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Action
Astringent, stomachic, tonic and refrigerar. In Ayurveda
the plant has been described as an antiperiodic, stomachic
and diuretic.
Uses
This is one of the main herbs used for healing diabetes mellitus.
It removes sugar from pancreas, restores pancreatic function;
stimulate the circulatory system, increases urine secretion,
and activates the uterus. It is also useful for the treatment
of swollen glands, cough, and fever.
Indian scientists have performed extensive studies to determine
the action of this herb on the sugar metabolism. In a study
reported in 1930, Mhaskar & Caius found that the leaves
of the herb cause hypoglycemia in experimental animals which
sets in soon after the administration either by mouth or by
injection. Based on this observation, they suggested that
the drug acts indirectly through stimulation in insulin secretion
off the pancreas, as it has no direct action on the carbohydrate
metabolism. The leaves are also found to stimulate the heart
and circulatory system, increase urine secretion and activate
the uterus.
This herb is a traditional remedy for snakebite. The powder
from the dry leaves is dusted upon the wound. Alternately,
the powder can be made into a paste with water and applied
to the wound or a decoction may be given internally.
Leaves when chewed deaden the sense of taste of sweets and,
of the bitterness of bitter substances such as quinine. This
effect was found to last for about one to two hours.
The leaves are useful for treating enlarged liver and spleen.
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