Nagakesara – a comparative pharmacognosy
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Nagakesara – a comparative 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, M. Balasubramanian, R. Muralidharan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Nagakesara – a comparative pharmacognosy
Year: 1986
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Nagakesara, commonly used in the Indian system of medicine, refers to various parts of three botanical species: Mesua ferrea Linn, Dillenia pentagyna Roxb, and Cinnamomum wightii Meissn. These plant parts are primarily utilized for their astringent, diuretic, and stimulant properties, among others. This study presents an in-depth pharmacognostic analysis of these three sources of Nagakesara, illustrating their distinctive botanical characteristics and traditional applications as herbal remedies.
Comparative Pharmacognosy of Nagakesara
The pharmacognostic features analyzed in the study encompass macroscopical and microscopical characters of each source. For instance, Dillenia pentagyna is identified by its dried fruits, characterized by fleshy calyces that significantly constitute the drug. In contrast, Cinnamomum wightii is represented by its dried fruiting inflorescences, which are noted for their unique panicle structure and imbricate aestivation. Finally, Mesua ferrea is distinguished by its dried floral buds, described as spherical with an actinomorphic structure and a high number of stamens. These detailed observations reveal differences in structure, composition, and pharmacological relevance among the three sources of Nagakesara, underscoring their varied applications in traditional medicine.
Conclusion
The extensive analysis presented in this study enhances the understanding of Nagakesara's different botanical sources and their respective pharmacological properties. Each source's unique characteristics contribute to its use in medical practices across various regions in India. As the study integrates historical information about the plants and their medicinal uses with empirical findings, it lays the groundwork for further research into their therapeutic potentials, thus promoting the preservation and application of traditional medicinal knowledge in modern contexts.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Nagakesara used for in Indian medicine?
Nagakesara is used as a deodorant, diaphoretic, stimulant, brain tonic, appetizer, antiemetic, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, and antidote in the Indian system of medicine.
What are the botanical sources of Nagakesara?
Nagakesara is derived from the dried floral buds of Mesua ferrea, dried fruits of Dillenia pentagyna, and dried fruiting inflorescences of Cinnamomum wightii, found in various regions of India.
How were the microscopical characters of Nagakesara studied?
Microscopical characters were studied by examining the drug's epidermis, cortex, vascular bundles, and other tissues under a microscope, focusing on characteristics such as cell structure, tannin presence, and secretory cells.
What are the key histochemical findings related to Nagakesara?
Histochemical studies indicated the presence of starch granules, tannin, and fatty matter in various parts of the Nagakesara plant, emphasizing its chemical composition and potential benefits.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Nagakesara – a comparative pharmacognosy”. 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) Nagakesara (Nagakeshara, Nāgakeśara, Nāgakesara, Naga-kesara):
Nagakesara refers to the herbal remedies derived from specific plants used in traditional Indian medicine. The term encompasses various species, including Mesua ferrea, Dillenia pentagyna, and Cinnamomum wightii, each recognized for its therapeutic properties. These plants are employed in various medicinal preparations, highlighting their importance in herbal pharmacotherapy.
2) Drug:
In the context of the study, 'drug' denotes the plant materials utilized for their medicinal properties. It specifically refers to the parts of the plants used—such as flowers, fruits, and inflorescences—that are analyzed for their biological effects and chemical constituents, which contribute to their therapeutic efficacy in traditional medicine.
3) Mesua ferrea:
Mesua ferrea is a tree species known for its dried floral buds used as Nagakesara in Ayurvedic medicine. This particular plant has been extensively studied for its pharmacological benefits, offering a variety of health effects such as being an appetizer, diuretic, and brain tonic, thus enhancing its relevance in herbal healthcare.
4) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the practices of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The study investigates the role of specific plant-derived drugs within the traditional Indian medicinal system, illustrating how natural substances are utilized for therapeutic purposes, reinforcing the concept of integrative healthcare where ancient knowledge meets contemporary medical practices.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context refers to the systematic study and analysis of the plant species used as Nagakesara. The research employs analytical methods to explore the pharmacognosy, identifying the morphological, microscopical, and chemical characteristics of the plants. This scientific examination underlines the bridge between traditional practices and modern medicinal understanding.
6) Salt (Salty):
The term 'salted' describes the specific morphological characteristics of the immature fruits of Cinnamomum wightii, which are noted for their cup-shaped perianth tube and wrinkled, brittle surface. This unique physical description contributes to the identification and classification of the plant parts utilized in the formulation of herbal medications.
7) Aroma (A-roma):
Aroma refers to the pleasant scent that certain plant materials can produce. In this study, it examines the presence or absence of aroma in the different parts of the plants investigated. For instance, certain drugs exhibit cinnamon odors, which may contribute to their therapeutic appeal and potential usage in herbal formulations.
Other Science Concepts:
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Astringent properties, Indian system of medicine, Tannin content, Comparative pharmacognosy, Macroscopical characters, Dried fruit, Ancient Science of life, Calcium oxalate crystal, Microscopical character.