Root And Bark Health Boosters: Pharmacognostic Features Of Crude Drugs

 Pharmacognosy, the study of medicinal drugs derived from natural sources, unveils a rich tapestry of botanical treasures. Among these, root and bark drugs stand as honored protagonists, embodying centuries of traditional healing wisdom. In this comprehensive examination, we delve into the pharmacognostic features of these crude drugs, illuminating their scientific name, chemical constituents, and therapeutic potential. 

ROOT DRUG

DRUG NO.1

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Onosma echioides Linn.

FAMILY NAME: Boraginaceae

LOCAL NAME: Ratanjot, shakjar

ENGLISH NAME: Kings dye, alkanet root

PARTS USED: Root

CONSTITUENTS: Phenolic compounds, coloring agent

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS: Coloring agent (red dye), anti-inflammatory, astringent, antigout, anti-sciatica, detergent, emmenagogue, cooling, laxative, anthelmintic, demulcent, cardiac stimulant, lithotriptic

USES/ INDICATIONS: Roots are made into a powder and given to children as a purgative. It is used for the treatment of sciatic pain, gout, and rheumatism. The root is bruised and used as an external application to skin eruptions and also in eye diseases. The roots are used to produce a red dye Ointment is used in cutaneous diseases, ulcers, and burns. Internally the root possesses alternative and desiccative properties, hence administered in liver disorder (jaundice), pain in the spleen, liver, gout, kidney and urinary bladder obstructions, and stones.

DOSAGE: 3-5 g

SIDE EFFECTS: Prolong use may cause harmful effects.

BARK DRUG

DRUG NO.1

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cinnamomum zeylanicum blume.

FAMILY NAME: Lauraceae

LOCAL NAME: Darchini

ENGLISH NAME: Cinnamon Bark

PARTS USED: Leaves and Bark.

CONSTITUENTS: Essential Oil (Eugenol, Terpene oil, cinnamaldehyde)

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS: Antitussive, antiflatulence, dyspepsia, carminative, diuretic, lactagogue, diaphoretic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antispasmodic.

USES/ INDICATIONS: Cinnamon is used for digestive disorders such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and flatulence. It is also used for diabetes, respiratory tract infection, and problems such as the common cold, cough, sinusitis, and flu caused by cold. It is used to treat stomach ulcers and heartburn. It reduces LDL cholesterol levels which may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Tannins in cinnamon bark might heal wounds by acting as an astringent and also prevent diarrhea.

A smooth paste preparation made from cinnamon powder, water, and honey has been applied to the gums for toothache, and cinnamon oil is used in toothpaste as an antimicrobial and to reduce halitosis. Oil is also used in gargles, mouthwashes, liniments, and other cosmeceuticals. Eugenol, a constituent of cinnamon essential oil, has been used in dentistry as a local anesthetic and antiseptic.

In foods, cinnamon is used as a spice and as a flavoring agent in beverages.

DOSAGE: 2-4 g of powder per day