Rhizome Drugs: Pharmacognostic Features Of Crude Drugs

Crude drugs (herbal or raw form of plants or animals) are important assets to the medicinal world. This article is to enlighten you with the knowledge of rhizome drugs. Following is the outline of what is further discussed in the article regarding rhizomes as crude drugs.

• Scientific name
• Family name
• Local name
• English name
• Parts used
• Constituents
• Pharmacological action
• Uses and indications
• Dosage
• Side effects

DRUG NO. 1

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Alpinia galanga Linn.

FAMILY NAME: Zingiberaceae

LOCAL NAME: Kholanjan

ENGLISH NAME: Java Galangal

PART USED: Rhizomes, Fruits

CONSTITUENTS: Volatile Oil, Phenolic compounds (Diarylheptanoids), Acetate esters (Acetoxychavicol acetate, Acetoxyeugenol acetate), Flavonoids (Galangin, Dihydroxy Flavonol)

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS: Aromatic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sialagogue, antimicrobial, stomachic, antirheumatic, antiulcerative, expectorant, aphrodisiac

USES/ INDICATIONS: Galangal being an effective expectorant used against phlegmatic and atrabilious affections including asthma, bronchitis, bronchial catarrhs, whooping cough and phlegmatic hoarseness. In children it has more benefit in pectoral affections. It is also included in cardiac, liver and stomach tonic preparations. Use in rheumatism, indigestion, dyspepsia, ulcers and diabetes. It is applied over the tongue as a sialagogue and to alleviate stammering. It is also ↑ Salivation administered in incontinence of urine and kidney pain. As aphrodisiac included in electuaries. Due to the presence of diarylheptanoids present it exhibited prostaglandin biosynthesis inhibiting activity. Acetoxychavicol acetate and acetoxy eugenol acetate showed antiulcer activity. Flavonoids from the rhizome showed antifungal and antibacterial activities.

DOSAGE: 2-3 gm

SIDE EFFECTS: Excessive use may cause urine retention.

DRUG NO. 2

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Curcuma amada Roxb.

FAMILY NAME: Zingiberaceae

LOCAL NAME: Amba Haldi, Kapur Haldi

ENGLISH NAME: Mango Ginger

PART USED: Rhizomes

CONSTITUENTS: Essential oil, Phenolic compounds, Resin, Fiber, Sugar, Gum, Starch, Albumin

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS: Aromatic, anti-inflammatory, resolvent, carminative, cooling, febrifuge, stomachic, bitter, blood purifier, appetizer, expectorant

USES/INDICATIONS: It is used specifically in rheumatism and inflammation of the liver. The pulped rhizome is used for the treatment of contusions and sprains as it possesses a significant anti-inflammatory effect. The rhizomes are used as a carminative and stomachic and correct the metabolism by acting on the digestive system and alleviating loss of taste. The extract of mango ginger is used as an appetizer, antipyretic, and aphrodisiac. The rhizomes are used in the preparation of pickles, as a source of raw mango flavor in culinary preparations. It is also useful in lowering blood cholesterol levels. The rhizomes are expectorant, astringent, and used in the treatment of diarrhea and gonorrhea in the traditional medicine system. Its significant antibacterial, insecticidal, antifungal, and antioxidant properties have also been investigated in modern research. It is also used for the treatment of skin diseases as it detoxifies the body and improves skin complexion.

DRUG NO. 3



SCIENTIFIC NAME: Zingiber officinale Rosc.

FAMILY NAME: Zingiberaceae

LOCAL NAME: Adrak, Sonth

ENGLISH NAME: Ginger

PART USED: Rhizomes

CONSTITUENTS: Volatile oils (i.e., terpenes mainly mono and sesquiterpenoids including geranial, neral, zingiberene, cineole, bisabolene, sesquiphellandrene) phenolic compounds, lipids, protein, polysaccharide, raw fibers

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS: Aromatic, stimulant, carminative, antiflatulent, appetizer, laxative, antirheumatic, diuretic, spice

USES/INDICATIONS: Ginger can be used safely to treat a wide range of health problems, from simple nausea to arthritis. Ginger is commonly used to treat various types of "stomach problems," including motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, nausea caused by cancer treatment, after surgery, as well as loss of appetite. Researchers believe that constituents work primarily in the stomach and intestines, but they may also work in the brain and nervous system to control nausea. It is an important ingredient in laxative, antiflatulent and antacid medications. In foods and beverages; ginger is used as a flavoring agent. It is also used in cosmeceuticals. Other uses include pain relief from arthritis or muscle soreness, menstrual pain, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, and bronchitis. Fresh ginger is used in the treatment of colds for its ability to eliminate toxins and raise body heat. Ginger is also sometimes used for chest pain, low back pain, and stomach pain. The oil made from ginger is sometimes applied to the skin to relieve pain. Ginger is also a blood thinner, which may help reduce angina episodes by lowering cholesterol.

DOSAGE: Maximum dose 4 g/day

SIDE EFFECTS: Heartburn, diarrhea, and general stomach discomfort. Some women have reported extra menstrual bleeding while taking ginger. When ginger is applied to the skin, it may cause irritation. Ginger is contraindicated in people suffering from gallstones, as it promotes the production of bile.