Ayurveda Initiative For Global Health

Climbing Oleander (Strophanthus gratus) is a woody tropical liana that produces large showy clusters of soft pink flowers with burgundy throats. The flowers have a delightful rose fragrance and appear on the tips of branches. Despite its beautiful rose scent, the pretty Climbing Oleander is not as friendly as it appears. The plant contains high concentration of cardiac glycosides, which are organic compounds that increase the output force of the heart. Ouabain is the main glycoside found in the seed, it is odorless but very bitter and extremely toxic. Extracts containing ouabain have long been used by Somali tribesmen and other groups to poison hunting arrows. The plant has shiny, leathery, olive green, oblong to elliptical, glabrous leaves. The leaves are used to treat gonorrhea and constipation, as well as applied externally to treat snakebites and to cure fever. The root is said to be an aphrodisiac. Most notably the seeds contain the ...

Datura innoxia Syn.: D. meteloides, D. guayaquilensis (Common name: Datura, Pricklyburr, Recurved thorn-apple, Downy thorn-apple, Safed dhatura) - Solanaceae,  a perennial or annual shrubby plant native of South America. It is now naturalized in India. In traditional medicine, it is a reputed drug in the treatment of rabid dog-bites and poisonous insect bites. The dried leaves and flowering tops are known for their narcotic and anti-spasmodic properties.  Reference  Surendra Parihar Ex.Professor and Head. Deptt. of Seed , Science and Technology. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa,  New Delhi,  India 110012

Green Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) is an important food crop native to India and popular over South East Asia as well. It is an annual vine with trifoliate leaves and yellow flowers. The seed pods are pubescent and radiate out from a central point like a fan. Each pod contains 7-8 seeds. Its sprouts are believed to be a health food with many health benefits including protein and vitamin B rich content along with anti-cancerous properties. Reference  https://www.facebook.com/myplantdiaries?mibextid=ZbWKwL Plants of Singapore

Plumbago auriculata Syn.: Plumbago capensis (Common name: Plumbago, Cape Leadwort, Nila chitrak) –  Plumbaginaceae, an evergreen shrub with sky blue flowers. The flowers are borne in rounded terminal clusters and look quite a bit like phlox flowers. A native to South Africa and Mozambique. The specific epithet auriculata means "with ears", referring to the shape of the leaves. Plumbago is used traditionally to treat warts, broken bones and wounds. It is taken as a snuff for headaches and as an emetic to dispel bad dreams. Reference  Surendra Parihar Ex.Professor and Head. Deptt. of Seed , Science and Technology. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa,  New Delhi,  India 110012

Medicinal_Plants Terminalia arjuna (commonly known as Arjun in India) - Combretaceae, an evergreen tree and considered a tree for healthy heart i.e. a cardioprotective plant.  The stem bark of the plant, which is generally used for medicinal purposes, is described in Ayurvedic terms as being acrid, sweet, cooling, styptic, tonic, antidysenteric, and febrifuge in nature. Reference  Surendra Parihar Ex.Professor and Head. Deptt. of Seed , Science and Technology. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa,  New Delhi,  India 110012