutaja bija utilizes scientific methodologies like microscopy and chromatography, affirming the importance of empirical evidence in validating traditional medicinal practices.
11) Bitter:
The word 'bitter' describes the distinct taste of Kutaja bija, which is an important sensory characteristic in identifying medicinal plants. The bitterness often correlates with the presence of specific phytochemicals that contribute to the plant's therapeutic effects, particularly its astringent and antidiarrheal properties.
12) Tata (T膩ta, Ta峁璦, Ta峁�, T膩t膩, 峁佱弓膩):
In the text, 'Tata' appears in reference to 'Tata McGraw Hill Publishing Co., Ltd.,' linked to an authoritative resource on plant microtechnique. Mentioning this publisher underscores the academic foundation of the research methods utilized in studying Kutaja bija, reflecting the integration of established literature in current investigations.
13) Coma:
The term 'coma' in this context refers to the apical coma of the seeds. This morphology is discussed in the macroscopical description, indicating the physical characteristics that help identify Kutaja bija. Knowledge of these features is critical for accurate identification and quality control in herbal medicine.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Kutaja bija 鈥� its pharmacognosy鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Analytical method, Indian system of medicine, Thin Layer Chromatography, Chemical analysis, Pharmacognosy, Petroleum ether extract, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Microscopical studies, Fluid Analysis, Macroscopical studies.