Malayalam – Chittamrithu

Sanskrit – Amrita

Used to pacify vitiated Vata, pitha, boost immunity, burning sensation, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, gout, cardiac debility, diabetes, skin disease, anemia, cough, jaundice, oligospermia, diarrhea, cancer, HIV and urinary system diseases and more.

Tinospora cordifolia has an importance in traditional ayurvedic medicine used for ages in the treatment of fever, jaundice, chronic diarrhea, cancer, dysentery, bone fracture, pain, asthuma, skin disease, poisonous insect, snake bite, eye disorders.[2] Recent reports have shown the compounds and their biological roles in Tinospora cordifolia extract. Such properties[80] may be exploited for production of new formulations, which may be better and promising over conventional one. [Research Paper – Read More]

Malayalam – Adaathiyan Kizhangu
Sanskrit – Payasvini
Plant pacifies vitiated tridoshas, diseases of eye, ear, burning sensation, cough, fever, and diabetes. Tuber tubers are mainly used for eye diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and chemicals that boost the immune system.

Ipomoea digitata Linn. (Ksheervidari) is a well known medicinal plant used in Ayurveda for its health promoting effects in human beings. Its tuber powder was evaluated first time in a single blinded, placebo controlled study for its antihypertensive potential and its effect on lipid profile, fibrinolytic activity and total antioxidant status in individuals with stage 1 hypertension. Administration of 3 gm tuber powder significantly (p<0.001) decreased systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure, increased fibrinolytic activity and total antioxidant status with a significant reduction (p<0.05) in serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and atherogenic index at the end of 12 weeks. It was tolerated well without any significant side effect.

[Research Paper]

Malayalam – Paalmuthukkin Kizhangu
Sanskrit – Ksheeravidari
Plant pacifies emaciation, skin diseases, anorexia, colic, fever, burning sensation, vomiting, inflammation, menorrhagia and general debility. aphrodisiac, stimulant, used in male infertility,inflammations,clears voice, increases lactation, respiratory diseases, burning sensation,diuretic,tonic,and promotes complexion.

Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC is a perennial herb commonly known as ‘vidarikanda’, distributed throughout south east Asia. The plant’s tuber is widely used in ethanomedicine as well as in traditional systems of medicine, particularly in ayurveda. It has been used in various ayurvedic formulations as restorative tonic, antiaging, spermatogenic and immune booster and has been recommended for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, hepatosplenomegaly, fertility disorders, menopausal syndrome, sexual debility and spermatorrhoea. Numerous bioactive phytochemicals, mostly isoflavonoids such as puerarin, genistein, daidzein, tuberosin and so on have been identified in the tuber. In vivo and in vitro studies have provided the support against traditional demands of the tuber as spermatogenic, immune booster, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic and brain tonic. [Research Paper 1] [Research Paper 2]

Malayalam – Chittaratha
Sanskrit – Kulanjana
Rhizomes of this plant are effective to cure vitiated Vata,Kapha,rheumatoid arthritis,inflammations,cough,asthma,bronchitis,dyspepsia, stomach pain, obesity, diabetes, migraine, and intermittent fevers.

During the current study, it has been found that the genus possess plenty of flavonoids, tannin and other polyphenolics which extends its biological efficacy towards antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancerous and other therapeutic potentials. It was found in most of the reports and reviews that were surveyed in the present investigation, the crude extract (aqueous or organic fractions) to be potential agent for various activities. However, thorough examination needs to be carried out to see the efficacy and activity of individual component and in combination to explore the synergistic effects, if any. [Research Link]

Malayalam – Patathali kizhangu
Sanskrit – Patathali
Ayurvedic industry uses the whole plant. Plant pacifies vitiated pitha, Kapha, cough, bronchitis, asthma, inflammation, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, diseases of eyes, and bleeding diarrhea
antipyretic and analgesic activities 

The present study suggests that powder form of C. pareira has moderate antipyretic activity in rats may be due to inhibition of the synthesis and/or release of local PGE2 into the preoptic area of anterior hypothalamus. Further, powder form of test drugs has shown better central analgesic effect in rats and extract of test drugs have shown significant effect through peripheral mechanism in mice. The results of the present study corroborate with the classical uses and traditional claims made on Patha, i.e. C. pareira and C. peltata for the management of fever and painful conditions.

[Research Paper]

Malayalam – Muthanga

Sanskrit – bhadramusta

Used in treating diarrhea, blood diseases, skin inflammations, etc. It is also used in the treatment of leprosy. Root is the usable part. It has a cooling effect on the body. It also has Antioxidant, DNA Damage Protective, Cytotoxic and Antibacterial properties.

