The phytochemical and pharmacological properties of cordia dichtoma: a review

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “The phytochemical and pharmacological properties of cordia dichtoma: a review”. 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) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
In the text, 'Nighantu' refers to traditional Ayurvedic lexicons that classify and describe various medicinal plants and substances. For instance, 'Raj Nighantu' and 'Bhavprakash Nighantu' categorize Cordia dichotoma under different medicinal properties, contributing to its pharmacological understanding.

2) Cordia dichotoma:
Cordia dichotoma, also known as Shleshmatak or Indian Cherry, is a plant with diverse medicinal properties. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine for conditions like gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, and ulcers. Its pharmacological properties include anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and anthelmintic activities.

3) Pharmacological:
The term 'Pharmacological' refers to the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. Cordia dichotoma has multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and anti-ulcer effects, making it valuable in both traditional and modern medical practices.

4) Disease:
Cordia dichotoma is used to treat various diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders, ulcers, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions. Its diverse pharmacological properties enable it to be an effective part of Ayurvedic and modern medicinal treatments against these diseases.

5) Flavonoid:
Cordia dichotoma contains several flavonoids like quercetin and rutin. These compounds are significant for their antioxidant properties, which contribute to the plant’s anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects. Flavonoids in Cordia dichotoma also aid in its anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective activities.

6) India:
Cordia dichotoma is native to India and plays a significant role in Ayurvedic medicine. The tree is commonly found in Southern India and its medicinal properties have been documented in various ancient Indian texts such as Vedas and Nighantus.

7) Kashaya (Kasaya):
In Ayurvedic literature, Kashaya describes the astringent taste of a substance. Cordia dichotoma is noted to have Kashaya among other tastes like Madhur (sweet) and Tikta (bitter), contributing to its Kapha-pitta balancing properties. It is used to treat various dosha imbalances.

8) Katu:
Katu is a bitter taste described in Ayurvedic pharmacopeia. Cordia dichotoma has Katu (bitter) as one of its Rasas (tastes), which contributes to its effectiveness in detoxifying and balancing bodily functions according to Ayurvedic principles.

9) Phytochemical:
Cordia dichotoma contains numerous phytochemicals such as alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, and saponins. These compounds are responsible for its therapeutic effects, which include anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective activities.

10) Ulcer:
Cordia dichotoma exhibits anti-ulcer activity. Extracts from its fruits decrease gastric secretion and acidity, providing relief from ulcers. Its traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine includes treatments for gastro-intestinal disorders and ulcers using various parts of the plant.

11) Guru:
Guru is a quality found in Ayurvedic medicine meaning 'heavy'. Cordia dichotoma is described to have Guru attributes, which indicates its properties related to providing nourishment and grounding, often used in treating various ailments related to Vata and Pitta doshas.

12) Genu:
[see source text or glossary: Genu]

13) Tree:
Cordia dichotoma is a small to moderate-sized deciduous tree. It is used extensively in traditional medicine, and various parts of the tree such as leaves, bark, and fruits have medicinal uses. The tree is also valuable for making agricultural implements and as fuel wood.

14) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, extensively documents Cordia dichotoma for its therapeutic properties. The plant is used to treat a variety of conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, and inflammation, reflecting the rich Ayurvedic knowledge of natural plant remedies.

15) Toxicity:
Studies show Cordia dichotoma exhibits a high margin of drug safety with no significant toxic effects at therapeutic doses. Acute toxicity studies on rats revealed no remarkable changes, demonstrating its broad therapeutic window and suitability for medicinal use.

16) Leprosy:
Cordia dichotoma finds use in traditional medicine for treating leprosy and other skin conditions. Ayurvedic texts describe it for its therapeutic properties in managing skin diseases, supporting its role against conditions like leprosy through various plant parts including bark and leaves.

17) Family:
Cordia dichotoma belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This information is crucial for botanical classification and understanding its related species. The family includes a variety of plants, some of which share similar pharmacological properties.

18) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Anita Sharma is the Associate Professor mentioned as a co-author of the review article on Cordia dichotoma. Sharma's contributions help in compiling and analyzing the pharmacological and phytochemical properties of this medicinal plant, enhancing its academic and medicinal understanding.

19) Kala:
In the context of the text, 'Kala' refers to time periods in Ayurvedic historical texts. Cordia dichotoma has been mentioned in various 'Kala' such as Vedic, Samhita, and Nighantu, indicating its long-standing use and recognition in traditional medicine.

20) Substance:
Medicinal plants like Cordia dichotoma are natural substances with therapeutic properties. These substances have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda to treat various diseases, demonstrating the significant role of natural substances in healthcare.

21) Medicine:
Cordia dichotoma is utilized in traditional medicine for its various pharmacological actions, including anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and hepatoprotective activities. Its use in Ayurveda exemplifies the integration of natural medicines in treating diverse health conditions.

22) Dravya:
In Ayurveda, 'Dravya' refers to substances or materials used for medicinal purposes. Cordia dichotoma is considered a valuable Dravya with properties addressing Kapha and Pitta dosha imbalances, used in many formulations for treating various ailments.

23) Vipaka:
Vipaka is a post-digestive effect of a substance in Ayurvedic medicine. Cordia dichotoma exhibits Vipaka characteristics like Madhur (sweet) and Katu (pungent), which influence its therapeutic benefits, such as Kapha-pitta balancing and digestive aid properties.

24) Indian:
Cordia dichotoma, traditionally used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, is known for its broad therapeutic properties. Found commonly in India, it is used to treat a range of conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, and skin diseases, reflecting India's rich medicinal heritage.

25) Tikta:
Tikta is the bitter taste attributed to Cordia dichotoma in Ayurvedic literature. This taste contributes to the plant's detoxifying and purifying properties, making it effective in treating Kaphaja and Pittaja disorders, and exhibiting therapeutic benefits against various ailments.

26) Shelu (Selu):
Shelu is a vernacular name for Cordia dichotoma in some Indian languages. The plant is recognized under various local names, reflecting its widespread traditional use and familiarity across different regions in India.

27) Rasa (Rasha):
'Rasa' in Ayurveda refers to the taste of a substance, which influences its therapeutic effect. Cordia dichotoma has multiple Rasas like Madhur (sweet), Tikta (bitter), and Kashaya (astringent), which contribute to its diverse medicinal properties detailed in Ayurvedic texts.

28) Guna:
In Ayurveda, 'Guna' refers to the qualities or attributes of a substance. Cordia dichotoma is described with Gunas like Guru (heavy) and Snigdh (unctuous), which define its therapeutic effects and are significant in treating various dosha imbalances.

29) Java:
In Java, parts of Cordia dichotoma are traditionally used for medicinal purposes. For example, the bark is used as a tonic and for treating dysentery, and with pomegranate rind, it is employed to treat fevers, highlighting its ethnobotanical relevance.

30) Pita:
In Ayurvedic terminology, Pita (or Pitta) represents one of the three doshas. Cordia dichotoma has Pita-shamaka properties, meaning it helps in balancing the Pitta dosha. This makes it effective in treating various pitta-related disorders like inflammation and digestive issues.

31) Indian cherry:
Indian Cherry is a common name for Cordia dichotoma, known for its medicinal properties. This name reflects its use in traditional Indian medicine practices where different parts of the plant, like fruits and leaves, are utilized for treating various ailments.

32) Agadatantra (Agada-tantra, Agadatamtra):
Agada Tantra is a branch of Ayurveda that deals with toxicology and treatments for poisoning. Rajveer Sason, a PG scholar in the department of Agada Tantra, contributed to the review article on Cordia dichotoma, emphasizing its detoxifying and medicinal properties.

33) Discussion:
The discussion in the article highlights the alignment of the pharmacological properties of Cordia dichotoma with ancient Ayurvedic texts. It underscores the plant's wide range of therapeutic uses, validating traditional knowledge through modern scientific studies.

