The pharmacognosy of nattu atividayam – the corms of cryptocoryne spiralis fisch
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: The pharmacognosy of nattu atividayam – the corms of cryptocoryne spiralis fisch
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.P. Thirugnanasambantham, M. Balasubramanian, R. Muralidharan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: The pharmacognosy of nattu atividayam – the corms of cryptocoryne spiralis fisch
Year: 1982
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The paper discusses the pharmacognosy of Nattu Atividayam, specifically focusing on the corms of Cryptocoryne spiralis Fisch, which is recognized as a significant medicinal plant in the Ayurveda and Siddha Systems of medicine. Commonly known for its therapeutic effects against diarrhoea, vomiting in children, and other ailments, it is crucial to distinguish it from another substance under the same name, which refers to the tubers of Aconitum heterophyllum. This research encompasses both macroscopic and microscopic examinations along with chemical analyses of the corms to better understand their composition and potential medicinal properties.
Importance of Chemical Analysis
The chemical study provided detailed insights into the composition of Nattu Atividayam. Various proximate analyses were conducted, revealing significant percentages of moisture, volatile matter, and extractive principles such as sugars, nitrogen, glycosides, and alkaloids. For instance, the total sugar content was found to be 11.89% with a notable reducing sugar level of 9.55%. Furthermore, total nitrogen was assessed at 7.56%, indicating a beneficial protein content. These findings highlight the pharmacological potential of Cryptocoryne spiralis and suggest pathways for further research into its applications in traditional medicine.
Conclusion
The study concludes that the corms of Cryptocoryne spiralis Fisch, known as Nattu Atividayam, possess distinct macroscopical, microscopical, and chemical characteristics confirming their relevance in traditional medicine. The thorough pharmacognostic evaluation provided in this paper serves as a valuable resource for practitioners and researchers interested in the medicinal value of this plant. Future studies may explore the specific therapeutic effects attributed to these corms, further solidifying their role in herbal medicine and potentially expanding their use in modern healthcare practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Nattu Atividayam and its medicinal uses?
Nattu Atividayam refers to the corms of Cryptocoryne spiralis, used in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine. It is effective in treating diarrhea, vomiting in children, dysentery, bilious complaints, and periodic fevers.
What are the macroscopical characteristics of Nattu Atividayam?
The dried corms are 7 cm long, blackish to yellowish brown in color, with a large terminal bud, nodes and internodes. The corm produces adventitious, slightly spongy roots, and sometimes bears a fruit that is bluish black in color.
How was the pharmacognosy of Nattu Atividayam conducted?
The study involved macroscopical and microscopical examination, proximate chemical analysis, and extraction using various solvents, following standard pharmacopoeial methods to gain comprehensive insights into its chemical and biological properties.
What were the key chemical findings in the study?
The chemical analysis revealed findings such as 16.09% loss of weight on drying, 15.00% moisture content, 11.89% total sugar, 1.45% total alkaloids, highlighting the potential medicinal efficacy of Nattu Atividayam.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “The pharmacognosy of nattu atividayam – the corms of cryptocoryne spiralis fisch”. 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) Water:
Water is vital in the context of Cryptocoryne spiralis Fisch, as it is described in terms of the hydrophytic adaptations of the plant's leaf base, which is aerenchymatous and devoid of stomata due to submersion. The presence of water also shapes the pharmacology and extraction methods of medicinal plants like Nattu Atividayam.
2) Drug:
The term 'drug' refers to the corms of Cryptocoryne spiralis Fisch, which serve as a critical therapeutic ingredient in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine. The article discusses its pharmacognosy thoroughly, highlighting important macroscopic, microscopic, and chemical characteristics that elucidate its medicinal properties, safety, and efficacy.
3) Sugar:
Sugar signifies both reducing and total sugar content present in Nattu Atividayam, emphasizing its nutritional and biochemical relevance. The analysis of sugar content is crucial for pharmacognosy, where understanding metabolic components helps in determining the drug's potential efficacy and therapeutic actions within traditional medicinal frameworks.
4) Ativisa (Ativisā, Ativiṣā, Ativisha):
Ativisa, an important Ayurvedic herb, indicates the significance of this plant in traditional medicine. The paper distinguishes between two types of Ativisa drugs, one being Cryptocoryne spiralis Fisch, illustrating its applications in treating ailments such as diarrhea and vomiting, thus underscoring its medicinal role.
5) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda represents a holistic medical system from India that emphasizes balance in physical and mental health. The analysis of Nattu Atividayam illustrates its applications and importance in Ayurveda, particularly in treating children's ailments, thus connecting traditional healers with contemporary pharmacognostic research.
6) Medicine:
Medicine in this context refers to both the practice of healing and the substances used for therapeutic purposes, including the corms of Cryptocoryne spiralis Fisch. The study's detailed examination of this plant highlights its integration into Ayurvedic and Siddha medical systems, ensuring its relevance in healthcare.
7) Vomiting:
Vomiting is identified as one of the symptoms for which Nattu Atividayam is utilized. The effectiveness of cryptic plants in treating such symptoms exemplifies the importance of understanding plant-based medicines in traditional systems, promoting further research into their pharmacological properties and applications.
8) Science (Scientific):
Science pertains to the systematic study and exploration of natural substances, including plant pharmacognosy. The analysis of Nattu Atividayam delivers evidence-based insights into its chemical composition, thus bridging traditional knowledge with scientific understanding and validating its use in various medicinal practices.
9) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha is one of the ancient medicinal systems from South India, similar to Ayurveda but distinct in its practices and formulations. The study reflects on the relevance of Cryptocoryne spiralis Fisch within this framework, showcasing its historical significance and therapeutic potential in the Siddha tradition.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘The pharmacognosy of nattu atividayam – the corms of cryptocoryne spiralis fisch’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Diarrhoea and vomiting, Chemical analysis, Macroscopical characters, Analytical Findings, PROXIMATE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS, Total nitrogen, Calcium oxalate crystal, Local crude drug market, Microscopical character, Ayurveda and Siddha Systems, Extractive principles, Cross section.