Results from the present study indicated that the essential oil from C. rotundus rhizomes possessed an excellent antioxidant activity, as evidenced by in vitro DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The essential oil exhibited the protective effect against DNA oxidative damage induced by Fe2+ and AAPH, respectively. Moreover the essential oil also showed cytotoxic effects on the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line and antibacterial activity against several foodborne pathogens. This study may provide biological evidence for the practical application of the C. rotundus rhizomes essential oil in food and pharmaceutical industries.

[Research Paper]

Malayalam – Karimjeerakam

Sanskrit – black cumin

used for headache, toothache, nasal congestion, asthma, arthritis, and intestinal worms. It has also been used for “pink eye” (conjunctivitis), pockets of infection (abscesses), and parasites.

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) (Family Ranunculaceae) is a widely used medicinal plant throughout the world. It is very popular in various traditional systems of medicine like Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda and Siddha. Seeds and oil have a long history of folklore usage in various systems of medicines and food. The seeds of N. sativa have been widely used in the treatment of different diseases and ailments. In Islamic literature, it is considered as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine. It has been recommended for using on regular basis in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine). It has been widely used as antihypertensive, liver tonics, diuretics, digestive, anti-diarrheal, appetite stimulant, analgesics, anti-bacterial and in skin disorders. Extensive studies on N. sativa have been carried out by various researchers and a wide spectrum of its pharmacological actions have been explored which may include antidiabetic, anticancer, immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, renal protective, gastro-protective, antioxidant properties, etc. Due to its miraculous power of healing, N. sativa has got the place among the top ranked evidence based herbal medicines. This is also revealed that most of the therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone which is major bioactive component of the essential oil. [Read more – Research Article]

Malayalam – thazhuthama
Sanskrit – Punarnava
capable of rejuvenating the whole body, Diuretic in nature, Acts as a slight laxative, Improves the health of the heart, helps to cure Amavata and inflammations, cure certain eye disorders.

It has also been studies for its Anti-bacterial, Anti-nociceptive, hepato-protective, hypo-glycemic, anti-proliferative, anti-estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, anti-stress and anti-metastatic activities and also in treatment of stress, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, inflammation, jaundice

[Research Paper]

Malayalam – Vella Avanak
Sanskrit – Erandam
Use : asthma,dyspepsia,asthma, paralysis, leucorrhoea, and debility

Ricinus communis Leaf extracts were found to be active against Gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis: ATCC 6059 and Staphylococcus aureus: ATCC 6538) as well as Gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa: ATCC 7221 and Klebsiella pneumoniae). Antifungal activity of leaf extracts were also carried out against selected fungal strains as Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Methanolic as well as aqueous leaf extracts of Ricinus communis were effective in inhibiting the fungal growth.

The Study concluded efficient antibacterial and antifungal activity of Ricinus communis leaf extracts have significant potential to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains.

[Research Study]

Malayalam – Devadaram

Sanskrit – Devadaru

Anti-inflammatory, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Antipyretic, Anti-leprotic, Anti-allergic, Anti-fungal, Anti-Parasitic, Expectorant

The extract of Cedrus deodara showed strong antileishmanial activities within a dose 25-200 μg/ml culture with non-significant haemolytic activities and significant immunomodulant activities against the host cells and parasites. [Clinical Research]

Malayalam – kacholam

Sanskrit –  Kachurah

It is a reputed remedy for respiratory ailment like cough, bronchitis and asthma. It is useful as carminative and expectorant.

It has also been recently studies for better antibacterial activity than penicillin [Research evidence]

Malayalam – nilapanai kizhangu
Sanskrit – Shweta Musali
Cures general weakness,piles, jaundice, asthma, diarrhea, and gonorrhea, gynecological problems, and sexual weakness of males.

Shweta Musali (Chlorophytum borivilianum (CB)) is a traditionally used herb for its benefits in male sexual and general health. In the recent past, the herb has attained much commercial significance, both in domestic and international markets. 

This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of the water soluble extract of CB root tubers on semen and testosterone in healthy adult males. The research was designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, trial upon the volunteers registered from the outpatient department (OPD) with age ranging from 20 to 40 years. Water extracts of CB and placebo was administered in the patients of groups A and B, for 12 weeks, in two divided doses of 500 mg. Assessment was done based upon Semen (Volume, Liquefaction Time, Sperm Count, Sperm motility) and Serum Testosterone levels parameters. Highly significant improvement was noted in the above parameters after administration of CB extract in comparison to Placebo. Hence it was concluded that the trial drug was effective in improving male sexual health. [Research Article]