34) Samhita:
Samhita refers to the classical Ayurvedic texts where Cordia dichotoma is extensively described for its medicinal properties. Texts like 'Charak Samhita' and 'Susruth' include it under various categories, showcasing its historical significance in Ayurvedic medicine.

35) Visarpa:
Visarpa refers to a skin disease or spreading inflammation in Ayurvedic terms. Cordia dichotoma is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts, such as treatments for Visarpa (herpes or inflammatory skin diseases), indicating its use in managing skin-related conditions.

36) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
[see source text or glossary: Tantra]

37) Dharma:
[see source text or glossary: Dharma]

38) Jaipur:
Jaipur is the location of the National Institute of Ayurveda, where Rajveer Sason and Anita Sharma conducted their research on Cordia dichotoma. This institute serves as a significant center for advancing Ayurvedic knowledge and research.

39) Bengal (Bemgal):
In Bengal, Cordia dichotoma is known as 'buhal' or 'bahubara'. The fresh fruit is used as a laxative and for respiratory conditions, reflecting its local medicinal applications and the region's traditional knowledge.

40) Agada:
Agada Tantra is a branch of Ayurveda specialized in toxicology and treatment of poisons. Dr. Rajveer Sason, who contributed to the article, is a PG Scholar in the Agada Department, indicating the plant Cordia dichotoma's relevance in detoxifying therapies.

41) Priya:
[see source text or glossary: Priya]

42) Varga:
[see source text or glossary: Varga]

43) Sugar:
Cordia dichotoma contains sugars such as D-glucose and L-Arabinose. These sugars contribute to its nutritive value and are also chemically significant in various traditional medicinal preparations cited in the review.

44) Hindi (Himdi):
In Hindi, Cordia dichotoma is known by several names including 'lasura', 'bhokar', and 'borla'. These vernacular names reflect its widespread recognition and usage in traditional Indian medicine across different Hindi-speaking regions.

45) Fever:
Cordia dichotoma is used in traditional medicine to manage fever. Its leaves and bark have febrifuge properties, making it effective in reducing fever and inflammation, as documented in various Ayurvedic and ethnobotanical texts.

46) Veda:
Medicinal plants like Cordia dichotoma have been recognized since the Vedic period. The earliest recorded mention in the Rig Veda highlights the deep-rooted history and significance of this plant in ancient Indian medicinal practices.

47) Pain:
Cordia dichotoma is traditionally used to alleviate pain. The bark, leaf extracts, and fruits contain compounds that exhibit analgesic properties, making it effective in treating headaches, stomachaches, and other pain-related conditions.

48) Drug:
Cordia dichotoma provides various phytochemicals that act as drugs with multiple pharmacological benefits such as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, and anthelmintic properties, validating its significance in both traditional and modern medicinal practices.

49) Southern India:
In Southern India, Cordia dichotoma is commonly used for its medicinal properties. Known as 'Lisoda', the plant's various parts like fruits and leaves are utilized in traditional remedies to treat a wide range of health conditions.

50) Pharmacognostical:
[see source text or glossary: Pharmacognostical]

51) Biodegradable:
Cordia dichotoma's gum is praised for its bio-degradable nature. This makes it a valuable eco-friendly alternative in pharmaceutical formulations, such as tablets and emulsifiers, contributing to sustainable practices in the industry.

52) Inflammation:
Cordia dichotoma exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity. Its ethanolic and aqueous extracts reduce inflammation, making it effective in the treatment of conditions like arthritis, demonstrating its therapeutic potential in managing inflammatory diseases.

53) Haritakyadi:
[see source text or glossary: Haritakyadi]

54) Pomegranate:
In traditional medicine, Cordia dichotoma bark is sometimes combined with pomegranate rind to treat fevers. This combination reflects the plant's versatile use in ethnobotanical preparations for managing various health conditions.

55) Dhanvamtri (Dhanvantri):
Dhanvantri Nighantu is one of the traditional Ayurvedic texts that mention Cordia dichotoma. It classifies the plant’s taste, potency, and medicinal properties, contributing to the understanding of its therapeutic uses in Ayurvedic practice.

