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The following points highlight the top six types of drugs obtained from seeds. The types are: 1. Carrot 2. Lesser Cardamom 3. Blonde Psyllium 4. Castor Oil Plant 5. Nux-Vomica 6. Fenugreek.
Type # 1. Carrot:
Daucus carota Linn, var sativa D.C. of family Umbelliferae (Apiaceae); Eng. Carrot; Hindi—Gajar.
An annual or biennial herb, grown chiefly in the Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Uses. The seeds are aromatic, stimulant, carminative, useful in the diseases of the kidney and in dropsy, nervine tonic, aphrodisiac, given in uterine pain.
Type # 2. Lesser Cardamom:
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Elettaria cardamomum Maton., of family Zingiberaceae; Eng. Lesser cardamom; Hindi— Chotti ilaichi.
This is a herb; native of India, cultivated in Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam and Tamil Nadu.
Uses:
The seeds are aromatic, stimulant, stomachic, carminative, diuretic, cooling, abortifacient, emmenagogue and antidotal; they are useful in asthma, bronchitis, piles, diseases of the bladder, kidney, liver, uterus, rectum and throat. They are also remedy of scabies, headache, earache and toothache.
Type # 3. Blonde Psyllium:
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Plantago ovata Forsk., of family Plantaginaceae. Blonde psyllium; Hindi—Isafgol.
This is an annual herb. It is cultivated in parts of Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
Uses:
The seeds are mildly laxative, demulcent, mucilaginous cooling, emollient, astringent and diuretic. They are used in the treatment of dysentery, constipation and disorders of the digestive system. The mucilaginous matter is found in the seed coat, and therefore, the seed coat or husk is used.
Type # 4. Castor Oil Plant:
Ricinus communis Linn, of family Euphorbiaceae; Eng. Castor oil plant; Hindi—Ararid. This is a small tree, cultivated chiefly in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Orissa.
Uses:
The seeds contain the alkaloid ricinine; the cold drawn oil from the seed is medicinally the most useful part of the plant; it is an effective purgative generally given in acute diarrhoea. As an enema the oil is given in constipation. The oil is locally applied in conjunctivitis. The leaves are applied to the head to relieve headache and as poultice for boils.
Type # 5. Nux-Vomica:
Strychnos nux-vomica Linn., of family Loganiaceae; Eng. Nuxvomica; Hindi—Kuchla.
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A tree, found in Orissa, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Uses:
The dried ripe seeds are the source of a drug nux vomica which is used as a tonic stimulant and in the treatment of paralysis and nervous disorders. The powdered seeds are also given in general debility, chronic rheumatism, dyspepsia, intermittent fevers, diarrhoea, hysteria, general constipation, hydrophobia, impotence, cholera and epilepsy.
Type # 6. Fenugreek:
Tirgonella foenumgraecum Linn., of family Papilionaceae; Eng. Fenugreek; Hindi—Methi. A herb; native of South Europe, grown mainly in Northern India.
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Uses:
The seeds are aromatic, diuretic, nutritive, tonic, lactagogue, astringent, emollient, carminative and aphrodisiac. The seeds are given, boiled or roasted in dyspepsia, diarrhoea, dysentery, colic, flatulence, dropsy, rheumatism, chronic cough, liver and spleen enlargement. The seeds contain the alkaloid trigonelline.