56) Anti-aging:
Cordia dichotoma exhibits anti-aging properties due to its high antioxidant content. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals, delaying cell aging and degenerative diseases, thus promoting overall health and longevity.

57) Depression:
[see source text or glossary: Depression]

58) Snehopaga (Sneha-upaga):
Snehopaga refers to substances that are used along with oils in traditional medicine. Cordia dichotoma fits this category, being utilized for gastrointestinal disorders both internally and externally, showcasing its therapeutic significance.

59) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan, specifically Jaipur, is where the National Institute of Ayurveda is located, contributing to the research on Cordia dichotoma. This regional center is integral for advancing Ayurvedic medicine and exploring medicinal plants.

60) Knowledge:
The text emphasizes the ancient Ayurvedic knowledge about Cordia dichotoma. Its diverse pharmacological properties, validated by modern research, highlight the profound understanding of medicinal plants in traditional Indian medicine.

61) Masurika:
Cordia dichotoma is used in Ayurvedic treatment of Masurika (chickenpox). Bhavprakash mentions its use, reflecting its therapeutic applications in managing viral infections and related symptoms.

62) Gujarati:
In Gujarati, Cordia dichotoma is known as 'qadgundo' and 'gunda'. These local names indicate the plant's regional significance and diverse applications in traditional medicinal practices across Gujarat.

63) Sanskrit:
In Sanskrit, Cordia dichotoma is called 'Shleshmatak'. The ancient language provides multiple names and uses for the plant, reflecting its extensive documentation and importance in Ayurvedic texts and practices.

64) Tibetan:
[see source text or glossary: Tibetan]

65) Marathi:
Marathi speakers call Cordia dichotoma 'Bhokar', 'Chokri', and 'Shelu'. These names highlight its widespread recognition and usage in traditional medicine across different Marathi-speaking regions in India.

66) Bengali:
In Bengali, Cordia dichotoma is referred to as 'buhal' or 'bahubara'. These names indicate its local medicinal use, particularly for its fruits, which are used as a laxative and for respiratory ailments in Bengal.

67) Coconut (Cocoanut):
Cordia dichotoma’s bark juice, mixed with coconut milk, is used to relieve colicky pains. This traditional preparation showcases the plant's diverse applications in managing gastrointestinal disorders using accessible natural ingredients.

68) Kashmir:
In Kashmir, dried fruit of Cordia dichotoma is used as an expectorant. This regional application highlights its importance in traditional medicine for treating respiratory conditions and facilitating mucus expulsion.

69) Gelatin:
Cordia dichotoma gum could compete favorably with gelatin as a tablet binder due to its high adhesiveness. This potential use represents an eco-friendly alternative in pharmaceutical formulations, promoting sustainability.

70) Keshya (Kesya):
In Ayurveda, 'Keshya' refers to hair care properties. Cordia dichotoma is mentioned in 'Chakradatt's' text as 'Keshyakrisnikarn', highlighting its application in promoting hair health and managing hair-related issues.

71) Chinna:
In Telugu, Cordia dichotoma is known as 'Chinna'. The name signifies its local recognition in Andhra Pradesh where it is traditionally used for various medicinal purposes including gastrointestinal and skin disorders.

72) Punjab:
In Punjab, Cordia dichotoma's dried fruit is used as an expectorant, demonstrating its therapeutic value in treating respiratory conditions. This practice reflects its significance in traditional medicine within the region.

73) Nepali:
[see source text or glossary: Nepali]

74) Forest:
The species name 'Cordia dichotoma G. Forst' indicates its identification by Georg Forster. Understanding the botanical classification is crucial for academic and medicinal research, validating its taxonomic and therapeutic significance.

75) Cancer:
Cordia dichotoma’s antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals, potentially offering protective benefits against cancer. Its role in managing oxidative stress makes it a candidate for further research into cancer prevention.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 100]